Live of a Tree -- revisited

11"x14" oil on linen panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on November 6th, '08 (completed at 11:30) - $160 including shipping - contact me for purchase. Sandra and I painted at Mountain Cove Farm on this warm, breezy November day. The 1800+ acres were ablaze with the glory that is Autumn. Evergreens poked their heads through the warm red, orange and yellow hues and the mountains were shrouded early with a lavender mist.

Looking Again....

10" x 8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima on November 5th (completed at 4:30)...$85 including shipping...contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase.
Sandra and I set up our easels in her front yard on a simply gorgeous day with Autumn blazing all around us. Looking directly across the road, this small stand of trees caught my eye. I had seen them dozens of times before, but in looking again.....

The Civil War in Four Minutes

Sometimes I'm asked why Southern people still talk about the Civil War. "It's over, forget it," they say. I explain that we remember it because our ancestors fought, and many died, almost 150 years ago. We remember it because it was fought here in the South - on the very land we walk on. We remember it not because of hatred, but because of heritage.

My great-great grandfather was a Georgia Confederate soldier then. He returned from the war and helped raise my grandfather. Maybe that's why I'm here today????? My great grandmother, who lived to be 101, once told me (as a child) that she remembered hearing cannon fire when she was 4 years old.

If you think about it, in the grand scheme of things, it hasn't been that long ago. We remember - lest we forget.

Please take four minutes to watch this video...http://www.maniacworld.com/civil-war-in-four-minutes.html

Waiting

10"x8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima on September 20th 2009 (completed at 1:05pm)...$85 including shipping...The annual "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment weekend was rainy, muddy and overcast. But that didn't dampen the spirits of the artists who painted onsite both days. This painting shows one of the many sutlers who braved the elements.

Meadowlawn Morning

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on September 8th (completed at 10:30am)...$85 including shipping....This was a rather interesting painting being somewhat of an experiment. I had pre-toned the panel using random areas of ultramarine blue, yellow ochre with alizarine crimson designating the focal point which was the stand of trees in the upper left. In the actual painting, my palette consisted of yellow ochre, indian red, prussian blue and white. I may have used a touch of ivory black in the greens. Using a limited palette in the toning process, then using another limited palette in the final painting is something I'll explore further.

Tunnel Hill Battle paintout

It rained several days before and both days of the Tunnel Hill Battle paintout. But we were undaunted and painted anyway. Our paintout was part of the Worldwide Paintout sponsored by International Plein Air Painters.
I had other duties, so this is the only painting I completed. Here is a web album of other artists at work...
http://picasaweb.google.com/beejw1a/BattleOfTunnelHill09?feat=directlink

I love my Soltek easel!!

Several people have asked about my Soltek easel and how it works. I love my Soltek easel! I've had a half dozen easels - from a Julian French easel to a lightweight metal Winsor & Newton. But the Soltek is the Cadillac of easels.

(Click on the photo to see more details)

The Soltek sets up in about a minute. It holds stretched canvas or panels from about 5"x7" to larger than a 16"x20". It's totally adjustable as far as height, and even adjusts for uneven ground. There's a sliding mechanism in the legs that lets you adjust by the fraction of an inch.

The body consists of built in boxes that hold lots of brushes and all the paint you'd want to carry. It comes with a neutral gray palette that cleans like a dream. Nothing seems to damage it...not even high strength paint remover.

There are little "wings" that fold out on either side to hold used brushes, turp, etc. I use small rectangles of non-skid shelf liner to hold used brushes so they won't roll into each other. The non-skid liner also helps keep my palette in place.

Closing up in a breeze. The palette fits perfectly into the box, the "wings" close over it, and the "mast" folds down to lock it into place. With the touch of a finger, the legs telescope back into themselves and I'm walking to the next painting site. There is a wide padded shoulder strap that can be positioned in several ways, as well as holes where I use a bungee cord to hold a roll of paper towels. It also comes with a clip that lets you attach a wet painting or panel to the closed easel for transport back to the car.

It can even be used as a table easel. The box shelf can be positioned horizontally or at any angle that's comfortable.

Worldwide Paintout 2009 in Tunnel Hill, GA

As part of the International Plein Air Painters' World Wide Paintout, the Art Alliance of North Georgia is sponsoring the "Tunnel Hill Battle Paintout" during the annual "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment on September 19th & 20th. For driving directions, see more information in the sidebar to the right. And for photos of last years event, see the web album at http://picasaweb.google.com/beejw1a/THWorldwidePaintout?feat=directlink

Bethlehem Blooms

7"x5" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 26th (completed at 10:30am)...$35 including shipping...Bethlehem Gardens in Varnell, GA, is 7 acres of growing things, lovingly planted by the hand of Ms. Ruby. She cares for her gardens and 39 cats (yes, 39) with the thought that all living things are by the hand of God. She graciously invited us to paint among the potted plants and flowing fountains. And after about two hours, she surprised us with freshly sliced cold watermelon. Ms. Ruby is a Southern lady indeed.

musing...reflecting...pondering...bowling

Painting en plein air is like bowling...there are hundreds of things to think about (all at the same time). In bowling, the object is to knock down all the pins. In painting, the object is to ---- well, there's the kick. Does the artist render the painting as an identical twin of the object being painted? The artist may chose to do that, but there are hundreds, thousands, millions of other possibilities. Changing the background, the foreground, the colors, the shapes, adding or omitting items, moving things around a bit (or a lot) - there's just so much to consider when doing a painting.

There are also choices of subject. Do I paint the whole world? Or just one little corner? Or just one flower? Where do I set up my easel? Where do I stand? Or do I sit? Or perhaps crouch to get that perfect perspective?

Did I remember to consider the sun's movement across the sky when I chose the subject and easel placement? How will the subject remain lit as I paint? Or will the tree shadow encroach too soon? Will my canvas/palette be well lit but still in shadow during the painting process? And if not, where did I put my painting umbrella? (There is broken sun/shade falling across the canvas in this photo...which made painting more difficult.)

Choices --- every artist makes hundreds during the creation of a single painting. A photograph captures just what the lens sees - no more, no less. A painting is filtered through the eyes and mind of the artist, which makes each original painting a unique piece of artwork.

And original art makes a unique gift. Christmas is coming (again) this year.

A Song Singing

10"x8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 25th (completed at 10:00am)...$85 including shipping...Falling water has such a soothing sound, like a continuous and never ending song. We painted at Prater's Mill, near Varnell (GA) this morning. I've never seen this water blue, even under the bluest sky. The uneven dam allows the flowing water to make unusual waterfalls.

"Worldwide Paintout" in Tunnel Hill, GA

It's less than a month until the annual "Tunnel Hill Battle Paintout". See the sidebar (to the right) for more information and directions.

Namesake

6"x6"x1 1/4" oil on gallery wrap canvas, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 18th (completed at 10:30am)...$50 including shipping....The historic tunnel that gave Tunnel Hill (GA) its name is a breathtaking monument to the determination of the human spirit. More information can be found at http://www.tunnelhillheritagecenter.com/. You'll also find information about the annual Civil War reenactment held in Tunnel Hill.

not my favorite activity...

Framing is not my favorite art activity. It doesn't come in 3rd...or even a distant 5th. But it's a needful thing when you're an artist. I could just take my completed paintings to a frame shop and drop them off after choosing a moulding. But I'm a "hands on" type of artist. So I'm involved from the time I order a panel or stretched canvas until the completed painting is framed and hanging on a wall (preferably a customer's wall).

A Path Early

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 13th (completed at 11:00am)...$95 including shipping....This was painted at the historic Varnell House, built in 1847, in Varnell, GA. For awhile it served as Federal headquarters during the Civil War and was struck by "minnie balls" during several skirmishes in the area. As I stood at my easel on the old path leading up to the house, I could imagine the history taking place here over 150 years ago.

Like We Did Last Year

7"x5" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 11th (completed at 11:00am)...$35 including shipping...The trellis has been there, sitting as it is, for years. It has been taken down, straightened, and repositioned. Yet it still leans. It is its habit to lean.

From Ancestral Places

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 1st during the annual "Cherokee Days of Recognition" at Red Clay State Park near Cleveland, TN.... $85 including shipping....

Cherokee Garden

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 1st while early fog obscured the mountain and nearby meadow. This small garden is part of the replica Cherokee village at Red Clay State Park near Cleveland, TN. Its vegetables are the "three sisters" - corn, beans and squash. Sunflowers were an added treasure. Purchase this original painting for $85 including shipping.

Let the Sun Shine

10"x8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 1st (completed at 10:25am)...$85 including shipping...This was the second plein air of the day at the "Cherokee Days of Recognition" held at Red Clay State Park near Clevenland, TN. This sunflower stood in a small garden near the replica settlement.

today at Red Clay

I painted at Red Clay State (TN) Park today during the annual "Cherokee Days of Recognition". These were shot in (bad) indoor lighting, but at least you can see that three paintings made their way home with me. I'll get better images and post them soon with the accompanying explanations/stories/thoughts.

Finding the Way Through

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 28th (completed at 1:20pm as lightning started flashing)....$95 including shipping...I recall a science teacher once saying that water finds the path of least resistance, not unlike some of us. We had started painting around 8:30am at Barnsley Gardens near Adairsville, GA, when the sun was perfectly seeking out corners in the ruins. As we ate lunch, the clouds began to bank and we knew we wouldn't have much time before the rains came. Being overcast, the colors were muted and subtle, yet still wondrous.

Red Earth

4"x6" oil on sanded panel, painted on July 14th around 10:00am ... Just before time to pack up after a morning of painting, I picked up this little sanded panel and put down some paint. The rough surface slurped up the paint and I could feel it wearing down my brush. It's an interesting surface...don't know if I'll use it again...but interesting.

The trees were glowing as the sun raced across the sky. Paint quick, quick, quick.

out of town...

Just letting everyone know that I'll be out of town from the 16th until late on the 22nd. I'll be posting paintings soon after I return. While I'm gone, please feel free to check out past posts. Also http://southernpleinairpainters.blogspot.com should be interesting.

Willow and Weeds

7"x5" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 14th (completed at 9:35)...$35 including shipping...While painting at Crown Gardens and Archives, an artist can find inspiration everywhere. This willow caught my eye as the sunlight filtered through its flowing branches. More information about Crown Gardens and Archives can be found at http://whitfield-murrayhistoricalsociety.org/blog.php

What Kind of Day...

7"x5" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 9th (completed 9:35am)....$35 including shipping...I let the shapes of the tree and grasses dictate the direction of this little painting. Upon closer investigation, the reflected light at lower right/center appeared as the center of a breaking ocean wave.

A Different Kind of Day

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 7th (completed at 10:30am)...$85 including shipping...The morning began soft and dream-like. As the sun rose over the mountain, shadows deepened and colors popped. I saw the gravel road as a stream, so I painted it as such.

Morning Stretch

7"x5" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 7th (completed at 8:18am)...$35 including shipping...The clouds were changing colors faster than I could mix the paint and put brush to canvas. Nature painted the sky and this mere mortal painted a canvas.

Soft Morning

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 7th (completed at 8:00am)...$95 including shipping....The clouds were banked in a myriad of colors as the sun struggled over the mountain. Photography of this particular painting was difficult. The yellows are much softer and purples are more muted in the original. Apparently I'm entering the 'purple period' of my painting career...it seems to emerge in my more recent works.

three this morning

I did 3 plein air pieces this morning, but photographic conditions were terrible after I got them home. I set them into frames and shot them with indoor lighting...bad indoor lighting. The next best thing was to render the image into black and white, and hope for better photographic lighting soon.

blues, yellows, reds

7"x5" oil done while playing around with blues, yellows and reds. The morning sunlight was absolutely orange when it hit the hay bales and crib corner. Beyond the distant misty field, the mountain was blue/purple. The tree bark was shining almost red. This was a fun little piddly, cartoony way to spend time listening to the birds.

Kaleidoscope Morning

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 3rd (completed at 8:25am)...$100 including shipping...What a wonderful morning to be a plein air painter! It was perfect, perfect. I chose to include just a few hay bales which were scattered across the meadow. The sun hit the red foliage just as I was adding the final touches.

Morning Shadows

7"x5" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on June 25th (completed at 8:15am)...$30 including shipping...The early morning sunlight cast a wonderful yellow/orange glow...but it was gone in a flash. Just enough time for a small one.

Exploring What's There

10"x8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on Tuesday June 30th (completed at 9:55am)...$85 including shipping...Sandra and I explored Crown Gardens and Archives in Dalton (GA) and found a painting in every direction. This small addition to the main structure was set deep in shadows and as the sun crept in, I began painting using only yellow ochre, alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue (and of course white). I had challenged myself to use a very limited palette. Next time I think the mixing will go faster.

Early at the Tunnel

7"x5" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on June 24th (completed at 8:20am)...$35 including shipping...The historic Tunnel Hill railroad tunnel is hidden in this plein air study, but is somewhere beyond the darkness on the lower left side. The sun had cleared Chetogeeta Mountain, turning the sky almost instantly from a golden haze to a clear blue. Taking the road to the left carries the viewer to the mouth of the tunnel.

Hay's In

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on June 24th (completed 8:00am)...$85 including shipping...Getting outside to paint in 95+ degree heat is nuts...so I get out really early to miss the heat. The early sun quickly rose to show its orange light on the recently baled hay. It's hard to believe this was just 3 days into early Summer.

First Hay of Summer

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on June 18th (completed at 9:10am)...$85 for painting only, $120 framed (as shown)...The hay was freshly cut and the meadow lay golden in the morning sun. Crickets and birds were the only sounds heard, except for the westbound freight train.

Among the Tree Shadows

10"x8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on June 17th...completed at 9:30am...$85 including shipping. The house hidden behind the trees is the Clisby Austin House, located in Tunnel Hill GA. The adjoining property hosts the annual "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment in September. As shown in the painting, the hay was ready for mowing. I'll return soon to capture the bales.

First Hay of Summer...progressing

We were there before 7am to begin painting the first cutting of Summer hay. Getting an early start to beat the heat is a must. It was 97 degrees later in the day. This is an 8"x10" oil on RayMar panel painted en plein air. At the time of the photo, it was still progressing but was finished alla prima. I just haven't taken the finished photo yet. Since this area seems to be famous for its "North Georgia green green", I often push colors into their blue or yellow zones.

Beyond the Lilies

10"x8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima on June 10th '09...completed about 1:45pm...at Barnsley Gardens just outside Adairsville, GA...$85 for the painting or $125 as shown framed. It was my first encounter with the magic that is Barnsley Gardens...what a feast for the eyes of an artist!!! I'll definitely return for another art day outing.

Water Before the Bridge - process

This is a 10"x8" oil (June 6th) which I feel still needs some touch ups. I always try to finish my plein air paintings at one sitting (alla prima) without tweaking or 'noodling' them after I get them home. This one, however, needs a little more work. I'm not satisfied with the reflections and the foliage needs some value change. If the changes seem drastic, I'll post the noodled result.

Sailors' Delight

9"x12" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on 4-24-09 (completed at 8:10pm) showing part of Lake Lanier near Buford GA. - $118 for the painting only (including shipping), but if you'd like it framed (as is, $140 including shipping). Usually I prefer my comfort zone of painting during morning light, but I liked this challenge of late afternoon. The breeze was refreshing after a long day of plein air work.

Rainbow River

Here's an 8"x10" oil, painted en plein air, alla prima, during the Buford paintout on June 24th ( completed around 1:15pm). Here, just below the Buford dam, the fish hatchery had just stocked rainbow trout. The title "Rainbow River" comes from the trout, but also because the light was dancing off the swirling waters. It was a totally wonderful day for fishing, kayaking...and painting. $85 including shipping for ONLY the painting...but if you'd like it complete with frame, $115 will do it.

fun 'twofer'

The word 'twofer' is short for "two for the price of one", or "this one time is the first and last time". In this case it's the former meaning. Last evening between 7:15 and 8:30, I threw caution in the creek and did a side by side on this 8x10 RayMar panel. It's not meant to be anything other that catching some whimsical late afternoon light. I was seeing lots of alizarin crimson and cad oranges. When I picked up the wet panel to shoot it, it fell jelly side down on the studio carpet. I had to laugh out loud. It picked up grit, cat hair, and an interesting carpet design on the far left. Nothin' but fun.

Harry Griffin Park - Early

10"x8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on Saturday May 30th - completed around 9:00am - $85 including shipping - I had driven to several favorite painting spots and couldn't decide where to set my easel. I almost took photos and returned home (shame on me). But then I heard me, telling me --- out loud --- "Good grief! Just get out and paint!" And so I did.

catching the light at Harry Griffin Park

Poor, pitiful plein air painter that I am...trying to catch the light and put it to canvas. Neither paintbrush nor camera can catch what the eye can see of God's wonderful creation. But I had a great time beside the creek in Harry Griffin Park this morning...painting away as the creek gurgled to the robins' tune. My, how the light can change in just an hours time!! I'll make a few quick adjustments and photograph the painting for posting soon.

North from Snodgrass Hill

May 22, '09, just before noon...it was overcast, then sunny, then drizzly...in short, painting en plein air was a bit of a challenge. The light was changing by the minute/second and capturing the correct colors was almost impossible. This is a slice of what I painted that day. Going too dark with my darks is something I need to work on, especially in such changeable light. This was a 6"x12" mini canvas, but I think a larger version would have better captured the meadow's expanse. Gonna work on that.

Confederate Memorial Wreath

9"x12" oil on Raymar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on Tuesday, April 28th '09, at Old Stone Church near Ringgold GA. $120 including shipping -
The wreath on the door commemorates Confederate Memorial Day which is a state holiday in some states in the US. In Georgia, it was April 27th. It gives people a chance to honor and remember the Confederate soldiers who died or were wounded during the Civil War in the 1860s. Old Stone Church was used as a hospital.

Rainbow Stream

This is another plein air oil painting completed on site at the Historic Buford (GA) Paint out on April 24th. The location is just downstream from the Buford dam. There were dozens of fishermen and kayakers enjoying the perfect morning. I popped the finished painting into a frame and delivered it (wet) to the Tannery Row Artist Colony for exhibit throughout the month of May.

Reaching for the Sky

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on 4/24 at the Buford Dam during the "Historic Buford (GA) Plein Air Festival"...currently on display at the Tannery Row Artist Colony. There is a bit of shadow from my easel showing at the upper edge of this photo.

"Without..."

The "Historic Buford (GA) Plein Air Festival" was this past weekend, hosting 43 artists. I did this quick color study on Saturday morning. I decided to leave it 'as is'...without doors, without windows, without cars, without people. The shapes were interesting enough.

painting alone or with someone??

While I love painting en plein air alone, with just the wind, birds and crickets - sometimes I meet a friend and we "parallel paint". We chose a location, chat briefly, then set up our easels. Sometimes we paint the same subject, but from different angles. Sometimes we face in opposite directions, but stay close enough to talk. Other times we aren't within eyesight of each other.

After painting for awhile, we take a short break and discuss any problems or "ah-ha!" moments. In packing up our equipment afterward, we view each others work. And we are always smiling - seeing the scene through someone elses eyes and through their brushwork and palette.

But again there are the times I paint alone, conversing with myself (aloud) asking "What color is that...and how do I mix it?" and "I wonder if there's a snake in those weeds?"

I love painting with friends - and I love painting alone.

This painting is still in the "laying in" stage - putting in the major, then secondary shapes and deciding on colors.

waiting for May

This 16x20 oil on stretched canvas was started en plein air in May '08. The main house is the pre-Civil War Clisby Austin house in Tunnel Hill, GA. Rather than finish the painting from memory or a photo, I plan to return to the same spot on the same day this May '09 -- maybe even at the same time of day. I usually don't work on larger canvases when painting on site, but this one was fun to do.

Pathway Puddles

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima on 3-24-09 (completed around 3:15) - $85 including shipping - This is the first time I've been out painting en plein air in a long, long time...well, since November anyway. I usually paint during morning hours, but conditions haven't been right for awhile...but this particular afternoon seemed perfect. The more I painted, the more the clouds rolled in. Puddles on the gravel walkway danced in the changing light, so Mr. Coker's chimney and the oak tree's old and new foliage had to relent.

good bookkeeping - a necessity

In getting ready for a February one woman show, I am horrified to find that in late 2008 I became a slacker with my bookkeeping!! I have not kept my inventory spreadsheet updated since mid-September.

I can make the excuse that I was out painting and just didn't have the time. Or maybe it was the mineral spirits fumes. I don't know what happened. But I do know I'll not let that happen again. I've been updating almost all day long...and am finally caught up.

If this happens again, will someone please poke me with a sharp stick and yell "Slacker!!"

reflections, insights, etc.

I'm not a person who makes New Year's resolutions, but I do take time to redefine myself and look through fresh eyes occasionally. Working outside my comfort zone and painting with more insight, I hope to become a better painter. I've been self-limiting this year, but reflections on the past only serve to cast more light upon the future.

The subject of this plein air painting is an old oak tree situated on a knoll which overlooks a nearby Civil War battlefield. The tree has become a fixture in many of my paintings. It seems I'm captivated by Nature's light and how it plays across the area. Studying the tree has helped me 'see' rather than just 'look'. I'm always amazed at God's palette and how we mortals struggle to capture His works on canvas.

taking time to smell the dandelions

I haven't quit painting...just taking a bit of time off. "Take time to smell the roses" is the accepted quote, I believe.

To my delight, I spotted a dandelion flower this morning (in the middle of December) and it reminded me that sometimes it's OK to pause and reflect upon my life. Spring will come once again and the seasons will repeat themselves. Things will be renewed. Rest knits up many things...

Please check back soon for new posts...and thanks always for your interest in my artwork.

Reflections Gallery show

I just came across this photo of some of my plein air paintings featured at Reflections Gallery in Chattanooga, TN. The photo isn't high resolution so clicking on the image will show the paintings 'grainy'. All are 8"x10" oil, painted en plein air, alla prima, in and near Tunnel Hill, GA. Contact me at beejw@charter.net for information or availability.

Fall at Fort Keys revisited

On this day, November 20th, last year I painted this 8"x10" oil, en plein air, alla prima. Several people asked if I had "tweeked" the foliage colors. I usually reply that I don't have to exaggerate Nature's coloring...I just have to see it with an artist's eye. The accompaning photograph shows an almost identical coloring in adjacent trees this year.
Contact me for purchase at beejw@charter.net. The price is $85 including shipping.

Life of a Tree

11"x14" oil on linen panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on November 6th (completed at 11:30) - $160 including shipping - contact me for purchase. Sandra and I painted at Mountain Cove Farm on this warm, breezy November day. The 1800+ acres were ablaze with the glory that is Autumn. Evergreens poked their heads through the warm red, orange and yellow hues and the mountains were shrouded early with a lavender mist.

Looking Again West

10" x 8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima on November 5th (completed at 4:30)...$85 including shipping...contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase.
Sandra and I set up our easels in her front yard on Wednesday afternoon. It was simply a gorgeous day with Autumn blazing all around us. Looking directly across the road, this small stand of trees caught my eye. I had seen them dozens of times before, but in looking again.....

Morning Side of the Mountain

9" x 12" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on Saturday November 1st (completed just before noon) - $110 including shipping - contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase. Several plein air painters were fortunate enough to be invited to paint at Cloudland Station, just south of Flintstone, GA. The morning was perfect - clear blue sky, gorgeous blazing Fall foliage, and the wonder that is Cloudland Station. This small green building is the school house, which is also the office/information center. Be sure to visit their website at http://www.fireflycommunities.com/.

Happy Halloween!!

8"x10" oil - plein air color study done at the "Pumpkin Glow" festival near Flintstone, GA, on October 25th.

The Little Shed - SOLD!

10"x8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on Saturday, October 25th around 11:00am. SOLD! "Pumpkin Glow" is a festival held at Cloudland Station near Flintstone, GA. It's family fun for two days amid a wonderful little planned community which includes a cider house, a mill, a lake and swimming hole, and several other quaint buildings. They've started building cabins there, too. Several of us artists will return soon to paint this wonderful site.

Scattering of Sunshine - SOLD

10"x8" oil on Raymar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on October 12th (completed at 11:15am) - SOLD - The sun didn't break through the scattered clouds until after 9:00 on that Sunday morning at Prater's Mill Country Fair. When I began laying in the basic shapes, my sight line into the woods was clear. As the morning progressed, dozens of people eating freshly baked goodies crowded around the picnic tables. I was popping my head up and down - like "Whack a Mole" - to see my subject as I worked to finish this painting.

Hidden Trail

6" x 8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on Saturday, October 11th at Prater's Mill Country Fair (completed at 11am) - $50 including shipping - This was my first year as an artist exhibitor at the annual Prater's Mill Country Fair. I set up my easel early after opening my tent, hoping to catch the sunlight as it hit the trees. The morning was overcast and I was somewhat disappointed that no "Autumn blaze" was showing. I laid in the dark basics and shadows -- and waited. It wasn't until mid-morning that the sun broke through and showed the beginnings of what will be glorious Northwest Georgia foliage colors.

The Yellow Bird - SOLD

10"x8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima - SOLD -
On July 21st, both Sandra and I painted this charming little gift shop located in historic downtown Dalton, GA. There are so many quaint shops there that we've decided to return soon to capture them on canvas. Loganberry's is just a few doors down from The Yellow Bird. It's famous for its blue/purple facade.

Sutler Tents

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on September 7th, during the "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment - $85 including shipping -
Sunday morning sutlers were preparing their tents for customers - both reenactors and visitors. Fall colors were beginning to show in the trees as the morning sun streamed across the meadow. Eleven Southern plein air painters captured similar scenes during this weekend of the Worldwide Paintout.
For an explanation of the word "sutler", here's a link to Wikipedia.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutler

Across the Meadow

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima - $85 including shipping but not including frame - contact me for purchase -
The purples in shadow and the yellow-green grasses caught my attention when I visited Meadowlawn several weeks ago. I stood just behind the fence barricade at Fort Keys as I painted the shack. I even included a few fence boards in the foreground.

Meadowlawn Morning

11"x14" oil on stretched canvas, begun en plein air - still in process....
I've worked on this painting on three separate occasions, but it still isn't completed. It's been in my car more times than that....propped up in the back seat, taken out, viewed on this site, returned to its resting place to be reviewed again. I'm not sure what's going on, but I know the painting will tell me what it needs to be considered complete.
Once again the subject of a painting is Fort Keys, located at the Tunnel Hill battlefield. I've painted this clump of trees and rolling meadow numerous times, but it still holds endless possibilities.

Fort Keys Saturday

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on September 6th at the "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment - $85 including shipping - contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase.
Early on Saturday morning reenactors began milling about making preparations for the upcoming battle. The smell of frying bacon still hung in the air. Behind me a small squad of young Confederates practiced their marching drills. Several folks stopped by to watch me paint. There were nods of approval - then they went on their way. It was a wonderful day spent at the battlefield with close artist friends as we captured scenes for remembrance.

Fort Keys Saturday
10" x 8" (25.4cm x 20.4cm)
Oil, en plein air, alla prima on RayMar panel
$80 plus $5 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

Around the Corner

6"x8" oil on Raymar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima - $45 including shipping - contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase.
The fog seemed to linger just a little longer than on previous mornings. It wasn't really overcast, but the air seemed heavier than usual. Atmospherics had the "very early Fall" feel and it was echoed in the distant foliage. Fall seems just around the corner.

Cabin in the Meadow - SOLD

4"x6" oil on Raymar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima - SOLD -
On September 20th and 21st, the Creative Arts Guild in Dalton, GA, held their annual Fine Arts Festival. I was honored to be juried into the main gallery exhibit. I was also set up in the artist outdoor market.
What a weekend! The weather was perfect. And the sponsors were the ideal of Southern hospitality.
Visitors to my tent seemed drawn to my small plein air studies. I had taken about 20 with me to show something of the painting process, but people started asking to buy them! Some were still in the "cartoony" stage, some still had bits of white canvas peeking through - but customers were eager to shove money into my hands.

Southern hospitality

We Southern ladies know how to throw a bash! This was the refreshment table at the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center's "Echoes of Our Past" artists' reception. There was cool white punch, almond cookies, banana nut loaves, white grapes, nacho chips, ginger snaps, sugar cookies - just to name a few goodies. And they were all hand-made by artist Sandra Babb, who also furnished the table decorations including flowers from her garden. Historical Foundation members, the featured artists and Civil War reenactors stopped in for a snack.

Fort Keys Waits

8" x 10" oil on Raymar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on September 3rd - completed at 10:30am - $85 including shipping - NOT including frame - contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase
I painted this one on Wednesday before the "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment on September 6th and 7th. As I was packing up, one of the reenactors drove past Fort Keys on the little road in the painting. The next day canvas tents were springing up all around, ready for the battle.

"Worldwide Paintout" in Tunnel Hill, GA

As part of the annual "Worldwide Paintout" publicized by International Plein Air Painters, we had a wonderful weekend at the "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment in Northwest Georgia.
pictured front row (l-r) are Gretchen Allen, Allison Doke, and BJ Wright
back row - Phyllis Franklin, Cathy Cooksey, Cecil Warfel, Patti Vrobel, Shane McDonald, John B. Guernsey and Sandra Babb. We couldn't find Tim West - he was somewhere painting on the 83 acre property.
Both days were in the 90+ degrees, but we found plenty of shade and lots of interesting subjects for plein air painting. Everyone had such a good time that there's already talk about next year.

yes, I have been painting

I have been painting. As proof I offer this photo of my drying racks. I've been working on the "Tunnel Hill Battle Paintout" as part of the International Plein Air Painters' annual "Worldwide Paintout". Placing ads on websites, in newspapers, handing out fliers - it takes a lot of preparation to sponsor a paintout. But I have some very good friends who are neck deep in there, too. Thanks to you, Cathy Cooksey and Sandra Babb! I'll post some photos of the event soon.

Early Summer Hay

8" x 10" oil on RayMar panel painted en plein air, alla prima, on June 25th (completed at 9:30am) - $85 including shipping - contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase.
The hayfields in Tunnel Hill have offered an endless source of painting ideas this early Summer. Every time I visit the property, I'm struck with a sense of quiet and peaceful existence. The shadows are always deep with purples playing against the yellow/orange of the hay. It's a wonderful palette to behold.
Next weekend (September 6th and 7th) the property will be the site of the annual "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment. This year our location will also host the "Tunnel Hill Battle" paintout in conjunction with the International Plein Air Painters' "Worldwide Paintout".

directions to the "Battle of Tunnel Hill" reenactment

As promised, here are driving directions to the "Battle of Tunnel Hill" (GA) Civil War reenactment to be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 6th and 7th. Gates open at 9:00am. Admission is $5. Gates close at 4:00pm.

Coming south from Chattanooga, TN, on I-75, take exit #345 (Ringgold/Tunnel Hill). At the end of the ramp, turn right (south) onto Hwy 41. Drive 3.9 miles --- watch the speed limits, THEY MEAN IT. Turn left onto Oak Street. Stay straight for .3 mile. Event parking is on the right.

Coming north from Atlanta, GA, on I-75, take exit # 336 (Dalton/Rocky Face). At the bottom of the ramp, turn left (north) onto Hwy 41. Drive 5.0 miles. Turn right onto Oak Street. Stay straight for .3 mile. Event parking is on the right.

My art group, the Art Alliance of North Georgia, is sponsoring a paint-out during the event. It's in conjunction with the International Plein Air Painters "Worldwide Paintout". Hope you can drop in and visit.

Chickamauga Battlefield Trail

10" x 8" oil on linen panel, painted en plein air, alla prima on June 16th (completed around 9:30am) - $85 including shipping - contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase. Sandra and I painted in Chickamauga Battlefield Park that cool morning, but the temperature was climbing fast. This trail is used by hikers, bikers and people on horseback as they explore the many acres of this beautiful Northwest Georgia park. The red Georgia clay appeared with lots of pink that morning - so that's how I painted it.

Tunnel Hill Battle paintout

"The Art Alliance of North Georgia" is inviting plein air painters to participate in the premier Tunnel Hill Battle Paintout to be held during the annual Battle of Tunnel Hill (GA) Civil War reenactment on September 6th (Saturday) and 7th (Sunday). This is in conjunction with the International Plein Air Painters' World Wide Paintout.

For more information, please contact BJ Wright at beejw@charter.net.

Cool Green

8" x 10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air on July 9th & 12th - $85 including shipping - contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase -
It's always exciting to start a painting and return to the same site on another day to complete it. Even at the same time of day, there is always a difference in lighting and atmosphere. This was painted on a Wednesday and completed the following Saturday - just a few days apart, but it had rained on Thursday causing the water to take on an olive tone.

Fort Keys Hay

8" x 10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima on June 24th (completed around 9:45am)...$85 including shipping but NOT including frame...contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase.
The sweet smell of newly cut hay drew me to this spot on the Tunnel Hill battlefield. Cool shadows played on the little gravel road and the mountain cast its shadow on the hayfield.

It won't be too long until the Civil War reenactors set up their tents under the big oak tree here at Fort Keys. Preparations are already being made for the Battle of Tunnel Hill.

Unexpected Visitors

10" x 8" oil on RayMar panel painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 14th ( completed around 11:15) - $85 including shipping (NOT including frame) - contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase.
Sandra and I were painting scenes in the East pasture. I was almost finished with the foreground tree when the heron landed on a lower limb and stayed just long enough for me to put him into the painting. Just before I signed my name in the wet paint, a cow wandered through the scene looking for a mid-morning snack. She was soon gone. These unexpected visitors added a bit of whimsey.

...out of town...

I will be out of town between Tuesday, July 29th through August 5th. Maybe I'll have a chance to paint...maybe not. In any case, please take this opportunity to view past posts and also visit www.southernpleinairpainters.blogspot.com.

I'll be back to the easel soon. And, as always, thanks so much for stopping by.

:o) BJ

Headquarters

9" x 12" oil on linen board, painted en plein air, alla prima, on June 4th - completed at 8:15am - $115 including shipping - contact me for purchase at beejw@charter.net
This little shack is on the Tunnel Hill battlefield property. Every year during the Civil War reenactment "Battle of Tunnel Hill" it serves as battle strategy headquarters. Dates for this years reenactment are September 6th and 7th.

There will also be an art exhibit at the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center beginning August 18th through September 15th.

Be sure to visit my photo blog at http://www.photographicsouth.blogspot.com/ for photos and directions prior to the battle.

Three

8" x 10" oil on linen board, painted en plein air, alla prima on June 16th (completed around 10:30am) at the Chickamauga Battlefield in Northwest Georgia - $85 including shipping - contact me for purchase ----
Sandra and I spent the morning at Chickamauga Battlefield painting the rolling hills and meadows. Occasionally a hiker or biker would come into view, wave, then disappear around a bend.

The sun was fast rising and so was the temperature, so I painted quickly. A lilac colored haze in the distance reminded me that there was once cannon fire here - but now there is peace.

Contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase.

Meadowlawn Springhouse

10" x 8" oil on stretched canvas, painted en plein air - $85 including shipping - contact me for purchase -
The springhouse sits beside the Clisby Austin House in Tunnel Hill, Ga, site of the annual Civil War reenactment. The painting was started on May 6th. I returned to the site on July 14th to finish.
Even though I was standing in the exact same spot on both days, the lighting and atmospheric conditions were different. That's what's so wonderful about painting en plein air. No two days - like snowflakes - are the same. Each is a wonder unto itself.

On a Clear Day

8" x 10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 1 (completed at 9:45am) - $85 including shipping - contact me for purchase -
Facing East as the sun rises across the sky isn't something I usually do while painting en plein air. But this morning the distant hills were shrouded in mist and held the most beautiful purples. The sun was showing a new grass green on the meadow, making the shadows seem even darker. Dead foliage and twigs seemed to accentuate the Summer greens.

The Small One

10" x 8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 7th - $85 including shipping - contact me for purchase -
This painting was begun at 6:45am as the clouds were streaming overhead making room for the sun. By the time I was finishing, the tree shadows were deepening and there was a glow on all the bales.

urban plein air painting - SOLD

Sandra and I met at 8:00 this morning in downtown Dalton, GA, to capture some colors - other than "North Georgia green green". We were in luck. Traveling along Hamilton Street, there are lots of quaint brightly painted gift shops. "The Yellow Bird" is owned by Sally, who paints bird houses and has many, many garden items in this wonderful little shop. Many years ago the building housed a shoe store, with its large front windows and inviting double glass doors. Stop in sometime and visit with Sally - she's defines Southern hospitality.

If you click the image, you can see the painting is in the blocking in stage. It's mostly finished now. It just needs a little tweaking and I'll post it soon. - this painting has SOLD -

In the Green Depths - SOLD

6" x 8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 18th - completed at 9:30am - $50 including shipping - SOLD -
There's a little covered bridge at the edge of the Civil War battlefield in Tunnel Hill. Just to the North is the Western & Atlantic railway which carrys maybe 30 trains a day. Between the little road and the rail bed is a line of trees, casting their shadows throughout the day. Surrounding the bridge is the "North Georgia green green" of trees and the cool blues and violets of shade.

Tuesday's Bales

10" x 8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 8th (completed just after 8am) - $85 including shipping - contact me for purchase - see also post dated July 8 -

Maybe the distant hills weren't this particular shade of purple - but in my mind's eye they were. The early mist was clearing from the meadow but still hung on the ridge of hills to the West. The sun was hitting the tops of the waiting hay bales and casting a soft glow as the deep shadows kept their deep mysteries.

Sunning on the Deck

7" x 5" oil on canvas panel, painted en plein air, alla prima on July 1st (completed about 10:30am) - $35 including shipping - contact me for purchase ----
Concentrating on painting a faraway tree with distant mountains had been my focus. But as I began packing away my easel, I spotted this sunny corner on Sandra's deck. Now I'm not a floral painter, but the variety of pinks and corals caught my eye.

Shadows of a Summer Cloud

10" x 8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on June 26th - completed at 7:30am - $85 including shipping - contact me for purchase -
The hay is resting, waiting for delivery to the barn. Evening showers have left wonderful dawn cloud formations. Early morning painting is like medicine to the artist's soul.

Tuesday's Bales

The lighting wasn't ideal this morning at 7:00 when I set up my easel. I was expecting the sun to pop out around 8:00 but it kept hanging behind the high clouds. I've exaggerated the blues/purples of the distant hills and rearranged some of the bales. At the time of the photo, it was still in process. When completed this 10"x8" oil on RayMar panel will be $85 including shipping. Contact me for purchase.

works in progress

The darker greens behind the spring house will be adjusted and the shadows punched up.
The foliage has taken over this painting! It really needs more work.
-SOLD-
This painting was started in very late afternoon - 8:15 - and needs to be revisited. Right now it's in the 'cartoony' stage.
-SOLD-

Meadowlawn Afternoon

12" x 9" oil on linen board, painted en plein air, alla prima, on May 7th - completed at 7:30pm - $115 including shipping - contact me for purchase -----
This shack sits in the meadow near the Clisby Austin house, on the Tunnel Hill battlefield property. Usually I choose to paint in the morning, but this particular day I met Sandra and we explored the various lighting available in late afternoon. Honestly, the bright green tree in the background was that bright North Georgia 'green green'. The structure is used as headquarters during the annual Civil War reenactment "Battle of Tunnel Hill" which always takes place the weekend after Labor Day.

Spring Glow

8" x 10" oil on canvas panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on May 13th (completed around 2pm) - $85 including shipping - This was a different viewpoint and different lighting, but the same subject as "Small Things Brought Together" (posted earlier). The Spring greens were popping everywhere as the sun rose high above. Contact me for purchase.

The Tree - SOLD

8" x 10" oil on canvas panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on May 19th - SOLD, thank you Janice! - I've painted this old oak tree several times, but this particular day was a playfully magic time. The tree seemed to paint itself and I love the 'cartoony' quality. Originally I had thought to use this as an underpainting and return to the site to 'finish' the work. But each time I pick up the painting, it seems complete in its own special way.

Along Life's Road

8" x 10" oil on canvas board, painted en plein air, alla prima on the morning of 5/29/08 - $80 including shipping -
That morning I was feeling kind of quirky so I did a quirky painting. The road, the trees, the meadow flowers are all real. I left out the fence and moved the pedestrian crossing sign and made it a stop sign instead. I was thinking that "along life's road" are many stop signs, but if you look around you'll see some nice scenery. I know, I know - it's kind of corny. But like I said, I was feeling quirky that morning.

hodge podge, mish mash

I have several projects going at the same time and none of them are finished yet.

I'm working on an acrylic of Old Glory for the July flag show at the Creative Arts Guild in Dalton, GA. It's 16"x20" acrylic on 1 1/2" deep gallery wrap stretched canvas. Then there are 2 (at least) plein air paintings I need to go back onsite to finish. And then there's the studio that needs 'decluttering' after these are finished.

Blackberry Morning

10" x 8" oil on linen board, painted en plein air, alla prima, on May 19th (completed at 10:15 am) - $85 including shipping -
It was a crazy morning trying to catch the colors as the sun raced across the sky. The sky was at first cloudless, then hazy, then sunfulled - everything was changing so quickly as I painted fast and tried to keep up. The shadows seemed to be playing 'peek-a-boo' as they changed colors endlessly. The only thing unchanging was the clump of blooming blackberries in the foreground.

Small Things Brought Together

8" x 10" oil on canvas board, painted en plein air, alla prima, on the morning of May 8th. The shadows were dark and the hay covered meadow was bright - what a beautiful morning to paint!!
I've entered this painting in the Creative Arts Guild's Festival Gallery show in September. It won't be available until after the exhibit closes. Hopefully it will sell, but if not I will post it again here.

Going the Long Way Home

8"x10" oil, painted en plein air, alla prima - Sandra and I painted in the late afternoon, looking East toward Chetogeeta Mountain. This road leads up toward homes built along the ridge. It reminds me of taking little detours along life's road, seeing what might be around the next bend.

I have entered this in the Creative Arts Guild's Festival Gallery show in September. I hope it sells - but if not I will post it here again after the exhibit ends.

North for the Summer

5" x 7" oil on canvas panel, painted en plein air, alla prima on May 28th around 7:30 am - $40 (painting only) - $55 (painting framed as shown).....contact me for purchase.....

Painting in the field early in the morning has its rewards. Just as I was putting my signature into the wet paint, I heard the geese honking overhead as they flew North for the Summer. While packing my painting equipment into the car, I also spotted a white tail deer loping through the tall meadow grass. What a wonderful morning for painting!

Getting Away from the Green

8"x10" oil on canvas board, painted en plein air, alla prima, on May 13th around 10am. Contact me to purchase for $65.

Painting in Northwest Georgia in the Spring and Summer presents particular challanges when dealing with greens. An artist friend describes the foliage here as being "North Georgia Green Green". It takes keen observation to find those hidden 'other' colors in the thick leafy trees.

This scene is actually a gravel road running along the Western edge of Chetoogeta Mountain in Tunnel Hill, GA. I just didn't use any green - of any kind, either mixed or tube color - when painting this quick study. Afterward I did another painting using a 'normal' palette of Spring colors. I'll post it soon.

May paintings

I promise that I have been painting. These were done earlier this month. Right now they're in drying racks waiting to be photographed and posted. I hope to post each one separately very soon.

being in the right place at the right time.....

While painting in Red Clay Park last week, I was interviewed by a reporter from the Chattanooga News Freepress. Pictures taken, questions asked - the whole thing done impromptu.

Being in the right place at the right time does occasionally happen. I was glad I had business cards with me. If you'd care to read the story, I've included the link. There is no photo here, but that's ok. I was dressed for painting - not having my picture taken.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/may/06/cleveland-red-clay-spotlight/

Springhouse at Meadowlawn

This is still "cooking". I've tweaked the big tree on the left, making the trunk larger and adding some limbs. There are also adjustments needed in the background. Tomorrow's weather should be the same as today's, so I'll complete the adjustments onsite in the morning. I simply ran out of time (and shade). Maybe Sandra can join me and we can have a small paint-out.

Eternal Flame at Red Clay

Today was windy at Red Clay State Park. I had to tape my canvas to the easel so it didn't fly away! This painting isn't quite finished yet - needs some tweaking here and there. The painting on my easel is standing in the shade, so it appears darker than the trees. The subject is the eternal flame located on a knoll overlooking the council house. I may return in a few days, painting in hand, to finish.

Red Clay is a wonderful place to visit. It's quiet - a great place to get away from the rest of the world.

Place of Peace and Quietness - SOLD

24"x12" oil on stretched canvas, painted en plein air, alla prima, on April 23rd around 9:30am. -- SOLD - thanks LS Manis !!
This little church is in Tunnel Hill, GA. There are buildings around the church but I chose to leave them out of the painting. The church has been there for probably 100 years or more.

Casa de Bandini - progressing

I'm still working on this painting for the Creative Arts Guild's "Celebracion" Hispanic/Latino gallery show. I must deliver it no later than Sunday, April 27th. That's painted, dry, framed and ready to hang in about 8 days. I'm using a drying medium to speed the process. I know I'm cutting it awfully close, but I've been away from the easel for awhile - won't bore you with the details. There's still lots to do here. It's far from being ready.

South from Fort Keys

10"x8" oil on canvas covered hardboard painted en plein air, alla prima - $85 including shipping -
As we were painting at the Tunnel Hill battlefield on March 22nd, I saw this lovely patch of purple at the meadow's edge. As I painted, the dark colors under the trees on the left kept changing. Even though my initial intent was to feature the purple flowers, I loved working on the darks as well.
Contact me for purchase.

Those Bloomin' Pear Trees

10"x8" oil on canvas covered hardboard - $85 including shipping -
Sandra, Sherry, Tim and I met at the Tunnel Hill battlefield on Saturday, March 22nd, and had a great plein air painting day.
This small building is directly across the street from the Heritage Center. The pear trees are in full bloom and are amazing in all their colors of white.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase.

Casa de Bandini

This is a 28"x22" oil on canvas work in progress.

The smallest image is a 4x6 photo taken in 1997 while I was in San Diego, CA. The slightly larger image is the 8x10 enlargment I'm using as reference.
I've encountered a slight perspective problem because the photo was made using a wide angle lens which distorts verticals, causing them to curve. I've straightend those lines in the canvas layout. Something else to consider has been all the diagonals of the roof shingles, the upper railing, and the rafters. I'm seeing that I need to rework some of the angles before I paint farther.

This will be a companion piece to another work painted in 2003. My style and techniques have evolved since then and I'm somewhat anxious about matching the earlier work.
I'd be happy to receive comments at beejw@charter.net.

Tree Line Vigil

8" x 10" oil painted en plein air, alla prima, on canvas covered hardboard - $85 including shipping -
The Southwest corner of the meadow meets a tree line at the site of the annual Battle of Tunnel Hill. Here the Yankee soldiers emerge, guns drawn and cannons blazing. It was quiet when I painted this but within an hour the site showed hundreds of Civil War reenactors.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net

Fall at Fort Keys

8" x 10" oil on canvas covered hardboard painted en plein air, alla prima - $85 including shipping -

It seems like ages since I've been outside painting. This is the same scene - "Camp at Fort Keys" - that I painted in September at the Tunnel Hill battlefield. The foliage is changing so fast I'm glad I finally captured it on canvas. The shadows are appearing so blue and the leaves are so firey red, it's just an explosion of color.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net

"Starving Artists" ????

I'm sure Durinda Cheek will appreciate you visiting her artist blog and reading her thoughts concerning "starving artists".
http://artisttravels.blogspot.com/2007/10/starving-artists-sale.html

Alannah Michelle Lasher

This is my new little granddaughter - Alannah Michelle Lasher.

Born on October 8th, she is a most precious gift. If you'd like to see more pictures and read her story, please visit her blog - www.thelashers.blogspot.com.

****posted by her Gram, BJ***

Transitions

8" x 10" oil on canvas covered hardboard - painted en plein air on 9/21/07 -
This will be used as a study for a larger studio painting. The morning was unsettled and windy with patchy clouds skipping across the sky. It was as though Fall couldn't decide whether to encroach into Summer - or wait a few more weeks. There was a rustling of leaves signaling the transition of seasons. Patches of red foliage have begun peeking through the Summer green.

This scene is in the same meadow where I painted "Wisdom Oak" and "Just Saying Good Morning". I love this property located near my home in NW Georgia.

Contact me at beejw@charter.net

out of town for new granddaughter :o)

I will be out of town for about 2 - 3 weeks visiting my daughter in Virginia. She's expecting her first child, Alannah, early next week. I'll be away from the easel - but with camera in hand to shoot scenes in and around Richmond.

Please check in again soon. And be sure to visit our plein air painters blog at www.southernpleinairpainters.blogspot.com to see paintings featuring the scenery in Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Florida. Our artists are capturing the changing of the seasons in some wonderful paintings. You won't be disappointed.

September Full Moon on the easel

8" x 10" original on gallery wrap canvas - mixed media in progress - should be finished very soon.

In working on my series of Full Moon paintings, I've researced science and historical information. Many people refer to the full moon in October as the Harvest Moon. However, the Harvest Moon is actually the full moon nearest the September equinox which was September 23rd this year. This fact puts the September full moon, on September 26th, as the Harvest Moon.

The October full moon will be on October 26th and is referred to as the Hunter's Moon, Blood Moon or Sanguine Moon.

Contact me at beejw@charter.net

Camp at Fort Keys - SOLD

8" x 10" oil on canvas covered hardboard - painted en plein air, alla prima on Saturday, September 8th at the Battle of Tunnel Hill - $85 including shipping - SOLD
It was early on the first day of battle. Tents were set up at Fort Keys and campfires were smouldering. Reenactors were beginning to stir, packing away night equipment, getting ready for the afternoon battle.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net

Fort Keys to Taylors Ridge

8" x 10" oil on canvas covered hardboard - painted en plein air, alla prima on 9-6-07 - $85 including shipping -
It was overcast on Thursday before the Battle of Tunnel Hill. I was set up at Fort Keys to paint the old shed and cornfield which play a big role in the reenactment. Several folks from Mississippi had just put up their tent in preparation for the battle to come. The meadow was peaceful under the early September sky; the trees showed signs of Autumn colors soon to come.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net

Art festival this weekend

I've been getting ready for the Creative Arts Guild Festival this weekend, September 15th & 16th. Painting, painting, painting is what I've been doing lately.

Then I realized, "Hey, all those paintings need framing for the arts festival". Well, duh!! So framing has been my main focus for several days. And it's not my favorite thing to do - but I'd rather do it myself than have it done. I think it adds a bit more of 'me' to the finished painting.

I have 3 paintings waiting to be posted. I just haven't photographed them yet. I hope to start getting them posted Monday - then it's back to the fields to paint some more.

The Road In

10" x 8" oil on canvas covered hardboard - painted en plein air, alla prima on 9-4-07 - $85 including shipping -
This little gravel road runs south at the foot of Chetoogeta Mountain from the old general store, past Fort Keys then exits back into the 21st century on US Highway 41. It is the 'road in' when the Civil War reenactors arrive for the Battle of Tunnel Hill.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net

Battlefield at Tunnel Hill

This is the site of the previously posted painting "Dew on the Meadow, Sun on the Rise". The usually peaceful meadow is transformed into a Civil War battlefield at the Battle of Tunnel Hill held annually on the weekend after Labor Day.

As I write this, I can hear the booming cannons - really! - because I live less than 2 miles away. After cleanup tomorrow, Meadowlawn will once again become the peaceful meadow I love to visit.

I have 4 recent paintings done at the site which will be posted very soon. The titles are "The Road In", "From Fort Keys to Taylors Ridge", "Fort Keys Camp" and "Yankee (or Union) Cannons Away".

I met a family of reenactors who set up camp at Fort Keys on Thursday the 6th. They had traveled from Mississippi to take part in this part of living history. "Hey" to Mike, Becky, Savannah and Shiloh. I hope to see you again sometime. :o)

Contact me at beejw@charter.net

Dew on the Meadow and Sun on the Rise

8" x 10" oil on canvas covered hardboard - painted en plein air, alla prima - $85 including shipping -
It was just before 8am on Tuesday, September 4th - a heavy dew had settled on the meadow. Trees were still in deep shadow, and mist hugged the distance. As the sun struck the grass, countless sparkles skipped across the scene. It was an early morning wonderland.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net

May the Road Rise to Meet You

10" x 8" oil on canvas covered hardboard - painted en plein air, alla prima - $85 including shipping -
It was Saturday morning, August 25th, and I was set up at Fort Keys to paint a scene at the Tunnel Hill battlefield. Running immediately in front of Fort Keys is Hunt Road, graveled and showing bright in the morning sun. I remembered an old Irish blessing which is:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Contact me at beejw@charter.net

Just Saying Good Morning

8" x 10" oil on canvas covered hardboard - painted en plein air, alla prima - $85 including shipping -

Painted August 24th, this scene is quite similar to my painting titled "Early Before the Rain". This week had seen clear bright mornings, with colors fairly singing. I love to see the way different atmospheric conditions affect a scene. The previous painting ("Early...Rain" - July 20th) was done on an overcast morning - this one done with almost no atmospheric interference - except for the brilliant sun.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net

Battle of Tunnel Hill coming up !!

The Battle of Tunnel Hill Civil War reenactment will be held at the Clisby Austin house and adjacent property on Saturday and Sunday, September 8th and 9th. Please check the photo slide show on the right (below) to view the property. >>>>>>>>>>>>>

Grain Moon the Full Moon in August

8" x 8" x 1/2" original oil on gallery wrap stretched canvas (NO FRAME REQUIRED) - $70 including shipping -
September's full moon rose early on the 28th; the sun had hardly set so the sky was still bright. Trees have slowly begun to show premature fall coloring because of the hard drought this summer. This scene is from my imagination with a little help from observing the moonrise on Saturday the 25th. Contact me at beejw@charter.net

The Colors of Early - SOLD

10" x 8" oil on canvas covered hardboard - painted en plein air, alla prima - SOLD -
Painted on August 23rd, an especially clear day, this painting bursts with colors of what might be called a late late Summer/early early Fall palette. The shadows were dark and the light was crisp and bold - just a wonderful day for painting en plein air. Contact me at beejw@charter.net

Country Store with Caboose and Ghost

8" x 10" oil on canvas covered hardboard - painted en plein air, alla prima - $85 including shipping -
This country store located on the Clisby Austin property in Tunnel Hill, GA, houses many Civil War relics. It is open during the annual Battle of Tunnel Hill reenactment set for September 8th and 9th. Several weeks ago Sandra and I were set up painting on the porch, avoiding the slight rain showers. There is an old pay phone, disconnected for years, beside the front door. I had just finished telling Sandra about some of the ghost stories I've heard connected with the property. Then the phone rang - twice! Disconnected for years, no outside wiring - but the phone rang twice. We both heard it.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net

Who Will See Us?

10" x 8" oil on canvas covered hardboard, painted en plein air, alla prima - $65 including shipping -
It was about 10am on August 22nd and Sandra and I had been painting for about 2 hours. The sun was rising quickly - and so was the temperature. We were just about to pack up when I spotted this patch of dead grasses hidden in the woods. The sun was breaking through the foliage and spotlighted the area with flaming orange and yellow. I worked quickly to get the scene on canvas. It was breathtaking - I was glad that Sandra was able to see it, too.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net

An Old Irish Poem

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry—
I am not there... I did not die...

I found this Irish poem while searching for the words to another Irish blessing.

While painting these past two weeks at the Tunnel Hill Civil War Battlefield, I've been thinking about all the American soldiers who fought and died during that war. The land is peaceful now, strewn with sweet-smelling hay bales drying in the Autumn sun. If you care to look back at the past few posts, you'll see some of these paintings. There are still 5 more to be posted. The titles are "Country Store with Caboose", "Who Will See Us?", "The Colors of Early", "Just Saying 'Good Morning'", and "May the Road Rise to Meet You".

The Civil War Reenactment - Battle of Tunnel Hill - will be held on September 8th and 9th this year. Remember the boys in grey and blue.

Bright Meadow from Fort Keys

This image was dropped from the post on 8-23-07. Please click on the image for a high resolution view.

Conversations

8" x 10" oil on canvas covered hardboard, painted en plein air, alla prima - $85 including shipping -
Looking WSW from Fort Keys on the Clisby Austin property, these trees seemed to be conversing early on September 21st. The hay bales also seemed to be whispering to each other. I was listening to the buzz of insects and smelling the sweet hay drying in the sun as I painted the morning away.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net