student work

It is a great pleasure to see a student continue to succeed!  Harrison Halaska (first year MFA candidate at LCAD) is part of an exhibit at Laguna Art Museum.  His large scale work was selected for the poster...and I can see why! Congrats Harrison.

Aldo Leopold 2017 Building a Land Ethic Conference

I am very happy to be presenting at the Aldo Leopold Building a Land Ethic Conference this summer.  It is so inspiring to be around so many bright minds who are learning about and promoting harmony between people and the natural world.  If you are thinking about attending, here is the link to the Workshop and Conference (if you scroll down you can see the one I am offering).

Two Hour Workshops (2:00 – 4:00)

Mode of Inquiry: Drawing from Direct Observation ($5)

Led by Bethann Moran-Handzlik, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater

Using a reed pen and walnut ink, participants will be guided in a drawing exercise, from direct observation. We will draw natural organisms both life scale and microscopic. While drawing, ideas regarding “ideation through observation,” “wonder as a catalyst for action” and “embodied intelligence” will be introduced. The session will conclude with a group discussion of the drawings and how through drawing the natural world, one can glean scientific information, poetic expression, increase curiosity and inspire innovations. At a time when our culture is immersed in mediated experiences and knowledge based approaches, this exercise rekindles an intimate discovery of the complexity and order of the natural world that is often taken for granted. Each participant will leave with a drawing driven by discovery, personal fascination and will potentially open new modes of inquiry. No skill in drawing is required. Limit 25.

A friend sent this to me today!

A friend sent me this photo of my study!  How fun to see it and remember being part of the Hudson River Fellowship!  I wasn't finished with the study but ...Jackson Falls NH.  I remember liking the tender green plants poking up from the cracks in the pinkish rocks...might have to zoom into my study to see them!    

Aldo Leopold Foundation Center Studies

This study is nearly finished...the sun just broke through for this picture...once you start painting you realize how complex a small patch of ground is 

It was a beautiful day to sit and look at a mullein plant!  I met so many wonderful people.  I especially appreciated all the information I learned about the mullein plant!  My favorite was that if you view the leaves under a microscope, each fuzzy "hair" looks like a palm tree!  My imagination was really tickled by imagining all those small palm trees.  Additionally it answered a question about how all the droplets of water are suspended on the leaf....they are resting on all those microscopic palm trees!   Ed took this photo of me painting!  Thanks Ed.  Such a wonderful day.  Thank you to all those at the  Aldo Leopold Foundation Center  especially Anna for coordinating the event.

 “Photo by Ed Pembleton ©2016.”

lots of visitors ... kids, adults and beautiful insects...one dragon fly rested on my painting hand for about a 1/2 hour before flying off! 

Aldo Leopold Foundation Center Art Day

I am very pleased to be painting en plein air during this years  Aldo Leopold Foundation Center  Artist Day.

If you attend, I hope you will stop by and see my work inside at my table...and come find me in the field to say hi.


Ground Study Aldo Leopold Artist Day 2014

Ground Study Aldo Leopold Artist Day 2014

In progress Shack Study Aldo Leopold Artist Day 2014

First image to post but last study of the residency!  Not quite complete.  Ten days and nearly 30 studies later....whew!  I have only posted a chunk of them and will post more later.   I am so grateful to La Napoule Artist Residency Foundation and the Grand Central Atelier for the award.

Savannah Tate-Cuff is a real sweet heart of the rodeo and a terrific painting mate! And Senga Nengudi and Ellioutt Fittz are a pleasure and inspiration! 

I painted my compositions all vertical except this one...I brought many golden mean size panels!  Chateau La Napoule, France.Suncream all around!  Swimming between studies and really warm pools of oil paint!

This one is one of my favorites...I just found that little blue and white shack so sweet!  I also enjoyed painting the children at the beach...

I am pleased with these two simple buoy studies... 

St. Marguerites is the cliff side building on the island.  I was trying to lead the viewers eye to that point...not such a great study but....

This is my last study...tomorrow the last day...I know I am beginning to understand something about water and light...so much information!

Peaceful lake

Didn't have much time for this study but thought I would try sight size ...I also really have to practice atmospheric perspective...I think I see things more like a tapestry...I want space and light!