Grazing - Wild horses on the Georgia Coast

Grazing, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2017

Click to purchase $120 + $16 s/h

My last post was all about Cumberland Island and the ruins of an old mansion there. (To see and read about that, click HERE.) What I didn't tell you is that the island has a band of wild horses that freely roams its forests, beaches, and dunes. It's always a treat to catch a glimpse of them during a visit there, and this time they sauntered in and posed! This horse must have found something pretty tasty in this grass because he stayed around long enough for me to finish this little sketch! 

Side note: The band of horses is probably left over from when the English started settling the island in the early 1800's; although some popular myths date them back to the Spanish Conquistadors and the 1600's. Though once domesticated, they are are now thoroughly wild and it's smart to keep a healthy distance. Seeing them is another great reminder of the island's colorful and romantic past. 

Dungeness Gate - Georgia Coast

Dungeness Gate, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2017

SOLD

This elegant gate was once the entrance to Dungeness, a 59-room Queen Anne style mansion on Cumberland Island, GA. It was built by the Carnegies in the 1880's, and quite a grand place. The Carnegies moved out in 1925 and estate burned down in 1959, leaving only ruins and the hint of stories from yesteryear. Oh, to know some of those secrets! ;) 

Nowadays, the island can only be visited by ferry, either on foot or by bike. That blue bike was mine for the day as I rode around the island (easel on my back) and painted. See why I love painting in the Golden Isles so much??? Always an adventure to be had!

Beachfront Palms - Show Tip #19

Beachfront Palms, 30 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

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

H A P P Y   E A S T E R !!!

I used to be afraid to paint palm trees and now they are my favorite. What made the difference? Observing and practicing. For the last three years, my daughter and her family lived in Hawaii. My visits with them included many a foray outside, to plein air paint along the coast or at the beaches near their home. It was a perfect opportunity to study the behaviors and personalities of palm trees... and study I did! This scene is from the Georgia coast, where my palm lessons continue to be applicable. 

Show Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth

As I painted the scene above, I reflected on how I no longer avoid or "edit out" palm trees when I am painting. In fact, now I look for them and choose them as subjects! It made me happy to see that progress, and yes, I did a little happy dance! We all make little advances every day in whatever we are doing. Sometimes success is immediate and obvious, and other times it is slower and incremental. And there are also times when we are so intent on the next hurdle that we just forget to notice where we've been. It is really important to pay attention and give ourselves a pat on the back when we see growth. Look for it. It truly is cause for celebration (and great inspiration to keep going for that next hurdle). 

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

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:

April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

Creek Stop (enlarged)

Creek Stop, L. Daniel, 20 x 24

.

This is a larger version of one of my field studies from Georgia. This marshland and creek is behind some ruins of an old estate on Cumberland Island. The whole island is a state park now and a herd of wild horses lives and runs free there. Pretty cool. It's a beautiful place.

Creek Stop (study)

Creek Stop (study), L. Daniel, 9 x 12

.

On Cumberland Island, I discovered this marshland creek while exploring around the ruins of an old mansion. I fully expected to paint something related to the ruins, but my affinity for old, sunbleached dockhouses won out! (There was also a delicious breeze coming off the creek that made standing there cool and bug-free - very delightful!!)

Island Beach

Island Beach, L. Daniel, 9 x 12

Yesterday I painted on Cumberland Island, the southernmost barrier island in Georgia. Getting there requires a ferry ride, and hauling your own food and water for the day. It's a quiet, remote place and this beach expanse says it all. Well, not quite. While I was painting, dolphins were swimming in that bay - so close I could hear them breathing. It sounded like a person doing laps, only a louder. Very cool.