Working BIG on this ancient Virginia White Oak

Viginia White Oak, 12 X 24", oil on gessoed birch

Gosh am I having a good time lately. I am loving finally getting to paint this rather famous white oak tree in Earlysville, VA. I pass it almost daily and it's really gotten to me over the years. I only paint what I have great fondness for, and this is one of those things. Rumor has it it's well over 200 years old, and that Thomas Jefferson noted it when he'd pass it on the way to visit James Madison's home at Montpelier. 

 I've learned that what's really unique about this particular species of oak is the tulip-shaped trunk. It's very wide at the base and narrows rather quickly, hence the "tulip shape." I hope it lives forever.

I spent a lovely morning photographing and sketching it and have been just itching to do this. This is the first LARGE (for me) painting I've done in years, and it's a welcome change. Going to keep going on this about 3/4 finished piece to finish before I hit the road for California then New York City next week.

Auction Ending In 8 Hours! Original, Custom Framed Country Store!

Click HERE to go to the Auction!!!
Virginia Country Store
This original, custom framed oil painting by internationally award-winning artist 
Catherine Twomey speaks to the nostalgia of warm summer days. Painted en plein air 
(outside, on site), it is of a Virginia General Store. It oozes the heat and light of a 
late summer afternoon, where the old pumps sit waiting for their next customer along the shadowed country road.

I painted this building because it has become an old friend; I pass it almost daily. It's 
design and classic beauty were obvious. I spent hours painting it as the day waned, 
but loved every minute.

On archival linen board, the size of the painting is 5 X 7", with the frame it comes to 
9.5 X 11". The frame is custom made by King of Frames (California) and is a rich 
brown wood with a gold lining and very well made, ready to hand. It sets the painting 
off beautifully and will enhance any setting.

The colors, texture, contrasts of light and shadow evoke the emotions of the 1940's, 
when this store was built. It is a southern classic still serving a contemporary clientele 
with dignity and charm. 

Background

My artwork has been featured at the world renowned TED (Technology, Education and 
Design) conference (TED MED in San Diego, on huge high definition screens throughout 
the exhibition center). I recently won the nationally acclaimed ArtInPlace competition in 
Virginia which placed a 12' X 24' mural on aluminum of my work, now seen by thousands 
of commuters daily. Two museums currently house my art: The William H. Benton 
Museum in Connecticut, and The LLoyd Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was a great 
honor to be asked to exhibit and I continue to add to their collections. Speaking of 
collections, my work is a part of hundreds of private collections worldwide.I've won many 
national and international awards for my artwork, and am a published author which 
means I have no excuse for bad writing or editing. Mea culpa. I'm not nearly as good a 
writer as my brother Steve, who won a Pulitzer Prize and has some books in the works. 
I do, however, try.I have studied with some of the best artistic and scientific minds in the 
world: fellow medical illustrators. Leonardo da Vinci is considered the first medical 
illustrator, and his knowledge, technical abilities and deep curiosity are benchmarks 
for the field. As a Board Certified Medical Illustrator, I have had the privilege to know 
and learn directly from some of the most extraordinarily talented, smart and influential 
visionaries living today.Fine art influencers include Georgia O'Keefe, da Vinci, 
Rembrandt and Degas. I look to their struggles and triumphs, and their unflinching 
persistence. 
​
Genre:Landscape
Media: Custom wood framed with gold lining; archival line...
Auction Notes:My artwork has been featured at the world renownedTED (Technology, Education and Design) conference (TED MED in San Diego, on huge high definition screens throughout the exhibition center). I recently won the nationally acclaimedArtInPlacecompetition in Virginia which placed a 12' X 24' mural on aluminum of my work, now seen by thousands of commuters daily. 

Two museums currently house my art: The William H. Benton Museum in Connecticut, andThe LLoyd Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was a great honor to be asked to exhibit and I continue to add to their collections. Speaking of collections, my work is a part of hundreds of private collections worldwide.
Fine art influencers includeGeorgia O'Keefe, da Vinci, Rembrandt and Degas. I look to their struggles and triumphs, and their unflinching persistence.

Auction Ending Tomorrow! Original Oil by C. Twomey

Auction ending tomorrow!
"East Fall Blue Ridge No. 4" oil on linen board, C. Twomey

Please Click HERE to view the AUCTION!
This 8 X 10" on archival board oil painting is from a series, the first of which won the nationally acclaimed "ArtInPlace" competition and was reproduced into a 12 X 24' mural along a busy highway in Charlottesville, VA. Can't get enough of the Blue Ridge mountains, especially in the fall. This view is from Skyline Drive, looking towards the east around sunset in the fall. I've painted it four times now, and that's still not enough! This particular painting is more luminous than previous works, as the technique evolves. 
Genre:Landscape
Media: Oil on archival board.
Auction Notes:My artwork has been featured at the world renownedTED (Technology, Education and Design) conference (TED MED in San Diego, on huge high definition screens throughout the exhibition center). I recently won the nationally acclaimedArtInPlacecompetition in Virginia which placed a 12' X 24' mural on aluminum of my work, now seen by thousands of commuters daily. 

Two museums currently house my art: The William H. Benton Museum in Connecticut, andThe LLoyd Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was a great honor to be asked to exhibit and I continue to add to their collections. Speaking of collections, my work is a part of hundreds of private collections worldwide.
Fine art influencers includeGeorgia O'Keefe, da Vinci, Rembrandt and Degas. I look to their struggles and triumphs, and their unflinching persistence.

"Grace Vineyards No. 1" by Twomey

"Grace Vineyards No. 1" by C. Twomey
"Grace Vineyards No. 1", oil on linen board, 6 X 6", C. Twomey
 Just finished this piece. Starting to really get the luminosity I've been looking for. I'm thinking of putting this up for auction, but can't decide just yet. I remember this early fall day, standing and looking over the vines and fields and thinking it was heaven. Or heaven equivalent, depending upon what floats your boat. 

 Grace Vineyards is considered a new kid on the block, even though it's heritage traces back to the Magna Carta. The wineries are getting more and more competitive around here; and the wines are getting better.

Take A Look!!! Final shipping days SALE!!!

C. Twomey original oils

Twomey oils for sale
Sampling of Original, Framed Oils for Sale!

LAST SALE DAY!

Take advantage of the holidays to claim a one-of-a-kind artwork by an award-winning artist (ArtInPlace, TED, William Benton museum, RX Club, and private collections worldwide).




Thank you for your interest and support!


A Successful Tour! Thank You!

Thanks to so many who came to see my art on Saturday. It was wonderful to talk art, and it amazed me how much people knew and cared about. 

 I have been asked to show again at Mud Dauber Pottery in Earlysville, VA and am working on getting into another show at a downtown gallery.

 Your support is priceless and irreplaceable. Thank you.

 The following pieces have found new homes:
Twomey
Buck Mountain Vineyard No. 2

Oil by Twomey
Earlysville General Store No. 3

Twomey
Ceramic Horse Head

Twomey
Ceramic Giraffe

Twomey
East Fall Blue Ridge No. 3

Twomey
Pear Portrait

Twomey
Buck Mountain Vineyard No. 1

Twomey
Settin' On The Pier: Key West

"Earlysville General Store" on Arts Rivanna Tour

"Earlysville General Store No. 3" Oil on board, 8 X 10"
Driving by this classic old service station daily, I'm reminded of the era it was built and all the people who've passed through that door. It's still in service today and at lunchtime is jammed with contractors looking for deli sandwiches and a fill up. 

This work along with many others will be available Saturday, Sept. 13 on the Arts Rivanna Tour, Earlysville, VA. Would love to meet you there.

"Buck Mountain Vineyard No. 2", oil, Twomey

C. Twomey original oil
Buck Mountain Vineyard No.1


This original oil painting, "Buck Mountain Vineyard No.2" will be available for sale on September 13th and 20th at the Arts Rivanna Tour, in and around Earlysville, VA. It is 6 X 6", and is framed in a beautiful handmade frame.

I was driving down Buck Mountain Rd., about 2 miles from where I live, and came around a curve to this unforgettable site. There wasn't much room for painting, but I got it done and can't help revisiting the moment every time I paint it. Vineyards are popping up all over here, and they bring endless painting possibilities.

The tour will be Saturday, September 13th & 20th, beginning at 10:00 am. If you're needing directions to the Arts Rivanna Tour, see the following. I'll be located at the studio in the middle, off of Advance Mills Road near Fray Road. Hope to meet you then!


Arts Rivanna Tour - Please Join Us!

Oil on linen by C. Twomey
Bleak House Barn No.6, 4x6", oil on linen board


I'm taking part in an upcoming studio tour, so hope you can join us!:

A R T S  R I V A N N A  T O U R : 
September 13th & 20th, 2014; 10 am - 5 pm

 Contact: Judith Townsend
434-978-7937
judy@judithktownsend.com

 Start the Tour here: 3023 Colonial Drive, Earlysville 22936
Take 29 North; turn right on Route 649 (Proffit Rd.);
go one-half mile; turn right on Colonial Dr. 
to 3023 Colonial Drive, Earlysville

"East Fall Blue Ridge 2" Auction Ending Soon!

"East Fall Blue Ridge 2" Twomey Painting Auction

The Dailypaintworks Auction for the following painting ends soon! Take a moment to bid on this original oil painting:

East Fall Blue Ridge 2

I perched along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park looking to the west, towards theShenandoah Valley. Had my paints, easel and an outrageously gorgeous day to capture the fall colors. I loved the layers of mountains dissipating in the distance. And the colors! The blues next to the oranges - irresistible. This took longer than expected, I think because I didn't want the day to end.

Original oil, 6 X 4" on archival linen board, unframed.

This is how the painting would look, framed:

Daily Paintworks Auction

"East Fall Blue Ridge 2" Twomey Painting Auction

The

Dailypaintworks

Auction

for the following painting begins Saturday, March 22. Thank you for your interest.

East Fall Blue Ridge 2

I perched along 

Skyline Drive

 in 

Shenandoah National Park

 looking to the west, towards the

Shenandoah Valley

Just wanted to add a link to this post to a wonderful new guide written by Janice Rogers of Your RV Lifestyle:  https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/best-things-to-do-in-virginia.html

It's well worth your time for a look if you're planning a visit to the beautiful state of Virginia!

. Had my paints, easel and an outrageously gorgeous day to capture the fall colors. I loved the layers of mountains dissipating in the distance. And the colors! The blues next to the oranges - irresistible. This took longer than expected, I think because I didn't want the day to end.

Original oil, 6 X 4" on archival linen board, unframed.

This is how the painting would look, framed:

Daily Paintworks Auction
Daily Paintworks Auction

Award Winning Original Art Auction Ends TODAY!

"Advance Mills Hay Bales 1" Auction Ending Today.


Visit the auction on Ebay: Original oil landscape titled


"Advance Mills Hay Bales 1"

Catherine Twomey
Advance Mills Hay Bales 1

Advance Mills was an old mill town about two miles from my home. The road, Advance Mills, is one of my favorites - twisty, turny, on a ridge - the views along it are so spectacular you really have to focus to stay on it. We looked at buying some of this land, so I spent a lot of time walking it and loved catching it at sunset. You can see why. I had to work fast. The woods behind were already dripped in shadow, with sky holes poking thru. What a glorious day.

Original 6 X 8" oil on archival linen board, unframed.

This is how the painting would look framed:
Advance Mills Hay Bales 1

My artwork has been featured at the world renowned TED (Technology, Education and Design) conference (TED MED in San Diego). I recently won the nationally acclaimed ArtInPlace competition in Virginia which placed a 12' X 24' mural on aluminum of my work, now seen by thousands of commuters daily. Two museums currently house my art: The William H. Benton Museum in Connecticut, and The LLoyd Museum. It was a great honor to be asked to exhibit and I continue to add to their collections. Speaking of collections, my work is a part of hundreds of private collections worldwide.Fine art influencers include Georgia O'Keefe, da Vinci, Rembrandt and Degas. I look to their struggles and triumphs, and their unflinching persistence. 

"Advance Mills Hay Bales 1" Auction Ending Soon

Ending in about nine (9) hours: Visit the auction on Ebay: Original oil landscape titled "Advance Mills Hay Bales 1"

Catherine Twomey
Advance Mills Hay Bales 1

Advance Mills was an old mill town about two miles from my home. The road, Advance Mills, is one of my favorites - twisty, turny, on a ridge - the views along it are so spectacular you really have to focus to stay on it. We looked at buying some of this land, so I spent a lot of time walking it and loved catching it at sunset. You can see why. I had to work fast. The woods behind were already dripped in shadow, with sky holes poking thru. What a glorious day.

 Original 6 X 8" oil on archival linen board, unframed.

 This is how the painting would look framed:
Advance Mills Hay Bales 1

My artwork has been featured at the world renowned TED (Technology, Education and Design) conference (TED MED in San Diego). I recently won the nationally acclaimed ArtInPlace competition in Virginia which placed a 12' X 24' mural on aluminum of my work, now seen by thousands of commuters daily. Two museums currently house my art: The William H. Benton Museum in Connecticut, and The LLoyd Museum. It was a great honor to be asked to exhibit and I continue to add to their collections. Speaking of collections, my work is a part of hundreds of private collections worldwide.Fine art influencers include Georgia O'Keefe, da Vinci, Rembrandt and Degas. I look to their struggles and triumphs, and their unflinching persistence. 

Ebay Auction: Advance Mills Hay Bales 1

Now at auction on Ebay: Original oil landscape titled "Advance Mills Hay Bales 1"

Catherine Twomey
This is how the painting would look framed:
Advance Mills Hay Bales 1
Advance Mills was an old mill town about two miles from my home. The road, Advance Mills, is one of my favorites - twisty, turny, on a ridge - the views along it are so spectacular you really have to focus to stay on it. We looked at buying some of this land, so I spent a lot of time walking it and loved catching it at sunset. You can see why. I had to work fast. The woods behind were already dripped in shadow, with sky holes poking thru. What a glorious day.

 My artwork has been featured at the world renowned TED (Technology, Education and Design) conference (TED MED in San Diego). I recently won the nationally acclaimed ArtInPlace competition in Virginia which placed a 12' X 24' mural on aluminum of my work, now seen by thousands of commuters daily. Two museums currently house my art: The William H. Benton Museum in Connecticut, andThe LLoyd Museum. It was a great honor to be asked to exhibit and I continue to add to their collections. Speaking of collections, my work is a part of hundreds of private collections worldwide.Fine art influencers include Georgia O'Keefe, da Vinci, Rembrandt and Degas. I look to their struggles and triumphs, and their unflinching persistence. 

Advance Mills Hay Bales 1: Auction!!!

Oil by Twomey
Advance Mills Hay Bales

Auction listed at: http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/200537

Advance Mills was an old mill town about two miles from my home. The road, Advance Mills, is one of my favorites - twisty, turny, on a ridge - the views along it are so spectacular you really have to focus to stay on it. 

We looked at buying some of this land, so I spent a lot of time walking it and loved catching it at sunset. You can see why. I had to work fast, as that shadow in the background rapidly crept over the sun spots. The woods behind were already dripped in shadow, with sky holes poking thru. What a glorious day.

This original oil on archival linen board is 6" X 8" and is unframed.

The painting would look like this if framed:

Rural Landscape With Plantation Barn 1 Auction

Bleak House Plantation Barn 1

The first in a barn series at the Bleak House Plantation in Earlysville, VA, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At this nitial painting stage, I'm there to understand the correct structure, lighting and "mood" of the building. This barn has it all. It's imposing, to be sure, and as the sun was slowly heading down, the barn's history ebbed forth. 

I'm often at heightened state of, well - anxiety - at this stage. There is only so much time to get things painted correctly, and especially settle on the shadow's shapes. If you can imagine, what's calming are the barn sparrows and doves quietly having a conversation while an intruder (that would be me!) makes strange stroking motions on an easel and board.

This barn was built in the 1700's, when slaves worked the plantation's wheat, tobacco, corn and livestock.A dream-like glow seems to infuse the barn, much like the way I view the plantation.

This original oil on archival linen board is 7" X 5", and is unframed.

This painting would look like this if framed:



Red Barn Star

The painting below was just added to my gallery at Daily Paintworks.

oil painting by Catherine Twomey
Red Star Barn
As a new member, I'm beginning to build my gallery there and have added this image to it. In addition, I'm offering auctions of original fine art, two of which are live now:

Bleak House Plantation Barn 3

Sedona Day's End

Hope you have a moment to visit and bid!


Rural Landscape With Plantation Barn Auction

Oil Painting by Catherine Twomey
Bleak House Plantation Barn 3
Auction listed at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/197172

This gorgeous, symmetrical barn is just down Buck Mountain Road in Earlysville, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was irresistible, it had to be painted; and what I like about this oil is how free the brushstrokes became. The structure became a dreamlike symbol of it's history, and it's history is deep.

The Bleak House Plantation was built in the 1700's and covered hundreds of acres planted in corn, tobacco, wheat and other crops.

This original oil on archival linen board is 7" X 5", and is unframed.

This painting would look like this if framed:

Oil Painting Framed, by Catherine Twomey
Bleak House Plantation Barn 3, Sample Frame