Workshop Alert & Featured Artist… Philip Frey!

Tidal Zone by Philip Frey - 16x20" Oil
Tidal Zone by Philip Frey – 16×20″ Oil

I featured Philip back in 2011, the first year that I started this daily blog… his work was amazing then, but I love it even more now. I think his bold brush strokes and vibrant colors are out of this world. Each and every one of his paintings is absolutely the best! I haven’t met Philip, but we’ve gone back and forth with messages, and he is the nicest guy ever, a big plus when purchasing art. I have got to like the artist, otherwise it doesn’t matter to me how good their work is, I just won’t love it… you know what I mean?

The darkness of the rocks, against the sunlit shore and that beautiful water… wow… great combination. I like how color peeks through at you through the clouds. Awesome!

Mondrian's Icd Fish Shack by Philip Frey
Mondrian’s Ice Fish Shack by Philip Frey – 30×40″ Oil

Another fabulous painting by Philip. The vibrant blue really just sings… and those icicles hanging off the bottom of the fish shack, well, I just love them! This painting caught my eye, reminded me a bit of home (Michigan). As soon as the lake would freeze you would see “shantytown” – Fish Shanty’s (shacks) everywhere! Inevitably some people didn’t pay attention to when the ice would begin to melt and a few would be lost… bloop… gone. This painting really depicts that quite nicely. I remember going ice fishing with my dad out on the frozen lake. Dig the hole, that was the coolest part. Then sit on buckets with the car door open blocking the wind… no fish… Hello!! Where are the fish…?? Ok dad… I’m done and ready to go get something to eat, hee… that would be after about 15 minutes – wonder why we never had a shanty, ha ha… it was big fun regardless, and probably MORE fun, hey, the memory stuck, that has to mean something, right?

Philip is giving a workshop this year, here are the details, if you’re in the Maine area you aren’t going to want to miss it!

Painting Downeast
Plein Air Painting Workshop with Philip Frey
August 28-31, 2014 | 9 am – 4 pm | $400 | www.philipfrey.com

Click HERE for more information!

Read more about Philip from Gleason Fine Art Gallery website:

Phil Frey was born in Portland, Maine, in 1967. He honed his artistic muse at Syracuse University, from which he graduated cum laude in 1990. Returning to his beloved Maine, he established his home and studio in the down-east village of Sullivan. 

Frey is a master at using bold color to capture the sense of his subject. An admirer of the French Fauves, the 19th-century artists noted for their use of bright color, Frey says of his art: “I’m an artist who tries to joyfully express the surroundings I love through color and a sense of place.”

Frey’s vision is vital, his goal is simplicity. He is often attracted to what might seem ordinary or everyday to someone else. It is Frey’s ability to transform that everyday object into something of beauty and meaning that has caught the eye of Maine’s audience of astute art collectors.

Although Frey’s subject matter is diverse—pure landscapes, seascapes, and even interiors—his joy in the simple act of painting is a constant. So is his need to show “the simple beauty of the extraordinary moment: vivid light on a building, shadows draped along curvy roads, the many colors of foliage, or the intricacy of a working harbor.”

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:           Poe’s Tavern – Sullivan’s Island, SC – fabulous hamburgers!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:        Featured Artist… Anne Blair Brown!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:   William Shakespeare!

Brixx Wood-Fired Pizza – the Inside Scoop!

Margherita Pizza
Margherita Pizza

Fred and I had the best lunch the other day… we had worked hard (our study has been painted, woohoo Fred!) it was getting late and we were starving! We headed to Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, in Mount Pleasant, SC. Usually we split a pizza, they aren’t big, but just enough for us… except for that day… this turned into a lunch/dinner situation… we ordered our typical Margherita Pizza… it’s so fresh tasting with a light crust, very fresh (house made) mozzarella, fresh roma tomatoes and luscious basil… a tasty treat… but we saw that someone had ordered a pizza with some lots of “green” (it was a ways away), we asked what it was. It was the Wild Mushroom Pizza with fresh arugula. So we ordered one of those as well! (Oink! Oink!) Oh. My. Gosh. We were in Heaven… the arugula was so fresh a tender, the PERFECT addition to this pizza. The Margherita Pizza was delicious, as it always is! Their iced tea is pretty spectacular as well… always fresh, and if you’re an iced tea connoisseur like we are (unsweet please) this is the place to go!

Wild Mushroom Pizza with Arugula
Wild Mushroom Pizza with Arugula

Can I tell you how difficult it was to wait to snap this photo? I was getting the evil eye from Fred. HURRY UP! ha ha… Heaven, I’m tellin’ ya! If you get a chance, head on over there… Here’s their website with menu! Or if you prefer to jump right to the PIZZA MENU just click the link! Enjoy and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:           Featured Artist… Chad Smith!

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

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:   Happy Earth Day!

Workshop Alert: Ken DeWaard – Apalachicola, FL May 11-13, 2014!

Image via Florida's Forgotten Coast
Image via Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Chance. Of. A. Lifetime! That’s what I would personally call it! If you’re going to be in the Apalachicola, FL area in May, take this workshop with Ken DeWaard and Greg LaRock (another fabulous artist!) if you can! Ken (pictured above), is such a great instructor. Learning from someone like Ken is a privilege… you will leave with great insight and you will master your skills… no doubt about it!

Details for the workshop:

MAY 11, 12, 13, 2014 – 9AM- 4PM 

Contact email : info@pleinairfl.com 

Community Event from Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational: America’s Paint-Out

Click HERE to purchase workshop tickets!

Here’s a blip about it from HistoricApalachicola.com

Don’t miss this opportunity to study with two nationally known, award-winning plein air artists in one workshop! With decades of experience, Greg and Ken will guide you through everything you need to know including: simplification, understanding good composition, creating focal ­interest, achieving depth and atmosphere in your work and much, much more. Watch and learn with demos by both artists including a side by side demo of the same subject matter. Plus, lots of hands on instruction, discussion and free goodies for all students! Workshop is open to all levels.

Fee:$300.  Click here to register OR email info@pleinairfl.com !

Check out Ken’s website, it’s a great one, full of details… to see images of his work. Stunning!

Also, be sure to check out Florida’s Forgotten Coast Plein Air Event May 1 – 11

Catch you back here tomorrow…


F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:                Walking downtown (Charleston, SC)… BRING A CAMERA!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:             Cool building on State Street, Charleston, SC

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:        Artist to watch… Nancy Hoerter!

Festive porch downtown – Charleston, SC

 

A festive Charleston porch
A festive Charleston porch

 H A P P Y   E A S T E R !

This photo was taken last year on Easter, what a festive porch! There is nothing like walking around downtown, especially on or after a holiday when the decorations are still hanging. You wouldn’t believe how many fresh flower wreaths there are. Just stunning! What a treat this city is!

Hope you enjoy your Sunday!! Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:                Charleston, SC Photo… 

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:             Featured Artist… West Fraser!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:        Rustica Restaurant, Rockland, Maine

Dogwood Tree Blossoms…

IMG_0675

Dogwood Blooms in Charleston… Lovely… absolutely stunning in every way. When the sun hits this tree in the morning and late afternoon it just lights up. This time of year doesn’t last long… azaleas blooming, wisteria showing off it’s multitude of blooms with a scent that just goes on forever, soon the hydrangeas and gardenias! Spring is beautiful even though it flies by in the flash of an eye…

Enjoy it while you can! Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:           To keep the birds away??

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:       Charleston Cheese Cracker Recipe!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:   Artist to Watch… Ron DeFelice!

Featured Artist: Cecilia Rosslee!

Sunlit Interior by Cecilia Rosslee
Sunlit Interior by Cecilia Rosslee

Interiors. I know I keep mentioning them (hint hint to all you artists out there!)… I love them and paintings of interiors are not easy to find. When you do find an artist it seems like all their interiors are sold… it’s crazy! Of course it can’t be any interior, the painting has to depict great detail (for me, without being too tight), sunshine/light and shadows. It has to be interesting… and Cecilia’s are!

Read a blip about Cecilia from her website, and while you’re there check out her lovely paintings!!

CECILIA ROSSLEE grew up in South Africa and has recently moved to Carmel, California where she lives with her husband and three children.  Her work reflects the people and objects she loves.

After graduating with a National Diploma in Fine Art, Cecilia moved to Cape Town where she started a prolific career in art.  Some of her clients include Planet Hollywood and Sun International Hotels.

In 2000 she formed a publishing company with her husband which supplied a large range of stationery, depicting her art work.  She supplied a major, upscale retail chain store, Woolworths, for 9 years.

Since living in Carmel, CA, Cecilia focuses mainly on her beautiful oil painting.  Her work is in great demand as she depicts happy, warm images that are dear to her.

Image via CeciliaRosslee.com – used with the artists 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:                Charleston, SC – #1 Tourist Destination IN THE WORLD!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:             Featured Artist… Charles Movalli!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:        Antica Farmacista – Magnolia, Orchid & Mimosa – nothing better!

House Plan: Carolina Craftsman – A 2 Bedroom House Plan

Carolina Craftsman SL-050 a Southern Living House Plan by Our Town Plans.
Carolina Craftsman SL-050 a Southern Living House Plan by Our Town Plans.

Last week I featured a one bedroom house plan… this week it’s a two bedroom house plan (and I bet you can guess what next week will be)! After much searching, I came upon this plan, which I think would work nicely if a small house would suit you! This plan is 1,120 square feet of heated space with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The only things missing is a dining room/eat in area of the kitchen. That can be solved by eating on the screened porch during nice weather (how nice would that be??)! Or if it became an issue, the screened porch could always be enclosed, like a sunroom… just a thought. So one side of the house are the bedrooms and the other side is the living space, family room, kitchen and screened porch. I love the look of the exterior of this house. It’s got so much charm! It would be nice with wood walls inside (horizontal).

HP Carolina Craftsman Main SL-050 sl
Carolina Craftsman SL-050 a Southern Living House Plan by Our Town Plans

This house plan was designed by Our Town Plans, check them out! This plan is available via the Southern Living House plan website (link below).

All images via Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:           Live Oaks in Charleston, SC     

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:        Recipe for dog cookies!

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

Featured Artist: Sally Strand!

 

Window by Sally Strand
Window by Sally Strand

Fabulous painting, isn’t it? I love paintings of everyday people doing everyday things… it makes it so interesting. This pastel painting “Window” is featured in the Artist’s Magazine Competition Spotlight, May issue, 2014. I like how you get a glimpse into this persons life… a bit of their kitchen, their window washing, the outside. I love the concentration in the woman’s face. The movement is spectacular! Great painting Sally!

Sally’s work is so wonderful, she would be a great one to take a workshop with! Lucky you… Sally teaches workshops, check out the link to see when/where!

Read a blip about Sally from her website:

“I am captivated by light, and my interest in light is on equal terms with the content of a painting.” Strand pulls the extraordinary out of the ordinary through the use of light and color. Assembling multi-layered surfaces in a rich complexity of form and color, her paintings appear to emanate light from within.

A native of Colorado now residing in California, Strand has been exhibiting professionally as an artist for over 30 years. Influenced early in life by an artistic mother and a heritage of artistic relatives, her childhood was a creative mix ranging from art projects to professional puppet shows.

As a result of extensive travels while a young adult, Strand recognized a need to portray her view of the world through art. Her subjects became the familiar people and objects she carefully observed in the business of living – a man reading a morning newspaper; light falling across a bowl of eggs; groups of people waiting, working, playing – slices of life.

Strand was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, the highest commendation of the Pastel Society of America, NY. She is the recipient of numerous top awards, including the PSA Master Pastelist distinction, and most recently the IAPS Master Circle Honor. Her solo exhibitions in galleries and museums include a 2006 one-person retrospective of pastel and oil paintings at the Bakersfield Museum of Art in California.

Widely published in books and magazines internationally, her work is also represented in many corporate and private collections. Strand studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and at the Art Students League and National Academy of Design in New York. She earned a BFA degree from the University of Denver. Strand teaches workshops and master classes around the country.

 Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:              The Heavenly Scent of Wisteria!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:          Featured Artist… Adele Earnshaw!

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

Eight and Bob… too classy for words – highly recommend!

IMG_0530

Have you heard about the men’s perfume “Eight and Bob”? It has a fascinating story. When Fred and I last visited Old Road Mercantile (that I wrote about HERE), Kevin, the owner, was telling us all about this. Fred had read something about it long ago, it was the scent that John F. Kennedy Jr. wore. You must read the short history from the Eight and Bob website, so interesting! It is so classy and the scent… Out. Of. This. World!

Limited yearly production- – –  Yep, it’s only carried by a few select retailers, and when it’s gone for the year, it’s gone…

Read this blip from the EightandBob.com website:

ANDREA IS THE PLANT
WHOSE EXTRACTS ARE THE
SOUL OF EIGHT&BOB

In January 1934 Albert Fouquet traveled to Chile at the invitation of the Italian ambassador. Besides enjoying the charms of the country, he took advantage of this trip to search the Andes for aromatic plants that would enhance his fragances.

He returned to Paris with several sprigs of “Andrea”, the name Albert had given the plant whose extracts are the soul of his cologne “EIGHT & BOB”. Andrea is a wild plant in short supply due to the altitude and limited area in which it grows; and can only be picked during the months of December and January. The plants gathered undergo a very exacting selection process in which only seven percent are chosen. This process ends between March and April and only then is it known how many units of “EIGHT & BOB” can be bottled; and how many can be allotted of each country.

If you’re in Charleston, SC check it out at Old Road Mercantile on King Street!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:              McLeod Plantation – Charleston Photo

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:          Sun Streaming Through a Downtown Gate – Charleston Photo

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:     Lemon Dill Tilapia Recipe!

Featured Artist: Haley Hasler

Portrait as Tooth Fairy by Haley Hasler
Portrait as Tooth Fairy by Haley Hasler

How magical is this? The way Haley’s paintings include her as a self portrait in a heroin type way is so clever. These paintings have such life. You could look at this painting for a long time and still see new things that you didn’t catch on a previous glimpse. Brilliant. And… this is only one of many! Be sure to check out Haley’s work!

There was a great article that The Morning News did, where Karolle Rabarison interviewed Haley… read it HERE… it makes me like this artist even more! This also shows some of her paintings…

Read a blip about Haley from her website:

The self-portrait confronts the viewer with an outward representation of the inner self. Here is the exterior as seen by the interior.

The self-portrait as a character introduces a further element. While the self-portrait implies that the artist is showing us the truth, a representation of the exterior in disguise conveys the impossibility and doubleness of this endeavor.

Through the seemingly private world of self-portraiture and autobiographical narrative, I hope to present a compelling fictive world, without dictating a precise narrative or relying on a static symbolism. I try to invest the figure with an iconic confrontability – making it operate both as self-portrait and archetypal heroine. 

Painting impels me to cross the border freely between the universe of things and the universe of the imagination. The former involves an urgent encounter between the eye and the exterior world, while the latter contains the interior universe of memory, history, narrative, and desire. 

Check out Haley’s paintings… they are magical! Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via HaleyHasler.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:              Charleston Dogwood Blooms

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:          Fleet Landing Restaurant, Charleston, SC

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:     Artist to watch… David Lussier!

A beautiful view…

Snapshot in Charleston!
Snapshot in Charleston!

Well, it is Palm Sunday today… so I thought I would get a shot with a palm! This isn’t our house, but it’s a beauty, isn’t it? Lovely with all the azaleas blooming! The big old live oak trees help as well. Such a pretty setting!

Enjoy your day… catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:              Peekey Boo!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:          So… you want to be an art critic?

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:     L.L. Bean Adventure Duffle!

Strawberry Season is HERE!!

Strawberry Season is HERE!
Strawberry Season is HERE!

There is nothing better fresh local strawberries. To make a quick stop at the Farmers Market is soooo worth it! These strawberries are nothing like the ones you get in the grocery store, they are juicy and sweet and a true delight!

Image via BooneHallPlantation.com
Image via BooneHallPlantation.com

The strawberry festival at Boone Hall is this weekend! Be sure to check it out! They have a great website, it has all the info you need!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:              Featured Artist… John Murray!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:          What’s hot now? Moose… anything!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:     Artist to watch… Mary Whyte!

Featured Artist: Diane Mannion

Me 2013 by Diane Mannion
Me 2013 by Diane Mannion

Isn’t this the most delightful self portrait? I love it. Diane looks like such a nice woman, someone who you would like to spend time talking to.  Her work is exceptional!

The light on her face and in her hair… so nice… those little punches of color in the necklace, and that soft pretty color on her face. Very nice!

Read a blip about Diane from her website, be sure to check out her blog as well!

My adopted state of Florida both inspires and terrifies me.  The sky and water, vivid colors, light and shadows… hurricanes!  There’s an energy here that drives my painting.  People, palm trees, birds and flowers.  Tourists and trailer parks.  Painting material everywhere I look!  I’m lucky to live where the ordinary is extraordinary.  Florida’s beauty contrasts sharply with seedy tackiness.  My challenge is to translate this visual chaos with paint in full color.   

 I paint with several plein air groups in Southwest Florida and often venture out on my own.   Sometimes fire ants or rain chase me into my car (auto-painting).   A plein air sketch may evolve into a larger studio painting.  Over thirty years as an artist/author (more than 64 books illustrated as Diane Paterson, 12 as author) have influenced the way I see and translate visual reference.  Sharing my skills through teaching has sharpened my life-long learning process.

 My blog has become an important part of my work.  I post and write about painting techniques almost daily.  Please visit:

http://dianemannionpaintings.blogspot.com/

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:              Garden Cottage House Plan!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:          Featured Artist… Brian Rego!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:     G&M (aka Fast and French), a great place to grab a bite in Charleston, SC

House Plan: The Lafayette – A one bedroom cottage plan!

The Lafayette (C0049) House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects
The Lafayette (C0049) House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects

I had a request for a one bedroom cottage style house plan. I thought this layout worked nicely. When this home is used as a place to live (versus visit on occasion), you have to have somewhere to put your STUFF. I realize it’s hip to be ‘clean-lined’, but in reality, as you get older you have more stuff. We’re really good about clearing out anything that isn’t being used, simply because we don’t have space to store it for eons while it just sits. If we bring something into the house, then something has to go out of the house… it’s as simple as that. But still, storage is key, and although this is a small plan, it gives you exactly that!

Continue reading “House Plan: The Lafayette – A one bedroom cottage plan!”

Mark Boedges

 

My Gear by Mark Boedges
My Gear by Mark Boedges

Mark Boedges, I am thrilled to have run across his work! Just look at these paintings! I love My Gear (above) great subject matter, fabulous colors, and wonderful loose strokes. This painting is truly a delight to look at. I can almost smell the oil paint… I swear I can! Anyone who paints or truly loves art will love this painting!

Through the Woods by Mark Boedges
Through the Woods by Mark Boedges

Wonderful use of light in this painting Through the Woods! Wow! Amazing color in the tree on the left. Gorgeous!

Read a blip from Mark’s website:
An up and coming artist, Mark Boedges has in a short time amassed numerous awards and shown his work in many galleries. Although art was always a part of his life, Mark came to painting in a more serious manner only during, and immediately after, college. Out of high school he attended the University of Kansas where he received a degree in philosophy. But by then the painting bug, and in particular painting plein air, had already taken hold. He went back to school to study Fine Art at the University of Colorado. Preferring a more traditional approach to painting, Mark left the program after two years to study exclusively from nature. Painting plein air had become his sole focus, and it would remain so for several years. Through this study his skills quickly developed. His first show was in 2003 and it was a great success, nearly selling out. But all artists need mentoring, and realizing that in order to further progress he needed guidance, Mark began to seek out other artists and to attend workshops to learn everything he could about his craft; which he continues to do to this day. Among the top honors Mark has received are the Grand Prize for Landscape and a spot on the cover of International Artist magazine, as well as more recently the Joseph Hartley Memorial award at the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York City and Best in Show at the Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art.

Check out Mark’s upcoming Workshops and Private Lessons… HERE! Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via MarkBoedges.com – used with permission from the artist.

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:             Chickens and cool chicken coops… the hot new thing!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:         Featured Artist… Kathleen Dunphy!

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