Hi There! #1 and #2

I have all 3 of my new macaw paintings on display at Artists' Gallery Holiday exhibit. I really had fun getting up close to these wonderful, charismatic birds! To find out more about the current exhibit in Lambertville and to see see Hi There #3, click here.  Happy Holidays!

Left: Hi There #1, Red and Green Macaw © Beatrice Bork.  Right: Hi There #2, Blue and Yellow Macaw © Beatrice Bork

Interesting note:
There is a project underway to re-introduce the Blue and Yellow Macaw back to Trinidad.

"Glancing Back"

"Glancing Back", watercolor © Beatrice Bork

"Glancing back" to my September show at Artists' Gallery in Lambertville, I thought I would blog about another painting that was part of this successful exhibit. The above painting was inspired during one of my trips to Maine, from a visit to Machais Seal Island. Although the time on the island was brief, my observations and encounters with Atlantic Puffins were awesome and memorable, and have spurred several paintings—with more, I'm sure, to come.

One month to go...

"Wood Thrush on the Rocks"
© Beatrice Bork

"Points of Origin" exhibit at Artists' Gallery opens Oct. 10 in Lambertville NJ. And all are welcome to join us for our Opening on Oct. 12, 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

I'm currently working on a slew of different things right now, first and foremost is painting and framing then, promotion, art statements, updating C/V bio info... excitement is building!

"Wood Thrush on the Rocks" is a new watercolor painting that was inspired while walking through the Sourlands (outside Hopewell, NJ). I focused on the texture and patterns that surround this piece. This is one of my new works I'll be displaying at the "Points of Origin" exhibit.

2013 Calendars

I'm pleased to announce that the 2013 Calendars are now available. See my website for image information and purchase: Click Here

The 2013 calendar features: Headbanger, Vantage Point, Go with the Flow, Pursuit, Run!, Glories, Sitting Pretty, Dog Days, Observation Post, Bandit, Fall Flyer, Coast Guard

Animals & Totems

"Silent Flight" Barn Owl, watercolor © Beatrice Bork

Totem pendant jewelry, hard carved precious metal, © Guenter Bork

Featuring watercolor paintings by Beatrice Bork and
hand-carved jewelry by her father Guenter Bork
October 15– November 15, 2012
Reception November 2, 2012— 5:00 - 7:00 pm

at
The Bank of Princeton
Lambertville NJ Branch
10 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ


Photo of Totems © Steven Pennett

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.

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

Holiday Lights

The "Get Lost" show finished off on a high note, an ending to a great show. It started off last year when Joe Kazimierczyk and I paired-up for this feature, all the way through to our ending "Coffee and Conversation" event. Having a feature at Artists' Gallery is always a pleasure, meeting new people and seeing familiar faces caps off the experience of creating and then showing your labor of love.

"Stalk Walk" original watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork

And now, as those who know the Artists' Gallery (AG), things change by the month, and today kicked off the start of our new "Holiday Lights" exhibit that features all 18 artists. Our work is not only in the feature salon but throughout the gallery, surely a place you could lose yourself in art for awhile. The entire gallery offers a variety of styles for every taste. We also have greeting cards, artists books, calendars, prints as well as our original works of art.  The exhibit runs through February 5th, and all are welcome to our opening to meet the artists on Sat. Dec. 10, 3-6pm. Hope to see you there!

"Get Lost" update

"Headbanger" watercolor © Beatrice Bork (sold)

Wow, we’re already 10 days into the “Get Lost” exhibit, time is really flying. The opening was great, it seemed like all had a wonderful time, unfortunately I wasn’t able to able to speak to everyone. And since the opening a few of my pieces have found new homes, thank you for your support!

We will be having one more closing “Coffee and Conversation” event on Sun., Dec. 4th (2-5pm) if you weren’t able to make it to the opening, I hope you’ll get a chance to stop by and say hello!

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

"Get Lost"

November is quickly approaching and final preparations are being worked on for "Get Lost" the duo feature show at Artists' Gallery in Lambertville, NJ. I'm pleased to be exhibiting my animal watercolors with Joe Kazimierczyk's wonderful landscapes. I feel our artwork compliments each other, as we both draw inspiration from the outdoors.

Come by and "Get Lost" in a moment, in nature, in discovery. Exhibit begins November 11, with an artists reception on November 12, 5 to 8:00 pm.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

"Silent Night" Barn Owl © Beatrice Bork

Save the Date

Get Lost

in a moment, in nature, in discovery. 

Artists’ Gallery

18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ

www.lambertvillearts.com

Featuring original paintings by

Landscape artist, Joe Kazimierczyk

and

Animal artist, Beatrice Bork

Join us for our Open House:

Saturday, November 12, 5 – 8:00 pm

and “Coffee & Conversation”

Sun. Dec. 4, 2 – 5:00 pm

Exhibit Dates: Nov. 11-Dec. 4, 2011

Gallery hours: Fri./Sat./Sun. 11 am–6 pm. LambertvilleArts.com  •  609.397.4588

It's Raining Cats and Dogs

I’m happy to be included in this recently opened exhibit at the Present Day Club, 72 Stockton St, Princeton, NJ. The show is presented by a combination of predominantly NJ and PA artists, curated by Susan Roseman.

Among the many accomplished artists in the show are my colleagues from Artists’ Gallery, Jennifer Cadoff and Gail Bracegirdle. All the works are of dogs and cats — what’s not to love!

The show is free and open to the public now through October 28. The club is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9am–4pm, Friday 1–4pm and Saturday by appointment 609-924-1014. All works are for sale.

"Dog Days" watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork

Art and the Animal 2011

I'm proud to have a painting included with The Society of Animal Artists 51st Annual Members Exhibition.

I unfortunately will not be able to attend the opening, but I know from past SAA exhibits this is a great place to see some of the best animal art! If you're in the area check it out!

The exhibit begins at The Dennos Museum Center on September 17 in Traverse City, Michigan.


"Bees" watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork

The Fall Line-up

It's shaping up to be a busy fall!

SHOWS: 51st Annual Exhibition of the Society of Animal Artists “Art and the Animal”

Opening September 17

Dennos Museum Center

Traverse City, MI

Continues on Tour, details on future locations to come.

“Get Lost”

with Beatrice Bork and
Joe Kazimierczyk

Nov. 11 – Dec. 4, 2011

Opening Reception:

Sat. Nov. 12, 5 to 8pm,
all are welcome!

Artists' Gallery,
18 Bridge St., Lambertville, NJ

WORKSHOPS/CLASSES:

"Art in the Garden"

September 1, 2011 (rain date Sept. 2)

9:30 am - 3:30 pm

at Leonard J. Buck Garden, Far Hills, NJ

Workshop/Hunterdon Watercolor Society

Topic: From inspiration to the finished painting

September 12, 2011

7 - 9 pm

All art © Beatrice Bork

Horses!

I have been presented with a unique challenge to paint 11 horses, but not just any horses. This piece will be focused on 3 generations of paints. I have been given photos, with detailed descriptions of their personalities—and will be depicting them running as a herd, starting with "grand-mare". While I generally do not work on many commissioned works, this venture seemed too exciting to pass up! I am looking forward to the weeks/months ahead as I go through the process of creating this from sketch to final watercolor painting.

I will be posting a series of progression... I'll just need to keep a camera close by and remember to take a photo now and then to show the progress ;)

In this first drawing I've created a very loose sketch to get a feel of where each horse will be positioned. I used vine charcoal to do this, as it's easy to get quick lines down, and rub off as needed.

© rough sketch of paint horses by Beatrice Bork — work yet to be titled. 2011

New prints and book

I have spent the last week or so working on updating my website design as well as adding a few new prints and made the "Birds of Trinidad" book available through the shopping cart as well.

The newly listed Limited Edition Giclee prints are: Baby It's Cold Outside (Cardinal), Sweet Nectar (Bumble Bee), Charming (Green Frog), and Ruby-throated Hummingbird. (image shown above).

Happy Summer!

"Ruby-throated Hummingbird" Watercolor © Beatrice Bork

So, what's going on now?

In case you missed the "BORK" show which ended this weekend, there will still be a few of my paintings as well as my father's jewelry at Soul Made Gallery if you're in the Pt. Pleasant Beach (NJ) area.

This weekend at the Artists' Gallery in Lambertville (NJ) we are joining the "Hidden Gardens Tour" with the local Kalmia group to on Saturday. The artists select pieces to benefit this wonderful organization, so come out, enjoy the gardens and stop by the gallery to see some beautiful artwork.

I will also be presenting "Sentry", a Red-shouldered hawk, my latest original watercolor painting at the Artists' Gallery this month.

Image above: "Sentry" watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork

"BORK" Show extended

One more chance to see the "BORK" exhibit at Soul Made Gallery, extended until June 5.

This is a very unique show as both my father and I are exhibiting together for the first time. This is my father's first show ever, our family is so pleased this has finally become a reality. I was thrilled with how elegantly our work was arranged throughout the gallery.

The reception last Friday was so much fun (although a little nerve wracking for my father— welcome to my world dad ;). Many thanks to the wonderful folks at Soul Made who made this a memorable event!

Soul Made is located at 725 Arnold Avenue in beautiful Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ. For more info. click here.

Photo courtesy of Andy Cialone