50 @ 50

      Every holiday season, Artistree Gallery in Pomfret holds its "Small Works" exhibit.  Lots of wonderful small drawings, paintings and sculptures priced "small"!  

      One of the most exciting parts of the show is the "50 @ 50" - wall covered with 50 pieces of 2 dimensional art, each 7" x 7" unframed but mounted on panels and each only  $50.  Its' a real spectacle as guests at the opening crowd the wall hoping to snag a little piece of art made by a favorite artist for $50!

      This my little 50 @ 50 painting.  Every day on Seabrook Island beach is different.  Some dark and stormy, some bright with sunshine and fluffy clouds...  

“October 17th on Seabrook Island”

watercolor - 7" x 7"

    

       The opening of "Small Works" is Friday, December 6th from 5:30 to 7:30.  Don't be late if you want to get a little piece of art at a bargain price - people actually come early to get the best choice!  Artistree's Openings are great fun and great food and I hope to see you there.

October 20th on Seabrook Island

      Yay!  Another day in the studio!  Yesterday afternoon, this is what I had on my work table - a dubious start to another Seabrook Island watercolor.

      

      The result, below is what happened after about four hours of work.  I am not entirely pleased with the result, but for the sake of my sanity I say it is DONE!
      Honestly, it was one of the hardest paintings I ever did.  I spent the day fighting with it and trying to simplify, simplify, simplify.  And thank goodness for gouache - it brought back the bright whites and softened some hard edges.  I always felt like I was "cheating" when I used it before, but after seeing a demo by Peter Huntoon at the Vermont Watercolor Society's Fall Meeting I decided I was stuck in the past and said to myself, if he can recommend and use it, I can use it too - FREEDOM!

"October 20th on Seabrook Island"

watercolor - 9" x12"

      It is always good to get away from your work an take a break.  Now,  I think when it is framed it will be just fine!

October 22nd on Seabrook Island

       On a snowy morning in Vermont, it's wonderful to concentrate on the blue sky and beach at low tide in South Carolina.  I completed this painting last Sunday...

"October 22nd on Seabrook Island"

watercolor - 9" x 12"

       I heard that contemplating the horizon at the beach raises your endorphin levels just like exercize does!  Ahhhhh...