Beach Demo - Georgia Workshop

Beach Demo, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2104

SOLD

I am finally catching my breath after last weekend's non-stop activity! In conjunction with my show on St. Simons Island, I taught a 3-day plein air workshop to a wonderful group of students. We had a great time painting from marsh side to seaside (notice a theme here?) and below is my demo from our day at the beach. 

Many thanks to the Anderson Gallery for hosting the workshop, and to my hard-working students who painted up a storm on the Georgia coast! So much fun!!

the scene...

getting started with a line sketch for placement...

line and mass block in to establish values...

massing in the darks...

massing in the lights...

final piece with highlights and lowlights…

including a couple of beach lovers for scale! :)

Cottage Corner - Anderson Gallery show wrap up!

Cottage Corner, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

When I set about to paint my "marsh to beach" series, I knew this beach house corner would be included. It radiates a timelessness and history that take me back to my first visits to St. Simons Island 35 years ago. The golden isles have had a piece of my heart ever since. 

Below are some pictures of the Anderson Gallery on opening night. I wish you all could have been there, it was a wonderful evening. You can see the full body work on my website by clicking HERE.

 

 

Quick pictures Mary Anderson in the gallery before the opening. 

Beachside Solarium - Anderson Gallery Exhibit

Beachside Solarium, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD

I know I have sounded like a broken record about this upcoming solo show, but I am excited about it! Thank you for letting me share my paintings these last few weeks, and thank you for all your words of encouragement. 

The opening is tomorrow night and here are details:

Marshside to Seaside

Anderson Fine Art Gallery

St. Simons Island, Georgia

April 25-May 24

Reception May 25, 6-8pm

View the entire body of work on my website, HERE.

Twilight - Anderson Gallery Exhibit

Twilight, 18 x18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

This is one of my favorites from my "Marsh to Seaside" exhibit. Maybe it's because I love the view. It's one that I see every day when I am visiting the Georgia coast, so it feels like home. The warm twilight colors just add to the magic. 

"Marshside to Seaside" opens THIS Friday at the Anderson Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA. Click HERE to see the entire show. 

Suspended - Anderson Gallery Exhibit

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

SOLD at Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Clouds over the marsh... Suspended in the atmosphere… Glorious... 

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!!!

This piece will be in my upcoming show:

Marshside to Seaside

Anderson Fine Art Gallery

St. Simons Island, Georgia

April 25 - May 24

Reception April 25, 6-8pm

See more works from show.

Tide Lines - Anderson Gallery Exhibit

Tide Lines, 18 x 36, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD at Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Following the tide lines along the beach always turns up interesting ocean treasures. Deposits of sea shells, marsh rack, and horseshoe crabs mark the ever-moving water levels as the tide comes in and out. The beach is in a constant state of flux, and I never get tired of it. 

To see all the work in my upcoming show, "Marshside to Seaside", click here.

Red Sky at NIght - Anderson Gallery Exhibit

Red Sky at Night, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

The title of this painting comes from the old saying, "Red sky at night, sailor's delight, red sky at morning, sailor's warning; ." It seems to be true. In my experience, a red sky at night usually portends that a fabulous day will follow. Plus, what is not to love about a red sunset?? :)

Headed to my solo show… 

"Marshside to Seaside"

Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA 

 April 25 - May 24 | Reception April 25, 6-8 pm

Click HERE to view entire show on my website. 

Seafaring Vessels - Anderson Gallery Exhibit

Seafaring Vessels, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD at Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Well-loved boats, old docks and colorful reflections get me every time. I discovered this spot on Jekyll Island (on the Georgia coast) several years ago and have gone back to paint it from different angles several times. "Seafaring Vessels" was directly inspired by those delightful plein air moments. 

This piece will be on display in my solo show "Marshside to Seaside" at the Anderson Gallery on St. Simons Island, April 24 -May 25. Click HERE to see the entire show on my website. 

Dune Walk - Anderson Gallery Exhibit

Dune Walk, 18 x 24, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD

There is nothing like a beach day… skip-hopping through the hot sand... the cool relief of the ocean breeze… the smell of suntan lotion… sandwiches on damp towels… castle building... hunting for sand dollars. The beach has a lure and excitement all its own and it hits me full on, every time I climb up over that last dune. 

This piece is headed to the Anderson Gallery for my solo show "Marshside to Seaside", April 24 - May 25, St. Simons Island, Georgia. 

An Award and a Red Dot!

Beach Shadows, 9x12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Award of Merit Winner!

Plein Air Southwest Salon 2014

Available at the Southwest Gallery in Dallas

If you follow this blog, you will remember that I had a busy weekend with two juried shows in two different cities this weekend. Luckily, both were in Texas (and within driving distance) and I was able to make the awards ceremonies of both….

And so glad I did! It was reward enough to be included in these shows and to see dear friends... but to win an award AND sell a piece at the Plein Air Southwest show was both affirming and validating! I am one happy painter! Thank you for letting me share, and thank you for your many kind words of encouragement!

Jill Carver, the juror for this year's Plein Air Southwest Salon, shared some personal insights before presenting the awards. She is a true master and her thoughtful comments inspired us all!

Two Big Shows this Weekend!

Lush Lagoon, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD

Juried into Salon International 2014 

Available at the Greenhouse Gallery | April 5-25 | San Antonio

Reception Saturday, April 5, 5-8pm

I am so excited to be participating in two wonderful group shows this weekend. They are in two different cities so I am splitting my time to get a little piece of both. I'll be at the Greenhouse Gallery awards party in San Antonio on Friday night; and at the Southwest Gallery opening reception in Dallas on Saturday afternoon. It will be fun to connect with friends and collectors at both! If you are near either of these cities, please stop by!

Below: Juried into Plein Air Southwest Salon

Available at the Southwest Gallery | April 5-May 10 | Dallas

Reception Saturday, April 5, 2-6pm

Row of Zinnias, 9x12, oil on panel, L.Daniel © 2014 

SOLD

Beach Shadows, 9x12, oil on panel, L.Daniel © 2014

Waterfront Lanai, 9x12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Leaning In, 12x9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Golden Marshland - Anderson Gallery Exhibit

Golden Marshland, 18 x 24, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD at the Anderson Gallery

A few weeks ago, I posted a small study of this piece - so if it looks familiar, that's why. I love how the neutral toned marsh grasses come alive at the end of day. This painting one of several new works for my upcoming show, "Marshside to Seaside", all inspired by the golden isles on the Georgia coast. 

"Marshside to Seaside", Anderson Fine Art Gallery, April 24-May 25, St. Simons Island, GA

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

Cascading Cloud Bank - Anderson Gallery Exhibit

Cascading Cloud Banks, 30 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Sometimes, cloud banks seem to literally pile up as they roll in over the beach. On this particular day, the banks got so high that the dunes and sea grasses were completely dwarfed below. I love it when the sky gets big like that. This piece is headed for my solo show on St. Simons Island - opening April 25th.

BTW - I will be teaching a plein air workshop in conjunction with my show, and I just got word that we've had a cancellation. If you are a last minute planner, this spot might be for you!! Details:

PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP: FROM MARSH TO SEASIDE

April 24 - 26, 2014, 9 am - 4 pm

St. Simons Island, Georgia

Register with Mary Anderson

www.andersonfineartgallery.com

Phone: 912- 634-8414 | Email: mand@mindspring.com

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.

Adobe Dwelling - Big Bend, Texas

Adobe Dwelling, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

This is the last of my paintings from Big Bend and one of my favorites. Something about that orange and blue combination gets me every time. When the late afternoon sun hit this old adobe remnant, I knew I was in for the duration. It was one of those best moments, when the time and light agree to performing a little magic. I was privileged to be there as a witness. 

See more Small Works.

Layered Mesa - Big Bend, Texas

Layered Mesa, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014 

SOLD

The Old Maverick Road is a "short cut" on the west side of Big Bend National Park. It's shorter as the crows fly, but kind of a wash board to drive on. Nevertheless, I drive it at least once, almost every time I am there. And I usually feel compelled at some point to pull off and paint one of the views. What caught me here was the layering of shapes off into the distance. Simple, but so distinctly Big Bend.

See more Small Works.

Backlit Arroyo - Big Bend, Texas

Backlit Arroyo, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD

One magnificent occurrence in the desert, is how foliage finds a way to thrive. Even when there is no apparent water, it's clear that there is enough moisture (somewhere) for certain species to grow and reproduce. These cottonwoods dotted an entire plain, following water tracks in the arroyo. Flooding signs are everywhere, and when the rain comes, it flows heavily right through here. Hard to imagine on a steaming hot afternoon. 

See more Small Works.

Chisos Basin - Big Bend, Texas

Chisos Basin, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Big Bend, Texas

Have I told you that the Big Bend of Texas is a place of great diversity? It has the desert, the mountains, the river, and all of the accompanying elements. This scene is at one of the higher altitudes inside the national park. A trail from here takes many hikers out to "The Window", where these two mountain ranges come together. It's pretty cool to see. 

Above: My paint site - I love it when I remember to do this. The painting is under my umbrella shade, otherwise, the painting would have been washed out completely. 

See more plein air Field Work.

River Grasses - Big Bend, Texas

River Grasses, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Big Bend, Texas

Standing on the Texas side of the Rio Grande River, it's hard to believe that Mexico is just a stone's throw away. I could've waded over, but alas, did not have my passport with me. I was quite happy observing these backlit grasses along at river bank. They brought an irresistible warm glow to the soft desert neutrals. Inspiring. 

See more plein air Field Work.

Santa Elena Canyon - Big Bend, Texas

Santa Elena Canyon, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Big Bend, Texas

This ancient canyon is divided by the Rio Grande River which flows along the Texas/Mexico border. The massive size of the rock walls along the river are ominous as you drive up to them and the canyon itself is awesome. When the light hits it in the morning, the shadows bring it alive. This spot is one of the "must see" treasures of Big Bend. 

Desert Morning - Big Bend, Texas

Desert Morning, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Big Bend, Texas

I just returned from a painting trip to Big Bend. For those of you who haven't been, this is the wild, wild west of Texas - but on the southern border, down by Mexico. If you read the book, No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy (or saw the movie) you've got a picture. It's a stark and harsh landscape with a beauty all its own. This particular morning dawned with bright light and long shadows, and the desert floor seemed to sparkle. Finding a spot to paint was as easy as pulling over to the side of the road. 

For those who have been, this is the Burro Mesa Pouroff with Santa Elena Canyon in the far distance. 

Special Post - 2

Seated Female 2, graphite on newsprint, 20 x 12, L. Daniel © 2014

20 minute pose

Here is another set of images from my Life Drawing class… mind you, I have many, many drawings that will never see the light of day. But I share these, trusting that you will go easy on me. :) Did I mention how much fun I have been having?  

Next week, I will be back with paintings from Big Bend, Texas. It's truly the wild, wild west of Texas, and painting there is always an adventure!

3 minute gesture drawings

Special Post - 1

Seated Female, graphite on newsprint, 10 x 10, L. Daniel © 2014

20 minute pose

As promised, I am going to let you in on a little secret I have been keeping... I have been taking life drawing classes since the fall! It's something I haven't had time for (or MADE time for quite honestly), since college. I quite forgot how much fun it is and how good it is for training the eye (and the hand, and the heart, and the brain.) It's simply great discipline for any artist, regardless of chosen genre. My teacher is David Everett, an incredible sculptor here in Austin who is really good at explaining proportions and the relationships between weight and body masses. I am never ready to leave when the sessions are over. 

Like many life drawing classes, we start with 3 minute gesture drawings to warm up before going to the longer poses. The idea is to catch the attitude and mood of the pose with very few marks. Below are a few from my sketchbook that seemed to come close. It has been great practice, and very humbling at the same time. I have so very far to go!!! (Maybe that is why I kept it a secret.)

 

3 minute gesture drawings

Beach Study

Beach Study, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD

I spent most of this week working on a large beach scene that includes this clump of grasses and their wonderful shadows. This little piece helped me work out colors and forms before starting. I am busy painting a new body of work for my upcoming show at the Anderson Gallery, which opens April 25th on St. Simons Island. It's titled "Marshside to Seaside" and will feature scenes from the low country of the Georgia coast - one of my favorite places. I'll be sharing images of the larger work as the date gets closer. 

Meanwhile, I am heading off on a plein air painting excursion in Big Bend (taking just a little a break from beaches and marshes). While I am gone, I have some surprise posts planned… so please stay tuned!!! No hints! ;) 

See more Small Works.