32"x36" Oil on Canvas

An Encore presentation of a plein air painting I did of this site overlooking the Charleston Harbor toward Fort Sumter.

"The Long & Winding Road" SOLD

16"x8" Oil on Board   SOLD

Another gorgeous day in the Lowcountry! 

This is one of the Sullivans Island Plein Air Painters' (SIPP) favorite painting spots. 

It's been a while since we've painted what we've affectionately dubbed "Susie's Path"

and it was good to be back.

"Like Under The Tuscan Sun"

16"x16" Oil on Board

I am participating in an upcoming Art Exhibit with our group, The Charleston Artist Collective, and this will be one of my paintings available I plan to show.

The Tuscan Urn, the Straw Sun hat and the Sunflowers make me think of European countrysides like Southern France or the Tuscan region of Italy.

"High Tide Waterway" SOLD

8"x16" Oil on Gessoed Board   Sold

First painting today.

Hmmmm, am I finished with this?  Not sure. 

But since I treat my blog as my journal of sorts, I am logging it as an example of my journey through this artistic process.

"Afternoon Flight" SOLD

8"x16" Oil on Gessoed Board   SOLD

My second painting today. . . I just couldn't resist painting a most glorious sight. . . as I painted, a flock of Ibis "floated" by.  It was poetry in motion.  

"The Hazards of Plein Air Painting"

16"x16" Oil on Gessoed Board

My only painting of the day . . . . I worked diligently and with great enthusiasm on this rather "large" plein air painting.  I called it a day and started to pack it all up when this wet painting caught a gust and fell over face down in the sand, dirt and grass!  All I could do was laugh. 

"Approaching Storm Irene Over Charleston" SOLD

16"x16" Oil on Gessoed Board   sold

All cleaned up and saved from its fall!  I was standing on Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island looking back toward Charleston Harbor and the Downtown area.
The heavy clouds were the first indicators of Hurricane Irene coming our way.  Thankfully she blew on past us but sadly had other plans for our northeast neighbors who have our prayers.

"Under The Boat House Eaves" SOLD

10"x8" Oil on Linen Panel   SOLD

The Charleston Artist Collective's Theme for September is "Water"  This is painted from the Boat house we frequent on Sullivan's Island.  We also encountered a Bull Manatee at this location. 

"View From The Oar House at Shem Creek Bar & Grill" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel   SOLD

The Shem Creek Bar and Grill graciously allowed us to paint from their oar house and dock.  This view is looking westward up the creek.

September's Charleston Artist Collective them is "Water."

"Two Cats in the Grass" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel   SOLD

Looking down the beach southward, the sun was getting low and the clouds were clearing. 
September's Charleston Artist Collective's theme is "Water."

"Storm Warning" at the Sullivan's Island Light House SOLD

8"x10" Oil on GessoBord                              SOLD

A very unique lighthouse indeed, but it was the clouds moving in fast that fascinated me.  Located on Sullivan's Island at Station 18 is this iconic lighthouse.  The wind was blowing so hard that it moved my hand as I painted!  It was tough to  make a "strong" and "deliberate" brush stroke.  But it was a glorious day to be at work!

"Eva" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen  SOLD
This is an updated or cleaned-up version of the earlier post by the same name.  Check out the Charleston Artist Collective for September.  The next theme is "Water."

"Charleston Shrimp Boat" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel   SOLD

Next month's Theme for the Collective: "Water"

Another view from one of our favorite spots in which to paint: Shem Creek at the Wreck Restaurant.  You can see the city of Charleston in the far distance.

"A View For Two II" SOLD

36"X32" Oil on Canvas  SOLD

This was painted out at a property next to Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island.  That is Fort Sumter out in the middle of the Charleston Harbour.  The distant land mass is James Island.

"Pink Gladiolus" CHARITABLE DONATION

12"x9" Oil on GessoBord  NFS- Charitable Donation

I have really enjoyed painting still-lifes this month.  It's a great excuse to have more flowers in the house!

"Garlic & Onions" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel   SOLD

This month's Collective Theme is "Still Life"

I'm BACK!  I had some technical difficulties the past few days with posting, but obviously it is all worked out.  My paintings were beginning to back up!  Glad to be up and running again.  Enjoy!

www.charlestonartistcollective.org

"Stargazer Lily Bouquet" SOLD

SOLD

10"x8" Oil on GessoBord

I love all white bouquets and this one adds a lovely fragrance to my home!!

"Silver Still Life" SOLD

10"x8" Oil on Linen Panel   SOLD

Using a Silver Set for next month's Theme: Still Life, I thought it challenging to capture all the reflections of shiney silver. The floral arrangement adds interest and color as well as texture.

Fun!

"Dusk Between Stations 21 & 22" SOLD

12"x16" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD

I finally did something I've wanted to do for a long time and that was to paint in the evening on the beach. This is Sullivan's Island's Beach looking back toward Station 21. The boardwalk at Station 22 is just about 50 yards behind me. The ocean breeze kept me cool as I painted. It was so relaxing. God's beautiful creation never ceases to bless me!

"View From The Old Pitt Street Bridge" SOLD

9"x12" Oil on GessoBord   SOLD

I found my new favorite spot at which to paint! Leslie introduced me to this lovely out-door paradise. Surrounding me were bikers, walkers, families with small children and their dogs enjoying the sights and a personal trainer giving exercise instruction to his client beside me.
This is the old Pitt Street Bridge where trolleys once trekked across the intercoastal linking the mainland of the Old Village with the island. The trolleys are long since gone and the bridge has collapsed. She informed me that this is a premier spot to view a highly concentrated variety of shore birds in the South East. While painting this I heard quite a ruckus of dolphin feeding right behind me in the water.
That object on the right side of the painting is the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse.

Still Life: "Still Life with Zinnias and Peaches"

12"x16" Oil on Linen

I got a lot of mileage out of these lovely Sunflowers. . . they still look fresh, too!

Check out The Charleston Artist Collective's site for more info on this piece.

Still Life: "Still Life with Pineapple, Lemons & Peaches"

8"x10" Oil on Gessobord  

I love the reflections of the fruit on the counter top

Next month's Charleston Artist Collective's Theme is "Still Life"

Donation

"Still Life of Sunflowers" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen   SOLD

August's Charleston Artist Collective's Theme will be "Still Life"

Check it out:
www.charlestonartistcollective.org

"Eva"

8"x10" Oil on Linen panel

It's Shrimping Season! This boat, Eva, came in early this particular morning to unload her catch while I set up to paint. Luckily, Eva remained docked long enough for me to paint her; because as I was breaking down, Eva fired up her engines and chugged back out to sea for more shrimp.

"Beach Dunes at Sullivan's" SOLD

12"x16" Oil on Linen   SOLD

It was painted en plein air on site at Station 21 and then I clarified some values back in my studio after it dried down a bit.

Check out the Charleston Artist Collective in the month of September when the theme will be "Water"

"Grace's Portrait - the next step"

16"x12" Oil on Linen Panel

I took it a little bit further here with thanks to my friend, Leslie, who gave me a critique. From here, I'll use the photographs I took of this sitting along with this portrait from life to start and formalize a portrait of precious Grace!

"Grace's Portrait - A Beginning"

16"x12" Oil on Linen Mounted Birch Board

Grace is the cutest little 6-year old and sat beautifully for this portrait! We plan to finish it up on Thursday.

"Kayaking The Creek" SOLD

6"x8" Oil on Linen Panel   SOLD

My eye was drawn to the cool, misty blues of the far back tree line, so I had to paint it. All the while kayakers were gliding by.

Painted en plein air at Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant SC.

"A Fine Lady Left Behind" SOLD

11"x14" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD

This past Wednesday was the first day of Shrimping Season in the Lowcountry. Our favorite Shrimping docks were empty this morning. "Fine Lady" was the only boat around.

"Elliott Street" SOLD

SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel

My friend Leslie's favorite street downtown. This is where we decided to paint today while braving near record temperatures! It was still hot in the shade! But ah, despite the heat, what a lovely city we have offering us such beautiful vignettes! The colorful buildings and flowers, the dappled light through the large oaks and palms, it's all so captivating!

"Oak Tree Pathway" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on linen panel

SOLD

"City Skies"

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel





I stood in the parking lot behind George Street and looked toward the buildings on King Street. The clouds were moving fast.

"George Street - near the College of Charleston" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel   sold

I was standing in front of the College of Charleston's Cistern at the southeast corner. The colors and dappled light always get my attention. Interesting are the conversations I hear standing in one spot surrounded by the various people passing by.

"Creek Marina Waterway" SOLD

SOLD

6"x10" Oil on Linen Panel

Funny story: this was painted a few weeks ago on a very windy day. My vantage spot was a dock on a boat house. I laid this little painting down to dry and started another one. Just like a little kite taking off in flight, it got caught up by a strong gust of wind! It landed right in the very water it represents! My friends with whom I was painting, Anne, Leslie and Susie ran to its rescue and scooped it up with a large paddle out of the drink. Thank God it is an OIL painting! It's as good as new and can boast taking a little dip in the intercoastal waterway!

"Atop The Mound - Ben Sawyer Bridge"

9"x12" Oil on Canvas Panel

A newer, "touched-up" version of the original. This was a wonderful find in the middle of Sullivan's Island behind the Fire Department. At the top, one can see all around the island!

"Cypress Line" SOLD

9"x12" Oil on Linen  SOLD

The first of three paintings today. I may go back into this one and "push" those Cypress trees a bit more.

In this vingette, I was drawn to the shapes of the tree line, the long picket fence at the edge of this yard and all the shadows created by these.

It was a perfect day to be out. And this neighborhood is one of the finest places to paint!

"Old Oaks" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen SOLD

I painted a similar one to this one a year or so ago but I was on another corner of this intersection. It was entitled "Center and Middle Streets" of the Old Village in Mount Pleasant. These oak trees are so massive! I love how they twist and tangle. The light was coming through their intertwining branches and leaves creating interesting shadows that laced clear across the street.

"Picket of Blooms" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen SOLD

The final painting of the day. Three, not a bad number. I wanted to express the cascading flowering bush being contained within this picket fence. I tried pushing into the background the property across from this one (you can see its own fence with cascading rose bushes) by keeping the value high.

"Sullivan's Station 21" SOLD

SOLD 8"x10" Oil on Linen I loved this day of painting! While executing this very painting, a dear friend I haven't seen in about 12 years came through this pathway to walk the beach. We shared laughs and a little bit of tears with promises of getting together again soon. It was a great reunion!

"Wild Dunes" SOLD

SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen

I painted this one last week. Found a new spot for a beach painting. The undulating dunes makes for interesting shapes of color.

"Field of Palms" SOLD

Just touched up this already posted painting.

8"x10" oil on Linen   SOLD

"Garden's Splendor" SOLD

10"x8" Oil on Linen   SOLD

April's Theme for the Charleston Artist Collective is "Bloom."

"Garden's Splendor" is my fourth submission.

Check it out:

www.charlestonartistcollective.org

"Secret Garden Steps" NFS

9"x12" Oil on Linen   Gifted

I painted this "En Plein Air" standing in the midst of a gorgeous garden designed by renowned Landscape Architect Mary Palmer Dargan. The following is but a snippet of her credentials.

Hugh Dargan, ASLA and Mary Palmer Dargan, ASLA are the principals of Dargan Landscape Architects located in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia.
Great Garden SpeakerMary Palmer Dargan, ASLA, APLD
Design a lifelong landscape in four easy steps to produce food, healthy activity, social interaction and stress reduction. Enhance the quality of life at home with practical advice from this inspirational landscape architect with over 30 years experience.
Lifelong Landscape Design: Gardens for Health and Longevity is landscape architect, Mary Palmer Dargan’s current work. “Every homeowner can enhance the quality of their garden life on properties great or small. Fresh food, outdoor activity, events with friends and family and a refuge for recharging one’s batteries are my goal for every landscape. “
Thirty years of designing landscapes for private clients in exclusive places from the coast of California to the low country of the Carolinas has equipped Mary Palmer with a sharp eye for detail and a humorous, no nonsense approach to getting things done. “Form follows function, then beautify” is her mantra.
With an ear tuned to clients’ needs and her eye on the horizon, Mary Palmer extracts the best future use of a home landscape. Her best-selling design book, Timeless Landscape Design: The Four Part Master Plan was co-written with her design partner and husband, landscape architect Hugh Graham Dargan, and is considered to be essential kit for any homeowner or landscape designer.
Mary Palmer is a well-known expert in field of landscape design. For three decades, the Dargan’s gardens have appeared in hundreds of style magazines and in over 40 books. Dargan gardens appear regularly on television, such as Ground Breakers on HGTV. Numerous awards include those from The Garden Club of American and American Society of Landscape Architects.
Professional training with a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from Louisiana State University, enabled Ms. Dargan to launch her design career in 1982, and she soon combined forces with Hugh Dargan in Charleston SC. In thirty years, Dargan contributed to hundreds of projects in over 20 states and is approved by the Council of Landscape Architectural Review Board. She holds licenses in eight states.

"Colorful Spring on Glebe Street - Charleston, SC" SOLD

SOLD

10"x8" Oil on Linen mounted on Board

The Charleston Artist Collective's theme for April is "Bloom" this is my second submission of four paintings.

http://www.charlestonartistcollective.org/

"Blooming Camellia" SOLD

SOLD 8"x10" Oil on Linen mounted on Gatorboard The Charleston Artist Collective's Theme for April: "Bloom" Here is submission #1

Artist Palate at the Woodlands Inn, Summerville, SC

The Woodlands Inn, a AAA Five Diamond; Forbes Five Star Resort in the heart of Historic Summerville near Charleston South Carolina, the Woodlands Inn has re-invented the Lowcountry Sunday Brunch. This sumptuous event features Lowcountry favorites, utilizing local produce and products, and a dazzling dessert display. Each dish is created by Woodlands’ Five Star culinary team, led by Executive Chef Andrew Chadwick, while live musical entertainment adds to the ambience.

Guests can also enjoy the “Artist’s Palate” feature, where a local artist takes up residence in the Dining Room during brunch and paints a Lowcountry landscape or feature.

I was invited to showcase my painting prowess and portraiture on March 20th.

"A View For Two" SOLD

SOLD 9"x12" Oil on Linen mounted on Birch board I've wanted to paint these chairs for years and yet couldn't find a good vantage point (since they are on private property) until today! That is Fort Sumter in the distance flying the American Flag.

"Field of Palms"

8"x10" Oil on Linen mounted on Birch Board

It was all about shapes today. The shapes of the horizon line drew my eye here. . . The clouds were moving in swiftly from over the ocean which made for interesting shapes as well. (A "no-see-um" got caught in my wet paint in the center of the sky. Ooops!!)

"Beach House Hideaway" SOLD

10"x8" Oil on Linen mounted on Birch Board   sold

While at Fort Moultrie I noticed this little sandy path leading out of the museum property toward a house tucked cozily in a mass of trees. The backyard property of this home overlooks the water. I loved how the large tree's shadow in the pathway made for interesting shapes of color.

"Still Life with Box of Apples and Pitcher" SOLD

4"x6" Oil on Linen mounted on Board

SOLD

"Sailing Spectacular" SOLD

4"x6" Oil on Linen mounted on Board I was vacationing in Aruba when I snapped this photograph. Each and every sunset proved spectacular! The sail boat which got caught in the shot adds a bit of intrigue and whimsy. SOLD!