SAG Fall Show and Sale 10 '14

This evening Bruce and I attended the opening reception for the  Seacoast Artists Guild's 11th Annual Fall Art Show and Sale, which was held  held at the Seacoast Artists Gallery at 3032 Nevers Street, Myrtle Beach, in The Market Common. The judged show will run from October 3rd through October 19th from 12-8 pm Monday through Saturday and 12-6 pm on Sunday.  Artwork will include paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel and mixed media as well as fiber art, sculptures and photography by members of the Seacoast Artists Guild.  All artwork on display in the show will be for sale to the public.  Our judge for the Fall Art Show will be Professor Maura Kenny from Coastal Carolina University. An awards reception, open to the public, will take place on Saturday, October 4th, from 6-8 pm. The public will also be voting for their favorite overall piece of art between Sunday, October 5th through Sunday, October 19th, and at the end of the show,  the guild will award a trophy to the “People’s Choice” winner.

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.

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.

Happy Anniversary 3 '14

7"x 5" oil on canvas

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

Stan Sperlak Gogh Box 12'13

STAN SPERLAK GOGH BOX

Guess what arrived on my door step last night.....

 A Happy New Years gift of a Stan Sperlak Gogh Box

from my  wonderful  husband, Bruce.  

He'd seen me struggling to juggle my pastel equipment  out of doors on our last trip, and read my review of what I needed, then decided it would be easier to buy me a full kit with all the components than for me to try to assemble them. 

Resourceful soul that he is,  he checked through my Facebook  friends  for the equipment that other pastel artists were using (and probably checked my Yahoo bookmarks for art supplies) and decided that the Gogh Box looked perfect.

The only issue was whether I would get it in time.  Stan Sperlak's crew rushed it out on the Monday before Christmas so I would get it before the New Years.   A Huge Thank You to  goes out to  Bruce and to Stan and the Sperlak Office  Staff for going over and beyond.

I am so happy.  I can't wait toload it up with my pastels and do some plein air paintings in 2014

St Augustine, Florida - Last Day 12' 13

Florida Lightening Storm 8" x 10" pastel

 We had wanted to visit  Cape Canaveral and tour the Kennedy Space Center on this visit to Florida, but the mother nature had different plans for us.   All started off well enough in the morning when we headed  south on Florida coastal highway A1A, but the further South we went, the rougher the weather got.  By the time we reached the Palm Coast we were hitting heavy rain, lightening and  were being buffeted about by some very strong wind. gusts.  A police car flagged us down.  He said the storm was predicted to get much worse and advised us to turn around.    It was Good Advice..  We heard later on on the news that a tornado had touched down in the area shortly after we left, and had ripped apart 6 or 7 homes and brought down power lines all over the area.  Needless to say I wasn't going to tempt fate by trying to plein air paint in that weather, but once I got home,  I was able to paint this picture from a composite of  several photos I managed to capture from the car.

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

Applewood Gallery Paintings 10'13

Out with the old series

This afternoon,  my husband, Bruce helped me replace some of my paintings  from the  local landmarks series with some of my beach scenes. We love how the bright colors and playful subject matter stands out on the bright red Applewood Gallery wall.

In with the new.

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"

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

Trip to Bull Island 5_13

 Wednesday saw Bruce and I getting up at 2 am to join a photo shoot on Bull Island, SC sponsored by the Seacoast Artists Guild.    Fifteen members of the Guild  met at Pawleys Island to car caravan to  Garris Landing.

 

 From there we picked up a ferry which would take us both ways

to  and from  the leeward  landing on Bulls Island .

 From there we all piled in an open air truck which transported across the island

 

From there we all piled in an open air truck which transported across the island  to Boneyard Beach on the Atlantic coast in time to see the sunrise

to Boneyard Beach on the Atlantic coast in time to see the sunrise.

 Ostensibly photographing the sunrise was the main purpose of the trip. 

 

 Not too surprisingly most of the participants, including my husband Bruce,  were photographers; only a couple of us were painters by avocation. I'm sure many of the images caught by the camera folk will be much better quality photographs than mine

but I am happy with my results. What my pictures may lack for in photographic skills, they more than made up for as reference material for future paintings

 Part of the 62,000-acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge,the secluded beaches of Bulls Island, South Carolina

 

 has something for everyone including photographers, a painters  

 history buffs, 

 

 nature lovers 

or those who just want to get away for a day of exploring.  All too soon we had to return to the mainland.

  Goodbye, Bull Island.  We'll miss you.

Whooo hoo... It looks like a real studio 4 '13

Whoo hoo.  It's all put together, ( with no thanks to the manufacturer's  whacko directions).  Thank you, Bruce.  I could never have figured out the inaccurate directions that it came with  it, but you did (and you don't even speak Chinese).

CAG Miniature Holiday Art Sale '12

This year CAG put up two Christmas trees in the gallery.  One tree was for CAG members who had been jurried into exhibiting status,  and the other was for exhibiting members who are in the CAG gallery

Exhibitors are  allowed to hang small affordable miniature artwork on their respective tree.  You may remember that last year I put two serious holiday still lifes on the tree, and a playful Surfing Santa. The still lifes sold almost instantly, but the Santa did not find a home. Honestly I was kinda glad that he didn't, as I really would have liked to have him in my own home.

This year caught me short on paintings and Bruce talked me into putting Santa back on the CAG Tree.
Wouldn't you know it.  He sold within two days.  Now I may have to  repaint one for myself.

Volunteering for Habitiat for Humanities12 '11; Souper Bowl '11

In my opinion, one of the best things about being in a guild, is the opportunity to use my talents for the betterment of my community.  This year the Habitat for Humanity in Georgetown has asked the members of the Seacoast Artists Guild to volunteer their skill set in painting Soup bowls.

Yes that's right...  my husband, Bruce is painting a fired bisque ware bowl .

His and five hundred other one of a kind bowls will be sold  at

the Habitat for Humanity  fundraiser known as Souper bowl.

People purchase a ticket to get into the event, where they can choose on of the hand-painted

and then the can select from a dozen or more soups being offered ( in Styrofoam cups) by the local restaurants who are also volunteering their services.   All of the proceeds go toward building new homes for those in need in the Georgetown County.

Studio Modifications 2'11

I've been painting up a storm  this past month and have completed 14 oil paintings in various sizes...It's a really good start on feeding the gallery  fresh material and having plenty of additional new painting for the upcoming shows.  Trouble is ---the paintings  can't be touched  or touch anything else until they are  dry.    I have had oil paintings stacked everywhere... atop of my books in the bookcase, on top of other dry paintings ( separated by a clean rag), on my desk, on my still life platform.... And the more I painted, the greater the risk one painting would  fall over or get knocked into another.  I tried making some cardboard canvas carriers, but my cat thought it was a new place to play hide n seek.  Pulling cat hair out of wet paint is no fun at all.

Two shelves up one more to go....he even kept the plaster from falling on the canvases below.

That's when my wonderful husband came to my rescue.  He  put up a high shelf the full length of the studio.  It's too high for the cat to jump up onto, wide and long  enough to support most of my standard canvas sizes, and because it is up so high,  the canvases are not in danger of being accidentally bumped or knocked over.   This should give me plenty of drying space and free up a lot of work area.  Life just got a whole lot simpler.

 Finished. Thank you, darling! 

"You're Welcome", he says.

Blue Ridge Mountains: Gallery Hopping 11'10

Sorta - Gallery Hopping in the Blue Ridge Mountains with pictures

The Blue Ridge Mountains may not have many name brand chain stores, but they are home to some of the finest artist and craftsmen in the United States. So in between enjoying the scenery, and the local produce, and the out of door recreational activities, I spent much of my time seeking out and exploring the area's artists. It wasn't hard to do... They were virtually everywhere. 

Towns Brevard

 Along the smaller roads, quilters announced their presence by painting a quilt on the sides of their home, wood carvers and basket weavers sat their wares in open display stands in their front yards.

Black Mountain Coop.

Slightly larger communities might have a coop gallery representing several artists working in different media. And of course, the larger towns like Hendersonville

Silver Fox Gallery in Hendersonville, NC

  Slightly larger communities might have a coop gallery representing several artists working in different media. And of course, the larger towns like Hendersonville

Blue Spiral Gallery Asheville, NC

and cities like Asheville

had multiple galleries pulling in art from all over the region.  We  saw some of the finest contemporary artwork we have ever seen anywhere in these galleries, and  I got enough gallery hopping in to satisfy me  for a good six months.