"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.

"Between Storms" Plein Air by Catherine Twomey

“Between Storms” is an 8” X 16” oil on archival panel.

The weather is so incredibly variable in the mountains, and this day was no exception. I made my way around a lake, Bass Lake, in Blowing Rock, NC - Blue Ridge mountains. Surrounded by threatening cumulous clouds, I quickly set up and immediately planned out the composition. Suddenly, sunlight flooded the island in the lake's middle, and I knew I had my painting. The flashes of light green and blue highlighted the dark pines against the mountainside. The light fell on a downed log, prompting a highlight that finished the piece. As dozens of people made their way past and around the lake path, it felt like we were all in it together - a race against the lightning in an electric moment.

"Altapass Apple Orchard With Cloud Shadow" by C. Twomey Available!

An hour's drive up to a mountain pass proved to be well worth the trip. I spent a day at Altapass Orchards in North Carolina - and what a sight it was! The day was clear and unusually warm, so I was able to set up for some long range views. The apple blossoms were just coming out, adding to the scene's delight. This original watercolor is 6" X 12" on archival Canson board.

"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.

A Milestone Sale: "Blue Ridge Cloud Shadows" by Catherine Twomey

In so many ways, this was a breakthrough painting and has meant so much to me. But the original has found its home and I'm thrilled! In its Provenance, it was chosen by Target for their worldwide in-home collection; it will always be in my heart. "Blue Ridge Cloud Shadows"; made with love and a confidence I never knew I had. Additional prints are available on my Etsy store at CatherineTwomeyArt.

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.

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

"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!

High Chroma Vs. Low Chroma: Never Stop Learning

High chroma vs. low chroma - I've deviated from my standard, higher chroma palette to introduce earth colors. A revelation! The top painting was a struggle to knock back the bright colors and took twice as long to do. The lower painting was eye-opening: I discovered colors I never would have otherwise found in half the time. I LOVE Terra Rosa! Anyway, so much excitement for one session; so little time.

"Blue Ridge Cloud Creatures" On Offer From Catherine Twomey

Recently completed and now available: https://www.catherinetwomey.com/available/blue-ridge-cloud-creatures

Infusing dream-like qualities into landscapes is a favorite new thing. I guess it's because once I've actually hiked to views like this, it really is like I'm dream-scaping. There's this sense of wanting to jump! (I guess that's an actual "thing" called "The call of the void (in French, l’appel du vide).") And if I did I wouldn't die; but fly!

If you live in the mountains and the climate is lush and somewhat tropical in the summer, it's difficult to get 360 views from the mountain tops. Last weekend I hiked up to the top of Max Patch on a beautiful albeit transitional day. There, on what's called the "bald" I could see forever; I could touch the clouds. You can spin yourself around and take in the rapidly evolving views - I could even see into other states.

'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.

Last Sale Day TODAY, Monday, 12/7

Please note! Today is the last day of my original art sale. Thank you SO MUCH to the collectors who've already purchased work. Here's the link, shop 'til you drop and Happy Holidays!: https://www.catherinetwomey.com/available

25% Off Print Sale By Award Winning Artist!

"East Fall Blue Ridge" prints are now on sale in my Etsy shop! This painting won the 2010 ArtInPlace Award in Charlottesville, VA and for years was viewed by thousands of people as a 10' X 20' mural. Thanks for your interest; visit Etsy here:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/catherinetwomeyart?ref=search_shop_redirect

Original Art Sale 25% Off ONLY Until 12/7/20!

ONLY Monday, December 7, 2020 - 25% off original artwork sale:

https://www.catherinetwomey.com/available

Thank you so much for your support this year! It’s been,, well, pandemicky.

SOLD to Collector From Aurora, Colorado - Thanks!

Early fall view of the famous Barboursville Vineyards in Barboursville, VA. Rows of ripe vines flow into the Blue Ridge mountains. This was a plein air painting that took a couple of tries to get it where I liked it. Now featured on the inside and back cover of "Wine & Country Weddings" magazine by Ivy Publications.

To purchase this and other prints:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/834145068/barboursville-vineyards-1-oil-painting?ref=search_recently_viewed-1&frs=1

To purchase original art:

https://www.catherinetwomey.com/available

Asheville Art Museum Virtual Auction 11/14/20

Coming soon! The Virtual Art Auction at the Asheville Art Museum! Keep an eye on this blog to bid for one (or all) of the following original artworks:

You are invited to participate in the November 14 Virtual Auction for the Asheville Art Museum. The above four pieces will be in the auction, so check back here for upcoming links and information, coming soon.

Thanks for your interest!

https://www.ashevilleart.org/

Sold, and Many Thanks to the Charlottesville Collector: "Blue Ridge Sheep"

Thank you so much to the Charlottesville, VA collection of "Blue Ridge Sheep" 20 X 30" oil on canvas. So happy to be connecting with people during these stressful times. For more information on prints of this image: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/blue-ridge-blue-skyline-sheep-cloud-catherine-twomey.html

At Auction: "Buck Mountain Vineyards 2.0" by Catherine Twomey

Please take a look here and bid!:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/124212704205