One More Gone From the Crab Series

Crabs, Old Bay and Beer
by Jane McElvany Coonce

I sold another painting from my crab series.  That series is slowly dwindling. I had it at the July show at The Art League located in the Torpedo Factory.  I was tickled it sold.  Nothing makes an artist feel better than when they sell a painting.  That is actually the 2nd crab painting I sold down there.  I think, too, that summer makes people think of eating crabs and they gravitate to those types of paintings.  It's hard to sell a snow scene in the summer!  Artists have to think about what paintings to put in what shows according to the time of year and the theme of the painting.   Certain paintings can only be hung for several months of the year before you've missed that window of opportunity.  I guess it's like anything else; Macy's doesn't sell shorts in December!

I have a special affection for my crab series, and I'm always a little bit sad that one more has left the nest to find a new home.  I guess it's bittersweet.

Monochromatic Paintings

St Peter's Basilica
by Jane McElvany Coonce

In my class this summer, we have been working on monochromatic paintings.  Generally, people think of monochromatic paintings as picking one color and adding either white or black. If you google "monochromatic paintings", you will see a lot of bad paintings that do just that.  It's boring to use one color!

To me, monochromatic paintings is when an artist limits his palette and keeps the colors analogous and then uses white or dark.  ( I don't use black - it's ugly and deadens a painting.)

It's not easy to do a monochromatic painting.  An artist who loves color has a hard time pulling in the reins.  But I did these 3 paintings and was quite happy with the results.

Rowers at Key Bridge
by Jane McElvany Coonce

Evening in Georgetown
by J.McElvany Coonce

3 more days Until the Stifel and Capra Birthday Sale

Crab on Deck
by Jane McElvany Coonce

 The count down is on.  I know some of you have gone over to check out what is at Stifel and Capra.  Hope you are seeing paintings that would make nice presents (even if that present is for yourself!)

This crab painting was one from my crab series.  I did about 15 paintings for my solo show at the Gallery Underground.  I only have a few left.
This is a small painting that would fit almost anywhere, even on a table easel on a bookcase.
It's a great painting for anyone who loves the beach, has a beach house, or loves to eat crabs!

Collage of Phillips Crab House
by Jane McElvany Coonce

I also did a collage using the obituary of the founder of Phillips Crab House.  As a kid, my parents would always take us there.  It was such a treat.  Although I haven't been there in years, I still have fond memories of the place.

I did 3 of these collages where I used real newspaper and then added the crabs on top.  It's just like when you put newspapers down to eat crabs.  How ironic it would be to eat crabs on the obituary of the Phillip's Seafood Chain.  I bet the crabs would like this as a fitting end.

Anyway, come see the show at Stifel and Capra.
260 West Broad St. Falls Church.

5 days to the Birthday Sale

Along the Amalfi Coast
by Jane McElvany Coonce

The birthday sale at Stifel and Capra is coming up fast.
In case you haven't heard, once a year I put selected paintings on sale.  Framed pieces are all under $125 and unframed pieces are half price (ranging from $22 to $63.)

The sale is Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hours on Friday and Saturday are 10-6 and Sunday they are 1pm to 5.  Stifel and Capra is at 260 West Broad St. in Falls Church.

There is the sneak preview on Thursday from 6 to 8 , but you have to sign up at:  bdaybash@stifelandcapra.com
They can't let you in unless you are on the list due to the liquor license.  You have to be an invited guest (everyone qualifies as long as you sign up ahead of time.)

I will be there throughout the weekend so I hope I'll see you there.

Rainy Night in Georgetown
by Jane McElvany Coonce

Hanging the Show for the Birthday Sale

Hip Hip Hooray
by Jane McElvany Coonce

I hung my show today for Stifel and Capra.  I put in 20 framed pieces and 20 shrinkwrap pieces (unframed works.)  I only had the small wall where my studio used to be.  It's on the 2nd floor over in the corner.  I used every square inch I could to get as many pieces ups as possible.

The sale doesn't officially start until next Friday.  It runs for 3 days:  Friday, July 18, Saturday July 19, and Sunday July 20.  There actually is a sneak preview night next Thursday, July 17 from 6-8.  However, you have to let Stifel and Capra know that you are coming because of liquor license laws.  Yes, there will be wine and hors d'oeuvres served.  I will be there at the beginning, but I have to teach that night so I can't stay for the whole time.  Here's your chance to own a McElvany original at a very discounted price.  There are all sizes, from small works to larger pieces.  I will also have boxed cards there, too.

I have several themes.  I have my boat series - about 6 of the boat theme.  I have florals and gardens - about 5 of those.
And I have some from my crab series - 3 of those. I also have some miscellaneous ones that don't really fit those 3 themes. You'll just have to come and see.

All art work is $125 or less.  I only do this once a year.  Don't miss your chance.

Boat Dry Docked
by Jane McElvany Coonce

Correction on the Date of the 7th Annual Birthday Bash

Sorry everyone, I said the birthday bash is on June 18-20, but it's actually July 18-20.  Thanks, Mary Lou for catching that for me.  I even proof read it before I published it and still missed it!  Good thing I'm a painter and not an editor.

Flower Box in Italy
by Jane McElvany Coonce

7th Annual Birthday Bash at Stifel and Capra

Put this on your calendar:  Stifel and Capra is having there 7th annual birthday bash on July 18-20.  Stifel and Capra is where I used to have my studio,and although I don't paint there anymore,  I still show my art work there.

Once a year, I hang selected art work that normally would sell for several hundreds of dollars, and mark them down to $125 and under.  Shrink wrap is half price.  This is the time to stock up on wedding presents, birthday presents, and even Christmas presents.  What could be a better gift than original art!

Cherry Blossoms at the Jefferson Memorial
by Jane McElvany Coonce

Grab a friend, enjoy birthday cake, wine tasting and more.  The birthday bash hours are:
      Friday, July 18 , 10 am - 6 pm
      Saturday July 19, 10 am - 6 pm
      Sunday July 20, 1 - 5 pm

For those of you that can't wait, there is a sneak preview on Thursday night, June 17 from 6-8 pm.
Admission is free, but you must RSVP to attend.  Even if you think you might come, sign up at
bdaybashRSVP@StifelandCapra.com      See you there!

Sculpture in the Azalea Garden
by Jane McElvany Coonce