Two things

If you are only reading my blog it looks like I've stopped painting. Well, it's not true. I'm still going strong, which is one of the reasons there's been such little activity over here.

Two things for you.
(Painting dump is on it's way.)

1. Next month is the start of my (our) 4-man/woman show at Gallery Flux in Ashland, VA.

I'm really looking forward to what Kathleen, Dan and Fonda have been cooking up. (I've seen a few in person)

The opening night is May 7th. We will be talking a little about our artwork around 6:30. Would love to see you there.


2. Enjoy a demo entitled "How to paint an 8x8 in under two minutes". If you follow me in facebook you've probably already seen this.



Make sure you wait for the little lady to walk by. It's my favorite part.

Golden Hour, 12x16, oil

"Golden Hour"

 12x16, oil

This painting was based on photos I took on the banks of the James River, Richmond, VA, after our first big snow in February. The evening light through the trees and the twilight shadows on the fresh snow... it was just remarkable. Nothing I can paint could do justice to the beauty of that moment. Oh, but I try. And it's all I can do to try, and point your eyes back to the creation and Creator who makes such beauty all around us.

How to Paint a Painting in 46 Seconds

How Do You Paint a Painting in 46 Seconds?

I have no idea.

But, please, enjoy the video...

"Snow Fall at Woolridge Lake"

9x12, oil

Inquire: amyhrdonahue@gmail.com

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4 Tips for Painting in Cold Weather

 I've been doing a bit of cold weather plein air painting recently. There's something about the winter light that I love more than other times of the year -- when the weather is more reasonable.  

Not to say that I had a choice between reasonable and cold, just as the poor daffodils started to emerge the East got hit with some record lows and snow. While I enjoy studio painting, there is that "certain slant of light" moves me, it excites me... poor Emily never saw it that way. I may be the only one who wouldn't mind another snow or two, even though it's March.

I've learned a few cold weather painting survival strategies. Thought they might be worth sharing.

Top tips for painting in the cold weather:

1. Snow pants. Back in my snowboarding days I received some fantastic snow pants. Now they're christened with paint.

2. Hot Hands hand warmers (stuffed into the palm of my gloves). The best.

3. Stand on a car mat instead of the snow.
It's the difference between leaving the spot after 2-3 hours of painting with toes almost-too-painful-to-walk and toes feeling okay. I could buy better boots. That would be too easy.

4. Get the paint good and warm before setting out to paint.
During the rest of the year I throw my easel loaded with paint in the trunk of my car when driving to location. In these temps the easel/paint are placed next to the passenger side floor vents and heat blasted while driving to location. When the paint gets too cold it becomes "stiff". It won't freeze, but it becomes difficult to move around/mix/paint with.

There you are. Dare to join?

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Sunset

Some things (most things) are too beautiful, too momentary to record with paint... or camera.
And I am satisfied to witness the event.

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"Waterways" Exhibition Opening Tomorrow - Dec. 12 @ 5-8pm

 I hope you'll join us at For Art's Sake Gallery tomorrow for the opening reception of "Waterways".

The exhibit will include vibrant and expressive representational landscapes of the James River through the seasons, as well as various vistas around Virginia and the surrounding states. 

The exhibit runs December 1, 2014 – February 2, 2015. For Art’s Sake Gallery is located at 9770 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23238. For more information call (804) 740-1400 or visit www.forartssakegallery.com. 

Artist Statement: "Everywhere I travel scenes beg to be painted. Light and vivid color captivates me. Of course God creates the most vibrant and dynamic colors and patterns-even so, I enjoy paying homage to His designs by rendering 2D versions of what I see. I love to paint the details of what I see: the contrasts in the lights and darks and the vibrancy of the world. The heavens truly tell the glory of God (Psalm 19:1) much more effectually than my paint. They are a marvelous mystery, but still I am constantly compelled to capture them on canvas." 

Amy studied at VCU's School of the Arts, receiving her BA in Communication Arts. Now she lives in Midlothian with her husband, Mark, and dog, Theo. She paints full-time both on location and in her home studio. While subject matter can vary, she is drawn to paint the light as it interacts with the land. Her artwork often includes a hint of man-made structures settled among the natural world - a house, a figure, a pathway. Amy's paintings attempt to depict both man and land as equally subject to the effects of the sun's light and earth's atmosphere.

James River Rocks

18x24, oil

Rushing Waters

11x14, oil

Sun Drenched

6x8, oil

"Winter Hues" 16x20, oil

Winter Hues

16x20, oil

sold

I created a smaller painting of this scene earlier in the year with the thought to do a larger work. The smaller painting was titled "Old Friend" because it was a recreation of the view you see as you drive across the Powhite Parkway Bridge over the James River.

This was one of the first to sell in my "Waterways" show.

“Waterways”
December 1, 2014 – February 2, 2015 For Art’s Sake Gallery
9770 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23238
Opening reception: December 12, 5:00-8:00 pm