With my painting buddies, the Seven Palettes, I was to mount an exhibition a year ago at Oasis Gallery, Westfield Montgomery Mall, Bethesda, MD. Covid killed that so we got to work and ‘hung’ a digital exhibit online. Here’s one of the gouache paintings I had done for that show. It’s a bit too literal, but I figured some mother or grandmother might like it!
Before the recent workshop on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I tried to get in the groove by painting one of the places we would visit there. I call it ‘Susan’s Marsh’ because it was based on a photo my sister took in showing us potential venues. I didn’t finish it then, but did so a couple of weeks ago so I could include it in our new Maplewood Exhibit. I decided to spice it up a bit by adding a heron — it was looking a bit too tranquil without it!
Yesterday, some friends and I, who collaborate on all things art as The 7 Palettes, opened a new exhibit in Bethesda, Maryland. Our art — some 40+ pieces — will be displayed for three months at Maplewood Park Place on Old Georgetown Road. Come see our pretties, please — any day between now and August 24, from 10 to 4 daily. And congratulations to Sara Becker, whose large abstract painting sold during the Opening Reception!! Way to go, Sara!
I trekked over to PG County yesterday to attend the reception for the PGCPS students who built and decorated a primo house. I was delighted to find that three of my works had been incorporated into the kitchen/breakfast nook — the heart of the home. (And some of my pieces also snagged prime placement in other essential spaces — the powder rooms! Well, someone’s had to go there! LOL). My works could also be found in the office and upstairs hallway.
Here are a few pictures from the exuberant celebration, where students, parents, grandparents, builder/mentors, teachers, student musicians, and the press mingled and munched.
Prince George’s County Public School interior design students selected the following artworks of mine for display in the student-built house that opens to proud parents and friends next Thursday, May 6, and to realtors on May 8-9. The young folk chose oil paintings, water color paintings as well as digital art. They also used artwork from the Black Panther movie, an idea I’d suggested for the children’s rooms.
I am truly honored to have been chosen to participate in this wonderful project. Kudos to the young folks for their hard work and obviously effective results, as pictured in my last blog post.
Every year students from Prince George’s County Public Schools build houses — YES, HOUSES! The teens serve as carpenters, floor installers, plumbers, electricians, etc. and even decorate the completed house with rented furniture so realtors can show & sell it. (Proceeds fund the next year’s project.)
This year, rather than use rental art, they recruited an artist — me!! — and a photographer, to supply the art. How cool is that!! I pulled together photos of about 200 of my works, from oils, to water media and digital art, and invited my 7 Palettes friends to contribute as well. The students then selected a number of pieces to complement their visions for the various rooms.
Here’s the fabulous 2018 house. Next post, I’ll show you the art pieces the students chose.
2018 PGCPS House and Proud Teachers
I’ve been busy on our Gallery B exhibit, which kicked off last night with a public reception. The weather cooperated and a number of folks came by to enjoy chocolates and art.
I woke up today with different thoughts on my mind ~~ recent denigrations of people based on their home country (and skin color??). I love the phrase ‘out of Africa’ for its pithy recognition that all of us are children of Africa. We have a common lineage. Where we settled ~~ hot equator or cooler clime ~~ determined whether our skins darkened or not. I’m sensing T-shirts, mugs and other swag for this one!
Out of Africa. Original iPad Painting. 2018. 1:1 aspect ratio.
This one seems to pair well with yesterday’s painting. I wanted to do them simultaneously so as to capture, if I could, somewhat of the same, dreamy, calm, mysterious feel. (It’s actually based on a faded Polaroid photo I have in my stash.)
Day Dreaming in Cream. Oil on Arches oil paper. 2018. 12×12.
Today’s painting is decidedly different from the others you’ve seen so far. It’s one of two that have a different color palette and strike a very dreamy mood (in my opinion). We happened on this scene while zipping along on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It reminded me of a life very different from my own. Fortunately, folks on the Eastern Shore and in my own Biloxi, Mississippi, still take the time for such contemplation.
Fishing in Cream. Oil on Arches Oil Paper. 2018. 12×16.
You’re invited to a ‘Reception with Chocolate‘, Friday, Jan. 12, 6 to 8 pm. at Gallery B in downtown Bethesda, MD. The Bethesda Urban Partnership invited our artist group, the Seven Palettes, to exhibit in its showcase gallery from January 10th through February 3rd. This event celebrates our opening.
If you can’t join us then, there will be other opportunities:
A Design Seminar ~ ‘How to Integrate Artwork into Your Home’ (featuring interior designer/artist Pat Choquette), Jan. 21st, 1 to 3 pm.
A ‘Reception with Champagne’ celebrating the closing. Jan. 28th, 2 to 5 pm.
Regular Gallery Hours ~~ Jan. 10 through Feb. 3rd, Wed. ~ Sat., 11 am to 5 pm.
But if you want CHOCOLATE, swing by on the 12th. Here’s a peek at last year’s champagne reception.
Reception at Gallery B. January 2017.