Generational Treasures

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“Books…they are the destination, and the journey. They are home.” Anna Quindlen says.

This Christmas how about a gift that will keep on being treasured by individuals and families who have roots in Harford County or for people who love to reflect on small towns in America and how community life used to be. This book is one you will want to pass down through the generations. The content is rich with charming stories and memories of people, places and things that made strong communities great places to live.

Order now, in time for Xmas giving. I am proud to say I am one of the contributing authors of In Their Own Words. And also the Author of a beautiful biography about An Artist’s Journey into an extraordinary life, which may be ordered here.

Between the Stacks

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“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination.” ~ Sidney Sheldon

Yesterday in search of a publication, I went to the Abington Branch of the Harford County Public Library where I found my own next perfect story for All Things Fulfilling.

Here is the preface: “Literary Artist Meets Visual Artist facing editing challenge. Which lines are significant to the story and which are not? 

 

 

Artist at work – Pamela Wilde. Her interpretation of narrative art uses paint and brush.

Conclusion to the story: Cross-connection between art disciplines fuels creative energy. Inspiration can be found right around the corner.

 Note to our followers: Someday you may see the full finished story.  It is yet to be determined!

Cultural Values

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“If you are born with certain convictions, your path, no matter how thorny, is laid out for you and you have to follow, even if your tender feet object.” ~ Fritz Eichenberg – Quaker artist

Two Saturday afternoons ago, I set out for Jerusalem Mill Village in Kingsville, MD. Just as I arrived at the quaint colonial village, the sun broke through. I’d gone to listen to a talk given by Michael Olmert, author and professor, about out-buildings commonly found in colonial villages. Olmert touched on the structures utilitarian value and how they were built.

If you have never been to this beautiful historical settlement, which has none of the busyness of large tourist colonial villages, you are in for a serene retreat. It is located along the Gunpowder River and abuts the lands of Gunpowder State Park. Take a walk on the trails or through the covered bridge. Stop in each of the living history buildings and don’t miss the small art gallery in the Lee Mansion. The general store in the village sells Olmert’s book Kitchen, Smokehouses and Privies: Architecture and Outbuildings of Daily Life in the Eighteen Century in the Mid-Atlantic. His book has been used as a resource for many students of colonial history.

Keep your eye on Historic Jerusalem Mill’s website. There are lectures and other special events throughout the year. Next year, according to Rebecca Weber, Director of the Museum, there will be a series of presentations about how the Quaker values influenced trade and community building in the colonial village. Check the website for the best times to visit because many of the events are on weekends only.

Home-Made Fulfillment

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“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”  ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Last weekend it was showery. But it was filled with the harvests of intentional living bringing a mix of fulfilling things to do beginning on Thursday at a lecture and slide show given by Adrienne Stein and Quang Ho at the fabulous Ladew Topiary Gardens.

On Friday evening, The Maryland Center for the Arts provided a second opportunity to see the exhibit of the 2023 Harford County Plein Air Painters. Local art, painted outdoors at many cultural and familiar sites around the county in which I live. The talented artists who participated provided plenty of visual pleasure for me – one who is drawn to representational paintings at it’s finest.

I self-created my own seasonal blessings on Saturday by spending the morning listening to George Winston’s Autumn selections while I cooked. Winston is well-known for solo piano compositions which are said to be, “melodic, warm, pastoral music.”

So what did I cook? Seasonal favorites, of course! Butternut squash muffins filled with warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, a dash of clove and ginger, made even better topped with apple butter. And green split pea soup – flavors enhanced with hearty chunks of ham and a hint of thyme. A gastronomical melding of autumn flavors. A little sweet and savory.

At the end of the day, through a simple choice I made about what I value for this website, I attended an event that brought more coziness to my heart and soul. I went to a small village where the people who settled it in the 1800’s shared many of the cultural values I also try to embrace in my every day living.

Won’t you join me? Come on back in four days hence, on the 16th of October, and we will revisit a time in our nation’s history when life was very different.

Finding the Majesty in Art

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“My work reanimates historical painting genres forming a bridge to the present with fresh insight and imagery.” ~ Adrienne Stein

On Thursday of last week, I attended an art lecture given by Adrienne Stein and Quang Ho, 2023 Artists in Residence at Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, MD. I entered the exhibit venue through Harvey S. Ladew’s library of books housed in his Art Barn Studio. As you will see from the photo, most books in his collection which were published during the earlier decades of his life (1887 – 1976) were bound with linen, devoid of graphics and color. Only the title attracted a reader. But, once I stepped into the next room where the art exhibit of Adrienne Stein and Quang Ho’s work was hung, it was a whole different story – an abundance of color everywhere!

I and others who arrived eager to learn more about the art of Stein and Ho were not disappointed. They indeed provided artful insight into their painting processes. Quang Ho talked about viewing things as they are, as you see them, rather than painting them as they are commonly known to be.

Adrienne Stein discussed having a vision for one’s art, which as she says, for her, “is often about cobbling things together combining several visions.”

Both artists spoke about going beyond the obvious to bring the real majesty forward onto the canvas, often by “the color story” which is being presented in the painting. Quang Ho’s words hold much wisdom for students, as he advised being an artist is not only about being able to perform but it’s also about inspiration. His words, “The real master of art expresses feeling rather than technique, which is achieved through intuition rather than education” explains Quang’s thoughts more thoroughly.

If you are an art collector or an artist, check out Turner Fine Art Gallery They and other galleries, including Wild Horse Gallery represent the art of Quang Ho. Adrienne Stein’s website shows her paintings in the very best light. Both are top, award-winning, master artists who inspire others with their paintings and with their individual interpretations of the artistic process. Both communicate it well. What each of this husband and wife pair present to the world is a divine but different gift of talent they have been given. The only way to get to their level of achievement is continue to work at it, and by discovering one’s own authentic vision and by developing it over time.

To my way of thinking, the art of Adrienne Stein and Quang Ho was completely befitting of the venue which is said to be “One of ten top topiary gardens in the world.” What a beautiful pairing. Henry S. Ladew would be so proud of the benefactors who supported this show and the committee who selected the 2023 Artists in Residence. The two so closely fit a beautiful vision of providing exquisite art for an extraordinary venue. Both top class, all the way!

 

The Value of Short Stories

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“Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and other dreams.”

Yes! We communicate much through narratives. Therein lies their value. Short stories have been used throughout history as a means of communication. The first American short story published is said to be “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” By Washington Irving. It appeared in The Sketch Book in 1819-1820.

As a writer, to expand my repertoire, I have been dabbling with some short story writing in my free time. This summer I wrote a 1,833 word narrative titled Hungry for Color© Sue Batton Leonard, which as of now, has yet to be published. I gave a copy of it to my twin sister in August for her birthday and to a few other beloved family members to get their opinions. The story was rather satisfying to pen and to listen to their comments about the writing. One reader said, “keep it going,” meaning a full length book. We will see about that… I have to have the right vision beyond what is currently written.

 

Art Holds Memories

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This oft-repeated expression could have come right from an art collector’s mouth ~

An artist and I stood talking about the 2023 Plein Air Week in Harford County, MD. He told me of a scene he painted of a local farm, which has been passed down from generation to generation. When asked, the farmer welcomed the artist on his property and told him to set up the easel wherever he wished. The farmer gave the artist high accolades when the painting was complete. The painter felt sure the farmer was going to say yes, he’d like to claim it as his. The farmer passed.

A few weeks later, the farmer’s next door neighbor (also a farmer) called the artist and inquired about the painting of his neighbors farm. The caller said he’d like to purchase it because his daughter is getting married and he wanted to give it as a wedding present. Evidently, there were many memories made between the two neighboring farms.

Needless to say, the artist was delighted and so was the farmer’s daughter who received the gift. 

This story was shared with me by an active member of the local Liriodendron Wednesday Artist’s Group. Indeed, local art of familiar places holds memories for the collector.

2023: Plein Air Painters Exhibit

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“Appreciate your surroundings and be grateful for it… “— Conor McGregor

As you can see from the three collages of photos I took at the Plein Air Painting Exhibit last weekend, the views and vistas across Harford County, Maryland are plentiful and varied from the historic barns to the agricultural fields to waterscapes along the Susquehanna River, to the Deer Creek and to the Gunpowder River. Opportunities galore for plein air painters who have been visible everywhere.

It can be plainly seen, we have many very talented painters right in our Harford County communities.

Here are just a few award-winning canvases and some that simply captured my fancy! Congrats to all participants for your beautiful contributions to the show for the enjoyment of others.

Thank you to all the sponsors of the Arts Festival Week in Harford County, Maryland! There are many generous people who support the Maryland art scene.

Enjoy~

Lovely place where I am living, isn’t it?