323 ART / Lee Monts

Power Sanded Canvas...

2012-02-05T20:42:00.001-05:00

"Seen and Unseen"

Acrylic and Compressed Charcoal on Canvas

36" x 30"

Layered Landscape

2012-01-28T20:09:00.002-05:00

"Progressions"

Acrylic/Compressed Charcoal on Canvas

30" x 30"

Finally finished...

2012-01-16T17:48:00.003-05:00

"Lake Lines"

20" x 60" - Acrylic on Canvas

This was a bit of a challenge, but I like how it turned out. I had to set it aside for a good week, and then over the weekend added the three vertical elements on the left and softened the strong vertical elements on the right. It is available at City Art Gallery. Stop by and see it in person!

Triptych

2012-01-15T12:59:00.004-05:00

"Cove of Night"

Acrylic on Canvas - total size 30" x 35"

Available at City Art Gallery in Columbia, SC

Wassailing Wednesday at City Art is December 21

2011-12-20T19:34:00.003-05:00

"November Shore"

4" x 4"

Sealed Watercolor on Claybord

Please join me and 18 other artists at the 3rd annual Wassailing Wednesday at City Art on December 21. The main gallery will be set up with special pieces for the Christmas Season. I will have a good selection of small new works...many under $100. So plan to come out and enjoy this event with great art, great jewelry, and great people! And, if you missed buying a piece from my Retired Brush Series last year, I have a batch of new ones! See you at City Art! The show runs from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. I will be there by 4:00 if you want to come early!

Black Canvas Painting

2011-12-17T13:54:00.001-05:00

"Fluid Horizon"

10" x 10"

Fluid Acrylic on Black Canvas

Simplistic Watercolor...

2011-12-07T19:03:00.001-05:00

"November Clouds"

7" x 5"

Watercolor on Aquabord

Off the easel...

2011-12-03T15:24:00.004-05:00

"One Day in November"

30" x 40"

Acrylic on Canvas

Comb Over...

2011-11-25T18:49:00.004-05:00

"Relinquishing Fall to Winter"

Open Acrylic on Canvas

24" x 24"

Painted with the tool below.

New for the 2011 Retired Brush Series

2011-11-22T20:31:00.009-05:00

I have finally been getting a batch of old brush heads ready for sale...these are the brushes (mostly 3" x 3") that I have been painting with over the past year...they are stained from the paints and actually look like many of my paintings...none of these have been altered except by the addition of melted refined beeswax which gives them a special depth and dimension. All of the 2010 pieces sold out, and there will only be a limited number of these available for the Christmas Season. Many are currently at City Art getting framed and a few more are still in process! Look closely and you will see the rivets in the metal that held the brush head to the wooden handle!

For the Love of Mom...

2011-11-19T20:27:00.004-05:00

"Wisdom Trees on the Shore of Goodbye"

2.5" x 6.25"

Watercolor on Yupo

"November Catharsis"

8" x 10"

Watercolor on Yupo

After nearly a week of being by my Mom's side as she quickly slipped away from us up to eternal life on Thursday, November 17, I painted these two small works last night on November 18. These are my first watercolors on yupo. I think they capture the emotion of the week. Painting them was certainly therapeutic for me. I especially love the small piece on top. Looking forward to doing more with watercolor in the coming weeks. Thanks to everyone who has prayed and offered support to me and my family during this difficult time.

Gift Size!

2011-11-07T21:26:00.003-05:00

"Early Winter Mist"

Open Acrylic on Aquabord

7" x 5"

SC Watermedia Society Award Lunch & Show Opening

2011-11-06T18:18:00.007-05:00

The Banner!

"Memories of Burton's Point"

ImagesCharleston.com Award Recipient & 2012 Traveling Show Piece

The view from the gallery!

New Small Painting

2011-10-27T07:55:00.001-04:00

"Fluvial Awakening"

5" x 7"

Open Acrylic on Aquabord

Demonstration

2011-10-21T09:34:00.008-04:00

Last night I was at the Seven Oaks Art League demonstrating the Golden Open Acrylic line of paints and products. It was a great night of fun, information exchange, and creative energy. Four paintings were created during the hour...perhaps I should have a crowd of people huddled around me more often! City Art, where I show my work and buy my supplies, provided samples of the products to everyone's delight. Special thanks to my friends at Seven Oaks Art League for having me back for another presentation!

a little something...

2011-10-19T20:23:00.000-04:00

Untitled

3" x 4.75"

Open Acrylic on Ampersand Aquabord

Friday Night Experiment

2011-10-08T19:52:00.004-04:00

waiting for it to dry...

"Someone's Shore"

5"x7"

This was an experiment to see what would happen if I used a Speedball linoleum block as a painting surface. Using open acrylic, the block behaved much like yupo and that is what I was hoping for. Pleased with the result, but need to research if acrylic is stable on linoleum. Of course now I want to experiment with lino blocks as a way of printing...we'll see if I get around to that!

Inspired by all the rain the other week...

2011-10-03T22:40:00.003-04:00

"Gully Days"

Open Acrylic on Transparent Yupo

9" x 12"

Good News

2011-09-29T12:35:00.005-04:00

"Memories of Burton's Point" was one of 62 entries that juried into the upcoming 34th annual South Carolina Watermedia Society Show. In addition, the gallery curator selected this image as one of five that will be printed on a large outdoor banner that will be displayed the entire run of the show. The show will be at City Gallery at Waterfront Park in Charleston, and it will hang November 5 - December 31, 2011. I am heading to City Art today to see it framed to specifications for the event. I am very happy to be included in the show again this year. Last year was my first year entering and "Abstracting the Respite of my Childhood" won an award and has been traveling the state all year. Judging for this year's show will take place in late October. Find out more about the SC Watermedia Society at www.scwatermedia.com

Small Squares

2011-09-06T19:31:00.003-04:00

"Weeping Field"

6" x 6" - experimental acrylic technique on canvas

"Coastal Glow"

8" x 8" - acrylic on canvas

Watercolor Canvas

2011-09-05T16:22:00.002-04:00

"Wetland Ways"

Open Acrylic on Stretched Watercolor Canvas

12" x 12"

Textured Painting

2011-09-04T20:14:00.003-04:00

"Variations"

24" x 24"

Acrylic on Canvas textured with Gesso

One from last night...

2011-08-30T22:04:00.004-04:00

"One for the Other"

Acrylic on Canvas

12" x 12"

How many landscapes do you see?

The first attempt on translucent yupo...

2011-08-29T18:35:00.003-04:00

"Four Color Nature"

Open Acrylic on Translucent Yupo

9" x 10"

One night last week...

2011-08-28T19:47:00.005-04:00

"Alizarin Coast" 4" x 6"

"Shallow Waters" 8" x 8"

"Winter's Weeping Willow" 5" x 7"

Just delivered...

2011-08-27T14:20:00.003-04:00

Not just for watercolor artists! Has the look of mylar but feels like yupo!

Hurricane Irene...

2011-08-26T20:56:00.003-04:00

"Coastal Abstraction"

~12" x 15"

Acrylic on Yupo

I did this painting a couple of months ago, but I have never posted it on the blog. Some of the images I am seeing of the hurricane remind me of this painting, so I thought I would post it. It is one of two paintings that I submitted for the upcoming SC Watermedia Society Show. Only one can be accepted, and hopefully one of the two I submitted will get in...should find out on September 11. In the meantime, I hope Irene calms down and that everyone in her path stays safe.

Subtractive technique...

2011-08-25T18:44:00.002-04:00

"Left to Fall"

Acrylic on Canvas

8" x 8"

About last night...

2011-08-24T19:41:00.004-04:00

"Wetland Ways"

Acrylic on Yupo 12" x 12"

"Standing Water"

Acrylic on Yupo 12" x 12"

Last night on Facebook, I posted that I was having a love/hate relationship with yupo. Here are the results. If you have never painted on yupo, a synthetic paper, it is very slick ...sometimes the paint will just slide off. But, I am getting to where I love it more than I hate it. Hope you like these. I am expecting some transparent yupo to be delivered this week...waiting to see what kind of results I will get with it!

Eight Inch Square

2011-08-23T19:41:00.001-04:00

"Steadfastness"

Acrylic on Yupo

8" x 8"

Another 12 x 12

2011-08-22T18:26:00.003-04:00

"Coastal Lines"

Acrylic on Yupo

12" x 12"

New Square on Yupo

2011-08-21T10:01:00.001-04:00

"Winter Marsh"

8" x 8"

Acrylic on Yupo

Finally starting to post some recent paintings...

2011-08-20T17:32:00.001-04:00

"Memories of Burton's Point"

Acrylic on Yupo

12" x 12"

A new painting...

2011-08-01T19:18:00.003-04:00

"Monday Morning Mist"

24" x 24"

Acrylic on Canvas textured with Clear Tar Gel

Reception Photos

2011-06-12T18:53:00.013-04:00

City Art Solo Exhibition 2011

2011-06-12T18:02:00.012-04:00

This week...1224 Lincoln Street

2011-06-07T07:33:00.006-04:00

I had trouble falling asleep last night...I must be excited about the reception for my solo exhibition at City Art this Thursday from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. If you are in the Columbia area and are not familiar with City Art, it is located at 1224 Lincoln Street in the historic Vista...just look for the large sign on the side of the building that can be seen from Gervais Street. The show is now hanging, so feel free to preview it before the reception. And, if your schedule does not allow you to attend this week, the show will run through July 9. I hope you will see it, and I hope it will be during the reception! Acrylic paintings ranging from 3" x 3" to 48" x 60"....and, most have been created in 2011. Special thanks to City Art for this opportunity!

Carolina Arts Ad

2011-06-01T20:56:00.004-04:00

Check out Carolina Arts via the link on the right side of the blog! Thanks to City Art for placing the ad in the June issue. I am looking forward to the reception, and I hope to see many of you there!

Coming Soon...

2011-05-13T14:01:00.006-04:00

" Yes, I Remember" - 36" x 48"

My Inspiration Place

2011-04-17T17:39:00.005-04:00

By the pond that I grew up on and the boat that I have known my entire life. Many of my paintings are the result of growing up on this small pond. See the most recent of the pond paintings at my upcoming solo exhibition at City Art that will open on June 4 and run through July 9. The reception will be on Thursday, June 9. Over 20 brand new and never before seen paintings will be featured in the grand space that is City Art. Holding the images back from this blog has been a challenge for me, but I think it will make for a very fresh show!

Evidence of a busy painting weekend...

2011-04-16T19:50:00.001-04:00

Art For Charity

2011-04-13T22:16:00.002-04:00

Michael Mitchell Gallery

438 King Street

Charleston, SC

May 20-June 20, 2011

News...

2011-03-21T19:19:00.002-04:00

Solo Exhibition

June 4 - July 9, 2011

Reception June 9, 5:30-8:00 PM

City Art Gallery

more information to follow in the coming weeks...

Update!

2011-02-23T21:13:00.002-05:00

"The Last Farewell"

11" x 14"

Acrylic on Amate Bark on hardboard

While I haven't been sharing many photos of new paintings, I can assure you that I have been busy painting in the studio. I did want to share a small painting from my time in the studio last night. I recently started painting on Amate (ah-ma-tay) bark. It is a very interesting surface to paint on. It is made by the Otomoi (oh-toe-me) Indians of Mexico by pounding the bark fibers of fig and mulberry trees on a wooden board and drying the sheets in the sun. If you want to try something new, stop by City Art and pick some up! And, stay tuned for information about an upcoming solo show!

Great News...

2011-01-31T13:16:00.003-05:00

I am now a City Art represented artist. Please check out:

http://www.cityartonline.com/lee-monts/ ...City Art is located at 1224 Lincoln Street in Columbia, SC. Please stop by to see the gallery - a very large space - and also visit the art supply shop in the lower level! This establishment can meet all of your art needs and then some!

Fun with Fiber Paste

2011-01-18T20:24:00.004-05:00

So far, 2011 has me playing with new techniques. I have created "skins" by spreading fiber paste on wax paper and letting it dry to a paintable surface. These will soon become collage pieces. If you haven't tried Golden products, go out and find some and experiment. If you are local, get them at City Art!

From the weekend...

2011-01-17T16:43:00.003-05:00

"Communion"

24" x 48" - Acrylic on Canvas

Integrity

2011-01-16T13:15:00.005-05:00

"Perfect Timing"

15.25" x 23.25" - Acrylic on Amate Bark Buckskin

This is the painting that I delivered to my client yesterday. She saw it when I posted it on Facebook, and immediately inquired about purchasing it. While I could have sold it to her directly under my business license, I chose not to do so. Since she came to me via Verve Interiors for the first painting she purchased, the sale for this piece is going through Verve as well. Integrity is a great thing to display and something to look for in an artist (and in everyone)!

"For Thus it Was" at home...

2011-01-15T16:47:00.005-05:00

I enjoyed getting to visit the owners who commissioned "For Thus it Was" this morning. In fact, I delivered a new piece for them. A post about that painting will be coming soon. Not only have I gained clients with this family, I have gained friends....and their Scottish Terrier named Scotch loves me! It is really nice getting to see my art where it belongs!

More projections...

2011-01-07T07:57:00.004-05:00

Main Street in Columbia, SC

First Thursdays Art Event

January 6, 2011

Where?

2011-01-04T19:46:00.002-05:00

In response to my last post that prompted someone to ask where they could find my work, here is the list:

Verve

1227 Gregg Street, Columbia, SC

Gallery at DuPre

807 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC

Wink

911 Lady Street, Columbia, SC

(mostly small works here)

Michael Mitchell Gallery

438 King Street, Charleston, SC

If you are on Facebook, send me a friend request so that you can see more postings and view albums that indicate available works. Please mention in the request that you are interested in my art!

Thanks for the continued support!

Projections...

2011-01-03T17:07:00.006-05:00

These photos were taken last night during a project sponsored by Artrageous/Pocket Productions. Five of my images were projected along with the works of other regional artists. Additional projections on other buildings around town are scheduled...look for the next event on Thursday, January 6, during the Main Street art event!

2011 begins...

2011-01-01T19:21:00.004-05:00

"A Touch of Grass"

30" x 30"

"Waiting for the New Year"

8" x 24"

These were both painted beginning late in the evening on December 31 and finished in the early hours of 2011. Happy New Year!

Textured!

2010-12-18T21:30:00.003-05:00

"Along the Shore of Long Ago"

18" x 36" x 3"

Acrylic on Canvas

A few shots from Wassailing Wednesday

2010-12-16T07:57:00.004-05:00

Ready to hang...

2010-12-13T22:33:00.004-05:00

"The Pond of My Recollection"

Acrylic on Canvas

8" x 8" 3"

(come see this at Wassailing Wednesday)

Be the first...

2010-12-13T13:18:00.004-05:00

to own one of my ink on yupo works. I will have four available at the Wassailing Wednesday event at City Art from 5:00-8:00 PM this Wednesday, December 15. I have never offered them at a show before, so this will be a first! They will come with white mats and hinged foamcore backing so that you can frame them as desired! Pictured above is "Gentle Reminders"...it reminds me of an illustration from an old book. Hope to see you at City Art this Wednesday!!! Bring a friend, and buy local and buy original art to support the regional artists who will be showing at this event. For more information, click the City Art link on the right column of this blog.

Special Event...

2010-12-01T18:26:00.009-05:00

Please join me and other artists for...

at City Art on December 15 from 5:00-8:00 PM. I am pleased to be a featured guest artist. So, come pick out some small affordable works from me or choose from the large selection of art from regularly featured City Art artists. Regional art is a gift of love in many ways...buy for your family and friends or for yourself. Here are some small works that I will have at the gallery. City Art always does it right, so come out for this special event!

Commissioned Painting

2010-11-28T19:54:00.004-05:00

"For Thus It Was"

36" x 36"

Acrylic on Canvas

The title is from verse 3 of the Christian hymn "Now Thank We All Our God" ..."the one eternal God, whom earth and heav'n adore; for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore".

Special thanks to Verve and the client, who is now a new friend and who is a fellow believer! She loved the title!

New Easel

2010-11-28T19:44:00.002-05:00

Finally...I have a professional easel. It's the Santa Fe I model. Purchased from my favorite supply place....City Art! Speaking of City Art, I will be showing small works on Wassailing Wednesday, December 15 from 5:00-8:00 PM. Come see me!

Spotted in Local Magazine

2010-11-23T20:49:00.003-05:00

"Everlands"

14" x 11"

Acrylic on Canvas Panel

One of the first paintings that I sold at Verve five years ago is shown in the design article of the current Columbia Metropolitan Magazine (p.42). The title of the article is "House of Memories" and features the design work of Sumner Holman of Verve. I also get a mention on page 45. I really enjoyed finding out about this through a friend who had seen the article! So, if you see a copy of the magazine, check it out! And, as always, thanks Verve!

News! News! News!

2010-11-08T17:33:00.003-05:00

I just learned today that I have been selected by a five jury panel to be included in the Digital Graffiti spontaneous ArtRageous project. Five images of my art will be projected in various public places throughout the City of Columbia during December 2010. These places will include city malls, major streets and places of business open during the third shift (factories and late night restaurants). The images will also be permanently featured on the ArtRageous website and be included in a video recording of this unique project.

And then there is the Art Book. Ten artists were selected to be featured in an original handmade book...I am one of the ten selected. I would list the other 9, but I will wait for them to share their news before I do! The book will also feature artists who have been part of Pocket Productions events like the "Playing After Dark" Friday Night Gala series or through the "ArtRageous" spontaneous projects. Five artists will be commissioned to come up with designs for the handmade book and then one of these designs will be used to make 200 copies to be sold at a gala event presentation at the Columbia Museum of Art in Spring 2011.

So, stay tuned for more information and keep your eyes open for images. Congratulations to the other artists selected...you will know many of them!

2010 sure has been a great art year! Soli Deo Gloria!

Recycled Brush Series

2010-11-07T18:31:00.007-05:00

"Winter Mood"

"Early Winter"

"Winter Solitude"

"Cold Warmth"

"Golden Halo"

These were all created using the tops of old flat paint brushes and melted refined beeswax. Image size is approximately 3" x 2". They certainly would make unique gifts for the holidays!

Here and There on November 18

2010-11-05T12:46:00.003-04:00

Two events are happening on Thursday, November 18. Here's the skinny:

Vista Lights, Columbia, SC....join me at the Gallery at DuPre for a show of new works. For this show, I will have my typical paintings and will also be offering new works from my "Retired Brush" series. Join us from 5:00-10:00 PM...the Vista is sure to be the happening spot to kick off the Christmas Season.

Florence Museum, Florence, SC...the 22nd Annual Friends of the Florence Museum Miniature Art Competition Show opens with a reception at 7:00 PM. Both of my submittals (read about them below) juried into the show along with 48 other entries...these works could not exceed an image size of 4" x 5"! The juror for this show was Columbia artist Susan Lenz of 80808 Studios and the Mouse House!

As always, thanks for the continued support of my art adventures...2010 has been a great art year!

Open House October 20-21

2010-10-19T18:10:00.003-04:00

For my friends who do not follow me on facebook or those on facebook that have not noticed the announcements, I will have small affordable paintings at an open house organized by Etchings in Stone that will take place this Wednesday and Thursday at 1230 C Avenue, WEST COLUMBIA, in the space occupied by O'Connor Design Firm. Please stop by between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM on either day or both days! You will find etched glass, stone and more by our event organizer, Dianna Lydiard. You will also find contemporary landscapes by Cami Hutchinson. Some local jewelry artisans will also have work available. I will be at the event on Thursday between the hours of 3 PM and 7 PM...I hope to see you there! The photo above represents what I will have for purchase!

Another Miniature

2010-10-17T21:34:00.001-04:00

"Gleam at Winter's Edge"

Beeswax on 3" brush head

Image: 3" x 3"

Miniature Entry

2010-10-17T16:52:00.005-04:00

"The Memory of Childhood"

Acrylic on Canvas

Image size: 4" x 2"

Frame size: 9 1/8 " x 7 1/8"

I am planning to enter this into an upcoming miniature competition in Florence...this is the favorite of all the 2" x 4" paintings I did last November for Vista Lights. I knew there was a reason I was holding on to it...hopefully it will do well in the Miniature Show. Framing by City Art.

Award

2010-10-05T12:22:00.005-04:00

"Abstracting the Respite of My Childhood"

won the

"In Memory of Lena Massara Memorial Award"

the 33rd Annual SC Watermedia Society Show.

All the award winners can be seen at

http://www.fineartsemporium.com/scws/2010travelingshow.htm.

The full exhibit of 75 paintings will be in Rock Hill through November 21 and the top 30 paintings will travel the state for a year. I am very pleased to be part of the traveling show. This year's juror was Ms. Barbara Nechis.

Small Weekend Squares

2010-10-04T11:59:00.008-04:00

5"x5" and 6"x6"

acrylic on canvas gallery edge or flat panel

Untitled Maquettes

2010-09-28T19:35:00.004-04:00

Show Time

2010-09-17T19:57:00.004-04:00

121 E. Main Street, Rock Hill, SC

The Arts Council of York County & SC Watermedia Society present SC Watermedia Society's 33rd Annual Art Exhibition at the Dalton and Perimeter Galleries located in the Center of the Arts, 121 E. Main Street in Rock Hill. The show runs October 2 - November 21, with a public reception on Saturday, October 2 from 5:30-7:30 PM. My painting, "Abstracting the Respite of My Childhood" will be in the show...in fact, I delivered it today! I'm looking forward to seeing the other paintings that juried in!

More Ink on Yupo Small Works

2010-09-12T20:17:00.003-04:00

"September Waters" - 5" x 7"

"Come Lately" - 8" x 8"

"Intercession" - 5" x 7"

Two Ink Wonders?

2010-09-12T14:52:00.005-04:00

"Lost Moments" - 8" x 8"

"Vestiges" - 8" x 8"

"Gentle Reminders" - 6" x 8"

These were done this past Thursday night using India Ink (sepia and turquoise) on yupo synthetic paper. Sometimes it is nice to experiment with different materials. I am happy with the outcome. Yupo has a unique sheen to it that does not translate in the photos.

Environmental Statement

2010-08-31T21:35:00.003-04:00

"Once Pristine"

30" x 40" - Acrylic on Canvas

A geologist-turned-artist-still-geologist-but in a management position kind of guy had to be "inspired" by the Gulf oil spill eventually. Here is the result. Hopefully once pristine environments will be pristine again...all in time!

Something Different

2010-08-25T20:09:00.002-04:00

"Forgotten"

20" x 24"

Acrylic on Specialty Paper on Canvas

(has a real 3-D effect to it)

In a World of Titan Buff (and Raw Umber)

2010-08-25T20:03:00.003-04:00

"Uncomplicated Childhood"

30" x 30" - Acrylic on Canvas

Golden Fluids Titan Buff and Raw Umber

A new large painting!

2010-08-22T12:22:00.002-04:00

"All the Autumns of My Childhood"

36" x 60"

SCWS Jury Results - I'm In!

2010-08-19T23:03:00.003-04:00

"Abstracting the Respite of My Childhood" (18" x 18") juried into the SC Watermedia Society Show that will run October 2 - November 21. Out of 171 entries, 75 juried in. Now to get it framed to specifications and delivered to Rock Hill. Glad to be accepted into this important show!

Finally Posting This Diptych

2010-08-04T21:40:00.003-04:00

"Until Death Us Do Part"

each 18" x 18" - acrylic on canvas

I completed this diptych about 2 months ago but I haven't posted it yet because I could not come up with a name for it. I finally named it tonight. This was painted when my father's health was declining rapidly and we were all waiting for his death...he held on until seven days after his 89th birthday. My dad was a great fisherman and was always on the waters of Lake Murray. I remember thinking about the transition from his wordly body to his eternal Heaven while painting this....he was a believer and he raised his children to believe in Christ also. With this being a diptych, I thought "Until Death Us Do Part" would be an appropriate title.

A good sign

2010-08-04T11:44:00.003-04:00

... visually and literally. The pop up gallery presented by Michael Mitchell Interiors during Spoleto from May 13 – June 13 is becoming a permanent fixture on King Street in Charleston. The new awning along the storefront was installed this week, and Michael’s Facebook friends could easily see his excitement about the new addition to the building…the photo is his new profile picture and I “stole” it to post here. As you know, Michael is representing my art in the gallery. I have yet to make the trip to Charleston but there are currently 11 originals in the gallery thanks to the postal service and Alicia Leeke, a fellow artist and neighbor, who graciously transported the larger paintings for me. I will soon get there to see for myself and meet Michael in person (you would think a College of Charleston graduate from 1986 would make it to Charleston more than he does, but Charleston – like his undergraduate years – seems a world away although it is a short drive from Columbia)! Anyway, I can tell from my interaction with Michael on the phone and electronic correspondence, that he is greatly passionate about what he does and he believes in his artists, friends and family and takes a refreshing team approach in the way he conducts his business. If you are in Charleston, please stop by and visit this destination shop at 438 King Street. I am happy to have his support, and I will return that support to him by helping promote his business. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 – 6:00 and by appointment. Gallery phone is (843) 564-0034 and a website is in development to show off his interior design skills (published in four magazines) and the gallery. Other artists showing at this location include Toni Elkins, Bonnie Goldberg, Alicia Leeke, Darlett Stone, Ed Shmunes, Esther Melton, Elena Madden, Debbie Martin, John K. Crum and many others!

Primed and Ready...

2010-08-01T19:20:00.003-04:00

This is a 36" x 60" canvas that I have primed and textured...it was photographed in front of a large window so that the light would come through and show the texture...those are the braces showing through. I love the way the texture came out...now I just need to start applying color sometime soon. We'll see what develops!

Last Minute Effort for SCWS Entry

2010-07-31T13:26:00.003-04:00

"Abstracting the Respite of My Childhood"

Acrylic on Canvas - 18" x 18"

I let the entry for the annual South Carolina Watermedia Society sneak up on me...I should have been paying more attention about this opportunity. Thanks to a friend, non other than Randy Hanna at City Art, I was reminded that I should enter this annual competition. Well, the deadline for mailing the CD with image and the forms is TODAY. So, last night I did this painting, photographed it this morning, and got my entry to the post office before it closed. This is my first entry for this show, so we will see how it goes. I will not learn of the jury result until late August. If accepted, it will be featured in the show in September in Rock Hill. If it doesn't jury in, there are other options...perhaps the upcoming SC State Fair. We'll see. I know some well known artists that have been rejected for this show, so I will hope for the best!

A Thing for Squares!

2010-07-27T12:32:00.005-04:00

"Breath of Life"

18" x 18"

Acrylic and Specialty Paper on Canvas

Weekend Squares

2010-07-25T18:25:00.004-04:00

"Bluegrass" - 12" x 12"

Acrylic on Specialty Paper on Canvas

"Nature's Resolutions" - 12" x 12"

Acrylic, Fiber Paste and Specialty Paper on Canvas

Thanks, Camille Maurice!

2010-07-24T19:03:00.004-04:00

I realized that I had never posted a photo of "Souvenir Moon" on this blog...so here it is. And, it appeared on a great website yesterday.... www.camillemaurice.com. Please check it out and make sure to bookmark the site in your favorites. The writers have been greatly supportive of my work, and they feature many beautiful things from around the world in a regular feature called "Friday Beautiful Things"! I am very humbled to have landed there twice over the past year! "Souvenir Moon" is 20" x 20" and can currently be seen at Verve...I am hoping someone will purchase it soon...perhaps you?!

Quick Square

2010-07-24T18:19:00.000-04:00

"Passing Fancy"

10" x 10"

Acrylic on Canvas

Some new colors

2010-07-23T22:12:00.004-04:00

"Float Over" - 12" x 12"

Acrylic and Specialty Paper on Canvas

I used two colors new to my palette....Holbein Acryla Jaune Brillant and Violet. The paper is the same that was used in "Coastal Ambiance" and "Coastal Haze"...in this painting I only used a small portion of the paper near the end of the painting session instead of using the paper directly on top of the full canvas surface before the painting process began. This is a great new paper available at City Art.

Now in Charleston, SC

2010-07-21T19:55:00.003-04:00

I am pleased to announce that I now have representation at Michael Mitchell Gallery located at 438 King Street near Marion Square! Please stop by and see new paintings that were created especially for this gallery. The following is taken from Michael Mitchell's facebook page:

A Charleston, South Carolina, native, Michael Mitchell founded Michael Mitchell Interiors and Art For Charity. Mitchell hails from a long line of South Carolina business men, but moved to New York City in 2006 to expand his career. He has worked on homes and businesses in Charleston, Columbia, New York City, Boston and more. His work also includes resort, boats and New York City apartments, as well as Lexington Medical Center and Columbia’s Shag Bistro. Mitchell’s work has been featured in magazines four times. He is working on several homes in Charleston and Columbia, as well as apartments in New York City. Well-traveled and having worked in a wide variety of environments, Mitchell said, “I like seeking out an edge for my clients -- a sophistication that features unexpected elements and makes a place truly unique.”

I am extremely excited to be working with Michael, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to show in Charleston for the first time!

Return to Titan Buff and Raw Umber

2010-07-17T21:44:00.003-04:00

"Dusk" 8" x 10"

"A Gentle Calling" 12" x 12"

Got Texture?

2010-07-17T16:13:00.004-04:00

"Coastal Ambiance" 12" x 12"

"Coastal Haze" 12" x 12"

2010-07-15T14:41:00.001-04:00

"Pond Memories"

18" x 24" - Acrylic on Canvas

From the day of my Father's death...

2010-07-12T19:44:00.004-04:00

"Subdued"- 24" x 24"

I completed, titled and photographed this painting on the morning of July 3, just hours before I would learn of the death of my beloved father, Mr. Herman J. Monts. My Dad, who turned 89 on June 26, was very supportive of my art ...he told me many times how proud he was that I was having success with my artwork. He was a great man who perservered through many hardships in his life. Tomorrow, July 13, will mark the 66th anniversary of the day he was severely wounded near Normandy, France. We are thankful for all the years we had him, and we will miss him very much!

Studio Cleanup

2010-06-24T19:35:00.004-04:00

I have been spending a lot of time cleaning my studio and it is almost in shape...here is a glimpse of where I create. This is spotless compared to what it was (I'm a messy artist). Brushes are cleaned and organized, paints are sorted and stored instead of being scattered about, two huge trash cans of junk and old paint tubes/dried up brushes/etc. have been removed, and I can now walk easily around the room. So, I should be painting again soon! It will feel good creating in an organized space again...now if it would only stay that way!

Memorial Day Weekend Part 2

2010-05-31T14:23:00.003-04:00

"Endless"

12" x 24"

acrylic on board with 2" wood profile

Memorial Day Weekend Part 1

2010-05-31T14:04:00.003-04:00

"Within a Dream No.1 & No.2"

Painted one after the other during the weekend. Both are acrylic on Ampersand Aquabord (formerly claybord textured). 8" x 8"

Unphotogenic!

2010-05-25T12:46:00.002-04:00

"Within the Framework of Nature"

36" x 18"

acrylic on canvas with crackle paste along front edges

Sometimes a painting just will not photograph well. This is one of those paintings! Facebook friends have already seen two images of this painting...this is a third image captured with a different camera...and still, it is not a great photo. But, I do like the painting. The little bit of red really pops.

More with Crackle Paste

2010-05-22T19:48:00.009-04:00

8" x 10"

6" x 12"

5" x 5"

5" x 5"

3" x 3"

The Shop Tart

2010-05-18T13:01:00.003-04:00

When I arrived at work today, a coworker told me that his wife had fallen in love with the Shop Tart blog and that she saw two of my paintings featured. So, check out http://theshoptart.com/?p=679 for a blog entry on Verve! It is always nice to be featured. Thanks Shop Tart ...take her advise and visit Verve today!

Trying Crackle Paste

2010-05-16T17:59:00.006-04:00

8" x 8"

4" x 4"

12" x 6"

Experimenting with Golden's Crackle Paste. All of these are on cradeled board. No crackle happened on the bottom half of the last painting!

Show Update

2010-05-15T17:08:00.004-04:00

I really enjoyed being part of the Contemporaries' Artist of the Year Soiree and Silent Auction at the Columbia Museum of Art on May 13. The event was a lot of fun and I had bidding wars on all three of my paintings (always fun to have people fiscally fighting over my work)! I met a lot of people who were not yet familiar with my work, so I am especially thankful for that. Congratulations to Josh Drews for being named Artist of the Year ....AGAIN. He also won last year...you may have seen the feature of Josh in Book 5 of Undefined Magazine. Well, now that all my known events are over, it is time for me to get back into the studio. I have a new Golden Product (crackle paste) to try so stay tuned.