"Home for the Holidays"

This week has been busy getting some of the final preparations done for the weekend events. I helped hang the feature "Home for the Holidays" on Wednesday at Artists' Gallery. We have such a great group of artists and the show looks fantastic! The show opened Dec. 10, with a reception on Sat. Dec. 11, 2:00 to 5:00 pm. I have my works "Resilience," and two new small works; "White-breasted Nuthatch," and "Carolina Wren" in the feature exhibit, as well as "On Jordan Pond," "Steath," "Red Flyer," "Lover Boy" and "Romeo" and "Looking Back" in the foyer.

"Home for the Holidays"
Artists' Gallery
18 Bridge St.
Lambertville, NJ
www.lambertvillearts.com

I'll be at two events on December 11, I hope you can make one or both of them.

"White-breasted Nutchatch" (above) and "Carolina Wren" watercolors © Beatrice Bork

A Busy Day: December 11th

It's that time of year again, when I start to feel more and more like one of Santa's Elves.... in a good way! I love the energy in the air, painting, numbering and signing prints, and just the general good cheer in the atmosphere!

I'll be especially busy on Saturday, December 11th!

"Seasons Greenings"
10:00 am to 2:00 pm (One Day event)
Seasons Greenings is an art/craft show, I'll be bringing my calendars and some prints. They are also having their Winter Farmers Market at the same time so there will be lots to see and do!
D & R Greenway
Princeton, NJ

then I'll dash over to

"Home for the Holidays"
Opening Reception: 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
Meet the artists and have a sweet treat. (I hope to reach there by around 3:00 pm)
This show will run through Feb. 5th and will feature the talents of all 18 gallery artists.
Artists' Gallery
18 Bridge Street
Lambertville, NJ

I hope to see you at one or both of these events. Both will be a lot of fun!
Drop me a note if you have any questions.

"Baby It's Cold Outside" Cardinal, Watercolor © Beatrice Bork

Maybe a Siesta isn't a bad idea...

I had a lovely Thanksgiving, our family is pretty small but we always seem to have a good time. After all the cooking, eating, more eating, football, and washing dishes (that somehow seem to multiply on their own) the day was done. This year ended on a sad note, we got a call that one of my Uncle's passed away. This wasn't a shock for he had a long illness, but it stopped the "hectic-ness" of the day and made me think that we should really enjoy the present time. My uncle was a passionate motorcyclist, he was "cool" even though he was unconventional. His last trip on his motorcycle was to drive across the country, what an awesome thing to do.

I really appreciate being an artist. I enjoy living my passion, as did my Uncle. I guess I too have an unconventional life, but so far so good. I'm doing it my way—I do have my rational moments, of course. I will enjoy the busy season, but I will take that Siesta if I feel like it!

No time for a Siesta

The last couple of days have been extremely busy, we are indeed getting closer to the holidays!

Last Friday I drove (with my parents) to a great new gallery and artisan shop, Soul Made, that exhibits my paintings in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. The owners spoke to us about having a Father/Daughter show in late spring of next year. My father works in metal and creates beautiful jewelry. I am very excited about this idea, because it will be the first time that we will be exhibiting our work together. The show will be a combination of my paintings along with his artistic jewelry.

On Saturday I spent a lovely day in Lambertville, NJ, gallery sitting at the Artists’ Gallery, which I am a member. It is a beautiful co-op partnership, with a total of 18 artists. The art varies from three-dimensional sculpture to paintings, abstract to reality, with all the artists being juried in. The Artists’ Gallery is also unique in that we change exhibits on a monthly basis. We’re all very excited about our next show "Home for the Holidays", the opening will be held on Sat. Dec. 11, 2-5 pm.

Then Sunday—and throughout the holidays—I will be painting, signing, numbering, shipping, and happily keeping very busy!

I wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving, maybe I'll squeeze in some time for a short "Siesta"

"Siesta" Red-river Hog, gouache © Beatrice Bork

Time Flies...

I thoroughly enjoyed the "Salon"— one day exhibit over the weekend. There were great people, good food, a terrific blend to make a really special evening. After months of painting and preparation the day came and went... and so did some artwork. Thanks to everyone who helped in making it a successful event!



"Resilience" — Bald Eagle, watercolor © Beatrice Bork

What a Pair

I wrapped up two new paintings, just in time for the "Salon" exhibit tomorrow! I'm looking forward to the event, hope to see some of you there. The watercolors pictured here, are a male and female kestrel. They have great coloring and big attitudes for their size, a favorite of mine — among many.

"Warrior Prince" (top) and "Warrior Princess" © Watercolor by Beatrice Bork

November and the Meadowhawk

October is winding down and I'm gearing up for an event on Nov. 6th. It will be a "salon" style exhibit for one day only, a more relaxed show, some conversation, some art and some refreshments with some good folks! Here's a piece I'll be bringing to the show, I've also placed more new paintings on my website.

The painting shown was inspired this summer, while I was teaching a workshop at Leonard J. Buck Gardens in Far Hills, NJ. There were several of these red dragonflies flying around and these wonderful pod-like plants by the pond that gave me an other-wordly feel. Intricate, yet simple. Upon further research, I determined these were Autumn Meadowhawks. This info. actually put a smile on my face due to the irony that I'm basically known for being a bird artist (although I do like to paint a variety of different animals).

If you have interest in coming to the "salon" please contact me through my website.

"Meadowhawk" Autumn Meadowhawk, watercolor © Beatrice Bork

Fall in Vermont

I spent a lovely weekend in Vermont, helping Robert Paul Galleries celebrate their 20th Anniversary. The gallery is a beautiful space with a variety of different and accomplished artists from all over the country. I was able to get to meet a few of these artists, and had a very nice evening.

Vermont is a beautiful state, the colors in the Green Mountains were awesome, although I was told I missed the peak probably by a few days due to a bit of heavy rain and wind recently, still it was nice to feel that crisp cool air and view the fall foliage a bit earlier than I would have normally.

© Photos by Beatrice Bork

"Country Roads — City Scapes"

"Country Roads —
City Scapes"

The 21st Annual Tewksbury Historical Society Juried Exhibit opened last night to a very nice evening, the Historical Society does a great job running this event. I was pleased to see that "The Arrivals" won an honorable mention, it is one of three pieces on display. "Romeo" and "Bees" are also on view.

It is a short exhibit with dates and times of: Oct. 6—Wed. 10 am to 6 pm, Oct. 7—Thurs. 10 am to 8 pm, Oct. 8—Fri. 10 am to 8 pm, and Oct. 9—Sat. 10 am to 3 pm.

The exhibit is at the Zion Lutheran Church, Christian Education Building at the corner of Church Street and Miller Ave. in Oldwick, NJ.

Tickets: $3. For more info. please go to their website: http://tewksburyhistory.net/

Image: "The Arrivals" Barn Swallows, watercolor © Beatrice Bork

"Rainforest Rendezvous" is a new watercolor painting of male and female red-legged honeycreepers in Trinidad, West Indies. I really enjoyed capturing the greenery of the forest as well as the brilliance of these birds.

This piece will be featured in a Salon exhibit being held in November. If you would like to be placed on an email or mailing list to be notified of upcoming events or news, please contact me.

"Rainforest Rendezvous" © Beatrice Bork

2011 Calendar

I'm excited to announce that my 2011 calendar is here! I've worked up a new design, had it printed on thicker paper, and am very pleased with it. They're now available at Artists' Gallery in Lambertville, or contact me. There are more details and sample pages on my website: www.BeatriceBork.artspan.com

Busy as a bee...

The next few weeks seem to have become a busy time for me, with a few different venues exhibiting my work:

"Phillips' Mill 81st Annual Art Exhibit"
A juried exhibit at Phillips' Mill, 2619 River Road in scenic, New Hope, PA
The exhibit is open daily Sept. 25 – Oct. 30th, 1:00–5:00 pm.

I will be participating in their "Meet the Artists Series" on Oct. 7th, 1:00–3:00 pm.

Tickets are $4. Adults, $3 Seniors and $2. for students
For more info. 215-862-0582 or see their website at www.phillipsmill.org
(On exhibit: "Lover Boy")

"Country Roads — City Scapes"
21st Annual Tewksbury Historical Society Juried Exhibit. Located at the Zion Lutheran Church, Christian Education Building, at the corner of Church Street and Miller Avenue in Oldwick, NJ.

Opening Reception: October 5, 6:00–8:00 pm
Exhibit Dates: Oct. 6—Wed. 10 am to 6 pm, Oct. 7—Thurs. 10 am to 8 pm, Oct. 8—Fri. 10 am to 8 pm, and Oct. 9—Sat. 10 am to 3 pm.

Tickets: $3. For more info. please go to their website: http://tewksburyhistory.net/
(On Exhibit: "Romeo", "Bees" and "The Arrivals")


20th Anniversary of Robert Paul Galleries Celebration
I will be heading up to beautiful Vermont, and will be among the artist at one of the scheduled "Meet and Greets." The gallery is holding that weekend, so if you're in the area, please stop by.

Saturday, October 9th, 4:00 – 8:00 pm

For more information: www.robertpaulgalleries.com
The gallery is located on 394 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT.
(On Exhibit: "Scouting", "Stalk Walk" , "Waylay in the Mango Tree" and "Little Prince")

Also...
My work is also on view at my other galleries, Artists' Gallery in Lambertville, NJ and Soul Made in Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ. Please check out my website for schedule info. www.BeatriceBork.artspan.com or contact me through my email: BeatriceBork@gmail.com


All artwork posted on this blog is copyright protected © Beatrice Bork

Phillips' Mill

I had recently entered the Phillips' Mill 81st Art Exhibit in New Hope PA, which is a very competitive local exhibit. It has been a few years since I have entered this show. I was happy to hear that my work was selected to be included in this years show.

The jurors have a huge task of selecting work from a large number of entries, in 3 categories. I chose to enter in the framed catagory, in which each artist is allowed to enter 1 piece. The total number of framed pieces entered this year was 317, the accepted numbered 97.

The exhibit starts off with an opening reception on Friday Sept. 24, 5:00 - 7:30 pm, with the exhibit continuing through Oct. 30th. Please visit www.phillipsmill.org for ticket info. and more details.

The artists were also asked to participate in a "meet the artists" series, a nice way to meet and talk in an informal setting. I'm scheduled for Oct. 7, 1:00–3:00 pm.

"Lover Boy" watercolor © Beatrice Bork

To tweet or not to tweet...

Ok, so, I started a facebook account about 2 years ago, and found it distracting, and ended up taking more time away from painting, so I promptly closed it out. Sorry to those of you I "abandoned" as friends. I really only wanted to post some art events, new art, and a few random thoughts here and there, so, I started a blog instead. Then twitter came out, and thought it was a nice quick way to let whomever is interested about art shows etc... and it turns out I like it better than Facebook, one sentence at a time ... and it had a bird in the logo ;)

If you're interested follow my twitter chatter, click here.

Art in the Garden...

I taught an annual watercolor workshop at the Leonard J. Buck Gardens in Far Hills, NJ yesterday. As usual, it was a pleasant event! There were 12 people signed up for the class at all levels of experience. We started the workshop with some introductions and a small demo, then proceeded to the Garden to paint and capped it off with a critique. Buck Gardens is a beautiful place, everyone seemed to have a great time.

Thank you to the staff at Buck Gardens, especially Patricia and Joanne, for continuing to make this such an enjoyable event. I really look forward to the next workshop! (Sept. 1, 2011).

A photographer from"The Star Ledger" stop by, Ed Murry click here to see his images.

Above photos are courtesy © Patricia Scibilia of Buck Gardens

Dolphins

I had a great conversation with a woman at an art show, and what I found with her and many of the people that enjoy my work that it also has a nostalgia of childhood, which is where my passion for the subject of animals began as well. We conversed on how there used to be more animals in our rural areas, which is sad but true... and she also said something that touched me very much, she said that my art may become a historical record one day of what was... I hope that's not true, but it added even more responsibility to my painting. What if that really does become the case? I treasure my encounters with animals all the more as I get older.

The photos here are of a special encounter I had with wild dolphins off the Florida coast, they were curious about me, I wonder if they could tell how exciting this experience was for me, I'll never forget it ... I have been thinking of them often this summer and wonder how they are doing.

Dolphin photos © Beatrice Bork

"Yes, this is what I do for a living..."

Many people ask me if art is the "only" thing I do for a living. I am a self-employed artist, and have been for a very long time.

I studied graphic design, because I knew I wanted to be in the field of art, and my parents gently steered me away from being "just a painter", after college I started a graphic design business with a friend and it lasted 7 years, ending in 1996. At that point I had been doing both fine art and graphic design and started gearing myself more towards fine art. Being your own boss gave me time to paint. I used to joke that I had 2 full time jobs.

In 2001 I was accepted by jury into the Society of Animal Artists (SAA), and, I believe, 4 years later was elevated to a signature member, which is a very high honor... this is a group dedicated to animal art, and has membership from around the world.

I am fortunate that my artwork resonates with people that I can continue to pursue my artistic career. I am proud to say that my passion has never altered by outside influences on what art is, or should be. To me art is an expression of self, and personally I have much fulfillment from my surroundings.

"Virtuoso" Carolina Wren, watercolor © Beatrice Bork. The first piece accepted to a Society of Animal Artist show at Hiram Blauvelt Museum in NJ

Visions of Summer

Please join me and the artists of Artists’ Gallery at our opening reception on Sunday, August 8, 2 to 5 pm.

Summer. The days are long, but the season is all too short. The eighteen partnering artists of Lambertville’s Artists’ Gallery will honor the fleeting season with a group show to be held Friday, August 6, through Sunday, September 5. “Visions of Summer” will include 2-D work in watercolor, acrylic, oil, and mixed media; photography; and 3-D work in clay, glass, and wood. “Tourists, locals, and art lovers from throughout the region should all be sure to include this show in their summer plans,” said Artists’ Gallery spokesperson Laurie Nicholson. “Here is the rare opportunity to view the season through the eyes of eighteen accomplished and diverse artists. It might never look quite the same to you again.”


"On Jordan Pond" common loon, Acadia National Park, ME. Watercolor © Beatrice Bork

The Attendant

I am pleased to have "The Attendant" selected for the cover of the July 1st issue of Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association


"The Attendant" — Cattle Egret and Hereford Steer, original watercolor © Beatrice Bork

Titles

For me a painting isn't finished until I have signed it, framed it (archival, of course) and given it a proper title. A title sometimes presents itself as the creative process begins, sometimes during and sometimes after. Every painting I do is personal and sometimes it's difficult to really reflect all the feelings I have about a piece in only a few words, but I think a good title gives a viewer direction of what I was thinking in addition to their own thoughts about a piece. It can be simple, serious, nostalgic, and sometimes humorous.

A few examples:

"Red Flyer" is a painting of a cardinal flying over the snow as I was painting, all I could think of was the red flyer sleds we used to have as kids and the name just presented itself.

In "Ah Go Ketch She Eye" the male is the standout of the piece, and in the scenario he is trying to win over the female with his good looks, I went for a "trini" sounding lingo on the title because the birds I observed were in Trinidad—wouldn't they "speak" trini if they could talk?

In the piece here, I kept thinking how the hens would like the "bad boy/rebel" personality, perhaps his "cocky" attitude was attractive, perhaps he's a "Lover Boy"?

"Lover Boy" (rooster) water media painting, © Beatrice Bork

Where did May go?

For months I had been working on the "Wild Together" show, the work was hung, the show began, and in a blink of an eye, it's almost over. By next week the paintings will be moved from the feature room and into regular circulation with the rest of the gallery, and a new show will begin.

Normally an artist's life is basically solitaire, you paint on your own, and create and live in your own mind for some time, I personally (maybe weirdly) talk to the subjects in my paintings to see what they're thinking (I figure as long as I'm aware that they won't "really" be answering me back, I'm okay!). A exhibit gives me a chance to meet people, I had an interesting conversation with someone from South Africa, I thought "how cool is that?" I'm just gallery sitting, and I get to meet people from unexpected places! Then there are people that I have seen for maybe 10 years or more, which is really great because they have seen what I have been doing year to year, I get to hear their comments and the fact that they continually come and show their support really means a lot to me.

The last day of "Wild Together" is June 6th, and I will be at the gallery take it all in one last time, meet a few more people, and enjoy the day... then get back to painting.

Artists' Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville NJ. Open Fri/Sat/Sun. 11 am to 6 pm

Coffee and Conversation

"Wild Together" exhibit will be kicking-off Summer
this Memorial Weekend with an informal gathering

Coffee and Conversation

on Sunday May 30th 2-5pm at
Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ.

The exhibit continues through June 6th.
Artists' Gallery hours are Fri/Sat/Sun 11am-6pm.
I'll also be spending a few hours at the gallery each day through and including Memorial Day!

All are welcome, I look forward to seeing you there!
Happy Summer!


"Romeo" watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork

Busy Week!

Our show "Wild Together" is up and running at the Artists' Gallery in Lambertville, NJ. We had a busy opening last Saturday, it was really nice to meet new people as well as seeing familiar faces!

I also participated in the local Teen Arts Festival Tues. and Wed., which was a relaxing day for students to mingle with students from other schools in the district, and try out various arts mediums. They also get a chance to show what they have been working on throughout the year; there is an art exhibit tent, theater/dance shows and music showcased during the 2 days.

I have donated "Jacobin," for a fundraiser this coming Sat. "Arts & Music 4 Haiti", a concert and art auction, at Rago Arts and Auction Center in Lambertville, NJ. (7:30 to midnight) to benefit The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. I have a fondness for the Caribbean islands, and am happy to donate a piece for this very good cause.

Next event to look forward to is our "Coffee and Conversation" which is part of "Wild Together" exhibit, and happens on Sun. May 30th!

"Jacobin" — White-necked Jacobin. Watercolor © Beatrice Bork

"Red Flyer"

With a chill in the spring air, I thought I'd post a painting that I had done this winter. It was a snowy few weeks that inspired me to create this piece. I entitled it "Red Flyer" because I remember how much fun it was gliding over the snow in our red flyer sleds ... although as kids, we weren't nearly as graceful!

"Red Flyer" Watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork

The show is on!

"Wild Together"
Featuring Beatrice Bork and Paul Grecian
Artists' Gallery
18 Bridge Street
Lambertville, NJ

May 7 through June 6
open Fri/Sat/Sun. 11am – 6pm
and Memorial Day

"Waylay in the Mango Tree" Bananaquit, Trinidad. Watercolor © Beatrice Bork

"Wild Together" Opens Tomorrow

After much anticipation, prepping and planning, the exhibit opens tomorrow! "Wild Together" May 7– June 6th, in Lambertville NJ. Hope to see you there!

Summer Gems
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Watercolor
2010 © Beatrice Bork

Click here for more details.

One week to go!

I'm excited to be working on the final touches for "Wild Together" which opens next Friday. I know it will be a fantastic collaboration between my watercolor animal art, and my friend Paul's nature photography, I can't wait to see the "wild" exhibit.

My collection features paintings that have inspired me from our local area of NJ/PA, also the Jersey shore and from my trips to Trinidad.

This painting “Sounds of Summer” was inspired by a trip to Cape May last year. It reminded me of my youth when we fed the Gulls and from one toss of food we were surrounded by 20 or more Gulls!

"Wild Together"
May 7 – June 6, 2010
Reception: Sat. May 15th, 5-8pm
Artists' Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville NJ
Open Fri-Sat-Sun, 11am to 6pm
www.lambertvillearts.com

"Sounds of Summer" © Beatrice Bork

"Potsticker"

May is rapidly approaching, and the opening of the "Wild Together" exhibit is coming quickly, along with new paintings, framing and PR/mailings for the show. I'm also getting some new giclée prints ready, I've just finished new print that I hope you'll enjoy, the original was inspired by several trips to the south, Florida was one of those family trips we would take as kids. We would spend 2 days getting to what was then an exotic location. Cool little lizards darting about everywhere and we were totally fascinated that they could just climb on every surface! And, as with most kids, we loved to try and catch them (mostly with no luck!). As in all my paintings, there is some personal connection that I have with my subject matter, and this little guy was one that reminded me of how they showed themselves to us, almost daring us to try and catch them, only to dart off the minute our eyes fixed on them.

"Potsticker"
American Anole
Giclee Print
4.75" x 7.25"

"Sweet Fix"

Thursday is Earthday, I thought I would share a "re-use" of a rum bottle that made me smile, while visiting the Grafton Reserve in Tobago. The bottle is refilled (after washing) with sugar solution and a small hole is made in the cap, add a wire perch and it's ready to go. The most abundant birds at the feeder were Bananaquits. I really enjoy these little yellow 'bandits', they are curious, feisty, and plentiful. They seem to live life on a high, constantly in search of more sweets (anything from nectar to fruit). Considering rum is made from sugar cane, it is a fitting dispenser for the "sweet fix".

Other birds of interest I had seen during my short visit to Grafton were, Rufous-tailed Jacamars, Blue-backed Manakin, Blue-crowned Motmots, a variety of Doves, and Cocrico, which is the Tobago national bird .

Photo © Beatrice Bork

Garden Guard

Introducing one of a few new giclée prints that will be available at my upcoming exhibit (as well as on-line). The idea for this piece came to me whilst on a garden tour a few years ago, I found this neat stack of pots in a potting area and thought of the natural predators that protect this person's garden. The American Toad brings back fond memories of my own childhood, they were easily found... and it was amusing to watch them hop around eat insects. My brother was a big fan of "Frog and Toad" are friends I remember him carrying around a giant red bean bag "froggie" as a child. But I digress. This Toad will rid the garden of as many pests as he can eat-up, and therefore became the focus of "Garden Guard".

I have had some questions about giclée prints, and would like to share explanation by Paul Grecian:

What Kind of Print is This?

For some time now, giclee (pronounced “zhee-clay”) prints have been the preferred choice of artists wanting to create reproductions of their original artwork and of fine-art photographers wanting to make original representations of their images. Artists working in paint, charcoal, pencil, pen, pastel, or other 2-D media are able to reproduce their original works with great fidelity and museum-quality longevity. Indeed, these giclee reproductions may be printed on substrates such as watercolor paper or canvas which very closely match the look and feel of the original works.

Giclee prints are made using professional art printers and advanced computer controlled color management. The inks used in making these prints contain various color pigments. Prints made with these pigment-based inks are very long lasting (archival) and durable, much more so than dye-based prints. The longevity of pigment ink prints depends on the papers used, how the finished piece is framed and its display environment. The expected time period before some change in a pigment ink print may be seen can range from 75 to over 200 years. These estimates are based on research done by the independent labs of Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc., considered the authority on the subject.

Museums around the world have been making giclee prints a part of their permanent collections. Included in this list are: The Metropolitan Museum (New York), the Guggenheim (New York), the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston), the Philadelphia Museum, the Butler Institute (Youngstown, OH), the Corcoran (DC), the National Gallery for Women in the Arts (DC),the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts (DC), the Walker Art Center(MN), the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, the New York Public Library Print Collection, the High Museum (Atlanta), the California Museum of Photography, the National Museum of Mexico and the San Jose Museum.

Recent auctions of giclee prints have fetched $10,800 for Annie Leibovitz, $9,600 for Chuck Close, and $22,800 for Wolfgang Tillmans (April 23/24 2004, Photographs, New York, Phillips de Pury & Company.

"Garden Guard" © Beatrice Bork

Watercolor Classes Spring 2010

I will again be teaching "Wildlife Watercolor" at the Hunterdon Art Museum this spring (NJ). Classes run April 22 through May 27th, Thursdays 10 am to 12:30 pm. For more info and registration for spring 2010 classes click here, there is a pdf available at the bottom of the page.

Wild Together, 6 weeks to go!

I'm currently working on getting things in place for my next show in May, there is so much to do; postcards to create, press releases to write, mailings, emailing and so much more. Not to mention new paintings and new giclee prints as well!

"Wild Together"
at the Artists' Gallery
18 Bridge Street in Lambertville, NJ.

Featuring:
Beatrice Bork, watercolors
Paul Grecian, photographer

The exhibit will be on display starting May 7 through June 6th.
(Gallery hours are Fri., Sat., Sun., 11–6 pm)

May 15th, 5-8 pm Reception

May 30th, 2-5 pm for "Coffee and Conversation"

Barnsie and Copper

I occasionally work on commission, and just delivered this piece to the owners of these fine looking Chocolate Labradors. I was able to meet the dogs and get to know them as well as using many photos as my resource.

"Barnsie and Copper"
Watercolor
8 x 16.5"

Beatrice Bork

Hello!

What has really been amazing to me is the amount of people viewing my website from all around the world! Close to 150,000 hits since the start of 2010. To me this is very inspiring, I'm happy to have the opportunity the web provides to share my work with friends far and wide, and I just wanted to say thanks for viewing my site!

"Hello" © Beatrice Bork

Nice Surprise

I just found out that my co-op, Artists' Gallery, is featured in the "Quick Sketches" section of American Artist magazine. We are celebrating our 15th year, and it was nice to see the page with some of our artists' work published. I was among the artwork included, "Reed Song" is a watercolor of a Red-winged blackbird I spotted in Cape May, NJ. I look forward to hearing these wonderful birds in the spring, the sound always feels hopeful and a sign of nicer weather to come.

"Reed Song" © Beatrice Bork

Happy Carnival!

This is a watercolor painting of a bird I find suited for carnival, although it is very small, it has all the adornments needed to stand-out! It is a male tufted-coquette, which is the smallest hummingbird in Trinidad, that I had seen on one of my trips to the island.

"King of Carnival" © Beatrice Bork

Trinidad: part 3: People and Culture

Trinidad and Tobago are a twin island nation, being occupied by Spanish, French, English and by 1962 finally became an independent nation. It is very diverse culturally, with the majority of the people having an Indian or African ancestry. There is a wide variety of religion practiced here from Catholic to Hindu to Muslim to Rastafarian and more, although I'm sure there are differences in opinions, they seem to make it work. For more history and other info., click here.

I find the people here wonderful, most will greet you with a Good Morning, (or Good Day, Afternoon, Evening or Night, sometimes I get confused as to which occurs at what time). The language is English, with their own unique Caribbean twist, with a lovely melodic flow, easy to listen to. When speaking quickly I admit to not totally understanding, but the more I visit the easier it is. Click here for a link to a trini dictionary.

Trinidad is very well known for Carnival, and Calypso music, I am partial to Soca. I was pleased to see a steel pan performance on my recent trip as they were competing for the upcoming Carnival. It is said that steel pan originated in Trinidad, starting with African Drums, that were outlawed by the occupiers, then came "Tamboo bamboo" a sort of drum constructed with bamboo, then the steel drums made from barrels, and in time crafted into the beautiful musical instruments used today. Nothing is quite like steel pan!

Happy Carnival!

Photo of "Arima Allstars" at competition this year.

Trinidad part 2: The food

The food! A mix of all cultures, mostly Indian, African and Chinese. First the local market, what can I say, when you look around the food becomes it's own art, such a beautiful array of color and texture. There are many familiar and not so familiar items here... and even if you think you know what it is, it may have a different name. If you ask for a fig, don't be surprised when you get a banana... or christophene is a fruit we get here called a chayote... cilantro is chado bene, which is actually Mexican cilantro. They have mangoes, I had no idea there were so many, over 25 different kinds?! I had a starch mango that was unbelievable, it tasted more like a mango smoothie! Among the many fruits and veggies are a lot of spices and different types of hot sauces available here as well.

For breakfast, I look forward to Doubles with slight pepper (a wonderful chickpea and fry bake combination) so simple, so delicious, then a nice coconut water... imagine finding a vendor in NYC with a stand of fresh off-the-palm, yellow and green coconuts, ready to cut one open for you. It is cut with precision by machete, making a small whole in the top to drink from, (they have straws for novices like me) that will cool you down, and pick you up!

They have the fast food chains that a lot of us are familiar with, but when there I like to indulge in the local food, which actually includes a spicy version of KFC that I wish they would bring to the US. Other tasty items include: dosti roti or bussup shot with curry chicken, or stew chicken, potato salad and mango masala... calaloo (dasheen [tarro leaves], ochre, smoked meat, and sometimes crab), dahl, crab and dumplings, pelau (rice dish), the world famous shark and bake... and so much more!

Photo © Beatrice Bork, Arima market, Trinidad

Trinidad, part 1: For the Birds!

As some of you may know, my main introduction to Trinidad came after I won the Don Eckelberry award. My first trip in 2005 really inspired me, I focused on the nature in and around the Asa Wright Nature Center (AWNC), and only got a glimpse of the culture there. Since then I've been experienced a bit more and would like to share some of my thoughts on why I am drawn to the country comprised of two islands, Trinidad and Tobago.

First, the birds! Trinidad and Tobago are just fantastic, it's one of the easiest places to bird watch, they have more species of bird per square mile than any other country in the world!

If you stay at AWNC, you could see over 25 different species of bird from their veranda before you eat breakfast! My first trip I arrived at night, so I didn't really see that much on the drive up from the airport, but I can't express the overwhelming feeling of awe when I opened the door of my room in the morning! Birds of all kinds of colors, thick green leaves blowing in the tropical balmy breezes, vines and flowers, lizards, butterflies... to be honest I almost felt like crying I was so overwhelmed, instead I went right back in the room and immediately dug out my binoculars, camera, bird guide and sketch book and pencil... I thought I don't care what kind of geek I look like, I'm not going to miss anything! When I got to the veranda, I saw that I was not alone, I was among the bird geeks, and felt right at home... we were all pointing out different birds, sipping the organic AWNC home grown coffee, asking "what is that?", and there among people of different nationalities I felt right at home. I saw around 100 new bird species on that trip alone.

I've been going back to Trinidad as frequently as I can ever since, visiting Tobago as well. I just arrived back, and I have a plethora of materials for possible new paintings, the hardest part is deciding what to do first.

T&T Bird Facts:

• There are over 450 birds (including both migratory and residents) in Trinidad and Tobago
• There are 17 species of hummingbirds recorded between both islands: 16 in Trinidad and a different one in Tobago called the White tailed Sabrewing

Photo © Beatrice Bork, White-necked Jacobin and Purple Honeycreeper at a nectar feeder at AWNC

Artists' Gallery is Moving!

Artists' Gallery will be open at it's current Coryell Street loction through Feb 14, closed the last 2 weeks in February. Friday, March 5, we are re-opening at our new location at 18 Bridge Street - just a few blocks from our current location in Lambertville, NJ. The Artists' Gallery is a c0-op gallery, my "home base", we're all very excited about our new location.

A look back at 2009

During 2009 I ended up making the Artist's Gallery my "home-base" in Lambertville, NJ. It is a co-op gallery that I've been a member of for the last 3 years, and I'm enjoying the experience. A co-op is a little more of a hands-on experience than a standard gallery, the artists are entirely responsible for running the gallery. Along with having a personal investment in the place, I also enjoy interacting with the (no more than) 18 members at our establishment. This is also a unique place in that we jury to accept new members, and we like to keep the art diverse and of high quality. Each artist is featured once a year in a duo show.

I also was able to show my work in other venues in NJ: Lambertville, Hopewell, Princeton, and in PA: Jamison and Philadelphia, a Society of Animal Artists show in Colorado, and new representation at Robert Paul Galleries in Stowe, VT. Over the last couple of years I haven't entered as many juried shows and concentrated more on painting, and getting enough work to actually show in more venues, which is something I plan to continue into 2010.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all those that came to the galleries and shows, checked out my website, and hope those that brought a piece home are enjoying the work as much as I enjoyed painting them. I also want to thank those behind the scenes that work on setting up the shows and their efforts to help make these events such memorable experiences.

I'm eager to see what 2010 brings, I'm starting the year traveling to one of my favorite places, Trinidad! The island and it's rainforest are always an inspiration for me! I'm planning on creating new works from these inspirations for the May duo show at the Artists' Gallery with my friend Paul Grecian (a new member). We are both nature and animal enthusiasts, and I'm looking forward to seeing the gallery go wild!

"Looking Back" House Sparrow © Beatrice Bork