Serenity©Kathy Cousart

30 x 40 Oil on Linen

Available at Shain Gallery at 703-334-7744

I could paint Marshes all day long- just something about them and what they make me feel- a peace and serenity. The definition of Serenity is “The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled: “an oasis of serenity”. Perhaps in this crazy world we all need a bit of that these days. I have said it before- am so lucky to have art in my life and I think that is what It brings to me- the gift of peace and I love the learning. This was such a fun scene to paint that I have also painted plein air a few times. It has a timeless feel and I just love the golden rich colors of this marsh. Working from life/studies always gives you the advantage of color notes and some information you just can’t get from photos. This painting is part of the Low Country Show at Shain Gallery! It’s opening on May 9th and I am excited to have four paintings in such a prestigious gorgeous gallery! Y’all mark your calendars and come see all the beautiful art!

As I said above, I do love the learning process and am soaking it all up at the Sherrie McGraw workshop. I don’t even know where to start with how much information I feel I am processing. Learning about Abstract Realism has been amazing- watching Sherrie paint is like watching a dancer- just poetic motion. I have loved understanding her process. Below is a photo of Sherrie teaching about setting up a still life and determining what your concept is. So fun that she loves hydrangeas too and incorporated some flowers from my garden into some set ups. I so love painting flowers and am learning buckets about that! We have three more days to go and I can’t wait to go paint again- our days are full and we have a dual demo tonight with Sherrie and Jacqueline Kamen!

Sherrie McGraw Teaching Still Life Set Ups with some flowers from my garden!©Kathy Cousart