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| Ann Crostic taking in the pond |
What a fabulous day! The weather was gorgeous. Blue skies,
moderate temperatures and plenty of scenery for the Plein Air artists to
capture made for a near perfect day. I found seven artists around the Solomons
area this morning, and I have to say that each and every one of them were
amazingly gracious. They all were willing to chat a little while they painted.
Calvert Marina was a popular choice today, as four painters
selected its boundaries to set up in.
Ray Ewing,
John Caggiano and
Neal Hughes
found boats in the yard to capture, but Ann Jagielski Crostic was impressed
with a little pond that had lily pads in it. Barbra Stepura set up in front of
the last remaining farm on Solomons while the
Diane Joy Laird and another artist
too chose a marina. One chose (Crystal Moll - I think (sorry) a 1976 bay boat, typically used for oystering and
crabbing. It’s under restoration by a young man named Chris. I caught up with
Chris late in the day, and had a chance to learn of his passion for restoring
the older classic vessels of the area. Diane Laird has a background in
design that has influenced her to paint more architectural items. Often of building
of historic towns, today’s subject of a pier and small building lent themselves
well to her ink and watercolor style.
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| Chris - restoring the bay boat |
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| Ray Ewing at work |
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| John Caggiano |
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| Neal Hughes |
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| Diane Laird |
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| David Diaz |
This evening I found one more painter before the Welcoming
event held at the Charles Street Brasserie.
David Diaz was painting a scene of
the homes that overlook the creeks, and true to form he too was as gracious as
all the other artists I’ve had the pleasure to meet. The Welcoming event,
called Blessing of the Brushes was simply phenomenal. It wasn’t just the venue
and the food that made it special – though it was outstanding. The community
vibe was enthralling. This community will embrace you like their own. Striking
up a conversation was natural and easy. I really hope you have some time to
visit this week while the artists are painting.
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| Check out how the gent on the left has his tie tied! |
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| Wonderful community! |
The setting sun put on a display that I'm sure made some of the artists think-- "I should be painting right now!"
I'd love to tell you more, but I need to get some rest; there's more tomorrow!!
Blessings,
Brian
Great first day blog, Brian! Thanks for all you do :) -KK
ReplyDeleteI love your posts and photos of Solomons, Brian! I am fortunate to call this area home, but I am always so pleasantly surprised and often taken aback by its beauty when seen through the eyes of another! Thank you! :-)
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