"Peaceful Feeling"

"Peaceful Feeling" is a plein air painting I painted while on Sullivan's Island SC near Station 26 on the Creek side of the island.  "Peaceful Feeling" is a 9"x12" plein air oil painting on Belgian linen panel and is available for $600 at https://maryhoffmanfineart.com/workszoom/3119091#/

"Family Tree II" sold

"Family Tree II" 20"x24" Oil on Belgian Linen Panel  sold

This is a specific commission of the larger version for one of the children 

whose family owned this farm and this tree.  

She requested that I include the plank of wood that the children used to climb up into the tree and remembers the trepidation she had traversing it way up over the marsh below.

As the owner of this reminisced, she recalled working the farm with her siblings long before the sun awoke. When midday made it too hot to work, 

her father would allow them a break to play and be shaded in these branches.  

During times when the tide was high, they would jump into the cool 

water to be refreshed until work had to resume. 

In the evenings, after the hard work was ended, the 9 children would climb back into the arms of this tree to watch the last display of color and light as the sun dipped below the horizon.

"In The Spotlight"

10"x8" Plein Air Oil on Linen Panel

I arrived at Shem Creek ready to paint as the sun was rising and found that the sun only cast its light on this little white boat putting all else around it in shadow.  

I love how it seemed to be "picked out" to shine, hence, the title.

"Family Tree"

48"x60" Oil on Linen Canvas

This century-old Oak is so large that just one of its branches would be a large tree in and of itself. 
While I developed this painting I imagined the things witnessed by this "ages old" giant. 
This behemoth survived numbers of hurricanes, wars, and hot South Carolina summer heat. 
In fact, those hardships strengthened this tree to future tough events. 
The strength it developed through its own hardships also
provided places of refreshing and protection.
It was the playground to a family of 9 children. 
These branches magically transformed into imaginary ladders leading to the high dive for a long-awaited jump down into the cool tidal creek below after
long hours in the hot summer sun working the farm.  And then in the evening hours, those branches became theater seats for the 9 siblings to enjoy yet another magnificent lowcountry sunset.
Just as this tree survived many untold hurricanes and troubles throughout the years and decades, the family who grew up under the shadow of these branches has overcome untold troubles and are each stronger and better because of them.
The children are now grown and have raised families (and grand-families) of their own.  Some have gone on and some remain, but what continues is the strength and resilience that provide the kind of memories which develops their own "Family Tree."

available at MaryHoffmanFineArt.com

"Afternoon Marsh" SOLD

30"x24" Oil on Belgian Linen Canvas sold

The Lowcountry skies are spectacular all throughout the day, but the later the better for dramatic cloud formations. This year has been great for capturing on canvas fantastic clouds!

sold at Hagan Fine Art Gallery & Studio

177 King Street

Charleston SC 29401

www.haganfineart.com