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

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)

Morning Pause

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

SOLD

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

SOLD

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

Standing Watch - Anderson Gallery

Standing Watch, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

I am so excited to tell you about my upcoming solo show at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery in St. Simons Island, Georgia. It opens in April and I have been busy, busy painting a new body of work. It is all inspired by the golden isles, one of my favorite places in life. "Standing Watch" captures an early morning feeding time for the local egrets. They are beautiful, graceful creatures. 

"Marshside to Seaside"

Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

April 25 through May 24

Reception April 25, 6-8 pm

Click HERE to see more work for exhibit on my special website page.

Feasting Egrets - Georgia Coast

Feasting Egrets, 6 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

This is the last painting from my trip to the Georgia coast. I've been home for awhile now, and sharing these paintings has been a fun way to revisit my time there. I miss my morning walks by the marsh, the light on the beach, and the smell of the salt air. You won't be surprised to hear that I am already planning my next trip. Thank you for following my efforts!