Monday, December 22, 2014

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Butterfly Ginger, 12 x 9, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S 
A N D   H A P P Y   H O L I D A Y S   T O   A L L !

Thank you for your support and friendship, 
and for following my work through this blog. 
I appreciate the encouragement more than you can know. 

Many blessings, 
Laurel

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Creek Walking

Creek Walking, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
on display in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Gallery

Bull Creek runs through the middle of Austin and is a popular greenbelt for hikers, dog walkers and young families. Since the water is pretty shallow and runs over a limestone floor, folks tend to walk right down the middle of it. For this painting, I was able to find a dry spot to paint from, as creek walkers came and went on their hikes. 

"Creek Walking" is currently on display at the Austin Airport gallery (through March 24) in a Plein Air Austin show entitled "Figures in the Austin Landscape".


Upcoming Workshops:
January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Austin, Texas
March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Austin, Texas
April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | St. Simons Island, GA

Monday, December 15, 2014

Taking Flight

Taking Flight, 30 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014
Available at the Anderson Gallery

As the sun rises at the ocean, birds gather attentively along the shore. Every now and then something startles them and they all take flight, only to circle back and resume their "watch". I love witnessing this early morning production. "Taking Flight" is now available at the Anderson Gallery on St. Simons Island, GA. 

Please come join me for these Upcoming Workshops:
January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Austin, Texas
March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Austin, Texas
April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | St. Simons Island, GA

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Marsh Egret - Davis Gallery Holiday Show

Marsh Egret, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014
Available at the Davis Gallery

I love these beautiful birds who live in the marshes and beaches on the coast; and I have been having a great time painting them recently. This piece is now on display in the 16th Annual Holiday Show at the Davis Gallery here in Austin. The reception is Saturday night… it will be a lot of fun and I hope to see you there!

Collective Chemistry | Davis Gallery | Austin, Texas
Saturday | December 13th | 7-9 pm

Monday, December 8, 2014

Luminous Sky - Davis Gallery Holiday Show

Luminous Sky, 24 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014
Available at the Davis Gallery

This painting of the low country sky at dusk is one of several that will be on display in Davis Gallery's 16th Annual Holiday Show. The show opens this Saturday and features many of the gallery's talented artists. It will be a great one and I hope to see you there!!

Collective Chemistry - 16th Annual Holiday Show
Davis Gallery - Austin, Texas
December 13, 2014 - January 10, 2015
Reception December 13, 7-9pm





Thursday, December 4, 2014

Morning Pause

Morning Pause, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014
Available at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Walking on the beach at sunrise is a wonderful way to start the day. I highly recommend it whenever possible. :) This early morning scene is on St. Simons Island, on the Georgia coast, my home away from home. There is a magical moment when the sun creeps over the horizon and beams out its light. I have to pause and watch every time. It's mesmerizing and rejuvenating.

You may remember a small study I did of just the egret for this painting. Click HERE to revisit that post.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Scattered Clouds Study

Scattered Clouds Study, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

This little study is a classic Texas Hill Country scene… the big skies and the wildflowers never get old. And those wildflowers? When they arrive each spring and fall, they always dress things up a bit. I just finished a big version of this one, so it's time to let the study go to a new home. 

These small paintings make great Christmas gifts, so if you have some names to check off your shopping list, visit my small works site to see what is available...

See more Small Works

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Egret Reflections Study 2

Egret Reflections Study 2, oil on panel, 6 x 8, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

Egrets spend a lot of their time foraging for food (fish, crayfish, snails, insects). The beach tide pools are a perfect hunting ground for small fish. It's fun to watch the birds hunt… they stand very still in the shallow water waiting for their prey to swim by. When they do make the "strike", it is fast and precise. 

See more Small Works

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Egret Reflections Study 1

Egret Reflections Study 1, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

I have a new obsession with these beautiful white Egrets that live in the marshes and hunt on the beach. When they appear in the landscape, they add a little bling-like sparkle of brightness and life. Since I'm working on some larger pieces that include some of these guys, I started out with a couple of small studies. It helped me to play around with the color and forms on a small scale before jumping in. 

See more Small Works

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Three Palms - Demo and Process Notes

Three Palms Demo, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
NFS

This weekend I taught a workshop in Austin to a group of wonderful, hardworking painters. I promised them that I would post process notes from my demo from the first day, so here goes… a step by step explanation of how the painting came together. 

Step 1 - Sketch/Composition
This is a simple sketch of the scene using a mix of Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna. The triangle in back indicates how the forms work together to create a pyramid type composition. (Putting in the triangle also helped me reign in the elements as I blocked them in.) 

Step 2 - Block in large Shapes and Values
Using the same dark neutral mix, I established a range of values in the composition. At this point I kept the paint fairly dry and thin. 

Step 3 - Mass-in Upright Planes
Working dark to light, I painted the uprights planes, adjusting the values to cooler and lighter as they receded into the distance (color becomes muted and contrast softens as elements recede).

Step 4 - Mass in Ground Plane and Sky Plane
The sky was overcast and grey; but rather than go straight to those muted tones, I laid down a foundation of warm peachy tones that I observed in the atmosphere. My hope was that those warm tones would bring some life into the misty sky. 

Step 5 - Break up Masses and Add Highlights
Once the values of the planes were all working together, I began to break up the large masses. I added the grays of the sky and the brighter greens of the ground plane, using subtle value and temperature shifts. I saved the little details (like the fence and house) and the brightest highlights until the very end. It's always an exercise of restraint to hold off on those final marks!

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Boat Launch

Boat Launch, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Boating through the inter-coastal waterways on St. Simons Island always begins at this funky, old boat launch for our family. My father in law had a boat for years and this spot came to be associated with the joys of summer outings. He knows the maze-like waterways like the back of his hand… knowledge acquired through of a lifetime of experience. 

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Beach Cottage

Beach Cottage, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

There is nothing quite like being on the beach at sunrise. It has a distinct and undeniable lure. This cottage was simply aglow in that brilliant morning light; and I loved the privilege of witnessing it all with paintbrush in hand. This is one of my favorites!

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Creek Flight

Creek Flight, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

On a recent trip to the Georgia coast, I was able to get onto an old plantation to paint. The morning was clear, and the marsh was full at high tide. It was very quiet except for occasional appearances of local birds stopping off for breakfast. When one of the egrets flew low through the reeds, I quickly (and gratefully) added him into the scene. I love the hint of life and movement.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Luminous Sky Study 2

Luminous Sky Study 2, oil on panel, 6 x 8, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

This is another angle on that same incredible sky I posted yesterday. Sometimes one painting just isn't enough to get an image out of my system. In fact, I have also painted it in a much larger format for an exhibit later in the year. I will hold off posting the big one until the opening, so please stay tuned! 

I can't believe it's already the end of October… Happy Halloween, everyone! 

See more Small Works.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Luminous Sky Study

Luminous Sky Study, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

This was one of those awe-inspiring skies that needed to be seen up close and unobstructed. Can you believe my sweet husband actually drove me out to the edge of the marsh, and let me jump out about 10 times to photograph it? It's true! Thankfully I was able to capture the moment with my trusty iPhone till I could get home and paint it. :)

See more Small Works.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Dockside Currents - American Women Artists Museum Show

Dockside Currents, 18 x 36, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD


Every other year, the American Women Artists group organizes a museum show for its Master and Signature members. This year, the Booth Museum is hosting us and more than 70 beautiful works of art will be on display. I am honored to be part of it and look forward to being at the opening on Thursday of this week. I hope you will stop by if you are in the area.

American Women Artists - Master/Signature Museum Show 
"Prevailing Winds"
Booth Western Art Museum
501 Museum Drive, Cartersville, GA
October 23, 2014 - January 4, 2015
Reception on October 23, 4-8 pm

Sunday, October 19, 2014

High Clouds

High Clouds, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Clouds above Lake Austin… always compelling! These were moving fast, so after blocking the shapes in, I was mostly painting from memory. (It was very hard to keep from changing them over and over.) Thankfully, new cloud formations kept rolling in and I was able to figure out how to handle the light and shadows from those. :)

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Butterfly Ginger

Butterfly Ginger, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Can you believe this exotic plant grows in Texas? Yes, it does. On a recent painting trip to our local botanical garden in Austin, I came across large Butterfly Ginger plants that were in full bloom. The flowers are hearty, but they are also delicate and fringy; and lots of fun to paint. 



Sunday, October 12, 2014

Rolling Meadow - Kerrville Outdoor Painting Event

Rolling Meadow, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Rolling Meadow is my last painting from the Kerrville Outdoor Painting Event. This meadow caught my eye every time I drove by, and on the last morning I finally stopped to capture the early slanted light. I was delighted when the owners of the property drove by and gave me their enthusiastic "thumbs up"... Made my day! :) 

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Garden Path - Kerrville Outdoor Painting Event

Garden Path, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

The first morning of the KOPE painting event began with overcast skies. I chose to paint at a garden shop, and was delighted by the intensity of the garden's color in muted light. Intermittent appearances of the sun gave me the best of both worlds… color AND shadows!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Miss Kitty's Shop - Kerrville Outdoor Painting Event

Miss Kitty's Shop, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

I came across this quaint spot during the Kerrville Outdoor Painting Event last weekend. Miss Kitty's shop and saloon is no longer serving the public, but it sure hearkens back to another era on the Old Ingram Loop. While painting in the late afternoon light, I got to met several shop owners as they shut down for the day. Carrie, from Blue Moon Antiques, came out and took this picture of me in action. Thank you, Carrie!!

Me at the corner of Old Ingram Loop and Kitty Street in Ingram, Texas.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Fall Pasture - 3rd Place Winner at Kerrville Outdoor Painting Event!

Fall Pasture, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
3rd Place Winner!!
Available at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, Kerrville, TX

This past weekend, over 40 artists convened to paint for three days in the Texas hill country at the Kerrville Outdoor Painting Event (KOPE). We had perfect weather, worked hard, and then presented our work at a wet painting show on Saturday night. AND… I won the third place ribbon! Woo Hoo! Julie Davis took first place and Jimmy Longacre took second place. It's an honor to be in the winner's circle with these two dear friends and fabulous painters! Many thanks to the organizers and sponsors of this event; we all had a great time!

 Me, beaming with my ribbon!

Julie, Me, and Jimmy

Me with show judge Phil Bob Borman,
an incredible painter of skies and atmosphere. 

Monday, September 8, 2014

Corner Store

Corner Store, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

This little corner store, once a small neighborhood grocery on St. Simons Island, is now a glass shop. Its very clever name? "Pain in the Glass"! :) The store windows and shelves are full of sparkly stained glass charms and ornaments. It's a fun place to stop and shop (or stop and paint if you are like me). 


See more Small Works

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Summer's End and Two New Grand-babies!

Summer's End, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

On Labor Day morning, I was out painting the marsh on St. Simons Island; enjoying the last colors of the season and feeling an awesome sense of gratitude. This summer brought me two beautiful, baby grandsons. One in Hawaii and one in New York! That's right, two babies in 29 days, on opposite sides of the country. Grand-boys. Little cousins. Such love.

As my husband so perfectly noted, "this is truly one of the biggest highlights in life!" He is so right. It doesn't get much better! And here they are… Will and Charlie with their parents… we love them all!


William Joseph Bullen IV 
"Will" with Emily and Joey in Hawaii - born July 27.

Charles Rawson Daniel 
"Charlie" with Rawson and Lynda in New York - born August 25.

PS - Is that a little bird family in the painting above? Why, I believe it is! :)

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Water's Edge and NEW WORKSHOP INFO

Water's Edge, 9x12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

I want to let you all know about some new workshops I have scheduled. This fall I am offering two weekend workshops in Austin, with a big welcome to come and paint in this lovely city. Lodging is plentiful and dining is exquisite. I am also teaching a workshop on St. Simons Island, GA in the spring, which is another fabulous place to visit and paint. Please see the info below and come join me! Questions? Please email! :)

NEW WORKSHOP INFO:

Oct. 10-11, 2014 - Still Life, Considering Composition
Learn the same process used for plein air, in a studio setting
Austin, TX - Register with Contemporary Austin Art School CATALOG 

Nov. 6-8, 2014 - En Plein Air, Composing the Landscape
Paint on location, in natural settings around Austin
Austin, TX - Register with Contemporary Austin Art School CATALOG 

April 30-May 2, 2015 - En Plein Air, Color and Value in Landscape
Paint on location, in natural settings around St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island, GA - Register with Anderson Gallery 

Three Pears, 10 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Ranch Sky and Panorama Photo!

Ranch Sky, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

A couple of weeks ago I met up with a photographer friend of mine, Scott David Gordon, to shoot one of his amazing panoramas. Scott is very close to completing a project called "Panorama 365" in which he challenged himself to create 365 panoramic images. This body of work includes cityscapes and country-scapes, long views and short views, AND... artists at work in their studios. 

Click on image to see it larger… photographer: Scott David Gordon

I was thrilled when Scott invited me to be one of his subjects for the project; and even more delighted when he suggested we do an "outdoor studio" shot. Since plein air painting is such a big part of my process, he reasoned that this would be just the right approach. I completely agreed and the collaboration began. Scott took pictures of me at different stages of painting, and was able to visualize ahead of time how the various angles could be stitched together to tell the story. The image he created beautifully captures it all. I think you will all agree with me that the photo is awesome! Thank you, Scott!! I am very honored to be part of "Panorama 365". 

Side note: "Ranch Sky" (painting above) was in process on my easel for the shoot. I thought it only right to do a panorama for the panorama! :)

Click HERE to see and read more about Scott's "Panorama 365" project.
Click HERE to see my panorama on his website and blog write up.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Solitary Morning - American Women Artists National Exhibition

Solitary Morning, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

The 17th Annual American Women Artists National Exhibition opens this weekend at the Addison Art Gallery in Cape Cod (Orleans, MA). I am so pleased to be participating with my waterscape, "Solitary Morning". This show is always spectacular and inspiring to see, so if you are in the area, please drop by the gallery. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the reception this year, but my painting is there in my absence. 


American Women Artists National Exhibition
Addison Art Gallery
43 S. Orleans Rd., Orleans, MA
Opening Reception August 16, 5-7 pm

For purchase information, please contact Addison Art Gallery.
Show runs through September 15.  

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Wind Point Beach - Racine, Wisconsin

Wind Point Beach, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

My home town of Racine, Wisconsin sits right on the shores of Lake Michigan. I grew up swimming in that lake, and can tell you from experience that it is pretty cold for most of the summer. The trick for surviving the frigid temperature is simple - just stay in the water long enough for your limbs to go numb. It works every time. 

By the way, this not actually the beach we swam at as kids. That beach is long and wide, and always crowded with swimmers and sunbathers. This is a quieter beach on the north side of town near the lighthouse. 

This is the last "memory lane" painting from my high school reunion weekend. I enjoyed revisiting with paint and canvas. I hope we have another gathering soon! 

See more Small Works.

NEW WORKSHOP INFO:
Oct. 10-11, 2014 - Still Life, Austin, TX CATALOG (public registration 8/14)
Nov. 6-8, 2014 - En Plein Air, Austin, TX CATALOG (public registration 8/14)
April 30-May 2, 2015 - En Plein Air, St. Simons Island, GA, Anderson Gallery 

Friday, August 8, 2014

Kewpee's - Racine, Wisconsin - and workshop announcement

Kewpee's, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

Kewpee Hamburgers is another favorite spot in my home town of Racine, Wisconsin (where I recently attended my high school reunion). I am pretty sure that ALL returning natives make a bee line for Kewpee's… and it's not just a tradition, it's a ritual with my family. And may I just say? That "hamburg" was just as delicious as I remembered it. The root beer float was pretty tasty too! :)

Historical note: Kewpee's is the second known fast food chain, was founded in the early 1920's, and named for the Kewpie DollThe Racine shop is one of only 5 remaining restaurants. I am not a big fast food fan, but at Kewpee's, I will make an exception! :)

See more Small Works.

Painter Friends - I have just added three weekend workshops… come paint with me!
Oct. 10-11, 2014 - Still Life, Austin, TX CATALOG (public registration 8/14)
Nov. 6-8, 2014 - En Plein Air, Austin, TX CATALOG (public registration 8/14)
April 30-May 2, 2015 - En Plein Air, St. Simons Island, GA, Anderson Gallery 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Wind Point Lighthouse - Racine, Wisconsin

Wind Point Lighthouse, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

At the end of July, my husband and I went to our 40th High School Reunion in Racine, Wisconsin. This is the town of our youth; and it had been a really, really long time since we had been back. We visited all our favorite places and every house we ever lived in. The whole weekend was so much fun and truly a walk down memory lane. 

When we got home, I had a creative urge to paint a few of those favorite spots... This is the first - the Wind Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. It was built in 1880 and is one of the oldest and tallest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. It's a beauty!

See more Small Works.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Blue Hole

Blue Hole, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

This weekend, I met up to paint with old friends and new from the Plein Air Austin group. We converged at the Blue Hole… a swimming hole on the San Gabriel River in Georgetown, just north of Austin. It's a great place hang out and stay cool in the hot summer. There are walking trails and picnic tables, and swimming of course, but best of all are the picturesque limestone bluffs that line the river. It's a beautiful spot. 

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Rusted Shipyard Dock

Rusted Shipyard Dock, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

This past Saturday started out to be a sunny day on St. Simons Island (GA)… perfect for painting. Well, just as I was about to finish this piece, a huge storm rolled in. I had been watching those little dark clouds multiply, but I was still surprised as my paintbox filled with rain and I had to run for cover. (Call it denial.) Thankfully, there was a large bridge trestle nearby to mop up the mess and wait out the storm. It was quite a lovely morning, in spite of the drama!

Monday, July 28, 2014

Summer Morning - Commission

Summer Morning Commission, 22 x 32, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

A week or so ago I mentioned that I had just finished up a commission. Well, I am happy to report that the painting (above) is delivered and installed on the fireplace mantle in its new home! I always get a good feeling when everything comes together on these kind of projects. Many thanks to my new friend and client!

Click HERE to see the small study I did as a warm up for this larger piece. You may find it interesting to see how they are similar and different.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Drifting Cloud Study

Drifting Cloud Study, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

I painted this little piece back in early June, but have been holding on to it for reference purposes. This was one of those end of day surprises… when, even though I was packed up and headed home from a long day of painting, I was compelled to stop and do just one more. There was just something about the light, and the lavender reflections in the marsh, and the great big sky that just had my name on it. 

See more Small Works

Monday, July 21, 2014

Palm Court

Palm Court, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

Huge palm trees seem to be beckoning visitors in to this lovely garden courtyard in Brunswick, Georgia. This garden square was originally designed and built in the late 1800's to provide a gathering spot for a growing city. Even though it has been restored in recent years, It has an old feel to it. I can't help imagining church picnics, ice cream socials, and the bandstand music of another era that took place on these grounds. 

In May, I did a painting demonstration at the Anderson Gallery of another view in this same garden. See process notes of that demo by clicking HERE.

See more Small Works

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Summer Creek Study

Summer Creek Study, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014
SOLD

I painted this little study as a color warm up for a commission piece I just finished. It helped to get the paint flowing on a small panel before diving into the large canvas… a bit of an appetizer so to speak! :) I will post the commission piece once it is framed and safely in the hands of it's owner (I don't want to jinx anything.) 

See other Small Works.

Monday, July 14, 2014

River Marsh - Enlarged Studio Version

River Marsh, 18 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014
Available now at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery

After an intense period of plein air painting, I am often inspired to take some of my smaller pieces to a larger scale. The plein air study for this piece was only 6x8, and I just had a hankering to see it bigger. Sometimes I make changes as I scale up, and other times I simply try to recreate the same spirit captured in the original. This one falls into the latter category. I loved the scene small and I love it big. :)