scenes of the bluegrass

9 x 12, oil on linen

Yesterday I participated in a plein air paint out in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. Gallery B Lexington was the gracious host for the evening party showcasing the resulting exhibit, and the paintings will be on display through August 11th. It was my first opportunity to join the Plein Air Painters of the Bluegrass, a welcoming group of talented artists, and also the maiden voyage for my new James Coulter artbox and easel in the photo above. 

Painting en plein air originated with the French Impressionists who preferred the challenge of outdoor light (rather than fixed studio light). Challenge is the key word in that sentence due to the ever changing light, clouds, weather, etc. But then the challenge is also the part that is the most fun. For anyone who has never participated in a paint out, the rules are simple. At a specified time, artists arrive with a blank canvas where officials stamp the back to verify that the painting was painted that day on location. Participants then head out to find a spot to set up easels and a few hours later, everyone returns with a finished painting, framed and ready to hang. No two paintings are alike and it is always a delight to see the variety of interpretations and styles.

"Sure, girls from New York are tough and girls from Georgia are sweet, but those born and bred Kentucky girls, those are the ones you have to watch out for. We have sugar and fire in our blood, we can ride a horse, be a debutante, we can throw a left hook, and tell you the entire UK lineup, all while making sweet tea. And if we have an opinion you get to know it. We're both the pride and downfall of the bluegrass." Ashley Judd

blue jar

 This is a painting I did at a recent Dreama Tolle Perry workshop:

12 x 12, oil on canvas

 I find that I'm a little obsessed with all the varied colors of hydrangeas I am seeing this summer.

And,  I discovered that the reason my blooms have been sparse in recent years was because I trimmed them back too early in the fall. OH! As you can see below, they have been bountiful this season. Lesson learned! 

"The thing that seems most relevant in the making of beauty is the fact that when the idea presented itself we said yes.

Without the yes, the work most certainly would not have been born."

Dreama Tolle Perry

shall we dance?

9 x 12, oil on canvas

"We seek not rest but transformation.

We are dancing through each other's doorways."

Marge Piercy

the perfect pair

Everywhere I turn, it seems flowers are whispering my name. Their fragrance draws me near, and I could swear they are actually leaning toward me as I walk by. Must be the universe telling me it is time to shift gears and choose new "models". I have always wanted to paint this unusual vase that I found at a flea market years ago. Add to that Kevin Macpherson's muted palette (primaries plus greys) along with some gorgeous organic roses, and well, you don't have to twist my arm too much...

8 x 16, oil on canvas

And how about a slice of wisdom to make it the perfect summer pairing...

"We do not grow absolutely, chronologically.

We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly.

We grow partially. We are relative. 

We are mature in one realm, childish in another; 

the past, present, and future mingle 

and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. 

We are made up of layers, cells, constellations."

Anais Nin

trepidation

                                                              12 x 12, oil on canvas

“It takes a lot of courage

 to release the familiar and seemingly secure,

 to embrace the new. 

But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful.

 There is more security in the adventurous and exciting,

 for in movement there is life, 

and in change there is power.”

 Alan Cohen

WHS Freedom Fest Celebration

I am honored to participate in this year's Woodford Humane Society Freedom Fest Celebration, a fundraising event benefitting animal adoption and care. Hosting the art exhibit is The Headley-Whitney Museum where donated artwork is currently on display through July 15th, and may be viewed online here. 


After July 15th, the artwork will be moved to Darley's Gainsborough Farm for auction on July 21st. Other delightful events of that weekend include a breakfast with speaker, a tasting luncheon, horse farm tours, live music, dinner and dancing where the talents of culinary artisans, interior and garden designers will be featured. Additional items up for auction include premium seats for UK basketball, Keeneland Race Track, Churchill Downs, and lots more! Details for all the events can be found here. Hope you will join us!

"I talk to him when I'm lonesome like;

 and I'm sure he understands.

When he looks at me so attentively,

 and gently licks my hands;

then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes,

 but I never say naught there at.

For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes,

 but never a friend like that."

W. Dayton Wedgefarth