Hopewell Theater

One of the first sunny days in April the "Eastern Ohio Plein Air Artists" met at the Hopewell Theater on Mahoning avenue in Youngstown. We each did a painting of the interesting theater building, originally a church building. Prints of our paintings will be sold as note cards to raise money for the productions.

12" x 12"     Oil on cradled wood    $550

Beaver Creek Spring

Plein Air in Beaver Creek State Park. Sitting alongside a stream, hearing the bird calls, soaking up the peace of a place, nothing compares. Three of my artist friends joined me here, Sheri, Carol and Peppe! Thank you friends.

12" x 12"     Oil on wood     $350

Apple Blossoms

The apple blossoms in Ross' orchard were in full bloom the same week as bluebells. It would be a shame to neglect painting this neighbor's old fashioned apple trees. Their blossoms do not last but a few days. So here is this year's attempt at painting them. such a feeling of peace and blessing to sit under the apple blossoms to render this study.

16" x 20"  Oil on Ampersand board $550

Guterba Barn

Kyle Guterba wrote, "I found someone braving the rain when I got home from work, under an umbrella doing something…..Only to find her beautiful art work of my families barn from the mid 1860"s. She has a true gift and talent. I can't wait to hang it up to share with others. Feeling blessed to stand on this same ground as the 6th generation, 162 years later after my family first settled here in 1856. What a wonderful feeling and honor to call this place home. Blessings to you Nancy Hawkins for bringing smiles to my family on this rainy spring day." Such a dear man!!

16 " x 20" Oil on Ampersand Gessoed Board SOLD

So, then a cousin of Kyle's asked that I paint another of the barn. This time I chose a sunny day. The painting came out a little different. I enjoyed them both. What a wonderful subject and story behind it.

12" x 24" Oil on Cradled Wood  SOLD

Kent Plein Air

My painting of Mohican Falls Trail was accepted into Gallery Ten

 juried show, Best of Ohio Plein Air II. They offered a Quick paint prior to the opening. This was my effort in the quick paint. Rain storms came through as we worked frantically to finish in 2 hours. I had much help to shelter from the storms. A worker at the  corner coffee house helped during the downpour. Jim Polewcheck offered to  act as my sherpa by holding his umbrella over me. A sweet lady with her daughter brought me coffee. So below is the old Kent train station, painted in the rain.

12" x 12" Oil on board  $650

currently hanging at the Kent Gallery Ten Kent,Ohio

Virginia Bluebells in Ohio

Virginia Bluebells are a rarity in our area, however you can find them hidden in a few wooded areas. Poland Municipal Forest is one place. This year they were more abundant than most people ever remember seeing them. Apparently area flooding was the key. What a beautiful day this was!!!

20" x 20" Oil on Gessoed Ampersand Board $700

Glenn's Redbud Tree

Glenn wrote to say his favorite spring flowering tree is the Redbud. He asked if I would create a painting with a redbud featured in it. I said sure. As with most flowers there is only a window of time in which they're in bloom. I drove out into the country searching the edge of wooded areas. They do not seem to grow wild in our area of Ohio. This tree is at the edge of our driveway. I have painted it in the past. I always enjoyed the sculpturesque look of the gnarled and twisted trunk and branches. Thank you Glenn, for pushing me to paint this tree again.

18" x 24" Oil on gessoed Ampersand Board  Sold

Shari's Daffodils

Another lovely day our plein air group painted at Shari's home. Her daffodils are just amazing. She has so many varieties that she lost count. The chair is one she faugh painted a few years back. A perfect setting. I painted to my hearts content. 

12" x 16" Oil Sold

                                       

Hoyt Bouquet

While the daffodil were making a lovely show I was invited to demonstrate my painting skill at the Hoyt open house. This is my demo. 

12" x 12" Oil on cradled wood  $550

Narcissus on linen

The narcissus blooming outside my studio called me to paint. Spring came all at once after winter's long run. I had to paint nearly every day to catch up! No time to photograph or blog. 

11" x 14"  oil on linen  $650

Nectarine Blossoms

Early Spring, beautiful day to paint at Arrowhead Orchards. Kathleen and I met to paint the pink blossoms of these first bloomers, Nectarine trees.

16" x 20"    Oil on Ampersand Gesso board  $650

Leetonia

This was the first day this spring that I could invite the Plein Air group to paint outside. Nobody took me up on it. There was still a little nip in the air. I had no idea that the beautiful building on the corner was being refurbished. It now houses "Bark Mobile" Veterinary practice. The lovely Doctor bought my painting!!