"Blue Ridge Clouds Sheep" has been SOLD to a buyer from New Jersey! Thank you so much. This original 22" X 28" oil painting on a stretched canvas frame is shipping out today. For additional originals and prints, visit my Etsy site here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1462408022/studio-sale-original-oil-painting?click_key=a1770be114ec0bc46f2e6c4906799988f8f406c7%3A1462408022&click_sum=8ea4385e&ref=shop_home_active_15&pro=1
“Blue Ridge Clouds Sheep No. 2” Sold, by Catherine Twomey
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.
It was a hike through the Botanical Gardens in Asheville to get down to this stream. It was so worth the effort, however - look at those reflections! and those shadows! Exquisite. I wouldn't have thought this would happen, but once other hikers saw us, they too clamoured down the banks to talk and watch. Sometimes that's annoying, but this day was so perfect; so peaceful - that I welcomed their happy presence and delighted in their kind support. Watercolor on archival board.Just added "Serenity Stream" to my Singulart gallery here: https://www.singulart.com/en/artworks/catherine-twomey-serenity-stream-1670035
Oil, 8” X 16” on archival panel.
There is a definite wonder in going to the trouble of painting outside. Everything about the experience is fresher, cleaner (unless you step on your solvent jar, which I just did) and the colors are unmatched. Yes, the weather was somewhat dangerous with thunderstorms all around this lake. However, knowing that, I felt highly charged to choose my painting spot, quickly decide on the composition and squint for optimal color matching. The sun poked in and out; lots of people walking by wanted to talk - but I had to focus and get it down instinctively and purely. And so it goes.
16 X 20” oil on linen panel; 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.
When the pandemic gets me down, these are the moments I turn to - Plein air painting in Yosemite about five years ago. Hiked up to that ledge where there were still snow remnants in June. That slope was so steep that one slip or dropped brush was over the side with a 100 or 200' drop. Worth it tho - look at Yosemite Falls back there! Thinking of California burning and overheated today and hoping when this misery ends, we will save the earth. It's worth it.
12 X 16”, archival Canson Board
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.
12 X 16” North Shore, Anna Marie Island
I’ve escaped to a painting sabbatical on the Gulf of Mexico. For two weeks now, daily, it’s been dog walking, biking and painting, especially along Sarasota Bay. There is nothing like color and values as a challenge to keep up the drawing skills and rapid response to a changing environment.
This painting was sold a while ago, but I’m happy to say it lives on. “Sedona Afternoon Sun” is currently being added to the Mission Hospital Advanced Medicine Collection.
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.
“Dam, Kenilworth Lake, After the Rains” 11X14”, oil plein air
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!
12 X 12”, Carrera Marble Lion on the Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine, Florida
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.
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.
This lion is in the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine, Florida. I just loved the idea of them (there are two matching statues). They’re made of Carrera marble, and elegantly guard the Matanzas river near downtown. The city began in 1565! No, really. This is 12X12” on canvas. This is a work in progress, painted plein air.
It’s always wonderful to get back to some plein air painting. I love when people walking by stop and comment while giving encouragement. The Gulf of Mexico was wild today, with 3 - 4’ waves and lots of surfers in wet suits (it’s got to be cold) trying out their boards. I loved this jetty jutting out into the ocean, and the way the waves angled off of it. This is a WIP/Work In Progress, but it’s getting there.
12X12” on archival canvas and board.
12X12’, painting at Coquina Beach Park
I wish I knew enough about palms to guess how old these two are. They’ve (obviously) bent in the wind and are guarding the inlet into Sarasota Bay. The Bay, I recently learned, is only about four feet deep and full of grasslands and wildlife.
A year of joyful art making, experimentation and an exciting new direction. Thank you to the supporters, collectors, encouragers and laugh-makers who inspired me along the way! Happy Holidays and a 2019 with less drama and more truth-telling.
Thank you to the collector of this piece, painted live along Skyline Drive in the Piedmont Area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Shenandoah National Park. Made me feel like an angel as the warm summer breezes overcame my easel and me. I loved the patterns; the repetition of shapes and most of all, the color of these mountains. See the sheep cloud to the upper right? My eye finally found him after I thought I was done, but he's welcome to stay.
To view this and other available prints, click here:
I’m missing summer right now - it’s about 20 degrees out, with a big wind - and this is one of my favorite summer places. Idyllic, yes, but puts a brain in a good place.
From right now (11/2) until Sunday evening at midnight Fine Art America is offering FREE SHIPPING to any U.S. destination! Please click here to order prints:
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/catherine-twomey
Including this new painting, "Saw Mill Hill Road, Vermont Autumn" (12"X12") which is also available for sale.
