"Through The Marsh Grass"

I woke up this morning realizing that Sam & Morgan's wedding is just 4 1/2 weeks away! To think that I will have everyone home (Casey & Jonah, and the "French Contingent") for Christmas is the most wonderful feeling - and to know that all I will be doing is cooking for everyone, thrills me. I already have my orders for cutout cookies, curry cheese melts and sticky buns. My Mom has her orders for her infamous Rum Cake...the stress being on the "rum" part. No driving after two pieces!

In the meantime, I have been having great joy painting marshes again. I was talking to Mark Horton a few weeks back and we were agreeing that after traveling so much and painting France and Italy paintings, it is really nice to paint the low country again.

I had gone out with some friends to paint during the week down at Edisto (thank you Dana, Almeda & Chris for your wonderful company!) and have had such a great time in the studio working on them since. The 40x40 is case in point - I loved working on the color of the water, the grasses and their reflections, and while it looked really great on my living room wall, it's down at the I. Pinckney Simons Gallery in Beaufort now.

Back to Marshes

I've had great fun this week, working on a commission (30x40) for a couple in Hilton Head. Commissions pose their own challanges, as you want to listen carefully to what the client wants, and still create something that is your own voice - blending the two together. I think because I worked as a graphic designer for years, I like the process of collecting the information from all concerned, and finding a solution that makes everyone happy. It's very rewarding.

I'm also loving painting the marshes again - more on that on the next blog.....

Portrait a Week

As some of you know, I've been traveling a bit back and forth to Upstate New York dealing with some family issues. Ergo, no postings of late. But before I left, I decided that I was going to paint one portrait a week, to challenge myself and my painting. Janie Sylvan was my first "victim". Ever since I saw this wonderful kimono on her at the Heart Ball a year ago, I have been trying to schedule us to get together.

I had a wonderful time - not just the painting part, but the experience of getting to know Jane. Hope I did her justice.

Anyone interested in sitting for me, just let me know!

Sylvan Gallery