Monday's agriculture website of interest: AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST

Monday's website of interest for agriculture and farming enthusiasts is American Farmland Trust. Their mission is to help farmers and ranchers protect their land, produce a healthier environment and build successful communities. The group was founded in 1980 by farmers and conservationists concerned about the rapid loss of the nation's farmland to development. American Farmland Trust is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the nation's strategic agricultural resources. Working with farmers, ranchers, political leaders and community activists, American Farmland Trust has helped to permanently protect more than a million acres of farm and ranch land.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: ART HISTORY RESOURCES

Today's website of note for art enthusiasts is Art History Resources on the Web, a website developed and maintained by Christopher Witcombe, a professor of art history at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. The site was selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for inclusion on EDSITEment as "one of the best online resources for education in the humanities." The website chronicles art history and links to other webpages for additional information about art periods and their respective artists. It also categorizes the art by geographical location.

Linda Blondheim gives insight into her work

What else would you like people to know about your work that they may not know already?

My work is thematic in approach. I will explore themes and subjects for long periods, because intense study of a subject reveals its soul. I also base many of my paintings on particular studies of technique. This is the way we grow as a painter.

I love the land, animals, people, cooking and culture of my beloved South. I am particularly indebted to the farmers, ranchers and land conservationists who allow me to paint on their private lands.

Picture credit: "Wood Farm", 18 inches by 24 inches, oil on canvas

Click here to see more information about this painting

Additions to the Cow Art and More newsletter

Cow Art and More has expanded its newsletter subscriber options. Now when someone signs up to be a part of our email subscriber list, he or she can add the option of receiving emails when a new piece of a particular kind of art is added to the gallery. Current subscribers can add these preferences by re-entering their subscriber email in the box on the Cow Art and More home page. The same subscriber box can also be found on the right side of our blog page. Subscribers can also add and/or change their preferences at any time by clicking the update profile link at the bottom of previous emails sent to you by Cow Art and More. As always, we NEVER share your information.

Monday's agriculture website of interest

Today's website is the Illinois Farm Bureau's online version of their magazine Partners. While it only covers agricultural issues and stories within Illinois, I have chosen to feature it today because it provides great reading about agriculture in general. In addition to spotlighting specific Illinois communities, it gives tips on wine tasting, gardening, healthy eating, and a plethora of pictures. There is also a blog recording thoughts of everyday farm life.

North Carolina Artist Carolyn Molder Now Has Art On Cow Art And More

North Carolina artist Carolyn Molder is the newest addition to the Cow Art and More artist family. Carolyn has won awards for her realistic pastel drawings. She has shown in art shows from Florida to North Carolina and has had two solo exhibitions. Carolyn also teaches pastel drawing and watercolor painting from her studio. Carolyn takes pride in capturing the scenes of rural America for future generations to enjoy. Her work will be featured in the new products area of Cow Art and More for the next month.

Picture credit: "Red Roof Barn", pastel on paper

Click here to go to the Cow Art and More website to learn more about this drawing

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts

Today's website, Art Net, links worldwide buyers and sellers of fine art. It also serves a place for collectors to research artists, their work, and current values. Their database of art begins with the Old Masters and goes to Contemporary artists. The website also has a gallery database, helps with decorating ideas, and predicts market trends.

Linda Blondheim shares advice

What advice to you have for aspiring painters?

There is no substitute for easel time. Work hard, study hard. Do many practice paintings, Study areas of painting like values, color mixing,composition in small studies. That will improve your painting.

Picture credit: "Wacahoota Cattle Ranch", oil on canvas, 18 inches by 24 inches

Click here to read more about this painting

Accomplished Dairy Judge Laurie Winkelman Joins Cow Art And More

Former high individual at the World Dairy Expo collegiate dairy cattle judging contest, Laurie Winkelman, now has art on Cow Art and More. Laurie's interest in drawing started when she was young. Her passion for drawing cattle comes from growing up on her family's Holstein and Brown Swiss farm in Wisconsin. Laurie continues to draw while working toward a PhD in dairy nutrition at Cornell University.

Picture credit: "Curiosity", pencil drawing on rag paper

Click here to purchase this drawing

Linda Blondheim talks more about her painting

Do you ever have goof ups or work you don't like?

All the time. Those are the most instructive. I consider painting to be an ongoing study, never a finished skill set.

Picture credit: "North Florida Cattle Ranch", oil on birch panel, 20 inches by 24 inches

Click here to go to Cow Art and More to purchase this painting

Monday's agriculture website of interest

Today's agriculture website of interest is Dairy Agenda Today. This website is an advertising venue that also provides a high quality, quick response industry information exchange which is available to viewers free of charge. In addition to showcasing some of the industry's most influential cattle genetics, it includes breeder and allied industry links. It also has a blog commenting on the "hot topics" affecting agriculture.

Robin Maria Pedrero newest artist on Cow Art and More

Pastel and mixed media artist Robin Maria Pedrero has become the newest artist on Cow Art and More. Robin's use of bold colors and captivating style have elevated her to that of elected signature member of the Pastel Society of America. Robin has also won awards at fine art shows throughout Florida, including a best in show award. Robin is exhibiting her original cattle pastel drawings in addition to note card reproductions of those images.

Click here to learn more about Robin and her background

Click here to see Robin's art under our New Products page

Picture credit: "Grazing Beneath a Garnet Sky", pastel, 10" x 13" framed to a 23 1/2" x 27" finished size

Linda Blondheim explains her painting skills

How long does it take you to paint a painting?

Small paintings are done alla prima, from start to finish in one session, usually from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. Large format paintings can take from 1-3 weeks.

Picture credit: A 5 stages board showing how Linda does a painting from start to finish

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts

Today's website of interest is the blog maintained by this month's featured artist, Linda Blondheim. Not only does Linda paint and manage a studio, she finds time to coach and inspire other artists to improve their work. Linda posts regularly about her work, both analyzing and critiquing, while offering hints and tips for other painters. One of the best part is that she includes one of her favorite recipes at the end. Furthermore, Linda has years of insight into the business of art and is generous with sharing that information also.

Her blog can be found at lindablondheimartnotes.blogspot.com

Picture credit: "Henry", Linda Blondheim's faithful Boston Terrier and studio companion

Linda Blondheim reveals how she picks her subjects

How did you decide what to paint?

I became very interested in the Southern Landscape about 20 years ago. I started painting on location then and continue to work both on location with a small paint box and in the studio for larger format work. My fascination with the landscape goes on endlessly. I also enjoy Bovines and Canines as subjects.

Picture credit: Linda painting on location

Click here to go to the Cow Art and More website to see Linda's work

New art from John Plishka

Cow Art and More has added more pastel drawings from veterinarian John Plishka. In addition to drawing cattle and farm scenery, John draws some of his other veterinary patients, such as horses, sheep and chickens. John's newest work will be in the new products area for the next month.

Picture credit: "Old Misty in Winter," pastel, 18 inches by 24 inches

Winner of the American Academy of Equine Art calendar competition

Go to Cow Art and More to purchase this image

Monday's agriculture website of interest

Today's website is from the Agriculture Council of America in celebration of National Agriculture Day on March 20. Since 1973, the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) has been an organization uniquely composed of leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities dedicated to increasing the public awareness of agriculture's vital role in our society.

Linda Blondheim discusses her education

Where did you learn your technique?

I have a BFA (bachelor of fine arts) in Fine Art and advanced study. I studied with Joe Testa Secca in undergraduate school and with Bruce Marsh, in graduate school, both fine painters. After I finished school I self studied for many years and I still do.

Picture credit: Linda painting on location

Linda Blondheim talks about her technique

What is your technique?

I paint with oils, acrylics and gouache. I am representational expressionist, in that I don't copy nature but rather invent it in my on style.

Picture credit: "Wood Farm", oil on canvas, 18 inches by 24 inches, framed

Click here to go the website to purchase this painting

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts

Today's website of interest for the art community is a link to the 2009 Smithsonian Craft Show. The show is held in Washington, D.C., at the Smithsonian's National Building Museum. It is organized by the Smithsonian Women's Committee to benefit education, outreach and research programs within the Smithsonian Institution.

I have to admit that I am a bit "star struck" when I view the artwork of the participants for this show. I follow the work of a few of the jewelry artists, including Jack and Elizabeth Gualtieri, who produce exquisite granulation jewelry. I also make granulation jewelry for the local Florida market and realize the time and effort that goes into making such detailed art.

Linda talks about how she got started

How did you get started?

I started an art club for the neighborhood kids when I was nine. We painted together one day a week. I also had a horse club which crossed over into horse art. We were all horse crazy at that age.

Picture credit: "Florida Cattle Ranch", oil on birch panel, 24 inches by 30 inches

Go to the Cow Art and More website to purchase this painting

Linda Blondheim's conversation begins

Why do you paint?

It's in my soul. I started painting at eight years old and never stopped.

Monday's agriculture website of interest

Today's website of interest for agriculture is Women's Agricultural Community. This website, maintained by Michigan State University, is a resource explaining the role of women in agriculture around the world. The website also provides many links to allow women, especially those in rural areas, to connect with each other.

Linda Blondheim featured artist for March

Oil painter Linda Blondheim is the featured artist for the month on Cow Art and More. Linda is well known throughout the southeast United States for her landscape paintings. Linda does not create prints of her work, so her paintings truly are one-of-a-kind. Look for postings about Linda and her art all this month.

For the month of March only, purchase any of Linda's paintings and receive free shipping. Go to our specials page to see her work.