Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Gallery

For almost two weeks in February I had the amazing opportunity to focus on my painting as one of the Artists in Action at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Gallery in Southern Maryland. The “Artists in Action” apply and are chosen to do their artwork the gallery space during the months of January and February with 4-5 artists working together at any one time. They chose a variety of artists from painters (in oil, acrylic, watercolor - some working representational, others abstract) to ceramicists and sculptors. It was fun to work side-by-side with so many other talented artists!

I was able to complete 7 paintings and start an 8th.

Barcelona!

In January we had the amazing opportunity to spend a week in Barcelona! One of my favorite cities, I had not visited in 12 years. We spent our time enjoying the art and architecture, from Gaudi to Picasso and Miro, as well as the amazing food! Of course, I sketched throughout our trip. I was so inspired by Gaudi’s architecture - the organic shapes and forms, the beautiful stained glass and colored tiles juxtaposed with warm wood. It was especially exciting to see the interior of Sagrada Familia - 12 years ago it was in progress, now the inside is complete, glowing with light through stained-glass. The columns feel like trees rising above you, the branches outstretched.

We also ate such delicious food, from tapas to paella, everything we tried was fantastic! We also loved exploring the Gothic neighborhood, finding the places that are tucked away and off the beaten track.

Our last day we decided to venture outside of the city to Montserrat. We took a train from Barcelona and the gondola up to the top where we saw the monastery and gorgeous views. We were able to hike up a path further up to a chapel and a lookout point that allowed for views of the unusual finger-like mountain-top and the monastery. It was the perfect ending to a spectacular trip!

Trip to Michigan

Last week I visited Michigan for the first time.  A family vacation, we took the kids, visiting the in-laws in Ohio first (I got to see the Cleveland Museum of Art - such a wonderful collection!) before renting a car and driving up to Michigan.  My husband grew up in Michigan and was glad to get back to the cooler temperatures!  As a native Atlantan, it was a bit odd to wear a sweater in June, but I tried to roll with it!  We had a truly lovely time, biking around Mackinac Island and sampling fudge with the other "fudgies", combing the shores of Lake Michigan for Petosky stones, marveling at the "mushroom houses" in Charlevoix, driving through the Tunnel of Trees, or simply relaxing at the sweet cabin we rented on Black Lake (by the fire pit and eating s'mores).  Below are the sketches from my sketchbook (mostly on Mackinac Island, although I have a sketch and a watercolor from Black Lake), including a time-lapse video of my watercolor of the Grand Hotel.  Enjoy!