Sunday, October 27, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
SPANGLER MIILL CONSTRUCTION By Cecelia Lyden
oil/canvasboard
11x14
www.cecelialyden.com
I first came upon this monstrosity of a building while driving on Spangler Mill Road, seeking paint sites. I was winding down a curvy, narrow road, when, wham, up popped this huge structure on my left, sitting right on the road. I pulled into an empty lot across the street to carefully study it- not very pretty, but amazing sculptural shapes and volumes. This was not the picturesque landscape I was seeking, but I still wanted to paint it.
I came back to the site with two other artists, early, on a sunny morning. We all agreed it was an interesting subject, but, as artists do, we took different approaches. One artist painted a long view of the building, with emphasis on the trees and bushes around it. The other artist seemed interested in the shadows on the shapes, using pinks and purples. I was interested in how the small and medium shapes appeared to grow out of the larger shapes, as well as the morning light and shadows, emphasizing the building's sculptural qualities. I also wished to convey my initial reaction of surprise at the sight of this massive structure, which was, so inartistically, plopped right on the edge of the road.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
A SHARP CURVE IN THE ROAD
oil/stretched canvas
11x14
I made two trips to
the Village of Lisburn to capture this street scene. I really liked the
structures sitting on the road, as well as the curving road. Unfortunately,
the height of the canvas is too tall for my composition. I tried to "lower" the
height by darkening the top of the sky and adding more clouds. I didn't like it.
I finally decided to add telephone lines for some interest. There were many
lines crossing the road and I thought they were legitimately part of the scene.
I was timid about applying the paint . I may darken them a bit.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
EARLY SPRING WATER LILIES
oil/canvas
18x24
This work was painted from a photograph I took at White City Park, Florida this past January.
Friday, March 1, 2013
FAREWELL TO FLORIDA By Cecelia Lyden
FORT PIERCE INLET
acrylic/masonite
For the past four years my husband and I have been fortunate enough to spend
winters in Fort Pierce, Florida. I have been equally lucky to have met some
local plein air painters. Lori McNamara, a Fort Pierce resident has introduced
me and others to many beautiful Florida locales. I have enjoyed painting at
these places in the mild, sunny weather. However, the seven paintings I did this
winter may be the last of my on-site Florida works. We will not be returning to
Fort Pierce next year. Our son, Kenneth, who resided in Lake Worth, near here,
died suddenly and unexpectedly December 9, 2012. He was only 42 years old The
autopsy revealed that he died of arterial disease. We had already arranged to
spend the winter in Florida and we needed to pick up his car and other things.
So, we made the trip; but our time spent there was very difficult. We missed not
having dinners Ken, going to Mass with him on Sundays, and my husband missed the
time they shared playing golf. All around us were reminders. Though the weather
had been so spectacular, we found that these reminders were too painful. So, for
now, we will say good-bye to Florida, grateful for the chance to experience its
wonderful weather and friendly residents.
..
Ken in nursery school
Ken, with family after Camp Hill's State Football Championship
Ken ,enjoying a party with fFlorida friends
WHITE HOUSE ON IMOKOLEE ROAD By Cecelia Lyden
acrylic/canvas board
11x14
Art Mundo is an art association in Fort Pierce, FLA, that, among other activities, arranges for 3 exceptional plein air opportunities in the area for a small fee.One is at the very large Adams Ranch, which boasts of thousands of acres of cattle fields, tropical plants and wildlife. I attended that last year; and this year I went to this charming Florida home outside of Fort Pierce. Again many, many tropical-like plants, shrubs and flowers. The building, with its many sections and roof lines appealed to me the most. The abundant trees, sunlight and the shadows created were also enticing.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
WHITE CITY PARK
acrylic on canvasboard
11x14
White City Park is another lovely, public park
filled with beautiful birds, turtles,and fish. The lake is covered with
flowering lily pads and there are many trees with blossoms-the bottlebrush tree
with bright red flowers and the orchid tree with lavendar flowers. I took many
pictures, and settled in front of these tall grasses and lanky palm trees. I
painted there for over three hours-warm but not humid, no bugs- pure,
white ibuses walking right past me-peaceful, serene- a wonderful, gratifying
plein air experience.
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