My Painting by the Sea won an award!

I was very pleased that my oil painting  “Yellow House by the Sea won honorable mention at recent show with the Independent Art Society.  Oil painting, is a fairly new medium for me so it was quite encouraging especially since there were so many really good paintings in the show. 

The judge was Paul Bachem a very accomplished oil painter whose work I greatly admire he wrote this about the painting “ Although there is a sunlit feel to this painting, I found myself reacting to what seemed like loneliness here. The house sits amid a rather sparse setting and, as is always the case in my own work, I find myself wondering about the people who live there out in the middle of all that quiet. I felt the same way about this piece as I often do about Andrew Wyeth’s work. I don’t know if this is what you intended Vivien, but that is how it struck me when I first saw it. “

The painting was one of a few I did on Block Island while visiting off-season. (You can see more on my June 29, 2014 post )  I am always very relaxed on Block Island and enjoy the quiet before the summer crowds. The yellow house is actually a Bed and Breakfast called Avonlea where we once stayed and I was painting it from one of the Blue Dory Cottages, which look towards it. I really enjoyed painting at this spot for all I could hear was the ocean waves and the birds chirping, some so very friendly they would come over close to me as if to watch me paint. And yes the Island during off-season has a rather haunting loneliness feeling of a Wyeth painting. 

Painting On Block Island R.I

We first vacationed on Block Island in 2008 and have made several trips back since. We fell in love with the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere. The last few times I was able to bring my oil paints with me. This Spring while there I painted three paintings. Sitting on the back deck all you could hear was the birds chirping, they are so friendly, that some will actually eat from your hand. The skies are always interesting and changing. I hope I captured the peacefulness in these paintings that I felt. 

                                                           Up The Hill  11 x14 

                                                               The  Beach Crescent 11x 14  

                                                           Yellow House By The Sea 11x 14 

                       

        House By The Sea 16x20 

        

Around The Corner  11 x 14

Here are a few more from past years.  

 

          Avonlea  11x 14

Painting The Back Of the Blue Dory 

Morning On The Beach 11x14

Crescent Beach 11x 14

Painting Outside Plein Air

 Plein Air A painting done outside rather than inside in a studio. French en plein air, meaning 'in the open air'

I was lucky to do some paintings a few weeks ago on Block Island although they are still not ready to be shown. (Touch ups are needed.)  I also got out with my camera and caught a lovely sunrise.

                               Here I am sititng on my back balcony on Block Island painting.

One morning we had visitors

 Waterfront Festival Huntington NY Sunday June 24th  

Today I was one of the artists who participated in the Waterfront Festival in Huntington at Vanderbilt Mansion Museum. This is a great idea orchestrated by Rich Rivkin, a series of 7 festivals this summer. Bringing together artist with musicians. Rich also produces "Live Art Fusion" events on Wednesday nights.  Today was a especially lovely day to be outside. I found there is something about seeing an artist at work that makes people extremely inquisitive, many came over to chat with me or other artists asking questions and making comments.  Which was very nice, especially since they were supportive. I was lucky to have my sister and her friend show up to take a few photos for me.

The next Festival will be Sunday, July 8, 2012 Noon - 4pm
at Heckscher Park in Huntington NY and again on Sunday, July 29, 2012 1 - 6pm at
Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport NY both will be featuring artists painting to live music by four bands, overlooking the Long Island Sound how great is that? 

 Also on  Sunday, August 12, 2012 2 - 6pm Rich has planned Live Art Drum & Dance Fest Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport NY 50+ Hand Drummers and Dancers, along Live Painting by dozens of Artists,

I can’t wait to do this AGAIN! Especially at the Vanderbilt Mansion which has so many great spots to paint. I had a wonderful time and it was packed with people who came to relax and listen to the music and take in the sights. The scenery and Mansion is gorgeous so check it out and if you are an artist well …..Get our your easel!