"36 degrees" 10"x10" by Jeff Surace

"It snowed twice this week! what a transformation."

Sandra Babb Painting Crowley Museum Prairie

Standing in an observation tower painting a Prariescape is as fun as can be! That's obvious. Just the usual obstacles---blasting wind, cold temps for Florida and, yes, even visitors. Luckily they were people and not turkey buzzards which we saw by the thousands later at Myakka River.

Combination of Art and History... Fort Fisher, NC

"Shepherd's Battery" ~ Fort Fisher by Bernie Rosage Jr... 9x12" Oil on gallery wrapped stretched canvas, painted en plein aire at Fort Fisher, North Carolina. 1-12-2008

This original oil painting by Bernie Rosage Jr. is available for purchase via auction at eBay... click HERE...



Saturday, January 12, 2008, I had the privilege of stepping back in time and attending the 143rd Anniversary Commemoration of the Second Battle at Fort Fisher. The Civil War Living History program included artillery and infantry demonstrations, period music, fort tours, and a living history/plein air demo by yours truly dressed as a period artist. After a down pour the sun came out and I set up my French easel and began to paint. I positioned myself to paint Shepherd's Battery with the palisade making for an interesting composition. Shepherd's Battery was where the main brunt of the attack occurred 143 years ago. Fort Fisher during the war was known as the Gibraltar of the South. It was important to the southern cause because it protected the mouth of the Cape Fear River where blockade runners would travel to deliver supplies to Wilmington. From Wilmington they were distributed throughout the Confederacy. When the fort fell January 15, 1865... it only took 3 months for the Confederacy to collapse. I spoke with several people about the history of plein air painting and how the invention of the metal paint tube in the mid 1800's made it possible for painters to go outside and paint "en plein aire" for the first time... a French term which means "in open air". What a GREAT day!... I got to combine my love of history and art!

Read my art journal entry about this outing here...

Moore's Lane Barn (oil on panel 5x7) $80.00

Those of you who live in Brentwood/Franklin know this barn on Moore's Lane. It sits on some primo Brentwood property surrounded by McMansions. I am surprised the family has not sold out yet. I painted this last week and finally the white decided to dry so I could scan it. The late afternoon winter light is always nice.

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Price: $80
Or, send me an email

Daily Painting 465 Up the Garden Path at McKee's Botanical Gardens Plein Air Alla Prima

One of the many lovely paths at the gardens. Its 5 x 7 oil, plein air, alla prima. $100.

Daily Painting 464 The Stone Bridge at McKee's Botanical Gardens Plein Air Alla Prima

Here is the South pond at Mckee's looking Northward. Its plein air, alla prima, 5 x 7, oil, knife. $125.

Winter on the James

This is a view of the James River painted on location at the Hollywood Cemetery in my town, Richmond, Virginia:

"Winter on the James" Oil on canvas, 9x12" (WIP)

I actually love old cemeteries any way, but the Hollywood Cemetery is one of Richmond's landmarks and a major tourist attraction in our town. Not only is it the burial place of two presidents and several prominent figures in civil war history, but it is also incredibly beautiful.

The day started out as a nice, sunny, and unusually warm winter day. But shortly after I got there, I soon found that my "perfect" spot on a bluff overlooking the James River had the disadvantage of getting whipped into a frenzy by the wind! I really did have to cut this session short. I think the piece may need a little more work, but I will return on a better day.

As it was, by the time I packed up my gear, I looked like I had been attacked by a giant tube of Windsor green paint! (Ah, the joys of plein air painting!) Any way, I am just glad nobody saw my little Jerry Lewis plein air routine. Well, maybe some ghosts saw, but (at least today), they weren't talking. ;-)

For more information, please contact me.

-Jennifer Young
Vibrant landscape paintings & prints
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Daily Painting 463 The North Pond at McKee's Botanical Gardens Plein Air Alla Prima

I have always painted the south pond at McKee's so I thought I would face the other way today which was into the sun. The sun was shining through the palm fronds and making them glow, it was a beautiful day. I had lots of company, we had a great turnout with my painting group, the Plein Air Painters of the Treasure Coast. There is a photo below of some of us. I am standing on the bridge taking the picture of the south pond.

The painting is 8 x 10, oil, mostly painting knife. Painted from life or en plein air and all in one go with no picking afterward or alla prima. Very thick, juicy paint. $250.

Change in the Air

The path to the pond behind my mother's house is always a treat in fall. I started this one back in November and finally got out to the studio finish it up. The thing with fall colors is there is always so much to attract attention. It's hard to zoom in and concentrate on one focal point. Working even quicker than usual, I concentrated on the reds and blues which on that day shimmered with excitement.

"Change in the air" 11x14 oil on canvas en plein air November 2007

With Maureen

Recovering from my knee injury is taking longer than I expected. I'm taking this time to get organized and found this image of a painting I did close to Savannah, Georgia back in 2005 painting en plein air with friend Maureen Kerstein. Pastel on Wallis, cropped down to fit 12x12 frame. I really liked the un-cropped version so I'll show both. Since it's such a special painting to me, it hangs in my office - not for sale. :)

Nashville Market (oil 5x7) $80

I painted this Christmas eve. The sky finally dried so I could scan it! It is on Murfreesboro Road in Nashville.

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $80
Or, send me an email

Green Key Beach by Jenna Star

Green Key. Painted in plein air at the beach. I was impressed by the colors and reflections in the low tide that day. The beach was nearly empty except for a few of us painters out there trying to capture its beauty.

Green Key, 9x12" Oil on hardwood panel. $250.

Contact me at jennalovesparrots@yahoo.com if you're interested in purchasing this painting. Thanks for visiting!

Taylor Creek Cypress, Daily painting by Fawn

"Taylor Creek Cypress"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on canvas
$150.00

Finally got to go back to Taylor Creek. It was a beautiful morning. I wanted to paint this cypress tree at a different angle than the last time. I love the interesting shape it has. It's alla prima.

To purchase this one-of-a-kind original, go to MY GALLERY and click on this image (available tomorrow) or email me.

"Winter Oak" a christmas card for you

I'm fascinated with snow because I've never lived in it. When I get the chance, I love to hike thru the newly fallen snow with my labs and I can't help but notice the way the snow acts like an insulator for noise. I love the quiet.

Daily Painting 444 The Old Stone Bridge at McKee's Botanical Gardens

Its plein air, alla prima, oil 12 x 16. Very textured. It was lovely at Mckee's, perfect weather. $320.

Blue Ridge Series comes to an end... until next time!

Here's the last in my Blue Ridge Plein Air series... until next trip... ;)

"The Ridge"... Blue Ridge Plein Air #6... Fleetwood, NC
6x8" Oil on Panel, en plein aire, 11-22, 2007 (Thanksgiving Day).
Purchased by a patron in Germany who misses the Blue Ridge Mountains...




I woke early Thanksgiving morning and decided to get at least one more plein air painting in before my family arrived later that morning. This scene is set on Fleetwood Mountain near our lodge on The Ridge. We walk this road everyday for exercise and I wanted to capture it before it is scattered with mountain homes. I got to met several people as they were enjoying their daily walks as well. Thanksgiving Day brought my family, and the COLD weather! It was 60 degrees when I painted this one... later that evening it was snowing!

Thanks for looking...
Merry Christmas everyone!
Bernie

Daily Painting 442 Old Bridge at Mckee's Botanical Gardens

8 x 10, oil. I did it at McKee's Botanical Gardens in Vero Beach today. $200.

Bougainvilleas 2, Plein air, Daily Painting by Fawn

"Bougainvilleas 2"
5 x 7 inches
Watercolor
$95.00

Had a very nice day in Jensen Beach. Did a little art show, sold a painting, and did a couple of watercolors of these wonderful flowers!

To purchase this one-of-a-kind original, go to MY GALLERY and click on this image, or email me.

Daily Painting 437 Bauhinia Orchid Tree Plein Air, Alla Prima

I painted this one at Heathcote Botanical Gardens. Its 5 x 7 Oil, mostly painting knife, $100.

Daily Painting 436 Foxtail Palms Plein Air, Alla Prima

I did this at Heathcote Botanical gardens its 5 x 7 oil, mostly painting knife. $100.

Caribbean Palms, plein air beach scene by Fawn

"Caribbean Palms"
8 x 10 inches

Acrylic on hardboard

$125.00

No, I didn't go to the Caribbean Islands to paint this one (although that is not a bad idea). I went to Jensen Beach this morning and painted at a resort called Caribbean Shores. It was very windy and cool, and these palms were so beautiful I had to try my hand at them!

To purchase this one-of-a-kind original, go to MY GALLERY and click on this image, (available tomorrow) or email me.

Another Blue Ridge Plein Air by Bernie Rosage Jr.

"Blue Ridge View"... Blue Ridge Plein Air #5, Fleetwood, NC

6x8" Oil on Panel, en plein aire, 11-21-2007.

This original oil painting is available for purchase at eBay via auction... click here...

This peaceful scene is set just below our mountain lodge. Two days earlier I set out to paint this scene in the late afternoon... As I got to the foot of the hill I heard two gunshots (rather close I might add) so I decided to wait. I could just see the headlines now... "Plein air painter mistaken for deer!" While painting this one I saw wild turkeys, a white tail deer, and a Pleated woodpecker. An awesome time spent communing with nature.

My Plein Air Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

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Daily Painting 435 Yesterday Today and Tomorrow Plein Air, Alla Prima

The title refers to the lavender flowered plant, it starts out purple, turns lavender and then white so it has all three colors on one plant. Its very striking. The orange flowers are heliconias and the yellow flowers in the back are bellardias. I got myself into trouble, I found this interesting plant site while checking out my spelling and ordered a whole bunch of cool sounding seeds! Merry Christmas to me!

I ordered a heliconia mix, passionflowers, orchid tree seeds and some other stuff.

I painted this today with my group, the Plein Air Painters of the Treasure Coast. It was a perfect day out. Its 5 x 7 oil, $100.

Poinsettias, plein air daily painting by Fawn

"Poinsettias"
5 x 7 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
$95.00

Tis the season! These lovely poinsettias were growing just below the crotons I did last Tuesday. Had fun painting with Lori -- Her bold colors always inspire me! I love the wet-in-wet technique and the thick paint.

To purchase this one-of-a-kind original, go to MY GALLERY and click on this image, or email me.

Blue Ridge saga by Bernie Rosage Jr. continues...

"A Misty View of Todd Island"... Blue Ridge Plein Air #4, Todd, NC
6x8" Oil on Panel, en plein aire, 11-20-2007.

This original oil painting is available for purchase at eBay via auction... click here...

I woke up early as usual on Wednesday the 21st. The mist was everywhere... wanting to capture it I headed down Fleetwood Mountain and along Railroad Grade Road and the New River to find the perfect spot. I set up along the banks looking into the rising sun as it back-lit the mist and silhouetted the trees in the scene. Here I am looking toward Todd Island that I mentioned in Plein Air #1.

My Plein Air Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Daily Painting 429 Christmas Poinsettias at Heathcote Botanical Gardens Plein Air Alla Prima

Its 5 x 7 oil, all knife painted lots of juicy texture. I painted this with fellow Daily Painter Fawn McNeil, we had a great time, the weather was perfect and Heathcote Botanical Gardens was beautiful as always. $100.

Crotons, Plein Air, Daily Painting by Fawn

"Crotons"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
$125.00

Thick paint, fast loose brush strokes, and bold strong colors! Went to Fort Pierce with my painting group and had so much fun painting out at Heathcote Botanical Gardens yesterday. These crotons were partially in the shade and the parts in the sun were just glowing!

To purchase this one-of-a-kind original, go to MY GALLERY and click on this image, (available tomorrow) or email me.

Winter Lane from Blue Ridge Series by Bernie Rosage Jr.

"Blue Ridge Lane in the Winter"... Blue Ridge Plein Air #3, Todd, NC

5x7" Oil on Panel, en plein aire, 11-20-2007.

This original oil painting is available for purchase at eBay via auction... click here...

I was attracted to the light in this simple scene and how the bare winter trees seemed to glow on the shadow side of the hill. This small piece was captured near the banks of the New River, near Todd, North Carolina, as the afternoon sun was in its golden splendor. I overemphasized the small road that was there... something about country lanes and roads... I find them so inviting and peaceful. Anyone who has collected my work recognizes them as a common theme.

...read all about my adventures here... My Plein Air Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Thanks for looking...

Bernie

Railroad Grade Road... Blue Ridge Series by Bernie Rosage Jr.

As promised... I want to share more plein air work from my recent trip to the Blue Ridge... read all about my adventures here... My Plein Air Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

"Railroad Grade Road"... Blue Ridge Plein Air #1, Todd, NC...

8x10" Oil on panel, en plein aire, 11-19-2007.

This original oil painting is available for purchase at eBay via auction... click here...

In this scene I headed along Railroad Grade Road trying to narrow down one of a hundred beautiful spots to paint from. I found a view of a barn (I have painted several times) from Todd Island... a small island park in the middle of the South Fork Branch of the New River near Todd, NC. This old barn has so much character... I never tire of painting it! The weather was mild and clear for most of the week... except this day... I painted this one in a cold drizzle. After almost two hours... the cold drizzle turned into a downpour and I RAN to the car with painting (95% complete) in hand. I finished it in the comfort of a warm lodge and hot coffee.

Thanks for dropping by...

Bernie

Taylor Creek Too, Daily Painting by Fawn

"Taylor Creek Too"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hard board
$150.00

This is the second in this series. I hope to go back and do a few more. I scouted out some more nice places to set up next time.
The lock is just off to the left. This is where Taylor Creek ends and joins the levee. Lake Okeechobee is just over the dike. Click on the image to see the birds hiding in the painting.

To purchase this one-of-a-kind original, go to MY GALLERY and click on this image, (available tomorrow) or email me.

Taylor Creek, Daily Painting by Fawn

"Taylor Creek"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
$150.00

Went out late this morning, and it was so hot for November! 85 degrees. But the wind was blowing and the sun light made everything easier to paint. I found a cypress tree to set up under and got two paintings done. Beautiful day.

I am working with some new colors. I also tried to make a plan and really slow down. So much more enjoyable. Things go much smoother if I don't change my mind half way through the painting!

To purchase this one-of-a-kind original, go to MY GALLERY and click on this image, (available tomorrow) or email me.

Daily Painting 422 South Beach Causeway Park Plein Air Alla Prima

I painted this yesterday with my plein air painting friends, we had a good time. A bit buggy, forgot my bug spray, the sand flies were bad. There are a few little bugs in the painting, you can tell its a real plein air! Its 11 x 14 oil, almost all painting knife. $300.

Lin Cove Viaduct by Bernie Rosage Jr.

I'd like to introduce myself and say thank you to each artist here for accepting me into your plein air guild. You all are a talented group and I am honored to be among your ranks. My name is Bernie Rosage Jr. and I have a passion for painting... especially en plein aire. I recently returned from a week long trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains where I spent most of the time plein air painting. I will share those works with you over the next couple of weeks... here's one to start the show... the Lin Cove Viaduct.
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I painted the scene from Rough Ridge Lookout (mile marker 302 on the Blue Ridge Parkway). Rough Ridge is actually the backside of Grandfather Mountain and has some spectacular views... here's one...
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I was about half way up the ridge painting from a wooden lookout. The weather was very comfortable for late November but the wind was gusting at 40 mph at times... I had paintbrush in one hand and steadied my easel with the other.
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"The Lin Cove Viaduct... a view from Rough Ridge"... 9x12" Oil on Panel, en plein aire, 11-2007.
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This painting is for a invitational gallery show in January 2008. The show... titled, "North Carolina Landscapes... from the Mountains to the Sea"... will be at the Baysden Gallery in Jacksonville, NC where several local artists will be featured.
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Check out my other work here:
Artistic Release: "Alla Prima" Oil Paintings
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Learn more about me here:
Meet the Artist
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Thanks again SPAP for letting me join your ranks... I'm honored to be here.
Bernie

"Wet Drought" 15"x15" by Jeff Surace

It's always interesting to see how people paint so I posted some pics of my set up. I use a vinyl portfolio cut out of a garment bag to hold my black core illustration board which is what I use to paint on. I use straight oil applied with a palette knife. I use a camelbak type backpack to haul everything else. Today, It started raining during this painting which is slightly ironic considering this landscape was created from drought conditions. hence the name.. (I had some more photos but had trouble posting)

Paynes Prairie, Plein Air Painting by Fawn

"Paynes Prairie"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
$195.00

Went up to Micanopy yesterday, just south of Gainsville. Had a workshop with Linda Blondheim. She is an excellent instructor. It was windy, cold, and absolutely beautiful. Don't think I even came close to the feast of colors my eyes enjoyed all day. To top it off, The sandhills sang all day and I saw so many whitetail deer that I lost count . . . It was a fantastic day!

To purchase this one-of-a-kind original, go to MY GALLERY and click on this image, or email me.

Cypress with Crotons, Plein Air Painting by Fawn

"Cypress with Crotons"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
$125.00

First time out in a long while. I started with just the Crotons, at least that was the original idea, but the roots of this old cypress tree were just too interesting to pass up. They soon became the focus of the composition!

Have a plein air work shop tomorrow in Gainsville. Can't wait!

To purchase this one-of-a-kind original, go to MY GALLERY and click on this image, (available tomorrow) or email me.