On location, out in nature, artist Jill Berry works with oil paint and a palette knife to produce her impressionistic & painterly landscapes. She shares insight regarding her INSPIRATION & INTERPRETATION of the local environment in NW Florida, as she works to preserve the natural landscape one canvas at a time.
This is a story with no real conclusion, but a decent story none the less. The hardest part of painting outside is choosing what to paint. I start by...scoping out the scene through my camera lens. It helps me to frame, and separate certain aspects from the multitude of possibilities. How far you zoom in or out, of course, alters your image. Here, the intriguing detail of the close-up probably creates a better photo than painting. I could have easily gone with that row of sailboats in the distance, some others chose that.
Climbed back up the hill because I rather liked this high perspective. By the way, this is the same location as last week; one week prior, totally different sky, different mood, different interpretation. Anyway, I had finally decided. How could I go wrong with the drama of that red roof reflecting in the water. I was all set up... (hi-ho...hi-ho...it's off to work we go...) when the unthinkable happened. ~Splash!~ into the water, Fred's whole pastel board and paper! Naturally Betty climbed into the nearest boat after a net to try and rescue the supplies. Did I mention there were huge jellyfish lurking around us? (That's why the shrimp boats were taking the day off).
So to help him take his mind off his loss, I did the decent thing. "Here...use my canvas...use my paint..." And that, my friends is how I coaxed Professor Myers into a free demo! He blushes behind his beard when I introduce him that way. But secretly, I think he likes it. To me, this is the day I went to work, but got out of working. Seems I'm batting 0-for-2 at this location, but thank you all for the comments on last weeks "Sky Drift".
Sure, you can read my journal... my plein-air confessions. I for one, am not religious when it comes to plein-air. If I can envision a way to improve it; I have no qualms about adding swirls to my sky, or a tree to keep the horizon from flat-lining. (Detect editing in the top two versions?) I'm not crazy about this one, not persuaded that the composition works. Though the boat was interesting, here my intended focus was the sky- thus the vertical format. Still, I wonder if it's too bottom-heavy. May check the mirror for changes. When honest with ourselves, we know they're not all keepers.
Well, the experience was exciting anyway. The wildlife that day! ~ as I packed up my bag... AHH, I ~screamed~!! & ~carried on~!! Was it a huge tarantula in there...?? The new guy just looked amused as he carried his stuff on to his car. Then he casually came back to ask if I was OK, after I fought off the deadly enemy, which turned out to be a crab. Later, I realized... the provisions out there! I should drop a crab pot next time.
That's when I came up with my new invention: the Crab-duck-an. It's crab stuffing in a duck, cooked in a pelican. ~relax~
No animals were harmed in the making of this blog. Sky Drift, 11x14, Oil
Since my first visit to Pensacola, the majestic Live Oak tree has captivated me. They are a symbol of strength in the South, used for building ships that cannonballs could not penetrate. Yet, their little leaves produce such delicate shadow patterns. Most interesting to me, is how the branches reach out. Live Oaks are valued and protected here. You can often see a parking lot paved around one; or in this case a deck build around one, preserving the comfort of its shade and history. One time in NC, my kids and I walked over to the big tree with the tree house by the sound, notebook and pen in hand. The assignment was to write: {what happened on this very spot, 100 years ago?}.
Back to this adventure... sort of felt like I was setting up a still life. When I got there, only the yellow kayak was out. I liked the little aqua one I could see tucked under the deck, so I added a friend. The hard part was putting it back.
This one is sold and will become a gift to the kayak owners and tree preservers. Oh, I hope they don't happen to read this, and I spoiled their surprise.
The only other thing that stands out about this day is hearing Professor Myers say, "looks like she's fencing". I guess I was getting into it again. Painting out is a bit more exhilarating than indoors.
Thanks to all who take the time to share with me your reactions. It makes the experience richer still.
Do you ever get a creative surge in the dark of night and try to imprint it for later? Ever grab a pen in the middle of the night to safeguard your brainstorm? Ever play "Cranium"... and have to draw "Sensosketch"- with your eyes closed? That's about how this painting felt. I was seeing more light and color than the camera picked up. But, as far as recording it on canvas, all I could attempt to do, was let the brush feel the canvas in a similar motion as the sky and water, and choose paint from either the warm or cool side of the palette.
It turned out to be a fun girls'-night-out in Gulf Breeze with a couple of friends. Kay shared her recent workshop experience as we sat on the picnic table and anticipated the full moon rising. We went ahead and set up, Rhoda wore a hat with a light! We worked quickly. My canvas was covered, and just before I added the string of lights and reflections on the distant shore, the orange moon appeared over my shoulder, on the bay, surprising me. I assumed it was already concealed in the clouds. Plein air is about capturing the moment, and I left glad that the moon showed up. I felt like we completed our mission- to paint the moon.
Friday the weather was spectacular. This island-like outcropping drew me down to the water's edge. To tell you the truth, it was after I got all set up there and stopped moving that I realized, I was floating~~~still moving. That's when I fancied the whole idea, like Monet... on a boat. In motion~ You painters probably recognize the movements of the "easel dance", the rocking back, the lean in, two steps back... do it again. The tune ~"I love rock & roll"~ became audible, as well as the lunch crowd gathering. As I glanced up to the balcony, I got that familiar comment, "You want me to smile? to pose?". So you know what happens when someone wants to enter my painting world. They have to start out as my photographer.
I just hope the judges didn't notice the "dingy" sign over my head all day. Other than that, I thought my performance down at "The Oar House" restaurant went pretty well.Florida Autumn, 9x12 Oil
I know I promote Florida as if on the board of tourism here. But there are things I miss from the days of my youth in Kentucky... driving it's curves, the rise and fall of hilly terrain... experiencing the rotation of the seasons: Autumn color, ice on trees, trampoline days of Spring, water-skiing at the lake and camping for weeks.
Recently I had the pleasure of Autumn in N. Georgia and a family retreat! When I saw the blue ridge of mountains from the back deck, I had to grieve momentarily for not bringing paints, but knew, with a dozen other folks to consider... this wasn't painting time. The back deck with it's hot-tub and fireplace would be used to make smores, tell old stories, watch deer roam free, and create new memories.
One evening I returned from the heated pool and was given a note, left by Mom, informing me of the death of my first painting instructor- Nelle Vaughn. My mind trailed back to her basement studio... my first oils on canvas... learning to paint porcelain china around the table with the older ladies... me, staying with her two youngest while she decorated the interiors of our little town... she, a single mom, coming home, unloading the kiln, readying for art class... the opportunity I was given, in the form of a question from Mom, "Jill, would you like to take art lessons?". The fire of art was lit in me that day. The blooming still continues. (Mom is pictured above, in the green jacket). Thank you, Mom!
Contemplating~ what to paint? I stirred in the honey... as my cup of tea became the source of inspiration. I reasoned that "tea for two" with it's implied fellowship was a more interesting sentiment, so I gave up a second cup. Two sitters now... but I still had none of which to partake. So yeah, had to make a third cup to get my fix before painting could commence.Remember "The Walkway" from last month? Well, she went out to the Interstate Fair last night and got a little prize.
Just on old shrimp boat... lounging in the bay... on another regular day... here in the seaside city of Pensacola. No real art news this week. Oh yeah! I was mentioned in the local newspaper's "Eye on Art"!
Reading from the paper--- "Pensacola's own plein air group- or artists who perform their craft outdoors - has its seventh annual exhibit at The Wright Place, 80 E Wright St., through Oct. 19. The strength of the group is its fresh view of familiar places, in accordance with plein air's definition of choosing local spots for subject matter. The done-to-death Pensacola Lighthouse, for example, is seen by Jill Berry looking up at the structure and relaying it to us with thick, wispy brushstrokes. ...
Since that was my same take on that subject in my posting of the lighthouse painting, I was able to see it as a compliment. So that's the challenge.
Just as I determined that the chances of rain were too high to go out painting, the morning light came streaming in. The sunrise lured me outside, reminded me that my palette was all ready, and challenged me to paint before it's guilded edged form changed into a blinding light. Odd that I did this scene in the morning, because so many times I have photographed this palm in the golden glow of evening. I've even been other places looking for that special palm, and think what about the one in your own back yard? Remember the glow?
Guess I'm feeling nostalgic again this week. Recently, I shared about giving my girl away. Soon afterward I found it's equally emotional to give your boy away. But you toughen up in order to receive the next level of blessing- new people in the family! Here's a pic from "Back in the day" & a current one, teaching the next generation the essential skill of being your own photographer. "Girls cuttin' up".
Suit up. I'm taking you to the beach. Why are we not working today? On the morning of our Annual Show we never paint. We have a while to enjoy the waves, soak up some rays, get highlights the old way. The water is so clear... and warm. You picked a perfect day to visit! I've been wanting to show you around. This is Gulf Islands National Seashore, a U.S. Park. I can see my studio from here, on that distant shore, and there's the Big Lagoon State Park tower, where I did the paintings in my first two posts. [click pics for binoculars] This is the bridge that we painted under in the last post. We are crossing the Intercoastal Waterway, looking toward Grand Lagoon. On the horizon is the narrow strip of sand and the Gulf where we swam. You can see, there is nothing to stop the impact of a hurricane like Ivan from claiming all that it did here.
Since my first post, nearly a year ago, I've talked about weekly excursions with the group...
So now, without paint on any one's face, I present to you... The Plein Air Painters of Pensacola. It occurred to me recently that we are a bit like the Gilligan's Island crew, in that we are from varied walks of life and persuasions but this one common interest unites us outdoors in regular episodes. We do have a Professor, but that's as far as I got with the casting. (He's the one trying to live down all the higher education by wearing a beard & his red shirt untucked) One morning at breakfast, after a little round-table inquiry, I found out that Betty (far right) illustrated children's books and cartoons. We have more educators and school administrators than anything else. The 3 that are closest to my age are still worker-bees, 2 are art teachers, so they don't get to paint most Fridays. The pretty lady in the pink (right) is my good friend Vada, she rides with me & never ceases to motivate me. [When I think of myself at age 85, I'm not sure I'll be up for all this. Just make sure someone sends canvas over to the house for me, please.] Nina (dark hair, front & center) is an experienced fine artist, has had her own gallery, and started our informal group by asking another to go out painting . (Nina and Rhoda's kids married.) I'm pictured below with Rhoda. The group owes a great debt of gratitude to Rhoda (& Kay) for not only being our liaison to the art community but for keeping communication ties within the group. That's basically what holds the group together, a weekly e-mail of where to meet for breakfast and directions to the painting location. To Rhoda... ~and the rest~ you'll never know how the crew has kept me afloat... "So join us here each week my friend, you're sure to get a smile...".
Is it just me, or does this painting have a "Venice" vibe?
The group came over to my side of town to paint under the bridge. No I'm not living there but it's the closest one, should the need arise. The grounds behind the fish market may be unkempt but what a view! The abundance of Blue Herons kept us entertained, ever so slowly strutting around, not giving up their real estate. Holding a pose, insulted if not noticed, like that white fishing boat, which I originally included. You guessed it, this glossy guy came by and was suddenly inserted into the picture. I sent for the yacht... time to pack up... I figure if we go down and around Florida then cross the ocean we can get to Venice by... (Yeah, I'm aware it's still hurricane season). Well, a girl can dream can't she.
Paintin' my day away- "Dreams that you dare to dream really do come true... "
This painting titled "Dolphin Pass" is currently in our group show- Seventh Annual Plein Air Artists of Pensacola Art Show Opening Reception - Friday Night (Sept. 25) Show runs through mid-October. If at that time it is still in my possession, I could sell it to you. My plan for ~healthy & happy~ includes more canvas for everyone!
Our group was slotted to paint downtown. Meet at the bakery, then painter's choice- go where you want. I had in mind to try and portray deep space, and aim for the feeling of a walk or journey.
For sure my choice of this location was not happenstance. And there's no way I could paint on that street corner without the proud mother-of-the-bride coming out... [When the time had come, we proceeded up the brick walkway to a moment that would forever change things. The day when a young man held my little girl's hands, looked into her eyes and sang the most perfectly tear-inspiring version of "Come what may... I will love you, until my dying day". Then the reception outside in the park across the street.]
I would tell you that this is the oldest church on it's original foundation, but I have to go get a tissue... Here's the part where the painter lady has to show off her most lovely, handsome, and time-invested works ~ the kids.
Besides my son and daughter, we have another very special guest with us in the studio today... Ms Norah Jones to sing about painting a memory.
I'm feeling somewhat retrospective, totally blessed, and mildly hysterical after coming home with the ~1st Place Prize in 2D~ at the "Falling Water" Exhibit.
With a smile I flashback to a question asked me by a little girl as I painted at my easel in Seville Square Park one day. "Have you ever thought of becoming a Professional Artist?" ~ Which begs the question... At what point does one ~so inclined~ become ~esteemed as such~?? Is it a reality when you show? When you sell? Do you need a license from the courthouse? Do you have to put in a certain number of years? Or pass a juried inspection? I'm not sure... I think I'm balanced on the see-saw between the little girl dreams and the art-show judge. Just livin' the dream~ the artist life.
And on this particular starry night, when my humble offering found favor... She thought she was prom-queen, all adorned in her blue ribbon! A painting among paintings~ and in Fairhope- the artist colony... with galleries galore... musicians out tonight on street corners... a perfect summer night for an "art walk"... courtyard dining by the fountain... a night so fine that pianos come outside to play... Life was sweet ~ and a milky-way macchiato from "Page & Palette" to top it off.
As I passed back by the Eastern Shore Art Center, then closed, I looked through the glass doors & on through the gallery doors to see her one last time before she goes to her new owner's home. Something in me wanted to give her a pep-talk about the hundreds of judging eyes that will scrutinize as she hangs there. Some will question authenticity; others will enjoy the simplicity. But she really seemed to be doing fine in that prominent place of honor.
To approach the painting~ click on it, stroll around for up-close views, but do not touch.
Before we leave Fairhope I wanted you to see the new fountain that provided the theme for the show. It's behind the Fairhope Museum of History. The locals voted on the commission-winning artist. Looks like they picked a professional...
Can you believe I found this crepe myrtle that likes to hang out on the water? It lives at a little RV park. To get the view I wanted required this extreme position, and lots of adjusting the easel legs. In case you are not familiar with a French easel- it is a nifty piece of equipment that folds up into a wooden box that you can carry with a shoulder strap. When I first got it, though feeling nonchalant and confident just to be carrying it- I probably resembled Barney Fife given a fire arm. Being the right-brain, non-mechanical person that I am, wing-nuts and hinges don't excite me. But with practice, now I can custom build it to fit this incline. Sharing this experience would not be complete without factoring in the heat index. Just before I ~fainted~ from heat exhaustion, the very last words I heard were coming from the pool area~ "You-look-so-hot !". (didn't really faint) But the temps did require a cool-down, and I think I sizzled as I got in.
It's time for Fall art shows around here. Yours truly got 3 pieces juried into a "Falling Water" exhibit in Fairhope, Alabama! (Just so happens, I had "works that encompass our fascination with the flow of water~~~ a source of beauty, ~ it soothes & relaxes & inspires reflection.") So while I am framing & delivering those this week, I'm going to entertain you with a video.
Shown is a detail of my piece - "Soakin' Up the Sun"(sold), I just wanted to give you a little crunchy treat before the show starts.
You all have noticed my love of texture...
If you have had the thrill of experiencing a Van Gogh up close, you were probably in awe as I was. What inspiration! "The Masterpieces of French Painting" From the Metropolitan Museum of Art - was in Houston in '07. I knew I wanted to get right to the Monet's, but I was surprised at the effect of the Van Gogh's. The expressive grooves of built-up paint amazed me. In my studio hangs a large poster of his painting - "Cypresses" from that show.
Now for the feature - turn up your sound & relax for a few~**~**~*
Welcome to the Deep South, where our architecture is confident and casual enough to dress in bright colors.You already know I have a thing for crepe myrtles, so this mix of natural and man-made delicacies in downtown Pensacola was simply irresistible. I don't really like doing paintings of architecture. I'm tempted to straighten out some of her curves. But decided she should look a little worn and wacky after all these years in this heat. Did you know Pensacola is 450 years old? It's the "oldest European settlement in mainland America". I know- what about St. Augustine? I'm sure ~our~ settlers would have "continuously occupied" too, if not for the hurricanes. Probably they didn't have the Weather Channel.
I had to zoom in on this detail to see if my brushes inserted a dog in there. I think it is~ a lady walking her dog.
Nostalgia warning! This talk of graceful architecture, transports me back to N. Carolina, where moving day meant closing the door on my modern-built Victorian style home, after selecting it's every detail. Back then "painting outside" meant - this porch... the front door, the swing, the posts, me standing on that railing to reach the gingerbread trim.
This sleepy winter shot was taken before I dressed her up. I didn't say that using architecture as a canvas wasn't fun. I painted a design for the half-round, and the fish scale shingles in the eaves were rows of subtle blue and green variations. She got so much prettier with make-up on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Yeah, I miss "Boo" dog too!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Masterpiece house- sold.
"Southern Charm" painting - available
12x16 Oil, on gallery wrap canvas- no frame required.
This lighthouse, built in 1823, is located at the Naval Air Station. It's only about 5 minutes away, by land or by sea. Perhaps it hasn't attracted my interest because, when I lived on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for 10 years, lighthouses were the iconic symbol of our area- from Corolla to Hatteras- on mugs, on tees... I hesitated to paint a subject that, at least in my mind, was overdone and cliche'. In April our group painted here and I resisted the great temptation to turn around and paint the water. Since I couldn't get water in my view, I attempted to use the fluidity of the sky and the filigree-like treetops to offset the static structure.
Another commonality of these two areas is aviation- the Blue Angels practice flying formations over my house often. There is a very nice Aviation Museum here on the base. And of course Kill Devil Hills / Kitty Hawk, NC was were flight began. Enough factoids, I better stick to art.
This painting bears the scars of our love/hate relationship that started last summer, Crepe Myrtle season here in the South. Sometimes late at night I'll pick it up again. But I'm finally done trying to change it. I'm setting it free. [click painting for details]
In the location shot you can see how sparse the blooms were. After I added steroids to my paint it transformed into this one I saw at the Cracker Barrel. Notice the various looks it went through in the slide-show below. There was the spotty leopard phase, the too dark for summer attire, then it was goin' green.
The following quote I found on the blog "My French Easel". I share Matisse's feeling on reworking your work until it is you. "I want to get to this stage of condensation of sensations that make the painting. I could content myself with the first attempt at a work, but I would get tired of it immediately, and I prefer to rework it so that later on I recognize it as a representation of my mind." - Henri Matisse (in “Note d’un peintre” – Ecrits et propos sur l’art – Hermann, 1972)
When I set my sites on learning to paint, I signed up for the "Loose Women" oil painting class an hour from here, in Fairhope Alabama. One day I took my little Ivy-start to class and did this painting alla-prima. As I put my palette knife down and stepped back, someone in the small group of fellow artists started a round of applause for my little accomplishment. I kept this one. It hangs as a reminder of the power of a little friendly encouragement. (Click painting for details)My blogger friend and artist comrade Gwen Bell has selected us over here at the Plein Air Painting Journal for this Award. It spotlights our exemplary achievement in the areas of not only ART INSPIRATION, but also in Friendship, Sharing, Caring, and Sisterhood. I say "us" because without your input, this wouldn't be the interactive friendly blog that it is. So Thanks to all of You! And a special thanks to these great Artist/Blogger/ Encouragers... who Inspire me.
Karen Phipps ~ aka: best-of-show, is always out there for me with sisterly advice
Nancy Medina ~ the queen of encouragement and master of all things floral.
Galina Nikolova ~ for her gutsy and heartfelt expressions made on canvas.
This is a ~Tale of Two Paintings~ both done from the same location one year apart. The pattern formed by this tree is what I wanted to show you, especially the negative-space shapes underneath it, that were only visible by setting down.
In trying to title this, I realized - including the sold ones and the in-progress ones, I could have a "Tree by the Waterside" series. For sure if I were a tree, I would plant myself by the shore. "In my own little corner, in my own little chair ~ I can be whatever I want to be." [Cinderella]
As you can see from the progressions, the headline throughout was the wily cypress [wily - full of stratagems, mischievously artful, using craft to accomplish a purpose]. The one I'm working on here, never developed a clear purpose. It had land, sky and sea, but in nearly equal parts. It's been in rehab for so long that it has lost the will to live. So I'll just show it in it's glory days - on the cover of the "Pelican", a touristy newspaper that's a cut above the "Mullet Wrapper". I do feel bad for it, losing it's way. Too much, too soon, I guess.
This is a story with no real conclusion, but a decent story none the less. The hardest part of painting outside is choosing what to paint. I start by...scoping out the scene through my camera lens. It helps me to frame, and separate certain aspects from the multitude of possibilities. How far you zoom in or out, of course, alters your image. Here, the intriguing detail of the close-up probably creates a better photo than painting. I could have easily gone with that row of sailboats in the distance, some others chose that.
Climbed back up the hill because I rather liked this high perspective. By the way, this is the same location as last week; one week prior, totally different sky, different mood, different interpretation. Anyway, I had finally decided. How could I go wrong with the drama of that red roof reflecting in the water.
I was all set up... (hi-ho...hi-ho...it's off to work we go...) when the unthinkable happened. ~Splash!~ into the water, Fred's whole pastel board and paper! Naturally Betty climbed into the nearest boat after a net to try and rescue the supplies. Did I mention there were huge jellyfish lurking around us? (That's why the shrimp boats were taking the day off).
So to help him take his mind off his loss, I did the decent thing. "Here...use my canvas...use my paint..." And that, my friends is how I coaxed Professor Myers into a free demo! He blushes behind his beard when I introduce him that way. But secretly, I think he likes it. To me, this is the day I went to work, but got out of working. Seems I'm batting 0-for-2 at this location, but thank you all for the comments on last weeks "Sky Drift".
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