EXCITING NEWS!
5/28/2020 12:11:24 AM
Hello Everyone,
I am very happy to announce that I have been awarded an Individual Artist Commission grant from by the Arts Center Of The Capital Region, (“The Arts Center”), on behalf of the New York State Council On The Arts! The purpose of the grant is to support my project, “Around The Apple Tree.”
Apple trees are a common sight in the Helderberg Hilltowns and for some time I have been wanting to create a “near to life size” painting of one using oil sticks. My purpose would be to visually draw attention to the relevance of the apple tree to the well-being of the community. Not only do we enjoy food and beverage from this tree, but it also makes an important contribution to the economy of the region.
My “near to life size” painting will be created in my studio over several months as I observe and sketch the seasonal development and changes of one particular apple tree. When completed, my painting will be presented much like a sculpture, with a gift of real fruit for all to enjoy along with a written dialogue to further communicate the purpose of the project. My painting will also serve as inspiration to the public to participate in painting their own community apple tree. I will temporarily install my completed work for display in conjunction with a relevant autumn community event, at Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville. A traced replica of my apple tree and all the supplies needed will be available to the public at this event to have the opportunity to paint their own “near to life size“ apple tree. My hope is to offer a community building experience as well as an opportunity to celebrate the gifts of the apple tree and it’s economic impact. The community tree will be donated to Volunteer Orchards, LLC, plan to host community events and the community tree will be part of their exterior signage. www.volunteerorchards.com
It will be very exciting for me to work with this new medium and large scale. This opportunity will bring my work to a new level. The grant would provide me with funds to start my new work while bringing visual awareness of the beauty and time it takes the tree to bear it’s fruit.
I will be blogging to keep you informed of my project as it develops. (it progresses, the steps, stages) My start was slightly delayed by COVID 19. I officially started May 13, 2020, when I went down to The Samuel Jenkins House in Rensselaerville to video, photograph and start sketching my favorite old tree before it bloomed. Thankfully we have had a cool spring so the tree’s skeleton was still visible. What a magnificent tree, all the twists and turns of it’s life and large burls of wood on it’s trunk. Although a sunny day, it was a very windy day. After an attempt to make my first sketch I found the wind kept blowing the pages of my sketch book a distraction. If only I had thought to bring some clips to hold the pages! I decided to go back the next morning and try again.
The next morning was a perfect for a plein air sketch. I decided to bring a larger sketch pad with me than I had the previous day. My intent was to record the main limbs and branches before they would be covered by the leaves. I have to admit it was hard to resist not adding some of the smaller branches, they add so much to the ballet dancer (pose of the tree) gesture of the tree. I left happy that my mission was accomplished and I had started a new adventure.
My second
attempt on a
much calmer day!
Starting with a line
drawing to record
the most
important details.
First sketch completed, charcoal on Strahmore 400 series paper, 14 x 17
I am deliberating now if I want to return the same time of day for each season to catch the same lighting. Adding the direction of the light may pull the painting together or it may be too distracting with the changing season details. Something to consider as I work on the painting, “what to add and what to leave out.” I love a challenge!
Please check my website and join my newsletter for updates. https://www.susanmstory.com
Check out my project announcement on YouTube https://youtu.be/2UCqxZAWPrw
