Plein Air with Gary Pendleton Featured in May

BookPendleton. A cow named Lucy. Oil, 11x14 (2)

Gary Pendleton to be Featured

During May Bishop’s Stock will celebrate plein air painting with work by Gary Pendleton from North Beach in Southern Maryland. Gary is the Past President of the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association and the author of 100 Plein Air Painters of the Mid-Atlantic, published in 2014 by Schiffer books. As a native Marylander he finds inspiration in every corner of the state, from the Chesapeake Bay to Appalachian Mountains and beyond. Whenever possible, he takes his easel out to paint in the towns, cities and natural areas. The regular practice of painting from life, “en plein air,” allows him to create the feeling of light and atmosphere in his paintings. His love of plein air painting also lead him to research and write about regional artists who share his interest.

100 Plein Air Painters of the Mid-Atlanticis a beautiful catalog of regional paintings. It is packed with over 400 color reproductions of work by some of today’s finest landscape artists, including Kirk McBride, Lynn Lockhart, David Diaz, Stan Sperlak, Carole Boggemann Pierson and Leslie Belloso. The book not only documents the contemporary art scene, it includes a concise history of landscape painting in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.

Additionally the show will include Paint Snow Hill plein air paintings by a number of the artists included in the book – Lynne Lockhart, Kirk McBride, Nancy West, Meg Walsh, Lynne Mehta, David Diaz, Laura Howell, Mary Pritchard, Claudia Brookes and Desiree Holmes Scherini.

May Featured Wines – 2013 Ox-Eye Riesling & 2012 Ox-Eye Cabernet Franc, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Ox-Eye

Ox-Eye Vineyards, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Ox-Eye Vineyards (the actual vineyard) is located near Staunton in Augusta County, but has a tasting room in downtown Staunton. The 100-acre farm was purchased by John and Susan Kiers in 1996 with the main intention of growing wine grapes in Augusta County. This particular site was chosen because of the unique climate of the Shenandoah Valley, hot temperatures during the day and much cooler temperatures across the valley at night. Other factors were the low rainfall as well as the deep limestone soils. These conditions, we were told, allow the grapes to ripen and intensify the sugar content while maintaining the acidity in late summer and early fall. The vineyard was named Ox-Eye after the ox-eye daisies that are strewn throughout the vineyard. The Kiers planted their first two acres of grape vines in 1999 and, eventually, expanded the planting to around twenty acres.

The original venture was to sell grapes to local vineyards, but after 10 years and some deliberation between the couple they decided to build their own winery. They did just that in 2010 and began selling their own Estate Bottled wines. Not long after, the Kiers purchased and renovated an old coal and lumber office building which was built in 1903. This would come to be their main tasting room location. The building was completely renovated and its doors were opened to the public for the first time in the spring of 2011. The exterior brick is painted an eye-catching yellow to match that of the ox-eye flowers that grow on the Vineyard property, while the interior glimmers from the refinished pine floors, windows, and tasting bar.

2013 Ox-Eye Riesling                       $18

This is a perfect off-dry Riesling. The Kiers have found a niche for German-style wines. Being off- dry means the sweetness of the grape does not overwhelm. There is a nice blend of citrus and a hint of honey. This is a light-bodied wine that is a perfect compliment to many foods.  Perfect with shellfish and wonderful with Asian foods.  Alcohol: 11.8%

2012 Ox-Eye Cabernet Franc        $20

Cabernet Franc is a medium bodied red lighter in color and tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon. Ox-Eye is dry with ripe plum and raspberry perfumes. Citrus aromas mesh with bright acidity, adding a touch of minerality mid palate, while maintaining a semi-sweet but not puckering finish. This pairs with red meats and full flavored cheeses.A good wine for grilled meals. Alcohol: 13.2%

New Work by Lynne Lockhart & Kirk McBride Featured in April

KM Hanging Around 20x20 $3000LL Gallop 8x8 $750

New Work by Lynne Lockhart & Kirk McBride

It is a sure sign that spring is here when Bishop’s Stock features new work by Lynne Lockhart and Kirk McBride. Since 2007 our spring season has truly started with Lynne and Kirk’s show. It is really hard to express the gratitude we have for their commitment to the gallery. During the fall and winter they create new work in their studios and then let us offer our patrons a “first look” at their wonderful paintings. Check the albums on Bishop’s Stock’s Facebook page and you will understand why we love getting ready for this show. While they are drawn to different subjects and paint different sizes their technical skills with light, shadow and form never miss the mark.

April Featured Wines – 2013 Falesco Est! Est! Est! di Montefiascone, Umbria, Italy & 2009 Monti Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, Abruzzo, Italy

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2013 Falesco Est! Est!, Est! di Montefiascone, Umbria, Italy            $11

The legend goes that in the 12th century, a wine-loving bishop was traveling through the Italian countryside on his way to see the coronation of the Pope. As he traveled, he would send a scout ahead of the convoy to let him know the wine of the area was good by marking “Est” (“It is”) above an inn’s door. As the scout traveled ahead to Montefiascone, the wine was apparently so good, that the scout marked that location with “Est! Est!! Est!!!” Montefiascone remains an excellent wine today, particularly so when crafted by Cotarella, who blends 50% Trebbiano, 30% Malvasia, and 20% Roscetto together for legendary results. This wine is  delicate straw-yellow in color, the nose offers playful aromas of citrus, apple, and white flowers. On the palate, its crisp acidity is balanced with soft flavors of pear and melon which make for an easy-to-drink, refreshing wine. Drink this wine on its own, or pair it with grilled fish, velouté sauces, chicken satay, or oysters Rockefeller. Alcohol: 12%

 

Monti

2009 Monti Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, Abruzzo, Italy        $15

This small, family-owned winery even involves the family dog on the bottle. “Baffo,” meaning “mustached” in Italian, is the name of Monti’s Spinone breed that appears on each bottle. The Spinone are famed as being versatile hunting dogs of ancient heritage with origins in northern Italy. The wine is  unfined and unfiltered to preserve all its fleshy, fruit flavors. It  has a dark, inky, red color and intense aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and herbs with undertones of licorice, black pepper, and smoke. It is generous, yet pure on the palate and is ripe with round tannins and delicate acidity. This offers an excellent overall structure. Pair this wine with sausages, tomato sauces, barbecue, and ancho chile-based dishes. Alcohol: 14.5%

New Work by Gallery Artists Featured in March

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                        New Work by Gallery Artists

March is a great time to show new work by our artists. Some of the paintings are fresh off the easel while others were done in recent months. It is always interesting to see what imagery and subjects come off their canvases and paper. Some of our artists stay with the same medium and representational subjects while others explore different techniques and vary what they want to paint. It is always refreshing to see what direction they take. Included in the show are Leslie Belloso, Carole Boggemann Peirson, Scot Dolby, Lynne Lockhart, Kirk McBride, Jim Rehak, Fred Sprock, Roxanne Weidele and Nancy West.

March Featured Wines – 2012 DeLoach Chardonnay & 2012 DeLoach Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, California

Deloach Chard

2012 DeLoach Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California       $19

Chardonnay fans will love this California style version of the variety. It’s wonderfully fruity, with ripe pineapples, tangerines and papayas, and a rich, sweet taste, like bananas sautéed in butter and drizzled with honey. The acidity is perfect. This is a fruity, smooth Chardonnay that received 91 from Wine Enthusiast. Alcohol: 14.5%

 

 

 

Deloach Zin2012 DeLoach Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, California             $19

This wine opens aromatically with enticing notes full of boysenberry and blackberry accentuated with hints of dust and violet. Dark red, almost purplish, this wine is medium to full-bodied with excellent balance and great structure. True to its varietal, DeLoach’s  Russian River Valley Zinfandel has nice acidity, just a touch of toast on the palate and is ready to be enjoyed upon release.  Wine & Spirits gives this big and bold Zinfandel a 93. Alcohol:  15%

Winter Abstracts Featured in February

AC - Endless Summer BlissHogan 1New World Order 22x28

 

 

 

 

 

In February Bishop’s Stock gets back to new shows and special events. As in the past 6 years we will be showing Winter Abstracts to give everyone bright colors and energy to combat “cabin fever.” We are very excited to be showing new gallery artists – Abigail Grier Custis, Tom Hogan and Phyllis Gillie Jaffe – along with familiar names – Ed Challenger, John Cleary, Kathy Daywalt, Ann Hayden, Angela Herbert-Hodges, Anne Holland, John and Eric Nyberg, Hunter Nesbitt, Deborah Rolig and Maurice Sevigny.

February Featured Wines – 2013 The Marktree Estate Chardonnay & 2013 The Marktree Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, South East Australia Sauvignon

Marktree Chard

2013 The Marktree Estate Chardonnay, South East Australia                 $11

The Marktree Estate produces classic varietals as modern wines.  This is a crisp Chardonnay with Semillon. It is fresh with delicate floral aromas and rich fruit. On the palate the taste is citrus lime, grapefruit and ripe tropical fruits. This is a medium bodied wine with great balance and a very nice finish.  This is an easy wine to sip or pair with foods. Alcohol: 13%

 

Marktree Cabernet

2013 The Marktree Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, South East Australia  $11

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark garnet in color with aromas of vanilla and briar. On the palate the flavors are black currant fruit and chocolate with a mint twist and vanilla spice. This is a wine with great structure at a very affordable cost. It is a great wine to use for entertaining a crowd. Alcohol: 13%

Studio Sweep Sale Continues Through January

Sweep 2014-2 Our very successful Studio Sweep Sale continues through January. The selection of paintings includes small oils, watercolors and acrylics in all sizes. Browsing the paintings is a great way to get a feel for the diverse talent of our artists. Also being shown in January are new figurative paintings by Katie Engberg, still lifes by Lois Engberg and pastel landscapes by Stan Sperlak.

January Featured Wines – 2013 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny, Loire Valley, France & 2012 Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, France

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2013 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny, Loire Valley, France $17

2013 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny is imported from the Loire Valley by Kermit Lynch. The Delaille brothers produce this great value in Cheverny Sauvignon Blanc. This is a blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chardonnay. The Sauvignon Blanc offers zest on the nose and on the palate with the Chardonnay providing roundness and richness on the palate. This is a wine that will not “knock off your socks” but that is exactly what the Delailles intend. They produce and present the best of the terrior just as Old World wines are meant to do. This is a lovely wine as a appertif or an accompaniment to simple roasted fish or poultry.

 

Kermit Lynch cotes du rhone 12

2012 Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone, Beaumes-de-Venise, France  $17

2012 Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone in produced in the Southern Rhone area of Beaumes-de-Venise. This wine is made by Jean-François Pasturel at Terres d’Avignon. Typical for Cotes du Rhone blends the varietals in the 2012 vintage are Grenache (66%), Syrah (25%), Carignan (7%), Cinsualt (1%) and Mourvedre (1%.) On the nose it shows violet, rose petal, oak, smoke, mushroom, game, toast, tar, dust, dark fruit, vanilla, tobacco, red fruit, spice box, and cedar. On the palate there is lots of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, licorice, anise, vanilla, musk, black currant, blackberry, dust, leather, currant, and blueberry. Again, this is an Old World wine that is not the “star of the show.” It plays a supporting role by complimenting simple bistro food.