2011 Art and Conservation: Our Hidden Treasures 3rd Biennial – Post #2

April’s purple verbena and yellow daisy-like flowers contrasted against the burnt wood. This small painting, “After The Burn III” at the end of my day is the most abstract from the series for the show. I love the freedom in this painting that was breed from hours of viewing and experiencing the site. My setup was unusually luxurious for plein air. It was almost like a studio with my Explorer’s hatch open to extra gear, supplies at my side, and the preserve’s remote tranquility full of life urging me on to creativity.

Exciting news! I am honored to be featured along with Davidson Nature Preserve on Cibolo Nature Center’s website as well as the monthly magazine “Explore”. Click here to read Cibolo’s website article.

2011 Art and Conservation: Our Hidden Treasures 3rd Biennial - April 2011

Controlled burn areas acrid and crunching beneath my feet was the attraction on my first visit to the Davidson Nature Preserve. It was the promise of better things to come. Growing up on a farm that now is under grassland/wetland restoration made me want to see what would sprout from the burn. Painting on location would prove to be a special experience here. April came and the scarred earth seen in January bloomed with wildflowers and grasses. The flowers were outstanding in stark contrast to the nearby burnt logs.

Sponsored by the Hill Country Council for the Arts and Cibolo Nature Center, “Our Hidden Treasures 3rd Biennial” assigns conservation land to each of the juried artists to paint throughout the year. This plein air watercolor titled “After The Burn II” is from the series of paintings I created for this show opening April 7. I will post several pieces over the next couple weeks, including the show pieces.