Bird geek

Birding is a pastime I really enjoy, it not only inspires my painting, but also can be exciting. Nothing perks up an outing more than identifying a bird that I haven't seen in a long time, or a new behavior, or better yet something totally brand new. I think the appeal is sort of in the same realm as collectables, only I end up with some photos, observations/memories and some sketches if I get a long enough look.

All you need to start with is a bird book, and keen vision and/or binoculars. Be warned, it can be addictive, and accessories are abundant... Hiking boots, hats, cargo pants and/or vests and backpacks—to hold more books, birding lists, pencils, sun tan lotion, bug lotion, better and more expensive binoculars (with harness as to not strain your neck), cameras with monster zoom lenses, scopes, tripods, tape recorders, flash lights, and night vision accessories, and more! Result: an outfit that gives a fashion designer the heebee-jeebees, and a chiropractors dream patient.

Personally, I stay as lightweight as possible, I'm more into the observation than actually keeping a life list. I carry mini-bins, a point and shoot (with a great zoom), a sketch book, pencil and portable watercolor set, which all fits into a small backpack and, if I remember, bird book--as small as possible.

flashback, 2001

I thought it might be interesting to look back at some noteworthy happenings, that occurred prior to my blog (especially when I'm not sure what topic to take on next). I thought I would start with the Society of Animal Artists, of which I became a member of in 2001. I am currently a signature member and very pleased to be in the company of such wonderful artists. The group was founded in 1960, and serves in promoting excellence in animal art, and has members from around the world. The membership has given me some great opportunities to display work in wonderful venues and museums throughout the country.

The Artists' Gallery group (of which I am a member) participated in the "Bucks County Designer House & Garden" event, the closing day was also May 31st. The group created a gallery atmosphere at the Café as well as lending our works to the interior designers that decorated the estate. Cailen Ascher Design used a few of our works in her design room in the "Victorian House" including my giclée print "Parallels". All in all it was a quite an experience to see the transformation of the estate and all for a great cause, benefiting Doylestown Hospital and Village Improvement Association of Doylestown Community Projects.

"Parallels" © Beatrice Bork (left), Interior room (right) photo courtesy Cailen Ascher Design

"Connections" ends...

We had a great show at Artists' Gallery, and capped it off with a little "coffee and conversation". It's the first time I had done this at the close of a show, and enjoyed it very much. Usually when a show ends you just take home the paintings that are left and move on, but this gave us one more opportunity to talk to some folks who didn't make it out to the opening, and talk to those picking up pieces they bought during the show.

Because I have representation at this gallery, I am able to continuously show work, so I moved four of the pieces into the rotation of artwork in the second and third rooms. I am working on new pieces that I hope to have ready for the next rotation in July.

Some thoughts on art education...

I conducted workshops during the two day Hunterdon County Teen Arts Festival last week. There were a lot of talented teens from middle and high schools in the area, who participated in an array of workshops, critiques and showed-off their Art, Music, and Theatrical abilities. Teen Arts was special to me when I was in high school as well—I had my first painting displayed in a museum because of the program. I was blessed to have great art classes and teachers throughout my education.

The lack of arts education in most schools these days really saddens me, there are so many talented students who would get so much from the kinds of courses that I was able to attend. The Arts build character, self-awareness, self-expression and imagination. Balanced education to me is not Academics only, it's like overworking one side of the brain without paying attention to the other. Creativity and imagination must be nurtured, not only to build our culture, but also our progress, you can't invent things if you cannot imagine them.

Buying Art

Buying an original painting can be a great experience for both the buyer and the artist. While we know the artist needs to make a living, a sale does go deeper than a simple retail transaction. Their thoughts, ideas and feelings are in the piece, it is not a mass produced item it is personal. When someone makes a connection with a painting it is just as fulfilling emotionally to the artist.

I have been painting for over 20 years now, and have known some collectors since the beginning of my career. It is so heartwarming to me when someone tells me how one of my pieces has touched them; remembering a loved one, or a childhood memory or just simply grabbed their attention and they still enjoy it years later. It is so inspirational, it really gives you the urge to paint! So, if you see a work of art that really grabs you, please mention it to the artist.

Painting: "Moment of Solitude" watercolor © Beatrice Bork

Vista and Canyon

I really had fun working on these Burmese Mountain dogs! Vista, still a bit of a puppy, and Canyon are both big, energetic, lovable dogs. I don't often take on commissions, but working with pets seems to offer a fulfillment that is enjoyable. Getting to know the pets and what they mean to their owners, then being able to create a work of art that will bring a lasting joy means a lot to me. I had a pet bird, Okie, who was the subject of many sketches, drawings and a few paintings, they evoke nice memories.

Painting: "Vista and Canyon" © Beatrice Bork 2009