Ghost Story on The New River near The Blue Ridge Parkway and It is not a Crater on Mars...

New River Scene    Original Painting has been Sold

Prints on Paper or Canvas Available at      Kendall Kessler Art

My Artwork

I have a lot of paintings on the beautiful New River as seen from Bisset Park and Riverview Park.   New River Scene is one of my more energetic works.  I was especially pleased with the movement in this painting and the fleeting look of the mountains through the tree limbs.

New River Reflections Near The Dedmon Center        

Original  

 21"x27"acrylic on paper Painting  $1164.00

Prints on Paper or Canvas Available at    KENDALL KESSLER ART

Another beautiful section of The New River in Radford Virginia is close to the Dedmon Center at Radford University where I taught for twenty years in the Art Department.   This painting has a beautiful glow and serene atmosphere.  I love the way the reflections have been gently broken up by the ripples.

Ghost Stories about The New River

The Devil's Stairs is a site along N.C. 88, just east of the community of Warrensville. The spot got its name when the Norfolk & Western Railway (now Norfolk Southern) extended the rail line from Abingdon, Va., into Ashe County, N.C., around 1914.

A section of rock at that bend in the river was dynamited, and the resulting formation resembled a set of giant steps ascending the side of the mountain.

The stairs may have been designated as the devil's because at least one construction worker is said to have been killed in the dynamite blast.

There are a number of versions of this North Carolina devil  but here is what Dennis Lewis, who put this story on New River Notes, thought was the best!

The Devil and The Preacher

It concerns a preacher who was driving home after a church service on a rainy, cold night. As the car neared the Devil's Stairs, the minister "saw a hitchhiker in a dark black raincoat that covered his head and face."

The preacher stopped to offer the stranger a lift, primarily out of compassion due to the raw weather that evening.

"The hitchhiker did not say a word as he sat in the back seat," according to the account. The reverend "looked in the rear-view mirror several times, but never saw the hitchhiker's face. So he turned around and looked into the man's eyes, which were as red as fire and as big as a fist."

The startled minister pulled over to the side of the road to let the rider out, but when he got out and opened the back door he found no one inside the car.

Life with The Word and Bird Man - Clyde Kessler

When my son was little I read a lot of Sesame Street books to him.  His favorite was How to be a Grouch by Oscar the Grouch.  The one I remember the best was Grover's Bad Awful Day.  We all have those at times.  It is one of those days that Murphy of Murphy's Law just stalks you.

Yesterday was one of those days for me.  One irritating thing after another.

My bread machine for some reason has a hard time making a good loaf out of whole wheat flour.  I don't mind when it doesn't come out right because it is more dense and the flavor is usually better but yesterday's loaf was  horrible.

My husband said take a picture of it and tell your readers it is not a crater on Mars.    It sure looks like one!

Aerial View of Yesterday's Loaf of Bread or  My Bad, Awful, Day

The Peaks of Otter on The Blue Ridge Parkway and Totally...

One of my favorite Inspirations on the Blue Ridge Parkway

I have been painting in oils since I was twelve and my first painting was a wooded landscape.  It is no wonder that I have been working from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the wonderful Blue Ridge Parkway my adult life.  There is nothing like this gorgeous mountain region that inspires a lot of my work.

One of my favorite subjects is the Peaks of Otter in Bedford County.  My family and I have been there many times and stayed at the peaceful lodge that does not have televisions in the rooms.  The deer are so used to people that they are like dogs roaming the grounds.

My husband, son, and I took the bus up to Sharp Top one time and then walked down!  What a hike!  It was so beautiful and I took a number of photographs that I based several oil paintings on.  I almost always work from my own photographs for a reference but it is not my intention to reproduce the photograph.

The photograph is a starting point for my own unique expression which is both Impressionistic and Expressionistic.

On the way down we were behind a young woman carrying a baby on her back.  I was amazed that she would take such a long hike carrying an infant.  I don't think I could have handled that.  Too much trouble with my back in those days.

Life with the Bird and Word Man

I like to include something about my unusual husband, Clyde Kessler, who is a self-taught naturalist and published poet.  He is also very funny and I like to include the funny things he says at times.
He works closely with the Blue Ridge Discovery Group to promote enjoyment and conservation of his beautiful home which is the mountains of Southwest Virginia.

He is originally from Ferrum Va and his great-great uncle George Kessler is one of three founders of Ferrum College.

The main purpose of the Blue Ridge Discovery Group is to get kids outside to explore and appreciate their fantastic mountain home.
He is publishing quite a lot of poetry lately which can be found online.

A few days ago I asked him if he remembers when people didn't use the word awesome very much.  His reply was totally!

 

 

 

Picking Out Paintings for TV Appearance and You aren't as Nosey...

I am getting excited and nervous about appearing on FoxTV this spring.  The taping is on January 26th so I have got to get my act together! I am still not sure which paintings I want to bring but I did find a nice dress today that I think I would be comfortable in.  I hate pants.  I can't ever seem to get ones that fit me right.  My friend has some fancy shoes she thinks I should wear but I'm not sure I can wear them without tripping.  Never could wear heels with skinny posts.  Anyway, I'll be there for the taping.  I can't miss out on this opportunity!

At my last check up I found out I had gained a few pounds which is not typical for me.  My weight stays the same so I was surprised.  I went on a diet and lost the three offenders.  In church today I was having a harder time than usual keeping my glasses from falling off.  I said to my husband that maybe I lost weight in my nose.  He agreed and said I wasn't as nosey now.  Arrgh!  He is definitely  going to punnel me to death!

Be sure to check out my drawing, "Reaching Out" on The Mindy Project which starts over January 8th with new episodes.





Also, remember my canvas print specials on Fine Art America.  This week I have a sale on a huge print of Blue Ridge Jewels.  Just look on the Limited time section at the upper right.  Mine are on page 3 and 4.

Up the Stairs with the Show and You can Always go Zooming down the Internet...

Checked out the venue for my show, A Naturalist's Legacy, and as luck would have it there are stairs I have to carry my work up. My paintings are not that heavy but they are large and awkward. The venue is a Dental Office that pays an annual fee to have shows sponsored by the Blacksburg Regional Art Association every three months. I have been going to a physical therapist for this strange pain on my right side that is especially sharp by my knee. The therapy is not working and the therapist is baffled. I may have to go get a MRI. Don't think it is the piriformis I have been whining about for months. I hope the show is a big success to make up for the pain I am going to have to go through to get it up.

As I have mentioned before I try to include some humor in my blog. Where would we be without laughter? It is really is a great medicine. I have noticed that a lot of people don't have any problem with posting very colorful language on the internet. That type of language doesn't bother me but I don't use it because I know some people are very offended by certain words. Some of the funny lines my husband comes up with are either x-rated or just have words you don't see in a Sunday School bulletin. I told him I would like to post some of these quips but he said it is better to stay on the high road. You can always go zooming down the low road on the internet but it is probably not a good idea.

Working on the Promo and I think They are telling One

"A Naturalist's Legacy" is scheduled to go up January 15th and, as usual, I am rushing around trying to get the promo out to the papers, getting frames together, mailing postcards to my mailing list, and wishing the guys would go back to work. The break is over but it has been snowing today so my husband and son will probably be home again tomorrow. Love them but I need alone time to start getting everything together and I was looking forward to an empty house tomorrow.

I am very excited about this show about my naturalist husband and I hope others will gain greater appreciation of this region through his efforts. A long time ago Loretta Lynn was being interviewed on TV and she was asked about her marriage which had a lot of ups and downs like most marriages. She said that when she heard couples say they never fought she thought they were telling one! I would have to agree but I have been very fortunate. No couple gets along perfectly but I did marry someone I love and honestly admire. He still won't pick up his socks but he is a great guy to me and I am proud to put on this show in his honor!

A Naturalists Legacy and There goes that Show

My next show will be centered around my naturalist husband and his efforts over the years to educate people about this beautiful mountain region of Southwest Virginia many people call the Blue Ridge Mountains. Actually, only a small part of these Appalachian mountains are the Blue Ridge but I think the name has taken over due to the beautiful blue color that is so prevalent in the distant ranges. My husband has been working since the 70's to educate people about this wonderful region. He has led countless hikes, Christmas Bird Counts, Hawk Watches, and programs on the birds and butterflies he has been studying most of his life. The show will have a symbolic portrait of him and our son, Alan, when he was a baby. The painting is a new painting done from an old photograph. He has worked with all ages and will continue to work with all ages to preserve his home region.

When I told my self-effacing husband that this show would be about him and would include his portrait and many of the places he does his research, he said, "Well, there goes that show!"

Sold Another Print and What to do with the Curmudgeon that hates Doctors

I am so pleased to sell another print of "A Break in the Clouds". This is a view of Rock Castle Gorge on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. My husband has spent much of his time studying birds and butterflies there. I often tease him that he should have a mailbox there. It is very difficult to get a signal in that region. I hope his CD on Butterflies of the Blue Ridge will be out soon. The photographer needs to get his act together so this project can be finished.

I decided to put the bit about my curmudgeon husband and his reluctance to go to doctor on the Fine Art America discussion section. I did it mainly for humor as I know he will get to a doctor soon. There were a lot of fun responses about surgical removal of wallets, and pain being a notice to idiots to do something about the problem. My favorite was from the moderator. Her solution was to convince him he needed to go, then hire two huge, burly blokes to kidnap him and plant him at the doctors office :))

Sold Another Print, Limited Time Promotion on Favorites and I think I will buy a rack...

A great patron in Temple Texas bought a print of "Blue Ridge Jewels" last night. That was a nice email to wake up to. It is great to see my work reach more and more places. I already have work in Texas but this is the first print for Temple. This week I have three favorites in the Limited Time Section at the top right. "A Break in the Clouds", "Marsh View at Pawleys Island", and "Natural Rhythm" can be bought at a greatly reduced price. Check it out!

I do a series of stretching exercises before I get out of bed. Then I do a yoga stretching exercise. Before I walk, dance or swim I do stretching exercises which I repeat after I am done. At night I work with weights and do one more round of stretching exercises and I STILL HAVE PIRIFORMIS! I think I will get a Medieval torture rack and just lay there until these muscles unwind. Don't send me a link. I'll look for one on ebay.
LOL

Limited Time Promotion Coming Soon and How I Saved Countless Lives

I am offering two of my most popular paintings at a 40% discount this week only. "A Break in the Clouds" and "Stepping Stones on the New River" are paintings that express the joy I have experienced living in Southwest Virginia in what is commonly known as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Actually, only a small part of this area is the Blue RIdge but I use the term for other mountain ridges since it is the accepted name in the New RIver Valley. Both of these paintings have the atmosphere I have come to love my whole adult life. I am originally from McLean, VA but I can't imagine living anywhere else now. I think I was a mis-placed mountain girl. Look for my promotions. They should be up soon!

In a about a month I will retire from teaching at Radford University, VA. I have enjoyed working with highly motivated students and I think I was able to help them better understand what are the exciting and beautiful aspects of visual art. I won't miss the students that don't seem to be motivated and do not put much effort into learning. Years ago I gave make-up tests to students who had various reasons for missing tests. I would have around twenty students per class I had to schedule make-up tests for. Then I decided to rate the tests so I wouldn't have so many make-up tests to give. If a student missed the test then the second one would count double. If they missed both tests then the final would count for their test grade. I saved countless lives. After I started the new test policy grandparents stopped dying, girlfriends stopped going to Emergency rooms, and room-mate's dogs stopped getting run over. Students came to all of the tests and everybody was happy, especially me.

Sale of Blue Ridge Morning and My Screetching Dog

Sold another print yesterday! A great patron from Providence, Rhode Island, bought a framed print of Blue Ridge Morning. It is great to be appreciated! I live in such a beautiful region of Virginia. My father used to tell me that when he flew he was always impressed with how beautiful Virginia looked from the air. I try to stay out of airplanes but both of my parents loved to fly. I never tire of trying to capture beauty. I agree with Georgia O'Keefe that it isn't possible to really reproduce anything but it is such an exciting experience to try. Of course, I am also adding my own expression into the work which adds intense emotion to the painting.

I have, for some time now, been working on updating my images for reproduction. Since I have to take the work outside I have to have the right light and weather conditions. It is tedious work and my dog has figured out a way to make it an extremely aggravating experience. I have to put her in the pen and it is too hot so she cries the whole time I am working. I tried tethering on the shaded car port and she cried anyway. Yesterday I tethered her to a tree in the shade that was near me and she squealed. I have had it for a while! I am waiting for cooler weather to continue. Such is life!

Back to Pastels

I decided a while ago to take some of my black and white figure drawings from years ago and re-interpret them in color. I have wanted to get back to my second medium which is soft pastels. Most artists work in more then one medium but oil paint is the one I married for life so it is tricky working in what some call a drawing medium. I prefer to call pastels painting without a brush.

It is such a direct medium that it is tempting to simplify the technique when it is just as complicated as any other medium. One great thing about pastels is they are extremely forgiving. I love being able to change my mind without waiting for it to dry like oil paint. I am pleased with the somewhat electric effect I have achieved so far. I think I am close to done and will post it soon.

Here is another painting, "Blue Ridge Mountain" from my current show at Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea in Blacksburg, VA. The show will be there until January 15th.

Wonderful Meeting with Senator Mark Warner in Draper, Virginia

Saturday my husband and I were invited to a special round table discussion with Senator Mark Warner who was the previous governor of Virginia. What a great experience! I talked on the importance of the Round the Mountain Artisans Trail that he founded when he was governor and my husband spoke on important conservation issues that are essential to promote effective tourism in Southwest Virginia. Senator Warner was most supportive and spoke on both The Crooked Road music program and Round the Mountain.

My husband, Clyde Kessler, is a well-known naturalist in the New River Valley and spends much of his time working with various conservation issues. He is actively involved in the preservation of several butterfly species that are in danger of extinction and will soon put out his CD on Butterflies of the Blue Ridge. Clyde was born in Ferrum, Virginia and his great uncle George Kessler was one of three founders of Ferrum College.

I was proud to be part of such an important discussion.

I am Overwelmed by the Work I have to do

I have so many paintings to re-shoot that I am worn out before I start. I wish I had been born into the digital age. The 35mm camera techniques I was taught in school for photographing art aren't good enough for large prints. I have a collection of slides that look great on the screen but when viewed at full resolution are blurry. I uploaded many paintings on FAA before I even had the equipment to show me if the images were good. Most of my paintings are 30"x40" and are on heavy boards made heavier by the amount of paint I use. I have to set up outdoors in the sunlight which at times is so strong shadows are created by the brushwork on the painting. The clouds keep shifting today but I am going to try to get good prints. Yikes! What a chore! Such a long of list!

I am so glad I am a painter. Tuesday I received a big disappointment but all I needed to do was pick up a paint brush and all was well again. If I end up in a wheel chair I know I will still be painting. I hope I won't have crippling arthritis like Renoir but I will keep going. How wonderful to love what you do!

Color, Color, and More Color

I am so excited with my new anything goes approach to painting. I am doing some paintings totally from my imagination based on images that I have seen. I am reacting to the color in much the way the Abstract Expressionists did but with representational forms.

My paintings keep me going in a world of disasters. I read the other day that Henry Ford once said that History is one damn thing after another. I wish everyone would take the study of History more seriously. Of course we repeat the same mistakes since many think the study of History is unimportant. What could be more important?

Please check out what makes my life wonderful on ebay. Just put Kendall Kessler in the search. Also check out kendall-kessler.artistwebsites.com

This painting is "Clouds over Buffalo Mountain".

green framed prints
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trees paintings
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trees pastels
trees canvas prints

Smith Mountain Lake Ending this Evening on ebay

I thoroughly enjoyed working on a boat scene from Smith Mountain Lake. When I was young I spent a lot of time with my father fishing and crabbing on the Rehoboth Bay and the Chesapeake Bay. I have always enjoyed looking at boats.

This painting has a sensitive, colorful surface with small brushwork that makes for a varied surface that I am very proud of. My paintings are for people that appreciate a continual change in color and texture. They are complex, sensual, positive reflections of life. There is so much sadness and tragedy in the world. My paintings are positive assertions of what is good in life.

landscape drawings
landscape prints
impressionist posters
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landscape canvas prints
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I love my scanner!

I mostly paint fairly large oil paintings(30"x40") but I have a wide size range. I especially like to paint 5"x7" oils so I can try different things without using an enormous amount of expensive oil paint or take so much time in the process. Small gems are a great way to explore and create wonderful paintings that I can scan directly into the computer for sites.

I am amazed at how accurate the scan is and huge prints can be made from these little paintings. How great to be able to get a perfectly accurate 40"x60" print on paper of canvas of a 5"x7" painting? I hope someone orders one soon from my site kendall-kessler.artistwebsites.com I have sold small and medium prints but no large ones yet. Maybe soon!
impressionism posters
impressionist pastels
green prints

I Live to Paint and Line Dance

Be sure to check out one of my favorite Blue Ridge scenes on ebay today. Blue Ridge Cabin is ending today. I hope someone that truly appreciates this beautiful region will buy it. There is nothing like owning original artwork. When you buy original art you are getting an extension of a person's heart and soul. So much of what we buy comes from a machine. Invest in handmade items. You won't regret it. I own a number of pieces by local artists myself. I wish I had more room for more artwork and my own. I must sell.

I hope everyone will come out to Relay for Life tonight at Randolph Park in Pulaski, VA. I will be there with Cass Long's Line Dancers dancing away for this charitable event. We will be dancing at 7:00. Please join us! We will have some audience participation dances.
impressionist drawings
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Views From Towhee Hill at Glencoe Museum in Radford, VA

My current show, "Views from Towhee Hill" at Glencoe Museum in Radford, VA is going very well. So far, three paintings have sold. I am always pleased to place my paintings where they will be appreciated. I am especially pleased that "Near Purgatory" has found a home. This painting of a ridge on the Blue Ridge Mountains near Purgatory has a wonderful surface and beautiful atmosphere. The intense, intricate, brushwork and sensuous surface of this painting make the viewer want to touch it. The other two paintings that sold are "Poppy View" and "Wildflowers by a Blue Ridge Sunset" - two more beautiful scenes from this wonderful mountain region. I never tire of expressing my emotional reaction to the beauty around me in these paintings. They have lives of their own.

green drawings

PAINTING EXCITEMENT

I recently posted two new paintings on ebay that I am very excited about. I intend to enter online images of one of them in competitions. It is one of the best paintings I have ever done. "A Naturalist" is an intense portrait of my husband. The color contrast, brushwork, and spacing are wonderful.

The other painting, "Bottom Creek", is a waterfall in Montgomery County. The sensitive color modulation and light effect on the water make this painting a wonderful visual experience.

Be sure to check out these items on ebay. Just put Kendall Kessler in the search.
green pastels

Great Glencoe Museum Opening and California Sale

My current show, "Views from Towhee Hill", opened Thursday to a large crowd and one of the paintings sold at the reception. Glencoe Museum in Radford Virginia is a beautiful venue for art and I am sure that many artists will want to show there. There are three available rooms, all well lit and spacious.

Also, another one of my paintings now resides with a great patron in California. "Craftsman", a painting I did as a tribute to the mountain people of the beautiful Blue Ridge where I have lived most of my adult life. An archival print on paper or canvas can be bought at kendall-kessler.artistwebsites.com I can't imagine living anywhere else. My husband, Clyde Kessler, is a native of Ferrum, Virginia and is a well-known naturalist. He has taken me to many beautiful settings for paintings, many of which I have sold.