HEADING HOME TO DINNER: SURFS UP 2016

Last summer I discovered artist Annie Wildey and her stunning paintings of wild surf.  I shared my excitement for these works in the following blog post on August 18, 2016.  I am excited to announce that my Seaside Spirits bar cart features a small painting by Ms. Wildey.  It was a wonderful surprise, when Mom told me that she was going to Ms. Wildey's studio to purchase this small painting.  In celebration of Heading Home to Dinner and my Seaside Spirits bar cart, I thought I would re-share this post.  

                                                                                                                                            

During a recent trip to Martha's Vineyard I visited the Black Sheep in Edgartown.  As I approached the register, hands filled with sandwiches, drinks, and sweets I noticed a captivating image of a thrilling surf. 

At first glance I thought the image was a photograph, but as I moved closer I could see the artist's incredible talent.  Using hefty impasto, Annie Wildey created a foamy effect, while capturing changes in light within a cresting wave. I looked around the shop and discovered more of these surf paintings, each unique in their movement and lighting.  Some featured surf in foggy settings, while others focused specifically on the wild, but serene nature of a cresting wave.  

Sometimes you come along a piece of artwork that completely captures your attention.  I have always been drawn to the ocean and perhaps that is why I had such a strong reaction to Ms. Wildey's work. Here is a sampling from Ms. Wildey's website.  I suggest visiting www.anniewildey.com for more information about the artist and her work. 

Images via www.anniewildey.com

FINAL DAYS OF SUMMER: SURF'S UP

During a recent trip to Martha's Vineyard I visited the Black Sheep in Edgartown.  As I approached the register, hands filled with sandwiches, drinks, and sweets I noticed a captivating image of a thrilling surf. 

At first glance I thought the image was a photograph, but as I moved closer I could see the artist's incredible talent.  Using hefty impasto, Annie Wildey created a foamy effect, while capturing changes in light within a cresting wave. I looked around the shop and discovered more of these surf paintings, each unique in their movement and lighting.  Some featured surf in foggy settings, while others focused specifically on the wild, but serene nature of a cresting wave.  

Sometimes you come along a piece of artwork that completely captures your attention.  I have always been drawn to the ocean and perhaps that is why I had such a strong reaction to Ms. Wildey's work. Here is a sampling from Ms. Wildey's website.  I suggest visiting www.anniewildey.com for more information about the artist and her work. 

Images via www.anniewildey.com

MARTHA'S VINEYARD: RAY ELLIS

I always look forward to summer evenings, when my mom and I visit the art galleries in Edgartown.  I appreciate all forms of art, but my favorite is always the Ray Ellis's seaside watercolors. Located in downtown Edgartown, North Water Gallery devotes an entire area to Ellis's work.  Last year, my mom and I made plans to attend an event with Ray Ellis.  Unfortunately, other plans got in the way and we didn't make it.  I was recently saddened to hear that Ray Ellis passed away a month after the event.  

Ray Ellis was born in Pennsylvania and attended the Philidelphia Museum of Art.  After serving in the Coast Guard during World War II, he worked in advertising and painted on the side.  From 1969 on, he was a full time artist.  Living in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and then finally Martha's Vineyard.  Ellis started his own printing business in Savannah, Georgia that served as his headquarters.  In addition to selling and printing his art, he collaborated with Walter Cronkite to create a series of books showing the coast of the United States: South by Southeast, North by Northeast, and Westwind. Ellis was also commissioned to create the White House Christmas Card for 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001. 

South by Southeast, North by Northeast, and Westwind - See more at: http://mvgazette.com/news/2013/10/07/renowned-artist-ray-ellis-dies-92?k=vg53d00a6e04073&r=1#sthash.ToooCxT9.dpuf

South by Southeast, North by Northeast, and Westwind - See more at: http://mvgazette.com/news/2013/10/07/renowned-artist-ray-ellis-dies-92?k=vg53d00a6e04073&r=1#sthash.ToooCxT9.dpuf

South by Southeast, North by Northeast, and Westwind - See more at: http://mvgazette.com/news/2013/10/07/renowned-artist-ray-ellis-dies-92?k=vg53d00a6e04073&r=1#sthash.ToooCxT9.dpuf

South by Southeast, North by Northeast, and Westwind - See more at: http://mvgazette.com/news/2013/10/07/renowned-artist-ray-ellis-dies-92?k=vg53d00a6e04073&r=1#sthash.ToooCxT9.dpuf

Many years ago, I remember my mom telling me to look at Ray Ellis's clouds for painting technique.  To this day I am still in awe of the way he captures the lightness of a cloud. In addition to his spectacular clouds, I also love how he magnificently paints an object without fully painting it.  For example, the people on his boats are merely two or three brushstrokes, suggesting the form of a person.  Even at the age of ninety-two, Ray Ellis was capturing the seascape at it's finest.  Here are a few of my favorite Ray Ellis paintings.

Images and info on Ray Ellis via www.rayellis.com

JOHN SINGER SARGENT: INSPIRATION

Although John Singer Sargent is known for his portraits, I tend to favor his other subjects; architecture, pomegranates, and ships to name a few.  When interacting with art, it is important to view it from a distance, but also up close.  At this level you see the true talent and technique of the artist.  Each preliminary pencil line and brushstroke is visible, allowing me to gain inspiration for my own artwork. Here is a collection of close up shots from the John Singer Sargent exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.  

Genoa: The University, 1911

Villa Falconiere, 1907

Villa di Marlia, Lucca: The Balustrade, 1910

Villa di Marlia, Lucca: The Balustrade, 1910

Corfu: Lights and Shadows, 1909

Corfu: Lights and Shadows, 1909

Pomegranates, 1908

Pomegranates, 1908

In a Levantine Port, 1905-06

White Ships, 1908

White Ships, 1908
Images by AGA

JOHN SINGER SARGENT

Last week I FINALLY had an opportunity to visit the John Singer Sargent exhibit, at the Boston Museum of Fine Art! And to top it off, I enjoyed the collection even more than I anticipated.  From the moment I walked through the doors, Sargent's magnificent energy and use of color welcomed me. 

John Singer Sargent is an American painter who was born in Florence, Italy in 1884.  During the late 1800's Sargent studied painting in Italy and France, where he created quite an uproar with his painting of Madame Gautreau, later renamed Madame X.  Ironically, this piece is now referred to as Sargent's best work of art, and his personal favorite.  Due to this scandal, Sargent relocated to England where his focus shifted to portraits.  Sargent also made frequent trips to the United States to work on public commissions; such as the Boston Public Library and the Museum of Fine Art.  During his later years, Sargent completed over 2,000 watercolors and 900 oil paintings.  His subjects ranged from people in conversation, to bows of ships in a harbor. 

What I love most about this collection,  is the energy that Sargent creates with each brushstroke.  Sargent's use of vibrant colors, juxtaposed with dark shadows is exceptional.  And his ability to capture emotion within the faces of people and a landscape is unlike any other artist.   

After making my way through each room, I became more enthralled by Sargent's work.  I remember studying him among many of the other masters during his time. However viewing art from a slide show is never quite the same as seeing a piece in person.  After the exhibit I was eager to get home, my mind bursting with inspiration from Sargent's work.  This exhibit will be on display until January 20, 2014 and it is something you must see!

Image via www.mfa.org