Here's a throwback to 2003 when I lived in Center City with my new husband just before I became a teacher. I painted it on site in the middle of the Ben Franklin Parkway...I feel like the trees there are such a breath of fresh air!
My dear watercolors... we have been on quite a journey together through the decades! "Parkway Perspective" is 6 x 15 inches.
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July 20 is a particularly special day in our family. It is both a wedding anniversary and a birthday. Nine years ago today, this boy made his way into the world. "Storm on the Horizon" is a part of a series of three beach landscapes that sold in about 20 minutes at the 40 Art Show at Phoenix Art Supply in Doylestown last Friday. Very exciting! What a great show! Wineberries are in bloom right now! And this painting was inspired by coincidence. Have you ever learned about something new, then suddenly you hear about it again from somebody or something totally unrelated to the first occurrence? It's like the universe is trying to draw your attention to something... For me today, it was wineberries. "Wineberries" is about 5 x 5 inches. The skies were spectacular last Friday night as thunderstorms were rolling all around our little Brigantine island! This is one of three paintings that my son found himself in. It happens. I think he's somewhat used to it by now. My daughter, on the other hand, wondered why she didn't get in. She'll have her turn before long, I'm sure! "Tidal Pool" is 7 x 5 inches. 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. I'm on a plein air kick! Thankfully the weather has been cooperating more often than not. This morning I intended to pack up my car and head out to my painting location. However, as I was fine tuning my easel set-up with my husband, this view caught my eye. Sometimes you can find inspiration in your own back yard, literally. "Two Little Birds" is 10 x 8 inches. |
Little Bee:
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