Plein Air in Spring

These last few weeks, I have been pushing hard to finish up a few more Southern Weed paintings for my show coming up in May at Artspace.  I am getting anxious and tired, and still have far to go to be "finished" (and then framing and photography needs to miraculously happen).  This push is an exciting time though.  And I think the body of work is slowly growing into something lovely as a whole.  For awhile, I was cursing plants and my initial attraction to them, but I've come again to a spot of appreciation and admiration.  I think now, weeds will find their way into all of my work. 

In the meantime, I have also been trying my hand at plein air landscape painting. Since the Women Painting Women group painting trip to Charleston, SC in November last year, I have been inspired to get more proficient at Plein Air painting.  In a setting, responding to changing light, and conditions is so thrilling and yes, sometimes frustrating as well.  This past weekend, I had the chance to go out and paint some local scenes.  I am lucky to live in an area with these spots of splendor just minutes away.  Take a look.  Thoughts are always welcome.  Happy Painting folks! 

Jenks Farm, oil on panel, 8" x 10"

Jordan Lake, oil on panel, 10" x 12"

A Few Shows in December

I am happy to share that my work will be included in a few shows this coming month.  First, at Sullivan Goss - An American Gallery, in Santa Barbara, California the following North Carolina landscape is included in their Winter Salon, 2010 continuing on through January 30th

 Old Laurel Creek, oil on panel, 10" x 8"

Also, included in another annual group show, which they cleverly call 100 Grand (100 works of art for $1,000 or under) Sullivan Goss will be showing my Southern Draw'l painting of model Kat.  This exhibition runs December 2, 2010 - February 27, 2011.  Here is a picture of the painting in its brand new, hand made, cherry frame that my husband and I collaborated on (he designed the molding, measured and cut; I glued, assembled, stained and varnished).  

 

Figure Study, Kat, oil on panel, 12" x 9"

Lastly, I will have four of my recent still life paintings included in the Green Hill Center for NC Art's Winter Show, which opens with a Collector's Choice Gala event the evening of December 4th and continues through January 15, 2011.  If you are interested in joining me for the Gala, tickets may be purchased by clicking here.  You can also view some of the 500 works included in this 'best of NC' show by clicking here.  My paintings included are as follows:

 

Nest, oil on panel, 8" x 8"

Heirloom, oil on panel, 10" x 10"

Kidney Beans, oil on panel, 8" x 8" 

 

Sugar Bowl, oil on panel, 8" x 8" 

 

Since this is Thanksgiving weekend, I feel its appropriate to say how grateful I am for what has proven to be an amazing year for me.  I have had my work shown all around this glorious country, included in various important collections, I have had several opportunities to travel, and to paint with some of America's best artists.  As always, I am humbled by all the love and support that my friends and family continually offer.  Thank you!       

On Expedition - Sullivan's Island

Distant view of Charleston, oil on panel, 9" x 12"

I have purposefully been avoiding this computer.  It's not that I don't want to be blogging, but instead that I have been saving my wrists due to a very painful bout of carpal tunnel.  I hope you've missed me (whom ever you may be). :)

So much has been going on this Fall, that it will be impossible for me to recap it all for you.  I will quickly say, that my artist lecture at Green Hill Center for NC Art turned out well and the Opening Reception for the People You May Know exhibit at DAC was very well attended.  I am honored to have been a part of both exhibitions that focus on North Carolinian artists.  You may find more information about each in the respective posts below.

What I would most like to share with you because it is at the forefront of my thoughts these days, is the recent week long painting trip that I, along with the help of fellow WPW contributor Diane Feissel, organized for a dozen of the artists included in the Women Painting Women exhibition at Robert Lange Studios (more on that amazing show in a future post).

The following were the On Expedition 2010 participating artists (click the names for links)

Alexandra Tyng – Narberth, PA

Alia El-Bermani – Cary, NC

Catherine Prescott – Harrisburg, PA

Cindy Procious – Chattanooga, TN

Diane Feissel – Philadelphia, PA

Katherine Stone – Toronto, ON, Canada

Linda Tracey Brandon – Phoenix, AZ

Mia Bergeron – Chattanooga, TN

Rachel Constantine – Philadelphia, PA

Sadie Valeri – San Francisco, CA

Terry Strickland – Pelham, Alabama

Stefani Tewes –Laguna Beach, CA

I am tempted to give you a blow by blow detailed account of the week, but to save my wrists and to also avoid the pitfall of a diary style post, I will point you to the very informative posts already created by some of my fellow painters.  You can read poetic tellings and see pictures of us at work on Sadie Valeri's blog; Diane Feissel's blog; Alexandra Tyng's blog; Mia Bergeron's blog; and Terry Strickland's blog.

Instead, I will share with you all the (good, the bad and the ugly) paintings that I created during this week.  These paintings primarily ended up being "quick studies".  We had intended a few repeat sessions with models, but due to illness and the abundance of so many wonderful things to paint in the Charleston area, this didn't ever happen.  The painting at the top, is one such quick study of the view from Alhambra Park in Mount Pleasant, SC.  This waterway seemed to be a busy inlet for most of Charleston's shipping industry as I witnessed several HUGE cargo ships pass this very spot several times in the span of about an hour and a half. The channel must be quite deep here because these ships seemed to pass so close to the marsh that I could see a lot of detail and I instantly felt dwarfed.

Lucy Seated, oil on panel, 12" x 9"

This painting of a local model named Lucy, was the very first I did of the week.  Most of us arrived late Thursday afternoon, went to a very late night kick off party, and then woke up bright and early on Friday morning to transform our designer dream beach home into a live/ work studio for 12.  Lucy arrived at 9 am to a very comfortable large studio space that had once been a living room.  

Porch View, oil on panel, 8" x 10"

I believe Porch View was painted in the afternoon after Lucy had departed and before the Opening Reception (which was jam packed) of the Women Painting Women show at Robert Lange Studios.  It is a very quick study of our amazing location, right on the beach of Sullivan's Island.

The Gibbes Mausoleum, oil on panel, 10" x 8"

On Sunday, upon the recommendation of local artist extraordinaire, Mary Whyte, we ventured with model in tote to the phenomenal Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston.  We quickly decided to disband the model, as there were so many wonderful subjects to paint in this historic cemetery which was originally chartered in 1850 and designed by noted South Carolinian architect Edward C. Jones.  I was so overwhelmed with the amount of interesting subjects to paint -a man made lake with a resident gator, the many excellent examples of fine 19th century iron work that surround several historic family plots, the statues of fallen confederate soldiers and the many beautifully designed headstones - it took me over an hour to just decide where I was going to set up.  At the time, I was frustrated with my self for wasting precious painting time, but in the end, I'm glad I took my time to choose the perfect spot.  I ended up in front of the Gibbes family Mausoleum.  The Gibbes were a prominent Charleston family and in fact the local art museum is named after them - The Gibbes Museum of Art.

Lauren at Magnolia Plantation Pond, oil on panel, 20" x 16"

The next day, I took our crew over to Magnolia Plantation and Botanical Gardens which is an incredible plantation which was founded by the Drayton Family in 1676.  It is currently the oldest public garden in America which first opened its garden gates in 1870.  Catherine Prescott, Stefani Tewes and I quickly set up with our wonderful model Lauren only a few feet into the grounds near the schoolyard pond, while the rest of the artists traveled further into the gardens and found some beautiful settings to capture.

  Study for Threshold, oil on panel, 12" x 9"

Here is another painting of our model Lucy.  I had expected this to be a two day painting, but as I mentioned above, Lucy unfortunately got ill, and was not able to come the second time - therefore the unfinished face and hands.  The setting is the upstairs porch doorway of local artist Shannon Runquist's beautiful home.  Shannon was my local liason to all things Charleston!  She helped me find models and locations and even showed the group the perfect example of Southern Hospitality by hosting the most delicious oyster roast (with shrimp and grits as well, of course).  Yum!  Thank you for all your help, charm, hospitality and fun Shannon!  

Lauren Seated, oil on panel, 12" x 9"

The last night we were in the house we invited Lauren over for our last painting session.  We ended up painting quite late into the night as well as hosting an impromptu party and champagne toast for the wonderful folks Robert, Megan Lange and Carri Schwab who run the beautiful Robert Lange Studios. 

I'm sure I have forgotten to mention somethings from the week - But this is all my wrists can bare at the moment.  I'm sure there will be more realizations to come.  I'd like to thank all the wonderful people who helped make this week such a great experience for so many artists - To those family members that helped me make this a reality, there are no words great enough to express the deep gratitude and love I feel for you.  

Thank you.

Neighbor Painting Now Complete with Title

Space Between, oil on panel, 36" x 48"

Et Voila, here she is, my neighbor painting.  I found this painting particularly difficult to photograph high quality images of because of its size.  So, I have added a few detail shots to give you a closer view of some key areas.   

Space Between (detail), oil on panel, 36" x 48"

 Space Between (detail), oil on panel, 36" x 48"

100 GRAND Exhibition

As you can tell from the previous post/ title below, I've been having some technical issues lately. I think (crossing fingers and toes), it is all worked out now. Thank you for your patience.

I am pleased to announce that two of my recent paintings will be exhibited at Sullivan Goss Gallery in Santa Barbara, CA in a group show titled 100 GRAND. If you are in beautiful Santa Barbara, please visit this exciting show, where all works are $1,000 or under. This is a great opportunity to build your collection of great art at great prices. I am happy to say, I will be at the opening reception Thursday, November 5th from 5-8pm. I'd love to see you. The exhibition continues thru January 31. More information can be found at the gallery's website: http://www.sullivangoss.com/

Below you will see my two paintings all framed up and ready! Again, I hope to see you at the Opening Reception on Thursday Nov. 5th 5-8


Old Laurel Creek
oil on panel
10" x 8"


Sugar Bowl
oil on panel
8" x 8"

Getting a hang of landscapes... maybe

This weekend was a glorious time for me. I got to get away from the monotony of motherhood for just a wee bit, while enjoying some of the beautiful nature of my new state and some even more beautiful 'old' friends. I drove west to Asheville, NC to stay with a childhood friend, Amanda as well as visit a college girl friend, and fabulous artist Angela Cunningham (who I haven't seen in about 5 years because she's been rockin' the big apple). Angela is in her 3rd year of study at the Grand Central Academy. We spent most of the day Saturday on a hike and painting a beautiful spot along the Old Laurel Creek in the Pisgah National Forest. We then had a fun night with a few more friends in Asheville eating well and drinking some local brew, while listening to some great Blue Grass music. Fun, Fun, Fun.

Old Laurel Creek
oil on panel
10" x 8"

Masscapes

I just returned from a 12 day trip to my home state of Massachusetts. The south shore of Massachusetts is a place that at once can evoke feelings of longing and the desire to find an escape. It's a complex reaction I find I have with each return visit. It is an incredibly inspiring place with beautiful vistas, homes, and people. But at the same time, these things can sometimes become oppressive. Eventually, the need to disentangle myself from a place that holds too much of my past overpowers the beauty and charm of the area.

This trip held a first for me. It was the first time I wanted to celebrate this area through paint; To do it justice by capturing its inherent beauty as well as some of the honest, ugliness that occurs here. I did not get the time I dreamt of, but I did manage a few feeble attempts to capture some of its ever changing beauty in a few, tiny shoreline paintings.

(**the quality of these photos may be poor as these were taken from a cell phone. Until the paintings are dry enough to ship, this is all I have to show.)

Rocky Nook

oil on panel

4" x 5"

Tidal Waters (view of Cordage Rope Company)

oil on panel

8" x 10"

Rocks, Water, Trees and Sand

We just returned from an all too quick family vacation to Yosemite National Park in California. We had three idyllic days there, visiting friends and taking in all the grandeur. Yosemite is one of the most amazing treasures this country has preserved. I have had the great fortune to see it in winter covered in crisp snow (my favorite time to go), in spring while in full bloom, as well as in summer during peak tourism season. I usually would be bothered by all those other people, but for some reason, in Yosemite I am more willing to share the vistas (this place definitely brings out the best in me). The National Park Service has done a phenomenal job of controlling the congestion that once filled the valley floor with diesel fumes, by installing Hybrid buses with efficient service to all destinations. No longer are lines and lines of tourist buses stuck in traffic while circling the valley floor for those postcard perfect shots of the falls. We were able to rent bikes (with trailers for the kids and the gear) and were therefore able to see much more than if just on foot. We hiked, we swam, we ate delicious picnics, and I did get to paint... one small painting.

While the kids played on the beach and in the water, I got to listen to their sounds of joy, while creating a little bit of my own. I'm always humbled by nature and trying to represent it justly. I've heard tales of what artists must endure in nature to try to capture it's beauty (mosquitoes, lightening, cold, rain etc.) but I don't think I've come across a story of bandit squirrels and children with fists full of sand. I set up my (new) pochade box in a shady corner of the beach near a rock outcropping. Instead of looking out at Mirror Lake, this spot offered me a chance to look back at the beach and shallow waters of the shore. Living in this rock outcropping were a couple of pesky ground squirrels. They had absolutely no fear of humans. Unfortunately, these rodents have become quite adept at opening backpacks and stealing bits of sandwiches and apple cores. While I was sitting there, they had no problem coming right under my leg to check out what I had in my Ziploc bag (paints). They obviously know these bags usually contain food. So for awhile I let them investigate, thinking they would go away when they realized there was no food involved. But after many distracted moments (thinking they were going to crawl up my shorts... uggh) I finally gave one of them a light whack with the handle of my brush. It was surprised, and they didn't bother me after that. But then, the children on the beach (my own and others) often would wander up to see what I was painting. Children have a different sense of personal space. They dripped water and sand into my paint while getting their noses as close as possible to the painting. Their questions were fantastic and I didn't want to stop their own discovery, so I just made do and excepted these small bits of nature as part of the experience. But then, my daughter, who always try to be so helpful, saw a squirrel approaching me from behind. She scooped up two fists full of sand and thew them at the approaching varmint. It may have worked, if my face, my pochade box and painting were not in the way... Now there is more grit in this painting than I would have intended, but c'est la vie.

Rock at Mirror Lake

oil on panel (and sand)

8" x 10"

Apex

Today, I got a few hours to steal away to do a landscape study for a big composition I'm putting together. I do not consider myself a landscape painter, so this was a bit intimidating for me. Nature is my church. It is where I go to find grounding, meaning, inspiration and peace. And yet, I hardly ever paint it. I think that is because I have such high reverence for it. I can never do it justice. For many cultures it is not permissible to depict their Deity, and I guess for me it has seemed the same. So here is my humble attempt at nature.


Apex Community Park, NC
oil on panel
8" x 10"