"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!


Huckstep's Store Oil Painting

Original 5" X 7" Oil on linen board, C. Twomey
Working on a new series, starting with the iconic Huckstep's Garage and Store in Free Union, VA. Just to get there is a pleasure. I head west along Buck Mountain Road, which is on a high ridge overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains on either side. Rolling farmland, critters in the fields, the sun baking the grape vines - all of this leads to the charming and somewhat dissolving village of Free Union.

Having worked on computers since 1978 (Apple II), I've worked a lot with the Filter Gallery. I realize that it is influencing and helping to infuse my paintings with light that I control - light that can suggest a nostalgia, a dreaminess unlike anything else. This exploration is how I arrived at this view of Huckstep's - real, but not quite; a play on emotions and longing for the way things were.

Exhibition of Medical Illustration

Medical Illustration by Anita Impagliazzo
 A very talented medical illustrator friend, Anita Impagliazzo, is headlining a show of her wonderful illustration work at St. Catherine's school in Richmond VA. The Mullen Hall science building first floor is filled with Anita's fantastic work in the new state-of-the art science center for high school girls. I am honored to be represented in the exhibition (2nd floor atrium) along with my peers from MediVisuals (Richmond) as well as several other independent biocommunicators.
Medical Illustration by Catherine Twomey

Hucksteps Garage III

Huckstep's Garage III
Working on another Huckstep's Garage, the third one. This is the base layer. Subsequent steps will include color corrections, blending and greater detail, especially on the garage to the right. This building really strikes a chord with people.

The focus on this version is the sign on the garage to the right, above the door. The commissioner of this painting has an actual connection to the sign maker, his father, who created the iconic "Huckstep's Garage" sign in the 1960's.

I just love the emotional human connections that keep popping up as I work my way around, painting Albemarle County.

New rumor about old Free Union History: Huckstep's, Maupin's Store, etc., known as the "Free Union Mall (!)" have all recently been put on the market and sold within days for the asking price.

I really, really, hope whoever purchased these irreplaceable landmarks decide to rehab, not replace. There's a great winery just up north on Free Union Road, The Glass House Winery that combined with this historic group of buildings possibly offering touristy services would make a great day drive visit for visitors from around the world to this area.

Quintessential Virginia, indeed.

Virginia Area Dressage Association Lexington Show

Intermediate II, Wickers and Bethany Wood

A weekend Saturday spent with friends at the enormous Lexington VA equestrian show grounds. I've chronicled Bethany Wood and her horse Wickers, preparing here for the Intermediate II dressage test.

At this point everyone is just plain anxious, but fortunately Wickers was unperturbed. It was a gorgeous October day, with lots of competition and excited competitors. Here, Bethany in her "penquin tails" along with her mom Michelle bridle Wickers as the test slowly approaches.