Sunflowers - Warming Up in a New Year

Sunflowers, 16 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2023

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If you are like me, getting back to your routines after the holidays is a challenge! Whatever it is we are trying to accomplish, this often requires warming up, psyching up, and pushing ourselves into action. It's the same with painting. One thing that works for me is setting up a still life, squeezing out a good deal of paint, and focusing in. The key is to get the brushes wet and keep them moving. 

So... here are some sunflowers for the the new year. They are also the happiest flower created, and they bring great joy into the room with their sunny disposition! 

2023 SPRING WORKSHOPS (click here and join me):
April 14-15 - The Contemporary Austin Art School in Austin, TX
May 4-6 - Anderson Fine Art Gallery in St. Simons Island, GA

Dry Dock Sparkle and an upcoming Workshop!

Dry Dock Sparkle, 16 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel ©2021

Available

When I spotted this boat up on its stand, I loved how the light was hitting it and all the shapes around it. But I had two obstacles: it was behind a chain-link fence, and I forgot my easel's tripod. What to do? Too far away to go back for the tripod, and the light would change anyway if I tried. Well, you know what they say about necessity is the mother of invention... One problem solved the other... I ended up sitting on the ground with my easel leaning against the fence (which I could easily see through). AND, I really loved the angle I had of the underbelly of the boat! It all worked out... a good lesson in not giving up. 

Please join me for my fall workshop at St. Simons Island, on the Georgia coast! (C'mon, c'mon... one last hurrah before the holidays hit!) 

Call to register with Mary Anderson 912-634-8414, Or click below for info:

Autumn En Plein Air 

Nov 4-6, 2021

9am - 4pm

$495

St. Simons Island, GA

Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Wild Sunflowers

Wild Sunflowers, 16 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2016

These Sunflowers are abundant in Texas at this time of year. They seem to thrive on the heat and searing light, and pop up spontaneously in the wild. I love them BECAUSE of their resilience, and also for their wispy and whimsical beauty.

Painters, please join me at my Austin workshops this fall...

Still Life: Color and Form - September 16-17, 2016, 9am-4pm.

En Plein Air: Shape and Movement - November 4-5, 2016, 9am-4pm. 

Registration begins at The Contemporary Austin School of Art on August 9 for Members (by phone 512-323-6380) and August 11 for Public (by phone and online). For catalog and more info: Click HERE.

Windswept Turret

Windswept Turret, 16 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2016

Available 

Back in May, I had a couple of fun days painting on Jekyll Island at the Georgia coast. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel always captures my imagination, not only because of its gorgeous Queen Anne architecture, but also because of its interesting history. At the turn of the century, Jekyll Island was a favorite destination and private club for "tycoons, politicians, and socialites". The Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Pulitzers and J.P. Morgan are some of its famous members who built homes on the island (many are still standing and can be toured). This hotel was their clubhouse and as you can imagine, it was the scene of some serious wheeling and dealing. 

Today, it is still a grand hotel with big covered verandas, bay windows and beautiful grounds. It feels a bit like stepping into yesteryear. You can read more about it HERE. If only walls could talk... ;)

Hillside Manor - En Plein Air Texas!

Hillside Manor, 16 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

En Plein Air Texas!

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On the last day of En Plein Air Texas, we painted in an old neighborhood called Santa Rita. The houses have lots of character and a creek runs through the middle of it. When I saw this home in the early morning light, I knew I had to set up in the yard and paint it. One of the neighbors (who paints) came out and watched me paint almost the whole painting. It could have been distracting, but he was a great audience! :)

Tall Pines

Tall Pines, 16 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

GIFTED

On Friday, I had the good fortune of joining a good friend at her serene, forested property in Bastrop, Texas. This is the little town east of Austin that suffered horrible fires a few years ago. Many families lost their homes, and thousands upon thousands of beautiful Loblolly Pines were destroyed. Painting these majestic old-growth specimens felt like being on sacred ground. Indeed, this is a special place. My deepest thanks, TB! 

Sunlit Steeple Door - Georgia Coast

Steeple Door, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

Available - Click for information

Christ Church on St. Simons Island was first built in 1820, under giant oak trees covered in Spanish moss. It's location is famous for being the spot where John and Charles Wesley brothers preached in the early 1800's. (Soon after, the brothers went back to England and founded the Methodist Church.) In the civil war, the church was partially destroyed by Union troops, and then rebuilt in 1884. It is a beautiful place inside and out, a treasured landmark on the island, and it's also where we worship when we are in town!

Marshland Creek - Third Place in Fine Arts and Flowers Show!

Marshland Creek Study, 16 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

Third Place Winner - Fine Arts and Flowers Exhibit

Glynn Visual Arts, St. Simons Island, Georgia

I am thrilled to share that "Marshland Creek Study" took third place in the Fine Arts and Flowers Exhibit at Glynn Visual Arts on St. Simons Island, Georgia. This is the first time I have participated in a juried show that pairs up painters and floral designers, and I was delighted by the idea. First, the paintings are juried into the show. Next, juried floral artists are each assigned a painting to interpret with flora and fauna. Finally it all comes together in a colorful exhibit. I am honored to be in the winner's circle with painters Nancy Boren (1st place), Katie Dobson Cundiff (2nd place) and John Guernsey (honorable mention.) Although I was unable to attend the opening, I hear it was a gorgeous thing to behold. 

The floral interpretation of my painting, arranged by Pat Collins (below), took First Place in the Flower Division. Congratulations to Pat and to all who participated!! Many thanks to the organizers of the show and juror Sarah Lamb.

Marshland Creek - Georgia Coast

Marshland Creek (study), 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Sadly, our time in Georgia has come to an end. As always, it went by too fast, and I am grateful for every minute. I got in lots of painting time (more posts to come) and had wonderful family visits as well. This painting is one of my favorites from the trip. The ever-changing marshland on the Georgia coast always intrigues me - from its brimming high tide waters to its low tide trickling streams, I never tire of its beauty.