A Tale of Two Lighthouses

Time to show you the results of an experiment that I conducted with another artist friend of mine, Grace Stevens, who works in watercolor.
Grace had taken a lovely photo of a lighthouse on one of her boating trips and since we both thought it to be a great subject...we decided to paint from the same reference photo, but in our different mediums.  Her with watercolor...and me with torn paper!!
While we were going a bit out of our comfort zone with some of these textures....we both felt our results would be terrific as separate paintings....but the fun part would be to see how differently each of us might interpreted the subject.
(side by side pic is at the bottom of the post - you can also click images to enlarge)

Grace's watercolor is yet another one of her beautiful delicate pieces. Smooth and calm. The lovely textures of the rocks and the foliage convey a peaceful environment.

My torn paper painting of the same subject....well...I must say the word "colorful" comes to mind...lol

The approach to texture with the use of paper creates a whole other feel in the very same location.

With the watercolor you create a more fluid movement.
With the paper...the textures and patterns almost decide for themselves which direction they will take.

I really enjoyed this experiment.
It's interesting to see how different artists "see" the very same image and how they interpret that.
To see this done with two very different mediums as well...now that's a real bonus. Such fun to see the outcome.
I know I plan to do this again....and I think Grace is already looking forward to the next one as well.

So go ahead....get inspired...and do something like this with an artist friend of yours too!

Learning a new trick!!

OK...so, who hasn't seen the movie "Mall Cop"?? Maybe nobody!! And let's be honest....didn't you really end up wanting to get your hands on a Segway?? Seriously...who hasn't wanted to try one??
I know I have!
Well...recently I received an email from Groupon that gave me an opportunity too hard to resist.
There is a new little local business in Providence, RI that is giving tours of the city by Segway!!! Yes!!  It's appropriately  named "Providence Segway Tours" and it is run by a nice young man named Andrew who goes to Johnson & Wales University. Yes...doesn't hurt that Andrew looks a bit like a young Leo Decaprio....lol

It was not as if we needed a tour of Prov. RI since it's actually pretty nearby and my husband in fact grew up in that city...it was more for the chance to try the segways!!
We called and made the appointment and booked it for a Sunday afternoon. They take folks out in groups of four, so there was one other couple along for this run.
You meet at the Prov. ice rink...and at first it doesn't look easy to see where they are...but our guide, Andrew, came out and waved us in.



We were shown one at a time how the vehicles operate and then given a bit of time to get a little practice running around the ice rink before hitting the streets with Andrew.
What a blast. They are a bit tricky for the first few minutes...but once you get a handle on how it works....it's a great way to take the tour.
Andrew had done his homework on mapping out the best routes to take people to show them some sights while keeping city traffic in mind as well as curbs and ramps, etc.
If you were a tourist and wanted something fun and unusual to do while staying in and around the city of Providence....this would be the ticket!!
Always fun to learn something new....not only about the place you're visiting...but a new skill as well!!




Ooh...and yes, of course...I had to throw in a pic of the old "Superman" building. Yes it is....the very same one that used to be at the beginning of the superman series on TV. If you're as old as I am...you've seen it!!

Uncommon Art

Yes....not only do I think the word "uncommon" is a good one to describe my art, but, as it turn out, it is also the name of the new gallery I am in.... Uncommon Art Gallery in Bristol, RI.

What a really lovely space this is. Two floors of the most interesting and unusual work. I looked around at numerous galleries in the area, some of which were really quite nice, but was more taken by this slightly out of the way but delightfully charming place than anywhere else.

It is right on the main road...Hope St....but set slightly back from the B&B in front. Very near the water.

If you find yourself in the area this summer it would most certainly be worth your while to take a stroll over there. Click on the link above and I think you'll agree!!

If you're lucky...you may even meet Destiny!