Paint Charleston Daily

"Sunshine on Hampton Plantation" A Plein Air Painting of a Southern Mansion

2009-07-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Painting in the shade of the Washington Oak this afternoon, I was glad I remembered to bring lots of bug spray. With recent summer showers, the mosquitoes were out in force. I was swarmed so badly I'm surprised I have any blood left.

Bug spray and a portable bug zapper improved the situation and I had a wonderful afternoon painting at one of my favorite locations - Hampton Plantation Historical Site.

"Sunshine on Hampton Plantation"
Oil on cradled panel
Dimensions: 11" x 14"

I had the pleasure of meeting internationally famous author and painter, Kevin Macpherson when he was in Charleston this spring. Mr. Macpherson creates beautiful, award winning paintings using a limited palette of only 3 primary colors (yellow, red, blue) with white. In his books and workshops, he teaches the importance of mixing "harmonious colors and sensitive grays".
Although I like to use a few more "tube" colors on my palette for convenience, I am working on mixing a wider range of grays and neutrals. Here's a photo of my palette showing the mixtures I've been experimenting with recently.
The shadows and sunshine in the painting "Sunshine on Hampton Plantation" gave me an opportunity to try out these new neutral mixtures while working with color harmony and accurate values. I feel the painting succeeds in portraying the effect of light and shadow on the white mansion due to the use of a wide range of warm and cool grays.

"Evening Light at Hampton Plantation" A Plein Air Painting of a Historical Site

2009-07-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

I took advantage of the cooler weather today to paint "en plein air" (on location) at Hampton Plantation State Historical Site.
The magnificent "Washington Oak" framing the plantation house's stately front portico with moss draped branches is the subject I chose to paint this afternoon. The tree is said to have been saved from being cut down to provide a better view from the newly built front portico by President George Washington during his visit to Hampton Plantation in 1791.
Now a mighty live oak, the tree was named in his honor.

The lengthening evening shadows falling through the tree's branches and across the front lawn create an interesting value contrast in my plein air painting of Hampton Plantation, the stately home of South Carolina's first poet laureate, Archibald Rutledge.

"Evening Light at Hampton Plantation"
Plein air oil on cradled panel
Dimensions: 11" x 14"
Private collection

A White Ribbon Tribute to Master Blacksmith Philip Simmons

2009-06-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

Master Blacksmith/Artisan Mr. Philip Simmons' passing at age 97 has resulted in plans to honor his long and productive life in the SC Lowcountry. For many years Charleston has proudly recognized the talents of this native son who has spent a lifetime creating beautiful ironwork for local homes and gardens.
In his honor, the city is hanging white ribbons on all of Mr. Simmons public ironworks.

While Mr. Simmons's beautiful downtown gates and decorative public ironwork are widely known, he also produced many smaller, less recognized works such as the wrought iron handrails designed for "Afterglow", the Mt. Pleasant home of the Muschick family.

When asked if he would accept a modest project at the home, Mr. Simmons replied to Mrs. Rose Muschick that "no project is too small". "That's what I do" was his cheerful reply.
The resulting pairs of graceful wrought iron handrails have been beautiful additions to this home and garden for many years.

In his honor at his passing, the family has hung white ribbons on these two pair of smaller but greatly admired and appreciated wrought iron handrails designed and installed by Mr. Simmons and his apprentice.

He will live on in the memory of those who admire him and his distinctive artwork in iron.

"Farmland by Angel Oak" An Oil Painting of Vanishing Rural Fields

2009-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

"Farmland by Angel Oak"
Oil on canvas panel
Dimensions: 11" x 14"

This is a painting of farmland directly across the winding dirt road from the ancient Angel Oak.
The future of this and other farmland on rural John's Island, SC is of great concern due to encroaching development.
Recent plans to build 630 housing units on 42 acres surrounding the Angel Oak have residents concerned about the long term impact of this development on the rural environment of Johns Island and the magnificent Angel Oak tree.

The developers will be presenting their latest plans for the Angel Oak Village Development to the Charleston Commercial Corridor Design Review Board this Thursday (6/ 25/09) at 5:00 in the 3ed Floor meeting room at 75 Calhoun St. Chas, SC.
Yesterdays editorial in the Post and Courier titled "Stay Vigilant for Angel Oak"advises "those who are interested in the long term well-being of the Angel Oak to get a close look at what developer Robert DeMoura now has in mind for the tract and let the board hear their thoughts." At issue are the architectural design plans and the development's density. The development also has not yet been awarded necessary environmental permits.
It's not too late to have a voice in this critical issue that affects not only the health of the irreplaceable National treasure "Angel Oak" but also the quality of life on rural Johns Island.
To see more artwork and information about Angel Oak click these links:
"Plein Air Painters at Angel Oak", "Angel Oak-More Trees to Be Cut??", "New Drawing of Angel Oak", and "Land Surrounding Angel Oak to be... Development".

A Plein Air Charcoal Drawing of Hampton Plantation

2009-06-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

This charcoal and mixed media drawing of Hampton Plantation was created in the shade of the magnificent Washington Oak on the grounds of the Hampton Plantation Historic Site.

In the drawing, the graceful curve of the live oak tree in the foreground leads the viewer's eye through overhanging branches swaying with Spanish moss to the portico of the mansion. The last rays of the afternoon sun cast a soft light on the white columns and front steps inviting the viewer to come and rest a while on the porch.

Hampton Plantation was given to the South Carolina State Park Service by SC Poet Laureate Archibald Rutledge and his family in 1971. The mansion was built in the 1740's with the addition of a beautiful Adam style portico (porch) modeled after Hampton House in England in 1791.

The Live Oak tree in my drawing is called "The Washington Oak" in honor of President George Washington. During his visit to Hampton Plantation in 1791, the President was asked if he thought the tree blocked the view from the newly built portico. Washington replied that he like the tree and it was saved.

For more paintings of Hampton Plantation click here.

Charleston Waterspout

2009-06-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Reports today (6.07.09) of a waterspout spotted over the water in Charleston reminded me of a similar sighting I had of another waterspout in Charleston.
I'm posting artwork I created from my impressions of the waterspout I sighted in Charleston Harbor several years ago. This etching (or "printed painting") is one in a group of artworks I made entitled "The Storm Series". In creating the etching "Waterspout", I used value changes and broad, diagonal strokes to express my impression of the wind and ominous cloud formations I experienced viewing the event.

Although waterspouts rarely last more than a few minutes, cause widespread damage, or make landfall, they are still an alarming natural event. The sight of a large, churning funnel cloud heading toward land is a unnerving and memorable sight - even for a "hurricane hardened" viewer like myself.

"Waterspout"
Variable wiped zinc plate etching on rives BFK paper
Image size: 27.5" x 25.5"
Framed size: 39" x 32"
Price: $450.00

South Carolina Tramp Brigade Living History Group Camps at Fort Moultrie

2009-05-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Living historians from the SC Tramp Brigade were among several groups of historical interpreters participating in events at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island today.
The groups are portraying life at the Fort during the period from 1809-1860 ( mainly 1859) when the US Army Regulars were stationed at Fort Moultrie prior to the War Between the States.

The historians are conducting artillery drills, demonstrating firing muskets, and portraying the daily life of 19th century soldiers and their families. Demonstrations and camp activities will continue tomorrow from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

I had the pleasure of visiting with visiting living historians Marvin Greer (from Ga.) and Joe Blunt (from Fla.) as they relaxed in their camp after today's activities.

I also met Tina Temm from Alabama as she passed out ginger snaps after supper in camp. Tina and the other member's historically accurate clothes and camp life style create a window into the early 19th century life at Fort Moultrie that is both entertaining and educational.

For my drawing of a soldier relaxing in camp after supper, I used charcoal to recreate the look of a 19th century "field sketch". In the 1800's, it was common for newspapers to hire artists to travel to locations and create drawings to be used for illustrations.

"At Ease - Reclining Soldier"
Charcoal and Conte drawing
Size: 11" x 13"

Hanging Artwork for the 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition

2009-05-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

Artwork was delivered and hung for the 25th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition at the Charleston Visitor Center today.

I was on hand along with other members of the Charleston Artist Guild to receive and hang the 100 artworks selected by jurors Dr. Leo Twiggs (Painting/2D artwork) and Stacy Pearsall (Photography) from over 394 show entries. I feel fortunate to be one of two artists to have work accepted into both the Painting and Photography categories this year.

The Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition is sponsored by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and coordinated by the Charleston Artist Guild.
The Exhibition is free and open to the public between the hours of 8:30 to 5:00 during the run of Piccolo Spoleto and Spoleto Festival USA, May 22 through June 5 at the Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St. Charleston, SC.

"Springtime in Charleston" A new plein air painting of the Joseph Verre House

2009-05-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

A bright red Japanese maple and intertwining vines of pink roses and confederate jasmine blooming on the garden gate of the Joseph Verre House were the inspiration for my plein air (on location) painting today.

Charleston's historic colonial homes are graced with some of the loveliest, intimate garden spaces in the country. While they are often planted to be enjoyed all year long, it is in the spring that they outdo themselves with colorful blooms.

"Springtime in Charleston"
Plein air oil on panel
Size: 11" x 14"
Price: $375.00

Empty Nest or Full - Happy Mothers Day !

2009-05-10T15:40:00.000-07:00

Snowy White egrets are nesting in the Lowcountry this time of year. This cypress tree looked like a modern apartment building with several egret nests tucked into the branches above the alligator filled water.

Whether you're in a nest full of chicks or enjoying a well earned rest in an empty nest, "Happy Mothers Day" to the most creative people in the world - Mothers.

McClellanville Arts Center Youth Art Exhibition 2009

2009-05-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

It was an evening to celebrate the talents of young people in McClellanville, SC at the McClellanville Arts Center on Pinckney St. tonight. Susan Williams past president, McClellanville Arts Council was on hand to greet guests including Bud Hill, director of The Village Museum to the reception and awards ceremony for "Coming of Age: McClellanville Youth Art Exhibit in Memory of Alice Wyndham".

Visual arts, creative writing and musical performance were featured from the area schools of Archibald Rutledge Academy, Lincoln High School, McClellanville Middle School and St. James -Santee Elem. School.
The evenings activities included performances by guitarist Vincent White, vocalist Anna Dupre, and poetry readings by local youths including Amber Dewitt (pictured).

The Awards Ceremony began with a tribute by Bernadette Humphries, McClellanville Art Center Director to Alice Wyndham (pictured in portrait) who proposed a Young Peoples Exhibition prior to her death. The 2009 McClellanville Youth Art Exhibition is dedicated to her service and devotion to the Arts.

Guests had been given ballots and asked to vote for their favorite artwork from each school. The winners of the Peoples Choice Awards are: Gerald Welch- Archibald Rutledge Academy, Ronald Walker-Lincoln High School, Mia Mitchell - McClellanville Middle School, and Olivia McBride -St. James Santee Elem. School. Jeanne Edwards Awards for Excellence in the Arts were presented to Travis Blake, Summer Cumbee,and Vincent White. Lauren Oree was awarded a special "Award of Merit" for her poem "Alone".
The evening concluded with well deserved recognition for the efforts of teachers and representatives from the schools in supporting the creative talents of their students. Pictured are: Lynn Vickery -Archibald Rutledge Academy, Annie Purvis - Lincoln High School, Ramona LaRoche - St. James Santee Elem., Humphries, and J.B. Ritchie - McClellanville Middle School.

Easter Sunrise

2009-04-12T01:05:00.000-07:00

The light shining through the clouds caught my interest in this photo I took near Jeremy Creek in McClellanville, SC.

May the dawn of this special day bring peace and renewal to you and your loved ones.
Happy Easter!

"Easter Vigil" A Charcoal Drawing of a Biblical Garden Statue

2009-04-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

I sketched in the Biblical Garden at Magnolia Plantation on the day after Good Friday, surrounded by plants that are mentioned in the Bible. This small formal garden is a hidden gem tucked into one of the largest Romantic Gardens in the country. It's the second year I've painted here on the Saturday after Good Friday.

"Easter Vigil" is a charcoal drawing of a statue of Mary standing in the center of 12 small square flower beds designed to form the shape of a cross. The 12 flower beds are symbolic of the 12 Disciples of Christ.

The deep shadows and sharp contrasts in my charcoal drawing make me think of Mary as she watched and prayed on that dark day before The Resurrection.

"Easter Vigil"
Charcoal, pastel and conte drawing on paper
Dimensions: 14"x 10.5"

The International Camellia Society "Camellia of the Month", C. japonica "Princess" (?) April 2009

2009-04-06T05:51:00.000-07:00

The subject of my painting "Camellia in the Rain" is a bloom from a bush highlighted as "Camellia of the Month" by the International Camellia Society (ICS) for April 2009.

The International Camellia Society is a non-profit organization with over 2,000 members worldwide. It is the official registrar for the genus Camellia and maintains the International Camellia Register in addition to publishing the yearly "International Camellia Journal ".

On the Society's website @ http://www.camellia-ics.org is a photograph of the camellia and information about the plant's recent history in the Charleston garden of Mrs. Rose Muschick.

As with many varieties of older heritage camellias, the ancestry of this plant is an open question. Information about the plant from camellia growers, horticulturists, or flora-culturalists is welcomed.

"Plantation Smoke House" A Plein Air Painting of a Historic Outbuilding at Hobcaw Barony

2009-04-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

"Plantation Smokehouse" is my plein air painting of a historic outbuilding at Hobcaw Barony, a Historic National Site and research reserve of the Bell W. Baruch Foundation.

In the painting, shadows play on the white side of the smoke house, as Spanish moss sways in the breeze from nearby Winyah Bay.
I used color contrasts and value changes to direct the viewer's eye from the moss filled tree at left, across the smokehouse and off through the shadows to the water in the distance.

"Plantation Smoke House"
Oil on panel
Size: 11" x 14"
Price on request

Hobcaw Barony is composed of land that was granted in 1718 as a "barony" to English royalty. It was later sold and subdivided into plantations extending from the Waccamaw River to the Atlantic Ocean. The word "Hobcaw" is a Native American term meaning "between the waters".

The antebellum smokehouse at Hobcaw was used to cure game caught by the hunting parties to the Barony when it was used as a winter hunting retreat by Bernard Baruch in the early 1900's . Duck, turkey, deer, quail, foxes, and wild boar were hunted by distinguished guests, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill .

"Friendfield Slave Village Church" plein air painting amid preservation work

2009-03-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Friendfield Village was home to enslaved Africans and later freedman who lived in the cabins from the early 1800's until 1952. In addition to homes, the village eventually included a school house, doctor's office, and church. The church at Friendfield was built in 1890 with the addition of the bell tower in 1905.

"Friendfield Village Church"
Oil painting on panel
Dimensions : 14" x 11"
Price on request

I had the privileged of joining artists from the Plein Air Landscape Society (PALS) to paint on location at Hobcaw Barony, a 17,500 acre research reserve and historic site managed by the Belle W. Baruch Foundation.

As we painted, work was in progress to preserve and stabilize the wood structures in this former slave community.

Brick footings and fireplaces have been strengthened, roofs repaired and cabins painted.

As at other historic sites in the SC Lowcountry (click here for Magnolia Plantation Slave Cabin Restoration Project), the Belle W. Baruch Foundation realizes the value of preserving the buildings at Friendfield Village to show how enslaved Africans lived on this southern plantation during the days of growing "Carolina Gold" rice in tidal rice fields during the 1800's and later as freedman descendants of slaves continued to live and work on the land when it became a winter hunting retreat in the 20th century. Click here to see a historic photo of a wedding party heading to the Friendfield Church.

Out of the Frame and Back On the Easel

2009-03-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

I'm renewing my effort on this oil painting of two young girls who are members of a singing group which performs spiritual and sacred music of the SC Lowcountry. Originally I planned to leave the painting loose and "sketchy", but think I'll add a bit more finish to the work.

I've been inspired to resume my efforts by seeing the work of three accomplished artists -Nancy Guzik, Susan Lyon, and Mary Whyte. Each painter brings a sense of spontaneity and freshness to their work which is built on mastery of draftsmanship, paint handling and creative vision.
All three artists have had their artwork featured in recent publications for the members of the Portrait Society of America of which I'm a member. Check out their work and be inspired too.

Now off to my easel...

Charcoal Drawing of the" Little Dancer" Statue at White Point Gardens

2009-03-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung in Charleston. People relaxed on benches and blankets, as I drew in my sketchbook at White Point Gardens today.
Here's my charcoal drawing of the "Little Dancer" bronze statue by the accomplished 20th century Charleston sculptor Willard Hirsch at the Children's Fountain in White Point Gardens.

Although a popular attraction for children of all ages visiting the Battery, it's not widely known (because the City Of Charleston has never installed a dedication plaque- click here for article) that the 20" statue was created for the fountain in 1962 from a figure Mr. Hirsch had designed about 15 years earlier. It was cast in bronze in New York and installed on a granite base placed lower to the ground for easy access by children.
Also significant is the fact that the "Little Dancer" statue at the fountain is included in the Smithsonian Institution Inventory of American Sculpture. Click here for link to Siris.

Charlestonian Sallie C. Carrington was the generous benefactor who requested the drinking fountain be dedicated to "The Children of Charleston".

Channel 4 (ABC) News reporter Neville Miller and cameraman Shamir Bryan were also at the park. The men were hard at work surveying people on preferences for a state marine mammal - the Right Whale or Bottle nosed Dolphin.

When I asked to take their picture, cameraman Shamir Bryan said he's not used to being on the other side of a camera, but was a good sport and even held the "Little Dancer's" hand as he and Neville took time out for a photo.

Charleston White Point Gardens Renovations

2009-03-03T21:07:00.000-08:00

The Bandstand at White Point Gardens is one of the most recognized structures in Charleston. Its charming setting among graceful live oaks near Charleston Harbor makes it a frequent subject of photo's and painting's of Historic Charleston.
Yesterday, the City of Charleston announced an $885,000 project to improve White Point Gardens which includes plans to renovate and restore the 102 yr. old bandstand. A $273,500 contract will include repairs to the 1907 structure's brickwork and will lower the base from its present 6 ft. elevation to the original 3 ft.

I'm posting my recent ink drawing of the bandstand with its 6 foot tall platform rising from ground. I'll need to redraw the structure in the future when the base of the bandstand is lowered 3 feet.

Although it will be nice to see the restoration, I wonder if the bandstand will look quite as grand or provide as nice a view when it's lowered 3 feet to the ground.

Hopefully the White Point Garden renovation plan can be modified to include the long overdue placement of a plaque to identify the Charleston Children's Fountain (click here for article) and its beloved "Little Dancer" bronze statue by Charleston sculptor Willard N. Hirsch.

Camellias in a Charleston Garden

2009-02-18T18:21:00.000-08:00

Winter is the time for Camellias to bloom in Lowcountry gardens. The Coastal Carolina Camellia Society (2009 Show) says there are now over 20,000 named varieties of Camellias with more being introduced every year. With so many new varieties available to gardeners, the older varieties-referred to as heritage or ancient camellias are sometimes overshadowed by the newcomers.

For over 50 years my mother, Rose N. Muschick has diligently collected and cared for an ever growing collection of camellias in her Lowcountry garden. Many of her camellias were gifts from friends who have long since passed away.

I was in her garden today painting some of the many varieties currently in bloom. Here's a painting of a "Camellia in the Rain" that I painted from a flower on a bush that is one of her older, "historical" varieties of camellias. I think the variety was named "Princess".
I've asked several camellia growers if this is the correct name for the variety but they are unsure due to it's age. These camellias look as if they have a gold "crown" rising from the center of the bloom.

A few of her camellia bushes have so many blooms the branches can hardly hold them.
What a cheerful sight in the middle of winter.
I hope these photos of camellias from her winter garden brighten your day. Cheers!

Charleston Artist Guild "Nature's Beauty" Exhibition at SEWE 2009

2009-02-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

I'm posting my painting "Beauty and the Beast" which shows an alligator resting in the sun at Magnolia Gardens on the eve of the opening of the Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) in Charleston.

"Beauty and the Beast"
Oil
Size: 17" x 20" framed
Price: Sold Thank you.

For the first time in 27 years, SEWE will include artists from the Charleston Artists Guild (CAG) in an art show and sale entitled "Nature's Beauty" presenting original artwork depicting the outdoors. CAG Director of Exhibitions, Russell Buskirk has done an outstanding job organizing this groundbreaking show with SEWE Art Director, Lindy Shealy.

As an Exhibitions Committee member, I was at the Charleston Marriott's Emerald Ballroom today as artists registered and hung the show. I caught up with CAG Past President Norma Morris Ballentine and Buskirk who were busy hanging paintings and discussing the show. Both artists are exhibiting new works focusing on the Lowcountry.

Artists participating in the show organize their artwork before the opening of the 27th Annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Feb. 13 - 15, 2009.

If you're in the area this weekend, be sure to come out and see the creativity and variety of the artwork in the CAG Art Exhibition "Nature's Beauty" at the Charleston Marriott.

"Garden Bridge in Winter" A New Painting by Katherine M Schneider

2009-01-25T16:16:00.000-08:00

A long white bridge crossing the dark waters of a cypress pond is a favorite view of visitors to Magnolia Gardens. The graceful curves of the bridge contrast with the straight trunks of cypress trees reflected in the dark water. It's a memorable sight.

The vista is often painted with brightly colored azaleas in the Spring. It's rarely painted when the rich colors of Autumn reflect in the bright winter light on the pond, as I have here.

The painting is one of six artworks I have entered in the 2009 Winter Garden Festival Art Show at Magnolia Gardens Jan. 24 - Feb. 28th. The Plantation Gallery Gift Shop is located on the ground level of the Manor House.

"Garden Bridge in Winter"
Mixed Media/Oil
Framed size: 17"x 20"
Price: $375.00

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Winter Festival 2009 - Art Show Opening Reception

2009-01-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

The paintings were hung, tea was served, and plein air artists painted at the opening of the 2009 Magnolia Gardens Winter Festival.
Here's an ink drawing I sketched today of the entrance to the Plantation Gift Shop and Gallery. Covered by the large second story porch, the entrance to the Gift Shop and Gallery is a dry spot to sketch on a rainy day.

Artists painted throughout the gardens, including the lawn in front of the Plantation House.
At 6:00 pm Charleston Artist Guild (CAG) member, Dab (www.Dabism.com)was still painting in the misting rain. He said it takes about an hour to set up his elaborate plein air equipment, but then he is ready to paint in any weather.

The Art Gallery is full of exciting new artwork by members of the Chas. Artist Guild who will be at the Gardens painting tomorrow and throughout the Winter Festival, January 23 - Feb.28th. New paintings (Click here) will continue to be added to the show as they are created by the artists.

If you're in the area, come out to Magnolia Gardens to see the beautiful winter blooming camellias and the fresh artwork in the Plantation Gallery Gift Shop.

A Charcoal Drawing of a Mossy Live Oak

2009-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Few things are as relaxing as sitting under an ancient live oak watching the Spanish moss sway in the breeze as sunlight shines through the leafy canopy.
Ancient Live Oaks seem to have a magic all their own. It's in their leaves and branches and huge, twisting trunks. It's in the grey moss and soft, filtered sunlight moving on the ground underneath. Live Oaks are one of Nature's best creations.

After a busy holiday season, drawing in the peace and quiet of this oak lined dirt road at Magnolia Gardens was a real pleasure.

I hope you too will feel the relaxing effect of the swaying Spanish moss in this plein air drawing of an ancient oak at Magnolia Plantation.

"A Mossy Live Oak"
Charcoal drawn on paper
Image size: 14"x 11"
Framed dimensions: 17" x 20"

Magnolia Gardens Winter Festival 2009 - Plein Air Drawing and Painting

2009-01-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

I was back out at Magnolia Plantation this afternoon drawing and painting the path to the Manor House in preparation for upcoming Art Shows during the Winter Garden Festival 2009.

This year, there will be two exhibits during the festival. Original artwork created this year in the Winter Garden will be showcased in the Art Gallery at the Manor House Gift Shop. On Sat. Jan. 24, there will be Afternoon Tea from 1-5 pm to meet the artists and see the new artwork. The artwork will remain in the gallery until March 31. (See gallery here.)

The second show will be a Juried Exhibition and sale in the Carriage House at Magnolia Gardens entitled "The Girl with the Gold Earring". Magnolia Plantation is sponsoring this exhibit to highlight a recently found gold artifact at an archeological dig on the plantation. This show will be on display from Feb. 2 - Feb. 19, 2009.

Weather permitting, I will be painting en plein air in the gardens with painters from The Charleston Artist Guild and The Charleston Out Door Painters Asso. Jan. 24, 2009.

If you're in the area, stop by and see the beautiful winter blooming camellias in the garden and the new original artwork in the two Winter Festival Art Shows.