England and Wales Experience

 The end of a beautiful July found me on a plane to Manchester England, where I transferred by trains and taxi to an AirBnB in York, England to adjust to the time change and merry old England. York is an ancient walled city and the history class Norman invasion of 1066 finally made an impression. Winding streets, tiny doorways, low ceilings, and quaint shops presented new attitudes and foods, and I took advantage of excellent public transportation. Two days later I left to experience a multi train adventure with art supplies and luggage transferring to Skipton. There I would take a 5 day paint workshop with Kathy Anderson in the lovely gardens of Rosemary of Rosemary Co. Brushes. What a week, it included dinner in an historic space, a field trip to an abandoned town to paint and meeting great artists from various countries. Yorkshire is beautiful and pastoral with gentle hills and green everywhere.

I was challenged to paint in new ways, to lay in a different sort of ground and wipe out the light areas, to suggest some things - like leaves - and omit their details. I loved it, even though I found it difficult to change habits. At the end of the week I knew I could go back and use some of the ideas that were shared and still paint my own pictures. I am thrilled that my drawing skills made it easy to paint more confidently.

1000 Year Old Bridge, Wycoller Park, UK 12x16 oil on linen

Fuchsia and Blue, 14x11 oil on linen 

Skill building with Still Life Paintings

Beets and Greens 12x16 oil 

Indoor Still life used to be my least favorite painting. This year, I have connected with several artists and enjoyed Thursday mornings in the NACC, painting in Ylli Hurani Studio. There were usually several excellent still life setups to choose from. It was an opportunity to work longer on a composition as well as have friends painting nearby. I am thrilled to have had this opportunity and challenge to increase my skills. 

Thursday's Snack in Red, 16x12 oil

Painter's Rewards 16x12 oil

Backyard garden flowers

That's my granddaughter Amelia in the blue hat, she painted next to me with her new set of gel crayons. I hadn't used my pastels for a while and went out to capture my July garden flowers before the August Black eyed Susans took over and the daisies faded. I hope the foreground marigolds last well into the Fall.

The Summer Garden, pastel, 12x16

Griffon Park, Niagara Falls

Griffon Park is on the Little River in Niagara Falls and faces Cayuga Island. For years, boaters have backed their boats into the water and parked cars and trailers. Updates to the park now include a large playground, walking paths and benches. 

This rock commemorates The Griffon, built near here to sail the Great Lakes and never seen again.

This photo shows my view from a park bench, I used the distant buildings for my painting, below.

Little River From Griffon Park, 8x10 oil  c.K Schifano

2022 Cherry Blossom Festival