Boots

Posted by on Apr 27, 2015 in Blog, Daily Paintworks | No Comments
Boots 8 x 10

Boots 8 x 10

I LOVE cowboy boots, Yes I do! I am not a “high maintenance” gal, but I do have a collection of cowboy boots in my closet. Boots with flowers, boots with stars, work boots, dress boots-you name it! I have several boot paintings “in my head” and I can’t wait to get them all on canvas.

 

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A Girl and Her Horse-Tonight at Waverly Artist Group Open House

Posted by on Apr 24, 2015 in Blog | No Comments
A Girl and Her Horse, 20 x 24

A Girl and Her Horse, 20 x 24

OPEN HOUSE THIS FRIDAY!!
WAVERLY ARTISTS GROUP
APRIL 24TH 6-9 PM
We are looking forward to having you join us this Friday for an evening of art, food, music and friendship!
This month we are featuring some new work after a long cold winter. Music will feature Heath Tuttle and his entertaining Jazz guitar. Also the energetic drumming circle Rhythmicity will be back for the season!
Some of our artists will be painting on site welcoming your questions. So, come to enjoy the art and an evening of beauty!

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Painting an “Afternoon Read”, art for bookworms!

Man reads in afternoon light

“Afternoon Read, 5 x 7”
Framed, 95.00

This painting of reading by the window in afternoon light-is a good example of something I like to do when I’m not painting. I was moved by the light coming through the window, and of course the peaceful feeling the scene provides.
This 5 x 7 painting is framed and available for 95.00 at Waverly Artists Group and Gallery in Cary, NC (www.waverlyartistsgroup.com) and also can be viewed at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/beth-carrington-brown-3155/artwork

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Interior Painting: Dog napping on couch

painting of dog napping on couch with sunlight streaming through window

“Cody on the Couch”
Available framed, 8 x 10 $150.00

This interior/dog painting is named “Cody on the Couch”. Cody is a sweet dog that used to live across the street but moved with his family to Oklahoma. On a recent visit to Cody (and his wonderful human family) I was struck by his sweetness, sleepy face and of course the beautiful light streaming in through the window. I adore all things with light and shadow and of course I love painting “fur babies” such as this one! This painting 8 x 10 is nicely framed and hanging at Waverly Artists Group and Gallery, Waverly Place in Cary NC. www.waverlyartistsgroup.com, or you can see it along with some other paintings of mine at www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/beth-carrington-brown-3155/artwork

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Afternoon Snack: Oklahoma horse in the afternoon-Painting

Posted by on Mar 25, 2015 in Blog, Daily Paintworks | 2 Comments
horse grazing in pasture in afternoon in Oklahoma

“Afternoon Snack” 6 x 6  $95.00

This beautiful horse is having her afternoon snack-grazing in the Tulsa, Oklahoma pasture. This is one of several paintings I did from a visit to the area in the fall. This particular painting is 6 x 6 (framed and available at www.waverlyartistsgroup.com or come by Waverly Artists Group and Gallery-Cary, N.C.) but I hope to do a much larger version soon.

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Thoughtful Buffalo Painting

Thoughtful Buffalo

Thoughtful Buffalo

Today I am sharing one of the Bison / Buffalo paintings called “Thoughtful Buffalo”.   This is a gorgeous buffalo from Texas who I had the pleasure of meeting in person. The sweet looking creature in the painting really is a large and somewhat intimidating creature. However, in this shot I saw a softer side, perhaps more thoughtful  side, during that one moment in time. I wanted to capture that and share it in a painting.

 

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Bison Painting continues

Buffalo Crossing, 8 x 10 $175.00

Buffalo Crossing, 8 x 10 $175.00

Painting Bison, or the American Buffalo, is a relatively new thing for me. However, I am so happy to have had the opportunity to meet with these creatures face to face. It would be hard to think of a mammal more symbolic of our nation than the Bison. Buffalo are considered  the largest mammal in North America. If there was any doubt in my mind, it was erased the day that we met them. Eek!

Look at this buffalo!

Look at this buffalo!

This painting is called “Buffalo Crossing” it is a nice smaller painting, size 8 x 10.

Buffalo Crossing, 8 x 10 $175.00

Buffalo Crossing, 8 x 10 $175.00

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Painting the Buffalo

"Doc's Baby" 6 x 8, $125.00

“Doc’s Baby” 6 x 8, $125.00

Check out my newest paintings, a  series on Buffalo, aka the American Bison:

This fall was one filled with travel, mostly out west: Utah,  (western) Texas and Oklahoma.  The panoramic landscapes, of Texas and Oklahoma, the steep trails and amazing colors of Utah-all exceeded my expectations. The desire to paint “the American West” was set, like someone lit a fire under me! The beautiful animals, such as the American Bison, cattle, horses, and even a very special donkey, named “Radar” have captured my attention and are all being painted in my studio back home in North Carolina. Sadly, I couldn’t paint everything “plain air”, but was able to sketch, make color references and photograph to supplement my live experiences.

Part of my trip was for a commission  (will post soon) I received to paint some beautiful buffalo in Texas.  Not just any old wondering West Texas Bison, but there was a specific herd, and hope to paint the clients “favorite” buffalo.

The buffalo’s name is “Baby”, but don’t let that fool you! “Baby weighs in at about 3,000 lbs.  He also can run about 40 miles per hour, not bad for such a big guy!

We got to see them first from a great distance (which was good, it was wise to “ease in”).  Then, we were privileged to get up close and personal, even feeding a couple of them a treat. This particular herd does “live off the land”, but is used to a few particular human beings. The caretaker of this beautiful herd was kind enough to take my children and I for this up close visit. Even though they knew the caretaker, It took quite some time for them to get even a little comfortable with 2 of my tween boys bouncing up and down with excitement.

(scroll down for images of the some of the these beautiful creatures)

I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to interact with these amazing animals, and look forward to sharing the actual commissioned piece and other studies I did in future entries.

A special shout out to Rick and Cindy Langford, along with “Doc” for the very special journey of painting this incredible herd.

"Incoming"!

“Incoming”!

 

"Suspicious of our motives"

“Suspicious of our motives”

P1070423

Giving the buffalo a treat

Giving the buffalo a treat

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Interview with Artist John Poon-Part 1

Posted by on Nov 2, 2014 in Blog, Things that inspire me | 4 Comments
John Poon

John Poon

Recently I had a chance to share a meal and chat with the well respected artist and teacher : John Poon.

John Poon is a master of the naturalistic landscape painting-done in the true plain air tradition. Beyond that he is the most incredible teacher of art-gifted beyond words.

I have been fortunate to study with him several times, but felt even more privileged to sit down with him and  my list of questions. Knowing that he works with the highest level of professional artists in his classes (that keep coming back to him for more) I had to ask what he felt was the number one area that students and well seasoned artists alike struggle with:

Turns out it isn’t just one thing but that we all share similar struggles in the a variety of areas.

It all boils down to things he has told me before (several times) and that many of us “know” and could possibly teach verbally to others, but often lack in our own work.  While he and I talked a long time, it comes down to the basics: Our paintings can totally rock if we use our ability to:

See Simply

Think abstractly

Have a range of 3-5 simple value shapes

Have one strong focal point

Have either light or shadow dominant in your painting.

Does this mean that you can’t have a great painting without these things? No. Of course great art is judged by the individual, and we all have our own personal tastes,-but if you are shooting for  anything on the side of “representational” or  perhaps heading towards non-representational-it certainly doesn’t hurt to think these things through.

How many times has artist Catherine Martin told me these things? I can’t even count that high.  Sounds simple right? It does, but no one said that simple was easy.

These areas that John spoke about come from his knowledge, background and belief in the classical principles of art education. Many great artists do not have the opportunity to study and/or learn such traditional groundings, and we can make it hard on ourselves as we make our own way. Now I am a big believer of breaking the rules (really, just ask my mother) , but I do see the benefit of at least KNOWING the rules that you are getting ready to tear up and break down.

So, if you are one of those folks who know the things that John Poon has mentioned, but are still struggling to implement it in your daily paintings, what to do?

Well, my first suggestion is go take a class from John (if you can get into one), but in the meantime he suggested that you  have a check list on areas of emphasis that you want to review for yourself during/after you think your painting is done. He also has a really great DVD available that I have and recommend-available on his website.

One of the books he has often referenced is Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting. http://www.amazon.com/Carlsons-Guide-Landscape-Painting-Carlson/dp/0486229270

You can see John’s work and check on his workshop schedule by going to his website: www.johnpoon.com.

In part two of my time with John Poon I will share some of his personal favorites with you (artists, play lists) and more!

Work by John Poon

Work by John Poon

Painting by John Poon

Painting by John Poon

Painting by John Poon

Painting by John Poon

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Fresh Fish Art Featured Tonight!

 A scene from "Lucky Day" 24 x 12, Beth Carrington Brown

A scene from “Lucky Day”
24 x 12, Beth Carrington Brown

I am honored to be a Featured Artist with an exhibit of some of my freshest work showcasing the coast and mountains of North Carolina.

David Stickle-Master Watercolorist,  and I will be the Featured Artists of this show: Please join us this Friday, August 29th from 6-9 pm at the Waverly Artists Group Studio & Gallery for the opening of this show.

We will also have live music by our harpist friend Stevan Jackson, and the drumming circle Rhythmicity. Our food treat this month is from Von Fass who will present bruschetta and bread dips made with VOM FASS Oils, Vinegars and Spices.

Come tonight and celebrate with us all the beauty in our community!

 

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