"Building Up"

12"x9" Oil on GessoBord brand panel

Today's Painting!!

The sun was strong, the clouds were showing off and we were back at the Boat Landing on Sullivan's Island.  Forget the marsh, I had to capture those cloud forms.  Plein Air painting ever-shifting, ever changing clouds is like trying to paint a playful puppy or a motoring toddler from life!  Hoping I captured their grandeur.

"Sullivan's Point"

9"x12" Oil on GessoBord brand panel

It was a cool spring day and the distant mist shrouded the new Ravenel Bridge's iconic diamond structures.  I stood at the back of Fort Moultrie's property (lawn) over-looking the beach rocks at the harbor's edge.

It's good to be back!!

"Marshland Trees"

8"x10" Oil on Linen mounted birch board

After completing views of the tidal creek my attention was captured by the group of trees on the edge of the marsh.  I loved how they created shapes of light and shadow and color.

"Winding Away"

5"x7"  Oil on GessoBord brand Panel

The tide was traveling out and away and I wanted to put its essence down quickly on a small format.  I love these little gems; they help to keep me "loose" and focus on the important "notes" and not get caught up on the details.

"Boat Landing"

 9"x12" Oil on Canvas

Painted en Plein Air on site at the Boat Landing at Station 26 on the marshside of Sullivan's Island, SC

"Pitt Street Park"

10"x8" Oil on Linen Birch Board

It got quiet suddenly at The Old Pitt Street Bridge-turned-Park in the Old Village.  After a very bustling morning of joggers, new moms getting out to enjoy the day with babies, dog-walkers and all those wanting to enjoy today's gorgeous weather, I found this quiet perspective - and got a little sun-burned too.

"Honey Hole" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen Birch Board   sold

The roots of this tree at low tide captured my eye. As the morning progressed, I later met the man behind me baiting for crabs and learned he already claimed this spot as his personal "honey hole" and was hoping to catch lunch for his visiting NY in-laws.  So, this is a tribute to him and his lovely crabbing spot.

"Marsh Reeds"

9"x12" Oil on Canvas

The brackish water rushed out to sea revealing the pinkish-gold path of dried marsh reeds.

"A Recent Afternoon" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel   Sold

Another lovely day in the Lowcountry. . . the conditions were perfect to be out painting!  The sun was warm, the breeze was light and cool and everything is in bloom or has bloomed. Even the bugs stayed away.  It was a great day.

"Beach Day" SOLD

9"x12" Oil on Canvas   SOLD

I painted this en plein air this past Wednesday at Sullivan's Island Station 18.  The day was perfectly gorgeous!  Richard, my 4-year old son, joined me and he had a blast playing in the surf and saying "hi" to all the passing puppies.  This was our first beach day this spring. . . any suggestions for titles?

"Steel Magnolia"

Unframed image: 36"x24" Oil on gallery-wrapped canvas

Recently widowed, this gentle Southern lady continues to smile with poise and strength.  To me, her life she tells would make the strongest man crumble but she continues to stand with dignity.

"Welcome Home"

9"x12" Oil on Canvas

This home and its gardens have been the subject of several of my paintings. . . everytime I come here to paint, a most glorious feeling of "welcome" envelopes me.  Thank you, Sally, for sharing your gorgeous home!

"Belted Kingfisher" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel   SOLD

A Collector asked that I paint a Belted Kingfisher for him.  Hope he likes it.

"Spring Silver Set"

12"x9" Oil on Linen Panel

Spring is in the air (and the greenish-yellow pollen is on my car!)  I've got the fever!!

"Ship Yard Entry"

"Shipyard Entry" 12"x9" Oil on Canvas

Painted on site at Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, I took the vantage point of the entryway to the docks instead of out on the water.  It was COLD and WINDY today!  The temperature was about 10-15 degrees colder near the docks, so I was on a mission to get the information of this scene down as quickly as I could as my hands were getting to the point they couldn't feel what they held!  If it weren't for the wind, this would have been a rather warm day to paint - out in the bright sunshine.  Still, I have no right to complain as the midwest and northeast are being buried under snow as I painted this.  Stay warm, y'all!!

Portrait's Latest Application

24"x36" Oil on Canvas.

It's not quite finished yet, but I just wanted to share the progress with you. . . It's not the greatest photograph since I took it as the sun was setting outside.  But I am liking the development.  What do you think?

"Down At The Docks"

11"x14" Oil on Gessobord brand panel

The Wednesday painters met at Shem Creek Docks behind the "Wreck" Restaurant to paint.  The sun came out suddenly today and warmed us up a bit from all the chilly, rainy weather we've endured these past few days.  It was good to be outside again.

A Portrait In Progress. . .

36"x24" Oil on Linen Canvas

This is still in its beginning stages, but I thought I'd share the progression of my latest portrait endeavor.  When complete, this lovely lady will hang in the Columbus Georgia Museum for their annual "Let There Be Art! and Bloom" Exhibit this April.  I'll let you know how it goes. . .

"Southern Comfort" SOLD

10"x10" Oil on Linen Panel   SOLD

It was a bit "brisk" out this morning. . (go ahead all of you Northerners, call me a wimp!) so one of the Wednesday painters graciously invited us to paint at her Sullivan's Island house.  Her home is so comfortable and beautiful and warm.  The environment exudes the love and hospitality which is always the eager expression of our friend, Anne.  Thank you again for opening your home to us! xoxo

"Beach House" SOLD

9"x12" Oil on Canvas   SOLD

The second painting of our day today. . . . the sky color was curious: blue, gold and lavender.  I think I will continue to work this one a bit.  I had a great critique from one of my painting friends and her advise was stellar.  I only wanted to get this posted before too long.  I invite and appreciate comments from viewers too!  Thanks!

"Low Tide Revelation" SOLD

10"x10" Oil on Linen panel   sold

The tide was way out this morning as the Wednesday Painters gathered on a most glorious of February mornings!  The air was calm, the sky was clear and the sun was strong!  No need for a jacket today!  These are the very same rocks my "Wave Jumper" was playing on a few weeks ago but today the low tide revealed the enormous pile which usually lies beneath the waves.  The tidal pool reflected gorgeous shapes so this is what drew my attention today.  The moving sun changed the reflected shapes I stopped before I got confused, took photos and decided to develop it further from stills.  Hoping to re-post a more "finished" work soon.

"Portrait Under-painting Study"

16"x12" Oil on Gessobord brand panel  - 1st of a 4-part portrait study

Part 1 (shown)  under-painting value study.

I am - as the saying goes: "sharpening my Ax" or re-sharpening my skills by participating in a portrait workshop under the tutelage of Robert Maniscalco.  Robert is a Detroit native now residing in Charleston and is a fantastic painting instructor.  His insight and wisdom are endless and his enthusiasm and energy are infectious.  I am very much going to enjoy and benefit from taking his class.  Thanks Robert!!

"Ft. Moultrie Guards"

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel

I went back and re-worked this one a bit more.  This was my second painting of our day (Jan 30th)  and it was chilly and close to spitting rain so I worked quickly.  This is a more "finished" version of the original.

"This Way To The Beach"

10"x10" Oil on Linen Panel

Sullivan's Island Plein Air Painters were at it again last week braving what was forecast to be sunny and warm turned chilly and slightly gray.  We braved the wind chill and managed to paint a few.  This is from last week (Jan 30th) and I haven't gone back into it (re-work it) since.

The photograph seems to show a bit of sun reflection so I may re-take this one.

"Docked" SOLD

10"x10" Oil on Linen Panel   sold

A common site at Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant.
This month's Theme for the Charleston Artist Collective is "STARS"  How many stars can you find in this painting?

"Wave Jumper"

9"x12" Oil on Linen panel

The little guy is shaped as a wonkie star.

"Morning's Fog" SOLD

This next month's themed work for the Charleston Artist Collective is "STARS"  SOLD
This is the same painting from an earlier post but now with a few twinkling stars in the early morning sky (I know, I know, "how literal!"  Well I couldn't resist).

"Shore Birds II"

6"x8" Oil on Linen mounted Birch Board         Gifted

Sending this to a silent auction fundraiser for a good school.  Wish me luck!

"Pom"

36"x36" Oil on Canvas

I was inspired by a painting that a Charleston Artist did about 12 or 14 years ago that I just loved!  Honor Marks is a fabulous artist and I ran across her work at Piccalo Spoleto (I am not even sure of the year, but it was at least 12 years ago).  I wanted to buy it.  It was sublime!  But alas, I didn't jump on it soon enough and it was GONE!  My sweet husband assured me I could paint it just as well, but it is never as it is when you first fall inlove with it. . . . but I did my best.  It's no Honor Marks' painting, but it serves as a wonderful reminder to never let the "one" you love get away!!

"Beach Grasses"

8"x10" Oil on Birch Board Panel

It was "summer" in January on Sullivan's Island this day.  85+ degree weather and it was beautiful!  My usual child-care was missing so the two other painters invited me to bring my just turned 4-year old son with me to paint.
As much fun as it was having him with us, it won't be a new habit.  He's sweet and my attentions were divided.  He, on the other hand, had a blast playing in the surf and meeting all the dogs that walked by.  He even made a new friend with one dog that insisted he throw drift wood to fetch.  That puppy was owned by one of our painting friends who was taking advantage of the beautiful weather to walk the beach with her husband and four-legged child.

"Misty Beach"

9"x12" Oil on Linen board panel

I'm back!  It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted  but I've been painting.  This is the first of two I did at this spot at Station 19 on Sullivan's Island, SC.  It rained us out eventually, but the cool misty morning was a nice study of middle values due to the weather.  The horizon virtually disappeared into the sky; it was difficult to know where one began and one ended.  The rains were headed my way.

"Old Village Path II" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Gessobord brand panel  sold

This path is same driveway I painted in the earlier post (Old Village Path) only from the opposite vantage point.  I was fortunate enough to meet the man who owns this property and he invited our painting group to come out any time to paint.  Such a sweet and gracious man, he gave us a little tour of his homestead and showed us the two grand Oak Trees he and his father planted over 70 years ago as a boy.  His lot is a high bluff which backs up to the Charleston Harbor and he allowed us access to the mini gardens below nestled near the water's edge.  Each garden was a respite of solitude and peace and made you feel like you were a million miles away from any neighborhood or city.  Hopefully you will be seeing paintings of those vistas soon.
The movie "Rich In Love" was filmed right here on this property.  And just two weeks before I painted this, L.L. Bean was here to do a catalogue photo shoot.  It's a lovely place.

"Old Village Path" SOLD

10"x8" Oil on Gessobord Panel  sold

 

This is my Plein Air Painting from this morning.  While painting this, the owner came out and gave us a tour of his property and invited us back to paint some more.  I am so excited to get back there to capture his lovely grounds which offer about a year's worth of paintings!  More to come. . .

"Patiently Waiting - Home Team BBQ" SOLD

9"x12" Oil on Gessobord Panel  Sold

"Sullivan" is the Yellow Lab waiting patiently for her human parents outside their favorite haunt.

"Come Sit With Me II" SOLD

9"x12" Oil on Gessobord Panel   SOLD

This is such a popular spot that I had to paint it twice!

"Hilltop View" SOLD

9"x12" Oil on Gessobord brand panel  sold

Sullivan's Island, SC, boasts a large "hill" near the business district behind the Gazebo and next door to the Fire Department which allows views from the beach all the way across to the marsh.  The Sullivan's Island Lighthouse is just one of those views looking back toward the driveway up the mound.

Extended Poses

24"x18" drawing pad

Thanks to Sam for organizing this drawing group!

"Gestures"

Paper size: 24"x18"

It's been a long time since I've had the opportunity to practice my Life Drawing Skills: the standard by which artists measure their basic of artistic abilities.  Capturing the gracefulness and lyrical movement of the human form has always been my favorite next to the portrait.

"Life Drawing Gestural Sketch"

"Through The Gate" SOLD

6"x6" Oil on Gessobord Panel  sold

"Pumpkin & Peppers"

8"x6" Oil on  Linen Panel

 

 

"Coastal Beacon" SOLD

5"x7" Oil on Gessobord Panel  Sold