BEHIND THE SCENES : VACATION SKETCHES

Birds, birds, birds. I love imagining these elegant creatures in their coastal homes.

Using a mix of water-based mediums, I let the liquid take over and direct my first marks. There is something that feels so natural about finding the delicate shapes in the process of painting. There is an element of surprise as I watch the hues meet and dry in new patterns.

My family has been going to Hilton Head Island each summer since before I can remember. There are so many beautiful species of birds, and the White Egrets and Great Herons are some of my favorite to spot as we drive by the lakes and lagoons as we head to our house. Last summer, I finally stopped to take pictures at one particularly  inspiring spot where the white of the feathers stands out in stark contrast to the rich shades of greens reflected in the murky waters. 

Once back in my studio, I started the piece titled ‘Sea Pines’. Often I work quickly on a piece, but with this one I took my time to focus on the different layers of paint details of each bird. I worked to capture the blue hue of dusk settling in, giving it a dreamlike atmosphere. 

At the same time, I started several other pieces inspired by the same starting point. But this time I let the process guide me. Making quick, gestural marks and playing with patterns and bolder color. 

This month, I returned to Hilton Head and once again stopped to visit this special spot.  I spent several mornings sitting outside, painting  and playing with new ways to create marks and explore color.  I’m excited to continue playing and seeing how they continue to evolve.  Keep an eye out, I love the idea of covering your walls or furniture in a repeating pattern of these coastal birds.