"Painting live at the 

Shenandoah Arts Council"

 "Odd Lot", Steven J Parrish, 20"x16", Oil on Linen

Steven J Parrish painting at the Shenandoah Arts Council open studio tour November 13th and 14th 2010.

As part of the open studio tour I packed up half my studio and set up at the Shenandoah Arts Council's building. I worked on a still life painting I had put together just for the event. I had a great time talking to all the people who stopped in to watch. It was a bit of paint by request. "When are you going to paint that part?"  "Well, now I guess", "How are you going to paint that section?" "Let's find out, now". What a way to get you out of your usual painting method. Everyone was supportive, friendly, and seemed to enjoy seeing the process of creating a work of art. Now I just have to make sure I finish the painting and put it in an exhibit at the council so people can see the final result.

My sincerest thank you to everyone, your kind words are most heart felt and much appreciated.

"Irish Heritage"

"Irish Heritage", Linda Volrath, 12x16, Oil on Panel

The stunning conformation of this elite level steeplechase horse caught my eye and seems perfectly paired with the striking Celtic design of the jockey's silks. The blue and green harmony is reinforced by the intense bright sky, the tents and grooms' apparel.


This new painting will be available at auction during the Calcutta, September 17th the night before the 2010 Blue Ridge Fall Races. This year's auction and races will benefit Hospice of the Panhandle, Inc. and Youth Development Center, Inc. Follow the links for more information on these organizations.

We're back from Paris

"Inspired by the Louvre", Linda Volrath, 10x8, Oil on Linen

Linda spent several days plein air painting around the outside of the Louvre. We both spent several days inside the Louvre and the Musee D' orsay admiring the paintings. We had a great time on our trip and were lucky enough to have a place to stay right in the middle of the Louvre district. We could walk to famous landmarks in any direction. We got to spend time with the Vermeer's, Rembrandt's, David's and Van Gogh's with no crowds. If you can't get inspired in Paris, then you just can't get inspired.

Linda has joined The Sporting Gallery

"Winter Nightfall", Linda Volrath, 10 x 10, Oil on Linen

Linda was honored to be invited to join The Sporting Gallery in Middleburg, VA. She is proud to be included with the world renowned artists they represent. The Sporting Gallery has a reputation for showing the artwork of the best artists, past and present, working in sporting art. The gallery is showing the range of Linda's work, equestrian, landscape, still life and figurative.

Masters of Foxhounds Association Centennial book

"Side Saddle Charm", Linda Volrath, 12 x 16, Oil on Masonite

The Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) centennial book 1907 to 2007 has been published and is now available. The book covers the last 100 years of fox hunting and Foxhounds history and includes two of Linda's equestrian paintings. Linda is honored that her art was selected for inclusion in this monumental project.

Morven Park Commission:

"Morven Park Mansion", Linda Volrath, 14 x 18, Oil on Linen

This painting of the mansion at Morven Park in Leesburg Virginia was commissioned by the Westmoreland Davis Foundation as a gift for retiring Executive Director Will O'Keefe. It was presented at a reception held in the newly renovated section of the mansion. It was through Mr O'Keefe's tireless efforts that the mansion is in the process of a massive restoration. The reception and the mansion were in fine form. Thank you to the Foundation Board of Directors for giving Linda the opportunity to honor the career of Mr O'Keefe and the beautiful historic property at Morven Park.

We personally wish to thank Mr O'Keefe and others like him who commit to the restoration of America's historic properties.