Here's Some Good News

It's Official. I am recipient of the 2008 Fine Art Spirit of Achievement Award given by the South Carolina State Fair. I am so proud that they thought of me for this award, because it is given to those to inspire art in their community.

Here's the official link: http://72.167.34.80/competitive-exhibits/art/fine-art/SpiritAchievementAward.php

New and Old

"Fly By"

Oil on Linen, 16x20

Click to Enlarge

"Up the Creek"

Oil on Linen, 16x20

Click to Enlarge

Here are two paintings that I finished today. The first, "Fly By" is new. It is inspired by a flock of ibis that flew by me on the causeway at Huntington Beach State Park. The second is "Up the Creek" from a few posts back. However, I made slight revisions and wanted to post the final image.

Low Tide Wander

"Low Tide Wander"

12x16 Oil

Click to Enlarge

Here's the latest painting for the upcoming shows. I have been working on this a while. I glazed the entire thing a soft pink today (thinking of my friend Christie), and that is just what it needed.

Salley Girl

Stopping and smelling the roses a little today. I get caught up in what needs to be done for my upcoming shows (Calendar of Events). I painted for me today. This is Salley Girl. (p.s. She's not the one I tripped over.)

Pucker Up

And suck it up. On Monday, I tripped over my cat on the stairs and wrenched my back. OOOOOOOWWWW. I have been flat on my back until today - Saturday. I am feeling much better. Thanks to all my friends for the calls, cards, and especially the food!! : ) I started these lemon sketches on Monday morning and have just finished them. When life gives you lemons....artists paint them! All are 5x7 and painted in oil.

Two More

Here's a couple more that I have just finished. These have been in the works for a while, and have just been completed. The subject matter is the view from the causeway at Huntington Beach State Park - which is across the highway from Brookgreen Gardens.

"Still Morning Marsh"

Oil, 24x36

"Huntington Morning"

Oil, 16x36

Take Two

"Creek Bank"

Oil on Linen

16x20

"Up the Creek"

Oil on Linen

16x20

Hi all. Steady painting getting ready for my next shows. I will have four shows in April and two in May. Check out my Calendar of Events.

Where oh where have I been???

PAINTING! The Florence Show was spectacular. Now to replenish my studio walls. Here are my latest paintings.

Blue Sky Smiling at Me

11x14

Annie's Creek

12x16


Marsh Curves
12x16

Study - Dawn on Bear Creek

11x14

Mountain View

8x10

HOPE YOU LIKE THE NEW WORK.

AS USUAL.....

CLICK ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE.

Creativity Worshops a Success at Corley Mill Studio

Corley Mill Artists enjoy a creativity workshop.

During the month of January, I offered 3 Creativity Workshops, which were held at Corley Mill Studio in Lexington, SC. It was a welcome diversion from our normal routine. We talked about what inspired us to paint and how to modify a painting using alternative materials and mediums. Everyone expressed that they had a great time. I was unable to cover all the matierial I had prepared, so I may have another set of workshops in August. Thanks to everyone who participated and made these workshops so successful.

A Few More Things

I have been working on this portrait for a while. Now that my collectors have seen it, I can show you. So happy that they were pleased. Not one change was made! Yippee.

Also, here is the violin finished. I like the way it turned out. Wish you could see how the light refracts off of the glass pieces. It was fun to do - something different.

I also did another 12x16 panel of Sunflowers. I now have a pair of these.

Been busy painting. Will have more to show you soon.

It is Really Not Like Me....

I almost never rework a painting. One of my students reminded me this week that my motto is often "get in and get out." Well.....here are two that are finally finished. I am 99.9% sure I will not work on them again.

"Familial Fronds"

Oil on Linen, 25x25

Click to enlarge

"Brilliant Marsh"

Oil, 16x20

Click to enlarge

And here's a commissioned painting of Sydney Park, Columbia SC.

Do you have a title suggestion for this piece?

Untitled

Oil on Linen, 25x25

Click to enlarge

Here's one of the big ones I've been telling you about. I really took my time on this one, because I did it from a photo that my nephew, AJ took for me so I wanted to do a good job. I used a very nice piece of linen and a custom stretcher my husband made for me especially for this painting. Somehow, I cannot title it. Let me tell you what I was thinking while I painted it, and maybe you can think of one. These palmettos looked to be a family. They have a great view of one of the most beautiful areas of the lowcountry. The photo was taken on a beautiful fall day in November. So...what do you think? Please post your suggestions for a title on my blog. Thanks.

Charity Work

Artists receive many, many request to donate their work for charity. The two organizations I have chosen for donation this year are the Columbia Museum of Art and the S. C. Philharmonic.

The Columbia Museum of Art gave each of their artists a canvas bag with which to create a work of art for auction. There were no limitations or suggestions. The bag did have a logo and date of their 10th anniversary event, which has an Egyptian theme. Here's my "cartouche" entitled "Offering Art to Ra." I adhered the canvas on a wooden armature and layered it with modeling paste and paint in order to create a hieroglyphic look. I used the logo, etc. on the bag for the back of the cartouche.

Front

Front, side view

Back

The S. C. Philharmonic give their artists a violin to use to create a piece of art for auction. We are instructed to use the violin in any way we choose. So, here is mine in the middle of being created. I will show it to you when it has been completed. I decided to do a mosaic using stained glass.

En Plein Air

"Dawn on Sullivan's Island"

En Plein Air Study

12x16 Oil on Board

Here's a study done en plein air* over the holidays.

I am still working on the big ones. Won't be long now.

*En plein air is a French expression which means

"in the open air", and is particularly used

to describe the act of painting outdoors. ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/En_plein_air

Revisited

"Brilliant Marsh"

Oil on Canvas, 16x20

You may recognize this image. I had thought it was finished until I saw it on the blog.

At the reduced size, I saw a problem with the shape of the marsh grass in the front.

Once I got the brush going again, it was an easy fix with a few touches elsewhere.

I think I'm done this time. Will keep you posted. : )

Thank you, thank you

Hi there. I am humbled by the nominations I received to be listed as one of the State’s top art educators. Here is the link to see the nominations. Now I know why my classes are always full.

http://www.southcarolinaarts.com/40/results_16.shtml#michel

A sincere thank you to all who took the time to nominate me.

Wet Paint

"Marsh Creek at Huntington Beach"

Oil on Canvas, 25"x80"
Click to enlarge

Detail 1

Detail 2

Here's a big one I just finished. 25x80 inches - whew.

It is very hard to see in this small format, so I have added two detail images.

It is on exhibition now at Vista Studios, 808 Lady Street, Columbia, SC.

All comments welcomed.

Happy New Year!

Brilliant Marsh

16x20 Oil on Canvas

Here's what's been on my easel through the holidays.

Painted on it a bit at a time. I also have two big ones in the works.

Will show you those soon.

Christmas Art

Got to admit, this kinda art is most important this time of year.

Hope your Christmas was filled with the people you love the most.

Another Good Lesson

After watching me paint Sammie, Rebekah painted him too.

Pretty good, huh??