WIP of the secret forest. The intriguing thing about the distant light is that’s a wall of falling water that feeds the creek. Where bears roam. 18 x 24” oil on linen panel.
Oil, 18 X 24”, the forest below the dam. Where bears roam.
Orbis: Improving Eyesight In South Africa
The people who may be interested in this post understand why I’m posting it.
For about a decade, when I was working full-time as a medical illustrator, I had a client that believed in working for good causes that coincided with my beliefs. As an independent contractor part of their team, I worked at a significantly reduced rate for a charity in New York, https://www.orbis.org/en. To better understand their mission:
“Imagine losing your sight in one of the poorest regions in the world. Where would you turn for help? With few quality eye doctors, hospitals or clinics, your chances of getting the right kind of care are small. As your sight gets worse, your chances of getting an education or earning a steady income begin to fade away…With your help and the support of our amazing volunteers, we can not only give people their sight back today, but help change the quality of ophthalmologists and build a lasting legacy of quality eye care that will ensure no one goes needlessly blind tomorrow.”
As a part of this effort, I created a large number of medical illustrations showing eye pathologies, including the ones shown here, which were distributed throughout clinics in South Africa. On my own dime, I few to South Africa to visit clinics to understand whether or not the work I was doing was being effective. The poverty and need I saw was overwhelming.
This is called giving back. It is most definitely not racism. I haven’t written about this until now, but now it needs to be heard. Thank you for your interest, and if you have the means, this is a very worthwhile charity.
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.
"Island Edge" by Catherine Twomey Sold!
THANK YOU to Blend Gallery at 67 Biltmore Ave (Asheville) for the sale of "Island Edge." This original oil was painted plein air at Bass Lake in Blowing Rock, NC - obviously a beautiful, serene place filled with happy walkers as storms came and went.
Open Studio Tour! Oct. 8 & 9, 1 Plymouth Court, Asheville!
Hope you can come and meet me at 1 Plymouth Court, Kenilworth, Asheville this Saturday and Sunday. Starting at 10, ending at 5 - it would be such a pleasure to meet you! I’ll have originals and prints, snacks & spring water. The weather is going to be PERFECT! See you there, and thanks.
The Last Hydrangea
Finishing up this oil of one of the last hydrangeas in the garden. It’s going to be 90 today, and everything is looking a bit tired and too hot (me too!). The garden colors are shifting to more subtlety, which is quite lovely and peaceful. May you stay cool, healthy and happy.
"Serenity Stream" by Catherine Twomey On Offer
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
"Island Edge" Oil by Catherine Twomey
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.
"Waterlily Hearts" by Catherine Twomey
"Waterlily Hearts" is a waterlily watercolor, about 10" X 15" on Crescent board. Painted at the Biltmore Estate, I was as fascinated with the delicacy of the design as I was the colors.
"Upper Falls Early Spring" by Catherine Twomey; Available!
North Carolina/Tennessee border. Imagine sitting for hours along the banks of a somewhat hidden creek. There are fishermen there, friendly and pulling trout out of the clean, clean water. The bugs aren't out yet because it's early spring; it's a bit cool in the morning but warming as the sun ascends. You're soothed by the literally babbling brook while completely absorbed by the task at hand. A most glorious day. Sometimes the shapes are as mesmerizing as the sound of the water! Watercolor, gouache, Arches paper, about 8" X 10".
To purchase:
https://www.catherinetwomey.com/available/upper-falls-early-spring
THANK YOU ASHEVILLE! Successful Kenilworth Artists Asso. Show!
I've finished an accounting of what I sold at the Kenilworth Artists Association Open Studio Tour - and I am so thankful for the support and interest! 31 pieces sold, some that I've had in the studio for over a decade, but that I always liked and that now have good homes! Thank you very much and I hope to really see you next year, when COVID is hopefully just a bad memory. Alright, back to replenishing the inventory.
"Point Reyes, CA, Drakes Beach Estuary, Midday Tide" watercolor on archival paper
"Point Reyes, CA, Drakes Beach Estuary, Midday Tide" by Catherine Twomey, SOLD
SOLD and thank you to the buyer from Buffalo, New York. "Point Reyes, CA, Drakes Beach Estuary, Midday Tide", watercolor plein air, 20 X 13". One of my happiest painting memories from California - may my dear friends in the Bay Area of California be safe. If you're interested in additional works, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/catherinetwomeyart?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
Paint Rock Overrun - 12 X 12” oil on archival board
"Paint Rock Overrun" - Plein Air by C. Twomey
I've finished "Paint Rock Overrun" - a plein air painted for "Preserving A Picturesque America" (https://preservationthroughart.org/) which means this is a painting with a purpose. Originally captured by artists in the late 1800's, Paint Rock (near Hot Springs, NC) since then has become overgrown and covered with graffiti, unfortunately. The day we painted, I was challenged not to paint a pretty picture, but to show what has happened and what needs to be fixed. Along the French Broad River, the rocks are now quite hidden by invasive species and overgrowth - and then there's the graffiti (don't get me started). Underneath the graffiti are fantastic Indian drawings that will need careful excavation and preservation. This is oil, 12 X 12" on archival board and will be for sale in the PAPA Exhibition this fall. Stay tuned.
Art Exhibition! Save the Date - Oct. 9 & 10!
I know it's early, but you know how time flies! If you're in town, I would love to meet and greet at 1 Plymouth Circle, Asheville on Oct. 9 & 10. It's going to be an EVENT with original art, prints, food, drinks and the kind of people you'd like to know. Save The Date! & thanks. #kenilworthartists
A Day At The Daylily Farm
A lovely, albeit hot adventure yesterday to the Blue Ridge Daylily Farm in Alexander along with the Asheville Plein Air Painters. More work to do, but such a fun group of painters in an overwhelmingly beautiful place. Oil, 16 X 20" on linen.
"Lovers Leap Reclaimed" Original Oil by C. Twomey
I've joined a wonderful group of people, Preserving A Picturesque America, whose goal is to revisit hundreds of sites across America that were documented in the like-titled book of 1857. An artist named Henry Finn set out to draw these noteworthy sites in order to help record and save them for future generations.
Recently the group has hiked to about eight sites, four paint-outs which I was able to make. What fantastic and joyful paint outs we had! This particular scene was right along the Appalachian Trail in Hot Spring, North Carolina. This site is Lover's Leap, and legend has it that there was a star-crossed Indian couple who were told each other had died, so they jumped off the ledge of this rock face. Myth? Who knows, but it makes for a great story.
This original plein air artwork is on archival board and is painted in Michael Harding oils. It is 11 X 14" and is unframed.
Try to imagine horse drawn carriages coming around the bend in that trail - because they did.
16 X 20” oil on linen panel; available
"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.
Preserving A Picturesque America Paint Out
Big THANKS to the adventurous folks from Preserving a Picturesque America (www.preservationthroughart.org) for the shout out! What good hearts they have: "The clouds parted and we started the day at the Reems Creek vantage point near Lake Louise in Weaverville. What a glorious morning after a rain. Artist Catherine Twomey joined us and started a wonderful piece. I can’t wait to see the finished product. Others came by to ask about the history and photographers from the local paper arrived. We also had a welcome visit from our adventure buddy Alicia. As nice as the scene was, we had to hit the road again so Mike and I did our sketches and headed out towards Marshall. The falls at the old Reems Creek Mill flows down to the French Broad River and we followed its route as it joined the French Broad River and headed north. This stretch of the hike is a little more scenic and certainly less traffic than 74A. Our destination for the evening was Walnut Island Park which had a historic display talking about the Drovers road that we are hiking. Our wives provided a welcome picnic as ended the day with a lovely sunset and welcome sleep." I wish every plein air friend I have could join us!
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
"Expressions of the Old Mill" by C. Twomey, Plein Air Oil
I'd like you to imagine the pounding of the water as it pours over the damn. It's early morning, with the sun glinting on the top of the falls. To the left is what remains of the old mill. What was important to me was the power of the water, the values expressed in different colors, each holding their own.
I painted along with the lovely folks from Preserving a Picturesque America (https://preservationthroughart.org/) this morning. The old red water wheel is what’s left of the oldest gristmill site in the valley. This was originally known as the Biffle gristmill, built in the early 1790s by Adam Biffle. There were several owners through the years. The mill was in operation until 1947 - about 156 years - and longer than any other mill in the area. A fire of unknown origin destroyed the original building not long after that.
This original oil painting is 12 X 12" on archival panel. It is unframed.
'Victory Sunset" Now Offered by Catherine Twomey
Painted this on Inauguration Day, so I'm naming it: "Victory Sunset" - inspired by what it took to get here; all the people undeterred by the previous administration who are ready to move up and onward. The original is for sale as are prints. Oil, 12 X 12" on archival board. Have an excellent, safe day.
Here is the link to the original oil:
https://www.catherinetwomey.com/available/g6fsj3zi3839v8okmmc1hg3edx6c6a
and here is the link to prints in my Etsy store:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/catherinetwomeyart?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
Thank you SO MUCH for your interest.