Shoptalk by Sturbridge Yankee Workshop

Adeline Halvorson

Artist and designer Adeline Halvorson is one of two artists that design our beautiful and realistic pet doorstops. The second, Leslie Anderson, we will learn about next. Adeline knew at an early age that she wanted to be an artist. She had a rural upbringing which exposed her to animals and perfect landscapes on a daily basis. Her one true love though and what became her favorite animal, is a horse. After years of riding and grooming these gorgeous mammals, Adeline truly came to understand the anatomy and muscle movement of the horse. This has allowed her to paint exquisite detail and life like images of all types of animals including ones like the cats seen below; but especially the equine subject matter. Her breathtaking and detailed paintings are part of numerous corporate collections. In 2001, Adeline was featured in Country Women Magazine. She is also the recipient of a long list of awards, recognizing her artistic talent. Most recently in 2009, she received the “Best in Show Flatwork” and “Artist’s Choice” awards at the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede Art Auction. Also in 2009, Adeline received the “People’s Choice Award” at the Art of the West Show. Adeline now lives in Calgary, in the Alberta province of Canada.

Adeline Halvorson spends a lot of her time these days researching and creating new artwork for the many vendors and collections she contributes too. Adeline notes that she has developed her own unique techniques in the mediums of pastel and acrylic paint. Seen above on the left is our Orange Tabby Cat Doorstop. This striking feline is created through a unique screen printing process on 100% cotton. This method produces a very realistic looking cat that could be used in an entryway or living room of any home to welcome in family and friends. Features a weighted bottom and filled with a traditional poly-fill to stand up strait on the floor or a bench.

Leslie Anderson

Maine artist Leslie Anderson only began painting several years ago as a form of stress relief from her intense high-tech career. She never knew it would turn into what is has today; a way of life that has truly changed her. Recently moving to Maine full time, after spending many half years in Sedgwick area. Leslie loves the landscape of down east Maine and this shows in her lovely scenic paintings. She typically paints a variety of outdoor scenes and her ability to paint images of floral bouquets is simply stunning. Perhaps this is due to her close relationship with arranging, cutting and growing flowers. Her husband Dan Nygaard, is the owner of Dan’s Flower Farm at the Stonington Market. Here, they share a space for Dan’s flower design and an art studio/gallery for Leslie. Leslie often does commission work for individuals who want her to “come paint” at their homes and re-create scenic views from homeowner’s backyards or windows, to frame and treasure for years to come.

Seen here above is our new, website exclusive Bull Dog Doorstop. For any Bull Dog lover, this is a must have as it captures the character of a Bull Dog just right; looks a little frightening with his bottom over-bite but really is a loving and cute dog. Details are achieved in the white, tan and brown shading of his fur. Produced through the same silk screen printing process as described above, both doorstops mentioned here are proudly made in New York, U.S.A.

~To see and learn more about both the designers and their pet doorstops offered at Sturbridge Yankee Workshop, click Here.