Catherine Twomey Contributes to a PAPA PBS Documentary

As a member of Preserving A Picturesque America (https://preservationthroughart.org/) yesterday I joined three other plein air painters at the Biltmore Estate on the Wisteria Terrace. As we painted we were filmed and then interviewed about our work and PAPA for an upcoming PBS Documentary. It was a most spectacular day, fortunately, and although I have almost no memory of what I said in the interview, I hope I did PAPA proud - I know they make me proud.

Painting, getting filmed and interviewed for a PBS documentary this morning at Biltmore. Four plein air painters for Preserving a Picturesque America hard at work.

Jeff the cameraman from LA, preparing to shoot with his 30# camera.

The wisteria that captured my heart and eye; along with Mt. Pisgah.

Almost finished, always one more thing to do....9 X 12" oil on Artefex canvas over aluminum panel with Michael Harding oils.

"Lilified 1.0" by Catherine Twomey

“Lilified 1.0” 6 X 6” custom framed, ready to hang. Oil on panel.

This richly detailed portrait of a home grown lily from my garden is 6" X 6", an oil. It is in a floating, custom frame that gives weight and additional beautiful to the original painting. There's something about these lilies that spells "summer" - can you imagine the insects flitting about; the sun's heat on your arms; the bright burst of yellow that lasts but one day? This is it. The frame is a stunning greenish-grey, with a copper inset that edges the painting panel. The frame's border is 3", making the painting about 14" X 14". It is backed, wired and ready to hang.

"Young Mountain Laurel" Sold, by Catherine Twomey

Thanks so much to the Virginia Beach purchaser of "Young Mountain Laurels," a 27" X 36" oil on panel piece. When I moved in five years ago I didn't know what this beautiful little plant/bush was (flatlander) but I guess I live in the mountains now! For additional prints: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/young-mountain-laurels-catherine-twomey.html #stilllife #mountainlaurel #pleinairstilllife #catherinetwomey1 #pinkblossoms #creativemark

"Roots, Trees Rocks" Watercolor by Catherine Twomey

”Roots, Trees, Rocks” watercolor plein air, painted at Lamar Alexander State Park in Tennessee. This is 10 X 15” on Crescent Board.

Painted live on site at the Lamar Alexander State Park in Tennessee. This was painted alongside a raging brook full of trout. A most soothing atmosphere and beautiful scene.

"French Broad River Afternoon" by C. Twomey Available

I just tried to add this recently finished plein air painting to “Available” but the software has changed and won’t save it. If you’re interested, please contact me at 262-893-4126 (USA).

Over several late in the afternoon days, I met with a friend along the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina. Setting my easel up on the bank of this mighty river, I was able to focus intensively on the composition and light as the sun slowly receded behind my back. Kayakers, hikers and wildlife came by to say hello and wish me well.

I learned so much while I painted here! At first glance, the scene was overwhelming with great detail and multiple compositions to choose from. The distant mountains were affected by the atmosphere, so I knew I wanted to include them. The river is fast moving and it runs in the wrong direction, so I had to capture that. Squinting helped; as did not getting bogged down in detail and complexity. What a glorious way to spend several late afternoons and evenings.

"Vines of the Ocean" by C. Twomey

The real plein air experience. How dare those people sit there!

When the weather is good along the Gulf of Mexico, the water turns a most intriguing green, blue, turquoise and the sky clouds burst up throughout the day. Painting outside, en plein air, is most challenging. At the same time, it's delightfully fun. While I painted this, the beach became increasingly crowded. It became a spontaneous party. A few times, a frisbee flew into the vicinity and I let loose with a big, "Hey!". Fortunately, apologies were offered. After around three hours, a dune buggy arrived suddenly with two policeman. Apparently I was on a no-alcohol beach. The crowd scattered, the police checked ID's and yelled - then within minutes, I was the only human left. I missed the people stopping by to see what I was doing, but at the same time, the quiet was welcome. I learned later that these waters are known as "Shark Alley." No skinny dipping was going on. This painting is 12 X 16 on archival Canson Board. It is unframed but ready to be tastefully framed.

"Last Glad of the Season" by C. Twomey

5 X 10.5”, watercolor on Winsor & Newton #120 paper; Available HERE

Slowly recovering from some foot surgery. Got a good prognosis from the doctor on Thursday, but two more weeks of slow walking and elevating. In the meantime, the kids next door are getting ready for school and the garden is looking weary. This beautiful stalk popped up this week and I had to paint its portrait. I will miss the flowers, but the Black Eyed Susan’s are going strong.

Enjoying The Summer: Gladiolus & Echinacea, Work In Progress

Original oil, 18 X 24” on RayMar archival board, in progress

Days like today are difficult to match. I hunkered down right in my front yard, amidst the flowers, bees and various critters (including interested neighbors!). Thank goodness for the umbrella! I’ve been waiting for these flowers since spring, and they’ve gained twice their size since last summer. Nothing like a little fertilizer to make for happy plants. I’ll post the final when I’m finished.

Thank You to the Collector! "Bleak House Barn No. 3" by C. Twomey

Very thankful for the collector of this print from Charlottesville, VA! I wandered around on a hot spring day, capturing many opinions of what this barn meant to the surrounding landscape. The shadows pointing to the strong design of the barn pulled me in. 5 X 7" oil on archival linen board.

Some history for the buffs: Bleak House was a 692‑acre plantation nine miles northwest of Charlottesville. Dr. James B. Rogers (1793‑1863) purchased it from the heirs of William Michie in 1836 and built the house, which still stands, about 1854. The plantation bordered the South Fork of the Rivanna River about five miles upstream from the Hydraulic Mills. Wheat, tobacco, corn, and livestock were raised there and activities included blacksmithing and textile production.

For prints, please visit: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/catherine-twomey.html

Plein Air Painting At Cram Gardens, Kenilworth Lake

Had a spectacular time this morning painting at the gorgeous Cram Gardens in Asheville. Hosted by Blue Spiral Gallery, 50 or so plein air painters enjoyed a beautiful morning and 80 degree temps to hike the estate and select one of a million lovely places to paint. Hope to go back again soon!

"The Bridge of Lions, A Sentinel" C. Twomey Original Art

One of the first sunny days I landed in St. Augustine, I grabbed my easel and painted this noble guard. There are four lions guarding the bridge; they’re made of imported Carerra marble and are stunning in their majesty. This sketch took about two hours.

"North Beach, Early Morning" C. Twomey Original

12 X 16” acrylic on canvas board. Available.

This plein air painting was a joy to do. I set up early and within an hour was surrounded by friendly people from Indiana, Quebec, Minnesota…..I loved the angles of the beach, waves and dunes here, so that is what I focused on. I’ll be able to shoot this with better lighting when I get home next week - this is a bit pink.

"St. Augustine Blue On Blue Door" C. Twomey

Cannot complain about a day spent wandering around this ancient town, then finding this extraordinary doorway. Oh the secrets it could tell! The striking blue, oranges, yellows and whitewashed wall were wonderfully complaint as I painted away. St. Augustine was founded in 1565, and apparently there are a lot of mysteries around town.

"St. Augustine Courtyard Guardian Doors" C. Twomey

12 X 20”, acrylic on archival canvas.

One of the most intriguing things about St. Augustine is its history. Throughout the city there are ancient, original doors guarding homes, gardens, courtyards and businesses. I wonder - how long have these beautiful doors been guarding this courtyard? 300 years? More?

"Coquina Beach, Waves and Sun" by C. Twomey

12X12” archival canvas, Work In Progress.

Making some progress on this piece. Studying waves is a science unto itself, but very interesting and challenging. And that turquoise!

"Buck Mountain Vineyards" SOLD, Thanks To The Collector!

Very grateful to the collector of this artwork! This 15”X18” print was sold to a fine person from Parker, Colorado.

The original was a plein air painting done along Buck Mountain Road near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.

For additional information or to purchase prints, please see:

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/vineyard-blue-ridge-on-buck-mountain-road-virginia-catherine-twomey.html

"Two Palms, Coquina Beach, Early Morning" Sold, C. Twomey

Thank you very much to the collector from Tallahasse! This plein air painting was recently completed at one of my favorite spots along the gulf. The shade spots disappeared as the morning went on, so I painted the early and reflexively. So many wonderful people stopped by to say hello and offer to pose! There are a lot of nice people in the world.

Sold: "Point Reyes, Ca, Drakes Beach Estuary, Midday Tide" C. Twomey Watercolor

Thanks very much to collector of this watercolor plein air painting. This is the Point Reyes, CA estuary, a most beautiful place full of birds, sea lions and peace. This was my first trip to the astounding Point Reyes National Seashore preserve, about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco. I hiked all over the area, and painted this sitting on a hill looking towards the cliffs, watching as the midday tide began to waft in. The gulls and seals were talking to me for the several hours while I painted.

Please follow this link if you are interested in prints of my work:

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/point-reyes-ca-drakes-beach-estuary-midday-tide-watercolor-plein-air-catherine-twomey.html

"Two Boats, Bridge Street" by C. Twomey

This is a work in progress; I still want to abstract the background a lot more. Painting here was interesting - there’s the Bridge Street Inn Bar right around the corner, so some rather happy patrons stopped by to talk as I painted. It’s a lovely spot as the pelicans dived around me and boats moved in and out of the harbor.

"Two Palms On The Gulf" C. Twomey, Original Art

When I set up this morning it was the shadows and contrast that intrigued me. I’ve painted enough palms in the last few weeks to finally have the hang of their shapes and fronds. That’s the Gulf of Mexico beyond the old pier, where it’s too dangerous to swim due to the riptides. 12X12” on archival board.