Brush Strokes

Anabela Ferguson and Custom Framing Comments

2012-02-01T10:35:00.003-05:00

From DR in Burke Virginia

Iwo Jima Print: This John Shaw print was given to my husband by a friend of ours. It depicts a B-29 landing on the island after is was secured by US Marines

during WW II. It is signed at the bottom by several Marines who fought on Iwo Jima. It is truly a treasure. Anabel custom

matted and framed the print; and it hangs with pride in our home.

Private Collector's New Pieces 2012

2012-01-17T11:46:00.005-05:00

From EM,

Inspiring private collectors to artists all over the world.

It is hard to put into words when someone takes your feelings of serenity and peace and paints it on canvas! I was looking for a piece of artwork that would bring in the outdoors that I see through my back windows and yet did not want it to be overwhelming. Anabela listened and as we talked I told her about my love of Burke Lake and the scene I see every day going to work. The view of mist coming up from the lake, the beautiful colors of the sky and the beauty of the trees losing their leaves has always given me such a sense of peace and I wanted that scene in my home. Anabela took time out of her mornings to come out and take pictures around 6:00 AM to capture the colors and create such a stunning painting. I was quite shocked at its beauty and the intensity of colors. It truly is a masterpiece. She also added geese flying in which represent my immediate family. I love it! I sit in my family room and just stare at the intricacy of the painting. The strokes are beautifully done. It will be a piece that will be handed down from generation to generation. Did I mention that she created three pieces of the painting in which you can stand in different areas of the room and the painting still connects?? Wow! What a blessing to have such a gift as this, Anabela!

From Me:

My newest and first commission in Oil for 2012. Three pieces 16" X 32" each panel, capturing Burke Lake Park, Burke Virginia 2012. Glad to share with you this first piece of the year. Now delivered. Had a great time hanging it up for them on their wall. It is a joy when someone is so happy to have something like this and treasure their favorite spots in their lives with me.
Anabela Ferguson

Collectors that helped me be successful!

2012-01-09T08:54:00.000-05:00

Thirteen years later. ....

My husband and I first met Anabela shortly after moving to Virginia. We purchased a large watercolor that we loved and wanted in our home so we could feel like we were still outside enjoying our day even after the sun set.

Thirteen years later , we needed a fix on the matting and she was so gracious to do it for the grand sum of a cup of strong coffee. Anabela has always kept in touch with her emails and I have enjoyed buying additional pieces of her artwork for friends and the younger family members , hoping they would come to understand how wonderful it is to have something unique and beautiful in their lives.

If you are blessed to have Anabela come into your life , she will always be a part of it. Currently she is even helping us sell our house and I can't wait to have new friends come and see her work in a new home.

RESTORING FINE ART MEMORIES

2011-12-25T13:07:00.005-05:00

DEAR FRIENDS AND COLLECTORS,

THANK YOU FOR A FANTASTIC YEAR, AND FOR YOUR SUPPORT AS WELL.
I HAVE BEEN ASKED THESE PAST WEEKS TO REMIND SOME OF YOU OF WHAT MY RESTORATION ABILITIES ARE AND WHAT I CAN DO WITH FINE ART MEMORIES OR ART PIECES THAT HAVE BEEN PASSED DOWN TO YOU THE LAST FEW YEARS. BESIDES ADVICE I CAN GIVE YOU GREAT PRICES TO PRESERVE AND CONTINUE TO ENJOY WHAT IS VERY SPECIAL TO YOU.
THIS COMING WEEK, LAST WEEK..... I WILL BE:

WELCOMING OILS THAT NEED CLEANING AND TOUCH UP, AND RE-VARNISH, CANVASSES THAT NEED RE-STRETCH, ACRYLICS, THAT NEED FILL IN, CLEANING AND RE-VARNISH..
FOR THOSE AGED WATERCOLORS OR DRAWING WITH WATER MARKS OR WATER STAINS.
FOR THOSE OLD YELLOW PHOTOGRAPHS, CRACKED, AND PARTS GONE OF THE PHOTO.....EVEN IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REMOVE SOMEONE FROM A PHOTO AND ADD SOMEONE ELSE, I AM THE PERSON FOR THE JOB.

YES, AND FOR THOSE WITH 19TH AND 17TH CENTURY ARTWORK AND WOULD LIKE SOME ADVICE IN HOW TO AND IF NEED OF RESTORATION FOR PRESERVATION.
FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A CHRISTENING DRESS PUT IN A SHADOW BOX TO PRESERVE AND PUT ON A WALL, OR ANY KEEP SAKES. I AM SHOWING AT HUNTSMAN THIS LAST WEEK, STARTING TOMORROW MONDAY THROUGH JANUARY 1ST. JANUARY 2ND I TAKE DOWN VERY EARLY IN THE DAY.
Monday through Friday 10:30-6pm, Saturday 9-6, Sunday 12-5pm Last day.

SOLO EXHIBIT AT HUNTSMAN SQUARE IN SPRINGFIELD VA

2011-12-09T10:06:00.002-05:00

Description

Solo Exhibit this Dec. 13th through January 2nd
at 7501 Huntsman Blvd
Springfield, VA. 22153
Monday through Friday 10:30-6pm or later by appointment
Saturday 9-6pm
Sunday 12-5
Bring your needed framing pieces and to get a free estimate.
NEW WOOD SAMPLES FROM A NEW WHOLESALE COMPANY. WILL HAVE ALL SAMPLES AVAILABLE FOR EVERY ONE TO SEE. OFFERING MUSEUM QUALITY GLASS, NON-GLARE, AND UV. REGULAR MATS ARE AVAILABLE, ALSO OFFERING LINNEN, LEATHER, MARBLE AND FABRIC ACID RAG MATS THIS SEASON. BEST PRICE FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES THIS SPECIAL TIME OF THE YEAR.
WWW.ANABELA-ARTIST.COM
ALSO IN TWITTER AND LINKEDIN THIS YEAR.

Anabela Ferguson newest friend in Linkedin

2011-11-26T13:09:00.004-05:00

Hi Anabela,

just returning your request for a blog on marketing.

As I said in Linked in, You Americans are a naturally more extrovert nation than us Brits and therefore seem better placed to market effectively. It has been exciting to join Artbiz on linked in and tap into the experiences of all those wonderful creative people on the other side of the Atlantic. I am learning all the time from your creative output - you seem to be well ahead and a leading light with your marketing strategy. I am so impressed at the number of paintings you have already sold this year. You have a formidable presence in Artbiz and encourage us all to sell and market more. I feel I have found a kindred spirit and marketing mentor , weirdly, thousands of miles away! Keep it coming!

All the best

Heatherbell.

Brush Strokes Fine Art LLC and Anabela Ferguson

2011-11-09T22:45:00.003-05:00

Wanted to thank you for an amazing turn out, two weeks later and still receiving orders for commissioned art and for home visits to design a special painting for unique styles and decor.
Welcome those portraits, now taking orders for Christmas. I am also keeping them in my Gallery once finished so that you as a customer don't have to figure out where to hide your gift from the rest of the family.
Great prices for cleaning and varnishing of antique oils and acrylics and watercolors pieces.
I know most of you have those yellowing brown pictures from family members you loved very much. Well, now is the time to get them to me and I will give you perfect new pieces for your home and to share with the rest of the family. I can also frame each piece at very affordable prices.
Offering 20% off on all photography restoration. Fast turn around. Email me at: Anabela7973@aol.com.

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF SUCCESS

2011-10-06T10:57:00.000-04:00

Pentagon Ducks Unlimited Fundraising

2011-09-30T10:15:00.006-04:00

Pentagon Ducks Unlimited Fundraising

Written by DaveElwing

"Anabela has repeatedly donated to the Pentagon Chapter of Ducks Unlimited's Annual Fund Raising Banquet since 2007. Her artwork is refreshingly appealing and offers a different selection to our attendees. Her art generally appeals to the ladies in our crowd. Her appreciation for nature is evident in the artwork which she donates, and as it turns out, the objects of her artwork are sustained by the funds we raise for the restoration, preservation and conservation of our Nation's wetlands. Anabela is a wonderful artist and we gratefully appreciate her continued support." Service Category: Artist / Charity Donor Year first hired: 2007 (hired more than once) Top Qualities: Personable, High Integrity, Creative

Recommending Anabela

2011-09-26T11:22:00.001-04:00

From Linkedin -Anabela Ferguson

Details of the Recommendation: "When I was writing my book on marketing for artists, I immediately thought of Anabela! Having developed such a dynamic style of marketing for herself, I asked her if she would write something about showing in "alternative" art spaces. She responded and produced some great information that has helped many artists! I am indebted to Anabela as a friend and colleague.

"Talent is Just the Beginning - an Artist's Guide to Marketing in the 21st Century" was published in 2009 and I updated it in March of 2011.

Linked In

2011-09-15T08:26:00.001-04:00

A note from a friend and Tech Professional

Details of the Recommendation: "Anabela is a talented, hard-working artist whom I have supported as a Technology Consultant. Since I have known her, I have been impressed with the way she uses technology to bring her work to as wide an audience as possible, be it through her web page, updates on Facebook or taking the time to personally contact her many fans in the Metro DC area. I am honored to recommend Anabela, not just as an artist, but as a friend."

Kathy Teskey's Artistic Thoughts

2011-08-12T17:56:00.004-04:00

Do you suffer from CAD, Crafter’s Attention Deficit. This is marked by repeatedly beginning a project, only to put it down because you become bored when it takes you longer to finish than you expect. Those of you out there who know of what I speak, repeat after me, “I will strive to finish one project in its entirety before starting another.” Yeah right, I will settle for completing one project of the 20 already started before starting a new one. Seriously though, have you ever started a project only to realize that it will take you longer to finish than your initial interest lasts, or you become bored with repeated procedures? What follows is a short story of how I overcame this while working on a large paper-pieced quilt.

Hi. My name is Kathryn, and I have CAD (insert chuckle here). I am an avid quilter (among many other hobbies). Anyone who has quilted knows that quilting is not a hobby where you experience instant gratification on your projects. They take inspiration, planning, preparation, and ultimately time – that one thing we all are pressed for in our lives.

Let me start with a caveat…I am not a conventional quilter. I follow block patterns, yes, but rarely do I follow a full quilt pattern. I take bits and pieces, change colors, and very definitely march to my own drum. That being said, and the fact that when I shop for material it is seldom for my current project (self professed fabric hoarder – subject for another blog) combined for the perfect storm.

Stay tuned…follow me on Facebook, Kathryn Lynn Gold Teskey, I’m the one with the big smile, many many pictures, and very strange friends….

Washingtonian Center Exhibit

2011-07-21T13:51:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,

A note to let you know I am showing in a new store in Washingtonian Center on Boardwalk Place. Gaithersburg Maryland. My store is #216. Fabulous location, on the boardwalk of Washingtonian, and facing Starbucks and 16 candles. Hope you can stop by this weekend and enjoy the great bands that are coming after you check out the wonderful restaurants that are here; Joe's Crab, California Pizza, and so much more.
Hope to see you there

ANABELA' FINE ART GALLERY
#216 BOARDWALK PLACE
JULY 18TH THROUGH AUGUST 7TH.

From one of my fans.

2011-06-23T15:18:00.003-04:00

A Note from Margaret!

HI, dear Anabela. I love the indigo so much. I don't know what you were thinking about when you painted it but I've given it several names - Indigo or Space Walk or Kung Fu Fighting or Afloat or Galaxy Flight or.... Every time I look at it, I see something new. Mariama (daughter) loves it so much. I'm placing the little girl me in the dining room, grown up me in living room, the white house in Morocco (what began as the table with flowers) in living room and it's a good mix so far. Once my house is in order I will invite you over to see just what you have added to my already eclectic life show. Thanks. Keep on painting and I can keep on collecting.

June 2011
Huntsman Square Mall

Talent is Just the Beginning Book

2011-05-23T18:17:00.003-04:00

Bette asked me in 2009 to write for her book and help other artists achieve their marketing knowledge within Galleries as one of the steps to get known. If you want to be part of this great buy go to her website. She has beautiful works. Rated ***** Book, amazing for all new artists and not so new artists.
Talent is Just the Beginning, An Artists' Guide to Marketing in the 21st Century by Bette Ridgeway. The book covers all aspects of the business of art. Approaching and working with galleries, portfolios, record keeping, consignment laws and more! With a 25-year career as an artist, gallery owner and director, graphic and web designer, and marketing professional, Ridgeway gives a personal edge to her advice to other artists. What is Talent, anyway? What is success? The book is inspiring and informative and a bible for artists wishing to advance in today's challenging global art marketplace. 103 pages, softback art instruction book.
Author Bette Ridgeway.

Time is Here!

2011-05-09T07:43:00.002-04:00

It is time for Spring Cleaning!
Bring those old posters, and photography!
Aged Oils and Acrylics and allow me to do
a make over and give them some life again.

Mixed Media

2011-04-26T10:07:00.002-04:00

Anabela's New Showcase in Mixed Media

"I enjoy so much trying new things, one of the ideas I came across helped me to understand different mediums that together bring out a different Fine Art product".AF

"I just finished a piece for a client, it was 36" X 38" long, it was just gorgeous, I worked on oils and did a wet on wet, spots of acetone and fresh odorless thinner...came out truly great!, Added a light layer of varnish and voila! It really was something I had not tried before. " AF

*For those Artists trying to build a nice inventory, I would try to create new pieces, and try different techniques, I tried the book ARTEFFECTS BY JEAN DRYSDALE GREEN, and techniques like this particular one.
Go to www.Anabela-Artist.com under Abstracts and Acrylics.

Artist : Silas James 6" X 6" Mixed Media

Michelle McVay's Beautiful Arrangements

2011-04-11T12:20:00.009-04:00

I am thrilled to be doing the flowers for two of my dear friend's weddings this year. Also incredibly nervous--It's not something I want to mess up. So I started practicing with a weekly arrangement. My goal is to break out of "Straight out of the vase" look. I still have a lot of learning and practice to do before the big day but I'm starting to feel a little less panicked.

Michelle McVay http://www.tinylittlelife.blogspot.com

NEW WORKS BY ANABELA FERGUSON

2011-04-06T12:28:00.001-04:00

SUMMER IS HERE!

OIL ON PLEXY
11" x 13" FRAMED IN CHERRY WOOD.

Brush Strokes Fine Art LLC

2011-04-04T09:40:00.005-04:00

2011 has brought some great changes, one of them is that I am today on my 13 year of business. This past week I came across this article written by Randy Slavin, from Art Business News;

"Galleries and Publishers that were the most highly addicted to easy money failed during the recession, primarily because they couldn't adapt to the lack of it. Those of us who remain are here because we were able to adapt and buckle down to the exceptionally difficult business of selling art.

Our industry has been changed by the recession, and will continue to change throughout the recovery. Gallery owners now need to be exceptional business people, sales consultants now need to be exceptional sales people, artists now need to be exceptional creators and so forth. Mediocrity is no longer viable; being "good enough" is no longer sufficient.
We all need to strive for true excellence in our assorted tasks. We all need to return to the hard work that is necessary to survive and thrive in the business of art. Combine that with the slow, but inevitable, recovery and newfound stores of patience and we'll come out of this with stronger healthier businesses and a stronger, healthier industry".

2011-03-31T12:13:00.003-04:00

Now showing at Rio Entertainment Thursday through Sunday.

March 31st, 2011
through
April 19th, 2011
Call me at 571-594-3717

For directions: www.Anabela-Artist.com
Also advertising with
www.Artsdc.com

Blogs By Sue B.

2011-03-04T19:09:00.003-05:00

To view the blogs in a larger scale, click on the image

Summer Desserts

2011-02-27T11:36:00.002-05:00

As the weather begins to get warmer and winter starts to move behind us, many of you may be gearing up for long days by the pool, spending an afternoon in the sun and getting back to favorite outdoor activities. Another great warm weather tradition that I am personally excited for are barbecues. Every year as soon as it gets warm enough to wear shorts, you can find my dad outside cooking on the grill. While his steaks and burgers are to die for, its hard to think of the perfect dessert to match his perfect grilling. If you find yourself facing the same problem, here are a few spring and summer options to get your taste buds tingling.

1. Ice Cream Sundae Bars: Fast, easy, and creative, dessert bars are a great way to offer everyone something they can enjoy (just make sure you keep this bar inside to avoid melting). If you are looking for a more waistline friendly option, try frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. You can still have all your favorite toppings with half the calories.

2. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: If you are searching for something light, delicious, and heart-healthy, this is the way to go. Use your favorite fruit, nuts, and yogurt to make parfaits that are attractive to the eye as well as the stomach. Have guests that are allergic to nuts? Try cereal or nut-free granola instead!

3. Fourth of July Cupcakes: Looking for something festive for your Independence Day barbecue? Not only are these cupcakes easy to make, you can also get creative with your decorative toppings. If you are looking for something on the healthy side, use strawberries and blueberries to create the flag. Or if you are in a rush, simply use colored icing to create the same effect.

4. For the extremely venturous…Watermelon Cupcakes! Two of my personal favorites all wrapped into one, watermelon cupcakes combine healthy and sugarcoated in a delectable combination. Just follow the recipe below and you will have one of the most creative desserts on the block in no time at all.

What you will need:

8 cupcake liners

8 cupcake shaped pieces of seedless watermelon

2 cups pineapple cream cheese frosting

Sprinkles (for garnish)

Place liners in an 8-cup cupcake tin. Cut 3-inch thick slices of seedless watermelon. Cut round cupcake sized pieces from the slices. Put a watermelon ‘cupcake’ in each liner. Place a dollop of frosting on each cupcake. Decorate as desired with sprinkles. Serves 8.

*This recipe and photo courtesy of www.squidoo.com

-K.H

2011-02-22T18:54:00.003-05:00

It is that time of year again. All of the snow has finally melted, the grass is starting to get back its lovely greenish hue and the flowers are just starting to bud and bloom as Virginia shakes off that last bit of winter. While spring tops the charts as one of my favorite seasons, it also makes the list as one of the most frustrating. If you are anything like me, you love to look out your window and see gardens full of beautiful bushes and flowers teeming with life and vibrancy. Unfortunately, the one window that I am incapable of doing seeing this through is my own. Every year as spring rolls around, that excitement starts to build, this will be the year, I think to myself. That excitement, however, quickly dies around the same time as my flowers. In an effort to give my plants a fighting chance this season, and perhaps some of your own as well, I decided to post a few helpful hints in gardening to turn that touch of death into a green thumb.

A Few Tips for the Gardening Challenged:

1. Figure out what type of soil you have

· Yes, there are more types of soil than just one (don’t worry, this was news to me too). Different garden’s soil can greatly affect the success of your plant, so you will want to figure this out before you buy anything. If you don’t know what type of soil is in your garden, go to link at the end of this blog to start your classification process.

2. Keeping your garden pest-free

· Now that you are ready to start planting, you will want to make sure that all your hard work doesn’t get ruined by those ‘cute’ slugs and snails infesting your garden. Pesticides can be harmful to your garden as well as expensive, so why not try a cheap alternative: encourage birds, frogs, and other slug-loving animals to do the job for you.

3. Prune, Prune, Prune

· As you see your flower start to bloom and grow, you are probably thinking your in the clear this season, but not quite. While your plants may be doing well, it is vital that you prune them in order to encourage healthy growth through the spring and summer months.

Tips taken from: www.applegategardens.co.uk

- K.H. 2011

Funny College Moments

2011-02-08T10:16:00.002-05:00

As a sophomore in college, I have gotten to see some pretty hilarious things. One of which that never seems to gets old is seeing someone, usually straight from the showers, get locked out of their dorm. While I have never had to experience this, my roommate has been unfortunate enough to be stuck in this situation. Living on a freshman floor where pretty much anyone can get into the building during the day, my roommate and I developed the habit of locking our door whenever we left for safety. It was precisely this habit that set the stage for one of the most hilarious moments of my college career. I had just come back from one of my classes to drop off my things before going to lunch with some of my friends. As always, when I left the room I locked the door, assuming wherever my roommate was she would have her keys to get back in. What I hadn’t realized, however, was that my roommate was not in class, but taking a shower with her keys now locked in our room. As you can imagine she was in for quite the surprise when she came back to our room, wearing only her towel, and couldn’t open the door. A few phone calls and a frantic voicemail later, I was rushing back to my dorm to open the door for my very wet, and very angry, roommate. While it took a few weeks for her to really forgive me, she and I look back on that day when we need a laugh. And now we always remember to check the showers before we lock the door.

K.H

George Mason Student, sophomore

New Year

2011-01-16T23:52:00.000-05:00

As we begin another new year, looking forward to new experiences and new opportunities, it is important to look back on the many successes of 2010. I am excited to share in the achievements of many of my friends who have flourished in their own lives. From new art hobbies that have transformed into promising careers of creating one of a kind pieces to joyous additions to families that have been a light in their lives, I am happy that I get to share in these experiences with you and cannot wait to see what else the new year holds.

But I also share in the pain that some of my dearest friends experienced. During the past year, many family members, including my dear stepsister that lives in Santiago, Chile, have been stricken with cancer. This time for family members and for those suffering from an illness is very emotional and stressful, wanting to spend every moment you have with them and willing and praying for them to get better. Or the desire to comfort parents with new illnesses, wanting to be there for them, taking up a new role of taking care of them as they have for so long taken care of you. Others still have had to cope with the pain of losing their precious children much too soon. Having to bury your children before you is something that every parent dreads and hopes never to experience. My heart goes out to those close friends who have had to endure the searing loss of a child, and I want you to know that I am praying for you and mourning with you.

As we start off this New Year, I wanted to extend my deepest condolences to all of my friends who have experienced pain in their lives and I am praying that this New Year will be kind to you. I sincerely hope that your lives truly flourish and grow and look forward to sharing in your joys and being there with you for any of the hard times that you may face.

Your Friend,

Anabela

Rio Show

2011-01-06T14:24:00.004-05:00

Classes for 2011

2011-01-04T23:25:00.000-05:00

I hope all of you had a wonderful New Year’s, spending time with your family, friends, and loved ones. One stereotypical event during the New Year’s season is New Year’s resolutions. While many of the standard resolutions are losing weight, spending less money, or picking up a new hobby, I would like to encourage all of you to think about taking one of my new art classes being offered during this year starting in January and February. Some of the regular classes that are currently being offered include: Painting with Confidence, where you will learn how to paint in a number of different mediums, including watercolor and oils, Custom Framing Your Art, and Opening Your Own Business, which will focus on how to turn your passion into an area to gain financially. If you are interested in any of these one on one classes and would like to sign up, please contact me by phone at 571-594-3717.

2010-12-08T00:04:00.000-05:00

2010-11-18T13:57:00.001-05:00

November Gallery-Studio Show

2010-11-18T13:52:00.000-05:00

2010-11-08T16:13:00.002-05:00

2010-11-08T16:11:00.001-05:00

2010-11-07T19:39:00.002-05:00

November Home Show

2010-11-05T15:49:00.002-04:00