Ashantilly Wildflowers

Ashantilly Wildflowers, 8 x 10, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

I so enjoy discovering new places to paint and explore, and this is one of those places. Ashantilly, or "Old Tabby" is a historical homestead in Darien, GA. It was originally built in 1820, and was the "mainland" home of Thomas Spalding, an early Georgia planter, legislator and landowner. It sits right on the marsh and was quite elegant in its day. A group of historians are committed to seeing the place restored, and hopefully that will happen. It's quite a gorgeous setting. I chose this intimate side yard as my subject… the garden had gone to seed, but the wildflowers were stunning. 

Beckoning Path

Beckoning Path, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

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St. Simons is a barrier island connected to the mainland by a causeway and bridges that cut through the marsh. The causeway has great views of wide open marshland and ever-changing waterways; and it's a favorite place of mine to paint. 

Sun Struck Villa

Sun Struck Villa, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L.Daniel © 2014

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Slanted morning light can be so dramatic. When I came onto this scene in a quiet island neighborhood, I was captivated by the slivers of light outlining the home and it's garden. I quickly set up my easel to try and catch the mood before everything changed. And it did change fast! What works best for me is to indicate all the dark values on my canvas first thing, before the shapes of light and dark shift. Then, it's important to hang onto that information and not chase the light as I finish the painting. Easier said than done! 

Garden Square - Demo and Process Notes

Garden Square, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Today I did a painting demonstration at the new Anderson Gallery Annex on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Since the demo was indoors, I decided to replicate this plein air painting completed on location yesterday. Having the finished piece is a great reference because it helps students/viewers get an idea of where I am headed with all my process decisions.  (And it's a great reference for me as I paint the image again!!) I even remembered to take pictures to recap it here for them and for you. Many thanks to all my attendees!

The scene from my easel...

This  is a garden park named Hanover Square in Brunswick, Georgia. 

Block In...

Line and mass sketch establishes composition and value relationships. 

Paint color is a dark neutral mix of Ultramarine and Burnt Sienna.

Upright Plane…

Dark and light families in the upright elements adjust as they recede into the distance - values come together (darks get lighter and lights get darker).

Ground plane…

Since the ground plane reflects the sky, it is usually the second lightest element in the landscape (the lightest element will be the sky, where the sun is). 

Sky Plane and Final Highlights…

Once all elements are working together, add details and final highlights. This is a serious exercise in delayed gratification, but it always, ALWAYS works best to leave those details until the very end!

Tree Veil

Tree Veil, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

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The afternoon glow through these trees was impossible for me to pass up. The silhouetted tree trunks provided a perfect juxtaposition for the streaming light behind the veil of foliage, and it was quite striking. The tricky part was hanging on to the darks in the silhouette… they were so necessary to establish the right drama and contrast. 

Island Club Breezes

Island Club Breezes, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

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Jekyll Island is one of the barrier island on the Georgia coast and the Jekyll Island Club Hotel is at the heart of it's history. Designed by Chicago architect Charles Alexander in 1888, its turret, extensive verandas and bay windows are typical of the Queen Anne style. It was the scene of many important historical events; including the very first transcontinental telephone call in 1915, and the founding of the Federal Reserve Act win 1913. It also offered a lavish southern playground for the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts back in the day. It must have been quite spectacular… Oh, if walls could talk…

By the way, it's still a wonderful place to stay. Those verandas are available for afternoon reading and the front lawn is set up for some serious croquet, so bring your mallet. :)

Chapel Light

Chapel Light, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
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This is the backdoor entrance to Lovely Lane Chapel on St. Simons Island. Surrounded by live oaks and Spanish moss, "Lovely Lane" is full of romance and southern charm, and the scene of many weddings. It's gorgeous on any morning when the sun shines on it. :)

Marshside Palms Demo - Georgia Workshop

Marshside Palms Demo, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

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This is another demo from my workshop last week. I want to thank one of my students, Joan Vienot, for taking a few pictures; and for sending them to me so that I can share them with you! Did I mention what great students I had?? We had a wonderful time painting together on St. Simons Island. 

Pencil drawing in sketchbook for composition and visual idea…

it always helps me to think things through ahead of time.

Outline on canvas for placement…

I keep it light and sketchy at first to make sure I have achieved my composition plan before adding value or details (easy to change if needed).

Blocking in the dark masses…

I always work dark to light and front to back. Yep, I do the sky last.

Palette with mixed color piles…

I try to maintain an organized palette, keeping families of color together. My only medium is refined linseed oil, so I use a lot of brushes - about one per color.  

Finished painting - Marshside Palms

Beach Demo - Georgia Workshop

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

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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

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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

Available at Anderson Fine Art Gallery

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

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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

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 

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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