Reflections of Nature and Beyond Exhibit
Fallbrook, California
Each 9 x 12 inches Watercolor on Arches Cold Press Paper
The Fallbrook Art Center Reflections of Nature and Beyond Juried Show in Fallbrook, California accepted these three pieces. This is my first exhibit at this gallery and I’m honored to be included among the many talented artists featured.
The Fallbrook Art Center Reflections of Nature and Beyond show has progressed for 23 years into a full juried show. My thought when submitting these paintings was that the dresses reflect nature beyond the typical boundaries of how we often think of nature. The curators must have seen this connection as well.
The paintings are part of an ongoing series. I have commissions based on this series which inspires me to keep expanding “The Dresses”. I am always looking for new inspiration and welcome suggestions. This is my most popular series’ of work and I often receive suggestions for nature dress ideas from friends, colleagues and collectors. My love of nature has inspired me to showcase its elegance and how nature and beauty intertwine. Our natural world is inspiring and healing and we must learn to incorporate it more fully in our daily lives.
My thoughts on each of these dresses in the series.
Icy Dreams
In our recent relocation from California to Colorado I discovered the beautiful character of snow, ice and the cold blueness that winter brings. Many of the waterfalls become frozen in time and reawaken in the spring. The wonderment of winter in Colorado and the abundance of solitude which abounds in this climate inspired me to paint this dress.
Sunflower Power
Sunflowers have the power to bring warmth and sunshine into our hearts and lives and a small bunch will brighten any home. They are one of the easiest flowers to grow and bees love the tiny blossoms where the seeds develop. This dress was intended as a commission. After the painting was complete the client chose a different direction for the sunflowers wanting a more open and vibrant yellow tone. This continues to be one of my favorites in the series and am secretly glad she didn’t choose it. I never tire of painting sunflowers so I was excited for the opportunity to take a different angle on the same flower.
Party Dress
Poinsettias come in a wide variety of colors these days and signify holiday celebration in all their vibrancy. My favorite continues to be the classic red. The petals are actually called bracts and attract the pollinators to their flowered centers. By adding branches and pinecones to the dress I was able to bring an earthly tone to the often commercialized poinsettia.
These are more pieces from the series.
I’d like to hear your suggestions
If you have any ideas you’d like to see included in this series please leave them in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you. And who knows, you just might see your idea come to life in a Watercolor.
