Monday, January 25, 2021

Mossy Veil

Mossy Veil, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2021
SOLD

The Low Country is known for its Live Oaks dripping with Spanish Moss. They are huge, and beautiful, and a challenge to paint! In my workshops, we have long conversations about what color that moss is. Why? Because it is ever changing as the light hits from different directions. Sometimes it looks grey or grey-green, and almost blends in with the color and value with the foliage. Other times, like this one, it becomes a yellowy gold because the light is coming through it. Discovery requires observation in real time.

"It just depends" doesn't seem like a good answer, but sometimes that is the ONLY answer!  :)

Upcoming workshops:
St. Simons Island, GA - April 8-10
Austin, TX - May 14-15 (full w/wait list)

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Boatyard Shadows

Boatyard Shadows, 8 x 10, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2021
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It's almost always about the light and shadows for me. I absolutely love how light defines objects and the resulting fantastical shadow patterns. With this one, it was the light, the shadows AND that yummy turquoise! As the afternoon progressed, the color of the light kept getting warmer and more orangey (see below... is "orangey" even a word?) It was so much fun to watch... And paint! 

Upcoming workshops:
St. Simons Island, GA - April 8-10
Austin, TX - May 14-15 (full w/wait list)



See what I mean??? Orangey! 

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse, 10 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2021
SOLD

The St. Simons Island Lighthouse is the subject of books, legends, and many, many paintings! I have personally painted it several times, and felt an itch to give it another go during the holidays! The afternoon light on its circular form was just too pretty to pass up. 

A little history... the Lighthouse was built in 1872 to replace the original one that burned down during the Civil War. It's one of five surviving lighthouse towers on the Georgia coast, and it still protects navigation in the St. Simons Sound. Its beam of light travels as far as 23 miles out to sea! Besides that, it has a beauty and romance that is just so alluring... Never gets old! :)

Upcoming workshops:
St. Simons Island, GA - April 8-10
Austin, TX - May 14-15 (full w/wait list)

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Setting Sail and Happy New Year!

Setting Sail, 8 x 10, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2021
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"I miss your blog posts..." emailed a friend and blog follower yesterday. Her heartfelt concern and not so little nudge hit the mark and got me going. (Friends are like that. Thank you, JM.) I never meant to be away for so long, but time really flies, especially during the holidays. And then it is hard to get back on track. Have you noticed that?

I spent much of November and December on St. Simons Island in Georgia... teaching a workshop, plein air painting, and enjoying family. It was wonderful to have some down time and a wide open schedule, especially after one of the craziest years ever! This is a piece from those final days of 2020. I loved that I was able to be outside, observing and painting, and soaking up all the peace that nature has to offer.

We find ourselves "setting sail" once again, with a brand new year ahead. May it be a great one for us all! So much possibility! 

April 8-10 - St. Simons Island, Georgia
May14-15 - Austin, Texas


Workshop fun... 

AND... precious family joy!!!