Artist to watch… Ulrich Gleiter!

"Just Arrived" by artist Ulrich Gleiter / Image: KarenHagan.com

Can’t you just FEEL how deep this snow is? How cold the temperature is? Perhaps smell wood burning from a nearby fireplace? Today’s artist to watch is Ulrich Gleiter who was given this advice… “Paint two small plein air sketches every day. Nothing else will train your sense of color better.”

ULRICH GLEITER was born in Saarbruecken, Germany, and studied at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts in Germany before moving to Rus- sia to study first at the Suricov Institute of Arts in Moscow and then at the Repin Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. In 2010 he received the Best of Show award and First Place in the Quick Draw Portrait Competition in the Plein Air Rockies 2010 in Estes Park, Colorado; the Award of Excellence in the Wyoming Plein Air in Cheyenne, Wyoming; and the Frank Bette First Prize in the 2010 Alameda Plein Air Paint out in Alameda, California. He will be mounting a solo exhibition of his work at Gallerie Ines Schulz in Dresden, Germany, in the fall of 2011, and will participate in the Door County Plein Air Invitational in July 2011 and the Plein Air Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, in August 2011 For more information, visit his website at www. ulrichgleiter.com. 

HERE is a good article from Plein Air Magazine about Ulrich…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Christmas Surprise… an Eva Carter painting!

Christmas surprise... Eva Carter painting!

Several years ago on Christmas night my husband and I were riding around downtown Charleston, SC.  Then he covered my eyes and told me he was taking me to my Christmas gift… WHAT???!!! I was trying to pay attention (good luck, I don’t do so well when I can see, HA), but we kept making turns so I had NO idea where we were. He stopped the car. Still unable to see he helped me out of the car and walked me up to the window… I opened my eyes, took in the sight and said…  “ME Barbara, YOU Fred?????!!!!!” Not meaning to sound like Tarzan, I just couldn’t believe that the tag on the painting in the window that everyone can see was TO: Barbara FROM: Fred. Holy Cow! That was so special. Thanks to Eva and to Karin Olah, the gallery manager at the time, for making it so special!  Do I have a cool husband or what? What fun!

The beauty of Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC

Magnolia Cemetery

My husband and I took a ride through a few of Charleston’s beautiful cemeteries. Let me just say, you go back in time. They are old, very very old and the photo ops are amazing. YES, it would help to have a camera with you… These were taken with my phone on a cloudy day, but I think you can still see how spectacular the view is. The magnificent grand live oak trees are everywhere, it’s a beautiful place. There were several people out with big cameras taking advantage of the day… NEXT TIME I will bring a camera, sigh…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Hump Bar from the set of ARMY WIVES… Charleston, SC

The Hump Bar from the set of ARMY WIVES

Do you watch Army Wives? It’s a great show, really. It’s pretty cool to watch it and try to figure out where in Charleston, SC they’re really at… it’s amazing how they can take worn out dumpy buildings and make them look so nice, at least on the outside… This is a photo of the HUMP BAR. Its used regularly in the show. It’s located down by the cemeteries in town. Looks like a real bar. It’s not…

Here’s a close up… catch you back here tomorrow, and if you get a chance, check out that show! They’re filming now, the new shows air “WINTER 2012”!

"The Hump Bar"

I would like to introduce… THE LOCAL PALATE MAGAZINE!

Image: LocalPalateMag.com

My husband and I were in a few of the downtown Charleston, SC galleries a few weekends ago when I spotted this magazine. THE LOCAL PALATE. It. Is. Exquisite. To say the least, this magazine is high class, with gorgeous mouth watering photographs and fabulous stories. Perfect timing with this magazine, with Charleston number ONE on the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, and HUSK Restaurant named as The Best New Restaurant in America! I am so thrilled to see this magazine, and trust me, you will be as well! Here’s a little blip from their WEBSITE:

We are a culinary magazine that focuses on the food culture of Charleston. 

Charleston is a unique blend of culinary history, Southern hospitality, indigenous ingredients, and world class chefs. 

We are local and we love it here. Drop us an email to say hi and find out more: 
info@thelocalpalate.com

To that I say… YAY!! I urge you to visit their website, it’s as beautiful as the magazine.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Richard Oversmith!

"The way it used to be" by Richard Oversmith (via artists website)

I found this intriguing painting under the PLEIN AIR section of Richard Oversmith’s website. I love paintings of interiors, especially something different… this is a peak into the past. Richard’s description of this painting:

This painting is of the interior of Old Fort, NC train depot.  The depot build in the 1890s probably looked a lot like this inside.  It is a museum now and house some old southern railroad memorabilia.  I was invited into the depot to paint but, I actually painted this outside looking through a window at this scene.  That’s why it’s in the plein air section.

How interesting to paint the interior from outside. LOVE IT! Check out Richard’s website, it’s a good one! He’s in many galleries, so check him out! I just noticed he’s right here in Charleston, SC!

Here’s a blip from the artists website, there is more, so check him out!

Richard Oversmith - Biography

Richard received formal training in Fine Art and Illustration at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While at Kendall he was invited to study at the Royal College of Art in London, England. There he gained experience in plein air painting and found direction in his work as an oil painter. He graduated from Kendall College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1995 and moved back to his home state of North Carolina to pursue his dream of becoming a professional artist.

The natural beauty of Western North Carolina has proven to offer infinite inspiration for Richard’s impressionistic landscapes. From rolling mountains to abundant waterfalls, the majestic Biltmore Estate to a simple farm scene, this region evokes the artist’s muse. Richard finds inspiration not only at home but in his many travels. He has painted all over the USA and has recently spent six months living and painting in Brittany, France. Whether at home or abroad, Richard surrounds himself in the elements of the scene while painting, in true “en plein air” fashion. In the studio, his sense of vision and mood guide him to produce still lifes ranging from the classic to the imaginative.

Richard’s purpose in painting is to provoke the viewer to interact with his pieces. His paintings are his voice, and stroke by stroke, he composes a whole that relates his vision. Richard works in oil on linen, a medium compatible with the passion he puts into his creation. He strives to achieve a mood in every painting through the use of such visual stimuli as color, edges, value and drawing. He has derived his style from the lifelong study of past masters, the influence of contemporary painters he admires, and elements that have evolved from deep within himself. He allows the setting to speak to him, creating only as many brushstrokes as are needed for the viewer’s eyes to understand and connect.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Larry Moore!

"Four Corners" by Larry Moore / Image: HortonHayes.com

Larry Moore is a cool guy. I don’t know him personally. I just met him briefly, along with a lot of other people, a few weekends ago when he was in town and painting in Charleston. Larry is a joy to watch paint. Matter-of-fact we watched him paint a similar scene to this one… fabulous! After reading Larry’s blog and hearing more about him, you learn that he’s a nice guy with a great sense of humor. I happen to treasure people with a sense of humor. If you are interested in art (and I assume you are if you’re reading this blog?) you will be quite entertained by Larry’s blog. Very insightful AND entertaining. Just like his paintings. My husband and I both really enjoy his paintings. They’re loose, and they’re fresh… you know exactly what it is without having every detail displayed. If you get a chance, check out his work! In Charleston, SC his paintings can be seen at the Horton Hayes Gallery. For those of you not in Charleston, check out his website, he’s in other galleries as well AND he’s got a great website and you will love his blog!

Here’s a blip about the artist from Horton Hayes website:

Larry Moore is a painter with a message. He has committed his life to documenting the natural world. In his words:

“Today, our beautiful planet is taking a beating through overdevelopment and abuse. I try to capture the grandeur of nature. To create reminders of peace and beauty. It’s my way of making a statement against destruction.”

Larry was born in 1957 and raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida. When his family first began to recognize his talent, he was a tender nine. First drawing, then painting, then surfing. At age 14, Larry had already combined his passion for nature and surfing with his gift. He began airbrushing surfboards, vans and wall murals.

Since then, Larry’s success has been rapid. The mass of awards listed below gives clear witness to his position among the country’s leading artists. Larry has been awarded the highest national and international honors. To date, over 30 pieces of art have been accepted into the Society of Illustrators in New York and Los Angeles. Recently, he was awarded the Society’s most prestigious honor, a gold award. Without pretension, Larry attributes his success to passion, hard work and problem solving; a technique he learned as an illustrator.

Since 1993, Larry has taught illustrating, drawing, creative thinking and oil and pastel workshops. In front of the classroom, he is known as an instructor, role model and mentor. Time and time again, Larry has helped promote young artists to heights they never dreamed of reaching so soon. Perhaps this ability to nurture came from the support of his family. Growing up surrounded by talent, Larry’s mother, grandmother, brother and stepmother were all artists.

Larry remembers clearly the day he discovered plein air painting. From that moment, he knew exactly what he wanted to do: Combine his experience, his passion for nature and his life-long goal of becoming a better painter. “It’s all about the learning journey.”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bowens Island Seafood Restaurant Menu…

New menu available since this post, click this orange link to see the April 2013 menu!  (photo below is the older menu):  BOWENS ISLAND RESTAURANT (NEW)

Menu from OCTOBER 2011 visit:

Bowens Island. Some of you have been there, many may have heard or read about it in magazines and newspapers. Great seafood! It’s not a fancy place, so don’t go expecting it to be… it’s VERY casual. Great seafood and a view that can’t be beat, bring a camera! In one of my PAST posts about Bowen’s Island I included a link to their menu. Not long after that they changed their menu and there was no longer a link… so here is a photo I took of the menu on 10/28/11 – obviously prices and menu items could change, but as of that date, this is the deal. The menu has been pretty much the same as long as I can remember. Their prices are so reasonable I don’t really pay much attention. Good food, good prices… check it out if you get a chance! It’s in Charleston, SC only five minutes from Folly Beach…

Please excuse the poor quality photo… the menu is well used and in plastic, so…. that’s as good as it gets!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Mark Horton!

The Barbershop - Image via HortonHayes.com

Mark Horton is a fabulous artist (as well as a super nice guy). That’s nothing new, however I’m seeing some work like none I’ve ever seen of his and I like it. A lot!  This painting is one from the workshop he and Chris Groves gave in Italy this year. It’s so unique. I love it!

If you’re in the Charleston, SC area be sure to stop in the Horton Hayes Gallery! Stop by, say hello and check out the wonderful art work! If you aren’t in the area, check out Mark’s work on the gallery website. Here’s a blip from the gallery website, there’s more, so check it out!

Mark Kelvin Horton was born and raised in rural North Carolina. After graduating from East Carolina University School of Art in 1983, Horton moved to New York City to begin a career in advertising and design. He carried with him the dream of someday becoming a painter.

Eighteen years of living in New York were spent working as a creative director in various advertising agencies and eventually founding his own design company. Those years also provided an invaluable opportunity for Horton to view and study firsthand the seemingly endless number of masterworks of art in the city’s museums and galleries. Horton became particularly fascinated with the works of George Inness, Herman Herzog, Frederick Church and the tonalist photographer, Edward Steichen. He was also captivated by the realism of John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer as well as the romantic landscapes of the Hudson River School painters. The experience had a profound effect on his artistic development.

During his years working as an artistic director and designer, Horton continued to nurture his “fine art side”, drawing, sketching and painting whenever he had the opportunity. In early 2001 Horton made the decision to devote himself full-time to painting. He left New York City and returned to his Southern roots, moving to Charleston, South Carolina.

Horton is particularly fascinated with the effects of light and weather upon the landscape. He paints beyond a literal interpretation of a scene to portray nature in a way that reflects his own ideas and sensibilities while capturing the spirit, color and changing light of a place.

Adding this a bit late, but just in time… this past weekend we went to a fabulous demo that Mark Horton and Chris Groves gave at the Horton Hayes Gallery, it was about painting the English countryside and it was AMAZING! To watch these guys paint is fascinating. I took notes like a crazy person and can’t wait to try what they mentioned. They are full of information, and lucky for you they have workshops in your future! There are a few in England that will blow you away. We’ve seen the photos, seen the paintings and whoa! If you have ever thought about taking a workshop, check them out! Besides learning a lot, trust me, you’ll have a good time. They’re fun! Click HERE to go to the Horton Hayes workshop link!

Mark Horton demo at Horton Hayes Gallery

You liked his work, didn’t you? Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston’s Fine Art Weekend and a fine example… the Wentworth Mansion by Jennifer Smith Rogers!

"Wentworth Mansion" by Jennifer Smith Rogers Image: Smith Killian

Are you an art lover? An artist? A collector, or just someone who loves to watch an artist paint? Well, this weekend is for you! It’s my favorite time of year, for many reasons… cooler weather, cooking and baking, and yes, CFADA’s (Charleston Fine Art Dealer’s Association) Fine Art Walk… The art walk is Friday night, watching the artists paint is Saturday morning… and I. LOVE. THAT. It never fails to amaze me. We are very fortunate to have such a strong and successful art community here in Charleston! Here are the details… if you see something you love you can bid on it Saturday night, all the money goes towards helping to fund ten high school art programs! Here are the details:

Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association

13th Fine Art Annual.  November 2, 4-5.

Friday night join us for gallery receptions followed by 20 artists painting plein air
Saturday morning 9am-12pm in Washington Park ( at Broad and Meeting Streets ) Art competition from the local high schools will also take place.
Saturday evening 6:30-8:30, at Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art;

58 Broad St.  Meet and greet the plein air painters and bid on works
completed that morning.

Proceeds will go to fund ten local high school art programs of which

CFADA has contributed $180,000 over the last seven years.


TICKETS $55 can be purchased online at CFADA.com.

AND, check out Jennifer Smith Rogers new painting WENTWORTH MANSION… love it! Go see her work at Smith Killian (www.smithkillian.com for those of you not in Charleston)! Whoa! See you at the art walk… catch you back here tomorrow!

Wanted: Halloween costume wearing patrons… @ Taco Boy in Charleston TONIGHT!

Image from Taco Boy, Charleston, SC

Those of you who know me know how I love Taco Boy restaurant. The ambiance can’t be beat, and luckily neither can the food… Every day is a party at Taco Boy… and although I’m not one that stays up late, I want to let the rest of you know there is a PARTY at Taco Boy tonight… there will be live music, games, contests AND the best costume wins $1000! Whaaaat? So what are you going to be?? Hey, get a group together, best group costume is $500! Spend a few minutes, come up with something creative and go for it! Have fun, and if you go, I’d love to hear about it!

Want to play Santa? A tax deductible way to have a blast!

Image: FHFCharleston.org

Is there truly any way to feel better than to do good for someone else? There is nothing that will make you feel better than helping someone who needs it, especially during the holiday season. I normally don’t start talking about the Christmas season so early, but this is for a good reason. FAMILIES NEED YOU. Kids need you. Senior citizens need you. YOU can make a difference in someone’s life. Families Helping Families is a great organization that my husband and I have been involved with. There are different ways that you can help make a big difference.

You can make a tax-deductible donation by going to the FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES WEBSITE. Once on their website click on the MAKE A DONATION link.  These funds will allow FHF to provide gifts for unsponsored families and cover their relatively low operating expenses. PERFECT!

The other option… 

You can become a sponsor for a family (or families) by clicking here  to go to the FHF website, click on the SPONSOR A FAMILY link by Nov. 18.  FHF send you a profile of your family that will include specific needs and the children’s wish lists.  Most sponsors say they spend an average of $50 on each family member.  This my friends, is what the holiday season is all about. Bringing a smile to someone’s face on a day that can be difficult for so many. Can you imagine being a child on Christmas and not having one single gift to open? I was fortunate, I never had that worry. No child should. Don’t let the $50 scare you. The average is $50 spent per person, but with larger families that may be $30 or $40 per person. Whether you adopt a family on your own, go in with some friends or neighbors or get your office to adopt a family/families – please do it today. They’ve made it so easy. The process goes something like this:

You fill out the form. If you like, you can specify the number of people you would like in the family and they will try their best to match it (i.e. a single parent family with 3 children, or a senior citizen, or hey… BOTH!).

You will be sent a packet with information on your family, it will give their names, ages, and a wish list. A wish list is just that… it doesn’t mean you have to purchase everything on the list. If you have big plans (TV, Computer, Bike) you may want to mention that when requesting a family so they can hook you up with someone who has big wishes :)  Sometimes the adult may ask for an item, sometimes they just want everything to go to the child. Hey, it’s Christmas for us all… the last family we had the mother asked for a clock. A simple everyday item we take for granted. We shopped the sales and got her some great things, and a clock was one of them. I cannot tell you how much fun we’ve had shopping for our FHF Christmas Families… you can’t help thinking about them, you’re excited on Christmas Eve for them to open their gifts the next day. You wonder if they enjoyed their gifts. You. Care. AWESOME!! It’s nice when Christmas is all about someone other than ourselves…

A nice thing to include is a gift card so the family can buy food for dinner. If you pick a place such as Walmart, if they don’t have items for a Christmas meal they can use the gift card, or if they need household items… they can pick. Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be fancy, but it’s nice to know with a small gift card, that your family is enjoying their own Christmas dinner. That’s perfect!

And did I mention the bonus for you?? Families Helping Families is a tax deductible contribution. You just keep your receipts (or make copies if you want to include the receipts for your family to exchange if they need), along with a copy of the letter that comes in your packet and voila! You have a tax deduction!

Can you get some people together who may be interested in participating?? Maybe instead of exchanging gifts at the office everyone chip in some $, then have a wrapping party…

After the purchase you wrap the gift, put a name tag and include the Family ID# (will be in your packet), then if possible, put the gifts in a big clear plastic trash bag labeled with their Family ID#.

Drop off of gifts is at the Strobel Tire Warehouse located at 1101 N Main Street/Hwy 17A, Summerville, off I-26, Exit 199. If you need help getting your gifts to that location you may contact FHF, please DO NOT BE DETERRED if the drop off location is not near you, they will work with you to get the gifts there!

If you have any questions, here’s the email: FHFCharleston@PalmettoProject.org

I would love to hear any of your stories! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Chris Groves!

Image: HortonHayes.com

Chris Groves has got an eye for art. His paintings are breathtaking. Most (to me) have that rare old world look to them. This one is a bit different, this one is looser, but is so awesome. Chris has his work at the Horton Hayes Gallery downtown Charleston. This is one beautiful gallery and his work fits perfectly within its walls.

Here’s a blip from the Horton Hayes Gallery. If you’re in the area, stop in the gallery, if not they have an excellent website! I just love his pieces from Italy!

Chris Groves’ love of art grew from his early experiences with nature and the introduction of a master sculpture in his youth.

Groves was born in Boulder, Colorado, but soon moved with his family to Slidell, Louisiana. Those early years in Slidell were spent outside, exploring the woods, swimming in the bayou, boating, fishing, playing with snakes and other wild animals. It was during those years that Groves learned to love the outdoors and nature.

At the age of ten, Groves’ family returned to Boulder where he continued his exploration of nature with countless hikes, mountain climbs and camping trips. His parents gave him a nature-drawing book and Groves latched onto it as a source of awe and inspiration. He would spend countless hours copying the drawings and enhancing them with his own interpretation. His parents, recognizing their sons’ talent and appreciation of art, hired a private tutor to instruct him in basic techniques. Soon, Groves’ interest turned from nature to people. Groves looked to magazines, friends and siblings as a source of inspiration and drew detailed portraits of their faces.

In high school, Groves met sculptor, Glenna Goodacre, the mother of a school friend. Meeting with her and seeing some of the success she enjoyed as a artist (Vietnam Women’s memorial, Sacagawea US Dollar design) helped to inspire Groves’ own artistic aspirations.

After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.F.A. in Environmental Design, Groves spent the next ten years as an art director for two large companies, all the while continuing to study and hone his fine art skills.

Groves has studied at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy, the Colorado Academy of Art, the Loveland Art Academy, the Cottonwood Art Academy and the Denver Arts Students League. He also enjoyed a private, two- year mentorship with artist Jay Moore, which he considers a turning point in his artistic career.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Coming soon… The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure… Oct 15, Daniel Island, SC

Image:KomenLowcountry.org

Ok, this is a heads up to everyone out there who can help make a difference. The Lowcountry Komen Race for the Cure is next Saturday, October 15 on Daniel Island.

If you can’t be there to run or walk, there are other options, check out their website it’s a good one. A site that offers not only race information but breast cancer information as well.

Check it out HERE  – here’s to everyone making a difference. Somethings got to happen!

Hang in there, it’s almost the weekend…!

Catch you back here tomorrow!