Evergreen View

Here’s to having an Evergreen View. Why do I say this? Stay tuned! But first, in case you’re new to this virtual space, here’s a bit more information about it. This is a place where, each week, I share my paintings, process, occasional infuences from art history, and inspiration. Whether this is your first or millionth visit here, hiya, hello and a warm welcome! I choose a theme to guide my paintings each year. This year’s theme is Vessels, Views and Vistas. If you think your 2024 needs more color, consider subscribing to this blog. When you do, you will also receive a monthly newsletter called “Art In Real Life.” In it, I will share news about artwork and art walks that I have seen IRL (in real life). I hope you’ll subscribe here. Let’s get to this week’s view. OK?

Where’s This View

In last week’s post, I shared that we went camping at a beautiful campsite in Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina; aka Huntington Beach State Park. When we returned, I had hoped to head outdoors right away and start painting. The weather was a bit nippy. And, I was feeling, you got it, lazy.

But we have a pretty sweet backyard and deck. And, bonus, another artist handed me a gazillion (ok seven) unused, brand new canvasses. So – I set up and knocked out three color sketches on January 2, 2024. Here’s the scene as the day was coming to an end.

So this week’s painting is one of those three color sketches. As can happen, I ended up removing half of the trees and other objects in the painting. We have several evergreen trees that you can’t see in the picture above. They were the inspiration for this painting. And, I had help from another fantastic landscape painter’s work too. Maybe you have heard of him?

Thank You Richard Mayhew

In between painting sessions, I visited the Gregg Museum with a dear friend. As we turned the corner in the permanent collection, I stopped. RIchard Mayhew‘s painting entitled “The Sentinels” was on the far wall. It drew me in. And, I can tell you the photograph I’ll share here does not do this painting justice. There are fantastic textures, brushstrokes and color transitions that just don’t photograph well at all. Here it is.

If you live here in the Raleigh area, I encourage you to visit this sa-weet, small but wonderful museum. More on that in February’s newsletter! But, for now, I’ll say that 99 year old, still painting Mayhew inspired me to get back to the easel.

Here’s Evergreen View

This painting is 12×16 inches and painted on stretched canvas. I’m working away on a series of these. So they aren’t for sale just yet. Stay tuned on that. For now, I have to share I am so grateful for these trees in our yard. They offer such wonderful views. And, they create a sense of serenity and sanctuary around our home. These are just a few of the feelings I wanted to capture with the warm colors in this painting.

How About You

How about you, gentle reader? Is there something you notice nearby that gives you a sense of serenity? If so, I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Thank you!