a FINE time...

It's a FINE time...

@AnOriginalHitt Fine Art & Atelier!

Foodies, get your best share on and win a prize...

Fresh off the Easel, Fishing Line...

Very honored and excited about all that is coming together very soon, back  at where it all began,Venice Florida, depicted here in a view that hitts very close to home to many from this area, and all that enjoy fishing.  "Fishing Line" is from a view experienced while out Plein Air Painting at one of my all time favorite locations; the South Jetty.  Since moving to Venice from Washington State in 1995, it has been my 'attitude adjustment' location.  It is literally a little slice of paradise, where the dolphins and manatees rise with the sun, and the moon, breaking with the wakes.  The Great Blue along with many other tropical birds fish side by side with the daily fishermen.  You may catch a fishermen with his net casting it for bait, and even I myself have fished from this spot and caught a mighty fine Snook.  As a single parent, I remember one mothers day that I gave my boys fishing poles and instructed them to go catch mom dinner :0)  An assignment we both enjoyed, whether successful on the mission or not!  The hardest part of painting from this location is making its beauty, believable!  The daily sailboats that head out to catch the sunset, seem to pose almost too poetically with the majestic skies.

Can you tell that i love my beloved Venice?  Yes I do. Come experience it yourself. In a celebration of both it, and my 17 years of teaching in this area, along with the little 21,000 mile jaunt I took over 5 months, are all culminating to a series of awesome events:

• At That Moment... in the Pat Buster Gallery/Museum of the VAC an exhibit 2 years in the making culminating from 5 month, 21K solo journey (opens 27 Feb 2015, 5-7pm and continues to 20th of March) {for more info click on title}
• VIP evening of Music & Art with Dick Hyman supporting both the Venice Symphony & Art Center (exclusive special VIP preview ticketed event 25 Feb 2015, contact: Venice Symphony for tickets) {for more info click on title}
• 21,000+ miles in 90 minutes- presentation with Karen.  A combo demo/presentation of the thousands of images taken along the way, including Major Museum Visits of Many Favorite Artist from Rembrandt to Rockwell ; Part I: 2 Mar 2015, 11 am; Part II 9 Mar 2015, 11am
• "Camaraderie At That Moment..." opens 27 Feb 2015, 5-7pm and continues to 20th of March an exhibit 17 years in the making + a 1st for VAC presented in the Altman-Vogt Salon.  YOU judge the award; Vote for the monetary Peoples Choice.
  A special Thank you from Karen, an exhibit of artists entries that have worked with her over  the past 17 years in oh so many ways and is how long she has been an instructor at the VAC.
  Each artist  sharing their current work in the same theme:  At That Moment...  Everything from Sculpture, to Quilting, by Doctors to Instructors themselves are a part of this celebration of their very own At That Moment... The most important part of all that we do, bringing it home & back to where the journey began!  
   (Calling Artist Prospectus at VAC and An Original Hitt- Fine Art & Atelier and this blog-  available click on link above)

Many angels unaware have made these events possible... and many of them, and their stories will be a part of the live Exhibit.  Along with some 70 Paintings, each comes with a story of how it came to be along side of it.  As Carol King might say "my life has been a tapestry of rich and royal views..."  Just like a photograph can never pay justice to the actual view, as you can see here in photos of the inspirations of two paintings.  They had to be painted to pay them justice.  A photo of the paintings do not pay them justice.  The best way to experience them is live At That Moment... 

Looking forward to finally getting to share ALL that have been up to, and 'my story' live.
Reference of Fishing Line, and Boundless... two Fresh Off the Easel paintings that are a part of the
At That Moment...: Exhibit:

Fishing Line, literal reference

Boundless literal reference

Boundless on the easel, 48w x 60h" Oil on Linen

 

Merry Christmas From Venice to YOU

Christmas over Venice... May JOY abound for you and yours all through the New Year... Godspeed

Life imitating Art? or is Art imitating Life? and HOW

 On the heels of 'Labor Day' finished up a painting on Labor Day, that's inspiration for came back on the 26 of August.  This the little post it note written to self that day in Journal:

The painting was all done except for the bee, that well... isn't all that easy to come by.  The fact that this one came to me by way of the bee keeper that also supplied the honey was so more appropriate than they knew.  This bee stung him in the ankle the morning he brought it to me and died.  What does this have to do with Art and Painting?  What we do with our gifts and talents the point, no pun intended.
My Last Post Titled "What New Florida Plein Air Collectors Look Like" In it introduced you to Gary and Suzanne, and also the plein air activities in the area, to show you two ways of collecting.  As a Patron or a Painter, plus how to grow your artist career in both of these with the help of teaching tools made available.  All linked at that post.  Just a few days after that post, called Gary to share some good news with him.  Suzanne answered his phone, not uncommon for a husband and wife at all. So shared with her the good news that Jane Chapin (artist added to their new collection) visited my studio and brought a gift for them; a personalized copy of her book "Land Of The Free"and I had it for them at the studio.
Suzanne shared 'how wonderful, thank you, the timing is perfect'  She going on to share Gary had a bit of a set back, and this was a perfect time for him to have Jane's book to look at. Gary, through no fault of any, while undergoing an emergency risky procedure a blood vessel bled, long story short... Gary, who just a few days ago helped me carry artwork and hang it in their new home, is paralyzed on his left side.  Their life changed dramatically.  And after Suzanne visited me the next day to pick up her book, I included a gift of my own with it.  Wish had the original, would have given it to them, had a fine art canvas giclee of a painting, that was the first painting painted after a year of NOT painting.  Frankly a heartbreaking year, and painting just touched the heart a little more than could be bared at the time.  Only by invitation was I brought to painting again to participate in a national small works show.  I was so honored to be asked, simply had to paint.  Had no idea, what it would be, simply knew had to. Do believe that was exactly why the gallery owners asked me to participate too. Friends, knew I needed to get back to painting. I did. The name of the painting painted;
"When Darkness Comes... Look To The Light" Sold the night of their opening.

When Darkness Comes... Look To The Light by K Hitt Copyrighted

   When shared this with Suzanne at her visit to the studio the day after the call, she said something that left me speechless.  Our collecting your Plein Air Paintings and that day you came to our new home to hang them, is our last 'good memory', of 'good times' 'Looking at your paintings will always be able to take us to that place'  My eyes water again, even as i just type it here! Called her and asked her if ok that shared the continuation of their story in my life as an artist.  She said of course.  For it is a fine line here... but the heart of the affairs at hand are the purpose to this sharing.  A sharing that is a call to all of us as artist to remember the choices that we always have before us.  For inevitably Lemons, Blues, Darkness... is going to be a part of our today's.  To say that this has been a doozy of a few weeks is an understatement. Things coming in threes, we will leave the 'what' to that, Family, Work, Affairs of Life slamming on through. Though Perspective was in line before this event... it became hugely illuminated as realized their was NO coincidence in meeting this couple, and there was no coincidence in the still life prompted to paint. From the post it note to gathering of items for the still life, then a thumbnail... set up in the studio, my new mini Strada, plein air easel.  With the idea this painting was going to be an afternoon alla prima one.  Well Life didn't get that memo, after many an interruption... replaced lemon... blueberries held on, out of just wanting to get it done, signed it before the bee was added.  Giving up on the idea of being able to gather one in time.
Right after doing that received another phone call, bee delivery was on order after all! On all days, Labor Day.  Reminding me tenfold of exactly what it is we labor for.  I don't know if our art imitates life, or life imitates our art... perhaps you do.  I do know our Art does matter.  Why we do what we do... always the question at hand in a manor that we check our fruits, so to speak.  Out and out tragedies in this life happen, as do the mountain top experiences.  They all matter and play a role in what we do.  Art matters to enable JOY to abound by telling the story with beauty from ashes, or mountaintop experiences.  No matter your level, it is to be shared to the best of your ability! We may be an unknown in the art world persay, but we are never a nobody.  Your story, and your art matters to someone. Paint On, as the golfer say's play through, we are equipped to do the same.

Why was this little bee so significant? It resting on the burlap, under the 'Airing The Laundry ' Plein Air Oil on my 'fresh of the easel wall' at the studio, juxtaposition with the Honey, represents the two choices we always have to make in this life, as an artist, and as a person. Live imitating Art, or Art imitating life? Life imitating a bee's life.  For you see, when a bee stings, it hurts a LOT!
The pain resides though. 
A bee's life has two choices, 
use its God given gifts to either:
pollinate and make honey
or sting and die  
Those little seemingly insignificant details in the choices of all served in a day, in reality could rise up and make significant life changing details in an others.  
 
The name of the still life that was inspired to paint:  

"Artist Studio Life, With Lemon & Blues Choices" 

This Artist hopes to always add Honey when the option is given.  A new friend echoed with this as we talked, “Little people continue with petty things.  Don’t let them get you down. Be big, be bold, be courageous, and be loving.  God put you here to do great things.  Listen to His call.  And be loving toward them as well”
 Yup-- ADD HONEY whenever the option presents itself!  Is that our Art imitating Life, or Life imitating Art-- 
God only knows that answer perhaps.  
Here are some of the steps along the way of completing this little painting... a still life inspired from life. First played with the still life, and tried to gather together the appropriate elements. Note my heart rock, also on the fresh off the easel wall next to the painting painted from the exact location on the Merced River, which is where that rock was found. Brought it back with me to the studio.  It was like the rock spoke and said "You will love painting here" so I did. And still do. That little painting to the right of it, the painting from there outside of Yosemite.  Also added specifically to the backdrop for the still life "Airing The Laundry" still life from the the Plein air journey that is also a part of my exhibit coming on 27 February 2015, an exhibit culminating from a solo five month journey in my Tahoe, cris crossing the USA to grow and pursue passion as an Artist. An exhibit that is two and a half years in the making before the long ago planned opening night. Save the date, and  look for my Plein Air Magazines sponsored news coming in the next issue! HUGE leap! 
Anyways back to these details, next,

once the elements were aligned, did a thumbnail composition check .
This Thumbnail, literally that, in scale, and almost abstract in composition.  If you look closely though, all of the key elements are there.  Once had this set up, took out a favorite, Mini Strada Plein Air Easel and set it up too in my studio, in position to go with the thumbnail. The goal was to apply all learned in these past two years, painting plein air, Museum exhibits visited, and use the new found growth in the studio too.  Though a professional artist when the journey began, goal again to grow as an artist now that was able to concentrate solely on my art after raising three children as a single parent remains a continual process.  As it is for us all.  We should never stop growing as an artist, and we should never try resting in our successes in a painting by replicating it.  Every painting is a new journey, and new lesson to learn, no matter what your level of expertise.  If you don't challenge yourself anew every day, what good is that???   Yes, you thought this was 'just a still life'... that too is the point. As worked through the details of the week, on top of the details of this painting, much more than anticipated met me along the way.  It was the perspective applied at the time, and it was what enhanced the process.  If you didn't read this blog, you may not have even notice the little bee down in the corner. I even signed it thinking could leave it out, since it didn't seem was going to make it in time for this painting.

To hear that you are the honey added to the eyes of two that were dealt a real lemon that was trying to make them sing the blues… leaves you with water in your eyes, and speechless.

Also something that aligns with every circumstance currently going on in life; it is all a matter of perspective.

Yes, “When Darkness Comes… Look To The Light” Add Honey, and don't waste your life using your stinger.  Its fruitless. 

Godspeed

and may it be an UP day! K

also known as Karen Ann, An Original Hitt.  Another example of when you are born with a name like Hitt, you quickly learn how to keep things in a positive light!

What NEW FL Plein Air Collectors look like! How to be a part as either Collector or Painter

Meet Gary & Suzanne. 
NEW Florida Plein Air Collectors.

Not their plan, just a thought, awhile back as they were having their home built, started becoming the  'next project' on the 'to do' list, at their new home. Thinking they wanted art for the walls by local artist of Florida.  Not really knowing completely what plein air was.  This couple came into the studio to see my plein air paintings, via seeing another of my plein air paintings at the local artist co-op gallery Melange.  They loved the painting in-front of them, but wanted to see more of my work before they decided on an original.  Wonderfully the Melange gallery gave them my number and Art Studio location, plus it was in the Living On the Suncoast *article posted next to my painting.

What NEW FL Plein Air collectors look like are this wonderful couple.  They had an idea. Design dilemma, and a 'to do list'.  Gary shared that we would like to have paintings by local artists of Florida. When they came into the studio that had a thumbnail sketch of one of their walls that had a design element that needed to be worked with.

He also shared that we have a couple other places/galleries we want to visit too, but stopped here first. Sharing enough to share their sincerity of looking, and with that comes an investment.  Personally before I choose to invest in something, think its good to learn as much about it as possible. This couple was not your spontaneous, 'oh i like that' customer.  They sought out, and researched what they thought would be best in their new Florida home. With that said,  I shared with them a little more of what Plein Air Painting was. Along with that,  naturally came the story of how the painting that they just pointed to was created.  As they went down the wall pointing out favorites, new stories emerged.  You could see they were thoroughly enjoying learning what went into the paintings before them. Telling them about the painting they were looking at came naturally.  Its not shared with everyone. Because some truly are just 'looking'. When asked, Sharing your story builds purpose to their wanting to be a part of it. Also when your painting has a story to tell.  I don't think they walked into the studio with the idea they were going to be collecting paintings. Frankly neither did I. 

Caspersens In Wind And Surf -K Hitt painted with VPA

Knew simply they liked at least one. 'this can be very addicting can't it?' speaking as to selecting the paintings for their new home.  Replying to her, 'just as it is for us Artist, very addicting, in a wonderfully good way.' History is in the make up of what we Artist do en Plein Air, then bringing it back into the studio with our Plein Air as references to continue the inspirations. "Its like a museum in here, and your passion for your work is what draws us ..." Sharing your passion, and the story... the processes too in the studio, turns into a natural process plus it is bringing them into the scene.  She was so sincere and sweet when she replied to viewing all the different scenes, and a pile of ones admired were piling up on the sofa in the studio

The beauty of what we are blessed to do, holds literally a 'story' with every painting. Personally for me adding to that noting, not stated in words, simply naturally here in how subjects are viewed, along with the utter passion is the desire to  reflect the gift of the beauty of Gods creation as it is experienced  'At That Moment..'  in each painting. The collector loves getting to be a part of the story.  It is their opportunity to be there too.  I was so honored when she told me that reading my Artist statement also compelled her decisions.  They truly were a couple though in all their choices.  A treat to experience.  Quite a collection was building on the studio sofa, and even I was editing.   Ironically the piece they saw at the local 'Melange' co-op gallery that referred them to my studio, is not one in  their new collection.

 

Melange gallery was just as much a part of this new collection though, for their referral is why they were here. That referral remains a commission sale for the co-op too, and ended up being much more than that one painting. 

The Artist community is team work.  Another great side note to this blessing of an experience; one of the paintings added to their Florida Plein Air collection came from my "Fellowship Wall" in the studio.  It is one wall dedicated to an artist who's work inspires.  Jane Chapin the first artist there, she believed in my new space and wanted to support my efforts.  I had four of her paintings for sale, and recently brought in one that is not (the portrait sketch painted when we were Plein Air painting together and given to me is a cherished painting, so NOT for sale)

Karen Ann Hitt by Jane Chapin

The fellowship wall is an educational wall for me too, with admired edge work etc. while they are displayed. 
Coincidentally in April, Gary and Suzanne had just heard Jane speak in Tampa for the Tampa Bay Women Artist, and she (Jane) was the featured Artist for 2014.  A wonderful honor.  Jane's talk shared the story of her book "Land of the Free"

and plein air travels to all of the 50 states to complete it.  All proceeds of Jane's book go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and she has one representative for each state in her book.  Yes, Gary and Suzanne loved her story, and had inspirations to get one of her pieces of Art. They were sorry they hadn't picked something up at the time of Jane's. And here they were a few of her pieces before them.  Only wish had had a signed copy of Jane's book for them too. (Starting Aug 18th will have a few signed copies at the studio)

This couple has been looking at artwork for awhile, while their new home was being built.  Waiting for that to be completed before purchasing. They came in because of one painting.
They didn't know they were about to enter the world of plein air when walking into the studio.  Yes, your story, whatever it is, is your world becoming a part of your collectors world.  Share it and your heart.  For it is that sincere passion that sincerely compelled them to want to be a part.  Leaving me quite humbled and honored that the inspiration inspire them to collect An Original Hitt's and a Jane Chapin too, plus earlier, from Melange a couple of Gail Dempsey paintings.

The beauty of Venice is our local art scene includes many nationally recognized artist as a part of it. Right here in Venice, Artist Bill Farnsworth invited me to his 'Backyard Workshop', Painted this there, and can not recommend attending one of his workshops enough.This little painting not for sale, because from the workshop. His the last workshop attended as headed out on GLF tour. Have also studied with another local artist

Oil By K Hitt painted at Bill Farnsworth Backyard Retreat

  Hodges Soileau, he offers wonderful workshops too. These two,  are also a part of the little Melange Co-op Gallery. A small co-op that area artist love supporting to keep original art available to this ever growing community of Florida Plein Air Painting Collectors.  Though not just Plein air.  Originally Venice Plein Air which I founded under the introduction to plein air by local artist Mary Erickson under the umbrella of Plein Air Florida includes all of these artist. Along with PASC founded by Val Sandell Plein Air with a focus for Plein Air in this area began many years ago.  Boundaries were lifted by Plein Air Florida so members of one area became a part of larger groups too.  PASC is now wonderfully led by Terry Mason who has kept the weekly Thursday morning meeting times.  If you just email her you are a part of PASC plein air community which she has added many activities too.  VPA continues to meet, with Light Chasers also now in the area, not as formerly and as often as before. No need to double do, and remain thankful to Terry having the time for carrying on the weekly Plein Air meetings in this area during season.  She has added lots more opportunities for you, just email her to get on the list and find out more.  VPA unofficially keeps Caspersens Beach a signature favorite spot, along with The local Venice Farmers Market (more officially)  inviting us to be a part, and keeps their open door for us and ANY PLEIN AIR GROUP to come paint. There is not room here to list ALL the outstanding and National Artist in this area, and a part of this community of Florida Plein Air Painters.  Other Plein Air Groups close by are with Sharon just south Visual Art Center Plein Air Artist in Punta Gorda. I hear there is another in Englewood too. There is a huge opportunity in this area to paint en Plein Air.  This community has grown my enthusiasm to grow personally as an artist. Two Ten year anniversary Florida events blessed to be a part of, are happening this year too: Paint The Town (Prospectus at link. Deadline beginning of September, still time to register on line to be a part of this landmark) founded by Jane Chapin- head up by Susie Covert.

quick phone photo on location

Another Premier Plein Air Event The Forgotten Coast enPlein Air with a great line up of artist too, and volunteers like none other, and a merging of communities to create one event.  A model for all the small communities and how to work together. I was invited last year to attend their Plein Air Academy Pilot and be mentored by Don Demers. Stay tuned at the linked

website for this year with Don. A huge opportunity to learn as a professional Plein Air painter, looking to step up their processes overall. Painted this there:


Plein Air Magazine community of events, grew my desire to grow as an artist, on a national level  literally led me to  HITTing the road across this country to attend them in person.  Save the date, 27 February 2015, that will be the opening 5-7pm of an exhibit in the Main Pat Buster Gallery/Museum of the Venice Art Center.

In addition a separate exhibit for any that took a course with me from 1998 to February 2015 (students only by name, are actually instructors and professional artist themselves) in the solo gallery with the same theme "At That Moment..." So you may create yours to be a part. Prospectus for that coming in September with a page/pdf here at blog. Classes at VAC and An Original Hitt Fine Art & Atelier filling now


So what NEW Florida Plein Air collectors look like, just may be you, as you develop your own style as a plein air artist in one of the many opportunities in the area, or as a new home owner that seeks to have local artist adorn their new walls or simply one that loves the historical side of Plein Air with an heirloom quality added to preserving a time and place in a painting..

 Sharing also the upcoming exhibit that covers the nation en plein air, as am always reflective of my  plein air roots, right here in Venice, home sweet home.  Venice, Nicknamed Paradise, the Venice Art Center hosted for many years POP Paint Out in Paradise, out of the communities love of the Venice area itself. Seeing it recorded en Plein Air expresses that opportunity to be a part reaching far and wide... it finds itself rising up in many forms in this Plein Air rich area that am honored to be a part of, and a part of a NEW FL Plein Air Collection at Gary and Suzanne's new home.  Thank YOU for refreshing this artists memories of just what the passion is too, and having the opportunity to share that.

Additional NOTE: of course many of the tools utilized are learned, in both simply the practice of Plein Air Painting, taking workshop and classes... in addition many lessons  learned on how important it was to share and how to do that as a professional artist came from Eric Rhoads 'Boot Camp...' for Artist is at Stream Line Publication .  If you would like to start being a apart of new collections, this series gives you the tools to make that dream come true, along with the Plein Air Magazine community. Another great place to learn is with Lori McNee. I love her latest titled: Scientifically Proven Tips For Managing Procrastination.  I have a LOT to learn in ALL areas ! simply pressing ON and feel blessed to get to paint, and be a part of a cherished new in homes like Gary and Suzannes.  Thank you!



*correction to Living... article April 5 to September 5, not July 5. Plus location 230 Ponce de Leon Ave.

History Seen Today- Measuring Success With Seeing Results And Learning

I'm Back to the studio after traveling just over four thousand miles in seventeen days for GLF tours, leg VII Part II in my trusty steed of a Chevy Tahoe. This journey specifically to the Publisher’s Invitational up at Pauls Smith College in NY, which, has come to be known as Adirondacks Paint Camp hosted by Publisher Eric Rhoads.   Bob Bahr did another great article at outdoorpainter.com on the event, and I am honored to have artwork featured in it... and a picture of me perched on a rock while there.  After painting that day, flattening my feet back out proved more challenging than planned! Also, New to Plein Air Magazine, film maker, Turner Vinson shares in Video the week summarized. Next year will be the 5^th Anniversary of the event where a little over 100 artist embark on a week of camaraderie and plein air painting.  That is the ONLY agenda and it’s just what every hard working artist in every level of their career needs to refresh their painting and spirit.  Not to mention how the concentrated studies accomplished in dawn to dusk painting every day, combined with walking in the footsteps of Landscape Master Artist such as Frederick Church or Thomas Cole to name only two of Hudson River School Artist, both inspires and teaches you better than any classroom can. The above painting and the painting featured in the article is painted from "High Falls" in NY.  Last year I made the hike down to the base of the falls.  This year I chose to tell the story of the experience en plein air at the falls, and sought to capture both the steps (250 down, 450 up)  and the plein air artist as they painted.  The little dab of yellow you see in the above painting is Erik Koeppel painting, and he did a beautiful painting from the sight! See here how Erik Koeppel paints in the tradition of the Hudson River School Artist. Watch for his newest painting DVD that was filmed by Turner the week after the Invitational.  There are three other artist depicted painting too in this view that I share here, and hope to expand upon in the studio for my upcoming solo exhibit "At That Moment..." slotted to open 27 Feb 2015. Save the date!

Hitt The Flume painted at Paint Camp '14

Last Years "In The Flumes Wake"

Another favorite location at Paint Camp, is the Flume.  Last year I went there three times to paint.  This year, I must say once I returned to the studio to view the paintings side by side, the evidence of all the miles seeking to 'grow as an artist' made its self clear with the two paintings from the Flume side by side. Publisher and host, Eric's number one rule for 'campers' while in attendance, "No Drama".  The sky doesn't always listen though, and this painting titled "Adirondacks Drama" my reflection of how. 

Plein Air painting has shown this artist eyes how to ‘see’ literally the atmospheric prospective continually sought to reflect in each painting and yes of course the play of light and temperature with values.  
 Much learning continued after the week of paint camp.  Eric, recommended a stop at Olana, the home of Frederick Church on my way back to sw FL via NYC, where had picked up my first long distance passenger on all of my thousands of miles previously solo journeyed.  Maria was a good sport to and from NYC, and very patient with my first time sharing the miles, she also enjoyed the stop at Olana, a place she has had the luxury of visiting multiple times, and even painting on the property. She gave me this lovely thank you gift from the gift shop at Olana for ‘taxi-ing.’ 

 Next visit hope to have the opportunity to paint en Plein Air there too.  Once on Olana grounds, it was like a light bulb going off, in understanding better the long admired landscape paintings of Frederick Church.  An accomplished Architectural designer too, the home much inspired by his trip to India.  It is a place highly recommended to visit, if you should ever have the opportunity too.  After the educational stopover there, we got Maria, finally back to her home in NYC.  She graciously gave me the luxury of visiting the Metropolitan Museum while there, and spent the day seeing all could possibly see, before they locked the doors in the evening.  I made my way to the American Wing, where always love seeing the Sargents and oh so many more Masterworks.  After the influence of my last week, I intentionally concentrated my time in the Hudson Valley and American Landscapes.  Sometimes it felt like my brain was about to explode with trying to immerse it with as much learning possible by taking in even the brush strokes of hundreds of master works of art. One painting painted during the civil war, really captured the ideal of all experienced, painted at one of the very spots we visited at Paint Camp, it was also a self portrait. John Henry Hill 'A Study Of Trap Rock' Buttermilk Falls 1863.

If you look closely into the bottom right section, you will see the artist amongst the rocks at Buttermilk falls.  Amazingly the Civil War was going on at the time of this painting!  Another Artist familiar with, but not this work in particular was  Frederick Church.  After leaving NYC took the long way home via the coast, then cutting back down the Blue Ridge/Skyline Drive.  Thought was going to stay on the coast, but the heat quickly steered me back towards the mountains.  Another place inspired to stop at after discovering Frederick Church had also painted the location was Natural Bridge in VA.  Had never been there before.  M. Stephen Doherty had posted his painting from the spot, and it inspired me to look up where it was located.  ‘Score!’, it was not far off my route home at all.  I am so glad I stopped!  I am also glad that I didn’t look at Frederick Church’s painting of the location,until after visiting and painting it myself.   Here is Frederick’s Church’s “Natural Bridge”

 Dare I humbly share my own version from the day spent there en Plein Air?  I am even using it as the back drop for my SUMMER WORKSHOPS just added to my schedule… by request, in the spirit of sharing it, and ALL that learned.  Hope you will enjoy your opportunity to learn too. For more on the Workshop offerings

and here at the blog, will continue updates for exhibit planned for some time now.  Excited its only 6 months away! Its covering a lot of miles and events! Stayed tuned here too for the progress on the exhibit...all  21k+miles over 5 months, plus the details involved....  trip start to finish, plans... when all said and done, two and a half years in the making,
 plus 17 years of teaching and students works  in an additional exhibit...

so... keep saving the date:
 27 February 2015... all gets exposed, join the journey and be a part of
"At That Moment..."

the initial 5 month journey... and so much more