Horses!

Horses, watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork 2012

I have finished and delivered the horses painting to a happy owner, and now pleased to show it here. These horses were great subjects, they all have different characteristics that was very important for me to portray accurately. I'm very proud that I was chosen to create this piece for the client.  The painting is around 50 x 30" framed, and certainly is a statement piece.

update on Asa Wright Nature Center

After I finished posting my blog this morning, I was sent another article. The quarry has stopped production—for now. Here is the article from the Trinidad Express.

They're looking into the "visually intrusive mining" They've been "directed" to replant the area that can be seen from the Nature Center.  So I guess seeing it changed everything? 

Asa Wright Nature Center

Seven years ago I went to Trinidad for the first time. It was a magical place and my eyes opened to the diversities of this wonderful place. It was an opportunity that my love of creating paintings featuring birds afforded me. The Don Eckelberry Award, through the Society of Animal Artists, provided me with travel and 10 days at the Asa Wright Nature Center. I had a great time and in many ways it changed my life. I was sad to read an article the other day about how a quarry is now inching it's way closer and closer to the Nature Center. While I have been to Trinidad and Tobago a few times since my first trip in 2005, I have not been to the nature center in a few years. I'm not sure what the ecological effects are and will be, but can not imagine that this is good. Don Eckelberry was a bird artist who was one of the people instrumental in creating the Asa Wright estate into a nature center. This is a struggle that is difficult as it pits economy with ecology, for my 2¢ I hope that Trinidad recognizes an ecological treasure can last far longer than a quarry—after the land is stripped there's really nothing left.

Habitat Inhabitants

I'm gearing up for a feature show coming up in 2 months, time is flying! I'll be displaying some of the images here as we get closer to the show. Here is a copy of the press release:

"Habitat Inhabitants"
May 11 to June 3, 2012
Reception: Saturday, May 12, 5 to 8 pm
“Coffee and Conversation”: Sunday, June 3rd, 2 to 5 pm

Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ

Accomplished artists Beatrice Bork and Michael Schweigart are excited to present “Habitat Inhabitants” at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville NJ this May. Their paintings will visually explore the coexistence of humanity with nature, reflected in the transformation of landscapes and animals bringing joy and drama in some unlikely places.

Both Beatrice and Michael draw inspiration from the outdoors and the intricacies of their subjects. Michael’s landscape oil and acrylic paintings enamor the viewer with breath-taking detail and sense of atmosphere. His work finds the drama in both the beautiful vista, as well as and turns the ordinary scene into extraordinary. While Beatrice’s unique watercolors focus on animal subjects with stunning detail and dramatic background washes. With these artistic elements, Beatrice creates a feeling of the moment and a sense of revealing the inner thoughts of her subjects.

Signing a painting

Close-up on a recent signature—

"Coast Guard" Osprey
watercolor © Beatrice Bork

The topic of signing a painting comes up occasionally and the reasoning of how people sign paintings can be a personal reflection of the artist as much as the art itself. A signature, initials, symbols only on the back or nothing at all.

The first painting I had some recognition with was done in high school, and was exhibited at the NJ State Museum in Trenton through Teen Arts (which was a great program—it gave me a sense of validation of being a “real” artist). I had signed that painting with a “regular” signature, my full name spelled out in careful cursive script. I don't know exactly when that changed, but shortly after I adapted the signature I still use today. It is something I feel more “identity” with—two overlapping “B”s with my last name spelled out. I have several reasons for this signature. First it’s nod to my father who signs his art with a “G” overlapping a “B.  I like the sentimentality and connection it has for me. Plus, it is clean and simple and recognizable. I am not comfortable with a large signature, and am sometimes even asked where it is—which to me is a good thing. I don’t personally like a signature that distracts from an image I’ve worked so hard to create. I don’t try to hide it, and once you see it is clear, but I try not to be that obvious. It’s even better when I’ve been told that my paintings are recognized as mine even before the signature, which is even more of an affirmation.

What's ahead?

Bees © watercolor
Beatrice Bork

Some events for the year ahead are already “etched” into the calendar... In fact, some are carry-overs from 2011. My painting “Bees” is on tour with the Society of Animal Artists Exhibit — which started in Michigan last September, and is currently at Peninsula Fine Art Center in Newport News, Virginia through March 25, it will then continue on to Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, Florida from April 12–June 12, 2012.

My first duo-feature exhibit will be in May with Michael Schweigart at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville NJ. The next one, will be a couple doors down at The Bank of Princeton which will be a special duo exhibit with my father in October. More details to come on both of these. My work is of course is also displayed continuously at Artists’ Gallery, as well as Soul Made Gallery in Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ.

Rufous-browed Peppershrike,
watercolor sketch © Beatrice Bork

I have several ideas for future paintings, and continuously work on these throughout the year. I'm always open to new inspiration as it comes. Pictured is a watercolor sketch of a Rufous-browed Peppershrike that I painted on location in Trinidad earlier this year, time will tell if it sparks a larger painting idea.

So the calendar is off to a good start and I’m looking forward to the upcoming events and what else the year brings.

What we're 2 months into 2012 already?!

I'm a little behind on blogging, because I’ve been in Trinidad, and plainly just finally starting to catch-up. So, Happy Belated New Year everyone!

I began the year in Trinidad, really nice, beautiful, lush foliage, birds and wildlife, friendly people and nothing compares to the balmy warmth of a tropical island. I spent most of my time in Arima, with excursions to places a little more “wild”. I spent time in town and visiting the market—it’s a hussling bussling place with friendly people selling some really wonderful produce and other market items. I even took in a Carnival kick-off concert. (I have yet to be there for Carnival, I hear it’s spectacular, seeing it once might be nice).

Arima Market

Carnival Kick-off, Arima

I also spent a little time in the valley parallel to the Arima, in Lopinot. The birding isn’t quite as easy as sitting on the veranda at Asa Wright, but the area is lush and green and every sighting becomes even more of an accomplishment.

Rainforest near Lopinot

 It’s actually quite easy to bird nearly anywhere in Trinidad, they have over 400 species. Right in town I saw and heard several species from the house: Palm Tanagers, Kiskadees, Bananaquits, Bare-eyed Thrush, Tropical Mockingbirds, Tropical Wrens, Yellow Orioles, Pygmy Owls, Oropendula, Blue Tanangers, Ruddy Doves, Peppershrikes and more.

Bare-eyed Thrush

 So, the beginning of this year was as great as the end of last year, I’m a little low on paintings, but not short on ideas! I worked on several sketches and have yet more research for future paintings, not to mention a few other creations I’ve been contemplating and sketching closer to home.

Photos and Content © Beatrice Bork