An Artist’s Journal
I invite you to join me on my journey creating each art piece, my painting ‘process’ and the insights I’ve learned along the way.
People that Inspire Us!
And yes, we spotted the Square Grouper
First Introduction
Do we ever know who will walk into out lives to make a big difference in this journey? My mother’s best friend in Key Largo was Ginny Bowes. As things are meant to happen, Ginny asked if I would volunteer at the local food bank. This was just before the pandemic. The next request, “Let’s go fishing!” who could have guessed that this friendship would not only continue at the food bank but very much on the water fishing. When the call comes in to go fishing all chores of the day are dropped as the conditions are perfect for that day to go fishing.
Captain Ginny
YoYo with Grouper
Fishing Day
Ginny runs her 80’s, 21’ Mako with all gear in the proper location rods, ice, bait, tackle box and GPS are all on board. Move out of the way, full throttle till we reach our destination. Out goes the anchor, chum bag, and lines for ballyhoos. One would not think about fishing with anything but fresh caught bait. Exception is frozen shrimp to catch the hoos. Next is snorkel and mask to swim the reef to see what is around. One day she saw a grouper on the reef, she waited a few hours, took a yoyo(round plastic with line wrapped around it) out and baited the hook. Within twenty minutes she had a big smile rolling into the boat a Grouper.
Ginny doesn’t need a 4, 400 hsp large fishing boat equipped with electric reals, sonar or depth scanners. She uses her mastery of experience, as if she understands the fish. When she was in her youth her dad took her on her first fishing trip and she fell in love with the rod and reel. Her stories usually includes a rod in hand. If you see a Mako behind you with a mature woman as captain, watch out she is preparing to pass you. One eye is on the current and the other eye is on the wind. She is absolutely amazing.
She loves catching lobsters
“I go fishing not to find myself but to lose myself !”
Joseph Monniger
Why this story
This is not just about her fishing which is incredible but her kindness in giving. Living by herself in a Florida Keys “true style home”. Up on pilings, all wood, decks on the second floor that overlook the canal and bay. Table and chairs out for anyone to comes and have a cocktail. Ginny goes to the St. Justin church every morning to assist in the service. Every Monday she can be found registering people at the food bank. Helping people with her position with St Vincent DePaul charity. Driving people to Doctor appointments in Homestead or Miami. She once said “if I don’t help others I will become too absorbed in myself”.
This month is a celebration back to Ginny in recognition of her selflessness and kindness giving to so many people. These are only a few stories, but this month Ginny will celebrate 81 years. This past week we went fishing again. A bit concerned over her look of exhaustion. After a few hours on the water swimming and fishing she lost ten years and again was her spunky self!
Next week more news about what is coming off the easel. Thank you for allowing me to take these stories and put them into this journal. Have a great week until next time!
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Key West
Adam Lambert sings at the Butler Amphitheater in Key West
That is Entertainment
A dollar for every time the phrase “Key West” is spoken in a day, I would be a millionaire. So what is the buzz over a small island that is only 4.2 square miles?
It is the diversity that is unique to this small island. It is those who don’t like the distinctiveness, walk down or up Duval Street and never understand what is behind the street signs. Yet, for some, this island sings to their soul. It is not the perfect place with it’s dark side and bright side of its many characteristics. People who understand this uniqueness are those who are receptive to understanding sensitivities, flexibilities and most of all are pliable in their thinking. Yet the island is in a flux of a take over by those who came to enjoy and now live in a place where controls, rules, and laws are undermining the freedoms that were established long ago.
So why is Adam Lambert in the image for this article? A first class Freddy Mercury replacement for the band “Queen” entertainer. Only in “Key West” its curiosity draws this type of entertainer. His voice and range of singing is magical in the same range as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Freddy Mercury. In order for this man to sing he needs to express who he is a gay gentleman who loves theatre, drama, and dressing up. The Butler Amphitheater was just the platform he needed for an outstanding show.
The Attendees
The man in the middle has been a friend for over 30 years. With his crazy idea of opening a Key Lime shop on the corner of Greene & Elizabeth Streets. One can find him in his chef’s attire throwing pies at the trolleys and trains. Last month he flew to Hollywood to be on an episode of CBS “The Talk” and Kermit’s star on Hollywood Blvd. That was his precursor for the appearance of Elton John at the Adam Lambert concert. Riding in a limo he turned heads for all who saw him. People love him, and take pictures with him every time they visit.
The woman on his left is Elena Drozdetskayy and the right is Alex. They are both from Russia. Caught also in the present day conflict, Elena’s family in Russia and Alex being gay could see his demise in the Russian Society. They both contribute a great deal to life on the small island where employees are difficult to find . Their support and love towards Kermit who has helped them transition to this country is commendable.
So many shining stars have lived on this tropical island. Judy Blume (author), Jimmy Buffett, Bronson Arroyo (baseball player), Ernest Hemingway, Harry S Truman, Sandy Cornish (civic leader), Wallace Stevens (poet), Shel Silverstien (author), Tennessee Williams (playwright), Kelly McGillis (actress), Calvin Klein, Truman Capote, Winslow Homer, Robert Frost, Mel Fisher, Kenny Chesney, John James Audubon, John Martini, David Wolkowski, Lincoln Theodore Perry, and Angelo Dondhia just to name a few. How does this happen? Find no better a location that cultivates the open society, with broad thinkers who can be who they are and create what they see as endless possibilities.
Before you react, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you criticize, wait. Before you quit, try.
Ernest Hemingway
How many people have been influenced by those who skipped through Cayo Hueso?
It is by choice not to recite the litany of issues the world is facing. The small corners in this world that shine a momentary light are more important than ever.
Adam Lambert rocked the night away with a full audience sing along. In his opening remarks he mentioned that he and his band went for a bike ride during the day. He felt this tropical island was worth returning to for a vacation and a bar craw would be in order. Welcome to Key West!
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Hortensia a Greek “Water Vessel”
The exploration in painting hydrangea in oil paints. A new size for the flower collection is a 12”x16” panel. If you are interested in more information to can find it on the website
Or Hydrangea?
This week in spring flowers I picked the Hydrangea (Hydrangeaceae), or as the title states the hydra plant or hydrate plant. How appropriate, if you have experienced this flower than you are familiar as to how quickly they can drop their posture and droop in the vase or even the plant if not sufficiently watered.
When these flowers were purchased, (I wish I could say cut from the garden) I made sure to keep the water fresh and the stems cut clean. Within two days they shifted into a larger opened state.
First Attempt…..
This oil painting was completed in 2019 as a challenge to myself. If you look at the first image of the fresh flowers in a vase, the petals and their textures are many. Where does one start? Flowers, background, or vase. After the block in stage, I went directly to the flowers unraveling shapes and colors. If you look closely, there are more brush strokes and less detail. That means this painting falls into impressionistic it gives the viewer an idea of the subject. For this type of painting I was pleased to have accomplished the similarities.
This next painting was completed in 2021. The brush strokes and flowers show more confidence in the subject. Some teachers of painting have described this style as a personal interpretation rather than a perfect image one could print from a printer anytime. Why work hard to compete with a piece of equipment? It is far more difficult to paint this than to print this.
“There are always flowers for those who want to see them!”
Henri Matisse
This week’s painting
As a replica of the first image this is what was completed this week. A big difference from the beginning days of painting flowers with oil paints. This panel is a 12”x14” which is a new size for the flower collection and I used a bit of dynamic symmetry before completing. In another journal, I will go through the process of dynamic symmetry.
I wanted to take the time and thank you for receiving these emails each week and reading them. Wishing you all the best!
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What about Tulips?
What about Tulips? I could paint tulips for the rest of my life and find eternal bliss.
Tulips
In many ways the Tulips have significant meanings. The one everyone relates to is the change from winter to spring. That moment is short lived, as these flowers sprout from the ground in cool weather, the warmer it becomes the shorter those flowers will shine. Growing up in the cooler climate we had spring flowers bloom in our yard sequentially. First the crocuses, daffodils and then shortly thereafter the brilliant colors from the tulips. Those memories embeded so deeply that my first profession was a career with flowers. Ok so there are a few secrets in why today, I still get goosebumps when I see spring flowers.
Heliotropic plants have the ability to follow the path of the sun throughout the day?
Red Tulips oil painted with a palette knife
Painting Tulips
The challenge is living in a tropical climate, where does one find tulips? The visits to the grocery store on Thursday is mandatory to catch the blooms in buds so I can use them to paint. The sweet moment of flowers are short lived. Recognizing the colors of petals, the brilliance or dull colors give me a chance to understand the timeframe needed to complete a painting. The flowers on the left were on their last moments, so I took the palette knife and moved quickly through the strokes. This is one of my favorites as it shows the freedoms found in the stroke of the knife!
These red tulips were painted with a brush. The objective was to follow the light in this still-life painting. Remembering that this was a moment of clear observation scanning each shift in color among the various tissues of these flowers, stems and leaves. Always questioning, how does one know the fine details of these gems? Was it growing up watching flowers, working with 1000’s of bunches of flowers, or just because it is nature touching our hearts. And the answer, it doesn’t matter.
The first tulip painting finished in the keys.
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower, clearly our whole life would change”
Buddha
Paint Still Wet
Here it is the first tulip painting of 2022. Last week I posted these beautiful red flowers. Today we see the finished painting. The real joy is spending painting moments with these flowers. I urge you not to miss out on spring and celebrate yourself or others with a bunch of Tulips. You won’t be disappointed. And if you do miss out maybe a painting to enjoy all year!
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Ready For Spring?
Experiencing early spring weather with a new oil painting completed this week, “red tulips”.
Signs of spring should be seen by now even if it is the smallest of buds on the trees. This morning a red cardinal was sitting on the wires singing to its partner in the Traveler Palms. Glorious sounds from such a small beautiful creature. For those of you who live in Florida we have just experienced the parade of cars exiting northbound towards their spring destination. Some have thoughts that the entire country came to visit the sunshine state and its warm weather. So very busy and crowded with people. Now is the time to soak in the extra space and time. This week I finished the first flower painting of the season, and yes your right tulips. You can see and read about the process in next weeks journal.
Red Tulips found in the cooler of Le Publix Floristeria!
The orchid house is budding and blooming in abundance, like a peaceful spa!
Do you want to read the good news?
March 31, 2022 was the Key West Art Center’s deadline for membership. After much chatter in the Tuesday Figure Drawing Class, the idea hit me that I should join. After texting a friend involved in the art center Nancy Henning she stated goooooooo now and submit your application. You know the drill, last minute, everything is on hold until the last sentence is completed. Applications require all your history, now that is BoRINg. Yesterday the email came in that I have been juried into their membership. So what does that mean? As a member one can hang 3-5 paintings first floor gallery, with other Key West artist. The location is great 301 Front Street downtown Key West. In the next few Journals I will write more about the center, it has lots of history as one of the first galleries in Key West.
Our Figure drawing class has reduced in size with many artist leaving, now this small class will continue until the end of June. Still working on trying to find my stride in the class. Each week I set goals and explore possibilities with these drawings from 2 minutes through to 30 minutes each pose.
The Studios of Key West ended the Baseball Bat Celebration March 31. The Greene Street Gallery offered to take the bats and exhibit in their Gallery. If you are visiting KW stop by 606 Greene Street and take a look at all the fabulous baseball bats. See if you can find the “Cigar City Bat” take a pic and send it to me.
One last update, the Connections Project: A Mosaic of The Keys exhibit will be finished this month. If you are interested check out the Florida Keys Art Council to donate and receive the 5”x5” canvas or canvases. Check the Journals for more information on any of these events.
30 minute figure drawing pose from last week.
“See stars in the changing season and dance among them, shining”
Mary Anne Radmacher
Breathe, Breathe, Breathe
I would like to Thank you the readers of this journal for continuing to be part of the journey. For those of you who have purchased the new book “Keep Exploring” I am dancing in the stars. If you have been interested in peaking at the new book a new page, pictures and video were added this week to the website, https://www.barbarahann.com.
I would like to invite you all to dance in the stars, and sing your way through spring!
Happy thoughts and a hug.
B
This week during a windy cooler spell. What a stunning sunset.
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Is This a Coincidence?
Writing about a friend who is also a painter and her winning at the Annual Plein Air Event in Tequesta Florida. It was a quick draw category and Nancy Martinez
People we meet……
I would like to share this story with you and the events that took place this week. When one starts something new the learning curve begins. During my first encounter with oil paints, I was in a workshop. Not knowing anyone I found someone in the back of the class struggling as much as I was. Her name was Nancy Martinez. We were told to set up our palettes with paints starting with Ultramarine Blue. In a consistent giggle we didn’t know any names of the colors in oils. Needless to say we left the workshop with an uncompleted painting. (never finished the painting)
The only time I have seen Nancy not laughing and concentrating so hard!
Another one of Nancy’s amazing plein air paintings
So what is the big deal?
For starters Nancy originally lived in South Jersey and traveled to Long Beach Island in the summer. I as well lived in South Jersey and vacationed at the Jersey shore in the summer. We met in Jupiter Florida and one never knows what friendships will continue to join paths or be a one time encounter. In this case, we have been friends since our first workshop.
Fast forward, After many workshops together with Manon Sanders, Michele Byrne and Fernando Porras we have continued to paint. Traveling together we went to Asheville to meet another friend Corey and painted for a few days. This past year I dragged her down to Key West and we spent time figure drawing. One thing I will mention, when watching Nancy paint I can never tell where she is going with the painting. In one instance we were painting at the Jupiter Lighthouse, watching her paint I was very confused. In her wonderful style Nancy brings it together in the most unimaginable way. What a talented person.
This is Nancy’s latest Palm Tree, loose and free with her strokes!!!
“It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.”
Unknown
Here Comes the Big Deal
This week she sent me news of her winning first place at the Annual Plein Air Festival. And…..also sold the painting. A big congratulations to you Nancy.
On Thursday this week Bill and I had a few minutes and dropped into the Gallery for the Plein Air Festival. The show of artists is amazing and I urge anyone who has not seen the art that comes out of this event, to check it out next year in March at the Lighthouse ArtCenter. It would have been best to see this show with another painter, and so disappointed I didn’t have time to contact Nancy in advance to meet at the show. To my amazement, almost finished seeing the exhibit, I turn around and who do I see but yes Nancy. Coincidence or not?
Nancy is the First Place Winner at the Lighthouse ArtCenter Quick Draw at the Annual Plein Air Festival in Tequesta Fl
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“Keep Exploring” is now in Print
55 oil paintings within 70 pages of this hardbound collectors book. The title, “Keep Exploring” is the theme in which each painting was completed. Setting a goal and reviewing the outcome, so much to accomplish in painting!
Yes, A book in print
December 24, 2021, Roos Schuring, one of my favorite painters and teachers unveiled her new course. “Book making A-Z” was created, to follow with her guidance, in 7 weeks, you can finish a book. One never can fully understand the scope of a project until both feet jump in. Giving this a try with lots of uncertainty within my own confidence level.
A collection of paintings all in one place!
Sample of a page out of the new book.
It Starts January 15th, 2022
Walking into the darkness of another new project. Roos is from the Netherlands with a class made up from people all across US, Europe and one artist from Russia. The task at first was daunting, make a collection of all art that you feel is relevant to the project. Deadlines every Saturday on Zoom unveiling what was or was not completed. Realizing that the same questions came up for everyone involved. What kind of book, how many pages, what size? Being now the artist, photographer, photo editor, graphic designer, how many hats can one wear? Each step the mind went into chatter, “you don’t have to do this!” OK, we got through the first few challenges lets keep going…….
Roos was correct, by March 12th she held our last Zoom call with champagne and book covers in hand. Deadlines made the difference in completing this project. The scary moment was pressing the button to send the file for printing. In previous work projects, I knew that color correction from digital to print is tricky. Once the box arrived in the mail one has to face the test. The first book came as a proof, with corrections in place, back went the file for another round of printing.
One of two indexed pages of all the paintings
The outward freedom that we shall attain will only be in exact proportion to the inward freedom to which we may have grown at a given moment. And if this is a correct view of freedom, our chief energy must be concentrated on achieving reform from within.
Mahatma Gandhi
Completion
In the video, you can see a quick physical sample.(If link is not in this file you can find it in the journal section of the website) The hardbound book is 8”x10” format including 70 pages. The “Keep Exploring” title was given as each painting is an exploration of what is seen or what is thought. In the end, the meditation of quieting the mind and allowing the eyes and hands to work mixing, applying and changing paint colors to replicate what is seen. It takes many paintings scraped and started over before the keepers are selected. This process continues to be fresh and challenging with each new art piece. If you are interested in more information you can find it on the website. Barbarahann.com
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Baseball Bats Turned into ART!
Baseball bats turn into art, only in Key West Florida can one see this event. The Studios of Key West exhibit with over 150 bats completed by artist.
Baseball bats collected
On February 20, I posted a story,”Becoming Involved In a Project", Opps. That explained the program. If you missed it, briefly, Key West is celebrating its 200th Anniversary. The theme was inspired by the love of Cuban baseball along with Key West the sister city. This project was made possible by the partnership of, The Studios of Key West, Old Island Restoration Foundation, Florida Keys Council of the Arts, and the Gallery on Greene.
I was curious to find out what others had in mind with a baseball bat. You might have the same thoughts??
Third floor view
3rd floor at the Studios
Tell Me More…..
The Play Ball exhibition had 140 bats that were submitted. This show is on two floors of the Studios. Brightly painted scenes, to ornate sculptural objects. Some bats have been transformed entirely; one is of a didgeridoo that can be played, one is below shown as a lamp. Some have carved or hollowed out and put back together. A few others elevate the bat into a tribute to Conch Culture.
The paintings on canvas were submitted by artist Reynerio Tamayo.
Baseball Lamp
Where Can I Find My Bat?
Third floor off the elevator turn right and there it is!! The heart skips a beat when you see your own art work in a show!!! Right in front of the window.
If you would like to see more on the bats go to; The Studios of Key West https://tskw.org/play-ball/
“Cigar City” by Barbara Hann
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What Does AVDA Have in Common With Sunflowers?
This oil painting, “Sunflowers In A Vase” is 22”x28” and will be in the Silent Auction for the Domestic Abuse 15th Annual Luncheon.
Domestic Violence
This past week, I received a call requesting a painting to be submitted into the 15th Annual “Heart of A Woman Luncheon’s”, Silent Auction. Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used by one person in an intimate relationship to gain and maintain power and control over their partner. The individual who made this request was personally involved in domestic violence. This violence is experienced by about 1 in 4 women, 43 million women experience psychological aggression. I was personally involved in this experience and witnessed the helplessness of the woman and her child, as the husband was proud of his power. The moments of fright to wonder if the woman will make it till the morning, counting the hours in the darkest of nights. We were one of the lucky families who reached out to the courts and to ADVA in order to keep everyone safe. This request touches the chords in my heart.
Setting up the still life with the undercoating and markup
The process of block in.
What to do?
The previous weekend, I purchased sunflowers from a store donating all proceeds in the assistance to the people of Ukraine. It was an easy choice to turn them around in an oil painting to be placed in the ADVA silent auction.
The only way to paint something like this is to play music loudly, do a little dance, spin a few times and proceed to paint. The joy comes from the giving back to an organization that played an important role. I can’t tell you how this was done, only that time passed and the process went into autopilot and there you have the finished piece.
“Your mind expands when you give, your heart expands when you share, and your soul expands when you are charitable.”
Matshona Dhliwayo
The Painting
The Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse luncheon will be held on April 12, 2022 at the Royal Palm Yacht Club in Boca Raton, Fl. It is out of character for me to paint a larger canvas. At the end of the day, all good comes out of having this opportunity to give back!
If you experience or know someone who is a Victim, I would recommend you check out this website, https://avdaonline.org
“Sunflowers in a Vase” 22”x 28”
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Does the Name A.E. Backus Ring a Bell?
A.E. Backus (1906-1990) plein air painting the Florida lush landscaping
If Not Here Is The Story
Marjory Stoneman Douglas was fighting her crusades while saving the Everglades. It was A.E. Backus who was painting them and capturing a lasting record of Florida’s natural resources. He painted nature along the rivers, shorelines and the backcountry. His own style was captured by his use of the palette knife work along with his brushes. Most of these paintings were done in the Plein Air style on location using larger canvases and oil paints. In developing his own style he recognized early the importance of light and how it brings a sense of realism as if you are standing again back in that moment. From that he was able to put emotion into his skies, translucency in his waves and cast shadows that glide along the earth. Palm trees swaying in the wind, Pine trees standing erect in the light and the famous Poinciana trees expanding the flame of bright orange flowers. Backus was able to interpret the nature of moods, a storm blowing along the waters edge, or the summer breezes caressing the glades. He embraces the true sense of “Old Florida”.
Backus shrugged off accolades even with his many awards and recognition.
The rolling waves and wind blowing through the trees can been seen.
The Man
Backus was humble, generous, with a compassionate nature, and racial tolerance. He bought a “New Studio” house in which he left the front door opened all the time. Extra beds were placed on the third floor for unexpected company. Hosting many gatherings which would include his favorite Jazz music and a nice pour of rum. It became the social center of Fort Pierce. At one point, he started teaching painting to young children. This was also the home of the Highwaymen Art. Due to racial inequality, Backus taught black gentlemen the art of painting. They would paint these natural Florida scenes. Selling these paintings from the trunk of their cars. One can still find exhibits of the Highwaymen’s paintings around Florida’s Museums of the many collections put together for viewing.
A.E. Backus, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, William Thomas Collier, Henry Flagler, Ernest Hemingway, Marion Stevens (see blog)and many more, all lived during the innocent days of discovering the beauty in this state. They all captured the essence of life and secured the memories at that time. If you have time and would like to explore more information check out the publication, “Tropical Light” by Natasha Kuzmanovic and the Backus Gallery & Museum, 500 N Indian River Dr. Fort Pierce Fl 34950
The Museum
I wouldn’t mind the growth here if it was in keeping with the town’s character. The developers are turning Fort Pierce into a poor man’s Fort Lauderdale. This state is growing too fast, in the wrong direction”.
A.E, Backus
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I Wish I Could Draw but I Can’t
In 30 minutes time one can finish a figure drawing with lots of practice
Sound Familiar?
Everyone can draw if you can hold a pencil and write on paper. Doesn’t that sound so easy. Draw a circle or any geometric shape and yes even you can draw! The real secret is to find a quiet space and observe a subject and start drawing what you see. Not what is in your mind, what you think you might see. The next secret to unveil, is the amount of time one spends drawing the same subjects over and over again. That is the only way one can truly find results when the time in hours are put forth to become a master at any particular subject. There lies the journey, the exploration with both the good drawings along with the many bad ones.
Putting In The Time
One artist once said, for every good piece of art one goes through 20 bad pieces. Of course that changes with lots of practice.
Every Tuesday, in Key West, A figure drawing class is held. A model comes in to sit in poses between 2 minutes and 30 minute poses. The shorter timed session is to keep the artist free from drawing tightly and working detail. In two minutes, catch the shape, time up. Towards the end of the 3 hour class the session may be for 30 minutes. That is the time one has familiarized themselves with the value and shapes of the body, with enough time to finish a drawing.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep”.
Scott Adams
At the end of class
After three hours and 10 drawings this one on the right was the final. This was completed in 20 minutes with colored charcoal and graphite. Notice the difference within the detail in this drawing. The goal was to capture the shapes and forms.
This class will continue each week in Key West. If you would like to see what is being completed in each class catch an update through this email or on the website.
When you find yourself with a pen in hand and paper take a moment to draw, doodle, or even play tick tak toe!!!!
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Becoming Involved In A Project? Opps
Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of Key West and Cuba
Key West’s 200th Anniversary
Sounds simple and exciting to participate in the celebration! But what is it all about? This year The Studios of Key West is celebrating two of the ingredients in the island’s special flair. The culture roots in Cuba, and the love of baseball. A call to artist to assist in the celebration sponsored by, The Studios of Key West, the Oldest House and the historic Gato Building. So far it sounds like a good time.
With the enthusiasm of participating in this call to artist, I signed up immediately. Now what? 200 newly commissioned baseball bats were available upon reservation for anyone who would like to participate. This multi-venue exhibition will be based around the baseball bat, using the imagination and any materials you would like to use. Sounds simple so far….
The puzzle was figuring out how to support the bat while painting and being on display
The Cuban Flag at the bottom and the Florida Flag on the top unfinished
A bat in raw wood?
Oh what to do? Without many requirements this piece had to be developed in a way that would follow the Anniversary themed celebration. The process begins with a friend who suggested using the flags from Key West and Florida. Not only were the flags a good idea but also the commerce that was built between these two islands were the cigar factories. Now the ideas are starting to come together. It was recommended that the raw wood be sealed to protect the bat and the artwork that would adorn the surface.
There were a few challenges that had to be overcome. First the stand had to be made to hold the bat in one place. The surface of the bat was minimal, especially at the thin area of the handle which measures a bit over 1”. Using oil paints was tricky as it would smear with a bump or touch. At this point one should ask themselves if they are truly crazy!
Next the addition of cigars around the handle of the bat. With each step the bat was dictating how and where items would be placed. The flags were painted, the cigars were completed now a handle exposed of about 6” of wood, now what? The thought was quit while your ahead and leave well enough along. The inner voice kept telling me it didn’t look finished. What next?
Notice the space between the flag and the cigars.
“What you are thinking, what shape your mind is in, is what makes the biggest difference of all”
Willie Mays
Final deadline approaches
The inner voice won, take the challenge and move forward. Ernest Hemingway fished often in the waters between Cuba and Florida. Many black and white photos of he and his friends standing near the catch of the day, Marlins. That is it, add a Marlin. The first Marlin wrapped around the handle, one could see the pieces of the marlin but in no way did it look like a fish. Scrape the paint off and let me try again, Second time around painting the fish on this small surface was a challenge but once the fish had the last stroke of paint, I walked away in tremendous relief.
On Tuesday the bat will be delivered to The Studios of Key West. The theme of this bat is “Cigar Cities”. March 2022: Play Ball! on view at The Studios of Key West (Opening March 3) the Oldest House (Opening March 4) and the Gato Building (Opening March 11)
The finished project to be delivered in Key West on February 22.
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Solitude Found with A Kayak
Do you Kayak?? A captured memory of that moment can be found in this painting. For sale in Shop right now!
Do you Kayak?
If you have been kayaking before then you will understand the experience. Perhaps if you have not tried the Kayak, maybe this Journal will encourage you. Of course, there are those who only want to boat on the water with a motor. From personal experience, Kayaking is always an adventure that delivers so much in a more solitude way. During trips on the water, I have had dolphins swim up behind me with only the sound of air blowing, so quietly. Gliding along the water watching alligators, sharks, fish, manatee and of course so many birds. On a recent trip we observed white pelicans and roseate spoonbills. So So Glorious, to see animals living in nature uninterrupted and being part of the moment, or day.
Why paint a Kayak??
Kayaks were used thousands of years ago by the Alaskan Inuits. Mostly for hunting and fishing, being able to quietly sneak up on fish or animals. Today just remaining in a state of observation during an outing is fascinating. I was challenging myself exploring the idea of painting “the experience” . If one looks at the painting, they should immediately find themselves back in that memory of kayaking.
Before embarking on a painting the process of a value study is like training of the brain in the detail and aspects that can be chosen for the completion of this type of exercise. It is easy on paper to add, delete or change something before the oils hit the canvas.
The first thing to study, is the dark and lights. After that the focal area of interest should be considered. Can this idea bring forth a story of what the day was like??
The life and death of the saw grass in only a moment of that flow in which time, the vastest river, carries us and all life forward.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Using a Palette Knife
This is what was completed. Using water-soluble oil paints applied with a palette knife. This treatment becomes more impressionistic rather than realism. There are days, that the only thing one needs is to be near the water during sunset with a long rest feeding the soul!
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The Connections Project 2022
Every year artist in the Florida Keys paint small canvas panels to be included in a larger mosaic. The small paintings are purchased by patrons who support the arts in the Florid Keys.
A Mosaic of The Keys
400 6”x 6” blank canvases are distributed throughout the keys to both artist and community members to create their own piece of art. This project is organized by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.
What a great way to start the new year with a painting that supports the Grants Program for Artists. This Mosaic Show starts in Key Largo and travels south to Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and Key West. It starts on January 31, 2022 and ends in Key West on May 10, 2022.
400 mosaics travel throughout the art galleries in the keys
Actual still life with the sketch completed
What to do?
One has to consider the receiver of a small canvas and how would it best represent the Mosaic. With this in mind a small canvas in among 399 others would need to be simple. How can I make this simple, interesting and in someway the recipient would enjoy? The idea came as a simple still-life, not very busy but something with interest.
The bottle was purchased in the keys and lemons can be found everywhere. The color of turquoise blue in the bottle with a contrasting yellow lemon seems to have the subtle opposition with plenty of space for the background. Would I be able to capture the translucent lemon sitting behind the glass bottle? So, a simple sketch started the process.
The block-in is where one starts to observe the larger sections of color and starts to establish the lights and darks in a painting. Once the big areas are blocked-in, the process moves to the smaller details. Moving from one area to another. Capturing the translucent image inside the bottle is the trick as there is a distortion that takes place.
In order to ground this painting the cast shadows are put in with the detail to replicate the colors in the shadow that are gliding along the surface.
The process and progress
One never tires of painting and observing the beauty in the Florida Keys!
The finished piece
Now that the piece is completed, it has been turned back to “The Connections Project 2022”, and will be on the journey to travel with the show. By May someone will have this in their possession. It is my hope that this painting finds a home where it can be a good memory in coming together for a good cause.
Final painting for the Mosaic Project
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Solitude Found with A Kayak
Do you Kayak??
Do you Kayak?
If you have been kayaking before then you will understand the experience. Perhaps if you have not tried the Kayak, maybe this Journal will encourage you. Of course, there are those who only want to boat on the water with a motor. From personal experience, Kayaking is always an adventure that delivers so much in a more solitude way. During trips on the water, I have had dolphins swim up behind me with only the sound of air blowing, so quietly. Gliding along the water watching alligators, sharks, fish, manatee and of course so many birds. On a recent trip we observed white pelicans and roseate spoonbills. So So Glorious, to see animals living in nature uninterrupted and being part of the moment, or day.
Kayaking in the Florida Bay
A friend, originally from Switzerland. One of her favorite moments, Kayaking
Why paint a Kayak??
Kayaks were used thousands of years ago by the Alaskan Inuits. Mostly for hunting and fishing, being able to quietly sneak up on fish or animals. Today just remaining in a state of observation during an outing is fascinating. I was challenging myself exploring the idea of painting “the experience” . If one looks at the painting, they should immediately find themselves back in that memory of kayaking.
Before embarking on a painting the process of a value study is like training of the brain in the detail and aspects that can be chosen for the completion of this type of exercise. It is easy on paper to add, delete or change something before the oils hit the canvas.
The first thing to study, is the dark and lights. After that the focal area of interest should be considered. Can this idea bring forth a story of what the day was like??
This is the pre-painting process with a value study, like a mental process before stating
The life and death of the saw grass in only a moment of that flow in which time, the vastest river, carries us and all life forward.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Using a Palette Knife
This is what was completed. Using water-soluble oil paints applied with a palette knife. This treatment becomes more impressionistic rather than realism. There are days, that the only thing one needs is to be near the water during sunset with a long rest feeding the soul!
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Navigating Through The Winter Months
A Day at Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West FL. Beautiful days in the winter with people strolling through the water and sunshine. A moment captured.
Snow, Cold, Holidays
With winter hitting the northern portion of this country, we find ourselves in the south with the most glorious of weather. Low humidity, with sparkling clear days. As a painter it is the best time to plein air paint outside. Recently, I came across one of my paintings completed at Fort Zachary Taylor Park in Key West. What makes this location so special is the colors of water, blue skies and most of all being at the most southern end of the US.
On the Beach
When one thinks of a beach the image appears with soft beautiful white sand. The one dilemma we find on this beach is the coral rock which makes sunning on the beach a challenge. Once finding a level location to paint the rest is pure pleasure.
This is the northern perspective standing on the beach. When one looks at this painting, the memories should surface of being on any beach or better if the memory is of Fort Zachary
“Nothing soothes the soul like a walk on the beach”
Anonymous
If you are interested……
This painting is available through the art gallery on this website.
Next week I have a painting completed from the everglades also a report on the Dunsbury Kayak tour. Have a nice week!
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Be In The Moment, This Moment
Be in the moment this moment, in nature. Anytime one is in nature the souls sings, the mind quiets and peace can be found within.
Oil Painting the Corkscrew Sanctuary
The mission was to travel to the Everglades and capture a moment. Last week the newsletter that was sent out discussed the adventure to the Sanctuary. Check out the previous post for more information. This week we introduce the painting that was completed and talk about the process.
The Video of Corkscrew Sanctuary Painting Process
The Video
Check out the video which gives a two minute timeline of the process from the thumbnail sketch to the finished piece.
It is altogether different when you see the painting framed and on the wall. When this painting was in the process, my mind was actually back in the moment during this peaceful, clear, crisp morning. The sounds from birds and the wildlife were unbelievably beautiful.
“There are no other Everglades in the World”
Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Reflections in the Alligator Flags
This is a 9”X12” oil painting in the aquatic swamp area. The painting revolves around the Bromeliad with the fallen trunks of trees surrounding and framing this plant. Which is peeking through the Alligator Flags. One would expect to see soil and not water underneath these plants. That is what makes this terrain so special. This painting is being offered at, “The Studios of Key West, Holiday Artisan Market.” or can be purchased in the Artwork on this website. Also if you enjoyed this article and would like to read more, sign up for the newsletter or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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Everglades, Danger or Beauty?
Find out about the journey to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary & Blair Audubon Center in the Big Cypress Preserve located in the Florida Everglades.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Corkscrew Sanctuary’s mission is to save the largest remaining stand of ancient bald cypress. Cypress was being cut rapidly during the 40’s & 50’s while disrupting birds along with the wildlife and their habitats. The curiosity associated with this Sanctuary was the idea of a natural biological system which expands over 13,000 acres. The 2.25 mile boardwalk winds through pine flat wood, wet prairie, around marsh and through the bald cypress.
Deep in the swamp
During the early morning, before sunset, my friend Karin and I began our journey to the Corkscrew Sanctuary located near the Big Cypress Natural Preserve close to Naples Florida. This journey takes 3 hours from the Florida Keys.
Within all of this natural beauty I was looking to find the one image not only in my mind but also with a photograph that I could take back to the studio and paint.
The trip unveiled more than could be imagined. The trees were the host for mosses, lichens, bromeliads and ferns. Most famous of all is the “Ghost Orchid” which we searched for and found no signs of any blooming. The other surprise is to find that the sanctuary is home to hundreds of alligators, otters, white-tailed deer and red bellied turtles. Not to exclude the enormous amounts of birds native and migratory. During the walk on the boardwalk many of the items could be spotted.
“There are no other Everglades in the World. They are, they have always been, one of the unique regions of the earth, remote never wholly known.” Marjory Stoneman Douglas
In the end…..
After a few hours in exploration the clouds moved in with rain. We found ourselves lucky to have had the best part of the day surrounded by such magnificence.
Now that the journey was over we returned back to the Florida Keys tired and wet. I was still on a mission to find a photo that would capture this day to transform into the memory of a painting. I couldn’t find this until reviewing all the images captured during this trip.
Yes, this is the photo that was selected.
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Is It A Wave or Is It Water
The Wave
Ocean Waves are caused by wind moving across the surface of the water. In science, a wave is defined as a transfer of energy. Ocean waves are called mechanical waves because they travel through a medium. The medium in the photo is the water. The water doesn’t actually travel with wave, but only moves up and down. It is the energy that moves with the wave.
The process of a Wave Study
To study a wave first comes from memory. Closing your eyes and hearing, seeing and sometimes feeling the wave. One attempts to capture all those senses that are available, in one image.
The highest point of a wave is called a crest. The lowest part is called a trough. The distance between 2 successive crests of the wave is called the wavelength.
How many memories do we hold as we have sat on the beach. Listening to the sounds of the rhythm of the waves. Watching the light, the splashes, the shadows and the foam. Swimming in the ocean and feeling the patterns of one wave coming after another. Not to forget those times when we race the wave to its end on the sand. Laughing at ourselves with this little play on nature.
“Waves are the practice of water, To speak of waves apart from water, or water apart from waves, is a delusion.”
Suzuki Roshi
Conclusion
We all share in those vacations by the ocean. Since experiencing beautiful bright days, or raging storms we keep those fond memories to reflect upon. My entire life I have never been more than a toe dip away from the ocean water. Within the next few months I will continue a study of the ocean as it is so close to my heart. It is not uncommon for all of us to be touched by the “Beach Lifestyle”, a memory or a calming effect we can relate to with our senses. I hope you find this topic of interest and invite you to join my email, each Monday a small study will be sent to your email box and you will have the first opportunity to see the progress with these small studies. Also, if you would like to email me I would love to read about your experiences with the ocean.
Peace, Joy and Love!
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Young Adults Who Inspire Us
Harry Harris Park
On September 24, a friend, Kim and I arrived at Harry Harris Park to paint the “after sunrise seascape”.
It was extremely hot with light glaring onto the shore, a few people were out and about. A normal morning set up for painting and sharing stories.
Hours later I read an article on September 24 about the Boy Scout Troop 912 of Tavernier, cleaning up the garbage along the beach areas. September 23 the boys came through this park and cleaned up the plastic and waste debris in memory of Pascal.
The Florida Keys Residents from MM0 to 107 came out to support Pascal and his environmental influence in his short 14 years. In the isolation days of Covid another paralyzing event was this loss. The Lobby at the Humane Society has been renamed after him. In the Park at Harry Harris there now are signposts to demarcate areas where Pascal chose to conduct his science projects.
Pascal The Young Environmentalist
Pascal-Rene Zue Weisberger’s life was cut short tragically in May. He was a shining star to everyone he met. His second home was volunteering at the Upper Keys Humane Society where he gave names to all the animals. Also, gathering his friends from the Boy Scouts to assist in his particular interest, “Fixing Marine Debris Problems”.
After a painting is complete, back to the studio for observation and drying time. The sun in this painting is so bright as in the memory of this day on many different levels. The only obvious title for this painting is “Pascal’s Sunshine”.
There is No Greater Duty Than To Assist Children and Young Adults.
Want To Know More
If you would like to know more about Pascal Weisberger, search for Pascal’sway.org. A website is soon to be available and presently you can go on the Facebook page.
The proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to the Key Largo Humane Society. You can purchase this painting through the store. Once this painting is sold I will follow up with another story. Doing good things for people who do and have done good deeds!
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