Brigantine. A poem.

Between the sand and air,
time escapes 
into the infinity of the 
horizon.

This painting of the sea wall at the north end of the island is 5 x 7 inches and I plan to submit it to a show in Doylestown called 40 Art. All artworks will be 5 x 7 inches, unsigned (this is only digitally signed), and available for $40 from July 15-July 17. I can't wait to check it out!

My plein air demonstration during a class I taught at the Abington Art Center this morning was quick and monochromatic. The focus was simplification. 

Simplification in the mist of a chaotic 'first week of summer vacation' for my kids...which includes irregular schedules, blocks of free time, and daily (maybe hourly?) requests for electronics.

I required both children to complete a project before watching a show on TV so that I could have time to write this post. I have about 8 minutes left. Then we are off to the dentist.

It's just life in the fast lane...

John Singer Sargent is a hero of mine, especially for his watercolor paintings. I have a book of them that I have looked at a hundred times and I never grow tired of it.

As I (quickly) painted this scene in my yard today, I was reminded of his work. The loose strokes, the high contrast, the reserved whites. It was such a joy to observe the process. I am grateful.

Did you spot the white butterfly? It was fluttering around showing me a much-needed lightness of being.  I just read that white butterflies can be an omen to keep faith while experiencing transitions. I hear that!

"White Butterfly with Annabelle Hydrangea" is 7 x 5 inches. 

In this lovely nook of the woods stands an art room. An art room lovingly managed by a well-loved teacher. 

I began this plein air painting because, of course, I'd naturally gravitate toward this area of a campus. (Plus the roof lines are pretty interesting.) However, before I finished, circumstance revealed to me that I had made this painting as a gift to honor that well-loved teacher.

Thank you for everything, Mrs. Katona.

Berks County, Pa. provided some inspiration this weekend. I found an 18th century barn with this charming little water pump house next to it. 

This is actually a selection of a larger 8 x 10  inch watercolor painting. I ventured into the smaller space here, I believe, because I am quite inspired by the presentation David Wiesner gave at Wyncote Elementary this morning. His book Mr. Wuffles has a way of bringing us into these smaller spaces where you just might find some unexpected creatures...like miniature aliens befriending some insects! I wonder what cold be happening in the corners of this little portal.