Behind the Scenes with Susan Abell

Reaching for the Light

                                                                              Follow the light unflinchingly.  J.R.R. Tolkien

                                                                          Artist Susan Abell finding inspiration on Jekyll Island, Ga

Have you ever watched a sunrise over water?  Maybe you described the experience as spectacular, awe-inspiring, or simply amazing.

It may have seemed as if the light was reaching out directly to where you were. That it is the premise behind this painting in progress.

On my trips to Georgia's coast, I like to rise early, just before dawn.

Waiting for the dawn is exciting when you are in anticipation of  the glorious light show to come.

What might seem a mundane daily event is greatly heightened with the aspect of light over water.

To adequately represent a beach sunrise on canvas required a few steps.  Thinking ahead with the end result in mind, that is.

In this case, I used a layer of golden yellow first since that was the point after all.

Marshes are among my most favorite subjects to paint.  There is just something about the way light is reflected within the marsh grass.

I like how the shadows of the marshes in water contrast with reflected light.  It seems to add a hint of mystery.

Using an oil palette of cool and warm colors alternating applied with brushes and palette knife, the 'light story' takes shape.

I wanted your eye to follow the reflected light through the marsh, transitioning from sky to foreground.

A primary goal of this piece was to create a simplified work that allowed the light to be the emphasis- a serene luminosity in other words.

Hopefully, the final details will complete the effect of capturing the essence of marsh morning light.

Reminding myself that in this case, less is more and restraint in adding details may be required.                           

Finding Inspiration and the Art of Reinvention

Imagine you have at long last retired from a lengthy career. As an empty nester you no longer feel the suburban home meets your needs. What would you do if given the opportunity to live as you choose? Would you really make such a change?

A friend of mine embraced such a situation with real gusto recently. Very inspirational, all things considered.

Artists are always seeking inspiration for that next work. As a nature-inspired painter, it isn't hard for me to find. In this instance, it was the background story in addition to the surroundings that were particularly compelling.

After retiring from a long career as an university administrator, my friend jumped at the the chance to relive her childhood dream. That is, she bought the farm-literally. The best part is her "little bit of heaven" came complete with a horse, donkey, barn, and pasture.  It was inspiring to hear the excitement in her voice during each stage of the process of finding and purchasing her farm. When an initial deal fell through, she was undaunted and resumed the search with her realtor. At long last, the new rural adventure began, and was  embraced completely.

I paid a visit to the little homestead not long ago to meet the horse and donkey with such definitive personalities I had heard so much about.  When I asked if she had grown up on a farm, she recanted early experiences of visiting her grandfather's farm.  It seems those lifelong dreams had at last been realized, complete with two new furry friends.

Second phases of life do bring fulfillment and offer much inspiration. Just being receptive to new opportunities is the key. Being willing to accept new challenges has its own reward. Case in point-my friend has fully embraced the country life by even beginning horseback riding lessons in retirement. How exciting!

My visit inspired the painting featured.  Actually, I can't wait to visit my new friends again soon for even more inspiration. Perhaps they will even agree to sit for individual portrait painting sessions next. :)

*The unfettered rural countryside in Georgia was the inspiration for this original acrylic painting on canvas. Call it horse sense (or donkey) if you like, this painting featuring "best buddies" might remind you of visiting a favorite farm. Suitable for that home office if you need an occasional nudging to knock off work early to join your animals and enjoy the great outdoors.

*Original has sold, but available as prints. #rural #landscapepainting

As a visual artist, there are many tools at my disposal. Part of the appeal of the creative process is choosing what to use when. With regards to choosing materials, it can be both overwhelming and exciting when a beginning a new artwork.

Have you ever viewed an artwork and pondered, "How did they do that?" Or even, "What was used to create that?"

The 'secret sauce' can often be found in the materials an artist uses as well the technique involved.

In this post blog, I will offer a little insight into my own method to the madness. Hopefully, it will provide more understanding into the possible materials utilized for many artists. Good to know whether you are an artist, art collector, art aficionado, or just one who appreciates what they see.

For all artists, the cost of the materials involved is a large component of the overall artwork pricing formula.

First of all, some clarification...media refers to the type of paint used and the base where it is applied. A medium refers to the materials that are used to create a work of art. The plural of medium is media, so the words may be used interchangeably.

Since I enjoy painting with water media: watercolor, acrylic, and water soluble oil paints, there may often be additional items to include during the process.  "Why, you may ask, do I paint in three different media?"

Essentially, the type of painting/subject to me dictates which I paint I may include for the process.  Certainly, there are countless fine artists who have perfected their skill with one particular type, but for me I enjoy the experimentation and even integration of more than at a time.

What  may be advantageous to the painting process for one artist might not appeal to another artist. Creating art is very similar to the cooking process-the tools and techniques can yield varied results and are dependent upon personal preference.

The Art of the Matter

With so many media readily available, the options are endless. The commonality for my choice of painting media is water-based.  It is also important to use the highest quality products for the best results. The type of materials used in creating a compelling work is an primary consideration. Experimenting with a variety of media enables me to capture the natural light in a variety of ways

Method to Media

Watercolor- free flowing, but can be quite challenging to manage the amount of water and reserve the white areas. It is always helpful to remember the paint will dry lighter. The impressionist results make it very appealing. Different techniques and different archival papers, such as wet in wet, dry brush, rubbing alcohol, negative painting, and detail work can alter the results. I have found it ideal for painting buildings, pet portraits, and small botanical paintings. Watercolor pencils are often included for intricate detail work. All watercolor paintings are completed on the highest quality Arches watercolor paper for its "tooth" and ability to hold up to the water application. The watercolor brushes used have short handles and natural fibers that can be reshaped easily.

Acrylic- dries quickly- can be a good and bad thing if en plein air. The paint is quite pliable, allowing many possibilities to enhance canvas with texture. It can be thinned or thickened as needed with water and numerous products. A medium applied with palette knife and blended with paint can yield realistic or impressionist effects.  Applying acrylic inks with acrylic paint is a fun way to create very vibrant landscapes.  Most acrylic paintings are completed on the highest grade gallery wrapped canvas. Occasionally, works are completed on acrylic paper, canvas panels, or watercolor paper. Subsequent layers of paint can be applied over previous ones, always mindful that acrylic paint tends to dry darker. A final layer of clear varnish is applied to preserve the end result.

Oil-  water soluble paints have many advantages- still has the look, feel, richness, and depth of color like regular oil paints thinned with solvents. It can take many days for a painting to thoroughly dry. Since the paint itself stays soft longer, a painting session can be continued later. The same brushes and palette knife used for acrylic painting can be used for oil painting. My preference is flat brushes and rounded tip ones, usually synthetic. I am also a fan of fan brushes in all sizes.

The Art of the Process

The next time you look at any type of artwork, think about the process that was involved. If possible, ask the artist about their choice of media.  They would no doubt be delighted to let you in on the process!

Escapism: Island Adventure Awaits

Have you ever wanted to just escape the routine of your daily life, albeit temporarily?

Do you sometimes find yourself wanting to simplify? 

 Dungeness Ruins on Cumberland Island, Ga

Would a trip to a remote island fit the bill?

While such a venture may not truly be possible, perhaps some brief escapism would. Come along with me on an imaginary escape. Daydream about warm sand between your toes with  the sounds of the ocean to fill your senses. Imagine pristine beaches and virtually undisturbed sand dunes.

Recently, my husband and I had the opportunity to explore the the unspoiled beauty of Georgia's coast. Artists by nature are always looking one place or another for inspiration when often it is right in front on you. This time called for real adventure- a bit of a departure from a typical beach trip with only a stay at a fine hotel. The Golden Isles on Georgia's coast offer many exciting opportunities, but if you really want to experience an unspoiled barrier island you have to visit Cumberland Island.  Here, the occasional neigh from a horse or the sight of an unusual bird seem commonplace.

Cumberland Island National Seashore at 18 miles in length, is the largest of Georgia's barrier islands. With the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern end and inlet rivers, sound, and marsh bordering other sides and throughout, the island abounds in history, natural beauty, and architecture. A plethora of feathered and four-legged inhabitants reside among the limited number of humans, including loggerhead sea turtles, wild turkeys, hogs, horses, and birds.

The only way to reach Cumberland Island is by ferry or private boat from St. Marys. Visitors can choose to go for the day or extend your stay and book an overnight campsite. There is also lodging available at the Greyfield Inn, a Carnegie mansion.

Once you arrive, you can either take a guided tour or follow any number of trails around the island. While not exactly deserted, there is an immediate sense of being "far from the maddening crowd"and civilization for that matter. Naturally, we chose the latter to begin our island exploration. The park rangers are very emphatic with their directives ahead of time. Particular cautionery point-avoid getting too close to the horses that roam freely. Despite appearances to the contrary, they are wild animals!

Want to know more?

https://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm

Surprises along the way

Despite the ferry being filled with people on the trip over, we saw few on our hikes around the island over several hours. Many times,  the only sounds heard in the maritime forests were our feet softly padding on the trails and the rustle of an animal nearby. Daunting to say to the least at times as you wander along. It is easy to imagine residents from long ago trodding these same paths.

What else can you do on Cumberland Island besides hiking?

Fishing, beach combing, biking, bird watching, swimming, wildlife watching, star gazing for campers, and plenty of photo opportunities

If you go...

If you are in need of an escape or break from the daily grind-consider a trip to an less-inhabited island. Undisturbed, unspoiled, natural beauty is a wonderful respite. If you go to Cumberland Island, be prepared with water or water bottle & snacks, wear insect repellant, and soak up every bit of scenery.

Even if you can't leave your physical surroundings, you can imagine.

Follow these tips by the National Park Service for a great experience.Cumberland Island,

You may never pass this way again, so tread carefully. As the park rangers remind, "Take nothing from the island with the exception of seashells... leave nothing behind so that this special place will continue as it is.

Thanks for reading! Happy island escape.