A lovely, albeit hot adventure yesterday to the Blue Ridge Daylily Farm in Alexander along with the Asheville Plein Air Painters. More work to do, but such a fun group of painters in an overwhelmingly beautiful place. Oil, 16 X 20" on linen.
"Lovers Leap Reclaimed" Original Oil by C. Twomey
I've joined a wonderful group of people, Preserving A Picturesque America, whose goal is to revisit hundreds of sites across America that were documented in the like-titled book of 1857. An artist named Henry Finn set out to draw these noteworthy sites in order to help record and save them for future generations.
Recently the group has hiked to about eight sites, four paint-outs which I was able to make. What fantastic and joyful paint outs we had! This particular scene was right along the Appalachian Trail in Hot Spring, North Carolina. This site is Lover's Leap, and legend has it that there was a star-crossed Indian couple who were told each other had died, so they jumped off the ledge of this rock face. Myth? Who knows, but it makes for a great story.
This original plein air artwork is on archival board and is painted in Michael Harding oils. It is 11 X 14" and is unframed.
Try to imagine horse drawn carriages coming around the bend in that trail - because they did.
16 X 20” oil on linen panel; available
"French Broad River Afternoon" by C. Twomey Available
I just tried to add this recently finished plein air painting to “Available” but the software has changed and won’t save it. If you’re interested, please contact me at 262-893-4126 (USA).
Over several late in the afternoon days, I met with a friend along the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina. Setting my easel up on the bank of this mighty river, I was able to focus intensively on the composition and light as the sun slowly receded behind my back. Kayakers, hikers and wildlife came by to say hello and wish me well.
I learned so much while I painted here! At first glance, the scene was overwhelming with great detail and multiple compositions to choose from. The distant mountains were affected by the atmosphere, so I knew I wanted to include them. The river is fast moving and it runs in the wrong direction, so I had to capture that. Squinting helped; as did not getting bogged down in detail and complexity. What a glorious way to spend several late afternoons and evenings.
Preserving A Picturesque America Paint Out
Big THANKS to the adventurous folks from Preserving a Picturesque America (www.preservationthroughart.org) for the shout out! What good hearts they have: "The clouds parted and we started the day at the Reems Creek vantage point near Lake Louise in Weaverville. What a glorious morning after a rain. Artist Catherine Twomey joined us and started a wonderful piece. I can’t wait to see the finished product. Others came by to ask about the history and photographers from the local paper arrived. We also had a welcome visit from our adventure buddy Alicia. As nice as the scene was, we had to hit the road again so Mike and I did our sketches and headed out towards Marshall. The falls at the old Reems Creek Mill flows down to the French Broad River and we followed its route as it joined the French Broad River and headed north. This stretch of the hike is a little more scenic and certainly less traffic than 74A. Our destination for the evening was Walnut Island Park which had a historic display talking about the Drovers road that we are hiking. Our wives provided a welcome picnic as ended the day with a lovely sunset and welcome sleep." I wish every plein air friend I have could join us!
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
"Expressions of the Old Mill" by C. Twomey, Plein Air Oil
I'd like you to imagine the pounding of the water as it pours over the damn. It's early morning, with the sun glinting on the top of the falls. To the left is what remains of the old mill. What was important to me was the power of the water, the values expressed in different colors, each holding their own.
I painted along with the lovely folks from Preserving a Picturesque America (https://preservationthroughart.org/) this morning. The old red water wheel is what’s left of the oldest gristmill site in the valley. This was originally known as the Biffle gristmill, built in the early 1790s by Adam Biffle. There were several owners through the years. The mill was in operation until 1947 - about 156 years - and longer than any other mill in the area. A fire of unknown origin destroyed the original building not long after that.
This original oil painting is 12 X 12" on archival panel. It is unframed.
"Blue Ridge Cloud Creatures" On Offer From Catherine Twomey
Recently completed and now available: https://www.catherinetwomey.com/available/blue-ridge-cloud-creatures
Infusing dream-like qualities into landscapes is a favorite new thing. I guess it's because once I've actually hiked to views like this, it really is like I'm dream-scaping. There's this sense of wanting to jump! (I guess that's an actual "thing" called "The call of the void (in French, l’appel du vide).") And if I did I wouldn't die; but fly!
If you live in the mountains and the climate is lush and somewhat tropical in the summer, it's difficult to get 360 views from the mountain tops. Last weekend I hiked up to the top of Max Patch on a beautiful albeit transitional day. There, on what's called the "bald" I could see forever; I could touch the clouds. You can spin yourself around and take in the rapidly evolving views - I could even see into other states.
20 X 24” Oil on Archival Board
Waterlilies Work In Progress By Catherine Twomey
Trying to stay centered and peaceful today as a second impeachment is underway. It helps to think about next summer when I’ll be at the Biltmore Estate painting this beautiful Bass Pond again. This painting is a work in progress, on a large 20 X 24” archival canvas on aluminum board. It will be offered for sale soon. Thank you for your interest.
What a year! I remember talking to my sis in February; wondering if we were going to have to cancel a trip to Scotland due to some strange virus. Well, we did, like everyone else. In the meantime, however, we learned to live with it and I painted and sold more paintings than I ever have - along the way finding that I'm pretty much a contemporary Impressionist-type painter. That alone was worth it! Thanks to everyone for your support, your kindness and here's to hoping 2021 is a banner year in so many ways.
2020 Summary and Goodbye; Good Riddance!
"Buck Mountain Vineyards" Print Sold!
SOLD to a buyer in Wyckoff, NJ - thanks so much! Painted in oil, plein air, along Buck Mountain Rd. near Earlysville, VA. Like the framing! For more prints: https://www.etsy.com/shop/catherinetwomeyart?ref=search_shop_redirect
Last Sale Day TODAY, Monday, 12/7
Please note! Today is the last day of my original art sale. Thank you SO MUCH to the collectors who've already purchased work. Here's the link, shop 'til you drop and Happy Holidays!: https://www.catherinetwomey.com/available
SOLD to Collector From Aurora, Colorado - Thanks!
Early fall view of the famous Barboursville Vineyards in Barboursville, VA. Rows of ripe vines flow into the Blue Ridge mountains. This was a plein air painting that took a couple of tries to get it where I liked it. Now featured on the inside and back cover of "Wine & Country Weddings" magazine by Ivy Publications.
To purchase this and other prints:
To purchase original art:
22 X 28” gallery wrapped canvas, “Bass Pond White Lily”
"Bass Pond White Lily" C. Twomey, On Offer Soon
Almost finished, Bass Pond White Lily, 22 x 28” oil on stretched canvas. Learned a LOT from working larger. Hard to go wrong with a scene this beautiful.
When The Pandemic Is Just Too Much....
When the pandemic gets me down, these are the moments I turn to - Plein air painting in Yosemite about five years ago. Hiked up to that ledge where there were still snow remnants in June. That slope was so steep that one slip or dropped brush was over the side with a 100 or 200' drop. Worth it tho - look at Yosemite Falls back there! Thinking of California burning and overheated today and hoping when this misery ends, we will save the earth. It's worth it.
"Hydrangeas Over The Dam" Plein Air Oil
We have had more than 9 inches of rain this year above and beyond the average. The almost daily thunderstorms have poured tremendous volumes of water into our lakes and streams, including this lake below my house. The runoff is so great the typically blue/green water turns all shades of browns, reds, yellows and gold. Of course, the vegetation is growing feet by the second. It's white ball hydrangea time of year. The large popcorn-appearing balls are so beautiful and refreshing against the water. That dam in the foreground is almost a hundred years old, and of course with all the rain it's rather worrisome. So much water running over the side, what kind of pressure is that old concrete under? I painted this outdoors and reveled in the sounds and sights of the water and flowers. So glad I had bug spray on, as much as I dislike it! And of course, sunscreen. This oil in painted on archival canvas and is 11 X 14". It is unframed and ready to complement your indoor decor.
"White On White" Oil Offered by Catherine Twomey
My new garden has brought a wealth of unique and beautiful plants. The gladiolus did not perform for three years, but the wait was so worth it. This year, the second I saw these white glads, I had to paint them. I tended to them and, knowing I'd only have a few days to paint them before they faded. What greater challenge than to place them against a white board to capture the shadows and highlights? This spring, while COVID reigns, it's been rainy and quite hot. The gladiolus are now six feet tall and stretch to the sun! Most glorious of all, however, was the flowers. At the height of their glory, they reached to the sun on a lovely spring morning as I moved to not overdo them, but capture their life and brilliance using color, value and marks. Their spontaneity was a challenge, but well worth the wait. This is an oil painting that is painted on archival, Ray Mar art board. It is 8 X 16" - perfect for that unique area in your home or office that begs for new life.
"Gladiolus After The Storm" by Catherine Twomey
"Gladiolus After The Storm" - well these flowers are 6' high this year because we've had very regular storms and lots of heat. I caught these early in the morning as the eastern sun just peaked up the side of Beaucatcher Mountain (I know, right? Gotta catch your Beau...). The blossoms were so heavy some collapsed, but I've just ordered some bamboo poles to prop them up. Always somethin'! 12 X 12", oil on canvas.
Sold, and Many Thanks to the Charlottesville Collector: "Blue Ridge Sheep"
Thank you so much to the Charlottesville, VA collection of "Blue Ridge Sheep" 20 X 30" oil on canvas. So happy to be connecting with people during these stressful times. For more information on prints of this image: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/blue-ridge-blue-skyline-sheep-cloud-catherine-twomey.html
Work In Progress: "White Lily" on the Biltmore Estate's Bass Pond
WIP Work In Progress, White Lilly on the Biltmore Estate's bass pond. What a challenge it is to work larger, but I'm learning a great deal at 22 X 28". So interesting how each pad has its own look and personality. If you're ever in Asheville (let's hope all this pandemic stuff is done sooner rather then later) call me; I'll show you where it is.
SOLD! "Blue Door St. Augustine" by Catherine Twomey
Thanks so much to the collector of this original art! It was a painting done with appreciation for the history and lovely blue shades against the red. Hope you enjoy it in Munich, Germany!
Auction Ending in One Day: Tulip Portrait 2.0
Oil, 13 X 13” framed in custom frame, original by Catherine Twomey.
Bid HERE