CBAA Spring Show at the East Beach Gallery

These two paintings will be on display at the Chesapeake Bay Artists Association's Spring Art Show being held at the East Beach Gallery located on 9559 Shore Dr. in Norfolk. The Opening Reception is Thursday May 5th from 5:30 to 8:30 and will offer food and wine. The CBAA will be presenting scholarships to two young artists this year. The show runs until May 28th. You can visit the gallery Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Sunday from noon to 3:00 pm. Come and visit the gallery and see all the fine art of the members of the CBAA.

Magnolia Bud

This is my latest painting. I have been able to work it with no deadlines and have totally enjoyed painting it. Again I must say that pleasure is a factor that contributes to the quality of a painting.

I have worked on the three dimensionality of it paying special attention to the light and shadows. I think it has allowed me a most valuable learning experience and I am very pleased with the results. Unfortunately the photo does not do it justice.

While painting this picture I again was drawn to realistically capturing the visuality of the bud and the many leaves. (I think there were about 36 leaves in it!) I am continually pulled to do more abstract work and yet I strive to create pieces that are realistic. I enjoy painting more abstract backgrounds but usually for the foreground I'm compelled to paint it realistically. I really do not know yet whether to go with my realistic tendencies or force myself to try and do more abstract work. What do you think?

I have two weeks until my teaching schedule picks up again. And I have not accomplished much on my to do lists. But I'm starting to think about my upcoming classes and what I hope to achieve with them.