Retired: Maryland's Best

"Maryland's Best" Limited Edition - Now Retired. 

"Maryland's Best" was captured at Black Ankle's Grand Opening, but is not our only Black Ankle image. Check out our store / website for other Maryland Winery art, including Black Ankle. 

New Release: BV Cubed

"BV Cubed"

New Release "BV Cubed" will be available at Wine in the Woods, May 19 & 20, 2012.

Decanter 2012

 Decanter

A Celebration of Wine & Racing at Pimlico Race Course. 

April 21-22, 2012

The weather was looking poor at best, hot and rainy for Saturday, cold and rainy on Sunday. Spring weather is unpredictable.  Even though the sunshine stayed with us until the end of the day on Saturday, the event coordinator Jade Oster, with Maryland Wineries Association, moved the event indoors the day before. It was for the best. Now there was a choice, hot or cold, sunny or rainy, indoors or out. The grandstand seating and food was available on both upper and lower levels.  The crowd both days was much bigger than last year.   I bet because it was indoors.

Saturday started with the hustle to set up vendors, a few new wineries, and well-seasoned ones, too. I was hoping I'd find some time to sneak away to sample. The music, Peter James, a solo act was working hard to get set up while we were finishing our final pricing of artwork.  My husband and exchanged the all too familiar glance, "how'd we get stuck by the band...again?". Well, at least he was easy on the eyes.

It was noon and the crowd started to filter in, slowly more and more. I studied the crowed.  I always do, who are they, why are they here? Is there a commonality among them? I started to notice it was a youthful group. There were several groups of ladies going solo and young couples out with friends.

Just then Peter James started to play. His tunes perfectly matched the crowd. His agent (and attorney) politely asked us if the music was too loud. Wow. That was a first. Of course it wasn't and even if it was I wasn't about to tell him to turn it down. I loved it! As the day went on the crowd got bigger. We took turns watching the races and sampling wines, some old favorites and a few new finds. I even placed a small bet but didn't fair well. As the day went on, people passed by and some stayed to chat, a few artists, marketing and sales folks, other vendors, and self-published author, Stacie Whitaker-Harris. There was an amazing energy that surround her. We talked with a few native Floridians, bikers, ex-military, and wine fans.  Each with their own story.  We closed out the day selling both the Wine Flight and a larger version of our featured "Decanter" piece (from the image at the top of this blog). We knew the weather was deteriorating, closed up for the day, and drove home in the rain, expecting worse weather on Sunday and low on attendance.

The next morning, but not too early, we packed up last minute supplies and head to the track. Rain. All we could think about was how horrible packing up was going to be in the rain. We made final adjustments on our display, hopeful, for a good day.   Peter James, unfortunately, was not scheduled to play on Sunday. However, the music seemed to match the crowd, a little old school country and Elvis. Really not my type but whatever; it worked for Sunday. 

The day started really slow, but with a surprise. A couple we met at Wine in the Woods that purchased art there, stopped by to let us know they still are enjoying their artwork. They left with something new. Not too soon after, another couple that purchased the first printing of Boordy Barrels at the Maryland Wine Festival that they later had the wine makers sign, stopped to chat. They too love their artwork and added to their collection.

There was lull and I decided I wanted to try my luck again. I placed my bet and proceeded outside. It was about two minutes to races on a sloppy track, and jokingly next to some sloppy guests. At least they had a good laugh.  They told me they really enjoyed this event. They love wine but this was their first time to see a horse race. They were glad they were able to experience something new with something familiar. As it seemed to be the same for most of the guests, too.

I fared better on this gamble. I was still down $4 but I had a full glass. And with that it was time to go back to work. Just in time, too. Rob was trying to process a sale and quickly turned the paperwork over to me. We always joke that he's "just the dumb artist" but this is why we make a good team. I quickly process the sale and sent Rob out to taste some wine hoping he'd return with something new. I was looking forward to wine with my crabby (patty) melt and Utz chips.

The crowd was thinning and the rain was picking up. Sunday crowds usually want to head home early, after all Monday is lurking around the corner. A sudden last minute groups sales kept us busy right to the end. Our last customer of the day, purchased multiple pieces, one, a gift for a bride that is getting married at a local winery, left us with a final thought "keep doing what your doing" - and this is why I'll bet on art over horses any day.


Thank you Maryland Wineries Association and Pimlico for another awesome event. I look forward to returning as a vendor next year, in the grandstands.
 
  

  

2012 Show Schedule

Our 2012 show schedule:

Decanter at Pimlico, Baltimore City, MD, April 21-22, 2012

Wine In the Woods, Columbia, MD, May 19-20, 2012

Annapolis Arts & Crafts Festival, Annapolis MD June 9-10, 2012

Maryland Wine Festival, Westminster, MD, September 15-16, 2012

Tentative Events for 2012:

Canton Wine & Jazz, Baltimore, MD, September 2012

Wine on the Hill, Hanover PA, September 2012

Wine on the Beach, Ocean City, MD, October 2012

Autumn Wine Festival, Salisbury MD, October 2012

Holiday Mart, Columbia, MD, December 2012

Please check back events may change.

Canton Wine & Jazz

New Event for us, Canton Wine and Jazz Festival. We wanted to give it a try because it was downtown. That was good for me - sometimes it feels like I don't get into the city enough.

It was a small town feel. A party in the streets.  Local Wine and good local music. Nothing over powering or too loud. Jazz really is a great pairing with wine.

The only downside to this festival is the wineries were only allowed to sell wine by the glass.  I think that was determined by the hosting organization, The Canton Homeowners Association. As a result the lines were long; the crowd was frustrated.  At some point some of the wineries gave into the crowds or people purchased wine by the bottle to take it home but just opened it there instead. Some of the wineries sold out of wine, too. That helped us close up a little early....festivals are always really long days anyway.

Overall it was a great show. We've heard rumor it may not be held next year, but if it is we'll definitely return.

"Maryland Tango" Now Retired

This weekend at Canton Wine and Jazz Festival, O'Donnell Square Baltimore, Maryland we retired our first Boordy Vineyard image "Maryland Tango."

"Maryland Tango" limited edition is no longer available for purchase.

"Maryland Tango" is our first signed and numbered image in our Boordy series. This image was shot with natural light and a special touch in the background. “Maryland Tango” is a limited edition of 5 pieces. Thanks to Canton Wine & Jazz this image is now retired and no longer available for purchase.

Healing Field (Rememberance of 9/11)

After Ten Years - All Across America - We Remember.

In a small Pennsylvania town, the front lawn of an elementary school is transformed into the "Healing Field". For each courageous soul an American Flag stands proud.

There, in that moment, the view will take your breath away.

Gettysburg Motorcycle Shoot

Outdoor shoots are always tricky, weather has a lot to do with it. Although, this time the weather kept interfering, we finally got this shoot scheduled. We arrived on site at Gettysburg with the sky was still sketchy. And our clients got lost on the way....we waited and almost threw in the towel after an hour and just then they pulled in...timing couldn't have been more perfect the sky cleared and the lighting improved.

Success! Jim, Army Veteran over 22 years, was happy!

You can see more of Jim's shoot at http://www.randrphotos.net/Transportation/ForJim/

Collector Shows Off Wine Flights

Wine lover and art collector Jordan Schneyer shows off the four 'flights' he discovered at Wine in the Wood, May 2011. "A King's Army," "Instrumental Red," "Double Your Pleasure," and "Space" are  perfect complement his wine bar.

Image courtesy of Jordan Schneyer

Image courtesy of Jordan Schneyer

Thanks Jordan for sharing your artwork and wine bar with us!

About the Wine & Tropical Flight Series:

With the economic situation deteriorating and consumers spending less and less. R&R Fine Art Photography wanted to be sure that art collectors could still afford high quality art work. Late 2010 we introduced a new series of images Wine Flights and Tropical Flights.  These are 'flight' size images that typically sell for less than $65 per image. Quickly these images were a hit! The feedback was outstanding....not only are the prices affordable but they work in small spaces.

Online Store Front Now Open

Finally! We opened an online storefront!

Check it out! https://randrphotos.bigcartel.com 

After weeding through all the options and sites offering this online store to small business we finally chose Big Cartel. 

Vendors Need Wine Too!

Wine in the Woods, May 2011

By the end of this two day event we were tired and thirsty, so we headed over to one of our favorite wineries in Maryland Running Hare Vineyard for a little refreshing treat....

A special touch...personalized wine glasses.

This was the first year we were able to enter Wine in the Woods as a vendor. Getting into the event has proven quite difficult. And after a few hours of non-stop craziness we understood why. The event is a sell-out and according to the other vendors they 'do not want to give up their spot'. We would agree. Thankfully, we received an invite to attend and we look forward to returning to this event in 2012. We met some amazing people and enjoyed the conversation, the opportunity to present our artwork, and of course the wine....

Cheers!

Decanter 2011

The Decanter event at Pimlico Race Track was a complete and utter wash out.

Glass Pickup for Decanter April 2011

BUT it should become an annual event. Maryland Wineries Association, the even organizer, planned the event in only a few month. The quality of the staff and their professionalism showed. Every detail from set-up, poor weather accommodations, transportation, and exit plan were perfect.  Promoting of the even despite the pouring rain was effective, special thanks to 98 Rock.

All visitors enjoyed track side views of the few races (that were able to run) under cover; a huge even tent protected guests and vendors.

This event (minus the rain) is a must attend! Looking forward to NEXT YEAR's DECANTER!

"Glow"-Best Release To Date!

Shortly after the wine makers approval and it's debut at Running Hare Vineyard (three weeks to be exact) "Glow" one of our newest releases, became popular. Five of this limited edition to twenty Giclee on Canvas found permanent homes. Perhaps your home is next!

No worries...drink more wine!

Running Hare Pinot Grigio - Tasting Notes

This American White Wine is crisp, and light with a soft nose, but don't let that fool you. This summer-style wine is ready for a picnic and has a story to tell. So get your blanket ready....your chicken salad sandwich or fresh cheese and Baguette and enjoy....the only thing that completes this Pinot Grigio is a family Frisbee game next to the vines...it's just too bad that only a few cases remain.














To complement your taste buds check out our eye candy of this Pinot Grigio, a limited edition Fine Art Piece "Double Gold" at the Events Room at Running Hare Vineyards..... www.runninghardvineyard.com and www.randrphotos.net.

No worries....drink more wine!

Serpent's Song - Tasting Notes

At 7 am the bottle was opened releasing the Serpent's Song. Soft and airy this song was a subtle temptress....until just after noon when her song began to beg her image captors for a tasting. So we, with out hesitation, released the zork from holding captive, this amazing song.

One hundred percent Vidal Blanc this semi - sweet white wine is soft, sweet and melodious. It much like a Sauvignon Blanc absent of grass and musk. A perfect sipping wine that pairs well with goat cheese and french bread on a cool sunny Sunday. Stop by the tasting room at Serpent Ridge Vineyard, for more information go to - Serpent Ridge.

No worries, drink more wine!

Roseanna Praydis
R & R Fine Art Photography

Mustang in the Park

Perfect fall day for a photo shoot.  Spending the morning at Codorus State Park, York County, Pennsylvania, with great natural light and little traffic to interfere, we got the perfect image in less than an hour.  

The perfect birthday gift for the man that has everything....