Finding A Balance

In the Pines
24 x 20
detail

I like to think that mystery plays a big part in my work- like a character in a novel. Not surprisingly, my painting process reflects this. The layers of glazes and scumbles obscure some the initial information in the underpainting and create areas of visual uncertainty. But I have also found that I crave some beauty in the surface itself- areas of deep dark mystery surrounded by suggestive passages of paint. Enough form to satisfy our lizard brain's powers of recognition but not enough to destroy the playground of imagination. It is a difficult balance, and I am always veering off one side of the road or the other.

I have had a wonderful response to the announcement of the Little Everglades Ranch Florida workshop next spring, with many taking advantage of the Early Bird Special for those who register this month! Also, just in time for summer, the online course The Painted Sky returns next month. Details here.

Exciting News!

photo courtesy bluecentaur.com

From the Field to the Studio: A Slice of Heaven in Old Florida

I am excited to announce a five day workshop to be held at Little Everglades Ranch, Dade City, Florida, March 26-30, 2012. Little Everglades Ranch is a pristine 2000 + acre working ranch located in Dade City, Florida (about 45 miles northeast of Tampa). It is a beautiful location- a true slice of "Old Florida" with gorgeous huge live oaks, cypress, tall pines, wild life, ponds, lakes and streams, cattle and horses. Be sure to check out the Ranch website here- there are lots of photos and a great video about the ranch which will give you an idea of what a special place it is. Ranch owner Sharon Blanchard and Ranch Manager Katie Carris are old friends of mine and I have had the privilege of painting on the ranch over the years. I can truly say as both an artist and native Floridian, it is one of the most beautiful pieces of natural landscape in Florida.

For more information or to register, please visit the page listed at the top of the sidebar or click here.

Florida

Morning on the Flats
16 x 30
Private Collection

I don't know why but in the spring I think of Florida, where I was born and raised. So, I thought I'd post this image again, which I wrote about here.

And here's a little poetry to go with it.



Florida

The State with the prettiest name,
The State that floats in brackish water
The State full of long S shaped birds, blue and white
Who coast for fun on strong tidal currents
in and out among the mangrove islands.

Elizabeth Bishop