Painting the Town:6 '15

Devil's Arch  (in Boynton Canyon)

Much of our time for the past month has been spent working the house for us being gone during the week we are tin Sedona. You know, all the usual preparation: clearing out all the leftovers in the fridge, deep watering the plants, arranging for a cat sitter, rearranging the garage so we could get the car in it ... work work work ... It's not the way to get excited about an upcoming trip.

Where's the Bear?

I decided to build some enthusiasm by looking through some of the photos I took on several different Sierra Club trips to the area. It worked! I started remembering all of the wonderful hikes we had taken in the area, and getting excited about revisiting those places, and finding new ones.

Moon Watcher

Looking at the photos I realized many of them would make great paintings, but I have never painted scenes from Sedona, or any of the Southwestern desert. Painting this landscape would require, me to explore a whole new color palette. In all probability. I won't have time to do any painting next week while we are in Sedona, so any landscapes I paint of the Sedona area are likely to be based on my reference photos. I decided to try painting a few landscapes from my favorite Sierra Club trip photos. That way I will be familiar with the color scheme, and set to go when I returned home with a new set of photos.

Bell Rock Trail

Above are some pics of the Sedona Series that I have been working on since the end of May. Unfortunately I don't have time to do a proper photo shoot, so the color is off, and they look a bit cartoonish due to the low resolution. They are much nicer in person.

For the paintings I have completed so far, I am using the old photos I took of the Sedona area landmarks prior to 1995. It will be interesting to see what has changed in that time. I will add more paintings to the series from the new photos I take on this trip. Once the series is complete, I  will properly photograph both these and the new paintings and repost them.

Attalaya Festival 9_14

Sunday saw Bruce and I visiting Huntington Beach State Park's Atalaya Festival. It is my favorite Fine Art Craft show in the area, and we always look forward to going to see it. Actually, this was our third attempt to see this year's festival. The minute we arrived on both Saturday and Sunday it had started raining. The festivals exhibitors are set up in the out of door courtyards, and inside the castles' tiny rooms. As soon as it started raining everyone rushes indoors, making it nearly impossible to really see the artwork.

One of the more interesting aspects of this Festival is that it is held entirely within the walls of Atalaya, a Moorish-style “castle” built in the Great Depression as a winter home and sculpture studio by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, the New York philanthropists who also created Brookgreen Gardens across U.S. 17 from the oceanfront park.It is one of the most unusual buildings in South Carolina with its lush palm–lined courtyard, wrought iron window grills, and Moorish architecture presided over by a watchtower, Atalaya is a designated National Historic Landmark. Normally,the grounds are closed to the public except by guided tour, so being able to wander about at will inside the compound is a treat in itself. Sunday's weather was far less threatening and we actually had enough space to explore the historic building and to enjoy the fine art and craft on display..

It was indeed a fine collection of art. Over 100 artisans participated in the three day event. The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival is renowned throughout the Southeast as one of the best art events of its kind. A wide variety of artists from across the country eagerly enter the rigid jurying process each year, which ensures that the quality is always very high and diversity is broad.

Here's Bruce looking at the artwork of my favorite Pastel artist, Greg Barnes.

The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival is renowned throughout the Southeast as one of the best art events of its kind. A wide variety of artists from across the country eagerly enter the rigid jurying process each year, which ensures that the quality is always very high and the media is broad. Painters, potters, sculptures and fiber artists from all over the Southeastern states were on display.

In addition to the fine visual art on display, the event will also had a variety of musical entertainment, demonstrations by exhibitors, and an opportunity to sample some of the seafood delicacies for which the low country is known.

For more information on this event see:

http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/huntingtonbeach/huntingtonbeach-a-fest.aspx

Brookgreen Garden's Fine Art Craft Show 6'14

Bruce and I went to Brookgreen Gardens new two day juried Fine art and Craft Show today  and I am so glad we did.

Threatening Sky

  The sky rumbled and grumbled all day, but the rain stayed away 

60 exhibitors is a lot

 for the sixty local and national artists who were juried into this two day show.

Held within the background of this beautiful nationally re-known sculpture garden

Whimsical living garden sculpture

BJ and I got to meet the known artists whose works are sold within fine art galleries across the country.

BJ chatting with Master wood carver, Timothy Bahn

There were demonstrations of pottery throwing, glass blowing, hand loom weaving and a chance to learn many of the processes used in making much of the work on display.

A Custom Quilted Kimona

There were whimsical items, art for the garden, custom commissioned artwork, and hand loomed wearable art on display.

BJ chatting with fiber artist Amy Bowden

Bruce bought me several original knitwear items from the very creative fiber artist Amy Bowden.  Now I can really look snazzy when we go to art events.

New Painting at CAG Gallery 4'14

Goose at Swan Lake

Last week, The Charleston Artists Guild sold one of my wildlife paintings.  Today I took a painting  in to fill the space on my wall.  It is a  9" x 12" oil of a Canadian Goose sitting on a Cypress Tree root.  It has always been one of my favorites in my wildlife series.  First of all, because it is actually the first wildlife I ever attempted in South Carolina, and second because I love the story behind it.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a County Park in Sumter ,South Carolina.  It is famous not only for its beautiful Japanese Iris which grow throughout the cypress swamp but for being home to all eight of the world's swan species.  I timed my first visit to the Park with what should have been the peak of iris bloom.  Ironically, there was barely an iris  blossom to be seen any where in the park.    Eventually I found out why.  All the swans were nesting in the iris patches.  Every so often one would lift its neck up and munch on the tender buds of what would have been an Iris flower.  The only blooming Iris I found that day were by this one goose.   Presumably, it too had build a nest nearby, and was protecting it from the swans, which allowed the Iris a chance to blossom.

My Wildlife Series at CAG Gallery

In any case,  my 'Goose at Swan Lake'  looks mighty fine amidst my other wildlife painting at the Charleston  Guild Artists Gallery

Passover Seder Mini Series, Continued. 4 '14

As a follow on to yesterday's post, I did in fact finish the two last minis for the Passover Series of the ingredients for a Seder Plate

Charoset ( 5" x 7" Oil

Above is my portrayal of some of the ingredients that go into Charoset ( honey, apple, dates and nuts)

And below is the shank bone(s)

Seder Shank Bones ( 7" x 5" oil)

I am very goal oriented, and sometimes I find it hard to let go.    My head kept telling me that Passover was over, and I should put this project aside until next year, but my heart would not let me do it.  This is one time I am very glad  I followed my heart.

BJ''s Seder Paintings 4"14

Several years ago, I decided to painted a   7"x5" miniature oil painting  of a  Halloween pumpkin  as a warm up exercise.   I thought it would make a nice table top decoration for the holiday, and without the pressure to create something "salable",  I wouldn't get frustrated if it wasn't 'a masterpiece'.   The exercise proved to be such an effective way to get the creative juices flowing that I soon had a sizable  collection of miniature paintings based around a holiday theme. They aren't for sale.  We just use them to make each holiday a bit more personal with some one of a kind art.

7" x 5" oil  "Matzo"

This year I decided to do an entire Passover series for Bruce based around the ingredients on a Seder Plate

7" x 5" oil  "Horseradish"

It proved to be a lot of fun

7" x 5" oil  "Parsley and Salted Water"

Some came out better than other, and a some may get  painted  in a different composition again next year

7" x 5" oil  "Egg and Salt"

A couple of the ingredients , like the shank bone and the charoset, are proving to be so difficult their canvases that  may not get completed by the end of this Passover (The Passover holiday ends  tonight)

5 " X 7" oil painting of "Wine and  Elijah's Cup"

The beauty of this project is that it doesn't matter.  Since there is now gallery or art show deadline looming,  The deadline is strictly in my head.  I can always work on finishing the set next year.

Happy Anniversary 3 '14

7"x 5" oil on canvas

Happy Anniversary, Bruce.  You're the love of my life.

Litchfield Alley 11'13

 " Litchfield Alley"

 Southern artists love to paint the heritage oak lined drives that are  called  "Alleys" (usually preceded by the name of a plantation).  I was cruising along  in early morning traffic, on my way  to deliver some paintings to the Seacoast Artists Gallery, when I saw something  that gives a whole new meaning to the term "Litchfield Alley out of the corner of my eye,  I noticed some movement where none should be.  I did  a swift scan  of the open lawn near the south entrance of the Litchfield Resort, then let out a  gasp. There was a young adult 6' alligator rising up from beside a massive oak, and it was beginning to  lumber toward  Hy-way 17.  Alligators are a protected species in South Carolina, but if she reached Hy-way 17,  protected species or not, she would be roadkill .  By this time I  had driven past the beast, so I continued  on to the north entrance into the Litchfield  Resort, then circled around behind the beast on the resort's driveway.  My husband jumped out of the car,  and dashed across the lawn to try to herd the animal away from Hyway 17 traffic.

Hunkered Down

 She  hunkered down low on the grass when he  approached, but soon got up and started moving toward the South entrance road.

Approaching the South Entrance

 Since  there was no place for her to hide in the open grass, the only option we had was to continue escorting her until she could find someplace more protected..  I used  my vehicle  and car horn  as a road block against traffic on the south entrance, while Bruce walked her across the street.  When last seen she had taken shelter in some dense shrubs on the business property just South of the Litchfield Resort.

Safely across the road at last.

Live long and prosper Litchfield Alley

You definitely made the trip to the gallery more exciting today.
The lesson I took home from today's trip is that sometimes it is not enough just to paint nature for posterity.  You have to get involved in actually saving it, if you want it to be there for future generations to relate to

WACG FAll Show 10 '13

And there still more great art to see.....The Waccamaw Arts & Crafts Guild SHOW & SALE  goes through Tuesday, October 29th at the Seacoast Artists Gallery

 at The Market Common.

The color of the Arctic Sea 10"13

Art Glass Bowl by Kathy Turnauer

This has been a big week for us to add to our art collection.   My husband Bruce fell in love with this beautiful glass art bowl that took first place in the Seacoast Artists Fall Show for non-2 D artwork.  He said it reminded him of the Ocean in  winter.  Sure enough, the artist said she was thinking of the colors of the  sea around Iceland when she was creating this.  Now we sea is a part of our home

Nora Mackin Seascape 10"13

Nora Mackin Seascape 12"x 9" oil on board.

I fell in love with this beautiful Seascape by Nora Mackin the minute I saw it and had to have it.   Only  I had to wait to collect in  until the Seacoast Artists Fall Art Show was over so that the the work could have a chance at The People's Choice Award.  I voted with my pocketbook, and now it's a permanent part of our collection.

What to do when the universe hands you lemons 10 '13

My husband and I are involved in a major real estate transaction that has recently developed some serious complications.  Getting all the crinkles ironed out is consuming both my time and my energy to the point that I have not been able to focus on any new paintings for the past week.  Worse yet, it may be weeks before the issues are straightened out and the transaction finalized.  I need long uninterrupted  periods where I can focus on the painting process,  or I lose sight of the original vision.  Right now the universe  just isn't providing the uninterrupted time in order to paint something worthwhile..What to do? 

My solution has been to prioritize my time to focus  upon the real estate, then use the time remaining to work on art business (at least the busy-ness)  tasks.

   Updating my business records in quick books, organizing my art storage, priming supports are all necessary  tasks.  

I seldom get outrageously behind  in the business duties,  but I admit  that  I usually do put these mundane chores off until last, and only tackle them after I have exhausted my passion for painting.   Fortunately,  they are the perfect activities for when  I don't have time to concentrate on a painting and still  want to stay productive.  I can work on one of them  for five,  ten, or twenty minutes, then stop to attend to something else, and come back and pick up where I left off without impacting the results.

The best part is that I know that once both the personal and art business chores are complete, I will be rewarded with all the more time to focus upon  doing what I love most.. painting

Last Day of the Peoples Choice Show 10'13

My entry "Ricefields on the Ashely"

Today was the last day of the Peoples Choice  Show in Charleston.  It made for a great excuse to spend the afternoon in at the Charleston Artists Gallery, visiting with  my artist  friends who had come to retrieve their work, and getting to know some of the newcomers to the Guild.

People's Choice Exhibit Reception 10 '13

There was a huge turnout for the People's Choice Exhibition Reception in Charleston this evening...Bruce had to try three times before he could clear enough space to take a picture of me with my entry: " Oconee State Park" Good food, good music, good company, and lots of great art.  What more can one ask for?

American Impressionist Society (AIS) 14th Annual National Juried Exhibition 10"13

Bruce and I  went to see the American Impressionist Society (AIS) 14th Annual National Juried Exhibition in Charleston.  Outstanding artwork.  All the big guns were there.  So nice to see their artwork in person.   ( And more than a little humbling as well.)   This crew really are Masters at what they do.  This is definitely a "must see" exhibition if you are anywhere in the area. 

The exhibition is scheduled to run through October 30

 For more information please contact M Gallery of Fine Art at 843.727.4500, m@mgalleryoffineart.com, www.mgalleryoffineart.com, or stop in 125 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

SAG Fall Show and Art Sale Preview 10'13

Bruce and I spent yesterday evening checking in entries to the upcoming Seacoast Artists Fall Art Show. I can't show any pics until the show is judged and open to the public (Opening Reception next Saturday 6-8 pm 3032 Nevers Street, Myrtle Beach, SC) , but I can tell you it is going to be spectacular. Lots and lots of great work entered last night, with more to be delivered today. Can't wait to see it all hanging.

Pumpkin to Paint 10'13

Bruce bought this gnarly little pumpkin at a farm-stand yesterday. The checkout person asked if we were going to eat it. Bruce answered, " Not before my wife has a chance to paint it"

Come on Down 7 '13

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens (Charleston, SC) is a short detour off Highway 17 - so if you're a history buff, you should check out their History Fair scheduled for 6 July 2013. I'll be there with the Charleston Artist Guild. Look forward to seeing y'all. It looks wonderful! For more information: http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/history_fair.html

Carried Away? 6 "13

A nasty thunderstorm parked itself right over our house this afternoon about lunch time and rudely hung around until dinner.  With lightening strikes all around us, we had to turn all the lights and electrical equipment off.... It was too dark to paint indoors, and too dangerous to go outside.  I decided to use the enforced confinement   to prime some canvases.  Usually I only prime one at a time with an undercoat of gesso followed by a light coat of a  color that is in contrast to the color scheme of the painting I am about to start.  But then I don't usually have six hours of free time on my hands. 

By the time the power was restored, I was feeling like I might have gotten a bit carried away.

BrookGreen Gardens Art Show 6"13

Walter Cushman,  BJ, and Ed Delaney

We visited the Brookgreen Gardens Annual Art Show On June 1 and were happy to see so many of our friends and local artists from the Seacoast Artists Guild were exhibiting. Good Selling to Sean Thompson, Maria Delaney, Millie Doud, Judy O'Brien, Suz, Mole, and Nancy VanBuren.

Maria Delaney

Suz, Mole,

and Nancy VanBuren

It's nice to belong to a Guild whose members are  so active in the local art scene