Donovan Studio

the Donovan Gallery

2011-10-12T15:24:00.007-04:00

After an all too brief 3+ year"retirement" , I am back at the helm of the Donovan Gallery at Tiverton Four Corners. It has taken a few months to get back into the groove but things are picking up and life is good. The "team".... my wonderful group of over 40 top New England artists have come together to make the gallery one of the best in New England for sure! We have new work from all of the contributing artists.... a nice variety of landscapes, still lifes, portrait work, and sculpture. The gallery is busy, the custom framing business is picking up again, and we are looking forward to your visit soon! Check the website www.donovangallery.com for the latest news.

Donovan Studio partners with RI Nature Conservancy!

2011-06-20T15:19:00.005-04:00

"SURF STUDY" watercolor

Donovan Studio gives the gift of nature! By purchasing a “slice of nature” from Donovan Studio during July and August, 10% of all sales will help build the new 1.3 mile long Dundery Brook Greenway Trail, a unique boardwalk path through a forested wetland in Little Compton. The Trail is a project of The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island and, thanks to a generous matching grant, all gifts will be doubled. Stop by the studio during the South Coast Artists OPEN STUDIO TOUR, July 16 & 17th or August 20 & 21st, or anytime by chance or appointment. www.KrisDonovan.com or www.DonovanStudio.blogspot.com .

"Almy Marsh" oil

WINTER PROJECT FINISHED!

2011-03-29T10:20:00.005-04:00

I've been saving a magazine article since 1994 illustrating how to make custom kitchen counter tops! Finally, this winter, I've started on the project and the first side of the kitchen is finished! I call it "Favorite Things". It's been fun but, of course, took longer than expected to execute. I'm not going into the business. Back to the studio......

TUESDAY EVENING PAINTING

2011-03-08T17:01:00.002-05:00

Hi,
Back from Aruba, well rested and looking forward to a busy painting season. I will be having an open painting class on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9 at the Studio starting on March 15th. The cost is $125. for 5 consecutive weeks (always weather permitting but let's hope that is over!). I plan to cover some basics and some new ideas to help improve your paintings! Limit 5 students. Call 401-683-8308 or email for further info. Hope to see you soon!

THREE PEARS, oil

WORKING AWAY.....

2010-10-30T20:25:00.006-04:00

"Birds on a Wire", oil

Loving this time of year in the studio. Strangely, the osprey is STILL here, outside my studio, on October 30th! It was delightful today to watch him hunting as I took my lunch break. Finished a watercolor commission (pear & lace, my favorite subjects) and finished a new "Birds on a Wire". Worked on a new beach scene.... I took the reference photos this summer at Brigg's Beach of this lovely mom and her little boy.... the light on her beach hat was so great! perfect inspiration for a painting! This is at the "underpainting stage"......

Fall Class SCHEDULE

2010-09-20T12:24:00.004-04:00

New Session starting Nov. 4th!
"Five Birds on a Wire", oil

Fall classes:

MONDAY AM 10 to 12:30 : Pastel (intermediate)

THURSDAY PM 6:30 to 9 : Watercolor (intermediate)

BEGINNER watercolor and/or pastel (email or call if interested)

ALL CLASSES 5 WEEK SESSIONS, $125. per session. 5 student per class maximum.

CALL 635-3999 or email krisdonovan@cox.net for more information

FALL CLASSES 2010

2010-09-11T12:06:00.006-04:00

Fall classes will begin the week of October 3rd! Monday mornings - "intermediate" painting in pastel. Thursday evening: Watercolor (intermediate). email: krisdonovan@cox.net .

Sketchbook entries.....

SUMMER WINDS DOWN....

2010-08-27T08:10:00.007-04:00

The August OPEN STUDIO TOUR was a great success. Lots of new visitors and so great to see old friends, students, and collectors. I'll be off to Maine mid September to Acadia National Park and then a slow trip down the coast where I plan to do some studies along the way.... winter project material! Classes will be starting in early October.... stay tuned for details. If you are interested in classes, email me at krisdonovan@cox.net to be sure you're on the email list. The studio is "OPEN" whenever I'm around... just call 401-683-8308! Here (finally!) is the pastel "DINGLE SHEEP" and a new watercolor "5 TOMATOES".

PASTELS BY INVITATION 2010

2010-08-06T10:29:00.007-04:00

BIRDS ON A WIRE, pastel

I have been invited to exhibit in one of the most exciting pastel shows this year! This unique show opens Saturday, August 7th with a reception from 6 to 8 pm at the Creative Center for the Arts in Chatham, MA (Cape Cod's most wonderful town!). Hope to see you there. The show runs until September 3rd. I'm busy painting up a storm.... the second SCA OPEN STUDIO TOUR is August 21st and 22nd, 11 to 5! See you then!

BUSY SUMMER AHEAD!

2010-06-25T08:57:00.005-04:00

"Brigg's Beach", oil
"The Wave", pastel

"First Light", pastel

Back from an amazing Master Pastel workshop with Richard McKinley and gearing up for a busy summer. The Central Village Art Gallery is opening tonight, June 25th and I'll have several new pieces of work on display there through September. My painting was selected to open Chapter 3 in the new "FIRST LIGHT; A History of Little Compton" book by Janet Taylor Lisle featured at the Little Compton Historical Society event July 2nd and 3rd. I'll be at the Little Compton Church Fair on Saturday, July 10th. Don't forget the Little Compton Annual Summer Art Show the weekend of the 16th - 18th. That's also the BIG weekend for the South Coast Artists OPEN STUDIO TOUR (Saturday and Sunday, 11 to 5, the 17th and 18th) which, of course, I'll be on the TOUR! See www.SouthCoastArtists.org for more details. I have lots of new work and look forward to seeing you!

"On the Tour", oil

Summer! more time to paint....

2010-06-02T09:18:00.004-04:00

I've been busy at the studio now that classes have ended for the summer. New paintings, new energy, new season! I'm leaving on Saturday for a week long pastel workshop with Richard McKinley in Chatham.... SO excited! Gearing up for this year's SOUTH COAST ARTISTS OPEN STUDIO TOURS on July 17 & 18 and again August 21 & 22. The Central Village Art Gallery will reopen on June 15th. My work is at the Donovan Gallery at Tiverton Four Corners. I'm in the "Fur & Feathers" Show at the Westport Vineyard through June. I'll also be at the 50th Annual Little Compton Church Fair on the Commons on July 10th! Hope to see you there! Here are some new plein air sketches done just outside my studio.... love this weather!!!!

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-04-01T13:16:00.005-04:00

"Ammaryllis, watercolor"

After all the rain, spring is in the air. Inspiration for new paintings is endless! Classes in pastel and watercolor resume April 10th... please inquire. Happy Spring!

New Classes starting next week!

2010-02-20T14:22:00.005-05:00

"Poppies", pastel "Life is Just....." pastel

"Seaglass", watercolor

New classes:

Advanced painting; pastel or watercolor. Monday mornings, 10 to 12, 5 weeks, $95.

Starts March 1st. One opening available.

Watercolor, intermediate level. Saturday mornings, 10 to 12, 5 weeks, $95.

Starts Feb. 27th. Class is full.

Painting, watercolor or pastel, TBD (on a weekday). Please contact if interested.

Payment must accompany registration.

Winter Painting Classes!

2009-12-09T13:51:00.007-05:00

DONOVAN STUDIO WINTER CLASSES 2010

“Crayola”, watercolor

INTRODUCTION TO WATERCOLOR
Saturday mornings 10 to 12 noon
January 9, 16, 23, 30.
4 weeks, $95. Payment must accompany registration.

Material list provided.

“Goosewing Gate”, pastel

INTRODUCTION TO PASTELS

Monday evenings, 6:30 to 8:30
January 11, 18, 25, February 1.
4 weeks, $95. Payment must accompany registration.
Material list provided.

“Pears & Lace”, pastel

PAINTING IN WATERCOLOR & PASTELS, Advanced Class (FULL)

Monday mornings, 10 to 12 noon January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1.
5 weeks, $95. Payment must accompany registration.

Private lessons available…. please email or call for details.

HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIO EVENT

2009-11-22T19:50:00.010-05:00

HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIO & SALE
Saturday and Sunday December 5th & 6th.......... 11 to 5pm
"Birds on a Wire", oil

New works in pastel, oil, and watercolor! "Brigg's Surf", oil

9 Francis Lane (North), Little Compton, just two miles south of Tiverton Four Corners.
(Accessible by Anthony Way, Tiverton or Donovan Way, Little Compton)

A new workshop schedule will be available for classes ranging from beginner to advanced in all mediums. Gift certificates available!

For further info, please call 401-683-8308 or email krisdonovan@cox.net.

AND, some really BIG news! My photograph, "Reflections on Pamnomet Pond", has been selected by the RI State Council on the Arts as a finalist in the "Scenes of Rhode Island" show, one of only 44 entries accepted into this year's exhibit opening at the State House next week, December 7th! This was an amazing sunset outside my studio on Sunday, October 25th... the water was so still that the reflections were as clear as the sky. I'll have a smaller version available at this weekend's OPEN STUDIO.

News from Donovan Studio

2009-10-24T15:47:00.007-04:00

"the Nubble", oil, 12 x 20

My work can now be seen at the new Central Village Art Gallery, 770 Main Road, Westport, MA.

Opening Reception, Friday, Nov. 6th from 4 ~ 8 pm . This is a second gallery by Charlie McConnell who owns Sticks, Stones, & Stars, a fine artisan's gallery in the same plaza.

Also participating .....
Christine Bean, Don Cadoret, Ian Silvia, Jane O’Hara, Trish Hurley, Kelly Milukas, Sarah Fielding-Gunn, Thom Scott, Patricia Walsh, Karen Raus, & Nancy Shand .

The new Gallery will be open November 1st to December 31st, 7 days a week
M - W, 10 - 5, Thurs. - Sat. 10 - 8, Sundays 11 - 4
www.CentralVillageArtGallery.blogspot.com 508.636.0888

NEWS.... THE GALLERY WILL REMAIN OPEN IN JANUARY WITH LIMITED HOURS!!!!!

As always, my studio open daily by chance or appointment. Commissions welcome.

Speaking of commissions, I've just been commissioned to do a very large triptych, in oil, for a lovely Little Compton family of our wonderful Brigg's Beach. That will be a great winter project! Here's the study......

Back in the groove....

2009-09-23T13:30:00.008-04:00

Now that summer is 'over' with all of it's distractions, I'm getting back into the groove of painting every day. Let's hope this beautiful, warm weather lasts well into the fall so we can continue to enjoy days like this! Here's my idea of heaven ......on the beach painting!
The Monday morning painters

Another new pastel inspired by my photographer friend, Karen Raus.
..in progress

"Birds on a Wire" pastel

South Coast Artists OPEN STUDIO TOUR, August edition!

2009-08-15T10:36:00.005-04:00

If you missed the July OPEN STUDIO TOUR, I hope you'll take this opportunity on August 22 and 23, 11 to 5, to visit the wonderful studios of the South Coast Artists. See http://www.southcoastartists.org/ for a downloadable map/brochure. The DONOVAN STUDIO is #10 on the map. Take Anthony Way off West Main Road just as you enter Little Compton from Tiverton. Go to the bottom of Anthony Way and take a left... the studio is 3 houses down on your right. Hope to see you next weekend! The show at the Donovan Gallery will end on Monday, the 17th but some of the paintings will remain there... hope you can stop in... they are open every day!

2 "MAN" SHOW AT THE DONOVAN GALLERY

2009-07-13T08:35:00.006-04:00

"Sailing at Sakonnet", oil

"Ferolbink Farm", oil

"the STUDIO", oil

Kyle Bartlett, the new owner of the Donovan Gallery at Tiverton Four Corners, and I will have a 2 person show! The OPENING RECEPTION is July 31st from 4 to 7 pm. The show will continue through August 17. We'll both have lots of new work.... local scenes and new ideas. Hope to see you there!

SUMMER 2009

2009-06-02T07:52:00.012-04:00

"What's in the Bag?", w/c
"MORNING", pastel "GREEN SKIFF", watercolor

" Marsh Grasses", pastel

As June arrives, I'm getting ready for some fun events. I am one of the Plein Air Painters in the Gardens at this year's Bristol Art Museum's Garden Tour on Saturday, June 6th. The Save the Bay Art Show opens June 28th.... I'll have work there at their beautiful center in Providence through August 28th. The Little Compton Community Center Show opens July 17th.

Donovan Studio is part of the 6th Annual South Coast Artists OPEN STUDIO TOUR ......July 18th & 19th and August 22nd & 23rd (11 to 5) http://www.southcoastartists.org/ for a downloadable map/brochure! Hope to see you then! Call 683-8308 if you need help with directions. The studio is at the corner of Francis Lane and Donovan Way in Little Compton (if you are using GPS). Donovan Way is off West Main Road in Little Compton just after you cross the Tiverton line, 2 miles south of Four Corners. DONOVAN WAY IS WASHED OUT FROM ALL THE RAIN, so turn onto Anthony Way(last street in Tiverton) off West Main Road, go to the bottom, turn left onto Francis Lane and the studio is on the right, 3 houses down. There's plenty of parking and room to turn around.

"On the Bay", oil "Magnolias", watercolor

SPRING!!!!!

2009-04-20T12:59:00.008-04:00

Spring is just AMAZING here on Pamnomet Pond at the studio! The ospreys are back and the spring birds are welcoming the nice weather. Ferolbink Farm has turned green overnight.... what a view! It's been a busy few months here at Donovan Studio. The pastel/watercolor class on Monday mornings was just wonderful. I've been painting regularly and loving the freedom since selling the Donovan Gallery. I'm looking forward to the South Coast Artists OPEN STUDIO TOURS the weekends of July 18/19 and August 22/23! I am on the board of the South Coast Artists as Press Relations Chair .... what an amazing group of volunteers! See http://www.southcoastartists.org/ for more info! Call or stop by anytime! I'm usually here.....

"Jelly Beans", watercolor

"All the marbles", watercolor

"The Pear", watercolor
Oils in progress.....

Painting Class....

2009-01-07T17:33:00.005-05:00

Starting Monday, Feb. 2nd, I'll be teaching a new painting class here at the studio. I have room for 4 students, intermediate level, working in either pastel or watercolor. The class is 1o to 12:30 for 4 weeks and the fee is $85.. Send me an email if you want to be notified of upcoming classes. Private lessons are also available. Call 683-8308 or email krisdonovan@cox.net.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2008-12-12T19:56:00.006-05:00

For those of you who had a chance to visit the "OPEN STUDIO" weekend, thanks for coming ... it really was a fun weekend. Feel free to call or email me anytime to visit the studio.... I have lots of new work on display! I am there working most days from (about) 10 to 4.... it is so great to have this wonderful space and such inspiration from my surroundings! Here are some pictures from the weekend and some of the new works on display! krisdonovan@cox.net or 401.683.8308!

HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIO.....

2008-11-14T18:58:00.008-05:00

The new Donovan Studio will be open on the weekend of December 6 & 7 for the first "Open Studio" show and sale! Hours: 11 to 5 both days.

Directions to the studio:

Two miles south of Tiverton Four Corners, off Route 77 South in Little Compton: Turn onto Donovan Way from West Main Road (this is a bumpy, steep, dirt road). Simply head toward the water and you'll see the studio on your right. A safer way to get there (and easier on your car!) is to turn onto Anthony Way (the 'last' street in Tiverton at the Little Compton line), go to the end, take a left on Francis Lane, the studio is #9 on your right. Parking is just past the studio on the right of way, either right or left.

Here are a few new pieces that will be featured in my OPEN STUDIO weekend ......

"Light on the Marsh", oil

"Green Rowboat", pastel

"Sailboat & Dory", pastel

"Summer Day", oil
"Jelly Beans", oil

The Donovan Studio is open......

2008-10-24T16:00:00.006-04:00

FINALLY ......... the studio is complete and I am so delighted to 'move' in and to paint on a more regular schedule. It is such an inspiring spot.... just today I was watching the sunset and saw a female deer with 2 young crossing the marsh... what a sight! The blue heron come in every night just after the sun goes down with their familiar cry. The blues are chasing the bait fish and they jump, in schools, out of the water to escape being supper. I hate to see summer end but am anxious to see the seasonal changes from my new studio. There are so many paintings to paint!

"The View!"

Building the new studio....

2008-07-21T12:05:00.010-04:00

Construction has begun on the new "Donovan Studio", my wonderful new place to create art and have classes on Pamomquit Pond (on Francis Lane South) in Little Compton.... it's SO exciting! Here are a few more examples of my new work, available at the Donovan Gallery or by emailing me at krisdonovan@cox.net . Enjoy the summer!

"Summer Fun", watercolor

"Sakonnet Cottage", pastel

"Crayola", watercolor

RI Artists for Save the Bay

2008-06-01T20:58:00.014-04:00

Once again, my work will be included in this year's show to benefit Save the Bay. Please go to http://www.savebay.org/ for more info. Here are the paintings that will be exhibited. It's a GREAT cause!

"Twelves off Newport", watercolor

available at the Donovan Gallery

"Sand & Sails", watercolor

"Fogland Point", oil

"Sakonnet Surf", oil

"Beetle off Bristol", oil

"Mt. Hope Sunset", limited edition giclee

NEW WORKS.....

2008-05-09T09:26:00.016-04:00

"Hardanger Lace & Pears", pastel

"After the Storm" oil

"Warren's Point Beach" & "Sakonnet Harbor" giclee available, signed & numbered (in two sizes)

"Dinghies", giclee, available signed & numbered, limited edition in 2 sizes.

Life after selling 'the Donovan Gallery'............

2008-05-01T19:30:00.006-04:00

Sketching in Ireland....

Welcome to my online 'studio' where you will find news of the artwork of Kris Donovan, RI painter. Since selling the Donovan Gallery at Tiverton Four Corners, RI after 26 years in the art gallery business, Kris has 'retired' to paint and teach in her waterfront studio in Little Compton, RI. My work will still be available at the Donovan Gallery and other venues to come, but I thought the blog was a great way to keep you posted on my recent work, workshop plans, upcoming classes, and notable area shows and events. Be sure to visit http://www.krisdonovan.com/!