Behind the Scenes with Susan Abell

All  art should inspire and evoke emotion. Art should be something you can actually feel. 

                                                                    -Chris DeRubeis

Art preferences can run the gambit. Many times, choosing artwork for the home is driven by the things we are personally drawn to or prefer.  I am a big believer in the premise that art really needs to speak to you. The type of art that evokes a particular feeling depends upon your point of view and life experiences. 

You no doubt know what you like but may be unsure as to how to pull off a certain look  in your home and incorporate your individual tastes. It might seem easy to select art merely based on a predominant color scheme to match a room for instance. Color choice is one way to go as a beginning point to enhance and personalize your home decor, but you can definitely expand on it. 

Art is a personal design and decor preference and should reflect your own life experiences and sensibilities. 

With that guiding principle in mind, I have composed a list of tips I utilized for decorating with art in my own home-specifically freshening up a bookcase. Perhaps these tips may be helpful to you.  The same ideas could apply to a mantle or the top of a dresser, for example. 

1. Start small...this isn’t about redoing an entire space! Take an visual inventory in your own home. Do you collect anything? If so, those items might work well to help create vignettes. In my case, I decided to freshen up this bookcase to create a coastal theme with my small coastal artwork and mementos of coastal trips. These items are connected to favorite beach memories. 

2. Look at the objects together. Can they be grouped by a common color or use, for example? You can see a number of coastal elements-seashells, old books, and pieces of my daughter’s pottery from the images below. To connect to the colors in the paintings, I chose pottery and books that repeated a blue, green, and white coastal vibe. 

3. Decide the pieces to be the focal points on the shelves. Try different arrangements- odd numbers of objects work well when displayed. You can see I used a small coastal painting on every other shelf. Edit the pieces that don’t blend well with the others. Also, less is better more when displaying. The art and objects you want to emphasize on the shelf need ‘room to breathe.’

4. Balance on shelf. I included various books, thick and thin, to balance out other items on the shelves, chosen by color primarily. 

5. Lastly, step back and admire your art display. The second image includes two framed coastal paintings of mine based on experiences on the Georgia Coast that tie well with the shelf display. 

I hope you enjoy restyling with art in your home. Thanks for reading! 

Hope greeted me on the horizon with a warm gleaming smile.  
Angie Weiland-Crosby

While observing the sun rise over the ocean, it is often possible to feel quite uplifted. Such a realization is powerful and a hopeful sign that we are not alone. An awe-inspiring sunrise on Jekyll Island, Georgia provided the basis for this work. in acrylic. Gathered with a group of strangers on the beach,  this amazing early morning experience united us all.  I hope it reminds you of similar times and brightens and inspires your outlook for the day. 

Although it may not look like it, there's a lot happening here. This salt marsh is teaming with life on this bright morning.  Painted in soft shades of blue, green, and yellow in oils on a canvas panel to recall the way light infuses a marsh early in the day when there is a bit of haze. Coastal Georgia provided the inspiration for this smaller study and is part of a collection of similar work. This oil piece comes ready to hang.

What lights you up or inspires you?

As an artist, I am often on the lookout for inspiration for my latest artwork or future paintings.

Decidedly, inspiration comes in many forms. It could be from taking a walk outside. Other times it could stem from someone's comments. As a painter of nature, it isn't hard to find inspiration on a regular basis. More often than not, I have more ideas than hours in the day!

Wherever inspiration comes from, it is really important to be open to those inspiring nudges.

Case in point. ...at recent art festivals, upon seeing my artwork on displayed in my booth, visitors  often commented on the consistent theme of light.

It was gratifying that my desire to "capture light" in a painting was evident and appreciated without me having been first to offer an explanation. Some even felt compelled to purchase the pieces they found most inspiring!

Whether obvious or not, painters are always seeking to convey a message through their artwork and connect with viewers.

If you were to analyze my paintings, you would no doubt recognize light as the main source of inspiration. The two images below illustrate that point from two differing settings.

The first image of light peeking through trees on a winter's day was the focus. Light bounced off the pond while the bare trees seemed to glow, very inspiring!

                                                                                                     Winter Light I   Susan Abell

The second image was based on a photo I took while hiking around Cumberland Island, Georgia. I was struck by the mystery of that compelling light,beckoning at the end of long path.
It really is a metaphor for life...taking steps toward the light. Light is another word for hope in my opinion. Landscape artists and photographers alike often have the compulsion to capture nature's remarkable light.

                                                                                      Trip through a Maritime Forest I Susan Abell

Changing atmospheric conditions and seasonal changes bring  about fascinating variations to the light.  That explains why many painters often paint the same scene repeatedly. Claude Monet, most notably applied his genius in this manner.

Hopefully, you have gained a little insight into what inspires me in the creation of my artwork. What inspires you in your endeavors?

During this season of light, may you find hope and inspiration in light in whatever form that may be.

The Art of Discovery: Marsh Life

“I have an immoderate passion for water; for the sea, though so vast, so restless, so beyond one's comprehension; for rivers, beautiful, yet fugitive and elusive; but especially for marshes, teeming with all that mysterious life of the creatures that haunt them. A marsh is a whole world within a world, a different world, with a life of its own....
― Guy de Maupassant, The House of Madame Tellier and Other Stories

In a previous post I shared the stages of the oil painting process for depicting a salt marsh. On this post are the results of the completed painting entitled Marsh Life. Much like the quote above, I have a passion for marshes!

You can see from past posts, the coast of Georgia has been a prominent subject. You may wonder why I have written about the same subject repeatedly.

I suppose the secret lies with discovery. There is always something new to uncover even in familiar surroundings. To begin with, my particular affinity for the coast of Georgia stems from family trips to the region during my youth. Later, my husband and I  vacationed here  with our  children years ago. Many happy times were spent riding bikes and exploring all aspects of the island.

Flash forward several years, my trips to Jekyll Island became more educational experiences with my fifth grade students to the 4-H Center, including my own son one year. Along with my students, I rediscovered many amazing features of Jekyll Island, including the maritime forests, marshland, beaches, mud flats, and tidal creeks, as well as the plethora of creatures that inhabit this barrier island.

http://www.goldenisles.com/jekyll-island

More recently, my husband and I have taken several trips to the island (minus the kids!) since my retirement from teaching a few years ago. Certainly our curiosity for nature was peeked long ago, but there is always something new to discover here.

With so much natural beauty abounding, I am never lacking for painting inspiration. As a landscape painter, the coastal region of Georgia is among my favorite subjects.  Most notably, I have a preference for the soothing color palette of the coastal landscape. It seems lots of people feel the same. Perhaps it is a reminder of those best-loved times of discovery at the beach.

Discovery of our surroundings leads to discovery of ourselves.

I have now taken so many reference photographs during such island exploration, I would need to paint day and night to capture all those images! If I just need a little inspiration to spur me on, I only need to reflect on the memories and times of discovery. Subtle nuances...the varied shades of green in marsh grass, the sparkling waters, and the array of colors evident in sunsets. As a painter, I am always eager to begin a new coastal artwork- it is a discovery of the many attributes of Georgia's coast all over again!

What is your favorite coastal retreat?

Do you have a favorite vacation place?  Think about where you feel most centered.

If you could relive memories everyday of that special location, would you do it?

Upon reflection, if your favorite place involves a beach certain words may come to mind.

Blissful. Relaxing. Carefree. Serene. Calming...

These words may describe that the sense of the experience you get from "your place".

If you are like many people, like myself, the beach easily fits the bill. The color palette alone of the coastal environment evokes such a sense of calm and well-being, don't you agree?

The featured work  is an example of a coastal color scheme connection to our emotions. Case in point: ever notice how interior design experts often recommend the soothing neutrals for bedrooms? It seems the cool blues, greens, grays, and taupes make for a restful room.

The beach painting, Destiny, was based on a morning stroll on the beach of Jekyll Island, Georgia.

It was a fairly typical beach day- the sun was shining and a gentle breeze was blowing. When I glanced down the beach I noticed this lone cumulus cloud hovering vertically-Interesting and worthy of being captured in painting. The whole scene was particularly captivating.

The other thing that intrigued me about the setting was the contrasting color palette from the darker waters to the varied shades of sand.

It was fun to get lost in the scene while painting. Who wouldn't want to revisit nature in this way? I call that destiny for sure!

Hope you find it equally welcoming and relaxing. Perhaps you are now thinking of a favorite spot you like to vacation.

If you have seen any of my other paintings, you may notice a common theme of paths or trails as a large part of the composition.  View these as hopeful signs for whatever journey you are on toward your own destiny. 

The title of this work says it all-the fulfillment of a calling, a destiny.

*Destiny is displayed in the Reciprocal Exhibition, University of North Ga, Oconee Campus, Watkinsville, Ga. March 2018.

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.

Marsh Memories

Have you ever found yourself wanting to make a special experience last?

Think about it.

If you could find a way to relive that favorite vacation memory everyday, would you want to know more?    

Certainly, in this digital age, we can easily capture and record any moment anytime we choose.

But what if you really wanted to incorporate that vacation memory into your daily life and surroundings? Imagine all the colors and textures involved.

What would be the best way to instantly relive such a blissful experience? Frankly, it seems that the best approach would be the use of art. Why you may ask?

With a piece of artwork, you can instantly relive the "vacation experience". And with vivid colors and realistic detailed texture.

Actually, the scenario described above fits my own experience too.  You see, My husband and I took a vacation a few years ago without the kids. Despite being grown, they were a little indignant that we would even consider a trip without them!

It gets better. On this return trip to Georgia's coast sans kids, we took in many experiences we had enjoyed when the kids were younger. During our visit to Jekyll Island, we decided to take an early morning bike ride around the island. Just the two of us. Just imagine.

Not to mention all the wildlife we spotted along the way. On this particular bright morning, we paused on the walkway to just observe. After snapping a few photos, I knew immediately I wanted to capture this experience in a painting.

The image below depicts the result of many layers.

It really takes me back.

Marsh  View Jekyll Island, GA  Susan Abell 

Can you relate? Do you have a special place you connected with on vacation?

You can relive that time in your home with art that speaks to your unique experience.

What's your favorite vacation memory?

The sights and sounds on an early morning, teaming with life connect you to the salt march. Painting depicts the coastal marsh of Jekyll Island, Georgia during the morning. Acrylic paint, gesso, and paper applied in layers to canvas to achieve textural effect, so you can always feel like you're near the marsh.

You can check out Marsh View on my website here, along with other paintings in my Coastal Collection.

                                                                                 Dawn sent shimmering rays over the placid ocean...

Sunrise photo inspiration by Susan Abell 2017

What inspires you? Take a moment and really think about it.

If I phrase the question differently...is there a certain time and place that inspires you?

For many people, an early morning beach sunrise fits the bill.  If that is your most inspiring place, what captures your attention first when you witness such. If you have happened to have seen any of my other artworks, you would have noted a repeated sunrise theme.  

Many are coastal, some are urban.

Sunrises are fairly universally accepted as "beach themed" art. While I did not deliberately seek to choose art subject matter based on assumed popularity, I did choose sunrises as focal points for their appeal quality.

I paint sunrises for a number of reasons. The observance of a brilliant sunrise offers hope, expectancy, and the promise of a new day. The slate is wiped clean and you get to begin again. Most importantly, a sunrise is reassurance that we are not in this alone whatever the current circumstances.

Life will go on-perhaps better than before! Simply put, as the sun rises, so should your hope. It might sound a bit trite, but I do endeavor to offer a hopeful message through my artwork.

                                                                                             Sunrise of Hope by Susan Abell 2017

The featured painting could be considered an amalgamation of a several sunrise reference photos. While the sun is definitely the focal point, I wanted to include the slight pink tinge in the water to direct your eye back into the painting. I liked the way the shadows were casting a grayish-purple shadow on the beach as you sense the sun's rays gradually moving toward you. Something of a metaphor I would suppose.

Many layers were required to achieve the shadowy, textured effect. My two favorite tools in this instance are acrylic medium and palette knives. The medium is akin to spackle in that it provides a smooth surface to apply paint or even to mix with acrylic paint and inks. Applied with subsequent shorter strokes, the rougher sand appearance was developed. After daily drying periods, additional paint was added to the areas needing more highlights or shadow. A final layer of clear varnish was brushed on to preserve the painting.  Unlike an actual sunrise, this sunrise painting will endure for sometime to come!

What is your favorite place to watch the sun rise?