Do you love the atmosphere of an Eastern Shore July — thick with shimmering humidity, fields lush with crops, estuaries sparkling with distant white sails? The Green Phoenix Gallery is celebrating July with an exhibit of new plein air and studio landscapes, and a plein air demo, by nationally recognized resident oil painter Diane DuBois Mullaly.
A Plein Air Easton Alumni Artist, Diane has been juried into the competition eight times. The public is invited to watch her paint a demo en plein air in front of The Green Phoenix Gallery on Saturday, July 13, from 1- 3 pm.
“As a plein air painter, I seek to create a sense of place; capturing the light, energy and soul of my surroundings. Painting the summer atmosphere is a favorite for me. Using my palette knife, I describe what I see with layers of paint – sometimes loading it on in bold strokes, sometimes sgraffitoing (drawing or scratching into the wet paint), sometimes almost sculpting the paint to tell my story. I want my work to be joyful and sophisticated, and to speak of the beauty found all around us, painted with thoughtful abandon.”
As an instructor at the Academy Art Museum, Diane pays forward what she has learned over many years as a student in classes and workshops with living master painters. “No one was born knowing how to paint. Learning to create art is an endless, rewarding quest. It keeps us in the moment, gives us a purpose, and teaches us new ways to see ordinary objects.”
Also a Maryland Master Naturalist, Mullaly has created two ways to join art and science. “Pollinator Pebbles™” are bees and butterflies delicately painted on small round pebbles. Designed to inspire appreciation and to create awareness, a portion of the proceeds of pebbles sold at The Green Phoenix Gallery are donated to protect pollinators. “Nature Sketchers”is a monthly First Sunday nature walk along the trails at Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely, with stops for sketching in graphite, ink, or watercolor. Each walk focuses on what’s in bloom, budding, or of interest along the paths.
Gallery owner Andi Tassencourt invites the public to The Green Phoenix on First Friday, July 6, from 5 to 8 pm, to meet Mullaly, take a first look at her newest works, and to enjoy some wine, yummy finger foods, good company and conversation. Says Tassencourt, “By layering the inspiring qualities of fine art, as embodied by Diane’s paintings, into our eclectic mix of fine, artisanal crafts by local artists, and Fair Trade gifts from around the world, we offer an environment with a full range of creative arts for the community to enjoy!”
FRIVOLOUS FIBERS Yarn Boutique, located inside The Green Phoenix Gallery, adds even more interest, featuring a collection of its own line of gorgeous, hand-spun, and hand-dyed yarns. Stop by to see and feel the yarn for yourself, and ask about spinning, knitting and crochet lessons and groups.
The Green Phoenix Gallery is located at 31 N Harrison St, Easton. 410-822-7554. Open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Closed Sunday. www.facebook.com/greenphoenixgallery.
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