Launched up a Cylburn work webpage

"Cylburn Maples" 12x16, oil on panel, Patricia Bennett

Yesterday I put up a page on http://www.patriciabennettstudio.com dedicated to my artwork for Cylburn Arboretum.  As Artist in Residence there for 2013, I want to create a body of images of the place that capture it's amazing beauty and some of the events there.
Not all of the pieces were done in 2013.

Here is the link to the page of my Cylburn work: http://www.patriciabennettstudio.com/Cylburnwork.html

The most beautiful and special place there is under the branches of the Japanese Maples, adjacent to the mansion.

"First Entering the Gardens", 30x40", Patricia Bennett

Another entrancing place is the entrance to the boxwood lane, which leads to a sundial surrounded by rose bushes.

"Entering the Gardens in Blue", 18x24, Patricia Bennett

And of course there is the view from the front steps of the mansion, looking to the horizon.

View from Tyson Mansion, 30x40, Patricia Bennett

And here is a close-up.

Urn, Angels, and Children, 18x24, Patricia Bennett

Portrait, second sitting

Portrait in progress, second sitting

Worked on this portrait today.  It is still in progress, but getting closer.

Portrait commission in progress, fun drawings

This is the start of the final portrait.  I have already done several drawings, and a "mock-up" on paper to figure out the design.  Now it's making sure that my painting looks right, and adding Elizabeth Taylor, her dog.

Girl on Bed, 12x16, ink and crayon, Patricia Bennett

 This is fun.  I enjoy lovely interiors, textures, and fabric, and also like bright colors.  Also, there is some drama about the girl sitting on her bed.  She's feeling something strong.

Tea, 12x16, ink and crayon, Patricia Bennett

This one's about enjoying a cup of tea.  Polka dots are always nice, and remind me of Emma Bridgewater pottery.

Children and Pink Poodle

Children and Pink Poodle, 12x16, Ink and Crayon, Patricia Bennett

Done this afternoon from life.

Watching a Movie

11x14, ink and crayon on paper, Patricia Bennett

Instead of going to the Zoll studio tonight to draw the model, I drew this scene.

First Open Studio, July 21, 2013

Sunday from 2 to 5 pm,  come to my studio 

5600 Wexford Road, Baltimore, MD, 20109

to see what I've been working on this year.  A lot of the Cylburn work will be there, including a recent Live Event Painting done there during the Old Line Society's sponsored Summer Solstice Party.  Below are some pieces that will be on view.

Irises, Hostas, and Bench, 18x18, Patricia Bennett

Spring Bride, 18x24, Patricia Bennett

Girl in Poppies, 18x24, Patricia Bennett

Cylburn Solstice Party, 24x36, Patricia Bennett

Live Event Painting of Party

Fortieth Birthday Party, 30x40, Patricia Bennett

This was painted June 29.  It was a surprise party in a lovely house from the mid 1800's.

The party was to be in three different places in the house.  It began outside on the porch, during daylight, then moved inside after dark for dancing, and briefly in the music room for cake and Happy Birthday, then back to dancing.  How to show the entire party in three totally different rooms?

Sketches of the three party locations, done in pencil, Patricia Bennett

I decided to combine the three rooms in one painting.  I did a preliminary sketch of each room (the porch, the foyer, and the music room).  Then I did a large sketch combining all three.

Sketch combining the three rooms for the LEP composition, imaginary people, Patricia Bennett

Color study of three room combination, imaginary people, Patricia Bennett

I ended up taking out two walls, compressing the ceiling, enlarging the left columns, and so on.  It was complicated!  The music room is actually located perpendicular to the foyer.

The final challenge was that I needed to move with the party (without getting paint on anyone!).  So I set up on the porch, painted guests for a while.  Then the very gracious event planner helped me to move my things up the grand staircase in the foyer to paint the dancing.  And finally I moved to the music room for the cake.

I think it turned out really well!

A huge thanks to the hostess, the event planner and her assistants, and Sasha's catering.