Life begins at the end of your comfort zone

"Creating is honesty at its rawest form. How we respond to our surroundings and interpret those ideas is the basis for all art."

Madaket, 26x16 Available at Gallery Antonia

Painting class, 1950's

Artists & model, June 2015

Where did the summer go? A few months ago it stretched before me full of promise and the inspiration that comes from exploring new places. The life of the artist is a restless one and this summer was no exception. 

In early June, I was invited by artist, Paul Shulenberg to paint at the historic Hawthorne Barn in Provincetown, MA. The barn was built in 1907 and is a testament to the towns rich history and the illustrious artists who painted in the barn.  It was an honor and privilege to paint with such a fine group of artists and continue the legacy of Charles Hawthorne, the founder of the Cape School of Art.

North meets South in Gloucester, MA

From Cape Cod to Cape Ann... over 30 artists from the south of Boston enjoyed a day of plein air painting with members of the North Shore Arts Association. The weather was a bit of an issue but we had a great time painting on Rocky Neck and East Gloucester’s sparkling Smith Cove. 

In early summer I returned to Nantucket for a residency and stayed at the Century House Inn which is just a few blocks from the historic town. I took my moped on the ferry and it was a great way to explore, out-of-the-way places on the island. The weather was superb while painting in town one day I met Candace Lovely, a fellow Copley artist who invited me to paint at her "lobster shack". 

In August, Copley Society of Art held a special exhibition at the Cape Cod Museum; Structures & Remnants. I was unable to attend the reception but was happy to learn that my painting received a second place award. CoSo's annual Holiday Small Works will open with a reception on November 2. And lastly, the next time you're on the Cape visit Gallery Antonia in Chatham or check them out online to preview new paintings or for events this holiday season. 

Cool One, 8x8 Available at Copley Society

Mixologist, 6x6 available at Randy Higbee

I may not be rich but I feel like I’ve hit the lottery every day. Money can't compare to the riches of these boundless experiences. I can feel the winds of change stirring, which leads me to my next journey…

November 20-22, 2015
Bermuda Retreat
There's still time to join me for a unique experience... from the breathtaking beaches to alleyways of St. George’s - learn the fundamentals of painting the landscape. Price is only $1,200. all inclusive. Contact the studio to register or for more 

2016 Workshops:

Make an Emotional Statement with Painting

The Art Studio, CA 

January 15-17, 2016
Regsiter Now!

February 18-19, 2016
Painting the Figure
The Lighthouse Center for Art - Jupiter, FL
Register Now!

February 12-13, 2016
Painting the Figure
Delrey Center for Arts - Delrey, FL
Register Now!

When Life imitates Art

The sun is just about to set over the Pacific ocean and I’m sitting on the deck at the Hotel Laguna with old friends. A glass of wine beside me, I’m basking in the glow of a scene which has been captured in paint countless times. 

Sunset at the Hotel Laguna

As the sun sinks below the horizon in it’s riotous display of color, I’m left to ponder the philosophical position of Oscar Wilde; Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life. Although others have watched the same sunset for centuries, does one notice the beauty and wonder of the iconic California scenery and light because poets and painters have taught the loveliness of such an effect? What is found in life and nature is not what is really there, but is that which artists have taught people to find there, through art. 

Crystal Cove Beach, Newport

I always spend a day or two in the OC before heading up to Santa Barbara for the annual Great American Figure show at Waterhouse Gallery. This year my husband came along and it was great to visit favorite haunts from our years in CA, including St. Francis by the Sea, the church where we were married.

Pamela by Richard Schmid

It was great catching up with with Molly Schmid, Hsin Yao Tseng and of course Diane and Ralph Waterhouse. Molly's father Richard had a painting in the show which was an early work from the fifties. It was quite interesting to see how his painting style has evolved. I also had the pleasure to finally meet Matt Smith (one of my favorite landscape painters) and Jove Wang, who's mural-sized painting was masterful!

Matt Smith and his wife Tracy

Hsin, Molly & me

   

Diane Waterhouse

Jove Wang