Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Off the Wall


If you have never read the "About" page on my blog, you might wonder why I call my blog            Art and Sand.


Sand is the reason we live at the beach and why Steve is a full time artist.


For all of our years together, Steve has been an avid surfer - unfortunately these days it is harder for him to paddle due to his artificial shoulder.


Before moving to the beach, Steve would go surfing every morning before work and the family would be at the beach all weekend which meant sand - all over the cars, bodies and the house.


I used to joke with Steve "if there is going to be this much sand on the floor then we should live in a house at the beach".


Steve bought me the beach house, told me I could no longer complain about sand and unexpectedly found his muse in the process.


Our house serves as Steve's gallery - every wall displays his work - on a rotating basis as pieces sell.


Lately, a few favorites have come "Off the Wall".


Steve painted "Portsmouth Autumn" a couple of years ago after a road trip around New England- our neighbor Al, who grew up in Massachusetts, spent 5 years coveting the painting and finally purchased it last month.


The same day that Al bought his painting, another set of friends asked to buy "194 Bleecker Street" - we spotted this door when we were walking down Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village and I made Steve go back to take a photograph.


I am very proud of Steve and his artistic talents so I asked him for a list of other recent sales. 


This painting is titled "On Brunswick Lane" and was recently commissioned by the people renting the house with the picket fence - they will be retiring in June and want a remembrance of the house and the view they have enjoyed this past year.


"Another Pierpont Summer Day" was purchased by our next door neighbor as an anniversary gift to her husband.


The painting hangs over their sofa as a reminder of the many days the family has spent sitting on the beach together.


Over the back fence, we listened to little Alejandro laughing, crying, screaming, etc. from the day he was born so Steve was thrilled when he was asked to do a painting of those first days when Alejandro was learning to walk - thus the title, "The Waddler".


"The Entryway" was commissioned on the sly by our friend Jerry as a Christmas present for his wife- the painting shows the side entrance to their weekend retreat.


We saw a woman riding along the beach and Steve liked the challenge of painting a horse - her husband surprised her with "Cowgirl in the Sand" as a Christmas gift.


Steve never knows when a painting will sell or what will be next so he was surprised when this older painting, "Mission San Buenaventura", sold after several years.


"Sunset Dunes", another painting that has been around for awhile, sold just before Christmas to a customer who lives in Chicago - I guess he was dreaming of the beach during the cold winter.


Steve recently delivered "Rincon Classic" to our friends Manny and Sandy - the painting was done in trade for the building of my little garden house.


We are blessed that Steve can spend his day painting and he can paint what he wants


  like this recent painting reminding him of a road trip he and JP took to Mexico years ago.


Our long walks provide lots of ideas for paintings - maybe he will paint this classic Porsche we saw on the street yesterday


or this idyllic spot on a hot winter day a few weeks ago.


One thing is for sure, Steve will always have something to paint and we will always have something new on our walls.

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You can read about Steve's transformation from businessman to artist here.

Visit Steve Cook Studio here.

64 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh. What a wonderful talent your husband has. His paintings are great! What stories they tell. I loved the shadows on the old church bell tower wall. It is wonderful to read about someone who is able to do something they really enjoy and love and make a living at it. Thanks for the inspiration. When one door closed, another one definitely opened for Steve.

    FlowerLady

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  2. Carol, Carol, Carol!

    As I am reading your post, scrolling down to see the photos, I am again experiencing this sensation of memory in LIGHT. I started a few weeks ago to write down my impressions of the sunlight and what it does to me; it ignites my childhood, it reminds me of what I have lived. Seeing Steve's work does the same thing for me, for he is a light-catcher. His pieces are EXQUISITE and I admire EACH piece he does. Artists have such a task of holding the light for their audience, writers also have the same task...I LOVE that first photo of your dining room with the yellow pitcher and the gold-framed painting on the wall. I am not a primary color person (when it comes to home décor), but YOU make it NEW for me. I think I will try some yellow this year as a splash of color...maybe a bouquet of daffodils. But the color of the sea, BLUE, coupled with these primary colors just speaks to me.

    Steve is fortunate and talented to have chosen YOU, the sea as his muse, and a wonderful life to be able to engage in play with the ocean for so long. First as a younger man on the waves, now as a seasoned artists before his canvas. LOVELY!
    Anita

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  3. Steve's art is amazing. So happy to see the paintings flying off the wall.

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  4. Every time I read one of your posts, Carol, I am transported to an idyllic place and time. Steve's paintings capture the same. I bet you hate it when a favorite sells.

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  5. Oh my gosh Carol! Your husband's artwork is beautiful. And it sounds like you guys are living out a dream. I love visiting you. I'm always surprised and inspired. Happy Tuesday!

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  6. I so love your story! I can't wait to get to the same place in my life as you have reached in yours - where I am doing what I love all day long and living at the beach. In the meantime, I read your blog and dream... (and have a pretty good time where I am now too!!)

    xox

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  7. What a lovely story and what a talented artist is that husband of your! Just keep in mind that you are one talented lady as well as I have pointed out in other comments. Happy weekend! Jackie

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  8. Totally pinning him to my artist page on Pinterest.....he is an inspiration with a style completely all his own! And that shot of him with his board is awesome!!!!! You should be so proud! It is amazing to see what he creates Carol!!! Happy Art and Sand!!! Nicole xoxo

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  9. Carol, Steve is a wonderful artist. It makes me want to pick up the paintbrush again. I have never painted anything as wonderful as these, mostly just painting things on fabric for pillows or painting on wood. That was a lifetime ago, it seems. I used to do all kinds of crafts, painting, sewing, cross stitching, etc. I put it on the back burner sometime ago because the children came first. But the older I get, the more I want to get back to it. I actually bought some watercolor pencils the other day. Maybe soon!

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  10. Such a beautiful story of a tender, artistic, loving life together.
    Hugs,
    Jemma

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  11. Carol, this was such an enjoyable post. Your Steve does such remarkable work. I love the painting of your cottage and the story that goes with it about no more complaining of sand being tracked in. I'm sure you plan on hanging on to that piece, it must hold sentimental value as well as being lovely.

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  12. You have a talented husband! (and a good vacuum cleaner, I hope)
    I did enjoy this tour of his art, so lovely and bright.
    Amalia
    xo

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  13. I enjoyed reading about Steve and seeing more of his beautiful paintings - thank you for sharing with us.

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  14. I love Steve's work and I always enjoy seeing what is on your walls when you post photos on your blog. He is so talented.
    hugs
    Linda

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  15. Amazing art work. Love the idea of a revolving art wall. I just adore that Sunset Dunes painting. Fabulous. Congratulations on living the life you chose.. Hugs!deb

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  16. Steve is such a talented artist. I love to paint and can't think of anything better than living on the beach and painting whatever strikes your fancy. His work is just awesome.

    Judy

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  17. I'm so glad that Steve has this artistic talent that can keep him connected to the beach and ocean - especially as he's not able to surf as often. The paintings are beautiful and really capture the serenity and allure of the ocean and beach lifestyle. I grew up in the Bay Area and then went to college and lived in Orange County for seven years. I enjoyed a little bit of long boarding myself! :) ~julie

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  18. How wonderful that so many of Steve's paintings have sold to people you know who want to remember a certain time or place with his beautiful paintings! Thanks for showcasing the paintings that have sold recently, Carol.

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  19. Oh Carol this was so fun to see all of the wonderful paintings that Steve has done. I love that each of these wonderful paintings have a story or memory connected with them. What a wonderful gift these treasured works of art give to others. This is really special. Steve talents just ooze out of him onto that canvas. Every single painting is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing his work with all of us.
    Kris

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  20. Lovely post, I enjoyed all the art pieces. I would love to watch him paint someday.

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  21. I love the one he did of your front door ~ I can't wait to see in person! And I won't mind sand on my feet!

    15!!!!!

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  22. You and Steve are an incredibly artistic and talented couple!! You are also personally delightful to know and call friend...would LOVE to be your neighbor!!!!
    Mary Alice

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  23. How lovely to be able to live out your dreams at the beach, Carol! I love the Bleecker Street doors and the train tracks.

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  24. You are so fortunate to live with such a talented artist, and he is blessed to get paid for something he loves. You are both very talented in your own way.

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  25. I enjoyed seeing the paintings and love all the color. They look good in your house--makes a good art gallery. I too would grow attached, but how nice to live with the painter and hopes of a repeat!

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  26. His paintings are wonderful. Ilove the one of your cottage, the one with the rooftops and the one you said he painted a while ago with the dunes. Beautiful work.

    I Like all of his paintings. Has there ever been one you said Please don't sell this one?

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  27. Steve is so talented. I love looking at his paintings!

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  28. Now I bet you love the sand! Steve is a wonderful artist, are they any of his you don't want to sell? Oh, I see you were just asked this, so looking forward to your answer. We were able to open our windows today....wow what a feeling. tomorrow almost 60....incredible!

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  29. I love your husband's work. Favourites from this post are the one of your cottage and 194 Bleecker Street.

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  30. Wow, your husbands work is just amazing. To do what you love all day is priceless, he is blessed. And so are you!!!

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  31. Loved reading how your blog title came to be, it's quite the interesting story! Thank you for introducing us to Steve's work, love his style, he is so talented!

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  32. What a beautiful story. I have twin brothers who are both talented artists. One of them paints and has a web comic called Space Doxie, and the other makes jewelry and sculptures. So fun to see your hubby's work!
    xo Sally

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  33. I like to read about circumstances when real life and passion come together. I don't imagine the transition was easy, but it certainly looks to be worth it! Life at the beach is really the best!

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  34. So pleased you posted this today ... looking at all the paintings and sharing snippets of your story. Thank you.

    All the best Jan

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  35. Card what a great story. Steve is one talented man. You are living your dreams and what a gift

    Cindy

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  36. So fun to see Steve's paintings! I love them! He's so talented!

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  37. Carol,
    Reading this post I felt the love, admiration and respect you have for Steve. He is gifted in talent to paint the beauty his mind has captured and blessed to have your love which I am sure you are his muse. When I read about the sand in the house it reminded me that dreams only come true when you truly want and believe in them. You inspire sweet Carol. Beautiful post.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  38. Steve's work really speaks to me...it's a truly original and creative interpretation of the things he sees around him. No wonder his works touch the hearts of people who can relate to his subjects in one way or another.

    I'm off to see more of his work!

    Jane xxxx

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  39. I adore Steve's artwork and the way you encourage him!

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  40. Carol,
    Your love for Steve shines through every word and story. How blessed you are to live your dreams.

    Judith

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  41. He is so talented and I love all of the paintings...favorite is The Waddler ! :)

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  42. He is so talented and I love all of the paintings...favorite is The Waddler ! :)

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  43. he is such an amazing artist, carol! thanks for sharing his talent! and isn't the porsche adorable?!

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  44. Hi Carol, Steve does amazing work and what a wonder for your both to enjoy life living our your dreams. Every painting is awesome. I love the inspiration they give. Thank you for sharing your love's incredible talent!!
    Hugs, CM

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  45. I've always loved that Beecker Street painting. I have a thing for doors. One of my other favs is the one of your cottage garden door. I'm so glad you shared all of these. I'll continue lusting after one of Steve's paintings and hope that someday my furniture pieces sell like his paintings!

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  46. Wow, your husband is very talented. Such a gift he was blessed with.

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  47. So many beautiful paintings! I know it must have been hard to "let go" for to me they would be a part of me. I love Bleecker and Cowgirl in the sand. He is so talented and it is wonderful to have such a special place to love and enjoy life!
    Blessings............

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  48. I really enjoyed that post. Steve is very talented.

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  49. Wow!
    I'm so glad that I came by today! LOVED this post. Steve is an incredible artist. WOW!
    I need to read this post again and see if there's a gallery link.
    My favorite (so far) is his painting of "194 Bleeker Street." I have the perfect place for it in my home :0)
    Thanks so much for sharing with us!
    As always, your home is beautiful . . . and I love that I can feel that your heart and soul is in all that you do!
    Have a wonderful weekend,
    Suzanne

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  50. Steve is such a talented artist, and he (both of you) are so blessed that you're able to do what you love! Thanks for sharing these beautiful works of art with us!!!

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  51. His paintings are fantastic. They truly remind me of home.

    xo

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  52. How I enjoyed seeing your husband's gorgeous artwork, Carol! I love the brilliant colours and can see why your home is also decorated with strong colours. Perfect for California sunshine. Thanks for sharing.

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  53. Carol, your husband's artwork is fantastic! He's an amazing talent. You will always have beauty surrounding you!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  54. You definitely should be proud as Steve is such a talented artist. That doorway on Bleecker Street has always been one of my favourites along with his paintings of trucks but I'd be happy to possess any original, as I think I've said before, and it must be such a joy to have an ever changing art gallery at home.
    Thank you to both of you for sharing the artwork.

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  55. Your Steve does stunning work, Carol! What a gorgeous view he has for inspiration, too.

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  56. Most gorgeous one, the one whose life by the California coast rings so many good memories for me! And your design, Steve's light-filled art, your never-ending talents just soothe my mind.....

    It was SUCH fun to read your comment late last night; I know you can understand the need to create something with your hands, and for me, it's so many things. But the one thing I've longed to do since I was a child, is to make a book. Then one day many years ago in the beginning of my blogging, a friend said, "You need to make a book out of your blog." I waited, and I'm glad I did. I have enough material now to draw from, and I've started the process.

    After my trip to Carmel this summer, I hope to have more photos to add to my book. Isn't it fun to follow your passions?

    And your hand...is all well?

    I WILL BE BACK to post in a month or two, but in the meantime, I'm back here when you post. Much love, Anita

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  57. Thanks for showing us the paintings. What a gift to be able to work at something you love and make a living from it. Steve has a great talent!

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  58. You are so very fortunate to live by the sea ~ such glorious scenes! Steve is an incredible artist! I think it's wonderful that he's able to do something he loves and share those treasures with others. Such wonderful memories for so many!

    xo
    Pat

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  59. Such a talent! You both are truly blessed Carol.

    Hope you're feeling better?

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  60. Carol, Steve is extremely talented. I love his work. He was a pretty good looking surfer too.:):) I love how you use his painting in your décor. You know how to make it all work. I agree with the sand part too. Blessings to you and your family. Hope you are doing well, xoxo,Susie

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  61. Love all of Steve's paintings. My favorite was the old truck. I love how you always have ready art for your walls to display.

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  62. Wow!! What an amazing talented man. Love all his work. I just found you through IG. I'll be back. Love Trills.

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  63. I always enjoy seeing Steve's paintings. He has such talent and captures the colours and the locations so well. Do you still complain about the sand? We seem to have more in the house and car now! Sarah x

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