Featured Artist: Julie Schumer

On May 23, 2014May 16, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist4 Comments

Landscape with Gray by Julie Schumer 50x40" Acrylic on Panel — *Landscape with Gray* by Julie Schumer
50×40″ Acrylic on Panel

Gray is hot right now… I love the light pinks and the grays, very nice… beautiful soft palette with some darks to make it all p-o-p!

Barra de Santiago by Julie Schumer 60x48" Acrylic on Panel — *Barra de Santiago* by Julie Schumer
60×48″ Acrylic on Panel

This one is a bit more colorful, and I love the bright colors that Julie has chosen, I like the airiness of this painting as well as the drips at the bottom, very nice work! You must take a look at Julie’s collection. The colors, ahhh, wonderful! All are different, very fun!

Check out the video on Julie’s website, it shows her painting… I love this!

Read a blip about Julie from her website:

Julie Schumer began painting at age 5 and continued through high school. She was an abstract expressionist early on, being chastised by her elementary school teachers for her drippy non-realist work.

In college her practical nature asserted itself and she became a lawyer instead of an artist. In the following years she collected art, wishing all the while she had painted what she collected.

Finally, in 2000, she reconnected with an old friend, artist James Koskinas. He sensed her long suppressed desire to create art and asked her why she wasn’t painting. Schumer answered she didn’t know. Koskinas brought her several pieces of wood, acrylic paint and a few brushes and said, “Paint.” Schumer hasn’t stopped painting since. She and Koskinas joined forces and moved to New Mexico from the Bay Area, California, in 2002. They paint companionably together in their Santa Fe studio, a modern day Jackson Pollack and Lee Krasner.

Since reengaging with her art, Schumer has studied at the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California and with artists Robert Burridge, Mira White and Edward Gilliam. Her paintings immediately resonated with viewers. Her work has been exhibited across the United States and in Europe and is in many private collections.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: St. Simon’s Retreat House Plan!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Jerry Rose!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Bradley Hendershot!

Southern Living Inspired Communities!

On May 22, 2014May 22, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

Have you heard about the Southern Living Inspired Communities? What a cool concept. They are traditional Southern neighborhoods full of charm, beautiful architecture encouraging get togethers and real neighborhood values.

They are located in the following areas (note: this might also be a great way to see some of the Southern Living House Plans!):

Habersham – Beaufort, SC

Cloudland Station – Chattanooga, TN

Old Town – Columbus, GA

Whisper Mountain – Leicester, NC

Windsor Trace and Bluffs at Southwood – Tallahassee, FL

Currahee Club on Lake Hartwell – Toccoa, GA

Read a blip about it from SouthernLivingInspiredCommunities.com, check out their website for more information:

For nearly 50 years, Southern Living has served as the leading inspiration for the region, featuring the best ideas and emphasizing the positive aspects about life in the South.

Southern Living Inspired Communities is a collection of neighborhoods marked by charm, taste, and Southern spirit.

These hand-picked neighborhoods embrace a pride of place and encourage new traditions of living in the South

Community Philosophy:
To embrace the natural beauty of Southern landscape.
To display the best of Southern Living inspired architecture.
To create environments that foster gatherings, interactions, and celebrations.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Francis Sills!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Tumbleweed Tiny House!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Art Quote!

Featured Artist: Sarah Sedwick!

On May 21, 2014May 22, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist8 Comments

Deer Skull on Blue by Sarah Sedwick 23x28" Oil on Canvas -Available — *Deer Skull on Blue* by Sarah Sedwick
23×28″ Oil on Canvas –*Available*

Intriguing painting, isn’t it? I like Deer Skull on Blue by Eugene, Oregon artist Sarah Sedwick. Its got a cool feel to it! I love the wall with the subtle differentiations in color. The skull… wicked good, and I’m not even from Maine! Nice shadow cast on the wall… If you like it too, you’re in luck… this painting is still available!

In the Gallery by Sarah Sedwick 8x10 Oil on Canvas — *In the Gallery* by Sarah Sedwick
8×10 Oil on Canvas

In the Gallery is a nice painting… nice gallery was my first thought! I really like seeing the tree through the window and the paintings within a painting. Be sure to check out Sarah’s work! Sarah has a great BLOG be sure to check it out! She’s also on FB and Pinterest (among other social media sites)! If you’re in Eugene, OR be sure to check Sarah’s work out at The Gallery at the Watershed… what a cool gallery WOW!

Read a blip about Sarah from her website:

Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1979, Sarah Sedwick began oil painting at age ten. In 2001, she earned a BFA from Maryland Institute, College of Art, with a focus on illustration and painting, and a minor degree in art history. She and her husband live in Eugene, Oregon, in a house on a steep hill surrounded by cherry and pine trees. They welcomed a baby daughter in 2009.

Sarah writes a studio blog, and teaches painting workshops. Her paintings have found homes across the globe, and can be seen locally at The Gallery at the Watershed in Eugene, and at her home studio, by appointment.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All Images via SarahSedwick.com with permission from the artist…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Field Peas, fresh from the Farmer’s Market!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Tom Balderas!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Monet Quote

Fit Radio… what a difference it makes!

On May 20, 2014May 15, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HEALTHLeave a comment

This is one cool app. Fit Radio plays great music, and depending upon the genre/station you choose the BPM (beats per minute) vary. For example, the Top 40 has 128 BPM which keeps you walking/running at a brisk pace for sure! I don’t normally walk with headphones on because I walk with a friend during the week, and my husband on weekends… but for those rare times when I am alone, this gets my legs going as fast as they will go.

It. Was. Fun. Did I just say that?

This app is available for iPhone/Android and Blackberry devices and your first 3 hours are the premium version for free. If by then you don’t upgrade to the premium version it automatically strips you down to the free version. Their words, not mine… I am still in the premium/free version, so we shall see. From what I’ve read they have excellent customer support, and that my friends, means the world!

Change your workout, speed it up, make it count… Fit Radio can help!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image via FitRadio.com

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist Lindsey Kustusch!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Another Charleston Steeple!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Fine Art Studio Online…

Featured Artist: Carole Rabe!

On May 19, 2014May 15, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

Forsythia Spring by Carole Rabe 24x18" Oil — *Forsythia Spring* by Carole Rabe
24×18″ Oil on Canvas

Stunning, right? That gorgeous sunlight exploding on that fabulous yellow wall, wow! This painting was done by artist Carole Rabe.

What a great window… ahh, I could spend a lot of time in this room!

Night: Blue Chair by Carole Rabe 30x20" Oil on Canvas — *Night: Blue Chair* by Carole Rabe
30×20″ Oil on Canvas

What a great nighttime painting of this cool chair… look at all the colors! I think it makes it so interesting when everything isn’t perfect, like a photo… you can see the cool reflections in the windows which really adds a lot of pizazz! Nice work!

Blue Window by Carole Rabe 24x18" Oil on Canvas — *Blue Window* by Carole Rabe
24×18″ Oil on Canvas

Another great piece, more subdued in color but equally as fascinating. I really like the base colors showing through, and that wonderful shadow on the floor… Not to mention a glimpse out of the window and a painting within a painting! Love it!

Read a blip about Carole from her website:

Intense observation and my response to what is around me is how I receive my inspiration. The way light hits a countertop or the side of a chair is the spark that gets the painting started. The color of light influences the color of objects and creates interactions between disparate things. My paintings are about the relationships between these elements. My imagery is personal; I need some connection to my subject matter in order for me to claim it in a painting. I work from direct observation; I am very interested in how the human eye perceives the things around us, and how the hand and heart work to put the image down on canvas. It’s a wonderful feeling when the reality of the painting takes on a life of its own and exists on its own, apart from the objects observed. It seems like such a simple thing but there is something magical and transcendent about this aspect of representation that has a very strong power for me.

All images via CaroleRabe.com with permission from the artist…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: The beauty of history…

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Island Inn, Monhegan, Maine

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Chobani Yogurt!

Bowens Island Restaurant MENU as of May 2014

On May 18, 2014May 18, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment

The restaurant was packed and I couldn’t find my way to a menu (well, at least not where I would have enough room to set it down to photograph), so I settled for the sign… It gives you all the information you need!

See yesterdays post to see what the fried shrimp looks like… oooooh, too good!!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: What kind of footprints are these?

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: William Wray!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Keith Oehmig!

Shrimp at Bowens Island Restaurant – Charleston, SC

On May 17, 2014May 17, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD4 Comments

THIS my friends is the 1/4# (small) shrimp dinner at Bowens Island Restaurant. The fresh, local shrimp in their delicate coating fried to perfection. This isn’t the thick batter that’s fried deep brown, this is succulent and out of this world good… so is the cole slaw… and the hush puppies… french fries are good too (and I’m not a french fry gal). I do wish you had a healthier option to go with the fried shrimp, but if you only go every once in a while its a splurge worth waiting for!

Bowens Island Restaurant is close to Folly Beach in Charleston, SC… check them out! (More details on the post from tomorrow)…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Bill Schenck!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Piccolo Spoleto – Charleston, SC

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Kitchen Aid Mixer

Featured Artist: Alice Kirkpatrick!

On May 16, 2014May 16, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

Bright Light by Alice Kirkpatrick 10x10" Acrylic on Panel — *Bright Light* by Alice Kirkpatrick
10×10″ Acrylic on Panel

You must check out Alice Kirkpatrick’s work! Alice is an artist from Maine and she paints everything from interiors, to landscapes, florals and abstracts! I love how she painted this lampshade a little askew. Adds character to the painting… and I’m all about character!

Red Couch by Alice Kirkpatrick 24x36" Acrylic on Canvas — *Red Couch* by Alice Kirkpatrick
24×36″ Acrylic on Canvas

I think this is a fabulous painting. I love the red couch, and that warm light making gorgeous shadows on the floor. The colors all work so well together. Very cool to have a glimpse into someone else’s world! I would like to visit this room. I love it! Great work!

Alice also sells her work on the Daily Paintworks website… but… you’ve got to be quick! If you see something that you love, don’t hesitate!

Read a blip about Alice from her website:

I am drawn to quiet places that reveal more about the human spirit by their emptiness than those that bustle with human activity. I’m inspired by light, and the power it holds to move us, whether inside our own private spaces, or out in the world. While I work from photographs of places I visit regularly, what I’m seeking to express is a more universal connection we have with places of spirit–whether from dreams, from places deep in our memories, or those that are part of our daily lives. I work primarily in acrylic, preferring its immediacy and the ability it gives me to work quickly and intuitively.

While I have lived outside of Maine, I find the landscape, sea, and spirit of this corner of the world ideally suited to me, and to my art work. The opportunities for, and appreciation of both solitude and community are deeply ingrained here, and I am grateful to be a part of it, and it a part of me.

I earned my BFA in art from Colby College, and have pursued numerous art workshops and courses at Maine College of Art, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and others. I maintain a studio at my home in Pownal.

Additional Note: Many of my paintings of interiors are of Hiram Blake Camp on Cape Rosier, on Maine’s Penobscot Bay. My sister and I have spent a week or two there for the past 14 years, returning each summer for rest and renewal and inspiration. Places like Hiram Blake Camp (of which there are few remaining) allow us to pause in our busy lives and reconnect with the land and sea, with others, and with ourselves. I am grateful to my sister for suggesting we take that left hand turn off the windy Cape road on a summer day years ago…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Tideland Haven House Plan!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Hia Lai Chong!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Margaret Petterson!

House Plan: The Chechessee River Cottage!

On May 15, 2014May 15, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans, Uncategorized2 Comments

Chechessee River Cottage (C0345) by Allison Ramsey Architects

Sweet cottage plan, isn’t it? This house plan is by Allison Ramsey Architect… one of my favorite architects! I can always find house plans that I would love to live in on their website! This cottage plan is roughly 1754 square feet with 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms. If I were building this house I would use shingles like in the illustration… second choice would be white with a metal roof, maybe painted a cool green?

HP Chechessee River Cottage C0345 ara — Chechessee River Cottage (C0345) by Allison Ramsey Architects

I love the configuration of the rooms. They make sense, and that is what sets apart these homes. They flow well… It’s so nice to have the master bedroom downstairs and in the back of the house. Also nice to have the utility room nearby, so that laundry is close to the bedroom where you will be putting away a majority of it anyway! Great kitchen/dining layout. I might even make the dining room a informal area with a sofa and a table for casual eating… and use it as a library/tv area at times that you want to be tucked into the back of the house?

Great layout upstairs. Simple in design and it works! This is really nice for guests, they have the upstairs, you have your bedroom downstairs. Nice and private for them!

Check out Allison Ramsey’s house plans, they can do anything your heart desires!

All images via AllisonRamseyArchitect.com – with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Jeffrey T. Larson!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Spoleto!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Picasso Quote!

Featured Artist: Sandy Welch!

On May 14, 2014May 14, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

I Love You Joan Mitchell by Sandy Welch — *I Love You Joan Mitchell* by Sandy Welch

Ooooowie! I was so happy to run across artist Sandy Welch’s paintings! I was looking at some Joan Mitchell type art and ran across her work… WOW! Her use of color makes me so happy! I Love You Joan Mitchell (above) is so vibrant with a few dark undertones to really make it stand out. I love the thicker areas of pink. WOW! Amazing…

If you aren’t familiar with Sandy, check out her website, it is so full of fabulous paintings, one after another… it took me forever to choose only two! A few remind me of Peter Max’s work, similar but different… happy and vibrant!

Spring by Sandy Welch — *Spring* by Sandy Welch

Then I ran across this one… oh no… Spring is a perfect name for it… like the blooms on flowers just exploding with color. This painting makes me smile, how could it not? I love all those pinks, and the light greens in the background and little pops of yellow to make it all fuse together oh so nicely!

Read a blip about artist Sandy Welch from her website:

Sandy is the consummate artist, who consistently endeavors to catch the essence of her subject, be it the pose of a fashionista, a sun-drenched luxurious meadow, or a coquettish shoe. Painting is her pulse, and her canvasses POP with provocative color and a flirtatious style.

Sandy attended the Cleveland Institute of Art and has studied with professional artists, Bob Noreika, Beth Ellis, Charles Slovek, Stuart Shils and Ilona Levitz, among others. Sandy has exhibited at the Fisher Gallery at the Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon,Chase Gallery at the Jewish Community Center, West Hartford, West Hartford Art League, Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford Stage, Real Art Ways, On Twenty, and the New Britain Museum of American Art. Sandy has been featured in the Hartford Courant numerous times, West Hartford Public Television, Farmington Valley Arts Center Connections, and Artist Magazine’s featured artist.

“Painting is vital to my life. I paint from a youthful, fresh, feminine and passionate perspective. Summer is my mirror, and fashion is my muse. My palette is filled with the delicious colors of summer. The many faces and inner beauty of women fascinate me. I’m excited by the beauty that surrounds me. This is how I choose to create my life and my art”.

All Images Via SandyWelch.com with permission from the artist…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Beach at Botany Bay!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Denise Dumont!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Andrew Wyeth Quote

Gaulart & Maliclet (Charleston Restaurant) Turned 30!

On May 13, 2014May 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment

I meant to post this prior to May 4… I hate that I missed this! Darn, darn, darn… Too many sticky notes everywhere with ideas… it’s dreadful when some of the ideas have time limits, ugh!

BUT, we can all wish them a “Happy Birthday” and stop by for something fabulous! What a cool place, it’s where you see many locals as well as people visiting. It’s very cool how you sit with others if you don’t have a large party. Let me tell you, almost every time we go we meet someone so interesting. That makes this place so much fun!

Gaulart & Maliclet (also known as G&M or FAST & FRENCH) has great specials, and if I remember right fondue night is on Thursday! We usually make it there for lunch, the cold cucumber soup is to die for AND healthy… for real!

Check out their MENU, it will blow you away! Too good for words! Check it out if you get a chance!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Kim Lordier!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Happy Mother’s Day!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Bessie Mae!

Featured Artist: Steven Walker!

On May 12, 2014May 12, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Nightlines by Steven Walker Winner of Plein Air Salon "Best Nocturne" — *Nightlines* by Steven Walker
Winner of Plein Air Salon “Best Nocturne”

Amazing painting, right? Nocturnes amaze me. Steven really packed a lot into this painting. This painting has such a nice feel to it with the soft light from the lamps in the house and the nice light showing fabulous shadows from the street light. Very nice how the power lines were illuminated just enough to catch your eye. Steven’s work is fabulous!

Steven Walker won Best Nocturne for his oil “Nightlines”from Plein Air Salon’s Dec/Jan competition.

Can’t you feel that bright sun in your eyes? This painting is a treat… look at those clouds.. oooh how they highlight that orangy yellow so nicely… the sun kissed landscape, very nice! Be sure to look at Steven’s website, it’s chock full of fabulous paintings!

Read a blip about Steve from his website (also check out his blog):

Born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Steven has been captivated by art for most of his life. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Virginia Commonwealth University with a concentration in illustration. After only a few years as a freelance illustrator, Steven earned his master’s degree at Marywood University and began focusing his efforts towards fine art.

After a string of small shows at coffee shops and libraries his focus turned to gallery exhibition. Since his venture into gallery life, his landscapes have been well received by collectors. His paintings are part of several private collections such as Hilton Hotels, the Boy Scouts of America, Dominion Resources and the United States Air Force.

Steven has been included in several local and national juried competitions including the Richeson 75 Landscape Competition, the American Landscape competition in Maryland, several juried shows throughout Ohio and Virginia, the International Salon Competition and most recently, the Oil Painters of America Salon. Steven also had the privilege of being a part of a statewide traveling exhibition with the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. Recently he’s participated in several artist in residency programs in Michigan, Indiana and Iowa through the National Parks Service.

Steven, with the assistance of his lovely wife Evelyn, continues to work hard in the advancement of his career. Currently, his work is represented by the B. Deemer Gallery in Louisville, KY, The Sharon Weiss Gallery in Columbus, OH, the Vision Gallery in Atlantic Beach, NC, and the Glave Kocen Gallery in Richmond, VA.

“I should have quit years ago but that would have proved so many people right.” – SW

All images via StevenWalkerStudios.com with permission from the artist…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Mother’s Day!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Charleston Photo

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry!

Whether you are, want to be, tried to be or don’t want to be… this wish is for you!

On May 11, 2014May 11, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS7 Comments

Happy Mother’s Day! But wait… before you say, “I’m not a mother”… this wish is for all of you who…

–ARE a mom: I’m sure the joy is overwhelming, as well as the worry and stress, but the love… ahhh, that beats all, right? Know you are blessed…

–WANT to be a mom: so it’s not your time yet, that’s OK. Enjoy your life, get out and do things so that once you do have children you don’t feel like you’re missing out!

–TRIED to be: for all of you who have felt the heartbreak of wanting to be a parent, but having it not work out for one reason or another, I feel for you. I understand. I’m in the same boat. Find what brings you joy and move on with your life. You can spend forever on “what if’s” but you will be much happier if you move on… (such as) help out a friend with children, teach them something special, something important like being nice to others, volunteering, there are other options, not the ones you probably dreamed about, but life does get good again…

–DON’T want to be: hey, everyone has a reason. If having children isn’t your deal, that’s fine. Help a friend with their child once in a while, or teach a child how to bake cookies, some cool, fun, important (cookie baking!) life skill!

To my mom, I would like to say that you are the absolute coolest mom and I love you to pieces… I wish we lived closer! AHHH… I’ve learned a lot from you, even though I don’t think you realized it. Like… the importance of saying no instead of being overwhelmed and miserable. My note taking surely I got from you, and that lead to my writing… I love to talk about cooking and recipes, food and health, books and so much more with you. I love knowing you’re on the other end of the phone when I call! Thank you for being my mom! I love you mom!!

To Fred’s mom, I would like to say that you are such a great role model, someone who is truly caring and shows it by helping others every chance you get. You are always there if we need you. We’re very fortunate to live close although we don’t see each other every day, its a nice feeling knowing that we can be there in a moments notice! It’s fun comparing our Dr. Oz notes and trying to keep up with what’s good for you and bad for you since it changes constantly! Thank you for being Fred’s mom! We love you!!

Ok, get out and do something good for someone. Make someone smile today.

MAKE. SOMEONE. SMILE. TODAY…

Repeat tomorrow… and the next day… and the next day… and the next day… etc.

PS/ Thank you Kate Mullin for making the world a more beautiful place with your flower arrangements!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Monhegan Island… Maine!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Craig Mooney!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Stan Moeller!

Bowens Island Views…

On May 10, 2014May 10, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment

View from Bowens Island, Charleston, SC — View from Bowens Island Restaurant, Charleston, SC

Beauty as far as the eye can see… Bowens Island Restaurant… located in Charleston, South Carolina near Folly Beach (about 5 minutes away!) is one restaurant you need to check out next time you’re in Charleston. It’s, well… eclectic? The food is fresh and so tasty, I always get the fried shrimp, (my one splurge) and this is the place to get it!

They’re open from 5-10PM Tuesday – Saturday (CLOSED ON SUNDAY & MONDAY)… we usually get there early and there is a line, but just look at the view (above)… bring your camera, especially if you go near sunset… gorgeous!

This may not be a fancy restaurant, but LOOK AT THAT VIEW! I have gotten many gorgeous photos from this location! I have their updated menu set to post May 18 so check back then… but see the previous menu HERE, not much has changed!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Andy Evansen

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Times Square Digital Gallery!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Parmesan Chicken with Salad – Ina Garten!

Florida’s Forgotten Coast – A Plein Air Event Not To Be Missed!

On May 9, 2014May 9, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

Ooooh, what a place to be right now! Florida’s Forgotten Coast Plein Air event is happening through May 11, 2014. Then there is a workshop with Ken DeWaard and Greg LaRock. If you want to see if there is still an available spot HERE is the link!

What an impressive list of Artists they have this year! Check it out! And if you’re in the area, by all means… GO! What fun!

Here’s a blip from their website:

Plein Air Painters To Capture Forgotten Coast on Canvas

More than 20 nationally acclaimed artists will gather on Florida’s Forgotten Coast to participate in the 9th annual Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Invitational, America’s Great Paint-Out, May 1-11, 2014. Painters will set up their easels and pull out their brushes to document the landscape and culture of this last vestige of authentic “Old Florida” – the coastal stretch of scenic North Florida between Mexico Beach and Alligator Point.

“Plein Air”, a French word, simply translated means “open air”. The roots of plein air painting are found in 19th-century Europe. An Englishman, John Constable, believed that artists should forget “formulas” and trust their own vision in finding truth in nature.

About the same time in France, in a small village called Barbizon, a group of artists focused their attention on a subject matter that had never been done before: everyday life and the natural world surrounding it. These realists laid the ground work for the next development: Impressionism. Plein air forever changed how artists see the world.

A true plein air painting is done on location, capturing the atmosphere of the moment. The majority of the painting must be completed on site with little to no work to be done in the studio. Most artists agree this is the true test of skill as it requires complete confidence in placement of color and brushwork in a short amount of time. For example, a sunset may only last 30-40 minutes. That would be all the time the artist has to capture the scene.

The event includes 5 exhibits across the coast, daily artist demonstrations, 2 workshops, art sales and a series of public receptions. Art enthusiasts can visit the exhibits and attend the many free special events that occur throughout the 10 day event. “Many artists from across the region gather and paint alongside the event’s invited artists; it is amazing to see the art being created” stated Joe Taylor, Event Chair. The “Wetroom”, which alternates each year between the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Art in historic Apalachicola and a location in downtown Port St. Joe, is always stocked with fresh paintings that the artists deliver daily throughout the event.

The Forgotten Coast en Plein Air is coordinated by the Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition, a non-profit organization established to produce regional multi-community cultural events that improve the quality of life for the coastal area. The communities of Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Apalachicola, Eastpoint, St. George Island, Carrabelle, and Alligator Point have joined forces to produce the most impressive art event seen along the coast. Support from the Gulf and Franklin County Tourist Development Councils, Mexico Beach CDC, and Visit Florida has helped to gain the event a national following.

A selection of America’s finest plein air artists are scheduled to participate in this year’s event, please look over our artist list to see the diverse talent.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Moser Design plan TNH-B-11B

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Mary Sheehan Winn

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Everyone needs more birthdays!