Just finished the second of two works that are earmarked for the upcoming POTOMAC RIVER REGIONAL SHOW in Colonial Beach VA. And, it's 48 hours ahead of deadline, so I'll even be delivering it dry(ish)!
This is promising to be a fabulous show, with work from artists around the Virginia and Maryland region. It is held annually in my home town, under the auspices of our local Art Guild. Although I have been involved on some level for a number of years, this is the first year that I've taken a leading role in making it all come together. Fun, but stressful at the same time. Especially this year, when we were already cancelled once due to Covid-19 concerns. However, it now appears all systems go for September. The event is held in a location that is roomy, and also allows us to control how many people enter. So, masks and social distancing are the order of the day! The photo below is of a "landmark" in our little riverfront resort town. Nancy's Ice Cream has been dishing up soft-serve cones, sundaes, and more to visitors and locals alike for many years. Personally, I'm a fan of the child-size hot fudge sundae with all the toppings!
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Back at the end of May I had a blog post about this work then in progress and mentioned that work on it was being put on hold. (I needed to get some differently themed works ready for an upcoming show). Those pieces have now been shipped off for the show and yesterday, Mr. & Mrs. Wood Duck were finally finished. The male wood duck is, if anything, even gaudier than painted. The female (poor dear) is just as drab as shown. Their population is presently considered "stable" and their usual habitat is woodland ponds and swampy areas, particularly in the southeast US.
These "Susans of the Mountains" were sent in as one of three paintings vying for a spot in the upcoming show, "Close to Nature's Heart," a celebration of mountains to be held at the Ice House Gallery in Berkeley Springs, WV from Sept 18 thru Nov 8. Of the three pieces, this is the one that I sincerely felt had the best shot. I personally "like" it best. (I do have a fondness for Black-eyed and Brown-eyed Susans and always include them in my garden). I am also happy with my execution.
However! (and, as you've no doubt already guessed), it was the other two works that were accepted. So, I am happy about that, and also that I can enjoy my Susans for a while longer. Listening to judges and show jurors explain their selection process has always been most interesting. Over time, these explanations have helped me accept that the "rejection" of a work is not necessarily a negative assessment of that work as such. Rather, other works simply called more strongly to that judge, on that day, for that theme, in that show . . . and one just keeps on painting! Today is August 7, and I have just discovered (thanks, Facebook!) that it is National Light House Day. I'm going to see if I can round up enough lighthouse images from the members of my local Art Guild to create a lighthouse album on our Facebook page, Colonial Beach Artists Guild. Below, my painting of the Cape Florida Light, which was built in 1825 and is located in Bill Boggs State Park just south of Miami FL. There are great views of both the Atlantic Ocean and of Biscayne Bay from the top of the lighthouse.
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