Jonelle Summerfield Oil Paintings

Feb 9, 2022

Sunny Side of the Street

This sidewalk cafe is located on the sunny side of the street in Aix en Provence. In the heat of summer, visitors sit under the awning for a bit of shade. Oil on 12" x 12" stretched linen.SOLD.

Jan 13, 2022

The last painting I posted to this blog in 2021 was of a Marblehead sailboat, and I decided to also feature the same for my first post of this year. This colorful vessel enters 2022 with an optimistic color, hopefully a sign of some travel. In the meantime, stay tuned for a variety of new paintings, including scenes from trips I have taken during the past four years. I have an abundance of reference material from France, Budapest, Scotland, New England, and Yellowstone Park to work from that I can hopefully record on canvas. This painting is approximately 9" x 13". SOLD.

Dec 31, 2021

Marblehead Sailboat

This is the last post of the year, though there are still quite a few paintings from 2021 that I have not yet uploaded to my blog. For the past three years, there has been constant uncertainty in life, not only because of the pandemic, but also for personal reasons. Though it has gotten me down at times, I searched for ways to stay optimistic, continued to push myself to work hard and to also travel whenever and wherever possible. I loved and am grateful for all the trips I've been able to take in my life and am especially glad to have had some travel opportunities in 2020 and 2021.

This boat painting is a good representation of the last few years. I was able to set sail, find beauty and appreciate it though there are storm clouds overhead. The show I had at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art with my mother, Jolene Joyner, was called Looking for the Light in Dark Times, and that is what I still aim for, though it does take effort at times. This painting is from my solo trip to Marblehead, MA in August. I rented a kayak one day to get a closer look at some of the anchored sailboats that you can see from the main beach. I loved the feeling of freedom of biking through town, visiting the beaches and driving to the small towns along the coast. The painting is approximately 9" x 13". SOLD.

Dec 7, 2021

The Welcome Committee

My husband and I were looking for a trail near Bozeman, MT when we passed a llama farm. I had to get out of the car to get a closer look. Many of the sweet faced creatures came running over to greet me, and reminded me of my cats at home that do the same thing. Oil on 6"h x 4"w stretched canvas.

Dec 1, 2021

Farmers' Market Flowers

I painted these from life during the summer after acquiring them from our local farmers' market. You can see so much more from life than from a reference photo. You can purchase actual bouquets from the flower vendor (when in season) as well as this painting at The Artists Hand Gallery in Indiana, PA. SOLD.

Nov 30, 2021

Hidden Lake

I had focused on European travel for much of the last 20 years because the old buildings, art, and landscapes of Europe seemed to have more history than our country. At least the recorded history. I loved the old buildings and streets compared to the ones we have, which often seem disposable and too new. Also, oddly, trips there were more cost effective than traveling to the west coast of the US from the east. With the events of the last year, traveling to Europe seemed much more difficult and I've gained more of an appreciation for home, so we took the opportunity to visit Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Bozeman with some friends.

I've always respected nature, but now that has been amplified after seeing bison, deer, elk and bear (at an uncomfortably close range) living in the old forests of Yellowstone Park and the Grand Tetons. I loved seeing the tall pine trees and mountains together. I especially loved the budding baby pines who's tops were barely a foot off the ground, and will someday be over 200 feet tall. As much as I appreciate the age of Europe, I appreciate the life of these parks. Oddly, while I felt so happy witnessing it, I felt simultaneously sad that it is fragile and often subject to the actions and attitudes of people. Every animal seemed to have a soul of its own and deserves to live its life in peace. I'm sure braving the unpredictable weather there is difficult and the animals don't need us to make it even more difficult. I hope to capture the feeling of life and beauty that didn't seem real in this and future paintings. Oil on 16"h x 20"w stretched canvas. SOLD.

Nov 28, 2021

Wine Club

For my birthday this year, we went to Greendance Winery in Mt. Pleasant, PA. Of course, even on my birthday, I am at work and in search of subject matter. This group of ladies enjoying their wine reminded me of my wine club that enjoys wine-centric outings a few times a year. Oil on 16"h x 20"w stretched canvas. SOLD.

Nov 27, 2021

Teatime

A painting of an antique teacup and some macarons from Gaby et Jules in Pittsburgh, PA. Oil on 6" x 6" stretched linen.

Nov 26, 2021

Yellow Creek Sailboat

After returning from a kayaking workout one day this summer, this sailboat was getting ready to set sail. It was photographed at Yellow Creek State Park near Indiana, PA. In all my travels, I have not seen such a robust color scheme on a boat. Oil on 16"h x 12"w stretched canvas. SOLD.

Nov 5, 2021

Hayden Valley Bison

My husband and I recently visited Yellostone National Park and the Grand Tetons with some friends. One thing that surprised me was the amount of driving involved. I had read about it, but it did not sink in. I really wanted to visit the Lamar Valley, but to see it when there is peak animal activity, you have to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. We couldn't see it at either of those times because it was simply too far from where we were staying. One day, my husband and I explored the northern loop near the Grand Canyon and saw a sign for the Hayden valley only a few miles down the road. We didn't expect to see much, but when we arrived, there was a herd of bison in the distance. They approached all the parked cars in order to cross the street, and soon, they were weaving among the cars. They had sad faces but are probably happy exploring nature and roaming freely. Oil on 6.5"h x 9.5"w linen. SOLD.

Oct 27, 2021

Rockport Marina

I was fortunate enough to take two trips to Massachusetts this summer and made sure to stop in Rockport both times. The first trip was with my husband when I acquired the photo for this painting. The famous Motif No. 1 building is in the background and has been the star of many paintings by many artists. For me, the boats took the main stage. There were rarely ever people on the boats except for weekend nights when locals were getting ready to relax after a week of work. Oil on 24"h x 18" w stretched linen.

Oct 20, 2021

Dinnertime in Trouville

One of my favorite trips was to Normandy in 2014. My mother and I were walking in Trouville in the late afternoon, after spending the day in Honfleur. I wanted to see the beaches that inspired Monet. Some of the houses are the same ones that existed when he painted. One of my favorite areas was near the fish market. I really wanted to stop for oysters, but we had the need to explore and take photos. This painting depicts the energy of the evening with people eating towers of seafood while others took their evening walks in the sun, either before or after dinner. As you can tell by the jackets, it was cool outside, but everyone wanted to be in the sun. Oil on 16"h x 20"w stretched linen. SOLD.

Oct 19, 2021

Book Stands in Paris

A lady peruses the books and magazines in the stands that line the promenade along the Seine River. The contents of the green stands are sometimes as eye catching as the architecture, probably because it is a tiny piece of the landscape that you can actually take home with you. Oil on 16"h x 12"w stretched linen. SOLD.

Oct 17, 2021

Snowy Night in Budapest

In 2018, my husband and I took a last minute trip to Budapest after I was offered an opportunity to have an exhibit at a gallery in the spring. I wanted new subject matter, especially of cozy cafe interiors. We arrived in wintry conditions, which made it the perfect time to frequent the cafes and bath houses. After emerging from a cafe in early evening, we walked onto snow covered streets. Warm lights from the businesses, traffic and park in the distance mixed with the cool atmosphere. We had to stop for some whiskey shortly afterward to warm up. Oil on 24"h x 30"w stretched canvas. SOLD.

Coffee Break in Paris

This painting was completed using a photo that I took during my 2014 trip to Paris. I loved the fact that cafes were busy seemingly all day with people eating snacks and meals or simply drinking coffee. I had stopped here between museums for a brief coffee break. Oil on 18"h x 14"w stretched canvas.

Sep 5, 2021

Quiet Day on the Canal

This painting of a quiet canal in Venice was painted from a reference photo that I took many years ago. I hope to re-visit Italy in the future. Until then, I can reflect on photos and memories of my time there in the past. Oil on 20"h x 16"w stretched canvas.

Aug 28, 2021

Honfleur Marina

A view of the Honfleur Marina in the morning on the way to get coffee from an outside cafe. Unfortunately, I was not able to get a great photo of the painting. It has much more depth and complexity in person. My studio doesn't have much space and I have very basic lighting to work with, so sadly, this photo doesn't show the painting as it really is. Fortunately, it has been displayed in galleries where people were able to see it in person. Oil on 36"h x 48" stretched canvas. SOLD.

Jul 14, 2021

Taste Test I

When I go to Gaby Et Jules in Pittsburgh, I assemble a box of macaroons and do a taste test while I photograph them. I can never paint them from life. I've tried, but I end up taking bites during the painting session and the painting never gets finished. Oil on 6"h x 8" stretched linen.

Jul 13, 2021

Teatime

This 6"x8" oil painting on stretched linen was inspired by some finds in Indiana, PA shops. This teatime presentation was made possible by a piece of cake from Caffe Amadeus, some local honey provided by Back to Nature and a teacup made by JR Sherburne that I purchased from The Artists Hand Gallery. All of these businesses, artists, and the items they carried made pandemic life more bearable when the businesses were finally able to re-open. This painting is part of the exhibit "Looking for the Light in Dark Times" at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA, which is available to view through July 31. SOLD.

Jul 11, 2021

Busy Cafe in Aix

In early July, the cafes in Aix en Provence are hopping. After a bus trip to the Lavender fields, we didn't have to search far for the perfect dinner spot. We sat outside at this cafe. Halfway through dinner, it started raining, so we were moved to a table indoors, which was featured in another painting at my show at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier. Oil on 14" x 11" stretched linen.

Jul 9, 2021

Market Day in Aix

You can assemble an entire meal at the market in Aix en Provence. There is everything including herbs, fruits and veggies, seafood and little vials of truffles. I don't normally love to cook on vacation, but I enjoyed making a dinner from our market finds. Oil on 16"h x 12"w stretched linen. Availale at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier until July 30th. SOLD.

Jul 6, 2021

Cloudy Day at the Beach

This was painted from a reference photo that I took while in Corolla last fall. We had to take advantage of the nice beach weather while we had it, as there were some storms and cool days. The painting was at he show I had with my mother, Jolene Joyner, at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA and was later shown in the "Environmental" exhibit at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. SOLD.

Jul 1, 2021

Honfleur Promenade

A view of the promenade in Honfleur, France. It is lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. Next time I visit, I plan to take my art supplies with my so I can paint the lively town scene while I sip my coffee. This painting was painted from a reference photo that I took while visiting in 2014. Oil on 24"h x 36"w stretched canvas. This painting was at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA as part of the show I had with my mother, Jolene Joyner, called "Looking for the Light in Dark times." SOLD.

Jun 4, 2021

Curious Cat

A painting of my cat, Alfred, on a mission to see what this cupcake is all about. Oil on 11"h x 14"w stretched linen. This painting is available at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA. It is part of the show I am having with my mother, Jolene Joyner, called "Looking for the Light in Dark times." Please visit this page SOLD.

May 24, 2021

Check out this blog entry by UGallery! They featured my artwork and shared a story about one of my paintings from a few years ago that I didn't know about. They have some great tips on how to select art for small spaces.
http://blog.ugallery.com/art/4-professional-tips-for-discovering-the-best-city-apartment-art.

May 23, 2021

Summertime in Indiana

I believe I took the reference photo for this painting in late summer when sunflowers had bloomed. It must have been late morning because the sun cast shadows from the flowers and iron fence onto the narrow sidewalk. Oil on 12"h x 9"w stretched linen.

This painting was in the exhibit I had with my mother at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier called "Looking for the Light in Dark Times".

May 21, 2021

Coffee Break in Provence

This is an unusual composition for me. While stopping for a caffeinated pick-me-up in the shade on a hot summer day in Aix en Provence, I snapped a picture of my drink. I always love the event that some European countries make of their coffee. I meant to take a picture of the coffee with the sugar and cookie packets that accompanied it, but also captured some of the background, which was a sunlit street. I decided to make that part of the painting, even though it is only on 8"h x 6"w stretched linen.

This painting is available at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA. It is part of the show I am having with my mother, Jolene Joyner, called "Looking for the Light in Dark times."SOLD.

May 16, 2021

Summer Afternoon in Aix en Provence

Afternoon shadows appear on the sidewalks and buildings of Aix en Provence on a hot and lazy afternoon. Everyone walking outside sticks to the shadows as much as possible to avoid direct sunlight. Frequent stops at outdoor cafes for refreshments is necessary. Oil on 30"h x 24"w stretched canvas.

This painting is available at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA. It is part of the show I am having with my mother, Jolene Joyner, called "Looking for the Light in Dark times." Please contact https://www.facebook.com/SAMALigonier/ for more information. SOLD.

May 14, 2021

Bite

In my house and at various family functions, there is a little thing called the "Jonelle Tax." This tax permits me to take bites of everyone's food. The rule is, if I say, "Bite", everyone must pay up. The cats and dog also have a similar rule, but it only applies to foods that are healthy for them. They can't talk, so they just paw at us or sit one inch from our plates until we can't ignore them. In this case, I purchased these macarons from Gaby et Jules in Pittsburgh, and I decided to start my taste test with the lemon one. Stay tuned to see paintings of this plate of macarons later on in the taste test. Oil on 6"h x 8"w stretched linen.

May 5, 2021

Market Day in Aix

A sunny picture for a rainy day (it is raining where I am today, at least.) Hopefully this rain will bring about lots of fruits, veggies and flowers for the upcoming farmers markets, as can be seen in this painting. Oil on 12"h x 16"w stretched canvas.

For more information about this painting or the show it is part of called "Looking for the Light in Dark times" please contact Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA. SOLD.

May 2, 2021

The Kitchen Helper

Daphne, or as we call her, Tiny Kitten, loves to help in the kitchen. She is the only cat in the house who doesn't really care for "people food" but purely enjoys the process of cooking and cleaning. Oil on 12"h x 9"w stretched linen.

This is one of the paintings I have recently completed for the show I am currently having with my mother, Jolene Joyner, at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA. "Looking for the Light in Dark Times" is available to view from now until July 31st. The exhibit will feature work that my mom and and I have done over the past year that is meant to add positivity to a world that currently has many challenges. The museum will be open Tuesday - Saturday from 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please visit this page for more details on the show and how to register for the opening reception on June 12th at 5:00 p.m. that coincides with the Museum's Woodstock themed Garden Party. SOLD.

May 1, 2021

Happy Hour in Provence

This cafe scene was the reward after several failed attempts to get to Provence in 2019. There were many flight delays which almost lead to the airline canceling the entire trip. Fortunately, the airline decided to make the flight 30 hours after it was originally supposed to leave, but we had to make a detour to Lyon to get to the originally planned destination of Aix en Provence. When we finally arrived in Aix two and a half days late, the suitcases were dropped in the room, and we made a beeline for the town center, bustling with cafes, for a pastis and a quintessential happy hour meal. This was the view from our table and our first glimpse into the lively town. Oil on 24"h x 36"w stretched canvas.

Birthday Cake for One

This is one of the many paintings I have recently completed for the show I am currently having with my mother, Jolene Joyner, at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA. "Looking for the Light in Dark Times" is available to view from now until July 31st. The exhibit will feature work that my mom and and I have done over the past year that is meant to add positivity to a world that currently has many challenges. The museum will be open Tuesday - Saturday from 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please visit this page for more details on the show and how to register for the opening reception on June 12th at 5:00 p.m. that coincides with the Museum's Woodstock themed Garden Party: https://www.sama-art.org/gardenparty Oil on 6"h x 8"w stretched linen. SOLD.

Nov 27, 2020

Dinner in Nimes

Everyone seemingly appears from nowhere in the evenings in Nimes. In July, it is too hot to walk around during the day unless you are a tourist and are pressed for time. Everyone is relieved that the temperatures are cooler, and spend the evening eating outdoors. They are serenaded by loud rock music coming from the arena. Oil on 16"h x 20"w stretched canvas.

Nov 26, 2020

Summer Night in Aix en Provence

A busy night in Aix en Provence is starting to wind down. Some people still linger at tables at outdoor cafes, and others walk home to rest up for the hot day ahead. Oil on 16"h x 20"w stretched canvas. SOLD.

Nov 21, 2020

Afternoon Stroll in Provence

A couple wanders through the streets of Aix en Provence during the heat of the day when there aren't many people around. Oil on 18"h x 24"w stretched linen.

Nov 12, 2020

Wining and Dining in Provence

After a hot day in Provence, nothing beats sitting outside in the relatively cool night air. This couple lingers late into the evening with a bottle of wine after dinner. The rest of the crowd has gone home. Oil on 16" X 16" stretched linen.

Oct 2, 2020

Manteo Study

Painted from a photo that I took while on a ghost tour of Manteo, NC. I was hoping to capture some apparitions in my photo, but they always seem to avoid me. Oil on 6"h x 8"w stretched linen. SOLD.

Aug 20, 2020

Dinner in Lyon

We were originally supposed to fly into Aix en Provence last year, but due to two consecutive days of flight delays, we changed our route to land in Lyon, which saved us another day of delays. The reference photo was taken in a section of town where the streets are lined with outdoor restaurants, and was reminiscent of Saint Germain des Pres in Paris. Oil on 30"h x 24"w stretched linen. SOLD.

Aug 6, 2020

Summer Night in Aix

During a warm week in Aix en Provence, people took advantage of the cool evening weather and visited the town's cafes for dinner and drinks. The trees took on a yellow glow from the street lights. Oil on 16" x 12" stretched linen. SOLD.

May 28, 2020

Daffodils and Whisky

I've been pretty obsessed with flowers lately. I had been painting seasonal daffodils and tulips as part of my still lifes. I took this past week off from painting to plant more flowers in my garden. Oil on 8"h x 6"w stretched linen. SOLD.

May 19, 2020

Daffodils, Grand Marnier and Macaroon

I painted this at the beginning of the quarantine when I was trying to make myself feel better by surrounding myself with pretty things. It worked for a while. Oil on 8"h x 6"w stretched linen. SOLD.

May 8, 2020

Market in Aix II

Locals as well as tourists search for their dinner ingredients at the market in Aix en Provence. The heat of the day intensifies the smell of lavender sold by the vendors. SOLD.

May 4, 2020

Orange and White Kitten

This was one of six kittens I found last fall on a busy road at night. I took them home with me and ended up finding them all homes, and I adopted the last one. I really wish people would spay and neuter their pets and keep them indoors, especially if they live near a busy road. Oil on 8"h x 6"w stretched linen. SOLD.

May 3, 2020

Gerbera Daisies, Onions and Cognac

A painting of random pretty things I found to cheer me up during the quarantine. Oil on 10"h x 8"w stretched linen. SOLD.

May 1, 2020

Roses and Mimosas with Chambord

A morning mimosa get together with friends inspired the artist to use the drink’s components as subject matter. The roses happened to be there and added to the ambience. The painting’s 1 1/2” sides are painted raw umber and it comes ready to hang. SOLD.

Apr 23, 2020

Market in Aix

I miss the days when we didn't have to social distance, and could slowly peruse markets and grocery stores without worrying as much about contaminating ourselves or others. This is a scene from the market in Aix en Provence last summer. Hopefully we will all be at farmers' markets again soon. Oil on 9"h x 12"w stretched linen.

Apr 9, 2020

Fountain in Aix II

A little girl attempts to cool off on a hot summer day in one of the fountains in Aix en Provence. SOLD.

Apr 8, 2020

Fountain in Aix

A lady takes a break from sightseeing next to one of Aix's many fountains on a hot summer day. SOLD.

Apr 7, 2020

Morning Coffee in Aix

The best way to start a morning in Aix en Provence is drinking coffee at an outdoor cafe before the sun gets too hot. Oil on 20"h x 16"w x 1 1/2"s stretched linen. SOLD.

Mar 9, 2020

Canal in Nimes

A walk along the canal in Nimes, France is refreshing on a hot summer day. It is an oasis in a town otherwise filled with Roman architecture. There are also many fountains where dogs and kids frolic to cool off. The streets are pretty quiet on a hot day, but at night all the squares are jamb packed with people on their way to dinner at one of the outside restaurants. Oil on 14"h x 18"w x 1 1/2"d stretched linen. SOLD.