Jigsaw Puzzles

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025

Choose Your Color

A manicure and pedicure usually mean a change of nail polish – with a new color.

Rows of vibrant, colorful bottles of nail polish are organized neatly, creating a visually striking pattern. A wide range of hues, from pinks to blues, fill the nail salon shelves, each labeled distinctly. The words you often hear upon entering the salon are, “Please choose your color.”

nail polish bottles on display — Nail Polish bottles on display for your next manicure or pedicure. What color will you choose?

There’s something undeniably exhilarating about stepping into a nail salon, ready to indulge in the ultimate pampering experience of a mani-pedi. It’s not just about the aesthetic transformation; it’s a moment to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with yourself. As you sink into the plush chair, the soothing scents of essential oils fill the air, setting the stage for an hour or two of blissful relaxation. Whether you’re opting for a classic nail polish look or exploring the vibrant world of gel and acrylics, each choice offers a unique way to express your personality and mood.

The magic begins as skilled technicians work their wonders on your hands and feet, transforming them into canvases of creativity. Gel manicures are perfect for those who crave durability and shine, while acrylics offer endless possibilities for those who love bold, artistic designs. Meanwhile, your toes are treated with equal attention, leaving you with perfectly polished nails that peek out from your favorite sandals. With every brush stroke, the stresses of the week seem to melt away, replaced by a sense of rejuvenation and confidence that only a fresh mani-pedi can provide.

Beyond the allure of beautifully painted nails, there’s a deeper joy in this ritual. A mani-pedi is more than just a beauty treatment; it’s a celebration of self-care and an opportunity to pause and appreciate the simple pleasures in life. As you leave the salon with your nails glistening in the sunlight, you carry with you a renewed sense of energy and a reminder that taking time for yourself is never wasted. After all, when your nails look good, you feel unstoppable!

Dazzling array of color

In the salon, a dazzling array of vibrant, colorful bottles of nail polish stretches across the shelves. Each bottle is neatly organized, creating a visually striking pattern that catches the eye. The display is a delightful rainbow, bursting with every hue imaginable.

From soft, romantic pinks to bold, electric blues, there’s a shade for every mood and occasion. The variety is simply astounding, inviting customers to explore and experiment with different looks. Every bottle is labeled distinctly, making it easy to find just the right color.

The cheerful atmosphere of the salon is enhanced by this kaleidoscope of colors. It’s as if the shelves are whispering promises of fun and creativity to everyone who walks in. This vibrant collection transforms a simple visit into an exciting adventure in self-expression.

Prints available: Choose Your Color by Bill Swartwout

Or… wouldn’t this make a challenging (fun) jigsaw puzzle: Choose Your Color Jigsaw Puzzle by Bill Swartwout – Bill Swartwout

February 1, 2022January 31, 2022

Spiral Pattern Abstract Created from a Real Photograph

The colors just seemed to work for a new art creation in blue and black.

A spiral pattern created from an actual night photograph of Fire Control Tower #3 at Tower Beach Park of the Delaware Seashore State Park System. When it comes to abstract art I am more about colors and patterns than anything else. I have always liked blue – nearly all shades – and it goes well with black. So I created this abstract by swirling a “real” photograph that was primarily the shades of cobalt blue you see here along with a nearly all-black background. The colors caught my eye and I thought – just let me swirl these around a bit.

Galaxy Collective Spiral Abstract in Blue and Black

Here is the original photo…I simply thought the colors “worked” for the new rendition. FCT #3 is currently being restored as a museum piece and is lighted at night by cobalt blue spotlights. The tower was originally photographed by me, Bill Swartwout, in a swirling rain. The cobalt blue swirl was, hence, derived from the original image keeping only the blue of the tower and the black of the sky. A collection of lights swirling against a black void is, of course, a galaxy collective and, in this instance, in cobalt blue. A galaxy is made up of stars so the star accent was added for a touch or realism. Right?

While the tower is no longer recognizable in the least, the colors are pretty much intact and make a distinctive design when “swirled” in my image editing software.

Fire Control Towner #3 Night with Blue Lighting

It is rather obvious from where the abstract was developed once you see the colors of the original photograph. Hey, wouldn’t that (the abstract) make a challenging jigsaw puzzle?

Chose a link below to see the full image for each photograph above. You can see it on various substrates for wall art and also as a variety of home decor items.

Link: Galaxy Collective in Cobalt Blue with Star

Link: Fire Control Tower 3 in Cobalt Blue

Link to: Bill’s full Gallery at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Pictorem

Fire Control Tower #3 is bathed in cobalt blue light on a rainy night in coastal Delaware. Fire Control Tower #3 is located at the Tower Beach Facility in one of the the Delaware Seashore State Parks. This tower, along with Tower #4 in the same state park, and several others along the Delaware Coast provided targeting information for the big guns at Fort Miles, several miles to the north.

Fort Miles and the World War II Fire Control Towers of the Delaware coast were an early example of, what we call today, Homeland Security. Fort Miles and the FCTs were built to protect the Delaware Bay from invasion by enemy ships. They proved to be an excellent deterrent because fire was never directed on an enemy vessel throughout the war.

January 19, 2022January 16, 2023

I Never Met a Potato I Didn’t Like

My guilty pleasure is a bucket of fries on the boardwalk.

Yes, I’ll admit it. However, there are a lot worse foods to be in love with than a potato. French fries are not only American, but worldwide. Who does not like French fries? I have tried listening to stories of people who do not like French fries. I did not find anyone. Right?

A Bucket of Fries on the Boardwalk – just for you!

Very short story: Standing knee-deep in the Atlantic Ocean, our daughter, who loved to surf even as a three year old, demanded we get some French Fries. My son and I looked at her in disbelief. “Right now? There’s no way”, I told her. No one else was around; we were so far down the beach it was almost deserted, but still… they were French Fries .”Let’s go Daddy! Come on!” she pleaded. And then the smell hit us – freshly cooked French Fries only a few hundred yards away. Just imagine being there and having that olfactory awakening.

Here’s just another thought about lusting after some hot French Fries…

Remember, French Fries do not judge YOU – so you should not be one to judge them. Right?

Jigsaw Puzzle of French Fries Not Judging You — A Bucket of Boardwalk-style French Fries as a Jigsaw Puzzle.

Our French Fries photographs are food-grade (just kidding) and printed on archival photographic paper. You might consider framing – it’s durable, protects the image from scratches and moisture, and gives a rich, professional look to the prints. Mat and frame choices can be made to suit that perfect spot in your home or office.

Links to these two images for wall art (prints, framed or on canvas) and for home decor items. How’ about a throw pillow or a coffee mug? Or maybe even a beach towel?

Link: French Fries on the Boards Print

Link: Fries Do Not Judge You Print

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill’s Ocean City Gallery at Pictorem (w/ Free Shipping)

I remember a quote by Dolly Parton (if I’ve got it correct): Potato, potato, potato, I never met a spud I didn’t like.” I see nothing wrong with that. How about you? In moderation, of course. Yeah, right!

If you have a place at the beach.

Relax in your vacation unit and enjoy how you have chosen to decorate it. Our wall art prints and home decor items add a touch of color, style and life to dull walls (or cover up unsightly marks). Home decor items such as pillows, mugs or towels will help you surprise guests at your place or simply add a personal touch of glamour to your favorite place.

In Summary

I will admit, I am addicted to potatoes. I will eat them as French fries, as potato wedges, as potato chips , as mashed potatoes, baked potatoes or you name it – I love them. Especially French Fries on the Boardwalk. In Ocean City, MD that means either Thrasher’s French Fries or Boardwalk Fries. Yum.