Tag: georgia artist

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Thinking About Geraniums

9×12 Oil

If my Mama could come back as a flower, I think it would be a geranium!   (Now before you think I’ve finally gone off the deep end, hear me out.)

This morning, after seeing the inevitable Mothers’ Day posts on Facebook, I went out to the studio to work.  I meant to finish up some things and clean up some things and pack some things for an upcoming trip.  But the geraniums were beckoning me – calling out to me – luring me into the yard to paint them!  So I did.

As I painted, I began to think about how like a geranium my own mother was:  bright and cheerful, even in rain or hot sun; strong enough to stand, yet flexible enough to bend when necessary;  commanding my attention when it needed to be focused; growing best in groups, she brought joy to those around! (Being from a really large family may have added to her gregarious nature.)

The shape, or non-shape, of a geranium bloom reminds me of Sarah Miller’s creative, spur of the moment, non-conformist spirit.  The organic, curved lines are almost musical as they show up “here, there and yonder” like the songs that would erupt from Mama throughout the day.  Just like a geranium, ready to burst with blooms, Mama was always ready to share a song!

Yes, I can see my Mama in the bright colors and fun shapes of a geranium.  Oh, and the red is obvious to anyone who knew her – the red hair of the Fallin Family!

Happy Mothers’ Day!

 

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One of Those Days…

Today was one of those days… you know, when you have a “to do” list that needs doing, you are supposed to be somewhere to meet someone, the weather is finally looking springy and you want to be outside, and then you realize you can’t decide where to begin.  SO you just go in the studio and get lost in paint.

As I was sorting through projects, I came upon a canvas I had painted over  already. There were hydrangeas on the first layer, an abstract I had started on top of that, and today I just picked a few  colors and pulled paint over the already bumpy texture.  As I was doing this, mindlessly, and waiting for inspiration to hit, I noticed a landscape hanging in my line of vision that had the same dimensions as this canvas.  What if I followed the lines of the landscape, but made this one more abstract and used these cool blues and greens instead of the yellows and oranges in the first one?

melaniestokesart.com
Another Day 11×14 acrylic $125

Hours later, a painting emerged that I like.  And my mind began to draw conclusions. There are days when it feels like things don’t fall into place.  There are days when life overwhelms us.  There are days when we just have to give God the tired self that we are and see what He can do with it.  We might just come out “repurposed,” “recycled,” and “renewed!”   And ready to tackle more of the “to do” list tomorrow.  I’m hoping so.

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Is it Spring Yet?

I’m so glad I live in the South!  Though it’s unseasonably cold this April, I don’t think I could stand it any further north.  And one reason I want springtime weather is that means it’s time to enjoy painting en plein air!

melaniestokesart.com

I recently enjoyed a few days painting on the waterfront of Saint Mary’s, Georgia.  The breeze was enough to keep the sand gnats at bay and the light was wonderful.  It’s always interesting to meet the people who happen by and want to watch.   Thank you to the “random photographer” who happened by and sent me this photo.  I didn’t get her name but maybe she is reading this.

melaniestokesart.com
Gilman Park 9×12
Oil
$80

Here is an updated 16×20 version, painted in the studio.

melaniestokesart.com
Day in the Park
16×20 oil
$225

And one more, painted from my photo taken the same week.  Springtime in St. Mary’s is gorgeous, but remember to take bug spray!

melaniestokesart.com
Christ Episcopal Church, St. Mary’s GA
12×12 Oil
$110

Looking forward to Plein Air South in May!!

 

 

 

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Strength in Times of Darkness

melaniestokesart.com
Strength in Darkness 11×14 Oil

I showed this to my husband and asked,  “Who does this look like?”

He answered with a question, “Us?”

(Good answer, but not who I thought he would recognize.)  The models are his brother and sister-in-law.  But it could well be “us” with the sentiment behind it.   We are strong together, even in dark times.

As I painted, I was impacted by the play of light against dark, the blinding strength of the sun, and the deepest cold darkness of the side away from the light.  I could feel the wind of that fall morning on the beach and the warm comfort of an arm around my shoulders.

My Protector, My Strength, My Constant… all words that I use when I think about God and his relationship with his people.  But these words also come to mind when I describe my husband! (yes, really)

It does not offend my worth as a woman for him to be the strongest, for him to be the bravest, for him to even be the tallest.  I know he loves me and is my best friend.  Almost forty years of marriage hold many stories of facing darkness and many blessings in the light.  The faith and principles we base our marriage on have held us together.   And in times of darkness the light always seems the brightest!  (ok, not immediately, but in hindsight…)

This brother and sister-in-law have seen some recent dark times with health.  They have come through on the other side, ready for the morning walk, ready to soak up the warmth of the sun, ready to see light and all that it will illuminate day by day.

Celebrating love, life and light!

 

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Around the Curve

melaniestokesart.com
Around the Curve
18×24 Oil
$275

My husband loves to walk in unknown territory.  Take a walk in a park with him and he is sure to leave the path.  Land uncharted, thick woods without paths, hills to climb and overlooks to view… now, that is his type of hiking!  Even when we have a path, he is the one to say, “let’s see just around that curve!” and the hike continues a little longer.  Are you getting the picture?

There is something about the possibility of seeing just around a curve that brings hope.  You don’t know what is ahead, but you can always hope.  Maybe the view will be better.  Maybe there is light around the corner. Maybe there is a clean restroom!

In this life, we are reminded to hold on to hope.  “I hope you get well.”   “I hope things work out for you.”  ” I hope the world doesn’t fall apart.”   Hopes and dreams can be shallow.  Yet, hope is what causes us to push ahead,  to get out of bed and see the sun rise, to keep living on this earth, until we have our hope of heaven with God.

Just Around the Curve — keep hoping!  and praying, and serving, and loving.

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Updated Website

New Website Look!

Same domain name –  different hosting – learning curve for me!

How do you like it?  Click around and give me your feedback on the new website construction.  Anything missing?  Something you wonder about?  Help me trouble-shoot by trying it out.  Check out the Portfolio of current work, too.

You will notice I don’t have the Archives of Sold Paintings.  Maybe I will add those later, as I know several of you have shared your purchases with friends that way.    And, the old blog posts are gone!  (I saved them, but don’t plan to post them all again.)  So, this is the first of many new blog posts to come.

Recent Highlights:

May – Solo show at Averitt Center for the Arts, Statesboro, GA
– spent a week of fun learning at Plein Air South, Apalachicola, FL

June – teaching adult painting classes at MAC on Main Art Gallery, Thomson,
– working on commissions and daily paintings
– preparing for the next solo show in November! (stay tuned)