Pawleys Island and Prince George 3 '10

It had been raining hard for two days when there was a sudden break in the clouds yesterday.  We rushed down to Pawleys Island to catch some rays and much needed fresh air.  It was low tide, so the entire southern tip of the island was exposed.  Only the narrow neck of the inlet, between Pawley's and Prince George, was underwater.

Both the clouds above, and the reflections below were magnificent.  You can be sure that some of the photos I took will become the basis for some of my local landmark series.   Shortly after the photos above were taken the sky grew dark with ominous thunderheads.  I barely made it home before the deluge resumed.

Artist Date at Brookgreen Gardens 3'10

Author,  Julia Cameron popularized the concept of an "Artist Date" in her book The Artist's Way.  To quote Ms. Cameron, "An Artist Date  is a block of time , perhaps two hours weekly, especially set aside  and committed to nurturing your creative consciousness, your inner artist."  There are only two rules for an artist date... (a) it must be something that you enjoy and ( b) it must be done alone.. no friends, no spouses, not pets that will draw you off course.

 I adhere to the principal and put it into practice religiously.   Sometimes my date with my inner artist is a visit to a gallery or museum to look at other artists work,  and sometimes it is just a walk in the woods.   (Now don't go rolling your eyes on me.   Where do you think I get my inspiration?.)

This weeks excursion was to Brookgreen Gardens to look for scenes for my the series I am painting of this National Historic Landmark.   Below: Tree Alley.. a different view.

 

The Gardens were beautiful..  Most of the bulbs were in full bloom. Magnolia blossom petals carpeted the ground  with pink , and filled the air with a perfume so lovely that  I wished I could find a way to paint that scent.

Above: Daffodils and old mill stone.

It was warm enough that even the boat tours were running (Below).

On the other hand, it was a lousy day for photos.  One minute a scene would be bright with sunshine and billowy clouds, the next gray and threatening.  I spent a lot of time waiting for the light .  Even so, the loaner camera I am using, wasn't fast enough .... many of my shots came out dark or with so much contrast as to be useless..  The wind whipped the flowers into a  blur, and the mosquitoes were ravenous.  Oh well... I  have to look at these photos as a seasonal reference for blooms, tree shapes  and weather.

Below: Snack shop under the cherry tree

 

At the gift shop,  I found a wonderful DVD of photos of Brookgreen Gardens  taken right after last February's snowfall.  The  photos were outstanding.   The credits on the Dust jacket only said "The Staff of Brookgreen", but  I suspect most, if not all, of the photos were taken by my friend Ann Malarich.    The DVD inspired me to consider a  snow series for Pawleys Plantation  .  The photos I took of this area after that snowfall were equally outstanding.  I should at least consider making them available via DVD.

Myrtle Beach State Park : Reference Photo Shoot 3 '10

I have been working on a series of paintings of scenes in South Carolina's State Parks. Yesterday was such a glorious Spring day that I thought today would be a good day to do some sketching for the series in the Myrtle Beach State Park.   WRONG!  It wasn't supposed to rain until tonight,  but apparently the front moved in early.  By 7 am the skies were gray.   The flat light washed out all the contrast from any interesting features, and the skies were too threatening to risk sketching in the water media I'd brought along.Never the less, I did have have time to make note of several sites with potential for good subject matter.

For example the pond above has strong composition.  It may not look like much under the gray skies of this photo, but given a bright sunny day, I believe the water would reflect a myriad of colors.  There is even a nice observation deck where I can set up my easel .Watch for it to show up as a painting later this Spring in my State Park Series.

I also found out where not to paint ---- at least not in plein air. For example the bog above. Even if I could manage to set my easel up n the narrow board walk through the mire, the mosquitoes on a warm day would turn me into a pincushion before I could make my first brush stroke.

St Paddy's Day 3 '10

Once again, our neighbors Janet and David Holmes hosted a St Paddy's day party

It seems to be Janet's favorite social event of the year, and certainly one that all of her neighbors look forward to with great anticipation. 

Nancy' Susla can't wait

For one thing, Janet is a fabulous cook.  Her
corned beef is the best on the planet.

The guys are never shy when it comes to queuing up in the food line..

And everyone eats til their stuffed.

But the best part of the evening is the cameraderie --- sometimes in mixed groups

and sometimes in girls only discussions

Sally says she's a girlie girl too

Nor are the guys aren't beyond claiming a corner and forming their own clique 

But there always seems to be time to chat with everyone

As well as make new friends

 

Our Anniversary Celebration 3 '10

 Tonight we are celebrating our wedding anniversary 

with a fine meal at the Rice Paddy Restaurant in Georgetown, SC

Pawlwys Plantation Book Club Meeting March '10

The Pawleys Plantation Book Club met today at the home of our hostess.. As always the first order of the day was having a bit of brunch and catching up on one anothers lives

 And of course getting to know the new members like my neighbor Julie DAmore

 X moderated the discussion of this months selection xxx while and all the rest of us contributed