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I recently accepted a commission from a long-standing client for an artwork she needed in a short time frame.  That typically isn’t an issue, so I began to work on the piece.  It was relatively simple in scope, a smaller version of a painting she admired, but couldn’t use as it was.  The subject was uncomplicated, and my confidence was strong that the result would be pleasing to the client.  The composition was straightforward, and it seemed like a simple assignment. 

As I worked on the piece, the technical execution of the art was moving smoothly toward completion, and I should have been happy with what was evolving on the canvas.  But I wasn’t.  As a photograph of the inspiration piece, it was accurate, but as a painting, it had no life.  It was lacking in the magic of the scene.  When I realized there was a disconnect, I began to augment with active brush strokes, and subtle, but charged, color combinations. Not enough to stray from the client’s wishes, but enough to breathe life into the scene.  The painting came alive.  Now I could see what she loved in the inspiration painting.

The work was accepted by the client, and I’ve moved on to another commission.  It was a timely reminder to keep finding the magic in each artwork, large or small, and to treasure that spark of the creative that only the artist can bring to life. Isn’t that one of the reasons artists do what they do? 

Who wouldn't love a seat by the water? Just a couple of steps through the white sand into that cool blue.  Got the umbrella up for when the sun starts really beating down, and a cooler with refreshments to keep the day lively.  There's a sand bucket for the little one to fill with seashells, too.  Just a little mental vacation until the real one comes, if you aren't already there!

I often work in a series of pieces, edge to edge.  I just paint across until I reach the end!  The important thing to remember when doing this is to make sure that each section is able to stand on its own, and have its individual impact.  These are three pieces, each 5"x7", set up edge to edge.  In total, they give the viewer the image of a full set of Atlantic dunes.  When framed as three separate pieces, especially if they are aligned on site, they give the impression of small windows onto an oceanfront scene. 

I'm currently working on a series of art reflecting the beauty of the ACE Basin, South Carolina. According to the website http://www.acebasin.net/, the Ashepoo, Combahee and South Edisto (ACE) Basin represents one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the east coast of the USA.  It encompasses 350,000 acres of lowcountry marsh, rivers, hardwood forest, with 134,000 acres under private, state or federal protection.  Great beauty exists in the land and water, and in the flora and fauna that live there.  There are a number of protected areas that are open to exploration by the public, and seasonal game hunts are allowed under strict supervision.  It truly is a treasure.

One cannot be a lowcountry painter and exclude the ACE.  It's raw, natural beauty begs to be captured visually.  I continue to return again and again to this landscape. It haunts my artistic vision, and I find that the landscape intoxicatingly enticing.  The series continues!