In Spite of Everything...

"Still Standing" an original oil painting by Bonnie Mason 8x24"

There it stands on the hill

Where it has stood for so many

Bone chilling winters, so many

Blistering hot summers,

So many gently blessed springs

and crisp autumn harvests.

And there it is...

Still Standing.

This and 9 other of my recent paintings will be on exhibit at the Jefferson Center from November 16 - January 15, 2016 for the Double Line Painters of the Blue Ridge holiday show. Please join us there for a reception on Sunday, November 29th from 2 to 4 pm as we celebrate the season and thank you our supporters, family and friends.

Working Large

When its 11 degrees outside!

Since its been so cold recently I've enjoyed working on some large studio pieces using reference photos from last summer. When I do a large piece (in this case 24x36") it helps me to use a value wash after I tone the canvas. This lets me work with the shapes - wiping them out and changing things when necessary - until I like the composition. In this case I used burnt umber and viridian but couldn't help myself putting in some of those blue reflections at the bottom. After that dries (use turpentine instead of OMS and it will dry faster) I choose an area to finish "in one go". Then move to another large area the next day. This is because I like to work wet in wet when ever possible.

Below is the finished painting. I used my biggest brushes and took about 2 days to complete it. I really enjoyed working so large for a change and hope to do it more often.

I find it difficult to get a good photo of large pieces. This one has a glare on the upper left hand side which washes the deeper colors out a bit so I'll have to try again some sunny day. If you have any advice - I'd love it if you'd share in a comment below!

Summer in My Head...

"Summer Place" oil 18x14" by Bonnie Mason

I don't know about you- but it doesn't take very many gloomy wet winter days before I'm dreaming about summer time or escaping to a warmer climate! One of the great things about painting is that it can take you back to someplace wonderful.

While on vacation at the Outer Banks a few years ago we discovered this quaint old home with its beautiful little garden. It always seems that wherever we go we spend more time at the local gardens than anywhere else. I think its where we feel most at home...

I recently had a chance to paint this view of the garden and it is now hanging in a Double Line Painters exhibit at Harrogate in Salem. Whenever I see this image the memories of laughter, warmth and sunshine come rushing back. I hope it will help you remember some happy times in your life today! 

Bonnie Mason has a blog now!!!

"By the Greenway in Autumn"

This is my first blog post and I haven't figured it all out yet so -- this is a TEST! This painting is an original oil painting size 14x11"  and is now  on display at The Little Gallery at Smith Mountain Lake in Southwest Virginia. Please go by and tell the staff you saw this on my new blog!