Wednesday, August 30, 2017

All Wet

The biggest summer fundraiser at the Newport Art Museum is a 2 day event called Wet Paint. Although over the years all art has come to be accepted, I like to stay true to the concept and paint plein air, turning in very and literally "wet paint". I had my eye on this classic boat at my beach, so I wanted to pick a unique composition and perspective.



Here's the painting, which I painted while standing and looking down into the boat and beyond to the beach. I fell in love with that red/turquoise combination.

Here we are all set up and ready to go, before the beach actually opened for the day! I had to wait until 9am to get the umbrella set up for me. Having an idea of what I want in a painting helped in this case; I staged the umbrella and then the little green bucket for that special accent. I needed that Cowboy hat for a little shade!

There are literally hundreds of entries that are all part of a silent auction to raise money for the museums programs. This happens Saturday night at a special reception,  then the silent bidding continues on Sunday. I was lucky enough to be chosen to go to the live auction on Sunday afternoon- which is the highlight of the weekend. Only 28 were chosen, so I felt very grateful and humbled.
See you same time next year!

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

On My Bucket List

Are you anything like me, wondering where the time has gone, as we approach the end of August? I've had an art-filled month but need to backtrack to July -and the amazing Plein Air Festival in Castine, Maine that took place July 19-22nd. 
I met my host family, had a welcoming party at the Castine Inn, painted Thursday and Friday, finished up with framing and set up at the Maine Maritime Academy where our show and sale took place on Saturday afternoon. 
I was thrilled to sell two of my 6 paintings, meet some marvelous artists, and felt incredibly welcomed by the town of Castine. Don Tenney, who chairs this event, was remarkable in putting on a first class event. So happy to be juried in and have the chance to participate. To be part of a Plein Air Festival was on my bucket list, and I hope to participate again next year!


Painting on Court Street late afternoon of first day. This one sold!


Painting at Eaton's Boatyard. See my post on their FB page!



Started this 12x16 before 6am, so grey and misty. Wanted to keep that so I painted with my umbrella blocking the sun as it rose higher, then went back in the late afternoon for the flowers in those marvelous window boxes. Sold too!




A photo of the window boxes at my host familys' home- Thank you Bill and Sylvia Carter! Their Mediterranean style home was so unique and comfortable, so grateful for their warm hospitality.