Valentines in July + Art of the Garden = Mid-Summer Studio Update
Four months of togetherness – Greg and me – resulted in a massive makeover of terrace gardens, grape arbor winter squash garden, studio annex-bread oven patio and Elm Tree sitting area, deck railing, I could go on. We had time to pace ourselves. The resulting beauty and nourishment fill us with gratitude. I’m sending my best wishes for you at this first harvest time, Lughnasa!
Lettuce give thanks for our bounty.
Spaced within this garden work I managed to paint seventeen more in the Love Letter series (the valentines!) and twelve Madonna Lilies (a belated Mother’s Day idea). If you would like a valentine by email, please subscribe to updates to receive them! Greg extended his exploration and knowledge of ancient inhabitants of this land, even finding a Clovis point.
I’ve put my best images and descriptions of this spring-summer procession together in the Art of the Garden Tour PDF on the Sunwise Event page.
The whole experience kept coming to mind as the “Art of the Garden”. Everything about this year’s plan to go forward relates to the growth that is happening in the indoor and outdoor studios – integration. The goal of a new direction in painting is unfolding like the surprises of daily harvests.
A few paintings for World Watercolor Month, Fava Beans, a bouquet of Bachelor Buttons and Sweet Peas, a lettuce leaf, and Chantilly Summer Flame Snapdragons. © Kathleen O’Brien
One of the many in this series, Love Letter to You, 18, © Kathleen O’Brien
New paints made from gem pigments
I’ve been enamored with the combination of oranges and blue-greens since I started painting over 50 years ago. Recently I’ve been using Daniel Smith Primatek paints made from gem pigments. Here I’m using Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Minnesota Pipestone, and a sample of new bracelets, turquoise and coral. See more of the new bracelets on the Art of the Garden Tour PDF.
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, Minnesota Pipestone, and a sample of new bracelets, turquoise and coral.
One of several Skyscapes, using Daniel Smith Primatek paints made from gem pigments, Sleeping Beauty turquoise and Serpentine, © Kathleen O’Brien
12 Madonna Lilies, 30×22″, using Daniel Smith Primatek paints made from gem pigments, Lapis Lazuli, Sleeping Beauty turquoise, Minnesota Pipestone and Serpentine, © Kathleen O’Brien
Artrepreneur
I am very grateful to the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation and its support for the Kentucky Arts Council’s current assistance to artists in the Bluegrass State —by awarding me and other Kentucky Crafted artists membership in Artrepreneur! It’s a fun platform where you can see showrooms, portfolios, resumes and videos. Please check it out and let me know what you think! I’ll be adding to the portfolios and a virtual gallery tour soon.
Furthermore…
The new patio connecting the studio annex with the bread oven and outdoor lounge.
I want to see you you all, fingers crossed, at my twelfth annual Open Studio this autumn. where you can see this years new art and new limited gift products from the gardens (see the PDF for details!). You can also safely visit me by scheduling a date with me. And watch for…
… new artwork here on my site and on Artrepreneur, and….
… a virtual gallery exhibit in August
…and a special thank you to patrons who bought art during the Artist support pledge!
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