Theresa Miller Watercolors

Jefferson Memorial

2012-01-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

Jefferson Memorial
Washington DC
Watercolor on paper
11" x 15" (approx)

Winter morning at the Jefferson Memorial. Tidal Basin in the foreground.

January 2012 show at the Art League Torpedo Factory Art Center

2012-01-16T15:26:00.001-08:00

Summer Bounty III
Watercolor on paper

An old still-life watercolor that I painted a few years ago in Geneva, Summer Bounty III, was chosen for the January 2012 juried show at The Art League, yay! I grew those tomatoes in planters on my balcony when I lived in Switzerland - they were beautiful, tasty and plentiful. And it was a pleasure painting them. I hope you can come to see the painting and show at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA.

The Capitol I

2012-01-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

The Capitol I
Washington DC
Watercolor on paper
11" x 15" (approx.)

I've been painting watercolor landscapes of Washington DC monuments and buildings in the past few weeks. The Capitol I is, at the moment, being shown at the Bin Gallery of The Art League for the month of January. I hope you can stop by the gallery to take a peek.

Year End Greetings

2011-12-26T17:53:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season, I sure am! We had a houseful of happy and wonderful family-in-law over Christmas (lucky me!) and will have a quiet end-of-the year and New Year's celebration.

Artistically speaking, this year has been thrilling for me and I feel I've grown a lot as I venture more deeply into a new kind of media (oil) and new genre (landscapes) - and most importantly, plein-air painting! The thrill of plein-air painting is hard to describe - although I felt overwhelmed in the beginning, I grew to love it and I think I'm hooked for life!

Happy holidays, everyone!

November's Art Exhibit at the Art League

2011-11-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

Daisy (Lamb at Chateau de Cheserex, Switzerland)
Watercolor on paper

Hi Everyone! Two of my watercolors have been juried into the November Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria, so if you are in the area and have a chance to stop by the Torpedo Factory Art Center, please take a view of my paintings - I'd be honored! Also, check out the Bin Gallery Exhibit of the Art Center where I show a new painting every month and have a few of my works in the bins, as well. Thank you!

Key Bridge, Washington DC

2011-11-14T09:21:00.001-08:00

Key Bridge, Washington DC
Watercolor on paper 12" x 12"

I've been painting en plein air for the past several months and I really like it! I started out painting with oils with The Art League and I ended up getting hooked! I've been painting outdoors on a regular basis and loving it! I will eventually start posting my oils here - although I fell I must change the name of my blog, meanwhile I have been practicing, practicing and practicing. Of course, I still paint in watercolors. The above painting is an in studio effort after a plein air session on Roosevelt Island, with my plein air painting group.
Key Bridge looks beautifully majestic from the Island and you can also see Georgetown University in the background...

River Farm - Alexandria

2011-10-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

River Farm - Alexandria, Virginia

Watercolor on paper

I've been painting oils en plein air in Alexandria, VA, in the past few weeks. You can see the Potomac river in the background, as well as Maryland on the other side of the river. The painting above is an in studio effort, in watercolors. As autumn progresses, I can see dramatic changes in the color of the local landscape - I hope I can post more paintings showing the changes of colors, in the near future....

Old Town Geneva (Place de Bourg-de-Four)

2011-09-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Old Town Geneva

(place de Bourg-de-Four)

Watercolor on paper

15" x 22" unframed

I miss my walks at the Old Town Geneva. I lost count of the times I stopped at this place for a cup of coffee and cake: a great place for refueling and people watching.

I hope you are enjoying the cooler weather of this beautiful autumn, if you live in the northern hemisphere, and the beautiful spring weather if you live in the southern part of the globe! As for the people who live in this area, I can say for certain that we deserve a break from the extreme heat, hurricane (Irene), floods and even a fairly big (in my opinion!) earthquake! What a summer it was!

I did not have much time for painting while my daughter was on summer vacation, as we squeezed travels and kept an overall busy schedule, however I did manage to produce a few paintings, during rare brakes, which I plan to post here soon.

The above painting of Geneva was done from a digital photo that I took before we moved to Washington DC, one year ago. I hope you like it!

Stay well, everyone, and stay in touch!

Happy Fourth of July! and some great art news....

2011-07-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!

I hope everyone is having a great Fourth of July holiday with your friends and family!

I just can't believe we are already right in the peak of the summer! I hope you are enjoying the warm months, as much as we are enjoying the beautiful Summer in Washington DC.

Although I haven't been actively posting here in my rather neglected blog, I have been actively painting and have some great news about new opportunities that have presented to me and my work.

After being juried into enough exhibits at the Art League Exhibits, I have become eligible to participate in the Bin Gallery Exhibitions, starting this month (July, 2011). If you have a chance to visit the Art Center in Alexandria, VA, please stop by the Bin Gallery to check out my works. Thank you!

Alexandria Pier

2011-05-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Alexandria Pier
Watercolor on paper
11" x 15"

Spring Morning in Alexandria at the docks.

Old Town Alexandria - King Street

2011-05-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Old Town Alexandria - King Street
Watercolor on paper 11" x 15"

Early morning scene in Alexandria when the crowds haven't arrived yet. One of my favorite places to go dining in the area.

Waterlilies

2011-04-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

Waterlilies
Watercolor on paper

One more painting of a favorite flower. Not the last, I promise.

The Art League at The Torpedo Factory Art Center April Exhibit

2011-04-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

Summer Bounty (Cherry tomatoes in Japanese Sake cup)
7" x 7" (inches)
Watercolor on paper

I'm honored to announce that my small painting "Summer Bounty (Cherry tomatoes in Japanese Sake cup)” has been juried into the prestigious art exhibit at The Art League at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA. I hope you can visit the exhibit during the month of April if you are visiting or live in the Washington D.C. area.
Thank you!

Geneva Morning - Help Japan Auction

2011-04-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

Geneva Morning

Watercolor on paper
7" x 15"

Buy a painting and help Japan! All proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Please consider bidding on this painting or on one of the other paintings donated to the cause over on DailyPaintworks. As of this writing more than $25,000 has been raised already! I hope you can help, too!

Thank you, Theresa

Swan (Lake Geneva)

2011-03-29T09:55:00.001-07:00

Swan (Lake Geneva)

Watercolor on paper

I miss the elegant swans and the beautiful springs in Geneva....

Purple & white (Iris)

2011-03-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Purple & White (Iris)

Watercolor on paper

The cherry trees are blossoming and many new plants are pushing through the soil in my garden. Spring is here! It's my first spring in this house, after we returned to the USA, and I can't wait to see what the previous tenants planted in my garden while we were away. By the shape of the leaves, I can tell that I have a lot of irises but don't know the variety.... the wait and expectation are killing me!

Studies of human figures

2011-03-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

I've been painting several studies of human figures, like the ones above, for future use in larger paintings...

Masquerade

2011-03-02T09:27:00.001-08:00

Masquerade

Watercolor on paper

Carnival is just around the corner and I know this because my sister is coming to visit from Brazil (yay!) where the whole country stops for a whole week to celebrate this wonderful festival. As for myself, I decided to update my neglected (sorry!) art blog with this watercolor that I just finished painting. With "Masquerade", I tried to depict the more enigmatic carnival of medieval Venice, Italy. It was fun doing the detailed work....

The Art League at the Torpedo Factory Art Center January Exhibit

2011-01-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

Chateau de Choully Peony

Watercolor on Paper

105cm x 80cm

I'm so happy to announce that “Chateau de Choully Peony” has been juried into The Art League January exhibit at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA. I hope you can visit the exhibit if you visiting or live in the Washington D.C. area.

The Art League December Exhibit

2010-12-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

Sunny Magnolia I

Watercolor on Paper

My early watercolor “Sunny Magnolia I” has been juried into The Art League December exhibit at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA. This is a highly competitive exhibit with an average 600 submissions and 130 pieces of work accepted per month. This is also the exhibit that I have visited for over two decades, as a collector, even before I became a painter, so you can imagine how honored I am to be one of the selected artists for the exhibit. The Gallery also has an installation of small works titled “Greetings from…” in which two of my post card size original watercolors are on display. I hope you can visit the exhibit at The Torpedo Factory Art Center if you visiting or live in the Washington D.C. area.

Dusk at The Mall

2010-12-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Dusk at The Mall

Washington Monument

11" x 15" (inches)

Watercolor on paper

Early evening with the Washington Monument towards the west end of The Mall in the Nation's Capital... the skies were unbelievably beautiful!

Autumn Promenade

2010-11-16T11:44:00.001-08:00

Autumn Promenade

10" x 14"

Watercolor on paper

The fall foliage in the Washington DC area is stunningly beautiful. Last weekend, my family and I went to Rock Creek Park in Washington DC to view the yellows, oranges and reds of the fall colors and we were not disappointed. Today, the cold rain started falling and soon the colorful leaves will fall, too. The ephemeral quality of the colors of fall makes them that more special for we can only enjoy them while they last.

Back in the USA

2010-11-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

A view from my new studio ....

Fall foliage in my new neighborhood......

I've been back to the US since the beginning of September but have been so busy settling back in... I just can't believe I've "neglected" my blog for so long! Not all is lost, though, for I have been painting and will start posting my new paintings again, soon. I've been greatly inspired by the beauty of the fall foliage in the Washington DC/ Northern Virginia area - the abundance of deciduous trees around the neighborhood results in a fantastic show of reds, orange and yellow colors in the fall - an awe inspiring sight. What a wonderful time to be back in the USA!

Chambesy, Switzerland

2010-08-09T01:25:00.001-07:00

Pregny-Chambessy, Switzerland

Watercolor on paper

10" x 7.5"

I have been busy with the move but have also been painting... this is the last one I'll be posting from Switzerland... Au revoir!

Harvest I

2010-07-14T02:00:00.001-07:00

Harvest I

Watercolor on paper

11" x 15"

Wheat harvest in Commugny, Switzerland. This is the little chemin that leads to my house (not depicted.) Les Voirons the French Alps in the background...

Nyon Tower II

2010-07-13T04:43:00.000-07:00

Nyon Tower II

Watercolor on paper

11" x 7"

I just can't get enough of Nyon, of this charming town by Lake Geneva...

Poppies and Wheat Fields

2010-07-09T23:51:00.000-07:00

Poppies and Wheat Fields

Commugny, Switzerland

7" x 11"

Watercolor on paper

Poppies grow beautifully among the wheat in the farm fields just outside of our gates. I am wondering if the farmer puts them there to keep the bugs away from his wheat crop... assuming that poppies ward off bugs, of course. No matter what the reasons are, it's wonderful to see the beautiful and bright warm reds against the cool blues in the landscape. Misty Jura mountains in the background....

Venice, Italy

2010-07-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

Venice I

Watercolor on paper

7" x 11" approx

A singing gondolier in Venice, Italy

Chateau de Chillon, Switzerland

2010-07-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

Chateau de Chillon

Watercolor on paper

11" x15"

Chateau de Chillon is the most visited castle in Europe, made famous by Lord Byron's The Prisoner of Chillon. It's located just 40 minutes drive from our house, so we take our guests to visit the Chateau a lot. Come to visit us and we'll take you there... except that we only have a few weeks left before we move... so hurry!

Les Perdtemps, Nyon, Switzerland

2010-06-30T02:23:00.000-07:00

Les Perdtemps

Nyon, Switzerland

Watercolor on paper

7"x 11" approx

One of the many beautiful little streets in old town Nyon, Switzerland.

Les Perdtemps is a wonderful little restaurant at the Hotel des Alpes, just around the corner from the bakery where I shop for the most delicious bread in town...

Aigle, Switzerland

2010-06-29T23:38:00.000-07:00

Aigle, Switzerland

Watercolor on paper

7" x 11" approx

Village of Aigle, on the way to Villars.

Cloudy Alps in the background... it rained later on that day.

Wow, I just noticed I have 99 followers here. Thank you all for your support of my work!

Roses I, II and III

2010-06-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

Roses I

Watercolor on paper

6" x 6" approx

Roses II

Watercolor on paper

6" x 6" approx

Roses III

Watercolor on paper

6" x 6" approx

My favorite back street behind the Chateau in Tannay, Switzerland,

when the roses are in bloom,

where I got my inspiration for the series of roses, above.

They smell beautiful, from distance....

Budding Peony

2010-06-28T01:02:00.000-07:00

Budding Peony

Watercolor on paper

6" x 6"

An inspiration from a flower garden around the corner from my house...

Autumn, Collex-Bossy, Switzerland

2010-06-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

Autumn, Collex-Bossy, Switzerland

Watercolor on paper

6" x 6" approx

After the wheat harvest with the enchanting Swiss Village and Jura mountains in the background...

Geneva Skyline II, Geneva, Switzerland

2010-06-25T01:19:00.000-07:00

Geneva Skyline II

Geneva, Switzerland

Watercolor on paper

11" x 7"

One of a series of Geneva skyline paintings that I did using reference photographs. Swiss banks, expensive boutiques and La Vieille Ville... and a bit of The Alps in the background. Thank you Bruce and Rosellen, for the inspiration!

L'Eglise (Collex, Switzerland)

2010-06-24T00:36:00.000-07:00

L'Eglise

Watercolor on paper

11"x 7" approx

The village church in Collex, Switzerland, a charming little village near the French/Swiss border. Jura Mountains getting enveloped in clouds/mist, in the background...

Thank you, Jon, for the inspiring photography.

Chemin (Collex, Switzerland)

2010-06-22T23:58:00.000-07:00

Chemin

Watercolor on paper

7" x 11"

A sunny village street in Collex, Switzerland.

Geneva Rooftops

2010-06-14T01:08:00.000-07:00

Geneva Rooftops

Watercolor on paper

11" x 7"

I painted this after a reference photo that I took at the top of the cathedral tower (St Pierre Cathedral) in old town Geneva.

Spring, Collex-Bossy, Switzerland

2010-06-12T02:01:00.000-07:00

Spring in Collex-Bossy, Switzerland

Watercolor on paper

6"x6"

Colza fields and Collex-Bossy, an enchanting little village near the French/Swiss border. Jura Mountains in the background...

Coppet (Rue Froide)

2010-06-09T02:57:00.000-07:00

Coppet (Rue Froide)

Watercolor on paper

7" x 11"

One of the many enchanting backalleys in Coppet...

Nyon Tower

2010-05-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

Nyon Tower (Tour Cesar)

Watercolor on paper

7" x 11"

Another watercolor painting of Nyon with Lake Leman (Lake Geneva) and the French Alps in the background...

Nyon Alleyway

2010-05-29T03:20:00.000-07:00

Nyon Alleyway

Watercolor on paper

7" x 11"

A view of Lake Leman and the Alps from Chateau de Nyon

The Capitol, Washington DC

2010-05-25T23:57:00.001-07:00

The Capitol, Washington DC

Watercolor on paper

We are moving to Washington DC in a couple of months...

L'ancien Arsenal

2010-04-30T02:51:00.001-07:00

L'ancien Arsenal

Old Town Geneva

Geneva Switzerland

11" x 7.5"

Watercolor on paper

I painted this a long time ago and thought I had posted it, but it seems like I didn't.... anyway, L'Ancien Arsenal is just across Hotel de Ville in the Old Town Geneva, a must stop location for tourists. More info about the site here:
http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/index.php?rubrique=0000000140

Magnolia

2010-04-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

Magnolia (Mies, Switzerland)

Watercolor on paper

7" x 11"

I found a huge magnolia tree in full bloom just around the corner from our house - stunning colors! I don't know the variety of these, but they are certainly different - the blooms looked more rounded than the ones I'm used to seeing around here....

Apples and lemons

2010-04-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

Apples and Lemons
Watercolor on paper
7" x 11"
So, I decided to set up a still-life in the warm sunshine on the patio... and this is what I ended up with. The warm colors reflect the warmth of this beautiful spring day in Switzerland.

For the friends who live in the area: you are all invited to come to the art exhibit at the United Nations May 6 - 21. If you can, please come to the vernissage party at 6pm on May 6th. You do need an invite for the vernissage (security at the UN is strict!) so let me know and I shall have one delivered to you. Thank you!

Rainy Day - Berne, Switzerland

2010-04-16T02:52:00.000-07:00

Rainy Day

Berne, Switzerland

Watercolor on paper

In busy and beautiful Berne.

Venice Canal

2010-04-15T02:49:00.001-07:00

Venice Canal

Watercolor on paper

Another Venice canal painting...

Lyon

2010-04-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

Lyon

Watercolor on paper

A commom street scene around lunch time in Lyon, France, where you won't be disappointed with the food served to you... Lyon has the proud reputation of being the gastronomy capital of France - I, personally, think the title is very well deserved.

Rooster

2010-04-10T02:22:00.000-07:00

Rooster

6" x 6" Watercolor on paper

Another one of my little studies... this time I painted this proud rooster that I saw on the grounds of a chateau near my house... I love the colors of the feathers!

Butterfly on Dhalia (Chateau de Crans)

2010-04-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

Butterfly on Dhalia (Chateau de Crans)

6" x 6" Watercolor on paper

I missed painting these small studies I used to paint before.... I painted the above from a reference photo I took at the beautiful flower gardens of the Chateau de Crans pres Celigny when we were invited to visit the grounds, wine celars and the interior of the castle and had refreshments and wine at their beautiful yard with views of the vineyards, Lake Geneva, and the Alps. The castle is a private residence and not open to the public, however, if you would like to see and read more about it you can visit this link: http://www.swisscastles.ch/Vaud/chateau/crans.html

Geneva Morning II

2010-03-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Geneva Morning II

Watercolor on paper

I visited Old Town Geneva last week with friends who are visiting from the US. What a great place it is - I always find something new and interesting to see in the old town, no matter how many times I've been there. This time, I discovered the most fabulous panorama of the city after climbing 157 steps to the summit of Saint Peter's Cathedral, twice! The painting above of the Old Town Geneva is a redo from another one that I painted last year.

Nyon - Place du Chateau

2010-03-11T01:54:00.000-08:00

Nyon - Place du Chateau

Watercolor on paper

This charming plaza behind the castle is always busy with tourists enjoying the beautiful view of the lake (Lake Leman, aka Lake Geneva) and with locals going about their businesses. For me, this is a perfect place to sit and have a cup of coffee, read a book or make sketches while I wait for my daughter's ballet classes to finish...

Cafe at old town Geneva

2010-03-01T02:54:00.000-08:00

Cafe at Old Town Geneva

Watercolor on paper

Hello everyone! I can't believe I went the whole month of February without a single posting here... my bad! I have been painting on a regular basis, though, whenever I'm not travelling or sick in bed (yuck!) As a matter of fact, I have been working on several cityscape watercolors of Geneva for the annual art exhibit at the United Nations this coming spring... The above painting is one of the eight I am planning to show. Now that I am finally getting over my winter chills, I hope to post on a more regular basis. Promise!

Swan at Lake Geneva

2010-01-29T00:42:00.000-08:00

Swan at Lake Geneva

Watercolor on paper

A lone swan on a very cold day in Geneva... have a great day, everyone!

Bellagio Alley by Theresa Miller

2010-01-27T01:49:00.000-08:00

Bellagio Alley

Watercolor on paper

Looking forward to warmer days.....

I painted this after a reference photo I took last summer in Bellagio, Italy. It brings back great memories of warmer days.

Brioude, France

2010-01-18T01:47:00.001-08:00

Brioude, France

Watercolor on paper

Brioude is in the Auvergne region, in France. I visited this calm and pleasant little town, with unspoiled streets and houses, to enjoy their bienal watercolor festival, last summer....

I painted this watercolor some time ago, but did not know how to finish it. I'm fairly happy with the splashed colors effect that I ended up with. Feedback is welcome....

Egypt by Theresa Miller

2010-01-14T01:49:00.000-08:00

Egypt
Watercolor on paper

Happy New Year to everyone!
I hope you had a great holiday season! Our vacation to Egypt over New Year holidays was absolutely fantastic! We visited our friends who just moved to Cairo and stayed at their beautiful villa as their first guests. It was great seeing so many old friends who presently live in Egypt and I was thrilled to make new friends, too! Our cruise on the Nile and strategic touring stops was truly special - I was thrilled to visit all those places that I had only seen on TV and magazines before, and then some. Egypt is magical!

The painting, above, is from a reference photo that I took at the Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt. This Egyptian security guard was taking a cigarrete break (I think) from his guard duties. The sun suddenly came out from behind the clouds and hit his clothes and turban - just right....

Red Currants

2009-12-28T09:36:00.001-08:00

Red Currants

Watercolor on paper

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,But the fire is so delightful,And since we've no place to go,Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

There is a flurry of snow outside - although it is not sticking onto the ground it is beautiful to watch it fall.

Yesterday, I painted these bright red translucent berries to remind me of the warmer days of early fall, several months ago, when winter still seemed to be so far away. Somehow, the bright colors of the currants kept me warm and fuzzy throughout....

I hope you are all having very happy holidays!

Peppers Trio

2009-12-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

Pepper Trio

Watercolor on paper

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Did Peter Piper pick a peck of pickled peppers? If Peter Piper Picked a peck of pickled peppers,Where's the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?

I love to paint peppers - painting their beautiful, bright, colorful and smooth textured skin makes me think of the warmer days in the summer, even when the weather outside is frightful. The best part is that we can find them at the market all year round - always available to model for one's latest painting and topping his pizza afterwards. Yum! These were grown in a greenhouse in Holland, I hear...

Persimmons by Theresa Miller

2009-12-17T03:09:00.000-08:00

Persimmons Trio

Watercolor on paper

This is one the many watercolors I have made from the persimmons that my next door neighbor gave to me the other day for still-lives. I saw him the other day putting up Christmas lights in his persimmon tree which is totally covered with fruits, just outside of my kitchen window... Every year, around Christmas time, the persimmons become ripe and flocks of birds come to eat - in a matter of a couple of days, all the fruits will be gone and only the Christmas lights will remain...

the persimmon tree in my neighbor's backyard...

The tree outside of my kitchen window... it's really lovely at night when the lights are on....

A portrait for DSFDF

2009-12-15T05:21:00.000-08:00

Portrait of an Artist

Watercolor on paper

Here's my contribution for the end-of-the-year challenge from Karin Jurick's blog DSFDF.

Azaleas by Theresa Miller

2009-11-20T02:26:00.000-08:00

Azaleas

Watercolor on paper

I have been painting landscapes, pets, still-lives and I really missed painting my flowers.... so there, I got my fix! So, now I can go back to painting landscapes, pets and still-lives...

Chair at Chateau de Nyon II byy Theresa Miller

2009-11-16T01:05:00.000-08:00

Chair at Chateau de Nyon II

Watercolor on paper

Chairs are fun to paint....

Autumn II (acorns) by Theresa Miller

2009-11-02T01:35:00.000-08:00

Autumn II (acorns)

Watercolor on paper

Same acorns from yesterday's painting - another study from a different angle....

Watercolor painting of Acorns by Theresa Miller

2009-11-01T03:53:00.000-08:00

Autumn I (acorns)

Watercolor on Arches paper

Acorns on the ground and squirrels running up and down the trees, stocking food for the winter - autumn is here is stay.

Old Town Geneva by theresa miller

2009-10-30T02:08:00.000-07:00

Old Town Geneva (Rue de l'Hotel de Villa)

Watercolor on paper

If you've visited old town Geneva as a tourist, you probably have been to this site: Canons de l'Ancien Arsenal on the right and L'Hotel de Ville on the left and flags everywhere along the narrow street. I just thought that the cafe at the end of the street looked especially inviting this early morning. Canons and l'Hotel de Ville in the near future...

WATERCOLOR PAINTING OF CHAIR AT CHATEAU DE NYON IN SWITZERLAND BY THERESA MILLER

2009-10-28T01:13:00.000-07:00

Chair at Chateau de Nyon I

Watercolor on Arches paper

Another painting of a chair.... I had a great time doing it!

WATERCOLOR PAINTING OF RED CHAIR AT CHATEAU DE NYON PORCELAIN MUSEUM

2009-10-27T01:03:00.000-07:00

Red Chair at Chateau de Nyon

Watercolor on Arches

I was at the Porcelain Museum of the Chateau de Nyon, the other day, with a group of people I regularly go out with, on cultural visits. Nyon is our neighboring town, a beautiful place by Lake Geneva, that dates back to the Roman times. You can learn more about this quaint town at http://www.region-du-leman.ch/en/page.cfm/TownsLakes/Nyon if you wish.

The display of the porcelain and the history behind the pieces are remarkable and I really recomend you to go and see it for yourself, if you have a chance. If you happen to be there, please notice the beautiful chairs in the Museum - each room has an unique style of chairs, a very beautiful collection of chairs, indeed, available for you to sit on and rest your tired feet while enjoying the exhibits.

Autumn Ivy

2009-10-23T02:22:00.001-07:00

Autumn Ivy I

Watercolor on Arches

I love the cooler weather and the autumn colors in the neighborhood. This ivy is from a church wall in Gland, Switzerland. The whole church tower is covered with ivy, so you can imagine how beautifull it is in the fall...

Horseback riding in Commugny

2009-10-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

Horseback riding in Commugny

Watercolor on Arches

Two young ladies riding their horses in my neighborhood... a very common sight.

We just came back from our vacation and I'm very much inspired by what I tasted, smelled and saw in the exotic city of Istanbul. I painted the above watercolor just before we left on our trip. Hopefully, I'll be posting Istanbul paintings in the near future...

Alexandra, our daughter, is learning about the Bizantine and Otoman Empires at school, so we decided to go to Istambul for her autumn break, to learn more about the city and its history. We all had a great time sightseeing and learning a great deal about the Eastern Roman Empire and about the riches of the magnificent Otoman Empire. David, my dear husband, was able to spend a couple of days with us before he had to rush back to work. Luckily, he was also able to sharpen his negotiation skills while purchasing a Turkish carpet. Pomegranates, Turkish delights, Turkish apple tea are the few things that we learned to appreciate, yum!

African Violets

2009-10-12T09:01:00.001-07:00

African Violets

Watercolor on paper

African violets from my mother-in-law's living room, which I painted some time ago. I love the furry quality of the green leaves...

Daisy (sheep at the Chateau de Cheserex)

2009-10-06T00:17:00.000-07:00

Daisy

Watercolor on paper

Sheep at the Chateau de Cheserex - one of the many cute animals that I saw, including a lamb that was no more than 8 days old!

Autumn at the Chateau de Cheserex - Pumpkins

2009-10-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins at the Chateau de Cheserex

Watercolor on paper

Last week, I visited a 17th century Suisse Chateau and it's beautiful gardens, along with a group of delightful lady friends. The day was just perfect for a stroll in the neatly coiffed flower, vegetable and fruit gardens, and to watch the playful ponies and sheep. Thank you, Elisabeth for being such a delightful and generous hostess!

Orchids

2009-09-24T03:37:00.000-07:00

Orchids

Watercolor on paper

More flowers... I just love painting them! These orchids are not from any exotic faraway tropical country - they come from a local orchidarium in Prangins, Switzerland, not too far from my house....

Poppies

2009-09-20T23:52:00.001-07:00

Poppies

Watercolor on paper

I just LOVE painting flowers! I could not resist painting the paper-like petals of this most delicate flower that I saw at the Geneva Botanical Gardens this summer.....

Garden Daffodils

2009-09-16T01:12:00.001-07:00

Garden Daffodils

Watercolor on paper

I have a whole bunch of daffodils in my garden here in Geneva, and these are a sample of what I look forward to every spring! Well, the timing of painting these flowers couldn't be more "off" than now for we just entered autumn, but I always remember that in the southern hemisphere it's spring! So, I painted this yesterday for my friends in South Africa, South America, Autralia, and the others who are enjoying spring now. Happy spring everyone!

Black Eye Susan at Chateau de Prangins

2009-09-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

Black Eye Susan at the Chateau de Prangins

Watercolor on Paper

I walked to the the gardens of the Chateau de Prangins the other day and saw beautiful Black Eye Susan in full bloom. Aside from the the beautiful flowers and fruit trees, the gardens at the chateau grow old fashioned vegetables from the 18th century. I hear that they serve the food they grow right there in the chateau restaurant. I must make a reservation and have a 18th century meal there, one of these days. The chateau is now a fabulous museum that deserves a visit. http://www.musee-suisse.com/e/prangins/chateau_jardins/chateau.php

Como, Italy

2009-09-14T07:52:00.001-07:00

Como, Italy

Watercolor on paper

Como is a beautiful little town by the lake (Como), less than 30 miles north of Milan, in northern Italy. It took us around 30 minutes to get there from Milan by train (Cisalpino), a nice change in scenery from the crowded streets of Milan, full of shoppers. Como is crowded with a different crowd of people - laid back tourists enjoying their well deserved vacation. The above painting is a street scene just around the corner from the Duomo (Cathedral) in the middle of the town.

Venice - Piazza S. Marco

2009-09-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

Venice - Piazza S. Marco

Watercolor on paper

Alexandra is back to school and I am back to painting! It hopefully means that I'll be posting here on a more regular basis... We had a wonderful summer filled with many events and activities. The highlight of our vacation were Sho and Kate's wedding in the USA and our family trip to Italy. I hope you had a wonderful summer, too!

The above painting is one of the many happy scenes that we witnessed during the holidays. The children in the painting were just some random kids that we saw at the Piazza S. Marco, in Venice, feeding the birds - they were really having a lot of fun! I had a great time painting birds for the first time....

Milano

2009-08-20T06:19:00.001-07:00

Milano

10"x15" watercolor on paper

My husband, daughter and I went on a longuish Italian trip a few weeks back and this was one of the stops: shopping time in Milan. The scene is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, next to the Teatro Alla Scala and the Duomo. The galleria is actually a very old shopping mall, dating back in the late 18 hundreds. Nowadays, it houses expensive boutiques, including Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. Therefore, there was lots of window shopping!

Harvest

2009-07-31T06:52:00.001-07:00

Harvest

10" x 15" Watercolor on paper

I love this time of summer when the sunflowers are blooming and the wheat is ripe and being harvested. There is a sense of bounty and richness everywhere. This field of bound up hay is just around the corner from my house. Can you see the Alps in the background?

Steps to the chateau

2009-07-10T01:28:00.000-07:00

Steps to the chateau

Watercolor on paper

Every time I walk these steps to the chateau de Nyon, I wonder about the people who walked the same path since the Romam times... these walls must have witnessed a lot thoughout the centuries.

Chateau de Nyon

2009-07-07T02:53:00.000-07:00

Chateau de Nyon

Watercolor on paper

Twice a week I drop off my daughter at her dance school in Nyon and go for a brisk walk in the neighborhood for the duration of her class. Nyon is a beautiful town, full of insteresting history http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyon and is surrounded with lovely and shady places to go for walks, either along the lake or in the parks nearby.

Geneva Morning by Theresa Miller

2009-06-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

Geneva Morning

7" x 15" Watercolor on paper

I just finished painting this street scene of old town Geneva, I hope you like it. I found painting people very difficult, but the more I paint them, the more I like it. I find that it gives the paintings more movement and soul. These two guys were going up the hill in such a hurry that I wondered what the deal was.... morning rush hour, I guess...

a challenge...

2009-06-17T11:43:00.001-07:00

Plate of Vegetables

6.5" x 10" Watercolor on paper

So, I decided to get back to painting today, after a couple of weeks of not being able to pick up a paintbrush... Karin Jurick's challenge in Different Strokes... seemed to be a good way to get restarted. So, above is my version and contribution to her blog... I hope you like it! Theresa

on a sad note...

2009-06-16T02:31:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

It's been a very sad time for me and my family since my Dad’s passing last week. I went to Brazil to see him as soon as I found out that he was seriously ill - he suffered from Alzheimer’s. My Dad waited for me to arrive before he decided to take his final rest - he comforted me to the very end. Life is ephemeral and there is nothing more natural than dying someday, however it is still very, very sad to have to bury one’s beloved father. I’m doing well despite the sadness that has surrounded me in the past weeks. It was, also, wonderful to get together with my family in Brazil, comfort each other and find out more about what everyone is up to.

So, I’m now back to Switzerland and to my old routine which will include picking up where I had left, for life does go on for the ones left behind - I sure will miss him, my wonderful Dad.

Thank you to all who have contacted me with kind and wise words of comfort – they mean a lot to me and I truly appreciate them.

Sincerely,

Theresa Miller

Tomatoes and a bit of painting news...

2009-05-27T01:03:00.000-07:00

Two Tomatoes in Tobe yaki

6.6"x10" Watercolor on paper

Juicy Summer Tomatoes
6"x6" watercolor on paper

SOLD

I planted three tomato plants in pots in my terrace and they are looking great. I hope I will get a nice harvest of fruits for my still-lives, again, this year - some of you may know that I made a series of paintings from my "terrace harvest" last year, which I posted in this blog. I'll create a link to them when I get smarter with my computer... These juicy tomatoes that I painted last year came from a store, though...

And, yes, I have been painting everyday! I have not been posting as often, but I have been painting everyday. More recently, I have been working on landscapes, cityscapes and lake scenes - scenes of the beautiful area I live in - surrounded with mountains, by the lake and where everytime you turn around you see a postcard scene - lucky me! I shall post my next painting as soon as I get something "postable." Thanks for following my artblog - I appreciate it! Cheers!

Chateau de Chillon -Table, Chairs and Sunlight by Theresa Miller

2009-05-16T00:46:00.000-07:00

Chateau de Chillon - Table, Chairs and Sunlight

6.5" x 6.5" Watercolor on paper

I hear that Chateau de Chillon is one of the most famous medieval castles in Europe, so every time we have guests in town, that's one of the places we must stop by. Since I am always looking for light to put in my painting subjects, I found in this set of mismatched table and chairs a perfect model. I hope you get to visit the Chateau some day, if you haven't done so yet. There is a long history attached to it that's worth learning about.

Ferney-Voltaire Terrace

2009-05-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

Terrace (Ferney-Voltaire)

6.5" x 9.5" Watercolor on paper

The other day, I was happily walking down the street in Ferney-Voltaire, France, when the sunlight hitting this planter on this terrace struck me hard. I made a photo reference and wouldn't rest until I ended up painting the watercolor above... I hope I was able to convey the warm feeling I felt when I first saw the "still life" sitting there for everyone to enjoy.

Apple Blooms I by Theresa Miller

2009-05-06T03:33:00.000-07:00

Apple Blooms I

6.5" x 9"

Our apple tree in the back yard is blooming! Despite a few cold days, it's definetly spring...

Peony by Theresa Miller

2009-05-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

Peony

Watercolor on paper

There is a huge peony bush just around the corner from my house along the quiet street, in my neighbor's yard. Year after year, without fail, the peonies bloom beautifully in the spring and the colors are perfectly white! I can't wait to see them bloom again, this year... I painted this one last year....

Annual Exhibition at the United Nations Geneva

2009-04-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Pears in Tobe Bowl

Watercolor on paper

Next Tuesday evening is the much awaited opening vernissage of the annual art exhibit at the United Nations in Geneva. If you don't have any plans for that evening, please come to the party to take a look at the artworks, chat with friends and have a glass of wine with us. This year, I will be showing 8 still lives (including the pears above) along with 30 other artists. I hope to see you there!

Coppet by Theresa Miller

2009-04-27T03:22:00.000-07:00

Coppet

6.5" x 8"

I love walking to the town of Coppet, a quaint medieval town on the lake, to buy delicious freshly baked bread, excellent chocolate and fresh fruits and veggies in the shops along the arcade. It's just a 10 minute walk from home, it's great exercise!

Snow day by Theresa Miller

2009-04-24T01:23:00.000-07:00

Snow day

6.5" x 9" Watercolor on Paper

No, it's not snowing outside, LOL. It's a perfect spring weather! The flowers are blomming, the birds are chirping.... It's just that I painted this yesterday and was happy with the "snow" effect done with kitchen salt... Just wanted to show you. The little boy in the painting is my friend's son...

Magnolia III by theresa miller

2009-04-18T03:50:00.000-07:00

Magnolia III (Cave de La Charrue, Commugny)

6,5" x 8" Watercolor on paper

This is my third and last magnolia painting that I did this week... hope you like it!

Magnolia II by Theresa Miller

2009-04-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Magnolia II (Cave de La Charrue, Commugny)
6,5" x 8" Watercolor on paper
A petal from this magnolia fell off just so that it could show off it's beautiful, multicolored pistils... Too bad it's been raining a lot today, it means that the beautiful blooms will be gone sooner than later. I guess that's why we appreciate them so much - they don't last forever. Tomorrow, I'll be posting another magnolia, the last of the three that I've painted this week...

Magnolia I by Theresa Miller

2009-04-15T03:44:00.000-07:00

Magnolia I (Cave de La Charrue, Commugny)

6,5" x 8" Watercolor on paper

The blooming magnolias in the neighborhood just look FANTASTIC! Last year we had a lot of cold rain around this time of year and the magnolias were looking pretty shabby and sad but they came back this year more beautiful than ever before! More magnolias tomorrow....

Daffodils by Theresa Miller

2009-04-14T00:15:00.001-07:00

Daffodils

Watercolor on paper

The daffodils in my gardcn look splendid this year. Spring has arrived to stay!

I just love painting white flowers...

White Rose by Theresa Miller

2009-03-27T01:41:00.001-07:00

White Rose

Watercolor on paper

(SOLD)

I love painting white objects - white is never really white, you can always find other color pigments in it. I painted this white rose several years ago and showed the painting in one of my past exhibits....