Hidden Egret

Hidden Egret, 8 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2023

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I know this Egret thinks she is blending in as she stalks her prey in the marsh grasses, "hiding in plain sight" so to speak. And I do believe that she can stand still enough, for long enough, to catch a little breakfast. Of course for us, her showy white feathers give her away completely. These beautiful white birds are total head turners. They get me every time.

If you like Egrets, here is another...

Waiting, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2023

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Waiting

Waiting, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2023

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Oh, how I love these birds! They stalk the marsh and beach, just waiting for breakfast. Standing ever so still, they "hide" in plain sight... but when a morsel of food swims by, they are quick to pounce. Mesmerizing!

2023 SPRING WORKSHOPS (click HERE for info and registration):
April 14-15 - Contemporary Austin Art School, Austin, TX (Wait list only)
May 4-6 - Anderson Fine Art Gallery in St. Simons Island, GA

Summer Flight

Summer Flight, 8x10, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2021

Available

Oh, the glad freedom of summer! Don't we all look forward to those lazy days? (It's not just the kids.) Here in Texas, school started back up this week and it feels like summer is over.... even though it will be hot for months. There is always something about that first day of school that signals an end, AND a new beginning. I like the new beginning idea better... may it be a good one!!

Join me at a workshop in GA! Click for info:

Nov 3-5, 2021 - Autumn En Plein Air - Anderson Fine Art Gallery

The Perch and the crazy month of February!

 

The Perch, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2021

Available 

What a weird few weeks I have just lived through!!! Had COVID (mild case, all good), came home to broken water heater (wood floors ruined), endured the Texas Snowpocolypse (78 hours without power and survived!) I happy to be back and thinking about art again! :)

So, let me tell you about this painting from St. Simons Island in November... These Wood Storks showed up at my workshop, and I KNEW I had to go back and paint them!!! I just loved their long, pointed beaks and ancient looking bodies! They are known for building nests in trees hanging over or next to water (like a marsh). They also seem to find large dead branches for perching on and keeping watch over their surroundings. I don't think they miss much!

Upcoming workshops:

Click here for registration information.

St. Simons Island, GA - April 8-10

Austin, TX - May 14-15 (full w/wait list)

Morning Reflections

Morning Reflections, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2020

Available

Last week, I was able to get outside and do some plein air painting in Georgia. Things are beginning to open up there (with lots of caution of course), and it felt mighty good to be out and about. As I drove over to Jekyll Island for the day, this view on the causeway stopped me in my tracks. We had a lovely breeze, and a morning with drifting clouds and calling birds. DELISH!

I'm sure you share my longing for the day COVID is in our rearview... let it be soon!

Fix It Friday #3 - Beach Study

Beach Study, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2020

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I hope this post finds you well. It has been a crazy week all over the country, as we have watched institutions shut down and events get canceled. I've had to cancel my own upcoming workshops, which makes me so sad. It's a nerve-wracking time for us all.

So... let's have some fun with paint on "Fix It Friday"... 

FIXER UPPER #3 - Beach Study, 6 x 8, oil on panel

BEFORE

AFTER

CHANGES:

Problem 1 - Stagnant horizon line.

Fix 1 - Extended the grasses up over the horizon, made focal point more pronounced. 

Fix 2 - Added birds at horizon for movement and to draw eye into the picture plane.

Problem 2 - Foreground is cramped.

Fix 1 - Eliminated shadow and grasses in corner which opens up entry to beach.

Fix 2 - Kept part of the shadow lead in, but muted way down.

Problem 3 - Overall coolness in color.

Fix 1 - Warmed up sandy foreground.

Fix 2 - Warmed up clouds.

OBSERVATION:

It's always a good idea to let one element dominate. In this case the big clump of sea grasses are the main "event", but they were diminished in the first version. Giving them a larger presence and popping them above the horizon allows them to have the attention they are due.

Click Here to see Fix It Friday #1
Click Here to see Fix it Friday #2 

Flying High

Flying High, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

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This painting represents pure summertime joy... birds flying high in a playful sky and shimmering colors on the marsh... island time, my fave! I can never get enough! Is it a coincidence that I am dreaming of warm sea breezes on this freezing day in November? I think not! ;)

___________________________

Start planning now...

2020 PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP INFO:

March 30-April 2, 2020 - Wimberley, Texas

April 16-18, 2020 - St. Simons Island, Georgia

May 8-9, 2020 - Austin, Texas

SEE DETAILS ON MY WEBSITE: laureldaniel.com 

Pier Reflections - and a good lesson

Pier Reflections, 10 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

NFS

This little piece is one of my favorites of the year, and maybe it's because of how it came about. I was out painting one morning and had really made a mess of things (BTW - you will never see that one!) At lunchtime, it was obvious that rain was coming, but I was not ready to quit. I hate going home with nothing. Thankfully, my painting buddy was in agreement and we decided to go for it and race the storm. 

Well. Something happens when we have to work fast... have you noticed that? Our creative brains take over and our worry (fear) is released. After all, if it doesn't turn out, it's because of the rain, right? But isn't that just when everything clicks? When we stop overthinking and obsessing? Such a good lesson, and one I've had to learn over and over again!

The end of the story? I finished the painting and got it covered just as the clouds burst. I was soaked to the skin by the time I got everything in the car, but I was happy. :)

Beach Reflections

Beach Reflections, 15 x 30, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

Painted for solo show, "Beaches, Birds, and Botanicals"

SOLD at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Another title for this might have been, "Breakfast on the Beach" as this is another great hunting ground for egrets and other shore birds. When the tide comes in, they gather around larger tide pools and forage for trapped fish and insects. Mornings seem the best time... they are intent on their work until something startles them, sending them up and away.

Upcoming:
Fall Plein Air Workshop: Contemporary Austin Art School, Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Register Here

Silent Silhouettes

Silent Silhouettes, 20 x 20, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

Sold in solo show, "Beaches, Birds and Botanicals"

Anderson Fine Art Gallery

I caught this egret just as the day was ending, and everything was in silhouette. I love how simple shapes can tell the whole story. As a painter, I try to let this happen whenever I can, and fight every temptation to add extraneous detail. 

Upcoming:
Fall Plein Air Workshop: Contemporary Austin Art School, Nov. 8-9, 2019 - Register Here

Spring Return (and a blogger returns!)

Spring Return, 15 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

SOLD at the Davis Gallery

Dear friends... I have been on a bit of a blogging hiatus and I'm not really sure why. I got interrupted, and suddenly I just found myself out of the habit. But I love blogging, so I am back. It completes the cycle of creation for me... Thanks for waiting! :)

Jumping right in... I am thrilled to have 6 paintings on display in the Davis Gallery summer group show here in Austin, TX...

Circadian Buzz 

Davis Gallery Group Show

Through August 31st

For this exhibit, we were asked to think about rhythm and repetition. To my way of thinking, this two-pronged theme applies both to subject matter (rhythm as a design element) and daily practices (repetition as personal discipline.) The scene in "Spring Return" has an obvious repeating pattern of waddling geese bodies. That swaying rhythm propels them through the scene, and it takes us right along. (Where ARE they going?)

Below is a preliminary study I did from another angle (part of my daily practice and personal discipline)...

Waddlers, 8 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2019

SOLD

Marsh Hunter - upcoming solo show!

Marsh Hunter, 20 x 20, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

SOLD at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Solo Show: Beaches, Birds & Botanicals

I was transfixed by the architecture of this Egret (love that curvy neck), especially as he stalked his prey. These birds are fun to watch, because they stand completely still as they wait for a fish or an insect. Then, when a tidbit of food shimmies by, they pounce! I also loved the reflections... I always love reflections!

Show update: Paintings are at the framer in GA, being fitted right now. Opening reception: April 12, 2019 from 6-7:30 pm. SOOOO EXCITED!

Soaring - spring workshop information

Soaring, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2018

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Back to the Golden Isles of Georgia... Out on the marsh, birds love to feed and perch at the "hammocks". Hammocks are stands of trees or bushes that have grown up in the wetlands... where two different eco-systems collide. It's fun to watch the birds playfully helicoptering in and out. On this day, they seemed to be having a convention!

I have three plein air workshops coming up in the spring and would love to have you join me. Put it on your Christmas list! ;)

Workshop Dates (click HERE for details and descriptions on my website)

March 25-28, 2019 - Wimberley, Texas

Contact Helena Hauk, Wimberley Artists Workshops, 800-327-1913

April 11-13, 2019 - St. Simons Island, Georgia

Contact Mary Anderson, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 912-634-8414 

May 10-11, 2019 - Austin, TX

Contact Registrar, Contemporary Austin Art School, 512-323-6380 

Marsh Birds - Show Tip #27

Marsh Birds, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016 

Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

These magnificent birds of the marsh totally captivate me. Whether in flight, keeping watch, or fishing for dinner, their movements and behaviors are fun to observe. They are such beautiful creatures!!

If you have been following my blog for the last few months, you know that I am just a day away from my big gallery opening! In my Show Tips, I have tried to share what goes into planning and executing an art exhibit; from gathering supplies to scheduling time to marketing the work. All that is left now is to go and have fun, but I do have one more tip about that...

Show Tip # 27 - Tell Your Story!
Opening night of any show is the culmination of much work and personal revelation. It's natural to worry about how to use words to describe what we have already "said" in paint. Here is the thing to remember: no one knows our work better than we do, and it's up to us to be our own best advocates. Be ready to talk about inspiration, process and intention. Be ready to share what went into a piece, breakthrough moments, or even struggles encountered along the way. Opening night is an opportunity to tell our story. Don't be shy and don't hold back... and remember to soak up the love. 

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

Tip #11 - Take Notes

Tip #12 - Know when to Quit

Tip #13 - Stay Updated

Tip #14 - Balance Effort and Ease

Tip #15 - Assign Tasks

Tip #16 - Step Back 

Tip #17 - Sign As You Go

Tip #18 - Take Your Best Shot

Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth

Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)

Tip #21 - Frame Incrementally

Tip #22 - Deep Six Your Doubts

Tip #23 - Get the Word Out

Tip #24 - Stay The Course

Tip #25 - Take Care of Business

Tip #26 - Deliver Safely (and on time)

Flying Egret

Flying Egret, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Available to ship March 18 (wet paint)

My final challenge for Daily Paintworks (for now anyway) is inspired from another quote by Robert Henri, to "Paint the flying spirit of the bird, not its feathers." The idea he tried to convey to artists was that it is the spirit of the thing that is important. This translates into not getting carried away with too many petty details. Editing can be tricky, but with my own challenge in mind, I tried to keep this study fresh and gestural. I love these birds, have I mentioned that?

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Austin, Texas (FULL with wait list)

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Two Swans

Two Swans, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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Did you know that swans mate for life? They are such majestic birds and that fact just endears them to me all the more. This week I offered a Valentine's Day Challenge on the Daily Paintworks site to paint animals that mate for life. You may be interested to know that Love Birds, Gibbons, Black Vultures, French Angelfish, Wolves, Albatrosses, Prairie Voles, Turtle Doves, Bald Eagles, Penguins, Orcas, Barn Owls, and even Termites all fall into this category. I'll be interested to see what animals people choose!

Taking Flight

Taking Flight, 30 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

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As the sun rises at the ocean, birds gather attentively along the shore. Every now and then something startles them and they all take flight, only to circle back and resume their "watch". I love witnessing this early morning production. "Taking Flight" is now available at the Anderson Gallery on St. Simons Island, GA. 

Please come join me for these Upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | St. Simons Island, GA

Morning Pause

Morning Pause, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

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Walking on the beach at sunrise is a wonderful way to start the day. I highly recommend it whenever possible. :) This early morning scene is on St. Simons Island, on the Georgia coast, my home away from home. There is a magical moment when the sun creeps over the horizon and beams out its light. I have to pause and watch every time. It's mesmerizing and rejuvenating.

You may remember a small study I did of just the egret for this painting. Click HERE to revisit that post.

Egret Reflections Study 2

Egret Reflections Study 2, oil on panel, 6 x 8, L. Daniel © 2014

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Egrets spend a lot of their time foraging for food (fish, crayfish, snails, insects). The beach tide pools are a perfect hunting ground for small fish. It's fun to watch the birds hunt… they stand very still in the shallow water waiting for their prey to swim by. When they do make the "strike", it is fast and precise. 

See more Small Works

Summer's End and Two New Grand-babies!

Summer's End, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

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On Labor Day morning, I was out painting the marsh on St. Simons Island; enjoying the last colors of the season and feeling an awesome sense of gratitude. This summer brought me two beautiful, baby grandsons. One in Hawaii and one in New York! That's right, two babies in 29 days, on opposite sides of the country. Grand-boys. Little cousins. Such love.

As my husband so perfectly noted, "this is truly one of the biggest highlights in life!" He is so right. It doesn't get much better! And here they are… Will and Charlie with their parents… we love them all!

William Joseph Bullen IV 

"Will" with Emily and Joey in Hawaii - born July 27.

Charles Rawson Daniel 

"Charlie" with Rawson and Lynda in New York - born August 25.

PS - Is that a little bird family in the painting above? Why, I believe it is! :)