You don't want to miss this!

"Here Comes the Sun"

oil on canvas by Bonnie Mason

Private collection

We Double Line Painters were up bright and early to hang our show "Seasons in Salem IV" at the Salem Museum. Its always amazing to see it come together. The painting above of sunflowers by the window in my kitchen is one of my summer season contributions. 

"Bright Sunshiny Day"

oil on canvas by Bonnie Mason

$650

I was visiting a friend when I discovered this beautiful area on the west side of Salem. It was one of those bright days in autumn when everything seems fresh and clean which reminded me of that old song. Do you know it? I think the first line is "I can see clearly now the rain is gone...." and it just dawned on me that the title of the sunflower painting above is also a line in a song. 

The Salem Museum

801 East Main Street Salem VA 24153

                                                        

If you have never been to the museum this is a great time to go. The show will be up from June 13 through July 11, 2015. The museum is having a "block party" this Saturday June 13 and the proceeds will support completion of the unfinished galleries in the museum's basement so if you're looking for something fun to do this is a way to combine two events and support a good cause in one outing. A portion of the proceeds from our show will also go to support the museum.

Please visit their website for more details  http://www.salemmuseum.org/

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! 

Christmas is coming!

"The Christmas Card" an original oil painting by Bonnie Mason

of the Duck Pond in Salem Virginia in all its Christmas finery!

I almost hate to say it but- Christmas will be here before you know it! Next week I'll be hanging two holiday shows with my painting buddies, The Double Line Painters of the Blue Ridge. (Check out our group blog listed to the right.) The Jefferson Center and The Salem Museum will be exhibiting our artwork beginning Thursday, November 7th until the end of December 2013. If you need some peaceful, inspiring moments during the holidays stop by and give yourself a gift by enjoying some beautiful art at these shows. Admission to see the art is free at both venues but donations are definitely appreciated and a portion of all artwork sales goes to support them.

The Salem Museum is located at 801 East Main Street Salem Va. 24153. Their hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. You'll find more information about their many holiday events at their website  http://www.salemmuseum.org

The Jefferson Center is at 541 Luck Avenue Roanoke Va. 24016. They are open during regular business hours and you may see the art when attending performances there. Go to http://www.jeffcenter.org for more information about some of their fantastic offerings this season.