Garden #1

The first garden to be selected for the artists to paint in was actually the last one I was able to visit. It is the only one I did not have a plein air version to work from. Only photographs.

I hope I will be able to return in the Spring and capture some other area of the garden. The colors were so lovely on this September day and I love the contrast between the evergreens and the flowers and the way the fence leads to the shed.

__________________________________

AAWA Gala 60th Anniversary Party

I have been a member of Ann Arbor Women Artists (and a Few Good Men) for quite a few years now. I have served as a workshop Chairman, Women's Center chairman, Vice President, President and currently Plein Air Chairman. I have also belonged to one of the critique groups for many years.

I have always found AAWA to be a great source of encouragement and inspiration. There are so many phenomenally talented artists in this group and I am privileged to count many of them as friends. On February 11 we held a Gala Masked Venetian Ball to celebrate 60 years of creating art and to honor all those who helped make this possible.

AAWA started with four women as a study group and is now has 330 plus members. I am pictured here with my husband, David (Phantom)and two of my daughters. Holly top left and Tammy bottom right. It was quite an event and a good time was had by all.

AAWA 60th Anniversary Exhibit, Pierre Paul Gallery

Ann Arbor Women Artists 60th Anniversary Exhibit at the Pierre Paul Gallery December 15 - January 3, 2012. Artists Reception, December 15 from 6-9 PM. This is an especially memorable event for me. Not only did I win the second place award for my oil painting "Evening in Tecumseh" but all three of my daughters were present. My three greatest accomplishments. Tammy on my left, me, Holly and Lisa. Last Summer I participated in a Plein Air Event hosted by the Black Door Gallery in Tecumseh. The artists arrived in the early morning and worked all day capturing the images in and around the town. Following the painting meet the artworks were displayed in the Gallery in conjunction with the Tecumseh Art Walk. Lots of folks strolling along enjoying a lovely evening of exhibits, artist demonstrations, music and of course, food.

The evening light was so beautiful it became the inspiration for my painting.

Garden #4

Garden #4 is another in the series of garden paintings I am working on. This is a "plein air" oil painting created in the secluded patio garden of this lovely home set in it's own little valley. The patio garden features a beautiful array of plants. There are many other striking views of the landscape surrounding this property.

Garden Painting, #3

Garden #3 is one in a series of garden paintings I have been working on this past Summer and Fall. This historic property is filled with flower beds and many other characteristics that catch the artists eye. Along with other plein air artists plans are underway to exhibit these paintings at one of the selected gardens next June.

Four Seasons at Geddes Farm

The Plein Air Artists of AAWA have gathered at the Geddes Farm in each of the Four Seasons to paint on location or photograph the scenery and architecture of this historic farm. The artists will present an exhibit of their work from November 2 through November 30, 2011 at Moonwinks Cafe in the historic Village of Dixboro. This exhibit has been a year in the making. A dozen artists with work in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel and colored pencil will be on display. The one pictured here is my version of the Shed in Spring.

2011 Our Town Art Show

My daughter Tammy and I just returned from the Opening Night Party of the Our Town Show in Birmingham This is a lovely exhibit and I'm honored to be one of the participating artists. I have three oil paintings included in the show.
The festivities also included cocktails, a strolling supper, desserts and music as well as the incredible display of art work. There were 356 pieces of artwork from 181 Michigan artists. The event was well attended and we enjoyed seeing a few familiar faces.