When the weather is good along the Gulf of Mexico, the water turns a most intriguing green, blue, turquoise and the sky clouds burst up throughout the day. Painting outside, en plein air, is most challenging. At the same time, it's delightfully fun. While I painted this, the beach became increasingly crowded. It became a spontaneous party. A few times, a frisbee flew into the vicinity and I let loose with a big, "Hey!". Fortunately, apologies were offered. After around three hours, a dune buggy arrived suddenly with two policeman. Apparently I was on a no-alcohol beach. The crowd scattered, the police checked ID's and yelled - then within minutes, I was the only human left. I missed the people stopping by to see what I was doing, but at the same time, the quiet was welcome. I learned later that these waters are known as "Shark Alley." No skinny dipping was going on. This painting is 12 X 16 on archival Canson Board. It is unframed but ready to be tastefully framed.
Anna Maria Island Plein Airing
I’ve escaped to a painting sabbatical on the Gulf of Mexico. For two weeks now, daily, it’s been dog walking, biking and painting, especially along Sarasota Bay. There is nothing like color and values as a challenge to keep up the drawing skills and rapid response to a changing environment.
SOLD - "The Gulf and Old Pier" by C. Twomey
Painted this about a year ago at the south end of Anna Marie Island, Florida. Loved all the people coming by to make friends, comment and enjoy the sun. The clouds were so dramatic and beautiful that day. And that green in the surf: incredible.
Please note, my prints are 30% off at this link:
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/catherine-twomey?tab=artwork
Happy Holidays!
Work In Progress: "Anna Marie Island Sun's Departure"
Finally, I’m home again! Spring is springing and I’ve been getting some painting and some gardening done, so yeah! Often while on Anna Marie island I would plein air paint the sunsets, which were spectacular. I’m thoroughly enjoying simplifying the shapes and colors. This will be posted for sale soon.
"Coquina Beach, Waves and Sun" by C. Twomey
12X12” archival canvas, Work In Progress.
Making some progress on this piece. Studying waves is a science unto itself, but very interesting and challenging. And that turquoise!
"Two Palms, Coquina Beach, Early Morning" Sold, C. Twomey
Thank you very much to the collector from Tallahasse! This plein air painting was recently completed at one of my favorite spots along the gulf. The shade spots disappeared as the morning went on, so I painted the early and reflexively. So many wonderful people stopped by to say hello and offer to pose! There are a lot of nice people in the world.
Plein Air Painting, Coquina Beach, FL on the Gulf of Mexico
A day spent painting at the beach. Those two palms have been friends several times this month; I love the way they’re bent in the wind yet have the best view around. I ended up talking to people who stopped all day long. My faith in humanity is restored. Everyone, to a person, was so kind, funny and interesting. Canadians, New Jersey folk, midwesterners - not a harsh word, and even an offer to purchase. But I can’t yet, I’m not finished. 12X12”, mixed media on archival board.
“Beach Day, Clouds Coming In” at Cortez Beach, Fl, C Twomey
There is so much life going on at the beach. I’m surrounded by sun bathers, dune buggies, bicyclists and hikers. Everyone is happy, including me. This mixed media painting is 12X12” on archival board.
"Two Palms On The Gulf" C. Twomey, Original Art
When I set up this morning it was the shadows and contrast that intrigued me. I’ve painted enough palms in the last few weeks to finally have the hang of their shapes and fronds. That’s the Gulf of Mexico beyond the old pier, where it’s too dangerous to swim due to the riptides. 12X12” on archival board.
The Wind Is UP today! "Coquina Beach, Two Palms"
I’m about bowled over today at 16 knots. The clouds are scuttling across the bright sky and my umbrella wants to fly away. What can I say - enjoying every minute? Getting used to these new paints and how quickly they dry in the wind.
"Coquina Beach Surf's UP" C. Twomey
It’s always wonderful to get back to some plein air painting. I love when people walking by stop and comment while giving encouragement. The Gulf of Mexico was wild today, with 3 - 4’ waves and lots of surfers in wet suits (it’s got to be cold) trying out their boards. I loved this jetty jutting out into the ocean, and the way the waves angled off of it. This is a WIP/Work In Progress, but it’s getting there.
12X12” on archival canvas and board.
"Two Old Boats, Sarasota Bay" by C. Twomey
Been painting up a storm over the last three weeks - all outside, plein air. Trying some new paints, a mix of oils and Open Acrylics, so I’m getting there and beginning to understand the opacity and drying times. I stood next to the Bridge Tender Bar where 60’s Jimmy Buffet music played and the local guys kept asking me if I was painting them. A good day. 12X12” on archival board.
SOLD! Thanks to the collector! C. Twomey Original Art
I am so grateful to the collector of this work from my Manifesto Series, entitled “"Manifesto 5.0: The Gulf, Sarasota" which is going to a new home in California. To view additional original art, please visit:
https://www.catherinetwomey.com/new-products-3/
and to purchase prints, visit:
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/catherine-twomey.html
Happy Holidays to all.
"The Gulf, Sarasota With Sunset" by C. Twomey, Work In Progress
Sunsets are irresistible. There's something about the ritual of gathering along the sea as the first hints of the day's end appear. Every second, every minute and the sky comes alive. The colors deepen, the reflections suggest watercolors and sterling silver and transitions.
This is an original acrylic pour combined with handpainting. It is 12 X 12" and ready to hang.