Hudson River Valley Art Workshop with Kim English

     On August 4, I drove to Greenville, NY for a week long oil painting adventure in the Catskill Mountain  region of New York.  The workshop was conducted by artist Kim English.  Kim's paintings are light filled and often figurative. He paints ala prima, all in one session, catching the immediacy and freshness of the subject. We had live models four of the five days with sessions both inside and outside the studio.  One day was spent at a local farm which had a wide variety of subject matter including cows, chickens, and great treasure filled barns. 

             

       

The workshop is housed in a glorious bed and breakfast and adjacent carriage house and cottages. My room in the carriage house was above the studio and had a shower, sink, and refrigerator. Excellent chef prepared meals were provided in the dining room of the bed and breakfast.  Meal times were also a treat because our lively class members shared painting stories and forged friendships. 

I truly can not say enough good things about my week at the Hudson Valley Art Workshop.   From the hand made chocolate to the friendly service and staff, I was treated like royalty.  To paint with this fine group of artists and learn from Kim English was life changing.  

New in the Studio (Sarah's old room)

 

This is a painting I've been working on of a canoe on Lake Jean, Rickett's Glenn.  "Miracle Morning", oil, 24 x 18.  There is going to be more of a shadow on the left side and I have to try to show the lily pads on the lake.

The one on the left is an experimental mixed media.

I took paper covered in encaustic and burned 
the pieces with an acetylene torch. I'm going
to add sewn stitches in gold thread and try

to play up the 

 embossed texture of the background.            

The one on the right is an oil of the Grand Central Terminal in NYC.  "Children of the Light".

Several weeks ago, I entered an online competition for the Creation Festival Art Gallery sponsored by White Stone Gallery, Philadelphia.  My painting, The Way, was accepted.  It symbolizes the many paths that life can take for each of us.  However, the way to eternal salvation is only through Jesus. I was so happy to meet Gallery owners, Susan and Darrel and to share this amazing experience with my dear sister.  Thank you so much to Creation Festival for having this show and to Susan and Darrel for their kindness and support!!

Work in Progress

Here are the two oil paintings I've been working on this week.  They both need a lot more done to them, but I thought you could see them develop this way.  

I'm going to take along acrylics and pastels to Rickett's Glenn.  I will miss my oils, but I think it will work out better for me.

Oil Paintings from May

These two oil paintings got honorable mention in the Franklin County Show.  The one above I call "Reflect the Heart".  It was started last summer at the Chesapeake Bay and the one on the right is called "Sacred".  It is of Sarah at Rickett's Glen and I wanted it to be about how we are all treasured and sacred.  

BTW--- I take off for my beloved Rickett's Glenn in 3 days!!!!!

Art Shows

Shows, shows, and more shows_--------

In mid May, I was able to get two paintings accepted into the Blair County Art Festival Show.  One of the paintings won Honorable Mention and the other painting sold!!!  For the month of June, I have 16 works at the Chambersburg Hospital.  Starting this Friday I will have 4 works in the Franklin County Art Alliance Show I am hoping for some prizes and/or sales!!! 

Today was the last day of school and now my art adventures begin!!  The first adventure begins on Sunday when I go to the ocean with Dot and Lin.  As you may know, I contracted Lyme Disease from working in my garden.  The antibiotic I am taking does not allow me to be in the sun, so I am going to have to stay under an umbrella and paint at all times!!!!!

This is visiting my Dad last week at the VA home in Hollidaysburg after we walked in the Pancreatic Cancer Society Walk for Mom.