Tag: Charleston

Charleston Photo: Yellow Crowned Night Heron in Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments

This photo was taken in my neighborhood (Charleston, SC). It’s a photo of a yellow crowned night heron. Ooooooh you say? Yep, they’re interesting creatures, they’re here during breeding season, then they all fly away. They come back to the same (exact) area each and every year… As neat as they are, they aren’t the friendliest, and they get rather pushy… they’ll stand in the street and won’t move. They build their nests (or go back to their old nests) and in a short time you start seeing eggs in the street/sidewalk, the most beautiful Martha-Stewart-blue. (I would like to have one color matched and paint a room that color.) Right now it looks like the little ones (not so little anymore) are out and about, I see them in people’s yards during the day. We watched one on a neighbors roof and it was almost like it was thinking, “hmmm, should I try to fly”? It would start to put its wings out and then quickly tuck them back under, he did that for quite some time, I was starting to get worried about him, but I guess he was working through it, ha ha… A few mornings I have seen the birds up on some neighbors front porches. EEK. You don’t want to go out when they’re there. They make very impressive (read SCARY) sounds, that’s enough to keep me far away! They’re cool nonetheless, but I will be happy when they move on. They really stink once it starts to get hot and humid… yikes!

Interesting fact: a few neighbors called to have trees trimmed and the city cannot trim until the birds have left because the birds are protected. So be nice and keep your distance!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Thomas Reis!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“The Reader” by Thomas Reis

Image: M Gallery, Charleston, SC

“The Reader” by artist Thomas Reis is another fine painting… Fred and I were in M Gallery a few weeks ago (when I told you about the painting “Life” by Scott Christensen) and wanted to share with you another amazing piece of work. It’s a captivating painting and it definitely keeps your eye in the painting, amazing! Here’s the blip about the painting as shown on the M Gallery website:

My model posed wearing a traditional dress called a hanbok, which is still worn in South Korea– generally on special occasions. The painting process involved the appropriation and merging of disparate elements in order to create an overarching narrative and mood. I was struck by the glowing light in the studio and the model’s contemplative absorption in her text. I was also interested in depicting a still ubiquitous dress that is so deeply rooted in Korean cultural tradition. The painting’s composition is circular–that is, I’ve attempted to lead the viewer’s eye from the subject’s face and book down to the baskets, along the hem of the dress, up the arc of the bamboo and, finally, along the arching arrangement of frames, back to the model’s face. The leading lines of the sofa also intersect at her face.

I think the artists’ information is so interesting. What they were thinking when they were painting, the circumstances, what was happening, it’s just so interesting! I bought a book at the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, Maine one year, ANDREW WYETH AUTOBIOGRAPHY by Andrew Wyeth and Thomas Hoving, (click HERE for more info on the book!), and it was a description of each painting. It was so interesting! I loved that book!

Here’s a blip about Thomas from an M Gallery newsletter…

Thomas Reis began work as senior art director for JP Morgan Chase in New York City, shortly after receiving his MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1993. Two years later, he was illustrating for nationally-known publications, including Time magazine, Rolling Stone, the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated, Business Week, TV Guide, Barron’s, Forbes and Smart Money. Corporate clients have included MGM, Dupont and Colgate. Throughout his career, Reis has also worked as a fine artist, producing work with all the refinement that one would expect from a classically trained painter. His paintings are represented in numerous permanent and private collections throughout the United States. Tom currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

(Text provided courtesy the Museum of Arts and Sciences.)

If you’re in Charleston, SC pop in and check out this artist at M Gallery of Fine Art on Broad Street. Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston, SC Photo: From a different perspective…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME4 Comments

I love a different angle on things. This photo was taken looking up at the gorgeous windows of a beautiful home in Charleston, SC. When you walk around the streets of Charleston there is SO MUCH to look at. If you’re anything like me you can’t help but snap away! I’m so thankful for my digital camera! Remember taking photos in the “old days”?  In addition to buying a battery, you had to buy film, then you had to take the film in to be processed and have prints made. It always seemed like the ones you were really looking forward to turning out were the ones that weren’t quite right… eyes closed, mouths open, etc. So woot woot for the inventor of the digital camera! Now I can snap away, come home and load them on my computer and delete the ones that aren’t stunning!

Speaking of cameras… if you’ve got a good camera, tell me about it… I currently have  a Kodak Z something or other, what do you have? Why do you like it so much? What are its limitations? How have you adapted to no view finder? (I don’t think I could, I really like a view finder)… Is it worth getting one that you can set manually to manipulate how you like or is point and shoot the way to go? Is it a pain to have a camera where you have to switch lenses? I would think so? What’s the thinnest, sharpest, camera with a viewfinder with at least a 10x zoom? If you get a chance please let me know… if you’d rather email, my email is bstroud1@comcast.net !

Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: Hop on and take a spin…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

Charleston, SC… a great place to live. We do move a lot around this area. You always see people out walking, running, biking, skateboarding or in their cars with surfboards or kayaks strapped to the roof. It’s a great thing to get out and move. My nephew who was here for one day visiting from MI noticed that people are out and moving a lot! It’s what we do… if you can walk, run, bike to the store, do it!

Then come home and either jump in the pool, the sprinkler or the shower, at least for the next few months, it’s going to get a tad warmish… look at it this way…

F R E E   S A U N A !

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Scott Christensen!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

“Life” by Scott Christensen

Image: M Gallery of Fine Art, Charleston, SC

LIFE. What a great title for this painting! It’s an impressive 70 x 70 ( 80 x 80 with the gorgeous frame included) let me tell you, it makes a statement.  Scott Christensen is an amazing artist. That goes without saying. Fred and I popped in M Gallery in Charleston, SC last weekend and saw the latest arrival entitled “Life”. I’m not kidding you when I say we walked into the room and stopped in our tracks. This painting is a stunner. If there is a chance that you can find your way downtown Charleston, SC you must stop in and check it out… there are so many great artists in one gallery it will blow your mind, including (but not limited to)… Frank Gardner, Tom Balderas, Robert Spooner, Gene Costanza, and the list goes on…

There is great video of this painting you must check it out! This was on the M Gallery blog… click HERE…

Here’s a blip about Scott from an article in Artist Daily website. Click on the bolded Q+A link to read in it’s entirety!

Idaho artist Scott Christensen is one of the most well-respected landscape painters in the country, and his understanding of light, ability to achieve pure color, and reverence for nature also make him a highly sought-after instructor. In this Q+A section, we list Christensen’s responses to 10 questions on landscape painting to give readers a glimpse into the artist’s mind, process, and teaching style.

Then… what I’m always interested in… (from the same link in Artist Daily):

AA: Who are some of your heroes in the landscape-painting genre, both past and present?

SC: Past: Isaac Levitan, Emil Carlsen, Alphonse Mucha, Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, Nicolai Fechin, Anders Zorn, Arthur Mathews, Edward Steichen, and Ilya Repin. Present: Clyde Aspevig, Carolyn Anderson, Tim Lawson, Susan Lyon, Scott Burdick, Dan Gerhartz, and Sherrie McGraw.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charlie’s BFF! A sweet lady with Southern hospitality!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment

Charlie had such an adventure on second Sunday last week (Second Sunday is an event downtown where they close off part of King Street to car traffic on the second Sunday of each month. You see people walking in the streets, vendors are set up, some of the stores expand a little outdoors, some of the restaurants offer outdoor dining, it’s a great time to be downtown Charleston, SC) , I just had to share! Here he is on his way… he’s having the time of his life, make no mistake! There is nothing this dog loves more than riding in the car! And there’s nothing like feeling the wind in your hair fur, right Charlie?

I happen to get this shot on a quieter part of the street. Even though it had rained briefly and the humidity rose to approximately 999% we headed out on an adventure with Charlie… headed downtown window shopping! We had the best time, went in Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Ω (I think was the name of it, a cool new yoga clothing store), and a few others… then we entered… heaven in his eyes… Charleston Place Hotel. For those of you who haven’t stayed it’s a treat. They treat you like royalty. The food… DIVINE. The people that work there… AWESOME! Even if you live here, it’s a nice place for a special occasion… it’s more than a hotel, there are lots of shops as well, Gucci, etc. etc. well we walked Charlie through it without going in any stores, then grabbed a bench where he was beyond delighted to see other people as well as a few dogs! Then to his surprise he met his new BFF (Best Friend Forever)… she offered him water. She put down a white napkin and set out a cup of water. This dog was so thirsty, bless her for that. It was very warm and humid outside and we were attempting to recover. Charlie is shy around people. He’ll usually run behind me and hide until he gets to know you OR unless you have a piece or two of bacon… I’m telling you it was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT! Bonita is her name, and she is the nicest person. We truly enjoyed talking with her! We’ll go back to the Palmetto Cafe one day for breakfast, just so we can thank her and tell her hello! A bright light in a day that truly felt like one of the warmest saunas ever!

It wasn’t easy to snap a shot, this dog was EXCITED! He’s never had bacon before… and let me tell you HE LOVED IT! Now if you say the word “bacon” or “Bonita” he goes crazy! I’m quite sure he will remember her all the days of his life!

That’s the cool thing about Charleston, SC. The hospitality. Where else in the world could you go and have a stranger offer you water for your dog as well as a treat? Just the nicest kindest woman ever. Truly a person that likes people and it shows. I wonder if Charleston Place/Palmetto Grill knows what an asset they’ve got in an employee like that?! Someone who can make a difference in someones life with a simple gesture. Bless you Bonita, you’re too cool!

Hey, go make a difference in someone’s life and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

House renovation – Charleston, SC… this one’s going to be a winner!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

There has been a house in our neighborhood that has been sold “as is”, it needed quite a bit of work. Recently a developer purchased it and he and his team are renovating it. It’s a cool house and we had all hoped that he wouldn’t tear it down and build a new house, however… once they started to gut the house they found issue after issue (it had to be gutted, no way around it, the house needed maintenance in the worst possible way and lets just say either there are some ginormous termites running around Charleston or there was dry rot or something, but it seems like every wood surface was eaten or rotten (yep, my professional opinion since I know so much about it… ok, so that’s what it looked like to me anyway). These people are fixing this house the right way. I think each time they start another project on this house they find more problem which results in higher costs to tear out and fix, but in the end this house is going to be a beauty! Riverland Builders also built a cottage on an empty lot on this same street and it’s lovely. Has a front porch that is so inviting, a side porch that is screened with a gas fireplace, perfect for reading the paper with your cup of coffee on nice days. The house is sweet as can be. They built a larger home in the next subdivision over where the homes are larger. Another beauty with meticulous details. I am looking so forward to seeing the end result of this house. I saw the before and it was horrible… beyond horrible. So kudos to those who work hard to save what’s there. It really is such a cool house with a fabulous porch, and will be a dream come true for some lucky family once they finish!

The horrible fence is now gone, whoa did that ever help the appearance! They’re adding on a laundry room and a porch (rumor has it)… will keep y’all posted on the progress. It’s going to be very cool! I hear they’ve added a bit more upstairs, you can see by the brick how much has been added… new roof which looks very nice… This project is being taken on by Riverland Builders – website is coming soon!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A summer salad for dinner… quick, easy and waaaay too good!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe3 Comments

You know when the temps heat up and cooking just doesn’t sound so great anymore? Well… the time has come… already! We’re looking for quick and easy meals that don’t involve turning on a gas stove or oven and heating up the house! We are very fortunate in Charleston to have a top notch Farmer’s Market… I encourage all of you who live within driving distance to go… it’s more than a place to get fruits and veggies, it’s an event all in itself. There are so many people, so much going on, and so much wonderful produce, YA-HOO! For this salad that I made for the two of us, I bought a bag of Butter Lettuce at Whole Foods… at the Farmer’s Market I got THE BEST radishes, cucumber, tomato and green onions… give those all a chop and toss them in the salad, however much (or little) that you prefer. I tossed it with dressing in a large stainless bowl (neither of us like much dressing, so this is the easiest way to do it). I boiled a few eggs and cooked 2 pieces of bacon to add to the top.. whoa, is that sweet! Also, added 1/2 avocado to each salad on top…

Served with Naan bread and olive oil… but you could serve with a baguette, or pita, or whatever makes you smile!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: Gardenias… the party is almost over!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

When the gardenias start to bloom in Charleston, SC there is the most fabulous aroma that drifts through the air… usually during that time we are able to have our windows open, which is an added bonus for sure! The gardenias are on their way out… We’ve enjoyed them so much and look forward to them again next year! Thankfully, now the hydrangeas are in full bloom… woot woot! Need to go grab that mason jar… makes a nice little vase!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Plein Air Painters of the South East… In Charleston, SC THIS week/weekend…

On By Barbara StroudIn ART3 Comments

Painting by Anne Blair Brown via PAP-SE website

JUST A REMINDER… the PAP-SE (Plein Air Painters – South East) are in town and have been painting up a storm… their work will be on display at the following locations… Come on down and check it out! I think this is an event not to be missed!

Here’s a blip from the PAP-SE website:

PAP-SE Returns to Charleston

Opening Reception:  June 1st 2012  5-8pm
Show Closing Date:  June 22nd 2012
Show Locations & Participating Artists:
(Bolded = Artist in town and participating)

Galerie on Broad, 29 Broad Street

Dee Beard Dean 
Richard Oversmith 
James Richards 
Lori Putnam
Andre Lucero 
Daine C. May 
Gwen Nagel
Katie Dobson Cundiff 


Hagan Fine Art Gallery and Studio, 27 1/2 State Street

Karen Hewitt Hagan 
Brett Weaver 
Paula Frizbe
Stuart Roper 
Beverly Ford Evans
Trey Finney 
Bill Davidson 
L. Diane Johnson 

Horton Hayes Fine Art, 30 State Street

Mark Kelvin Horton 
Chris Groves 
Larry Moore
Dawn Whitelaw 
Junko Ono Rothwell
Hodges Soileau 
Richard Christian Nelson 
Kevin Menck

Smith Killian Fine Art, 9 Queen Street

Shannon Smith 
Roger Dale Brown, OPA
Loryn Brazier
Robert Morin Isley 
Scott Boyle 
Anne Blair Brown 
Sue Stewart 
Participating artists will paint on location in the vicinity
of the galleries (Queen Street, State Street, and Broad Street) starting
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 through Friday, June 1, 2012.

Go see!! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: St. Phillips Episcopal Church…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME3 Comments

Here’s a photo of St. Phillips Episcopal Church (founded in 1680!) located in downtown Charleston, SC. It’s a gorgeous church, one that has been photographed and painted oh so many times. It’s in the heart of the city, near the market and all the other happening locations.

Hope you are all having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Wow, Memorial Day… ALREADY!?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments

Well the Spoleto Festival is here! The city is packed with people and the Dock Street Theatre is a happening place! Don’t you just love this door color… it’s so… Charleston! Click HERE to read about the history of the Dock Street Theatre!

Enjoy your time here if you’re visiting… and if you live here, are you attending any of the performances? Let me know, I’m excited to hear about what people are going to see and how they liked it!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Laurie Meyer!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

“And On It Goes” by Laurie Meyer

We have the most beautiful old oak trees here in Charleston, SC… boy, if only trees could talk, the stories they could tell! I think Laurie captured this one nicely!

Here’s more about Laurie from the  Wells Gallery website:

Laurie Meyer has lived and painted in Charleston, SC for over twenty-five years. Following careers in education and corporate sales, Laurie devoted her life to her first love – painting – in 1997. Life in Charleston has provided Laurie with countless subjects and rich inspiration for her award winning paintings. Her frequent travels have also given Laurie varied and interesting ideas for many of her works. She paints with rich color and broad “brushy” strokes and palette knife to express the unique and recognizable softness in her work. Art has also played a role in community involvement for Laurie. She is the past president of the Mt. Pleasant Artists Guild, serving two terms. Laurie also served eight years on the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association and originated the Art of Alzheimer’s exhibit, now under the auspices of the Charleston Artist Guild. Laurie is past Program Director and past Director of Artistic Growth for the Charleston Artist Guild.  She is a member of the Oil Painters of America, Charleston Outdoor Painters Association, the SC Watercolor Association, and the Portrait Society of America. Laurie resides on Daniel Island, SC with her creative and supportive husband.  Her three daughters, on their own or in college, are also creative with art and writing. “I am thankful to be blessed with the opportunity to do something I love. Painting has been part of me since I was a child and I still live for the artistic journey. I love rich color and textural strokes painted with gesture and spontaneity. I seek interesting designs with playful shadow structures in my street scenes and rich natural colors in my landscapes. Capturing light is a challenge and a thrill. Painting “en plein air,” nature’s studio, is a luxury and a great teacher, but weather and time constraints mean I also paint in the indoor studio. Either way, my challenge is to interpret what I see and express it in my unique style.”

We would like to wish Fred’s mom a very H A P P Y  B I R T H D A Y ! ! We hope it’s the best! xoxo US

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Piccolo Spoleto 2012 Outdoor Art Exhibit, Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART2 Comments

The Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit start T O M O R R O W ! The outdoor art exhibit is located in downtown Charleston, SC at Marion Square. Get out and see all there is to offer! Lots of artists, as well as some artist demonstrations which are always so much fun to watch! There is so much talent situated in one park, it’s a great time!

Catch you back here tomorrow!