Monday, November 12, 2012

"Peace Like a River"

"Peace Like A River"




Mr. and Mrs. Tom Tharpe





Tom & Jane Tharpe, with the Artist, me: Charlotte Murray                                                                                                               



Jane Tharpe commissioned an Oyster Painting for her River House.  Knowing that the painting would be hanging in a place where family and friends would gather inspired the title:  "Peace Like a River." 

Delivering a new painting to its new home is perhaps one of the most rewarding things I have done as an artist. 

I pray that their home would be filled with Peace, just like a River.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Become a "Friend of the Arts" because Art will be a friend to you!

     As a teaching artist I have found myself in some interesting spaces in order to share my craft:  storage units, large residential garages, small living rooms, porches, some nice professional spaces and most recently , the "Green Room" at the Palmetto Theater.  This Fall I will be teaching in the Stanley Cultural Arts Center:  A large, spacious, amazing space that is home to the Hampton County Arts Council "Friends of the Arts." 
     As I was preparing the space for new classes I was both excited and confused.  How can a space this amazing thrive without lots and lots of people and activities?  The short answer is that it can't.  The more important answer is the reason for this post, and it is a question: 
      Would YOU like to be involved in promoting the Arts of Hampton County?
     Perhaps it hasn't occurred to you that there is anything for you and your family in the Hampton County Arts Council... or maybe you already have a busy schedule, or maybe you just didn't know.  The Arts of Hampton County will only be as strong as the community that supports it.
     What I thought about most of all that day is how important art is to people, and especially to young people.  Art is a way of stretching the imagination:  something that all of us use every day of our lives.  
     Albert Einstein said:  Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited but imagination encircles the world."
What he realized is that imagination is the fuel that ignites the knowledge we have; the education we take in, the ideas that are born in our heart.
     I share all this to say that you are needed by the Arts Council... but what you may not realize is that YOU need the Arts!  Call today to see what you can do to be a "Friend of the Arts" because ART will be a friend to you!
     HCAC 803-943-3100

Thursday, July 26, 2012

My Beginnings in Encaustics

 
"Beautiful Truth", Encaustic on Board with Mixed media, 9 x 12
 This is my first attempt with the medium of Encaustics.  It is a wax based pigment that must be heated and fused.  I actually have no idea what I am doing, but had great fun trying it out.
"Oyster in Pluff Mud", Encaustic on Board, 8 x 8

"I sing because I'm Happy", Encaustic & Mixed Media on Board, 9 x 12

"Imagine Angels Unawares", Encaustic, 6 x 6

"His Eye is on the Sparrow", Encaustic & Mixed Media, 5 x 7

Discovery,  Encaustic, 5 x 7

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Somewhere over July


Somewhere over July...  
Since my last post I have had a short vacation with my husband in February and one week later we landed three Foster children... six months later the children have transitioned back to parents and we are transitioning back to only three of us in the house... it has felt sad and exhilarating, if that is possible...but I am finding my footing... especially today because I spent some time ALONE... something I haven't been in 6 months!

I took myself out to Hunting Island and enjoyed the sun, sand and surf.  Beautiful day!  And so inspiring... I was reminded all over again why I love the beach.  The Atlantic was refreshing and flecked with glittering sand and I just wanted to cry it was all so beautiful.

Since July 2011 I have been working on a series of Oyster paintings that have been, most of all fun, educational, and at times, have even been enjoying some sales success (yay!) I am also returning to my Nest series and have recently ventured into Encaustics.  I look forward to seeing where all of this is going.  

So, I'm back to making a new effort in art and hopefully in writing about this journey.  Thanks for joining me!  

Friday, January 20, 2012

Helllllloooooooo, 2012!

With the advent of a new year I am embarking on a journey toward the celebration of 50 years!  Wow!  it seems unreal and yet so right.  I have loved every age - but perhaps none better than my present age.  I am glad to be alive and consider myself blessed in so many ways.  Last year found me reading Ann Voscamp's book "One thousand Gifts" and I will never be the same.  So I am counting the "gifts" all of the blessings that come to me from God's ultimately loving hand... and "All truly is Grace." 

My husband, Dave, and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage this year.  For those of you who know us you are keenly aware that this has not come easy, and yet, what truly worthy feats are easy.  God is still in the "Miracle Business" and for this we are grateful. 

David Paul continues his work with his photography and working with Dave.  We are praying for that "Good Thing" from the Lord for him and look forward to the mysterious ways of God's Providence as He works in this area. 

My Art has gone through various stages in the past three years, from wildly colorful palms to Bird nests, to mixed media pieces about "Home," to oysters, of all things and now I have just completed a series of "Valentines" for fun.  I am having a lot of fun painting and am exited to say that my work can now be seen in five different locales:
The Gallery, Beaufort, SC

Eden Gallery, Walterboro, SC

Simple Gestures, St.Augustine, FL

Julienne's, Hampton, SC

Fletcher's Finds, Yemassee, SC

Here's to 2012!

ART CLASSES AT HAMPTON COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

Beginning Tuesday, February 7, 2012 I will be offering art classes at
HAMPTON COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS:

My classic 6-Week "Discover the Artist in You" instruction includes:
  • Week 1:  Color Theory, Color mixing & Pre-Instruction painting
  • Week 2: Monet History; Brush Strokes & 2nd Painting
  • Week 3: Van Gogh History; Brush Strokes & 3rd Painting
  • Week 4:  Cezanne History: Brush Strokes & 4th Painting; 
  • Week 5:  O'Keeffe History: Brush Strokes & 5th Painting
  • Week 6:  Personal Choice Painting
 All Classes include:
  • Creative Prompts and Ideas for continuing inspiration  
  • Artist Tools and philosophy
  • Art Exhibition to Celebrate Accomplishments
Three class times will be available beginning Tuesday, February 7, 2012:
1:00 - 3:00  Adult Class 
4:00 - 5:30  Student Class (Ages 8-15)
6:00 - 9:00  Adult Class



Contact me at charlotte2911@yahoo.com