Mimi's Painting A Day

Warm-ups

2012-02-12T15:43:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I just have to do no-brainers and play, and one of the things I played with before Christmas - when things got really busy and I didn't always have time to paint - were these small cards that I placed with gift bags for friends. Recycling matboard scraps and royalty free madonna images and/or stamps, gold and red acrylic paint, with a Christmas greeting and signature on the reverse side. Just a slight take off on the artist trading card. In fact, that's where the idea came from - my friend Carol Gardner, whom I travel and paint with, gave me a similar "Christmas card" last year, using the image of a famous painting. I decided to focus on Madonnas this year, inserting a seraphim card here and there...the photograph above shows some of the cards hanging from a crown on my mantlepiece (yes, they are still there and will probably be there through next Christmas!) In days to come, I'll post closeups of the three.

2012-02-08T22:56:00.000-05:00

wednesday night real time painting

february 8, 2012

"Ancient Olive"

12x12"

mixed media on wood panel 1" lip - ready to hang

$250.00

"Real Time Painting" is simply "on location" painting during a worship service. I'm part of the Worship Arts Team at St. Andrews Mt. Pleasant and have painted during services there since 2002. We started out with just me painting at the First Wednesday night services and now we have about 12 artists on our team, and at least one of us is painting at every Wednesday night service starting in 2012. Our team is varied - our youngest artist is 10 years old. Our oldest artist -well, that's me, and let's just say I'm older than 29...

LAST DAY IN MARION SQUARE FOR 2011 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Day 16 - June 11, 2011

2011-06-11T08:42:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day of the 2011 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit in Marion Square - it's a gorgeous day to be outside - get your fresh vegetables from the Farmers' Market and visit me at Booth #82:

Beginnings: Work

Illuminations Series

There are 2 more days to visit the Infusion Show with a Finale Reception tomorrow from 4pm - 6pm:

The Sun Rises and Sets

Original Illumination with Mixed Media on Wood Panel

12" x 12"

$225.00

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Day 15 - June 10, 2011

2011-06-10T23:12:00.000-04:00

A Day for Friends

Theresa and Cas Caserta

Theresa and Cas live in North Carolina and spent their honeymoon in Charleston 6 years ago. 5 years ago they wandered into my tent at the Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit and we've been friends ever since - they normally come to Charleston at this time of year to celebrate their anniversary, occasionally missing a year here or there, and I really miss them on those years they can't make it.

They came by this morning, brought me a gift and took me to lunch at Virginia's (get the Fried Green Tomato BLT - it's fabulous!). We had a great visit and they'll come by tomorrow for the Farmer's Market - what a treat to spend part of the day with them!

Lauren Mikell (soon to be Choate) and her mother Debbie

Lauren and Debbie came by for a wedding gift for one of Lauren's friends and to show off "the ring"! The date's not set yet but part of the trip downtown was to scope out reception places and get information. Congratulations, Lauren!

Cathy Boette

My friend and patron, Cathy Boette, had a meeting in Charleston and there was a parking place calling out to her as she got close to Marion Square on her way back to Columbia, so we had a nice visit and caught up with each other - this is one of my favorite parts of the Piccolo Spoleto - to see and connect with old friends while making new ones!

Attorney Philip Clarke

Philip Clarke, Charleston Attorney, took time from his law practice, to come by and visit - which I consider quite an honor because I know how busy and focused attorneys are (I know of what I speak since I've been working for attorneys since 1985).

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Day 14 - June 9, 2011

2011-06-09T11:30:00.002-04:00

More from the Infusion Show

"Embrace the Invitation"

Original Illumination with Mixed Media on Wood Panel

18"x18"

$450.00

My artist statement for the illuminations in the Infusion Show:

Altered Settings: Unexpected Beauty in Timeworn Fragments

by Amelia (Mimi) Whaley

“ Altered Settings” was inspired by pages from Books of Hours, small medieval manuscripts hand-written and illuminated on vellum, which I saw in museums in Paris. Signs of age were obvious with stains, worm holes, torn vellum. As with our bodies, everything is in a state of decay, following the laws of nature.

Amazingly, the beauty of these illuminated manuscripts transcended their visible decay. I found the worn pages more beautiful because of the smudges, teardrops and other stains left by the hands and hearts of their owners.

When something is broken, damaged or shows some imperfection, we normally choose one of three options to deal with “damaged goods”. First we can salvage or preserve it, depending on the perception of worth or importance. Second, we can discard, de-value or even destroy it. The third way is to introduce, integrate or infuse it into another form, creating something new that could not exist without the attributes of the damaged item.

I created illuminated pages in a manner authentic to the time, using vellum, natural pigments with egg as binder, 23 karat gold leaf and dip pen and ink. After aging and distressing a page, I incorporated it into a larger work of mixed media on wood panel, changing the nature of both the illumined page and the wood panel. The integration highlights the beauty of the illumined page, even in its damaged condition, much as a setting for a precious stone.

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Day 13 - June 8, 2011

2011-06-08T23:41:00.000-04:00

Ashley, Melissa and Amber

Art Sitters 6/7/11

I left my booth at Piccolo Spoleto in the hands of 3 capable Edisto girls yesterday, Ashley & Melissa Whaley and their friend, Amber Spence. They worked so hard they exhausted themselves...

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Day 12 - June 7, 1010

2011-06-07T08:06:00.001-04:00

From the Infusion Show:

"Open Doors"

Original Illumination with Mixed Media on Wood Panel

18"x18"

$450.00

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Day 11 - June 6, 1010

2011-06-06T10:29:00.002-04:00

From Infusion Art Show

Soaring Cathedral

10" x 22"

Original Illumination embedded in mixed media on wood panel
$400.00

I will continue posting images from the Infusion Show here in addition to personal Piccolo Spoleto blogging. If you want the real skinny on the Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition, go here as I was asked this year to create and write a blog dedicated to that show - lots of guest posts, etc.

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Day 9 - June 4, 1010

2011-06-04T23:41:00.000-04:00

Another hot day at Piccolo but not too hot for friends to come out and visit.

Steve and Jacqui Wood

Steve and Jacqui Wood had just finished seeing the Infusion Show across the street and came over to the art show in Marion Square. What a fun surprise to see them! Steve, our rector at St. Andrews Mt. Pleasant, and his wife Jacqui are taking a group to Israel in March 2012, and I'm excited to be signed up for that - it will be a great trip - Steve gives us a glimpse into the trip at his blog.

Speaking of Infusion, here is another piece of mine in the show:

Stand at the Crossroads

14" x 11"

Original - Illumination embedded in mixed media on wood panel

$300.00

More of these to come...

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Day 8 - June 3, 1010

2011-06-04T00:26:00.001-04:00

I took yesterday off - Thursdays are my mental health day this year during Piccolo - but there was a fantastic creative event yesterday when Sara and Alex Radin (Mr. & Mrs. "Artist on Fire"), artists and directors of the Artist on Fire and Piccolo Spoleto-sponsored 17-day Infusion: The Laws of Force and Motion, gave birth to their third child, a boy!

Judah Kairos Radin

born June 2, 2011

Welcome, Judah!

Sophie Stalnaker, 8 years old, plays her cello

at the Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show

Sheryl Stalnaker, my artist neighbor in the park, gave our group a surprise gift today. She brought her 8 year old daughter Sophie with the cello (which is as big if not bigger than Sophie!) and Sophie gave us a live concert today - Thank you, Sophie! In fact, it was a blisteringly hot day and Sophie may have well made more money from playing some of the artists today...

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Day 6 - June 1, 1010

2011-06-02T00:17:00.000-04:00

What Artists do on a Slow Day.

More at the other Blog!

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Day 5 - May 31, 1010

2011-05-31T22:57:00.000-04:00

Art Assistants

While I went to work in an air conditioned office today, my two nieces, Ashley & Melissa with their friend, Rachel, drove in early from Edisto to take care of my art booth. They had a great time and did a great job - Thanks, Girls!

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - Memorial Day, 2011

2011-05-30T22:19:00.000-04:00

Andrew W. Nelson, III, World War II Veteran

Thank you, Andy, for your service to our country!

The last few years, Andy and Phyllis Nelson have come down to attend the Memorial Day Concert in Marion Square and visit with me. I wrote a blogpost last Memorial Day about Andy, and his story bears repeating. Andy served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1952 and saw active duty in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. During World War II, Andy served throughout the Pacific as a Navy Frogman and participated in several major invasions - Palau Islands Invasion, Philippine Islands Invasions and the Invasion of Okinawa. Andy earned every one of the many medals you see on his chest - the Bronze Star with Valor (V), the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of War with 3 Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippines Liberation Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, just to name a few.

My father, Marion Hampton Whaley, also served his country during World War II. He was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, flew 125 missions and survived being shot down. As his oldest child, I was given his medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart, among others, at his funeral 16 years ago. Knowing Andy and Phyllis Nelson has helped me appreciate and understand better the import of my father's service to our country. This is a day to honor and remember all those who serve in our armed forces to ensure the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - May 29, 2011 - Day 3

2011-05-30T00:10:00.000-04:00

Fran Pund Tuttle and me

Kudos to Facebook for helping Fran find me last year - we spent summers at Edisto Beach all throughout our childhood but had not seen each other since age 15 until last year when she facebooked me and then came to see me at the last year's Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition - now it's a tradition!

Today at 6pm when the art show closed I drove to Edisto for a birthday barbeque for my oldest niece, Ashley Whaley. She turned 16 in April and instead of a sweet sixteen dance or party, she just wanted to wait until after school was out to have her friends come to Edisto for barbeque, swimming in the creek and just a fun time.

Happy Birthday, Ashley!

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit - May 28, 2011 - Day 2

2011-05-28T22:08:00.000-04:00

3 of my very good friends!

Justin, Gabrielle and Justin Dauway

Stephen (10), Gabrielle (3) and Justin (6) came by today from Orangeburg and made a special effort to find my new space - For Stephen's 10 years, my space was next door to his grandfather, Floyd Gordon, and each year we've chronicled their growth on this blog. It's hard to believe Stephen is already 10, and I even remember when Justin was born and 3 years after that, Gabrielle - what a great family!

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show and Infusion Art Show

2011-05-27T23:52:00.001-04:00

First Day - Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

We were fortunate - cloudy, nice breeze and no rain- getting settled in - we're all in different spaces this year, which I think is a good thing. Today was jurying and getting to know our new neighbors, plugging in our cell numbers in each others' phones so we can be back in a flash to make a sale. Getting used to the new hours 10-6pm instead of 10-5pm. A little confusion there, but hey, we're all in right brain territory.

Alex finishes hanging my exhibition

for the Infusion Art Show

We had the opening reception last night and and an encore reception tonight (we like receptions...). I'm so honored to be part of this show - a true multi-media event with 14 artists, 8 musicians and air conditioning. The receptions were lots of fun and we've had good press, and I love that my tent in Marion Square is right across the street from the show!

I had a wonderful surprise last evening when my friend Andrea showed up at the reception with purple hair and her new husband (both are fabulous) - Andrea, you made my day! And congratulations!

Writer Andrea St. Amand and husband, Colive

The Illumination Process for Infusion Art Show

2011-05-26T00:23:00.000-04:00

Step 1

The Supports - Vellum 4" x6" & Wooden Panel

Step 2

Image Drawn and Inked on Vellum &

Wooden Board gessoed with sand and broken shells from Edisto Beach

Step 3

The Gilding

Now gilding can be finalized, i.e.,

unwanted gilding must be scraped off with a knife and parts must be re-inked.

Painting the vellum with natural pigment and egg yolk completes the Illumination process

and the vellum is then distressed or aged.

Only then is the vellum adhered to the roughly textured board.

After the adhesive is completely dry, the illumination is integrated into the larger piece by painting.

C'est Finis

Step 4

"Roar of the Waterfall"

12" x 16"

$325.00

Getting Ready for 2 Piccolo Spoleto Art Shows

2011-05-17T23:34:00.000-04:00

"Vessel"

Illumination Embedded in Mixed Media on Wood Panel

14" x 11"

$300.00

available at

Infusion: The Laws of Force and Motion

Sponsored by Piccolo Spoleto Festival and Artist on Fire

at Citadel Square Baptist Church

I'm winding up the art for both my Piccolo Shows, and the above painting is part of a series of illumination mixed media pieces for the Infusion Show that opens Thursday evening, May 25th. My show there is entitled, "Altered Settings: Unexpected Beauty in Timeworn Fragments".

I absolutely love working this way using the vellum, pen & ink, natural pigments and 23k gold - then distressing the illumination and "infusing" it into a highly textured wood panel (broken shells and sand from Edisto Beach mixed with gesso). Then I might just throw some textured paper in there (just because I want to!), finally integrating the illumination into the panel which I paint.

Over the next few days, I'll take you the different steps of preparation - it's all a grand adventure, sometimes right out of the Middle Ages!

We have 2 opening receptions, on Thursday (5pm - 8pm) and Friday night (5pm - 9pm), May 25th and 26th - mark your calendars - hope to see you there.

Edisto Day 2011

2011-05-08T21:58:00.000-04:00

"Lowcountry Red"

Original - Acrylic

Image 5"x 7"

Framed Plein Air Gold 10" x 12"

Yesterday I was at Edisto for "Edisto Day" - there is always an Arts & Crafts Show the first Saturday in May, sponsored by the King's Daughters. I've only missed this show once since I started painting and that's because it poured rain a few years ago. I always have such a good time at this show because I grew up at Edisto and I get to see lots of friends and family.

An added feature for me this year was my first IPhone and I used it for credit card sales, which was a definite stretch for me since I had only had the phone for 1 day...but I had previously signed up with Square Up and had my card reader handy. It worked great!

A Spring of Art Shows

2011-05-01T23:28:00.000-04:00

"In the Beginning"

4"x 6" Image

Mounted on Black Matboard

12" x 14" Framed

This spring has been a busy one - last weekend I participated in the First Annual Sea Islands Chamber of Commerce Outdoor Art Show at Bohicket Marina with a wonderful group of artists. This was the first showing of my "Beginnings" pieces created for a special Artist on Fire "Beginnings" Show in December, and I was pleased at the interest in these pieces and how they are made - in the same way and with the same materials used during the Middle Ages.

I have another outdoor show at Edisto next weekend - I have been part of this show for many years. In fact, this was my first show ever - 4 months after I started painting in January 1986. It's always fun to do this show - to see old friends, especially those who knew me before I was an artist (or before I knew I was an artist...).

"Waiting" and "Access" - 4th Wednesday in Lent

2011-04-10T23:15:00.001-04:00

The Open Door

12" x 14"

Acrylic

SOLD

Returned this past Wednesday to painting at the Lenten series at St. Andrews, continuing my theme of "Access." The inspiration is from a painting trip to the Southwest 2 years ago; these doors are from a photograph I took in Ranchos de Taos, close to the famous Church of St. Francis Assisi (the church that Georgia O'Keefe painted and that Ansel Adams photographed, among countless others of us who are artists and/or photographers).

An open door is an invitation - what door is opening for you? what invitation has been offered? Are you planning to accept or decline?

"Waiting" and "Access" - 3rd Wednesday in Lent

2011-04-03T20:02:00.001-04:00

The Door of Colors

8" x 11"

by Melissa Whaley

MUSC Children's Hospital

I didn't make it to last Wednesday evening's service at St. Andrews because my 12 year old niece, Melissa Whaley, was in the Chidren's Hospital recuperating from acute pancreatitis. The second day she found the Atrium and had been down there with her mother 3 times before I arrived in the late afternoon. She's a prolific artist and we've been painting together since she was 2 years old so I asked her to paint a door since my painting theme at church this Lent has been "access". I thought it was pretty cool that she could keep layering the paints on top of each other and not get mud (I would've gotten mud...). I didn't suggest what kind of door, or give any hints, so I think it's interesting she chose purple paper (suggesting both Lent and Royalty), has 3 purple teardrops at the top (suggesting the Trinity) and when I look to the right of the red shape at the bottom, I see the hint of Christ hanging on the cross. That may just be the way I'm wired since I've painted at worship services for 10 years, but I do tend to read paintings through the eyes of the Kingdom. Great job and thanks, Melissa!

Melissa Whaley, Prolific Artist at Work

(with her Grandfather Walker displaying her recent artwork)

What really impressed itself on me is that a child in the hospital, dealing with pain and only allowed fluids by IV, produced nothing by paintings of color, joy and celebration. Melissa was diagnosed with JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) when she was 2 years old; she's been giving herself weekly shots of her JRA medication for at least the last 4 years and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Melissa Whaley is one of my heroes.

The MUSC Children's Troubadors

Live music, too... these 2 great guys appeared at Melissa's door right as we returned from the Major Painting Spree in the Atrium. They sang about 4 songs (they're really good!) and hit a home run with all of us when they sang their first song, "Sweet Melissa" by the Allman Brothers. If you've got to be in the hospital, the MUSC Children's Hospital is a good place to be...but we thrilled that Melissa is well and at home now!

"Waiting" and "Access" - 2nd Wednesday in Lent

2011-03-29T23:34:00.000-04:00

"Window of Light"

12" x 16"

Mixed Media

Although this looks like a door, it is actually a window slit high up in the Abbey at Mont St. Michel, Normandy, France. I was there last May when I took this photograph. This is one of the photographs that grabbed my attention as I was looking at resource information for my painting series of "Access" during our Lenten Wednesday night "Waiting" worship services.

I especially liked the warm light against the cold stone, and that was what drew my attention to begin with. When the light comes in, everything changes. Or, put more simply, light changes everything.

Spring is Here!

2011-03-23T00:22:00.000-04:00

From My Dock

11" x 14"

Acrylic

We're back to Daylight Savings Time - its the best time of the year weather in Charleston, SC - not too hot, not too cold, thankfully not humid. This scene makes me want to escape to Edisto where I grew up. My father gave me a piece of property on Edisto before he died, and while I have no house there and don't know when I will, I'm grateful to have a dock which is about one year old. It's peaceful and quiet there whether the sun is shining or a storm is brewing.

"Waiting" and "Access" - 6 Wednesdays in Lent

2011-03-21T23:47:00.000-04:00

The Worship Arts Painting Team at St. Andrews Church in Mt. Pleasant was invited to paint at all 6 Wednesday evening services during Lent, and several of us are participating. The theme for this year's Worship Arts Lenten series is "Waiting"- specifically "waiting in the Presence of God" in the service, and as I prepared for the first Wednesday of the series, the word "access" kept flowing through my thoughts. I decided to work with the theme of "access" for the series, using the visuals of doors, windows, etc. that are symbolic of the openings and opportunities that present themselves in our lives - times where a response from us is called for - do we cross that threshold or does fear, insecurity or timidity cause us to turn and walk away?

The Door of Humble Access

11" x 14"

Acrylic

As I went looking for a visual resource to use, I came across a photograph I had taken 6 years ago, and I immediately knew that this was the door to start with. It's known as the "door (or gate) of humble access" - it's the entrance that pilgrims use to enter the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem - a low door (replacing a larger, prior opening) to keep invaders from riding their horses into the sanctuary and desecrating the holy place. The door is so low that I even have to bend to enter (and I'm only about 5' tall). The door of humble access - it's the right place to begin the journey.

On the Road Again!

2011-03-19T21:22:00.000-04:00

The Vintage Sunglass Babes

This picture of Carol Gardner and myself from the 2008 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition finds its way into my blog at least once a year. We found early on that we collected vintage - especially vintage sunglasses. In fact, our Santa Fe Art Trip Blog was built around this picture. We both get so busy with life, work and making art - Carol is an art teacher and I do corporate paralegal work - that sometimes we need to a day trip now and then just to catch up with each other.

Today was one of our art day trips - not to paint but for Carol to jury the Seacoast Artist Guild Spring Art Exhibition in Murrell's Inlet, SC. I got to go along for the ride and it was really enlightening, after she finished jurying, to pick her brain concerning how she approached the jurying and to get her perspective on the pieces she chose for each award. There were over 200 pieces and the art was physically divided into 2 categories - Professional and Non-Professional - each category had awards for First, Second, Third and 2 Honorable Mentions, with one top award for Best in Show. It was a good show, and I was fascinated with watching Carol approach the process from the "other side" - as judge instead of exhibiting artist. I was especially impressed with Carol's objectivity - instead of responding to pieces that might personally appeal to her, she made a conscious effort to view the pieces on strength, composition, handling of light and color, etc. It was a great trip - Carol even bought me breakfast and lunch, but she didn't have to bribe me to go - even with having to set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning!

Medieval Manuscript Illumination

2011-03-18T17:00:00.001-04:00

Gothic Style Border on Vellum

In early July 2010, I went back to college - this time to the College of Charleston for Medieval Manuscript Illumination - what an experience...I graduated in 1975 with a BA in English from USC (without any art courses) so this was my first college art course - it about killed me because a 3-hour course (1/2 Art History, 1/2 Studio Art) was packed, not condensed, into 4 weeks. And, I had to take it for credit (yikes, dealing with grades again!) because COC frowns on studio art classes being audited. I don't remember ever working this hard at USC (maybe because I never went to summer school?) but I absolutely loved every minute of it. Of course, there were some surprises - like it never occurred to me that I might have to write a term paper (and then found out I had to write FOUR). One night I never even went to sleep, and that's when I really felt like I was back in college. 3 hours of class 2 nights a week - 4 term papers and 4 art projects. But what a great opportunity!

The image above was our third project and it was the first one I really got intimately involved in, using resource material from my May trip to Paris and everyone in the class was getting more comfortable with ink and dip pen, gilding, working with natural pigments and egg yolk. and xacto blades The only way you can correct a mistake is with a verrrrrry sharp knife. It's a good thing vellum is substantial...

Anyway, I chose to decorate a border in the early gothic style for a page that might have been from a psalter. The vine design is from a photograph I had taken of one of the painted side altars in Notre Dame de Paris, and I painted one of the church's gargoyles at the top, outlining everything in black ink with a dip pen. (I previously found out the hard way on my first project that this can be a disaster if you're not using waterproof ink.) The outline of Notre Dame (ok, it is leaning a little...) is gilded with imitation gold leaf, and working with gold leaf is, to put it mildly, somewhat challenging. Fortunately, this was my third project in class and I got a lot of practice with the gilding on my second project, which I actually had to do twice (from scratch) because the gold leaf never really adhered well the first time.

I have read, studied, painted and experimented with "Illuminations" ever since the class ended in August - I even rolled out a series for an art show with Artist on Fire called "Beginnings" in December and will post some of those images in the days to come.

I'm Back!

2011-03-18T02:56:00.001-04:00

I've been on sabbatical...from blogging, not painting! Took the time off for several reasons, two of which stem from last summer right after Piccolo Spoleto:

(1) I went Mac and continue to spend a lot of time with the Apple Boys at the downtown Charleston Apple Store learning my MacBook Pro and using Bento to catalogue and track my original artwork, which helps immensely!

(2) I began an intense journey with medieval manuscript illumination (yes, you read that correctly!) - more on that in the next post!

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 16 - Saturday, June 12, 2010

2010-06-13T00:20:00.000-04:00

Last day for most of us - very hot and sticky without a breeze! But people were out, about and moving - the Farmers Market was in full swing - Shuler's peaches from the upstate, fresh lowcountry corn, okra and squash - both Carol Gardner and I did our grocery shopping this morning. We were sitting with the fan on full blast and the most wonderful hat came by!

Naomi Doddington, vintage hat and dog!

We had a great chat with Naomi, who is an artist and who works with Bottles n Brushes in Mt. Pleasant. I told her about my great vintage hat from the flea market in Paris that I wore to the Anglican Church and then on to the Louvre:

Le Chapeau Parisienne

It was so hot today that it was difficult not to fall asleep if you were under your umbrella with your fan full blast in your face although perhaps we were simply resting and reserving our strength for 5:00 pm when the booth breakdown began. Much easier than set-up but by the 16th day in this heat, the artists just want to get through this as soon as possible and home to collapse in the air conditioning.

Time to go home.

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 15 - Friday, June 11, 2010

2010-06-12T00:02:00.001-04:00

Today was sweltering hot and sticky. Zero breeze. We drank lots of water and more family and friends stopped by to say hello as they headed toward anything with airconditioning.

Family from here who now live off, like in Richmond, VA...

Julian, Susan and David Mills

My cousins, Susan Mills (nee Mikell from Edisto) and her sister, Pie Mikell, came by with Susan's husband, David, and their youngest son, Julian. Julian is enjoying "quality time" alone with his parents since his older brother, Nelson, is on a trip abroad. It was great to see them, but we missed Nelson. However, I doubt seriously that he missed us since he is in Paris and getting ready to go to Rome...

Later, Miss Callie Sanders came by with her MyMy and Poppy (Boo and Hugh Wilson), who are like family to me. Callie was being coy and decided she didn't want her picture taken so I could only get her "on the run" and this 3 year old is fast!

Miss Callie Sanders

About lunchtime, Queen Victoria, our show co-coordinator, determined that it was time to present K.C. Collins, winner of "Best In Show - The Mayor's Award 2010", with her quite nice and substantial check. K.C.'s painting, "Butterfly Forest" will hang in Mayor Riley's office for a year and then rotate to other City offices.

Yes, K.C., if I were getting a large check, I would have a great big grin on my face, too!

Well, it even got better than the big check. Tony "Singer/Songwriter" Hardwick a/k/a "Mango Moment Man", had been commissioned by Queen Victoria to write a ditty in honor of K.C., her award, and the fact that she soldiered on throughout the entire length of the show (so she could get the money). As all you regular blog readers of mine know, Tony has taken up songwriting and singing, having discovered he was a "natural", primarily because (1) he got bored and (2) whatever extra his mango italian ices may have in them...

It is evident that K.C. is enthralled by Tony's singing tribute to her.

For all of us artists who did not win the Mayor's Award (or any award), we were not left out completely. Our good friends from Artist and Craftsman Supply at their Charleston location (right across the street from the art show) came by with complimentary journals, oil paint, sharpies to brighten a very hot day. We love free gifts, but especially art supplies! Thank you, Artist and Craftsman Supply!

Hirona Matsuda and Trevor Webster

Artist and Craftsman Supply

143 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC

Finally, my friend and fellow Artist and Arts Activist, Elaine Hruska, came by to rally the art troops regarding disturbing news about SC Governor Mark Sanford's decision to issue vetoes that will slash art funding to our schools, arts education and support grant programs and set back the arts programs light years in SC.

Veto #32 cuts Statewide Arts Services totaling $1,212,733, more than half of the Arts Commission's budget.

Veto #105 cuts the $250,000 in stimulus funds for the competitive grants program, which funds local arts programs in communities and school districts in every county of South Carolina.

Please contact your SC State House and Senate members - a full listing is at the SC Arts Alliance website. Our legislators need to hear from us by Tuesday, June 15th. Please speak up for the future of the arts in SC!

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 14 - Thursday, June 10, 2010

2010-06-10T22:37:00.001-04:00

Today, I had a really wonderful surprise - my niece, Ashley Whaley, called my cell phone. She had to come into town from Edisto for cheerleading practice for First Baptist High School and her sister, Melissa and my sister-in-law, Renae, had a few hours free and walked down from the gym at the City Market to visit me at the Art Show in Marion Square:

Melissa and Renae Whaley from Edisto Beach

I walked them over to the Passing Notions? show where they enjoyed the multi-media show and the airconditioning. Afterwards, they helped me close my booth down, and I drove them back to the gym and got to see Ashley, too. They left my brother, Marion, at Edisto, working hard as this is a busy season for him (Whaley's Landscaping and Irrigation). But it was good to see most of the family because right before and during Spoleto, I don't get to Edisto at all, not even to hear Melissa sing her solo, a song honoring the teachers, at the closing of school this week.

Today two artists, Hilarie Lambert and Colleen Weissmann painted the same subject matter, one painting realistic, the other painting abstract - can anyone figure out what the subject matter was???

Hilarie Lambert's Artistic Interpretation

Colleen Weissmann's Artistic Interpretation

We're winding down, 2 more days to go, then it's time to pack up until next year - I think most of us have mixed emotions - our energy is somewhat drained from the heat, we're getting tired, but many of us are already making plans for how to make the show better next year. After all, we're artists, and it's in our blood...

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 13 - Wednesday, June 9, 2010

2010-06-09T23:36:00.001-04:00

Another hot, slow day in Marion Square - I went to work and left my booth to the care of Pat and Mr. Pippin. The middle of the week is the slowest of the art show; new people start rolling into Charleston on Thursday for a long weekend, the last weekend of Spoleto 2010. Artists are getting ready, hoping for great weather - sunny and moderate, not too humid - because then we'll have a crowd. Vicky Ellis is the co-coordinator, along with Billie Sumner, of the annual Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition - she may be the queen of Marion Square, but she also has the headaches that go along with being "in charge". The good news is that she handles it all graciously.

Queen Victoria

Others are anticipating 3 more days to go

and celebrating the crowds and sales to come!

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 12 - Tuesday, June 8, 2010

2010-06-08T20:53:00.000-04:00

Today was a day at the office for me, but I needed to vote first and then open my tent for Pat and Mr. Pippin.

Not too hot, under the umbrellas, nice company, Pat and Mr. Pippin had a pleasant Tuesday.

Some artists painted.

Some artists enjoyed "un-mango moments".

And wrote songs about "Please take my art home. Please take my art home."

(To a tune from Les Mis)

Some artists rested.

Maybe even dreamed...

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 11 - Monday, June 7, 2010

2010-06-07T23:49:00.002-04:00

I'm posting the last of this year's award winners for the show:

MERIT AWARD

Kent Ambler for his woodcut, "Midnight Gathering"

HONORABLE MENTION

Carl Crawford for "The Sax Man and Boy"

Both Kent and Carl work in somewhat unusual art media - this is not your typical "oil, acrylic or watercolor" and each of these artists show a true mastery of their individual media. Kent creates magnificent woodcuts and Carl has developed a unique method of collage on glass. I encourage you to click on their names above and visit their websites for more information on their art and techniques.

Today started out as a slow Monday and the big excitement in our little "pod" of artists was "Moe Monday" which means you can get any burrito and a regular drink at Moe's for $5.00. It's amazing the little things that can garner enthusiasm for artists who have been in the hot sun for 11 days and still have 5 more to go.

What a great lunch we had - Thank you, Moe!

Right as we were finishing up lunch, I had a visit from the Walkers "next door" at Citadel Square Baptist Church where the Piccolo Spoleto and Artist on Fire multi-media show, "Passing Notions?" is being held. Pastor David Walker, his family and his congregation have gone out of their way to welcome and work with Artist on Fire and the artists for the Passing Notions? show and to welcome the greater community and our Spoleto guests into their church and the multi-media show. Also, for the first time, Citadel Square held a tea room for 4 days of the first week of the festival, and it was a success - I ate there several times, and the food was excellent, so I'm already looking forward to next year! Citadel Square is a church with a big heart, and I was delighted that David and his family came over to walk through the show and stop by to say hello to me.

Pastor David Walker, his wife Jean and their children, Maggie and Benjamin

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show -Day 10 -Sunday, June 6, 2010

2010-06-06T23:37:00.002-04:00

Hot but breezy today, lots of people wandering around the Art Show in Marion Square.

These were heading for the free art demonstration!

We had 2 art demonstrations today - both were lowcountry marshes and yet so different because artists are different and infuse something of themselves in each painting. Two fine artists, two fine demos, two fine paintings in progress.

The first demonstration was by Kevin LePrince who also has a blog on his website - Kevin also has a gift of marketing - he advertises on his blog, "buy a painting - get a free ice water" (Kevin LePrince, May 28, 2010)

Kevin is well on his way with his Lowcountry marsh in oil

Kevin's stopping point for the day.

Later this afternoon, Christie Crosby begins her demonstration. She had already completed an underpainting in cadmium red:

Christie Crosby lays in a blue sky in oil

while Nancy Newton, aspiring artist, enjoys what amounts to a free art lesson!

Christie's stopping place for today.

I went down to Laurie Meyer's booth twice today and have 2 updates on her painting demonstration from yesterday:

The earlier version is below but you can see in the later version on the right, Laurie has begun to define some of the shapes further and lighten colors. However, hints of the red and orange underpainting still peek through and glow in several places. Will continue the updated pictures as she develops the painting.

And speaking of orange, I was walking back to my booth and this was a picture waiting to happen.

Orange is a Power Color

as worn by Colleen Weissmann, Hilarie Lambert and Joyce Hall.

or I guess I didn't get the memo since I was dressed in black and white...

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 9 - Saturday, June 5, 2010

2010-06-06T00:16:00.002-04:00

Today was hot, humid and filled with good friends out and about with Spoleto, the Outdoor Art Show and the Farmers Market. Lots of good friends came by, starting early with Dave and Linda Soutter:

Lots of great memories with Linda and Dave from St. Michael's, Logan Street and New Street downtown! Then I got to meet a special young man who came by with his parents:

Will Davis with parents, Jennifer and Mark

Jennifer and Mark are both attorneys here in town. Will, their first child, was born in February, and I've been waiting to meet him. Will was way too enthralled with both his parents to be overly concerned with me, but when I did catch his eye, he gave me a smile that is sure to set girls' hearts aflutter in a few years!

Maureen Williams, a paralegal who works with me, came by to chat - it was great to have a few minutes to catch up - I came back from Paris the weekend she left for Australia, so we're catching up with each others' trips.

Maureen Williams

Spoleto just isn't spoleto unless the Rices come in from Edisto and stop by. Sure enough, they arrived with big news. They just became grandparents about 10 months ago - so we had a great visit about their new grandaughter, who, of course has already met and bonded with Edisto!

Charles and Gloria Rice on vacation at Edisto Beach

Another winner in the Art Show as Sally Bennett. Below she is holding her award winner:

MERIT AWARD

Sally Bennett for " Spanish Moss and Marsh Orange"

Laurie Meyer gave a great demonstration in oil. Laurie is our first place winner this year and you can view her award-winning artwork on the entry for Sunday, May 30. She showed the crowd how she "got the glow" in the piece that won from her underpainting. Below are several photos of the work in progress - I'll post the completed work when she finishes it: the work is off to a stunning start!

It looks great already!

Looking good,

feeling good!

At the end of the day, we were all hot, sticky and tired but as I was walking to my car, I stopped at the Passing Notions? show and cooled off. I couldn't resist taking the picture of Alex and Sara Radin's 2 daughters:

"SLEEPING BEAUTIES"

Elianna and Neriah Radin

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 8 - Friday, June 4, 2010

2010-06-05T00:15:00.002-04:00

HONORABLE MENTION

Tyler Blanton for "Jester"

I've been unsuccessful coordinating with Tyler Blanton to get her picture with her award-winning painting "Jester" so above is Jester sans Tyler.

It's been really hot and humid, but that doesn't bother Rick Reinert who has his fan going full strength, classical music playing because you'll find him doing what he loves and what he's so good at - painting plein air!

If you happen to wander through Marion Square during the art show, you'll find free demonstrations each day at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and during the week when it's slower, you'll probably come across "spontaneous" demos like Rick's above.

About 11:30 today, with no warning, it began to pour rain. It was such a surprise that many of us were soaked. We sprang into action - some artists like Sabine Alvacade below are more prepared than others...

Artist Carol Gardner tried creating a drainage system:

Artist Christine Crosby was soaked because she ran over to help a neighboring artist save their art but she had customers who got trapped in her tent and made her happy because they bought a painting:

Artist Lynne Hardwick also got caught in the rain but her hair will dry naturally curly and look like she just walked out of the hair salon.

And a little or lot of rain never phases Artist Karen Hagan - rain or shine, she is prepared, right down to the elegant parasol...

The ground in my tent was one big mud hole, so I went to the big fountain to wash my feet and my shoes and then go to the car to get my umbrella so maybe it wouldn't rain again. And I decided to take my time and go through the Passing Notions? multi-media show, an Artist on Fire offering and officially sponsored by the Piccolo Spoleto Festival right across the street from Marion Square.

I walked into airconditioning and someone playing the grand piano. The first person I ran into was Mr. Artist on Fire himself, Alex Radin:

Alex Radin - Artist in Passing Notions? and Co-Founder with his wife Sara of Artist on Fire

He was also one of the volunteers for the day. A renaissance man for certain!

This is the first time I've ever been in two major art shows during the 17 day festival. I've been in the outdoor juried art show for 15 or so years, and I considered it a huge honor to be asked to be in the Passing Notions show. I found that preparing for both shows simultaneously required a level of dedication, determination and time management that I've never had to deal with before - in addition to working 30 hours a week doing corporate paralegal work.

It has been one an exhilarating experiences of my life. I especially liked the freedom to choose my theme and title, to create a body of larger works and to move in a direction with my artwork that I've wanted to go for several years. I've loved every minute of it, except maybe when one piece (4'x4') of a triptych accidentally fell on my toe...

Today, suddenly I was given a window of time to walk in and go through the show at my own pace, engaging and responding to all the artwork, including the films. Each person must experience the show for themselves, So, I took off my shoes and started at the beginning...

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 7 - Thursday, June 3, 2010

2010-06-03T23:42:00.001-04:00

The Good News is that Mr. Pippin is back for 2010!

and licking his chops because he knows he is the darling of the Marion Square

This is Mr. Pippin's 3rd year of watching my tent - my friend and tent sitter, Pat Creighton, belongs to him. I don't know who is the luckier one - Mr. Pippin or Pat.

The Bad News - A Storm Blew Through in the Dead of Night

and destroyed a tent

Suzanne Clark is a photographer - the frames and photos seem to be okay but the mats are beyond help because they got wet so everything has to be re-framed. A new tent is on the way and should be here tomorrow. Suzanne is dedicated - the show goes on.

This happened around 2 a.m. - we have security police to protect and guard our art throughout the night - when the storm blew through, they were on the ball and our coordinator was immediately called. She called Suzanne who then called the security police to assess how critical the situation was. Every outdoor art show is a risk - you just try to be as proactive and careful as you can.

Meanwhile, I'm still working my way through getting all the winners and their art up on this blog. It's always exciting to me when a pure watercolor painting wins, and Vicki Gates' watercolors are exquisite!

MERIT AWARD

Vicki Gates for "Spring Tulips"

When I went to find Madeline Dukes, she was sitting in the shade painting but stopped to pose with her award winner:

HONORABLE MENTION

Madeline Dukes for "Sunset Storm"

We're hoping for no more storms and lots of sales - come out and see us this weekend!

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 6 - June 2, 2010

2010-06-03T00:26:00.000-04:00

Today made up for yesterday weatherwise - all the tents were open, and mine looked especially clean due to the heavy rains yesterday. I guess that was the silver lining from yesterday's storm.

I got around to more winners today:

MERIT AWARD

Helen Duckworth for "Midori"

Helen Duckworth has a great tree behind her booth on Calhoun Street where she sits - the kind of tree that makes me not want to get up and out of the shade, but Helen did come into the sun for me to get a photo with her winner. Helen is a Renaissance woman; she is also a poet, and Piccolo Spoleto is sponsoring a poetry reading by Helen at its Sundown Poetry Series at 6:30 p.m on Tuesday, June 8 at the Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street - Go and enjoy - it's free!

HONORABLE MENTION

Deanna Bowdish for "Ripple #16"

This is Deanna's first year in the Art Show, and when she's not in her tent, I'm sure she's getting a suntan because she's not around any trees...She lives in Beaufort so she knows the score on the heat and humidity.

When 5 o'clock came today, I was in the right place in the park - artists love picnics, fellowship, laughter and especially sales!

Come on down and join the fun!

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Day 5, June 1, 2010

2010-06-01T22:23:00.001-04:00

A Wishy-Washy Day

Today should have officially been a rain day! At 8:30 a.m., I was at Marion Square to open my tent for Pat Creighton, my sitter, who was to arrive at 9 a.m. when I would then go to my day job at Nelson Mullins Law Firm where I do corporate paralegal work. As soon as I get to my tent, it starts pouring rain - and both my umbrellas were in the car across the street...however, in the distant sky, it appears that the weather will clear, which it does - only after I walk into the office looking like I took an early morning swim and forgot to dry off. And there were a few hours where artists were open. Pat was not by herself - the artists around me were there until about 2:00 when it began to rain again and Pat called and said the others were leaving - so I sent her home, too. At 4:00, I go to secure the corners, and the weather turns to sunny and clear, and artists are opening up their tents, ready for those late day customers. Except for the artists around my booth who I knew were not returning from Summerville at 4:00, so I totally shut down my booth and went home.

But lots of artists stayed open and the word is that there were some good sales! Each of us has to make the call - it's just so much easier when is consistent...and the choice is clear.

Artist Stephanie Shuler Hamlet and her two artist daughters (talent just oozes out of that family like a tube of paint), Melinda Lewin and Kellie Jacobs, all came back and opened up. Stephanie is one of the show's 2010 award winners:

HONORABLE MENTION

by Stephanie Shuler Hamlet for "Red is Hot".

Stephanie is pictured with her 2 daughters, Kellie Jacobs and Melinda Lewin (both to her right).

The blond to Stephanie's left is Artist Amelia Rose Smith, a good enough friend to be part of the family.

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2010

2010-06-01T00:44:00.001-04:00

Uh, oh - only Day 4 and

How many artists does it take to plug in a fan outside?

Especially on a day that was at least 10 degrees cooler than the past 3 days - a little overcast, but it never rained - In Outdoor Art Speak, we call that "perfect" weather...

WINNERS CONTINUED...

Scott Henderson, Photographer

with

MERIT AWARD for "Low Country Creek"

David Edwards, Photographer
and
MERIT AWARD for "Lucy & Lucy Bell Crater"

Artist Hilarie Lambert
JUDGE'S CHOICE AWARD for "Girl with Camera"

Several years ago, my friend Carol Gardner, another Piccolo Spoleto artist, were modeling our vintage sunglasses at the art show and Hilarie was stunned and ran for her camera, not just because we're so photogenic:

but she really liked the sunglasses and mentioned that she wanted to use us as models

for a vintage "Beach Babe" series...

I spotted it the first day of this year's show - I would have known us anywhere!

Mimi and Carol, Finally Famous as "The Beach Girls" by Hilarie Lambert.

Thank you, Hilarie!

Today is Memorial Day, and Marion Square was full of buyers, browsers and musicians, such as Clarence McDonald, Xylophone Player Extraordinaire. I liked his outfit, too!

Clarence McDonald, Musician and Patriot

With today being a holiday, lots of artists' families were out and about - artist Dale Watson is new to the show this year and learning the logistics fast. Not only is he an excellent artist, he's also a nice guy and deserves a medal for 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show Above and Beyond the Call of Art Duty (he set my tent up Thursday afternoon). His wife Ann and daughter Samantha came out to the park today and I used them shamelessly to promote my art...

Samantha and Ann Watson

In addition, I took a picture of Ann and Dale in front of his booth which I thought would be a smart move in case I need him to help put up my tent again next year.

Artist Dale Watson and his wife, Ann

Finally, Memorial Day Weekend finishes with the Memorial Day Concert in Marion Square, courtesy of the Charleston Community Band - like I said, the park was full:

Enjoying the Memorial Day Concert

in Honor of our Veterans

Phyllis and Andy Nelson

Memorial Day, May 31, 2010

Marion Square, Charleston, SC

On this Memorial Day 2010, let me tell you a little about Andrew W. Nelson III. He served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1952 and saw active duty in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. During World War II, Andy served throughout the Pacific as a Navy Frogman and participated in several major invasions - Palau Islands Invasion, Philippine Islands Invasions and the Invasion of Okinawa. Andy earned every one of the many medals you see on his chest - the Bronze Star with Valor (V), the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of War with 3 Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippines Liberation Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, just to name a few. Andy and Phyllis have been volunteering this weekend at another Piccolo Spoleto Visual Arts Event across the street, "Passing Notions?" and have eaten out twice this weekend at downtown restaurants. I understand that, at both restaurants, the server, near the end of the meal, came and informed Andy and Phyllis that another diner had already paid for their meal. Whoever you are, thank you for honoring Andy and his service to our country.

Later, after the Memorial Day Concert, sitting at my booth with Phyllis and Andy in that last hour before closing time, I was able to witness what I felt to be a most significant meeting, as 5 young sailors stationed at the Charleston Naval Weapons Stations rounded the corner and they saw Andy and Andy saw them.

"Faith, Courage, Service True

With Honor Over, Honor Over All."

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show - Sunday, May 30, 2010

2010-05-31T01:01:00.001-04:00

MORE WINNERS!

SECOND PLACE AWARD

"Mystery" by J. Victor

and

THIRD PLACE

"Perfect Speed #2 by John Michiels

Only 3 days into the show, and we still have energy!

Well, maybe not everybody....

A childhood friend from Edisto summers, Fran Pund Tuttle, drove up from Beaufort with her friend, Beth Brewer. Fran and I connected on Facebook and it was fun to reconnect today in person after years and memories I hadn't thought of probably since those summers just came flooding back - it was great to see her and catch up a little and make plans to keep in touch. Seeing old friends and meeting new ones are a big part of what I enjoy about the Spoleto season!

Fran Pund Tuttle and Beth Brewer

Fran and Mimi

Good news! People walking through the park with paintings this weekend - a great visual because it means paintings are being purchased - it appears to me that people are more deliberate about their art purchases this year - a wise choice, especially in this economy. I believe people buy art for different reasons but I personally enjoy watching people discuss and purchase artwork that is meaningful to them, for reasons that go beyond color, line, etc. There's an indefinable something, a connection, an engagement that occurs between the artwork and the viewer that transcends the visual. A few years ago I was at a conference in Austin, Texas with a featured art exhibition, and as I viewed the paintings, I was immediately drawn to one with collage and mixed media. And I kept coming back to it - it went with nothing in my house, but I found that the painting was more important to me than whether it "fit" into my "decor" (if you define "decor" as "early Southern clutter" or "I'm an artist and messy-deal with it"). I bought it and had it shipped home, and it continues to excite me, inspire me, challenge me and remind me to think "outside the box". Even now, just writing about it makes me smile!

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show 2010 - Off to a Great Start!

2010-05-30T00:35:00.001-04:00

MAYOR'S AWARD

"Butterfly Forest" by K.C. Collins

The top award-winning artwork belongs to the City of Charleston,

where it will hang in the Mayor's office for one year,
then rotate through City offices.

I'm off to a slow blogging start due to some computer issues, but hopefully that's behind us as we're off to an official start as of yesterday, Friday, May 28th - a clear, beautiful and hot day - I see more and more fans inside artist tents - Will Hegler wins that award, though - he has 5 fans in his tent!

Yesterday was the judging, and about 4 p.m., Mayor Riley arrives, accompanied by Ellen Dressler Moryl, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Charleston, to present the 2010 awards. Helping them is Co-Coordinator of the Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Festival, Artist Victoria Platt Ellis. Our other co-coordinator, Artist Billie Sumner is not pictured as she was unable to be at the awards ceremony this year.

Mayor Riley, Ellen Moryl, Vicky Ellis

Awards Presentation

FIRST PLACE

"Life in Technicolor" by Laurie Meyer

Listed below are the 2010 award winners but stay tuned -throughout the show, I'll publish photos of each winning artwork and the artist.

Mayor's Award - K. C. Collins for "Butterfly Forest"

First Place - Laurie Meyer for "Life in Technicolor"

Second Place - J. Victor for "Mystery"

Third Place - John Michiels for "Perfect Speed #2

Merit Awards

Sally Bennett for "Spanish Moss and Marsh Orange"

Dale Edwards for "Lucy & Lucy Bell Crater"

Helen Duckworth for "Midori"

Scott Henderson for "Low Country Creek"

Kent Ambler for "Midnight Gathering"

Honorable Mention

Carl Crawford for "The Sax Man and Boy"

Madeline Dukes for "Sunset Storm"

Tyler Blanton for "Jester"

Stephanie Hamlet for "Red is Hot"

Deanna Bodish for "Ripple #16"

Vicki Gates for "Spring Tulips"

Juror's Choice

Hilarie Lambert for "Girl With Camera"

Today, Saturday, May 29, the 2nd day of the art show was also the Children's Festival in Marion Square, and pictured here are three of my friends, Stephen, Justin and Gabrielle Dauway, who came today from Orangeburg, SC to spend the day with their grandfather, Floyd Gordon, one of my favorite people and an awesome artist.

Justin, Stephen and Gabrielle

Along with patrons, children and the first time ever, Citadel Square Baptist Church Tea Room, this "first Saturday" of the show is truly memorable because of:

YES! The one and only, unforgettable (definite understatement)

Marching Abominable Feed and Seed Band

Just one of many reasons that this show is so much fun!

Blogging Paris - 5/13/10

2010-05-13T19:59:00.000-04:00

Paris at Night - from the roof terrace of La Tour Montparnasse

La Tour Montparnasse is 1 block from my hotel and last night I rode to the top - the 56th floor and then went on the rooftop deck and took pictures - the view of Paris is 360 degrees and absolutely incredible!

So I headed out for my last day in Paris - took the Metro and, yes, there was a different musician this morning:

Metro Musician Man of the Day

Got off at the Tuilerie Gardens to go the L'Orangerie Art Museum - what a wonderful experience - Monet's water lilies - huge artworks - 2 oval rooms of 4 huge paintings, one on each wall. I just sat there and was drawn into the landscape:

Monet's Water Lilies at The L'Orangerie

I really enjoyed this art museum - In addition to Monet, there are works by Modigliani, Picasso, Derain, Rousseau, Utrillo and Matisse, among others. And there was an excellent temporary exhibition on Paul Klee.

Then back to the Louvre for the 3rd time - I really wanted to see the Rembrandts (worth it!) and, oddly enough, Hammurabi's Code of Laws (also worth it!):

Code of Hammurabi

There were still pieces I wanted to see in the Louvre, but I'll have to return to Paris for those...I finally made it to the Champs Elysees:

I was here

Now I'm in the middle of the Champs Elysees

and why I wouldn't want to drive here...

But it is home to the Arc de Triomphe

and those are people walking around on the top

The Champs Elysees is also home to some famous stores like Cartier's, Mercedes-Benz and

Louis Vuitton

It's been a grand trip, and I fly home tomorrow so it's time to go pack my not Louis bags for the trip back to the States. Au revoir, mon ami!

Blogging Paris - 5/12/10

2010-05-12T18:46:00.001-04:00

The Hat - Le Chapeau - Le Tresor!

For Barbara and all the others waiting for a glimpse of my vintage Parisien hat from the Flea Market in Paris - I did wear it Sunday to church and afterwards to the Louvre, South Carolina get ready, here I come...

The Accordian Serenade

Today was Montmartre (Mount of Martrys). And it is a steep hill - lots of climbing, but definitely lively and picturesque - much fun - of course I knew it would be special when I got on the Metro this morning and the accordian player jumped on, too...The best deal in town was the "petite train de Montmartre" for 6 euros - a little bit of history along with recorded music like "La Vie en Rose" by Edith Piaf, the much loved "little sparrow" - probably the most famous 20th century French singer.

Le Petite Train de Montmartre

We passed by lots of places I'd heard or read about - also saw where Theo and Vincent van Gogh stayed but the train was moving too fast for me to get a good picture.

Au Lapin Agile - frequented by famous Artists now dead

The Moulin Rouge!

Le Sacre-Coeur from Butte MontMartre (the bottom of the hill)

Le Sacre-Coeur at the top of the hill

Fabulous sanctuary - dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus and a place of perpetual prayer, so silence and no cameras requested. When I walked in, the nuns were singing matins (or something like that) - whatever - it was lovely.

This is the highest point in the city of Paris, and the views are breathtaking from the steps of Le Sacre-Coeur.

Overlooking Paris from Le Sacre-Coeur

Another view of Paris from Le Sacre-Coeur.

The tower is Le Tour Montparnasse and is a block from my hotel.

Finally, I went to visit the very, very famous Pere Lachaise cemetery near Montmartre, where many of the famous dead are buried,

including Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Ingres, Degas, Corot, Max Ernst, Balzac, Marcel Proust, Sarah Bernhardt, Maria Callas, Modigliani, Moliere, Alice B. Toklas, Gertrude Stein and can you believe it - Jim Morrison of the Doors...

Not being one to hang around graveyards, I did not stay very long - and it's huge, but I was glad to find some signs of life among the tombs...

Les Chats Dans Le Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise

Blogging Paris - Tuesday 5/11/10

2010-05-11T17:18:00.000-04:00

Headed back to Notre Dame de Paris with the camera and a fully charged battery. It excites me that a church built in the 12th century incorporates modern art in the sanctuary, recognizing the excellence and validity of different creative expression to the glory of God. Notre Dame has also incorporated paintings, sculpture and altars from churches in France that were damaged or destroyed. For me, many times the less realistic a devotional object is, the more powerful - the other evening when I saw this crucifix above a side altar, there was an immediate response - an interaction. Notre Dame is filled with strong and powerful works of art, but this is the one that reached out to surprise me and pull me in.

Crucifixion - Notre Dame de Paris

When I got of the church, it was pouring rain, but I soldiered on, determined to visit the Musee d'Orsay. Obviously the crowds were also thinking the same. I would not have wanted to be in line to get a ticket. As it was, I still had to wait in another line - but finally got in and then had to give up my bags, my umbrella. The D'Osay is strict about what is allowed inside. What a pleasure, however, to see the originals of paintings that are like old friends because I'm so familiar with the images. Degas, Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Cassatt, Gaugan just to name a few. My favorites (of the day) were Van Gogh's self-portrait and Monet's series of the facade of Rouen Cathedral.

Still soldiering on in the (very cold) pouring rain, I ran into the legendary bookstore on the left bank of Paris, Shakespeare and Company, where the books are in English. I did not go in - I have no more room left in my luggage...but I could NOT go by without stopping into Sennelier, the famous French art store that opened in 1887 and is still owned by a Sennelier.

Sennelier - Quai Voterre - Art Heaven

C'est la vie!

Blogging Paris - Monday 5/10/10

2010-05-10T18:37:00.002-04:00

The Lady and The Unicorn

Wool and Silk Tapestry c. 1500

(1 of 6 panels)

Musee de Cluny

The Louvre is grand but the Cluny is where I could spend all my time - it's the museum of the Middle Ages. I really like having this Paris Museum Pass - it's certainly worth the money - you bypass the lines and you can go back as many times as you want during the number of days of your pass. Lots of school groups coming through- an interesting and exciting way to learn history!

Part of the Holy Family sculpture

Jesus and Joseph

The wealth of Christian images in sculpture, painting, stained glass, gold liturgical objects, reliquaries and devotional objects at the Cluny is incredible.

St. Denis with Head in Hand

It's amazing how much has survived in France considering that during the time of the French Revolution of 1792 and then the Paris Commune in 1871, anything that could be found representing the nobility or religion was mutilated or destroyed. There are lots of headless statues and bodiless heads around town. And not without precedent...considering that St. Denis of Paris was martyred around the year 272 by having his head cut off. Supposedly he picked his head up off the ground and walked off - many statues depict him holding his head.

La Sainte-Chappelle Inside

and Out

Then I was off to see La Sainte-Chappelle, Louis IX's giant reliquary he had built for the Crown of Thorns (and other relics). It was also used as the royal family's private chapel. Tiny compared to Notre Dame, but exquisite. The sky was overcast when I went today so I did not experience the grandeur of the light that people talk about, but there will be another time. If you go, get the pass...the line was long when I got there and longer when I left.

After a late lunch, I walked around the Left Bank and down the Rue de Seine art gallery window-gazing. Tonight when it started to rain, I went out in my raincoat and umbrella just to walk Paris in the rain. I kept thinking of Gene Kelly "singing in the rain" in Paris, but don't worry, I did not sing out loud...bon soir!

Blogging Paris - Sunday 5-9-10

2010-05-09T16:24:00.005-04:00

Notre Dame de Paris

Started out this morning at St. Michael's Paris, an Anglican church (the service was in English, voila!) close to the British Embassy and recommended to me by an artist friend in Washington. Ended today downtown at Vespers (by accident? or not?) at Notre Dame de Paris on the Ile de la Cite. Both were wonderful!

Then - on to the Louvre - a little bit of heaven there, too!

Fresco Antiquity - The Louvre

Yes, I saw La Joconde (The Mona Lisa)and the Winged Victory and the Venus de Milo among other famous and sundry masterpieces. I'll probably go back Wed evening when the Louvre is open until 10pm. It's way too much to take in at one time. I was also surprised that photos (no flash) and videos are allowed - I've uploaded a wonderful fresco fragment - I've been fascinated by fresco the last few years and have almost completed my artwork on a related theme for Passing Notions, a multi-media show coordinated and hosted by Artist on Fire and officially sponsored by Piccolo Spoleto later this month, so I was excited to see several fresco fragments today.

I also saw a special exhibit at The Louvre on Russian icons and treasures from the time of Peter the Great - absolutely stunning. Lots of references to the famous Russian iconographer Andrei Rubliev, who a friend of mine thought he was going to meet in Washington a few years ago - until I broke the news that Rubliev worked in the 15th century and so had been dead for a long time. Anyway, we've had discussions about viewing a DVD of the 1966 Russian movie "Andrei Rubliev" or "The Passion According to Andrei" directed by Andrei Tarkovsky which is loosely based on Rubliev's life - it's a bit strange and difficult to follow but it is a masterpiece and hailed as such and won the FIPRESCI prize at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival (which does not make it any easier for me grasp...). Well, fortunately, the Louvre bookstore (I could have spent days in there), had a book on Andrei and the movie so I bought it to help us back home understand the film. The fact that the book is written in French should not hold us back from understanding the film. After all, the book does have pictures.

And by the way, the Metro even does the arts, especially on Sundays. In one underground station, I came upon 10-12 members of the symphony playing wonderful classical pieces. Then in another, there was a rock band and the Metro passengers were spontaneously dancing - what fun!

Blogging Paris - Saturday 5-8-10

2010-05-08T18:39:00.000-04:00

At the Louvre

Finally! I flew into Paris Thursday morning, maneuvered my luggage, the train and Metro from deGaulle Airport to Montparnasse and Hotel du Parc, where I was told they were going to let me into my room early because they thought I needed to rest...later that afternoon, I walked - just wanting to get the feel of Montparnasse and some of the adjacent arrondissements - I really like this city!

Yesterday I had a wake-up call for 5:30 a.m. - my transfer arrived at the hotel at 6:30 a.m. to take me to meet the bus tour for Mont St. Michel in Normandy - Incredible! 4 hours to get there, 4 -5 hours there with lunch included and 4 hours to get back - it was perfect for my first full day because the bus ride through the lovely French countryside gave me the time and rest to get acclimated to the time difference from Charleston, SC.

Mont St. Michel, Normandy

I've always been fascinated by Mont St. Michel - ever since I first saw pictures in history books. And there simply is no substitute for the real thing! What a visible testimony to God's Church that it has survived in good condition after 1300 years and was never taken by the enemy because of how and where it is situated - on a solid rock island surrounded by quicksand and extremely fast and high-rising tides.

And yes, we climbed all the way to the Abbey at the top - it's a long way, but certainly worth it to see the Abbey - It was pleasant and timely to find the Abbey played such an important part in preserving the Gospel and other manuscripts through the monk scribes and illuminators, an area I'm currently working with as part of my worship art at my home church, St. Andrews Mt. Pleasant.

Today, Saturday, I braved Les Puces (the flea markets of Paris - the largest in the world, I believe)! It's a lot easier to get around once I grasped the essence of the Metro (thanks to patient and clear instruction from Chantal, who with her husband, Jerome, owns Hotel du Parc. I found the 2 things I had come looking for and then stumbled onto my Big Find - a vintage (1920's -30's) Parisien Hat! And I wasn't even looking - how in the world could I possibly come to Paris and not get a hat? Everybody that knows me knows I'm a hat person...but it can't be just any old hat - it's got to be the right hat. Perhaps a picture tomorrow - I'm planning on wearing it to church...

A tout a l'heure!

Taylor's Poem

2010-01-22T22:56:00.001-05:00

Original - Mixed Media

Double Matted to 16"x 20"

NFS

My good friend, Barbara Barnes, is a wonderful musician and song writer. She's also becoming a proud grandmother in February! She wrote "Taylor's Poem" especially for her granddaughter and asked me to incorporate it into a painting for the baby's nursery. What fun! I imagine "Taylor's Poem" is just the first of many songs that Taylor and Barbara will share!

Pomegranate in Oil

2009-12-08T21:48:00.000-05:00

Original Oil on Canvas Panel

5" x 7"

$100.00

Playing with some oils - love the way it handles, the way it flows, the way it glistens- just the whole "oiliness" of it all! Slip it in a standard 5" x 7" frame and you've got a lovely gift.

Sacred Heart Collage

2009-10-30T20:21:00.007-04:00

Original Collage/Mixed Media on Wooden Panel

6" x 6"

$100.00

I love collage! Cut, tear, paint, paste - hands on, totally absorbing...

This piece is on a wooden panel, and can be hung on the wall or stand freely on it's own.

When I lead creative retreats or art play days, this kind of collage is what I often use as the art project for participants to engage in. And the students are always pleasantly surprised at what a wonderful work of art they have to take home and display!

The White Place - Abiquiu

2009-10-24T22:20:00.003-04:00

Original Watercolor

4"x 6" matted to 8"x 10"

$50.00

Another of Georgia O'Keefe's favorite places to paint near Abiquiu.

Pedernal

2009-10-22T23:23:00.002-04:00

Original Watercolor

4"x6" matted to 8"x10"

$50.00

Painted on location during my painting trip to New Mexico this past summer, Pedernal is the mountain that captivated Georgia O'Keefe when she began her love affair with the Ghost Ranch and Abiqui area and of which she said, "God told me if I painted Pedernal enough, I could have it."

Church of St. Francis of Assisi - Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico

2009-10-21T23:15:00.001-04:00

Original Watercolor

4"x6" matted to 8"x10"

$50.00

An adobe mission church built before 1800, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a favorite for painting by artists, most notably Georgia O'Keefe, who said, "Most artists who spend any time in Taos have to paint it, I suppose, just as they have to paint a self-portrait. I had to paint it - the back of it several times, the front once."

Abiquiu Morada

2009-10-20T23:47:00.000-04:00

Original Watercolor

4"x 6" matted to 8"x10"

$50.00

I continue to be inspired by my painting trip to Santa Fe and surrounding area this summer with artist Carol Gardner. I blogged that trip at Have Paintbrush Will Travel but I'll be posting all my artwork since return here. The day after we arrived and got settled in Santa Fe, we immediately took off toward O'Keefe country, i.e., Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch and the likes. This morada, now a private chapel, high on the hill of Abiquiu and overlooking the main highway, is one of the earliest moradas in New Mexico, built as a religious meeting place by members of The Penitente Brotherhood, a group of Catholic laymen.

Courtyard of The Confederate Home

2009-10-19T23:47:00.001-04:00

11" x 14" Matted

SOLD

This painting of the oak tree in the courtyard of The Confederate Home in Charleston, SC was a commission for a wedding gift from the bride's sister. The wedding was held here on a lovely afternoon in April and the wedding couple said their vows just to the right of the tree. The Confederate Home was purchased in 1867 by 2 Charleston sisters who organized and opened it as a home for the widows, mothers and daughters of Confederate soldiers. My grandfather's sister lived here for several years before her death. Today the Home still has residents and also rents out space as artist's studios. The building and the courtyard retain that gracious and unhurried ambiance prevalent in much of historic Charleston - a perfect setting for an outdoor wedding!

Worship Painting at New Wine 2009

2009-06-21T23:11:00.006-04:00

"Count It All Joy"
Original Mixed Media
16" x 20"
NFS

Today was the celebration service for New Wine USA 2009, winding up our annual 3-day conference held at St. Andrews, Mt. Pleasant. See here (6/21-New Wine Days 2 and 3) for video clips and synopsis. As usual, it was a wonderful weekend gathering of worship, teaching and fellowship. Our army of artists (15) painted in the Ministry Center during the worship and keynote speaker sessions Friday evening, Saturday morning and Saturday evening. Above is my artwork from the session last evening. It's always an adventure when God surprises me with a painting that totally changes course from the original concept in the midst of the actual painting. When he begins to strongly suggest a different path, it's best to just let him lead the way and enjoy the ride!

Joseph's Dream - Watercolor Study for Fresco

2009-06-10T00:20:00.003-04:00

Joseph's Dream
after Fresco, circa 1355, by Bartolo Battilori,
Cathedral, San Gimignano, Italy

A small watercolor study of a 10"x22" fresco panel I'm getting ready to paint. Inside the Cathedral in San Gimignano, frescos cover the walls. I had a revelation about the frescos when I was there several years ago. One of the ladies in our group wondered what story they told, and I knew they were scenes from the Bible, that this was how most people "read" the Bible in the 14th Century because the liturgy was in Latin, which most didn't understand, and many people then could not read. I remember that the scene of Joseph's dream was the fresco image that brought it all into focus for me. The scene is a composite of two dreams - one where his brothers' sheaves of grain bowed to Joseph's sheaf and the other dream where the sun, moon and 11 stars bow down to Joseph. Just another example of how God speaks through the visual, bridging language and social barriers, still as clear today as in the 14th century. After all, God is always speaking - are we listening?

Back to (Art) Work

2009-06-07T19:29:00.004-04:00

Fresco I - 8"x8"

Now I have some free time to get back to working with Fresco - experimenting on my own, using traditional lime putty and sand, already mixed for the intonaco layer by Natural Pigments. This is 8"x8" cement board (my two next door neighbors were kind enough to cut a piece of cement board into various sizes for me) which I soaked in water and put one coat of plaster on it. I think I put the plaster on the wrong way but it didn't crack, and I could paint on it for 2 days. The plaster literally kept drinking the paint. I took a buon fresco class from George and Tanya O'Hanlon of Natural Pigments last year in Santa Fe where we painted 12"x16" prepared panels. I have called George in California several times, and he has been most generous with answering my questions. He told me that I would have more time to work with the fresco because of the climate here in Charleston/Mt. Pleasant, SC, and he was right. He suggested that I work out the colors and technique on the smaller pieces of cement board. There is much preparation involved - grinding the pigments and choosing the colors to prepare. I tried to incise my image entirely too soon, the plaster was too wet. However, I chose a relatively simple design so I didn't really lose the image. I painted the background black and then covered the black with blue on top the next day (using no binder, but the plaster was still drinking). A few days after I had painted the fresco, the top layer of paint was powdery, the consistency of pastel, so maybe I should have waited with blue and made egg tempera to cover the black. Several days later, I just put the fresco in the sink and ran cold water over it - that dealt with the powder and fortunately, a lot of the blue remained. We'll see if that lasts.

Day 16 - Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2009-06-06T22:34:00.006-04:00

LAST DAY

Last day - we are exhausted! Lots of people viewing and buying art today. Carol Gardner's former next door neighbor, Emily, came by- she had made several moves since she left Charleston years ago. We come to find out Emily has been living in SANTA FE for the last 5 years, very active with the Santa Fe Opera, among other things. What fun to find out we have a friend there whom we will visit in July on our painting trip:

Artist Carol Gardner with Santa Fean Emily Bellibeau

Carol and I are really looking forward to this trip, and we will both be blogging it on our shared blog, Have Paintbrush Will Travel, which will be launched in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, we all will need to recuperate, rest and then continue our painting and other creative endeavors. As we look forward to the next art adventure, we cherish the friendships, ongoing and new, that tend to solidify during a 16 day show.

And, last but not least, the "Mango Moment" came about 3:00 p.m. today. Thank you, Tony Hardwick!

The Last Mango

(Moment 2009)

Day 15 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2009-06-05T21:37:00.005-04:00

Watercolor Demonstration - Peaches - In Progress

Last Demonstration for 2009

Here I am, trying to talk, teach and paint at the same time - working on the peaches above. A good group showed up, ready to ask questions. I chose to concentrate on showing how I normally block in shadow shapes to give me a road map. The beauty of watercolor is the the white of the paper shining through if you work primarily with transparent colors. I love the dialogue between artist, water and color. And yes, this is painting a watercolor vertically, which is not the norm. Because watercolor responds to gravity, most watercolors are painted flat. Several years ago, when I first began painting at worship services, I had to learn to paint vertically. Not only was that a challenge for me, I believe it has led me to a better understanding and sensitivity in working with the medium.

Throughout the demonstration, we were all treated to the music of the minstral:

Jesse Cockcroft and his Accordian

Jesse, with his accordian, transports most people to Paris in a moment. For me, his accordian immediately takes me Rome where I'm dining al fresco around the corner from the Spanish Steps. There's just something special about an accordian - thank you, Jesse!

Day 14 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2009-06-04T20:27:00.004-04:00

The Archangel Michael
After a 14th Century Fresco at the Camposanto in Pisa, Italy
Original Watercolor
Matted and Framed to 11" x 14" - $250.00

It poured rain today, so we ended up having a rain day - I washed clothes and finished this watercolor of the Archangel Michael. Also prepared for my watercolor demonstration tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. (unless it pours rain again...).

Day 13 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2009-06-03T22:13:00.005-04:00

Still Smart and Arty
even in the heat!

Some artists, like Janice Waring pictured above, seem to always appear fresh, arty and yes, even elegant at long outdoor art shows...

We do, however, drink tons of water to quench our thirst and keep from being dehydrated:

Photo credit: Artist Hilarie Lambert

Day 12 - Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2009-06-02T20:38:00.005-04:00

Artist Christine Crosby and her favorite "Black on Black"

Folks, this is the kind of art we artists yearn to display at any point after an art show begins. What covered the "Black on Black" until 5:05 p.m. today was a large and stunning original oil landscape. We tend to think weekends are the best for sales, but today just goes to show us artists that we must always be prepared, especially for the "Suddenly Sale" - the buyer who waltzes through our tent, whether looking at art or just passing through to another venue, and is captured by an artwork that speaks so powerfully to something deep inside that the collector cannot leave empty-handed.

Just a sampling of the suddenlies today, here is another:

Victoria Platt Ellis and her Tuesday "Black on Black"

Just a side note to Christy and Vicki, if we've got to "spread the wealth", let's remember those 2 fine artists who recently succumbed to the "Second Week Piccolo Spoleto Art Show Syndrome" and may be deluding themselves with the $2 collected so far in their "milk bottle marketing strategy" for an upcoming plein air painting trip:

They need help.

Day 11 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2009-06-01T20:24:00.010-04:00

Yes, it's finally come to this.

There is a common malady that occurs to Piccolo Spoleto artists approximately 10-11 days into the show, brought on, in part, by high degrees of heat and humidty. This is known as "Second Week Piccolo Spoleto Art Show Syndrome" and is frequently exacerbated by negative economic conditions directly affecting the 100+ artists in Marion Square. The syndrome can occur anytime, anywhere during the second week, suddenly, with no warning, and tends to manifest in a variety of ways, such as the milk bottle marketing strategy pictured above. We happen to know the 2 fine artists pictured above, together with the fact that they are flying to Santa Fe, NM in July, renting a car and setting our for 8 days of plein air painting. It is our fervent hope that they will have recovered enough from the syndrome to effectively change planes, follow maps, directions in the desert (you get the drift)...In any event, the syndrome has brought them $2.00 so far, and they would be the first to tell you that, in their (syndrome-driven) opinion, the marketing strategy has already begun to pay off. In fact, some of the other artists in close proximity have been overheard planning their own strategies and launch dates on cardboard. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

The syndrome was manifesting in other areas of the park as well:

She just couldn't take it anymore.

This is a serious case.
Is he locking people out? or locking himself in?

Not Syndrome Driven - Just a Good Party.
Kathy Clark, Janice Waring, Scott Penninger, Anna Penninger, Dwain Ray

However, even in the second week, the show goes on. The free art demonstrations are excellent, and Rick Reinert worked big today, toning his canvas red yesterday, and thrilling his audience (of which there were a goodly number) with an oil demonstration of a downtown nocturne street scene - great perspective, this guy really knows what he's doing! One interesting note about our demonstrations - sometimes the teaching will be in response to a question from the audience, but this year I've really noticed how generous our artists are with sharing their knowledge of art, theory and technique. Here we see Rick about mid-way through his demo:

Rick Reinert Demonstration

Day 10 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2009-05-31T21:52:00.014-04:00

First Place - Zernie Smith with "3 Times Zeta"

Second Place - Tyler Blanton with "Gabriel's Whisper"

Third Place - Scott Henderson with "Edge of America"

Above are the top three winners in the Art Show - Congratulations, Zernie, Tyler & Scott!

We had more free art demonstrations today at 11 am and 2:30 pm. Below is Hilarie Lambert at 11 am beginning her oil demo of 2 red peppers on a green napkin.

And below, we see it progressing:

At 2:30 p.m., we had an oil demo by James Christopher Hill:

Chris is known for his dramatic landscapes, and here you see him blocking in, then blending, these vibrant colors:

Great artists not only think alike, they sometimes dress alike-today was black and white...
Christie Crosby, Sabine Alavacade and Jane Jackson
-did they plan this or was it
serendipity?

About 4:30, after listening to the bluegrass band in Marion Square, 2 of my favorite newlyweds came to visit:

Marianne and Kent McAvoy

Finally it's time to pack up, close the tent and head home to Mr. Mullet, the cat who owns me and gets to sleep in air conditioning all day long...

mr. mullet

Day 9 - Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2009-05-30T22:15:00.014-04:00

Mayor's Award - Best in Show - Top of the Line 2009

Will Heglar for "Always Green"

Pictured above is Will Heglar and his top award-winning artwork "Always Green" inspired by Jeremiah 17:7-8. Not only did Will win $2500, this piece becomes part of the City of Charleston's permanent collection and will hang in Mayor Riley's office for a year and then rotate to other public buildings owned by the City government. Congratulations, Will!

Today was not as humid as yesterday, in fact, it was quite pleasant with lots of activity in Marion Square, including the Farmers' Market. One of the best parts of being in the show is having old friends show up not just to visit but also to encourage us:

Charles and Gloria Rice - in town from vacation at their Edisto Beach house

Maureen Williams and family, Michele and Riley (with the pink bow) Kennealy

Ken and Debbie Johnson

Philip Clarke, Downtown Attorney, on his Saturday Lunch Break

3 Generations of Wilson Girls
Boo Wilson, Caroline and Callie Sanders

Then we had free art demonstrations again today, starting the morning off with Christy Crosby and her exquisite lowcountry oils:

Christy Crosby and beginning of "Sienna Sky"

Kevin LePrince also gave an demonstration in oil in the afternoon. He forgot to bring his tube of white paint, but I understand friend and artist Rick Reinert came to the rescue!

Kevin LePrince painting "Water Lily"

Later I had a great surprise when my friend Stephen Dauway showed up from Orangeburg with his brother Justin and sister Gabrielle. I moved next to his grandfather, Floyd Gordon, the year Stephen was one year old, and we've been great friends ever since. Spoleto isn't Spoleto unless Stephen and his family show up!

Stephen, Justin and Gabrielle Dauway

I've heard a lot from my dentist, Dale Finkbine, about his first grandchild and today I met Louisa who showed up at Marion Square with her mother, Amy, whom I've known for years. Louisa's good friend, Molly, is artist Jane Jackson's granddaughter. It seems the world keeps getting smaller:

Louisa and Molly, Best Friends

Day 8 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2009-05-29T22:42:00.007-04:00

DEMO DUEL

Karen Hewitt Hagan & Tate Nation had a captive audience for their "Demo Dual" today - above you see them busy painting the same image but not allowed to see the others. What fun - they each have distinctive and wonderful styles - Everyone enjoyed! The paintings below are close to being finished -here is Karen's:
and here is Tate's:

Today was by far the most hot and humid of our days here this year. But friends coming by made it more palatable:

Phyllis Nelson and Kathy Raymond

and then my friend the new doctor who just graduated from the Medical University of SC came by with friend to talk art, abstract and color:

Elizabeth Edwards, the new doctor, and Jeff Stine, NJ attorney

Day 7 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit

2009-05-28T22:58:00.005-04:00

Sisters Erin and Megan Skinner

Erin Skinner came by today and brought her sister, Megan. Erin graduates from Wando next Friday and is going to attend the College of Charleston this fall. She is a talented artist and we met several months ago when an art teacher at Wando suggested she show me her work and discuss her vision with me. She posted part of her portfolio on Facebook and emailed me to go see it, and it was exciting to see how she worked her vision out in various pieces, all stunning! Megan is studying science at and playing soccer for Presbyterian College, and she just returned from Scotland with the soccer team from PC. Lots of talent in this family!

Rick Reinert's Palette

Come by Marion Square between now and Saturday 6/4/09. 2 Art Demonstrations a day- a great way to get free art lessons. In addition, lots of artists paint out at the show, so you'll see lots of messy palettes and lots of fine art!

Day 6 - Piccolo Spoleto Art Show

2009-05-27T22:03:00.004-04:00

Floyd Gordon with Merit Award for "The Bass"

Floyd is my art show neighbor, and a wonderful artist. He won last year, too. His palettes are works of art, and last year he gave me one that hangs in my studio:

A relatively quiet day - I was at work in the air conditioning, but the word was that the heat was tolerable, and Marion Square was quiet. Hopefully tomorrow there will still be good weather and the art show won't be too quiet!

Day 5, Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show

2009-05-26T21:26:00.004-04:00

Pat and Mr. Pippin are back!

Pat Creighton has sold my art for more than 17 years - she works for me 3 days a week at the outdoor art show each year and saves me a little vacation time at the law firm where I work 30 hours a week. Mr. Pippin comes with her each day, and he's a big hit with the other artists and customers alike. Flash those soulful big brown eyes and sell my art, Mr. Pippin!

When I got to the show around 4pm today, Sheryl Stalnaker was still working on her 2:30 demo:

and it looks like it's close to being finished.

Sabine Alvacade, one of the artists next door to me, is from Provence, so I spent the rest of the afternoon looking through one of her books on the area and daydreaming about going over to paint there someday. The feet for today are Sabine's:

french feet

Day 4 - Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show

2009-05-25T23:07:00.009-04:00

Thankfully we had no rain - what a beautiful Memorial Day - sitting in the park under a tree, listening to the concert, seeing old friends, making new ones and gratefully acknowledging those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we and our children could truly live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Morning Demo - Carol Gardner - Mixed Media Collage

Here is Carol with her demonstration of collage mixed media, using acrylic paint full strength on the canvas, then creating an abstract design with handmade paper. She then paints a previously painted image in acrylic on gessoed watercolor paper and glues that on to her base. Fascinating - for all of us who love the freedom and fun of working in layers, collage is a great way to go!

Cas and Theresa Caserta

My very good friends, the Casertas from NC, came and spent most of the day with me and treated me to a delicious picnic lunch in the park. We keep in touch during the year but always meet up during Spoleto for a visit. I always look forward to connecting with them this time of the year and sharing what's happened between Spoletos. Another reason why today is special.

So, in closing tonight,

it's all for one and one for all...

Day 3 - Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show

2009-05-24T23:17:00.008-04:00

Rain Day (mostly)

The downfall of rain started last night and was heavy when I woke up so I just went back to sleep. Ran some errands between intermittant rain and went down to Marion Square and opened around 3:30 pm. A good number of artists had opened around 11 a.m. and stayed throughout the day. I put my poles on and they work great - this started because Tim Greaves (an artist right across from me) is also an attorney in Greenville, SC so his wife, Georgia has tent duty all week long and he drives down for the weekend - here they are below:
Since Georgia needed to fold up the sides of the tent by herself, a friend of theirs, Gregg Anderson, attached the poles to Tim's tent, and all it took was for one of us to notice what an easy time Georgia was having with the sides, and I immediately went and told Carol who then went and told Hilarie (see the previous post). Good ideas spread like wildfire through an art show. Thank you for your idea, Gregg:

Gregg and Mary Leslie Anderson standing in front of really fine art...

In spite of the rain, everyone was in relatively good spirits, including Artists Vicki Ellis (also our art show coordinator) and Jane Jackson.

And so, until tomorrow...

Day 2 - Piccolo Spoleto Ourdoor Art Show

2009-05-24T00:36:00.009-04:00

PVC Pipe Changes 3 Artists Lives

Yes, it's amazing what pvc means to progress. If you're an artist in an outdoor show, there will be times that you have to roll up the sides of your tent by yourself - this is no easy task, and the level of difficulty rises according to the height of the artist. But pvc has come to the rescue! Hilarie Lambert's husband John bought 12 10" pvc pipes for Hilarie, Carol Gardner and myself at 7am Sat morning and delivered them in his truck to the park for us to attach to the bottom of our tent sides, and now we can roll up our sides in an orderly fashion in record time - the less stress, the happier we are as artists - thank you, John!

Below is a picture of Tyrone, who helps several of us set up and close up during Spoleto, demonstrating with Carol Gardner how neatly the sides will roll up.

And here is Hilarie Lambert, wife of the pole deliverer, with her award-winning "Struttin'":

Georgeous weather, and the early part of the day was filled with friends, customers - the Charleston Farmers Market is open and as always, on the first Saturday, the Seed and Feed Band. Lots of excitement, energy and enthusiasm!

Later, good friends from Charlotte arrived:

Bonnie Chavda, Aaron Chavda and Destiny Decker

and our day of adventure began.... Aaron Chavda is a talented and emerging artist and we went to meet with Rebekah Jacob at her gallery on King Street. Rebekah, with her engaging personality, talent, education and professionalism is one of those people whose lives radiate into all areas of fine art. So, loaded with resources from Rebekah, we set out on our trek to scope out and hopefully connect with the emerging art scene in Charleston, and were fortunate to meet up with Mike Elder of Eye Level Art - you simply cannot be around Mike and what he's doing without getting excited about what's breaking forth in this area with emerging artists and the opportunities to see and experience the new and fresh talent in this area. A high point of our day was getting to check out Mike's new venue at 103 Spring Street!

At the end of the day, we closed my tent and set out for dinner, a celebration between good friends, the gift of adventure and the shared anticipation and gratitude for the good things waiting around the corner!

Seven Feet are Better than One

and
a Guaranty of Going Places

It's PIccolo Spoleto 2009!

2009-05-22T23:24:00.005-04:00

One Step at a Time is the secret
to a 16 day outdoor art show...

It's Day 1 of the Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Show 2009 - a beauty of a day, especially after all the rain earlier this week. Now the tent is up! (along with over 100 other artists juried into this show, which, by the way, is one of the largest and the longest outdoor art shows in the southeastern United States.)

The paintings hang, beckoning the buyers, that rare breed of people these days with purchasing power. The first day is awards day, everyone is on best behavior, toenails even get painted - what more could one want?

"Psalm 24: 1-6"

2009-02-05T20:24:00.003-05:00

Original Mixed Media Collage

Worship Painting

15" x 22" As Is - $150.00

Double Matted to 22" x 28" - $175.00

Painted last evening at the 6:30 St. Andrews service, another of my "Water and the Word" series. I had a vision of above and the scripture which came to mind was "The earth is the Lord's..." which is the beginning of Psalm 24 as I know it in the New International Version. Looking the passage up in The Message, I really liked the language and decided to use that translation as the background. With all the uncertainty in the world today, I find that I need to be reminded of the truth of God's sovereignty.

"Santa Fe Song"

2009-01-05T22:21:00.006-05:00

3" x 5"

Mixed Media Collage
Matted in Black to 8" x 10" - $75.00

I'm ready to go back to Santa Fe!

"Seven Spirits of God III"

2009-01-04T23:00:00.005-05:00

Mixed Media
8" x 8"
12" x 12" Framed - $150

A recurring theme I work with from Isaiah 11. Instead of gold paint, I worked on handmade watercolor paper with gold gilt, an Italian red oil paint as the base and PVA glue for the size.

"Got Rhythm?"

2009-01-03T23:16:00.003-05:00

5" x 7"
Mixed Media
$75.00

A dance with paper, paint, pencil and paste.

"Ancient Ground"

2009-01-02T22:39:00.004-05:00

6" x 8"
Mixed Media
$75.00

An experimental piece
using color and texture to ponder
the new and the now
in light of
the ancient foundations of time, life, the world...

"Angel Choir Collage"

2009-01-02T00:20:00.004-05:00

Mixed Media Collage
6" x 6"
$50.00

Here's to a Happy New Year in 2009!

"Psalm 52:8 - Olive Tree"

2008-12-14T23:34:00.005-05:00

Original Mixed Media Collage
Worship Painting

15" x 22" - SOLD

Part of the Water into Word series, this was painted at a conference focusing on intercession at Light of Christ Church in Marietta, Georgia yesterday. At the Church of All Nations in the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem, the olive trees are extremely old and have massive trunks. On one side of the church near the doors is a wall of stone with olive trees planted in the ground above the wall. In reality the trees above the wall are not as old as those in the garden on the other side and certainly not as massive as the one in this painting. I wanted to paint this tree as weathered, substantial, strong, green and alive. The olive tree is a symbol of the anointing of God. One of the conference participants asked me what the wall represented. I didn't have a particular reason (not unusual for me as an artist...) other than having seen the wall at Gethesmane and wanting to use it in the artwork. She, however, had thought it was the wall of intercession, and I told her I thought she was right. I think worship painting in church or at a conference is not just about what God inspires me to paint or what I interpret the meaning to be - it's also about what he speaks to others through it, and in this case, it is a great example of how he gave someone else an interpretative element of the painting that brought a deeper significance to it, especially regarding the gift and ministry of intercession.

"Feed My Sheep"

2008-11-28T23:10:00.005-05:00

Original Mixed Media Collage
Worship Painting

15" x 22"
Matted to 22" x 28" - NFS

Painted Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the 6:30 p.m. service. The cross and the rock are from Tabgha in Israel, both inside the Chapel of Peter's Primacy on the Sea of Galilee, the traditional site of Jesus' third appearance to the disciples after the resurrection - the place where he stood on the shore and prepared breakfast for his disciples - the place of Peter's reinstatement. After denying Jesus 3 times before the crucifixion, it is here by the Galilee that Jesus prompts Peter to proclaim 3 times his love for Jesus, with Jesus' instruction to "feed my sheep." This painting is being donated to St. Andrews' mission outreach auction, at it's annual "Fishin' for a Mission" to help raise money to "feed His sheep."

"Healing"

2008-11-20T21:40:00.004-05:00

Original Mixed Media Collage - SOLD
Worship Painting

15" x 22" As Is - $150.00
Double Matted to 22" x 28" - $175.00

Another in my "Water and Word Series" - painted last evening at the St. Andrews 6:30 service. Tuesday night in prayer, I clearly saw the dove (which looks more like an angel now) with outstretched wings as though "hovering." Then I associated this with my photo of a dove perched (without the wings outstretched) on top of the white stone ruins at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. Since that site has always been associated with healing (the sick believed that an angel "stirred the water"), I felt that God's heart at the Wed service might include healing.

"Temple Pillar"

2008-11-06T23:40:00.004-05:00

Original Mixed Media Collage

Worship Painting

15" x 22" As Is - $150.00
Double Matted to 22" x 28" - $175.00

Painted last night at the 6:30 St. Andrews service. I've decided to call these collages, 5 to date, my "Water and the Word" series because I'm using watercolor on top of heavy watercolor paper which I've previously gessoed and "scriptured" (my new art term for pasting scripture on paper, canvas or anything else I want to paint on). With these paintings, I've either (1) received an image or thought and then searched for related scripture or (2) received the word or scripture first, then decided how to interpret that through image, color and line.

The scripture is 1 Kings 7:15-22 about the 2 pillars standing out in front of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. Each pillar had a name: "Boaz" probably meaning (from the NIV notes) "in him is strength" and "Jakin" probably meaning "he establishes." At one point during the service, Dwight Huthwaite, our worship leader, felt that we were to pray for leaders, and I felt a connection between the prayer and the artwork. I believe that true leaders are established only by God. And the wise leader realizes that to truly lead, he can never rely on his own strength, he must rely on God's strength.

"Psalm 91: 1-10"

2008-10-29T23:52:00.004-04:00

Original Mixed Media Collage
Worship Painting

15" x 11" As Is - $150.00
Double Matted to 22" x 28" - $175.00

I painted this collage tonight at our worship service. I have a friend who frequently uses Psalm 91 as a prayer and proclamation of God's love and protection, and there are times that I've found myself singing in my mind a song that is based on this psalm. Psalm 91 is one of my favorites, and in times of uncertainty, a most comforting reminder that God has my welfare at heart and promises to look after me and my loved ones.

"Living Stones"

2008-10-29T23:23:00.004-04:00

Original Mixed Media Collage
Worship Painting

15" x 11" As Is - $150.00
Double Matted to 22" x 28" - $175.00

Although I painted this Wednesday, October 15th, I didn't get it back until recently to photograph. I lent it to a friend leading a retreat for a women's worship team to use as an example of creativity as a means of worship.

I am drawn to the ancient mosaics which constitute much of the early Judeo and Christian art that has survived the centuries, and in church the previous Sunday I was struck by the imagery evoked by the "living stones" theme in 1 Peter 2:5. Often I feel part of a greater "pattern" or mosaic, and while I may not see or understand in full, I'm called to let God place me where he wants. I don't have to fit perfectly or even prettily, which is good because I don't much of the time - I'm just supposed to bring myself and my gifts and become part of his picture.

"Cherries in Black & Yellow Oriental Tea Cup"

2008-10-05T23:14:00.004-04:00

Original Watercolor
16" x 20"
Double Matted - $195 - SOLD

This was my demonstration yesterday at the gallery, as advertised for the French Quarter 20th Anniversary. I finished it at home last evening, matted it and took it to the gallery today in case anyone from yesterday wanted to see the finished product. My new friends from North Carolina, Sherri and Dickie had been in the gallery yesterday and seen this painting in progress. They came by our brunch before heading home and it went home with them.

"Back Road, Edisto" (Watercolor) by Amelia Whaley

2008-10-03T21:40:00.004-04:00

Original Watercolor
Framed 16" x 20"
$350.00

Inspired by my grandmother's oil painting in the previous post.

"Back Road, Edisto" (Oil) by Edna Reed Whaley

2008-10-03T21:05:00.005-04:00

Photograph of original Oil by Edna Reed Whaley (1884-1979)

Edna Reed Whaley is my grandmother who was born in New Orleans. She graduated with an art degree from Sophie Newcomb College in 1903, married Marcellus Seabrook Whaley of Edisto Island, SC and moved to Columbia, SC.

Petite and energetic, Mrs. Whaley was known for her dedication and passion toward the causes she embraced. Her husband, Judge Whaley, was her advocate and most ardent champion.

Talented and versatile, Mrs. Whaley worked in oil, watercolor, charcoal, pen and ink, woodblock printing, etching and pottery. Her subject matter was varied including still life, landscape and portraits. Many of her landscapes were inspired by summers at Edisto Beach, SC.

In addition to painting and teaching art classes, Mrs. Whaley restored many of the historic oil portraits housed in South Carolina collections.

Mrs. Whaley was one of the founders of the Columbia Art Association and one of 4 founders of the Columbia Museum of Art. She was a member of the Columbia Art Association Advisory Board, the Columbia Artist Guild and the Quill Club. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, Georgia and the Vanderpoel Art Museum in Chicago.

Courtyard Art Gallery, of which I am a member, is part of Charleston's French Quarter 20th Anniversary Celebration this weekend, "The Charleston Experience: A Walk Through Time". Our gallery chose the sub-theme "The Past is Ever Present," and we each highlighted a short biography of and painted an artwork inspired by the work of an artist from the past who lived in Charleston or had Charleston connections.

The next post will have my watercolor inspired by the above oil painting.

Fragrant Offering

2008-09-17T23:54:00.006-04:00

Original Mixed Media Collage

15" x 11"
Wednesday night Worship Painting

Doublematted to 22"x28" and Framed for $250.00

Flowers, especially roses, have come up in images, thoughts and dreams in the last few days, and I wanted to do something a bit different than just paint "a rose" in watercolor or acrylic at the worship service this evening. My thought processes, especially in relation to the worship art, are rarely linear and logical. At some point today, the phrase "fragrant offering" crossed my mind and resonated inside me, and I went to a bible concordance for the scriptural use of that phrase and the word "fragrance." I took many of the scripture verses, put them in a font and size I felt would be appropriate for the background and printed them on acid-free paper. At church before the service, I tore the edges and glued the papers to a piece of gessoed 300 lb watercolor paper and left them to dry until the service started, then blocked in the rose with watercolor and painted in acrylic, rubbing out and using the paint thinly to keep the words readable.

It occurred to me right before the service began that this was about the third time I've experimented with media and new techniques during the worship service, and perhaps it might be smarter to try it out beforehand to make sure it works...but this always occurs to me way too late. The good news is that there is a great amount of freedom and encouragement from the leadlership at St. Andrews to step out and risk.

Santa Fe Study I

2008-08-11T23:38:00.003-04:00

Original Watercolor
4" x 6"

I'll be posting some of my studies from Santa Fe - what a wonderful town! Loved being there - it was so easy getting around using the transit system, "Santa Fe Trails." Above is a quick study of the steeple of San Miguel, said to be the oldest church building in America.

Fresco Workshop - Third and Last Day

2008-08-04T01:13:00.003-04:00

Grinding Pigments, Making Paste

Today was our last workshop day, and we painted Secco Fresco, i.e., painting on the dried fresco panel. We took turns grinding the pigments and making paste, then making egg emulsion to use as the binder for the pigment to create our final efforts and finish our fresco paintings.

"Fini"

This was truly a fantastic workshop, and the whole class wants George and Tanya to have a follow-up workshop. Making new friends, participating in this ancient art, making plans to continue in fresco - this has been a great experience!

Fresco Workshop - Second Day Instruction and Work

2008-08-03T02:01:00.006-04:00

Pigments Prepared, Ready and Waiting

Today we concentrated more on grinding the pigments before mixing them with water, as yesterday, we were painting a cartoon and today we paint buon fresco ("buon" meaning "wet" as opposed to "secco" meaning "dry"). No need for a binder, such as gum arabic used to make watercolor, as the chemical reaction fuses the wet pigment and the lime. The paint needs to be ready as there is no time to waste when we start painting the fresco.

Heidi Transferring the Image by Incision

We made more plaster by mixing the lime putty with sand and knocking that up, saturing the plaster on our panels with water so it would accept the final layer of plaster, the Intonaco, putting that on, smoothing air bubbles out, floating it and allowing the plaster to set enough that incising the image would not disturb the plaster.

It was interesting that some of us had over-saturated the initial plastered surface, running into issues with drying time, and even a few situations where the intonaco was removed and a new intonaco layer put down. My layer was too thick, so I spent time scraping excess plaster off. One of the best parts (although frustrating at times) of a workshop is having problems arise and "hands on" problem-solving.

Detail of Incision and First Background Application of Paint

As you continue painting these initial layers fast, all of a sudden, there is a tangible difference in how the surface accepts the paint. There is no resistance; in fact, the surface embraces the paint, and it's as though the painter, pigment and plaster have gotten to know, respect and trust one another. Suddenly "the dance" enters another dimension.

Until Tomorrow