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Tuesday, June 18, 2013





"Greg to the Rescue" sold


"Greg II"
12"x9" Oil on Canvas gifted
This is the second painting of Greg that I did the last day of the workshop.  I loved how this one turned out and I was so appreciative of Greg stepping in to model for us that I decided if he showed any interest at all in wanting this painting that I'd simply give it to him.  He was such a sweet guy with an enormous sense of humor that I just had to do something to show him my appreciation for him.  He's also quite a promising artist himself and I wish him all the best in the years to come!  Thanks, Greg!  

"Greg"  SOLD
14"x11" Oil on Canvas Panel
The first of two paintings of the day, this was a painting that held much promise to be a great success until I messed with it too much!  I decided to learn from my mistakes by keeping it as it is, set it aside and start a new painting entirely.

"Grand Dame Phyllis"

16"x12" Oil on Canvas Panel

Ok, for me the name fits as Ms. Phyllis Eifert is quite an intriguing woman.  Her story is fascinating as she is an incredible artist!  Known for her Equine and figurative bronze sculptures, paintings and drawings, this beautiful woman made quite a name for herself as an accomplished sculptor/painter in the day and age when men dominated the scene.  I guess you could say she was the "Mary Cassatt" among her male artist peers.

"Sweet Luke" SOLD

20"x16" Oil on Linen Canvas   sold

This 15 year old showed incredible self-discipline as he sat for us for the second day's painting.

"Rachel"

20"x16" Oil on Linen Canvas

Rachel modeled the first day of the Portrait Workshop for us.




Rich demonstrating how to begin. . . 

Demo in progress

We are all soaking it in. . . 

Our turn at painting with our first model, Rachel

Luke posed for us the following day

The students painting Ms. Phyllis

remembering to "breathe!"

The Concentration could be cut with a knife!


Rich taking a break to read a text

Susan painted masterfully!

Rich and his lovely wife, Kim, hosting the entire class for dinner at their beautiful home.


Wednesday, June 05, 2013

"Looking Toward Station 18"

9"x12" Oil on Canvas

I narrowly escaped the approaching storm when this was painted.  But it is the best time to paint because the clouds develop dramatic undulations and forms.
I was standing at Sullivan's Island Station 18 1/2 looking toward Station 18.  I believe the distant land mass is either Downtown Charleston or James Island.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

"A New Challenge" SOLD

"Adirondack chairs"  
sold
 8"x10" Oil on Linen mounted on Birch Panel
I left the brushes at home and thought I'd try my hand at painting exclusively with a pallet knife.  
Wow, this was challenging.  But I appreciated how it forced me to leave out the details.  
"Adirondack Chairs" was the first painting of the morning. 

 nfs - gifted  9"x12" Oil on Linen mounted on Birch Panel 
"Dreamy Place" was the second painting of the morning using the Pallet knife.  
I stood on the sandy beach looking out over the harbor toward the Charleston South Carolina skyline.

A quick third study with the pallett knife.  This one is 8"x10" Oil on Linen mounted on Masonite Board
The view is from the bluff above the sand dunes looking over the little cove where the water meets Fort Moultrie's back field.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

"Building Up" SOLD

12"x9" Oil on GessoBord brand panel   sold

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" SOLD

9"x12" Oil on GessoBord brand panel   SOLD

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" SOLD

8"x10" Oil on Linen mounted birch board   sold

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" SOLD

5"x7"  Oil on GessoBord brand Panel   sold

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" SOLD



 9"x12" Oil on Canvas   SOLD

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






Thursday, April 25, 2013

"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.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

"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.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

"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?




Wednesday, March 27, 2013

"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.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

"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.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

"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!!

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

"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!!




Tuesday, March 05, 2013

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?

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

"Down At The Docks" SOLD

11"x14" Oil on Gessobord brand panel   sold

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. . .

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

"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

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

"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.