9"x12" Oil on GessoBord brand panel sold
The mountain granite in the mornings glowed a cool blueish-pink contrasting beautifully with all the green trees. Had to try to capture this majestic icon of Camp Merrie-Woode!
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012
"Virtuous Memorial"
12"x9" Oil on GessoBord brand panel
Camp Merrie-Woode's Chapel is located here (which is to the left just out of site of this vantage point). The small stone gazebo at the lake's edge is the Orr Memorial dedicated to the man and his wife who founded this wonderful girls camp. Inside inscripted into the stones at the tops of each pillar are the "Merrie-Woode Virtues" taught each young girl while camping at Merrie-Woode. Some of the virtues that I can recall are "cleanliness," "courtesy," "generosity," among others.. . I am certain a Merrie-Woode girl can help me out with the others! :)
"Priscilla's Chic Boutique"
9"x12" Oil on GessoBord brand panel
I forgot to post this earlier, it's a plein air piece I did while in town at Cashiers NC. I painted this on the last day of the Cashiers Plein Air Paint Out. This cute little building houses an Interior Design room, a cute clothing boutique and Garden & Home Decor store. The red facade is eye-catching and I've desired to paint this for years. I had to paint quickly as the cars began to park in front of me - ha!
"Philadelphia Alley" SOLD
9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel sold
I may work on this more after I've gotten my eyes off of it for a day. It's HOT down here in the LowCountry today! Heat indices up to 110 degrees! But despite the heat, it's still good to get out to paint. This little alley offers wonderful cool shade from the heat and it is so beautiful too. While painting this I was able to meet a couple who lives next door to this house and a very nice young family originally from England who now reside in NYC. Good to meet y'all!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
"Lil' Valley Shack" SOLD
9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel sold
The Cashiers Plein Air Painters were privy to some of the most beautiful private property on which to paint. The owner of this magnificent land allowed us to walk through her front door onto her back porch where we set up our easels. The home owner's graciousness was the epitome of hospitality that we experienced all over Cashiers. She owns a Highlands Cow named "Carolina" who happened into the scene but quickly walked to a more shady spot; too quick for me to capture. However, I enjoyed her hillside pasture. This one is also one of my very favorites of the week.
"Lifestyle Personified" SOLD
6"x8" Oil on Linen Panel sold
We went back to Camp Merriewoode to paint one more time and along the road leading into the camp was this precious little scene. The Adirondack chairs looking out onto the lake personifies the laid-back lifestyle of Cashiers NC.
"Sun Lovers" (aka: "Kristin's Sun Lovers)
5"x5" Oil on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas NFS
Prior to painting "Snowballs in Summer" I found these lovely pink Cone Flowers against the dark green background and thought they'd work on the small canvas format I had. When I brought it home from Cashiers NC, my daughter (who loves anything PINK) and I thought it would be an appropriate addition to her bedroom decor.
"Wolf Lake - Chinquapin"
12"x16" Oil on Linen Panel
This started out as a 16x20 but proved to be too much for me to handle Plein Air. So I trimmed it down and the composition improved!!! This was done en plein air and it is the largest plein air painting I think I've ever done in one outing (alla prima).
I'm told the lake is so named because when viewed from above its shape resembles a wolf.
"Snowballs in Summer" SOLD
8"x6" Oil on Linen Panel sold
The Hydrangeas in Mountainous Cashiers were so beautiful! They are still in full bloom where it's a bit cooler than South Carolina's heat.
"Lonesome Falls" SOLD
9"x12" Oil on Gessobord brand panel sold
The gracious folks at Lonesome Valley residential community opened their arms and their hearts and allowed the Cashiers Plein Air Painters to capture the beauty of their neighborhood. I've painted these falls before and I just can't get enough! This was one of my personal favorites.
"Merrie-Woode Morning" SOLD
9"x12" Oil on Linen panel sold
The Cashiers Plein Air Paint out brought us to a lovely place. The all-girls summer campground, Camp Merrie-Woode, proved an enchanting place for me to paint. . . I fell madly in love with the environment, the atmosphere, the campers and counselors to the point that I'd like for my own daughter to attend. This non-denominational Christian camp is a tough place to get into, so cross your fingers and pray for the best!
"Queen Street's Color" SOLD
9"x12" Oil on Gessobord brand panel sold
This was a hot day! I tried not to melt as I painted this. . . we plan to meet back out here this week, however, I may plan to arrive as the sun rises to beat the 110 degree heat!
I do, however, enjoy being out-of-doors painting; there's nothing like it!
"Cool in the Shade"
12"x9" Oil on linen panel
The last of the Hydrangea blooms in the morning sun. . . . the color of the blooming Crepe Myrtle Tree together compile a colorful pallette
"By the Garden Shed" SOLD
6"x8" Oil on Linen Panel sold
I'm back!! My computer crashed and after a week or so at the "Computer Hospital" it's all better! So I've got quite a few images to upload, this one was from about three weeks ago. After I painted "Southern Charm" the owners of that house invited us into their back yard which was a gardener's haven. This charming garden shed with the chairs caught my eye.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
"Bluest Eyes"
Casadei once again modeled and I focused on her beautiful face.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
"In Repose"
Thank you Beth for opening up your lovely home and allowing us to paint such a beautiful model in such a perfect setting!
Cassie is one of my favorite models! She is a natural. She should do this for a living. . . any artist who needs a great model should consider this young lady. My friend, Beth, opened her home to us. She lives near the beach and had her windows open which allowed the ocean breezes in. We listened to the birds sing, the music was sweet and low; the breeze cooled us as we painted the perfect sitting in the perfect setting. (smile)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
"Stretchin' Out in The Sun" SOLD
This was our first painting of our Wednesday. . . I need help with a title. . . my daughter suggested "Flowering Fence," other suggestions were, "Dancing Sunshine," "Hydrangea Glow," thanks for your help!
"Southern Charm" SOLD
Leslie and I painted in the Old Village in Mount Pleasant and found a gem of a house. . .
the owners are friends of Leslie and they came out to see what we were painting and to say hello. They were both so charming, just like their home. I may continue to work a little bit on this. . we'll see.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
"Up The Creek" sold
9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD
The colors of the buildings and boats on Shem Creek make for such a lovely color palette in a painting.
The tide was low so I had a great view-point from the Water Taxi dock.
"Down The Creek" SOLD
9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD
It was a little overcast on this day but it helped to keep me cool and made for beautiful colors and reflections in the water of Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, SC
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
"Betsy's Tuscany"
My sweet cousin, Betsy, and her family took 5 weeks off last year and spent their days enjoying the Tuscan countryside of Italy. . . for her birthday I painted one of her most memorable sites. . . . "Happy Birthday, Cuz!! Love you!"
"Calm in the Midst of the Storm" SOLD
9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD
Yes, this was a quick study of a dock overlooking Charleston Harbor; it was sunny where I stood however that stormy sky that is depicted in the distance came up to shore quickly and chased me away!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
"The Shrimp Dock"
9"x12" Oil on GessoBord brand panel
Just before I left the Wreck, I had to paint the sky reflections in the water here. Funny, just as I decided to wrap it up, "Miss Eva" the big shrimp boat that usually docks in this space pulls in. The Captain can maneuver and parallel park that big ol' boat like it were a little Volkswagen!! To see him park it was a treat!
"Resting Shrimper"
Wow! There was a ton of activity down at the Wreck on Shem Creek today! I saw more dolphin swimming by than I've ever seen! I saw momma dolphin with their babies. There was even a couple of dolphin (or maybe the same dolphin trying twice) swimming by me in such a way that it looked as though it were trying to get a good look at me or at what I was doing. The dolphin "surfed" the surface of the water with its eye checking me out. The sea birds were everywhere! Pelican, Egrets, Gulls were all out and about. There were a couple of classes of squealing, giggling kids learning to kayak and sight-see. Even in the distance near town was a Regatta of sail boats. I was out in the middle of action today!
"McCrady's At Dusk"
20"x16" Oil on Linen Panel
A friend just notified me that she and her boyfriend are getting married at McCrady's! Ssshhhh, it's a wedding gift for him. Here's wishing them all the best in their new life together!
Monday, May 21, 2012
"The Spirit Of Courageous" Limited Edition Print
Due to an overwhelming response to the original oil painting,
"The Spirit of Courageous," I am publishing limited edition prints of only 100 of this image.
The exceptional quality giclee prints of "The Spirit of Courageous" are printed on stretched canvas
and the size will be as the original: 24"x20".
Despite the very limited edition number
this high-quality print retails for only $350.00 US.
Don't wait too long to order your print today!
Leave a comment or email me at mhoffman7@sc.rr.com and payment instructions will be sent to you.
Thanks!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
"Ageless Beauty" SOLD
We painted at one of our favorite Sullivan's Island Creek spots: the Boat House. Next to us sits this forgotten, dilapidated Boat house.
I've seen it many times and yet never noticed it before (as a painting subject, at least).
I am not sure how long it has been here, but it spoke to me through its silvered, weathered wood and crumbling deck created only by years of salty weather and unuse. The character of its uncommon beauty can only occur as each day, season, year and decade passes.
We search each week to paint that which is aged, untouched and natural. . . because of the beautiful character of such things. There seems to be little "beauty" in the "perfect."
As each year of my life comes and goes and I am tempted to yearn for younger days, this gorgeous example teaches and reminds me that there is a deeper beauty found at every stage in life.
"Out-going Flow" (Grey Tide) SOLD
Plein Air painting presents endless possibilities to capture the "moment" with Nature's ever-changing systems. . . I've painted this view a few times and not one of them resembles the other. On this day the weather was calm, serene and overcast. A cool breeze kept us comfortable under the Boat House Roof where we painted despite the muggy, warm conditions of the day. In the foggy distance is the refurbished Ben Sawyer Bridge connecting to Sullivan's Island, SC.
Monday, May 14, 2012
"Mercy Beach" SOLD
Out at the tip of James Island is a beautiful property owned by "Our Lady of Mercy"
The Wednesday painters were invited to paint here. The property backs right up to Charleston Harbor and boasts great views. I stood at the beginning of the dock looking up the beach. It was beautiful. . . then storm clouds came rolling in and the rain chased me away.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
"Distant Morris Island" SOLD
12"x9" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD
My first painting this morning. . . I walked out onto the beach and was met with this glorious sight! The clouds were showing off for me. The tide was low and revealed the retaining rocks which always make for interesting shapes.
It was such a clear day, standing on Fort Moultrie's beach, I could see the Morris Island Light House off of Folly Beach.
"Windswept" SOLD
9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD
My second painting of the day. . . I love the shapes of the windswept trees from the ocean breezes. The rocks holding the beach together add interesting shapes and colors too. In the distance you can see the new bridge connecting Downtown Charleston with Mount Pleasant. It was (is) a gorgeous day today.
Friday, April 27, 2012
"Cypress Line" SOLD
9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel
Sold at the "Local Color" Art Exhibit at the Footlight Players Theatre on Queen Street in Downtown Charleston
"Colonial Lake City Park" SOLD
8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD
the sun came out just in time after some serious thunderstorms last night - the colors sparkled!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
"Boat Landing at Sea Side" Gifted
The farm at Sea Side also extends out to the creeks near the intercoastal waterway. Today, as we painted out on the dock, we were joined by two boats of fishermen and dolphin alike!
"Flower Town's Spring Blossom"
Summerville SC is also known as "The Flower Town" for which it hosts an annual springtime festival by the same name (also known as the "Azalea Festival"). This painting was painted and donated for an auction to raise funds for one of Summerville's finest grade (K through 8) schools: Trinity Classical Academy of Summerville. These particular blooms grow in the historic town's square.
"Sea Side Road" SOLD
28"x22" Oil on Canvas SOLD
This painting was inspired by a small 10"x8" plein air study
I painted at Sea Side Farm a few years ago.
The farm is full of so many gorgeous and picturesque views from which to paint; the greatest dilemma is: "which one??"
"Dappled Through the Oaks" SOLD
Again we were blessed by Anne who invited us to her family's farm where the oaks are majestic and everywhere we looked there was beauty to behold!
"Spring, While We Chatted"
9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel
A dear friend of over 25 years called me as I painted this. We no longer live near each other and our lives are full and demanding, leaving us little time to "just chat." Often, we experience extended gaps of time between phone calls or visits.
The weather was glorious and everything was in bloom. Just as our friendship continues to blossom in an array of springtime color, we always pick up where we left off; and it doesn't matter how long our "winter" keeps us apart, our friendship grows with each passing season.
Monday, March 26, 2012
"In Remembrance Of"
8"x6" Oil on Gessoed Clayboard
"Isabella's Quick Sketch"
Isabella 10"x8" Oil on Linen Panel
A quick study from life for the formalized portait
"Emma's Quick Sketch"
Emma 10"x8" Oil on Linen Panel.
The preliminary quick sketch for the formalized portrait
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
"Lowquat & Pear Blossoms on Hassell" SOLD
What a lovely street! Hassell (pronounced "Hazel") Street is in full bloom with Spring's new buds. I was honored as well to have met a few of the neighborhood's friendly residents. The day was sunny and gorgeous and included a plan to paint at least one more painting until the rain came and chased us away.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
"Come Sit With Me" SOLD
Today's gorgeous weather put us on Sullivan's Island. I repainted a familiar scene but using the other set of chairs.
"Sullivan's Point" SOLD
Last week's second painting. . . we were out at the Old Pitt Street Bridge and we set up at the very tip of the bridge looking out over the water.
"Marsh Grasses" SOLD
We met last week at the Old Pitt Street Bridge and painted the vistas from the end of the bridge. This is looking back toward The Old Village in Mount Pleasant.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
"Lady in the Red Dress"
14"x11" Oil on GessoBord brand panel
This is the pose we worked on last Tuesday and today. I have a couple of touch-ups to do, but mostly I am finished. This model's luminous skin reflected so many beautiful colors that it made the task of painter her so gloriously fun! This truly was a sweet time to get together with friends and paint a lovely young lady!
"Quick Portrait Sketch"
This was done toward the end of our painting time and I wanted to get in a last minute painting of the model (who was FABULOUS, by the way!) I couldn't get enough of this beauty! And she held herself in such a graceful way: didn't move an inch, either!
This is the stuff dreams are made of!!
I plan to finish this further from a couple of photos that were taken of this pose. . . hoping to post the final painting for you soon.
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