Friday, August 29, 2014

Ocean Tide Study I

Ocean Tide Study I
watercolor
6 x 6 inches
©Ann Thompson Nemcosky

I have begun a series of small paintings inspired by the ocean tides. A recurring theme in my painting that continues to inspire me to put paint to paper. They are about the light, color, and movement of the sea as it comes to shore in its eternal, comforting rhythm. As a subject, these images provide me with a place to expand on my painting vocabulary, how to show all of that watery motion with sharp and soft edges, brush strokes, and changes in value and hue. This painting was inspired by the beach in the early morning light of the sunrise, when the pastels of sea and sky blur on a misty horizon.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

sketchbook :: sunflowers

We went to our local farmers' market last Saturday where sunflowers were abundant. So I brought some home to paint in my Strathmore watercolor sketchbook. Of course, I put the wrong date on the page - it was sketched on Sunday, the 24th, the day after the market.
However, the sunflowers are still glorious today as they continue to grace our dining table.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

watching the river run

Watauga River at Valle Crucis
watercolor
8 x 10 inches
©Ann Thompson Nemcosky

We live in a place where rivers begin. I have always thought there was something special about that. One of our rivers, the Watauga River, runs through the beautiful Valle Crucis Park here in our mountains. It is a spot we often visit for sketch outings. This painting is inspired by one of the lovely views of the river there.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Morning in the Neighborhood

Morning in the Neighborhood
watercolor
8 x 10 inches
©Ann Thompson Nemcosky

My little rural/suburban neighborhood is not more than a stone's throw from the Blue Ridge Parkway. And it can be, at times, full of noise and activity. Lawn mowers, kids, the summer sounds of cicadas and the nearby cows calling. But early in the mornings there is a peacefulness when the light is soft and the grasses are still damp with dew. This painting is inspired by such a morning in summer.

Monday, August 11, 2014

sketchbook : random still life

It has been cool, very wet, and very foggy for days on end here in our Southern mountains. Wanting to sketch I chose random objects from my kitchen for a little watercolor play time.

I am still enjoying this Strathmore watercolor sketchbook. However, when I sketch across the page, as I did here, the entire page spread does not fit on my scanner. So you are left with a less than crisp photo in order to view what's inside my sketchbook.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Where Huckleberries Grow

Where Huckleberries Grow
watercolor
8 x 10 inches
©Ann Thompson Nemcosky

There is a hiking trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway where we have been told wild blueberries, sometimes called huckleberries, grow in abundance. We have not picked the wild berries, or even been along there when they are ripe, but the views from the top of the hill, looking down on Bass Lake, are beautiful.