Tag Archives: All Things Fulfilling

Wowed by Five Watercolorists

2 Comments

Watercolor is a medium which I’ve always considered a “wild child.” It wanders where it wants to go and easily gets puddled up in messes. From my own experience of just “dabbling and splashing about” with watercolors, its a very hard medium to tame. Thanks to artist, Frank Spino who was graciously giving of his time and explanation, he shared a few tips he uses to get the results he wants. I understand a little more of how he keeps control on a paint medium that strays and meanders. Using his easel set up with a work-in-progress, he talked with me about his process, which was so informative.

My meeting Frank Spino came last Sunday, when I went to an art exhibit he’d curated. He and four more watercolorists -Kathleen Maling, Joanna Barnum, Matthew Bird, Janet Means Belich “Five Voices in Watercolor,” was exhibited at the Gallery 220 in Havre de Grace, Maryland. All equally talented having earned what many might call “elite status” in the world of watercolor painting. Their work has been juried in to the prestigious American Watercolor (AWS) International Exhibition and many have been featured in top-notch art magazines.

Each one of the artists is set apart stylistically by what they bring to the paper. Frank Spino wowed me with the high level of color saturation he has been able to achieve through a very watery medium. A transplant from Florida, you can see where the interest in the citrus subject matter came from. His work is by no means limited to fruit.

As with former Floridian, Kathleen Maling, whose interest often lies in painting very large scale reptiles, such as lizards and crocodiles, alligators and Komodo dragons. Gigantic creatures! But that is not all! Her watercolor “Egret,” shows her adeptness at painting shorebirds.

Matthew Bird‘s work has a special softness to some of his figurative work, which upon my first introduction to him seems to be in-line with his demeanor. “Stopping by the Woods” and “Angel of Music,” as well as his classical still life paintings had me doing a triple-take, as I thought they were oil paintings.

“The Poet is a Funnel” by Joanna Barnum brought to the viewer a very emotive piece, depicting the face of Grace Cavalieri who was the tenth Poet Laureate of Maryland. It shows the poetess in three poses whereby her deep feelings for perhaps what she was writing or feeling about poetry she read are on full display. Grace has obviously been very moved. As you can see in much of Joanna Barnum‘s work on her website, it is affective, imaginative and powerful.

Last, but certainly not least, the Indian corn, leaf paintings and the Amish and simple life paintings brought to the exhibit by Janet Means Belich, were all synchronistic down-to-earth images. Much of what can be seen in her images are found in the fields and destinations in this partly rural county and in nearby Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Photo by Sue Leonard:

Back row – Artists Frank Spino (l) and Matthew Bird (r),

Front row – Johanna Barnum(l), Janet Means Belich (c), Kathleen Maling (r)

“Five Voices in Watercolor” was a spectacular exhibit. I enjoyed the art, speaking with each of the artists and taking in the “art vibe” once again in Havre de Grace, MD.

Glorified Music

Leave a comment

The way I see things, enriching the fabric of a community is it’s thread of cultural offerings. And in this county where I live, there is a real appreciation for all forms of art. On Sunday before Thanksgiving, I attended a concert that wove music and the fabric arts together for a lovely evening. The setting of St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church in Hickory, MD magnified the event further. The church squares the block with it’s gorgeous tall, gold-domed presence. And colorful handmade quilts stitched by Flying Geese Quilters Guild were displayed across backs of pews and at the front of the church.

The musical program of the evening stitched together themes of all the things a life filled with goodness should include. The opening composition of the program had commissioned lyrics written for it, titled “Fabric of Gratitude.” Each one of the other songs was sensitively chosen for the stories they told, many remixed, patching together some of the complexities we face throughout our lives. But the words and music of Annie Lennox and Craig Hella Johnson tell how there is beauty even in brokenness in 1,000 Beautiful Things. But Thanks be to God, even in brokenness, there is always hope for rebirth. The music of George Frederic Handel from “Messiah” told of this truth.

Measure me Sky! Told of possibilities, dreams and adventure which was a great segue into the next part of the program which included the Deer Creek Youth Choirs who sang of what childhood ought to be filled with – joy, laughter, nature, finding independence and finding purpose. However, purpose may come at anytime, even in later years, with wisdom, acceptance and truth.

One of my personal favorites incorporated the words of Mark Twain and it was sung by the children. The humor in it hit my heartstrings, because I identified so strongly with the words on several levels. “My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.” Thanks be to God, the challenges did not last a lifetime. Two other favorite compositions, about literature/bold adventures and A Welsh Prayer, music by Paul Mealor and words by Grahame Davies told of the spirit of giving and service. The prayer was sung with accompaniment of soloists, as were a few other songs. Make Our Garden Grow (from Candide) spoke of family heritage and making sense of life.

The final composition How Can I Keep from Singing by Robert Lowry arrangement by Daniel McDavitt focused on hope; the perfect ending to anything! As it’s been said, “Always walk on with hope in your heart.”

The two partnering organizations, Deer Creek Chorale and Flying Geese Quilters Guild, presented a rich interweaving between craft and song. Thank you to both and also to the Harford County Cultural Arts Board, Maryland State Arts Council and to the Citizens of Baltimore County who made the memorable event possible.

‘The final aim and reason of all music is nothing other than the glorification of God and the refreshment of the spirit.‘ J.S. Bach

Elemental Kindness

Leave a comment

People are generous of spirit. I’ve met many in my lifetime. Sometimes the only way we can return appreciation for it is to pass it on to others. And that feels good; it’s a way of sharing our gifts and talents and hope someone might benefit.

Many decades after I learned to knit, I laugh to myself because the woman who taught me to knit asked me what I wanted to learn first. I said, “I want to knit a pair of socks.” Oh, how innocent I was to think it would be an easy task to teach a complete non-knitter something as difficult as that. But, she hung in there with me through every trial and error. Under her voluntary tutelage, I finished a pair of socks and several more pairs after that, along with sweaters and other items. Truly, she had the patience of a Saint.

So in this month of Thanksgiving I’d like to thank all who have shared with me what they know about life, writing, publishing, art and all the other creative fulfilling things that I enjoy. If it hadn’t been for your friendship and goodness, many things that bring me joy would not have become part of my lived experience.

“Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another.” – George Eliot

Connection through Interests

1 Comment

 

Just a few ounces of trivia today, and then we will get to the point of this post. Did you know in the 1770s and 1780s pouring a little tea in the saucer was common culture? It gave the teetotaler a little something to sip while the rest of the tea in the cup cooled a bit.

This poem written by James Dean and published by Lamb Lover Music/BMI struck my heartstrings and it speaks to the nip of trivia. It is a song of praise and thanksgiving – which is what November is all about.

Drinking from My Saucer (verse 1) written by Jimmy Dean and Published by Lamb Lover Music/BMI .

I’ve never made a fortune; I guess it’s too late now
Oh but I don’t worry about that none cause I’m happy anyhow
As I go along life’s journey, I’m reaping better than I sow
I’m drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.

Yes, I’ll keep drinking from my saucer, Lord, cause my cup has overflowed
My cup has overflowed ~ Jimmy Dean

I’d like to take this opportunity to say how grateful I am for those who follow this website. Many of whom have been returning for more than a decade. What connects me with my community of readers across the broad branches of the humanities, is we all seek to manifest a satisfying life by digging a little deeper into the blessings that art, culture and spirituality bring to our existence.

This month, I’m looking forward to taking an art excursion to see a special exhibit at one of the top art museums in the city of Baltimore. I will share it with you right after Thanksgiving, right here on AllThingsFulfilling.com.

Generational Treasures

Leave a comment

“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

Leave a comment

“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!

Home-Made Fulfillment

Leave a comment

“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.

2023: Plein Air Painters Exhibit

Leave a comment

“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?

Splendor in the Day

Leave a comment

The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine … is simplicity. Walt Whitman

There could have been no finer day for the quick draw Paint Out competition in Bel Air, MD yesterday morning. Easels and artists lined the Historic Main Street and in other locations, scattered throughout town for two hours. A short window of time to complete a painting!

It is always refreshing to see youth jump in on the fun, and work on their painting skills. One participant appeared to be as young as 5. I spoke with a fourteen year old and she has been doing the yearly competition since the age of 8. Her practice is paying off well, I was impressed by what she was bringing to her canvas.

A few collages of photos tell the stories of just some of the plein air painters who participated. Indeed, there were many! And at the end of the two hours, winners of the 2023 Paint Out are selected.

The Paint Out is just one of many other arts events spread out throughout Harford County for a sixteen day period from September 15 to Sept 31, 2023.

Do return in four days time, I will post some of the fabulous paintings on display at the Bel Air Armory from September 15, 2023 reception and awards ceremony which kicked off the arts festival. On September 17th, the exhibit will be moved from the Armory to a space just a stone’s throw away, just behind the Bel Air Armory for a six week period. There are a few events scheduled in October.