Reminiscing
12x16 oil
"Paint Me"
9x12 oil
The Old Boathouse
10x20 oil
Porter's Crossing, Dusk
10x8 oil
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Paint Snow Hill
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Log Cabin
12x9 oil
This was painted last week at Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster, a historic village.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Brandywine Bridge
8x10 oil
I had a nice visit to the Brandywine Museum yesterday, followed by a painting session along the muddy creek. I think I was inspired after seeing the Andrew Wyeth paintings - his strong light/dark contrasts and muted colors.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Uncorked
16x12 oil on linen
My most recent painting, "Uncorked", is now available at 2nd Floor Gallery in Mechanicsburg along with 7 other new paintings.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Snowy Sycamore
9x12 oil
This was painted on McCormick Road along the Yellow Breeches after our most recent snow fall. This may be the last of my plein air snow scenes for this year...spring is coming and the snow is melting.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
First Place!
"Fragrant Lilies"
11x14 oil
It was a bitter cold night last night, but I am happy I braved the weather to attend Carlisle Arts Center's opening of the "Yellow" show. I am honored that juror and Messiah College Art Department Chair Brenton Good chose my painting for First Place!
I painted this en plein air in a friend's garden on a much warmer day.
The "Yellow" show will be on display through March 12.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Capturing the snow
Two of my most recent pieces, painted in the week following snowstorm "Jonas" which dumped a record breaking 29" of snow on our area. Now, one week later, most of this snow has melted so I am happy that I was able to capture it.
"Winter Colors"
8x10 oil
"Wildwood, January"
11x14 oil
These paintings are now available at Art & Soul Gallery, Lemoyne. Art & Soul is located above the West Shore Farmer's Market and is open on Friday and Saturday or by appointment.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Blue Shed in the Alley
8x10 oil
Saturday's snow storm covered my area with over 28" of the white stuff. We spent all day yesterday digging out. Today I painted in the alley behind my house.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Teapot And Artichoke
8x8 oil
I've been trying to push through the winter doldrums and find some motivation. Painting with friends always seems to get me going, so today I went to my friend Cecelia's studio and we painted still lives together. What fun!
Friday, January 8, 2016
Tina
20x16 oil
This is from today's 5 hour pose figure session.
I am really enjoying figurative work lately.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Sunday Morning, Shipoke
Finally added some finishing touches to this painting which was started a few months ago in Shipoke along the river. I've just delivered it and 2 other works to Gallery @ 2nd where it will be part of the multi-artist 'Burg Exhibit which opens with a public reception on January 14 and runs until March 2.
If you would like to see more of my work please visit my website www.julieriker.com
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Season's Greetings!
"Red Barn In Winter"
8x10 oil
8x10 oil
Reposting this winter scene that was painted last February along McCormick Road in Mechanicsburg.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year!
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Glowing Forest
10x8 oil
The light was so beautiful yesterday - bright sun low in the sky, streaming through the fall foliage - the woods were glowing with a canopy of color.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Historic Haldeman Mansion
8x10 oil
I went out today looking for some fall color to paint and ended up being more interested in the layered surface of this old building, the historic Haldeman Mansion in Bainbridge, PA
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Painting a Wedding...
16x20 oil on canvas
Yesterday I painted live during a wedding ceremony along the Yellow Breeches at Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, PA. It was a commission request from the bride and groom who wanted a plein air painter to capture the setting of their special day.
This is the second time I have painted as part of a wedding. I feel I am a bit more comfortable with it but there are certainly challenges with each situation. The biggest challenge is time. I arrived 2 hours early to set up and paint the entire background. I only had about 30 minutes to quickly paint in the figures and a suggestion of a guest audience. Here is the painting just before the figures arrived...
If you would like to see more of my work please visit my website
Monday, October 12, 2015
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Vintage Jag
8x10
Perfect early fall weather for the Harvest of the Arts/Antique Auto Show in Carlisle today, I had so much fun painting the gorgeous curves and creamy color of this vintage Jaguar. It was purchased wet off the easel. Great day!
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Chincoteague Channel
7x21 oil
Last week I participated in the plein air event on Chincoteague Island for the 5th year. I love this place and always find new things to paint. This scene across the channel is one that I've thought about painting for years. It is my favorite part of the drive to the island - the road that crosses the marshy channel from the main land to Chincoteague. There are not many places to pull off on the road but I had someone drop me off there for a few hours so I could paint this.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Harrisburg Gallery Walk
If you are heading out this Sunday, the 13th for Gallery Walk in Harrisburg you will see my work in 4 different locations. I have 2 paintings at the Art Association of Harrisburg as part of their "Structures" show, 5 new paintings at Gallery @ Second in their upstairs gallery, 2 paintings at City House Bed & Breakfast as part of an exhibit of the Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters, and 10 paintings uptown at the Manor on Front along with pieces from other local artists. It is a great opportunity to see some of the new things I have been working on!
http://www.artassocofhbg.com/index2.htm
http://www.artassocofhbg.com/index2.htm
Field of Flowers
8x16 oil
I took a drive to the South side of Chambersburg today to seek out this sunflower field which a friend alerted me to. I was delighted to find a massive field with thousands of yellow heads. Most were just past their prime but it still was well worth the trip!
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Tree Mural
Last week I did this mural for a customer in Florida - a tree mural in soft neutrals and metallics - as a backdrop for their 3 sculptures. I am very happy with how this turned out and how the tree creates an environment for the figures, suggesting a conversation. They compliment each other.
The Red Settee
14x18 oil
On Friday I joined a group of artists to paint from a live model.
I haven't painted the figure in a long time and it felt great, but I am looking forward to more practice.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Star Barn
16x12 oil
I did this painting on location at the Star Barn a few weeks ago. Many artists have painted this local icon, but I wanted to try my own rendition. The barn will soon be moved to a private location and I wanted to paint it in it's original home. Perhaps I will attempt another painting here before the barn is dismantled.
I am happy that this painting sold at the Saturday night Art Association Soiree.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Soiree
I will be one of the featured artists in the August 8 "soiree", a garden party benefitting the Art Association of Harrisburg and held at the Huck residence, 86 Foxfire Lane, Lewisberry. I'll be showing my newest paintings - many of which I've posted here. Tickets are available in advance through the Art Association, or at the door. www.artassocofhbg.com
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Between The Buildings
10x8 oil
Enjoying this great weather!
On Thursday I painted in the little town of Boiling Springs. I thought perhaps I'd do a street scene, or one of the charming houses - but sometimes I find the space in between the buildings more interesting than the buildings themselves.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Little Pink Charmer
9x12 oil
I found this pink house in Liverpool. I was attracted to the strong sunlight on the house and the variations in pinks - including the reflected glow under the porch roof.
The entire time I was painting I had that John Mellencamp song going through my head "Ain't that America...little pink houses for you and me". With the sunflowers, the flag, this seemed like the quintessential small town charmer.
The entire time I was painting I had that John Mellencamp song going through my head "Ain't that America...little pink houses for you and me". With the sunflowers, the flag, this seemed like the quintessential small town charmer.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Crossroads
9x12
Painted from a familiar intersection in the Bowmansdale area of Mechanicsburg.
The old stone tavern is charming but I was particularly interested in the way the road dives under the bridge, and the deep shadow under it.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Friday, July 3, 2015
Wrightsville Bridge
11x14 oil
This has been a fantastic week for painting! The weather's been great and I am in between jobs so I've had the luxury of painting every day - sometimes twice a day.
Here is another one from this week, painted in Wrightsville after the heavy rain.
Clear sky - muddy river.
Clear sky - muddy river.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Hopper Moment
9x12 oil
I've been scoping out these houses in my neighborhood - just plain old row houses - but every evening there is this magical Edward Hopper moment.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Puddles
10x8 oil
Yesterday's rain left us with a pleasant Sunday - cool and low humidity - and also a lot of water! The birds enjoyed splashing around in these puddles as much as I enjoyed painting them. They were putting on a show for me!
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Peachy
8x10 oil
Friday was an unexpectedly beautiful day. I wanted to take advantage since we are expected to have a rainy weekend.
Once again I visited the Boyers' lovely garden. There are a few lilies blooming, and I chose to focus on these vibrant peach flowers. By next week many more of the lilies will be blooming - if the rain doesn't damage them.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
The Artist's Studio
The Harrisburg Symphony Showhouse ended last weekend and was a great success. This is the room I decorated, the Artist's Studio. I painted the walls, floor, and most of the furnishings. The idea was to create a venue to display my oil paintings, but to also decorate the room, not just hang paintings like a gallery. I wanted it to feel like a true working space. Visitors loved the light feeling in the room and were especially delighted in the floor. I sold 20 paintings, several objects, and picked up a few new clients. Overall a great success, and a fun project!
Ladybells
10x8 oil
Finished a client job yesterday... so (as is becoming my treat to myself for a job well done) I took the day off to paint for myself.
Some neighbors of a friend have extended an open invitation to artists to paint in their gardens and I took advantage of the opportunity. I chose to focus on these flowers, which I thought were larkspur, but found out through some friends are called Campanula, or "Ladybells".
This garden is full of possibilities for painting - a plein air haven. I plan to visit next week when, hopefully, the lilies will be blooming.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Painting The Alley - Fredrick Quick Draw
8x10 oil
Today I participated in the Quick Draw competition in Fredrick, MD.
I was set up and all ready to paint the alley when artist Stephen Doherty set up in front of me, so I added him to my composition.
Two hours is not much time to complete a painting - especially with figures - but I gave it a go.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Side Yard With A View
8x8 oil
The collector who purchase one of my paintings from Plein Air Camp Hill told me of a property he owned on Front Street in Wormleysburg. He suggested I stop by and take a look, perhaps do a painting, told me to park in the back and walk around the side of the building. I was delighted to find this amazing view directly across the river rom the capital.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Blushing Beauties
This was painted last weekend at Lindenwood, the Harrisburg Symphony Showhouse. The roses and many other flowers are in bloom now and the gardens are lovely. "Blushing Beauties" will be available in the Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters gallery in the showhouse barn.
8x10 oil
This is the final week to visit the showhouse, open every day 10-4 and Thursday until 8 PM. Directions and other information can be found at http://www.harrisburgsymphonyshowhouse.org
Monday, June 1, 2015
Dappled Alley
9x12 oil
Here's another Camp Hill alley that I painted as part of the plein air event this past week. This painting was purchased during the Friday night preview party.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
St. John's Alley
9x12 oil
It was a beautiful sunny morning for the Quick Draw event at Plein Air Camp Hill.
This view of St. John's Alley was painted in under 2 hours and sold in 2 minutes.
If you would like to see more of my work please visit my website www.julieriker.com
Monday, May 25, 2015
A Cool Corner by Julie Riker
8x10 oil
This was painted on Saturday at Lindenwood, site of the Harrisburg Symphony Showhouse, in the relaxing and colorful garden behind the outbuildings. I was interested in the greenish/yellow glow on the white building, reflected off of the grass and plants.
This painting is available in the Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters gallery which is located in the upper level of the barn. There is no charge to visit the barn and explore the showhouse grounds.
Entrance to the house is $20.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Lindenwood - Harrisburg Symphony Showhouse opens!!
Lindenwood
16x20 oil
The Harrisburg Symphony Showhouse will open this Thursday night 5/21 with a special preview party and tour. It officially opens to the public on Friday the 22nd and runs through June 14.
This has been a big but very rewarding project for me. In addition to creating the painting above which is being used for promotional materials, I've also taken a space on the third floor and created an artist's studio.
If you are able to visit you will enjoy. There is plenty to see - from the landscaped grounds, designer rooms, boutique, cafe -- Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters will be painting on the weekends and exhibiting work in the barn.
For more information visit
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Fields, Late Afternoon
8x10 oil
Just getting around to posting this painting that I did last weekend as a demo during the Art Center benefit at Hershey Vineyards... a beautiful view from their deck looking out over the Pennsylvania fields. I enjoyed chatting with patrons and sampling wine as I painted...fun time!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Pink Explosion
I've noticed the last few days that all the cherry trees are beginning to shed their petals. This particular grouping of trees caught my eye in a neighborhood where I was doing some painting for a client. The trees were growing on a mulched hill and the effect of the petals laying on the ground was amazing - like a carpet of pink. Surreal.
I experimented a bit with this painting, using a palette knife to lay in some thicker patches of paint.
Here is my painting.
Pink Explosion
8x8 oil
Friday, May 1, 2015
Showhouse News in "The Burg"
Thanks to Lori Myers for this nice article in the May/June issue of The Burg which describes my room at the upcoming Harrisburg Symphony Showhouse.
https://theburgnews.com/culture/house-note-beauty-awaits-discerning-eye-lindenwood
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Painting Chairs
These stripped down plank bottom chairs were a great find at $30 each. I've restored the paint surface by researching similar chairs for my design.
I'll be placing these chairs in my room at the Harrisburg Symphony Showhouse which opens to the public on May 22nd. The showhouse is in an 1860's stone farmhouse and I feel these chairs are appropriate to the period of the house.
I love creating old and worn finishes - so much character!
If you would like to see more of my work please visit my website www.julieriker.com
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