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 Marked Tree" Vineyards by Catherine Twomey

A memory, a feeling, a brief moment of life - this was painted at Marked Tree Vineyards, where I was surrounded by the most beautiful scenery, happy somewhat inebriated people, a good panter friends. I was so drawn to the way the vines pointed at the namesake tree - and the colors, the rich colors of the countryside on a gorgeous summer day.

"The Island" New Works by Catherine Twomey

If a painting could capture a day, this one did. It was blustery (hang on to the easel kind of blustery), and there were thunderstorms all around as I painted. The sun flashed in and out, illuminating the bright greens of the island’s trees as well as the backdrop. It’s hard to describe the joy of such a moment, other than to say it makes you feel as alive as you’ve ever been. Two hours to get it all down, get it right, and not get hit by lightning.

"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.

"Something's Coming" On Offer, The Village Gallery, Oriental, NC

“Something’s Coming” 30” X 30” framed, on archival artefax panel, https://www.catherinetwomey.com/available

There’s that moment when you’ve hiked to the top of a mountain and you’re finally getting that 360° view. You’re wafting above a slope of rhododendrons in bloom - blindingly pink; luscious - and there at the horizon is a rapidly moving storm (towards you, of course) and suddenly you realize it’s time to descend. Will you?

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.

Preservation Through ART! PAPA Exhibition, Asheville! 9/16 - 6 - 8 pm

Favorite people (you know who you are)! This Thursday from 6 - 8 pm at the Wedge, 5 Foundy St., Asheville is the opening of the free show, Preservation Through Art! Fabulous art will be offered for sale, much of which will go towards preserving wonderful, historic sites captured by current plein air painters! You must come! The first offering of art will be from Chimney Rock, Lovers Leap (Hot Springs), French Broad scenes and Pisgah View from Biltmore.

"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" - 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.

https://www.catherinetwomey.com/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!

"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.

"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.

Waterlilies Work In Progress By Catherine Twomey

Trying to stay centered and peaceful today as a second impeachment is underway. It helps to think about next summer when I’ll be at the Biltmore Estate painting this beautiful Bass Pond again. This painting is a work in progress, on a large 20 X 24” archival canvas on aluminum board. It will be offered for sale soon. Thank you for your interest.

"Buck Mountain Vineyards" Print Sold!

SOLD to a buyer in Wyckoff, NJ - thanks so much! Painted in oil, plein air, along Buck Mountain Rd. near Earlysville, VA. Like the framing! For more prints: https://www.etsy.com/shop/catherinetwomeyart?ref=search_shop_redirect