Thursday, January 8, 2026

Russell Street Windshield Washer - Tales of Connection

Russell Street Windshield Washer

A Tale of Connection

Acrylic, Glazes, Latex on Canvas - (c) Weiner-Reed

Departing the city of Baltimore following my long-overdue return art-related voyage on 4 September 2025, I stopped for a long red light. I was feeling satisfied and happy... I had figured out the parking system on Charles Street, met the welcoming Quid Nunc Gallery owner, seen some exciting artwork, and on leaving had a nice art talk with a participating artist as his sand painting inspired me with a children's book story idea!

Suddenly, I noticed that there was a group of young men up on the corner by the light. As I watched, they dispersed as if on a silent signal. They began moving through the parked cars with their window-washing wands.

"Uh oh" I thought... A young man slowly approached my car, focused on me and my windshield. We made eye contact.

I shook my head, giving him what I believed to be a friendly Mona Lisa smile. As our eyes locked, he gave me an inscrutable but not unpleasant look with his head cocked to the side, then he drew a HEART on my drivers' side windshield.

I burst out laughing! It was a moment, a connection that he interpreted as a "go ahead" sign. As he washed my windshield - which truthfully was in dire need of cleaning (squashed bug detritus from a road trip to Maine*) - I fumbled in my pocket for some cash. Luckily I had tucked some small bills in the car that morning. ... Coincidence? I think not!

Incredibly, the light stayed red as that master windshield washer worked his magic. I lowered my window, thanking him for getting rid of most of the spots. Committed, he scrubbed some more... I thanked him, complementing him for doing such a good job and told him I appreciated it. He seemed content. Something good passed between us... It still gives me the chills. I think it was respect. We saw each other. In that moment, we saw each other. We mattered.

We smiled as I handed him a $5 bill. I told him to "keep safe and well" as I waved and drove away. I mean/meant it. That young man, whom I might never see again, did good work. I do not know his story, but I wish him well. I will keep him in my prayers. He is now part of my story, and I, his.

Wishing you a beautiful and healthy 2026!

May we all savor our BEST YEAR YET!

Thank you for your support and patronage.

Yours in Art & Gratitude & Faith,

Elaine

MOVING FORWARD IN FAITH, JOY, and GRATITUDE: New Directions, New Opportunities, New Connections

Living My Life Out Loud and In COLOR

Courage - Step by Baby Step...

I'm Back!

Sometimes we choose to reinvent ourselves and sometimes we have help pushing us in new directions. Health challenges in 2024 led to periods of prolonged introspection, which in turn inspires me to change... Not to necessarily make revolutionary changes, but to evolve or change all the same. We are only given today - a priceless gift.

With every next step of the new way forward I am asking myself: "What do I want to be when I grow up?" These last two years have me creating a new chapter in my life-book - one based more solidly in faith than ever before. Faith, God, and many heavenly and earthly angels brought me this far in my life and I could not be more thankful!

So, with that awareness and gratitude comes an enhanced personal responsibility and conviction to 'give back' and 'pay it forward.'

Apologies for using those two clichés, but they apply and are easily understood by everyone. My new path has me inching towards new, uncharted territories - or it will once I get momentum and accurate direction-finding mechanisms in place.

"Hold On" - Sketch from 2024

This might give you a feel for how it felt for me, riding through that year - a year of miracles and joy.

Last year had me inching forward in love, regaining my life, purpose, and art in a series of new "baby steps" of courage. In coming months, I will share examples of how I have slowly regained strength, healed, and pushed myself back into living my full (and best, hopefully) life - one baby step at a time.

Here are two of my new mantras:

JUST DO IT!!

IF NOT NOW, W H E N ?!?

2024 - The Aurora Borealis from my front steps!

Hope...

As I gradually become stronger (I am almost back to my 'normal' power levels), I remind myself that in my life my only true regrets (and thankfully, there are not many) have been the trips not taken, the calls not made, or the hugs not given when opportunities present themselves.

I have enjoyed living more fully living in the moment...each beautiful irreplaceable moment that is given to me. Any chance I have to do something new or be with good friends, I am leaping at the opportunity. I have become one friend's "go to" girl for last minute excursions or adventures. I love that! (Keep me in mind...smile)

Most of my life has been (and still is to a large degree) all about PLANNING and GOALS and making/following TO-DO (or TO NOT DO) lists. In my two professions, I make and achieve short- and long-term goals, and then I always circle back and holistically reassess my life and purpose - in order to make necessary 'course corrections' and to move forward with more insight and intent. Last year was all about connections, relationships, and mindfulness - with gratitude and hope and faith flowering my journey. I am alive. I am vertical and mobile (thank God) and I realize that: I am only given TODAY. This moment. This connection. This experience. This beautiful life.

Here is one story of my new attitude taking shape in ways that I like...

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOQ26DZgM3C/

BALTIMORE EXCURSIONS & EXHIBITION

In September 2025, I drove into Baltimore for the first time in over 5 years.

My mission: Drive to a new gallery on Charles Street to drop off a painting for a show that opens this Sunday. My painting "Chasing Shadows" was accepted into the B-25 exhibition. This painting was inspired by the music and heart of Vanessa Collier.

Mindful of not amassing more regrets in my life, I shouldered my faith and courage and JUST DO IT mantra, got in the car on delivery day, plugged the gallery address into the WAZE App, and drove. The gas tank was full, coffee and water by my side, and it was a glorious day weather-wise.

Baby steps... This was me choosing to take a leap of faith after being selected to exhibit with a new gallery in the city, Quid Nunc*. I had not mentioned entering the competition to anyone. Truth be told, I did not tell anyone because I was fearful I would not go through with it! If no one knew, my shame at 'chickening out' would be known only by a handful of people.

But I did it - chanting to myself the entire time: Just. Do. It. Feelings of relief at my small achievement were topped by the extraordinary artwork I saw that day! I was thrilled to be a part of that exciting exhibition! That joy pushed fear into my rearview mirror. I believe that God gave me the opportunity for many reasons. One - it was affirmation for my art. Two - it got me out of my comfort zone. Three - I would meet new people and see a room full of artwork!

The day I dropped off my painting "Chasing Shadows," I was surprised when the Gallery Owner (a wonderful person, Nancy Blackwell) placed my painting on a narrow wall, asked to to step in front of it and tell her about my painting. I haltingly introduced myself and then (to my surprise again) found myself enjoying it. I was speaking to her about the painting and my inspiration and all the joy I found in the creation...and music...and the movement involved in my style of painting... You can listen to me telling the story of this joyful painting here.

B:25 Opening Night - Me in front of "Chasing Shadows"

* QUID NUNC - In Latin this means "What Now/Next." VERY appropriate to my story, right?! (For those who watch the Hallmark Channel, we would call this invitation a "God Wink."

The Moral of the Story?

JUST DO IT! I have found that INERTIA is my enemy. So is FEAR. That is why I am choosing action (JUST DO IT) and faith. Faith and fear are mutually exclusive.

Believe! And, while you are at it, choose to believe in yourself. The sky's the limit!

Thank you for your support and patronage. I appreciate you and look forward to engaging more in 2026.

Yours in Art & Gratitude & Faith,

Elaine

Friday, November 12, 2021

Stories to Tell, Stories to Hear - Each As Unique As The Individual in Focus

PORTRAITS OF LIFE: Once Upon A Story

ELAINE WEINER-REED & APRIL M RIMPO

I am pleased to present our two-person exhibition, our second collaborative exhibition in the continuing EVERY PAINTING IS A SONG | STORY initiative, wherein artwork is paired with multiple Ekphrastic events involving communities: PORTRAITS OF LIFE: Once Upon a Story.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT...

This is an Ekphrastic exhibit where the images of Weiner-Reed and Rimpo’s visual art inspires written word, poetic, and musical interpretations of their paintings. Special events are scheduled throughout the ongoing exhibit for written word readings and musical presentations.

April and I are storytellers, so we invite others to imagine and retell the stories told in our paintings.

The community is invited to write and share their own interpretations to paintings on display for the duration of the exhibition.

Stop Injustice - © Elaine Weiner-Reed

I have a confession to make...

I look forward to it, but I will also be relieved AFTER our Opening Reception tomorrow, because staging a successful large exhibition is a many-month proposition CHOC-FULL of hard and constant work, work, work. (I am exhausted and looking forward to more studio time painting and sculpting in the near future....)

Read my 3-part article in Tom Neel's Live An Artful Life Blog, "From Artist to Art Shows": part 1, part 2, part 3. For a peek behind the curtain for this exhibition, I created this video and included a time-lapse video (filmed by Lorraine Imwold) that actually took all day to record as we worked!

I hope you will join April and me and enjoy our artwork and creative collaborations with writers and musicians. To learn more, scan the QR Codes or click on the links.

Four exhibit events.

RSVP and attend these free events at the link below.

Saturday, 13 November, 3-5:00 pm: Opening Art Reception: Weiner-Reed and Rimpo will speak about their backgrounds and motivations and respond to questions. Animated gallery talks will lead guests through the exhibit, engaging with them to find out what memories or ideas Elaine and April's work evokes.
Sunday, 21 November, 3-5:00 pm: Art Meets Word: An Ekphrastic Poetry event where a number of spoken word artists will share writings inspired by paintings in the exhibition.
Friday, 10 December, 6-8:00 pm: Art Meets Music: Music Collaboration with singer/songwriter Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon and his students who will present works from their Music Writing class inspired by works in the exhibition.
Friday,17 December, 6-8:00 pm: Bringing It All Together: A Closing Art Reception incorporating original music and poetry with a sampling of art-inspired poems by local writers and original music recordings by members of ROGUE COLLECTIVE. Country-blues recordings by Elaine's friend, Gerald “Jerry” R. Ingley, who in 2019 created two original songs with lyrics inspired by Elaine's and April's artwork.

A virtual gallery will be available during the exhibit.

Thank you for your continued support!

Yours in art and gratitude,

Elaine

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Les Retrouvailles (Found Memories)

Paths intersect. Lives are impacted. Identities evolve. Everything happens for a reason. Seemingly random encounters are anything but random.

“To move forward, we have to understand and know
where we came from
and how we got to any given place in time.
Everything is connected…”

Reflections

"Les Retrouvailles" represents one's search for meaning as we alternatively try to remember...or to forget. In this work, the figure appears turned in or wrapped around herself. This conceptualization of action, highlighted by the curvilinear linework, presents a pictorial image of our search for meaning and understanding. A large percentage of our identity is founded on our memories - those snapshots and film clips contained only in our mind's eye. Holding onto memories, this woman is working her mind to retrieve more memories - some key to her journey. The hope is that its resurgence will bring a positive effect in her present day existence.

Background

I don't know what it is about painting on unstretched canvas on my studio floor, but for me, it is liberating. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I am able to walk on it or around it as I paint. Perhaps it is because it allows me to literally become one with it as I slide it hither and yon to reach an area or even kneel on it as I fine-tune another area. There is an intimacy in that and an informality about it not being rigidly fashioned around the corners of stretchers and sized into someone else's parameters or dimensions of choice. I cut this canvas and began painting "Les Retrouvailles" while working on an abstract series I titled "Raw Edges." As an artist, my tendency is towards the figurative, and I generally am called back to it some 3 or 4 years after I begin experimenting with a new medium or surface. This piece is a significant one in that it represents my transition back into a figurative phase, bridging the non-objective while incorporating the figure.

I hope your memories provide you solace and joy!

For more of Elaine's artwork or to purchase this painting, visit: Saatchi Art Online

© 2020 Elaine Weiner-Reed (EWR)

      All images and content remain the property of the Artist. No reproductions or prints are authorized. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Bubbles and Bites – Oh, My!

If I had to label the Summer of 2019 for this artist, I might call it my “Summer of Great Escapes,” where I focused on realigning my health and creative center. Instead of a one- or two-week long vacation this year, I took what I refer to as mini vacations to see family and friends and to experience something new. These escapes help clear my mind so I can proceed with recalibrating my priorities and direction. After my miraculous escape from a determined tree followed by a mini Florida escape, my third escape was to Wine Country California, a wonderful way to combine family visit and vacation – closing one season and entering another with a fresh outlook, new memories, and a lot of good ideas for new paintings.

Elaine Weiner-Reed – Gloria Ferrer Vineyard and Winery 2019

Part 2: Sonoma – Sedately, We Roam

Nirvana of the senses: Two days, two vineyards, two tastings. One winner.

We had found the perfect balance.

Part 1 (Napa) and the Wine Trolley behind us, my sister and I arrived in Sonoma late Saturday afternoon, having made our way sedately through the glorious countryside from Napa, calmed by never-ending vineyard vistas. I admit that we left our Napa spa resort hotel behind us with some regret, but we found our Sonoma city hotel a block from the town square to be comfortable and in a perfect location to begin our multi-sensory explorations of Sonoma.

My sister and I would always joke about the fact that “wine time is anytime,” but the fact is, we normally do not partake before 5:00 PM in our current time zone. Consequently, it was with some trepidation and lingering memories of wine-trolley-day that we reserved the only available time slot remaining – morning – for the one tasting we could schedule for our only full day in Sonoma. That 10:30 AM Sunday reservation was for the Gloria Ferrer Vineyard, specifically for their “Bubbles and Bites” sit-down tasting. Not only was the wine time slot taking us out of our comfort zones, but so was the focus of the tasting, namely sparkling wines, or American “champagne.” Generally my preferred wine is red and not bubbly: Pinot Noir, Syrah, or Merlot.

So, tired and dubious at best, at 10:30 AM sharp we were welcomed by our vineyard hostess and hastened to the private dining room, the last party to join the four wine aficionados already seated at our table. Large picture windows offering views of the vineyard lent warmth to our bespoke table, elegant in its floral arrangement and crystal place settings. Pretending to be on East Coast time, I surrendered myself to the experience, intuitively knowing this would be the piece de resistance of all wine tastings to date. I was not disappointed (none of us were), for our last-minute reservation had teamed us with kindred tablemates with whom we conversed, laughed, and toasted amiably throughout what evolved into a sublime two-hour tasting.

Elaine Weiner-Reed – Gloria Ferrer Bubbles&Bites Sept.2019

We each learned much more than ever before about wine-food pairings as hostess Becky alternatively regaled us with highlights of wine-making processes and specific historical or viniculture points of interest. Explanations of our exquisite plate of gourmet treats was provided by the Chef, who had artfully designed each hors d’oeuvre and placed them on the plate to align with each bite’s companion wine. Specific ingredients were selected to perfectly pair with a specific wine – which they did, resulting in us requesting recipes as selective refills allowed us to explore a varietal in more depth. As a bonus, we were treated to several additional off-menu prime wines, each served individually in tailor-made wine glasses designed to bring out the flavor of each wine. As we reluctantly prepared to leave, we were treated to a quick peek in the wine cave, home to the large steel vats nursing future sparkling wines. So engrossed was I in the entire tasting experience, I unfortunately took no photos of our delectable bites or wines, but the photo of our menu (above) will give you a good idea of our gourmet treats. Each wine was superb, and the Pinot Noir was among the best I have ever had. My additional notes regarding specific food bites include: 1) the caviar was Sturgeon roe; 2) the strawberries in the trifle were bourbon-soaked.

Elaine Weiner-Reed – Gloria Ferrer Vineyard Terrace

Gloria Ferrer’s Bubbles and Bites experience was my first tasting in which food had been created specifically to pair with wines, definitely tantalizing our taste buds as we took sips and tastes as directed to unleash flavors. Good cooking is an art form I greatly appreciate. It isn’t common knowledge, but I am a foodie, and as such appreciate good food – especially good food artfully presented. I cook, often creating original dishes which generally cannot be repeated because I use what is at hand and add spices and ingredients alternatively based on instinct, taste, and experience. Being able to cook many foods pretty well makes going out to eat a challenge because I find most restaurants to be lacking in the imagination, taste, and spice departments. In all categories, however, Gloria Ferrer excelled. As we completed our purchases and said our good-byes, my sister and I moved out to the terrace to eat a bit more and soak in the timeless beauty of the vineyards on that beautiful fall afternoon. We had one more vineyard on our day’s agenda, but Gloria Ferrer remains my all-time favorite, epitomizing what a tasting should be.

Our second and final Sonoma vineyard visit was to the Gundlach Bundschu Vineyard and Winery, recommended by one of my sister’s friends as being one of the oldest vineyards in the region. This time, we chose to share a late afternoon tasting on the windy terrace of Gundlach Bundschu, referred to as GunBun. There we sat, sharing a sandwich and wine flight as we watched people, dogs, and butterflies traverse around the terrace. It was another lovely setting in wine country, and it was here that we got a glimpse of a real wine cave tucked into the Sonoma hillside – a surprise treat to end our day in Sonoma. The following day, back to Sacramento and I was soon heading home to Maryland, certain I would be reading my next Kate Carlisle mystery with visions of the real Napa and Sonoma dancing in my head.

Elaine Weiner-Reed - Gundlach Bundschu Wine Cave

Elaine Weiner-Reed - Gundlach Bundschu Terrace

Gundlach Bundschu - Love Lies Bleeding (Flower)

Cheers! Until next time, live creatively and fully.

Yours in Art,

Elaine