Flamingos. 3

Once the initial drawing is figured out, the next phase is to get the painting started. I usually sort out the background wash first. I originally thought to go with dark greens on this piece, and started with that approach—but it just didn't seem settle with my vision for the feel of this piece. I started another background with a more purplish color to compare. I let the two backgrounds soak into my thoughts for awhile before I decided. I'm very happy that I explored a second option for background for this piece, it ended up feeling like the right way to go. I then lightly transferred the drawing to the painting, as seen in a close up below. (note the color tones on the photo are a little off).

Flamingos, watercolor/pencil closeup © Beatrice Bork 2013

Flamingos. 2

Once I had the general idea in the sketch of what I was looking to accomplish, I then went further into detail. I pulled all my photos, and researched my subject matter—which in this case included skeletal images so I could better understand the beak/face and posture. I began by working on the individual birds, then started compiling them. Once I compiled them there were several more drawings done to get everything as I wanted them to me. The image seen here is the last of these drawings, and the one I will use as the basis for my painting.

 

Pencil drawing, Flamingos © Beatrice Bork, 2013

Flamingos. 1

My journey back to health for the last half year had put my painting on hold for a while, but I have continuously been sketching and reflecting, and ideas for future paintings are plentiful. While I still have treatments to complete, I am now feeling pretty good — like a horse in a starting-gate ready to burst back onto the track.

So, what is to be the creation that gets me back? I've settled on an image that I had sketched several times since all this began. Flamingos. Maybe the pinkish ribbon-like necks influenced me. I had seen them on one of my trips to Trinidad, they are of course striking birds and this seemed to be the right time and connection for me.

I want this piece to not only accurately depict the birds of course, but also have my own personal experience be reflected. They wade through the mangrove swamps and tidal flats in groups with there heads down going through the shallows and muck to sustain life. They are gregarious and looking at a group you see a tangle of necks and legs… and yet they' re in harmony getting through another day.

I'm now finalizing my pre-painting renditions and hope to begin the piece in the next week or so. Below are initial charcoal renderings, these are used to work out positioning and composition. The next phase of drawings work out more of the details and accuracy. Updates to come.

Initial charcoal rendering (stage 1) for flamingos © Beatrice Bork, Feb. 2013 

Initial charcoal rendering (stage 2) for flamingos © Beatrice Bork, Feb. 2013

"Lyrical"

"Lovie Dovie" © Beatrice Bork

February marks the start of a unique group exhibit at Artists' Gallery in Lambertville, NJ. All 18 of the house artists are participating in "Lyrical" a show that groups art with poem and song. Due to the snow storm predicted, the opening reception for "Lyrical" will be held on Sunday, Feb 10 from 3-6 pm. The show is on display through March 3.

I have chosen 2 pieces, "Lovie Dovie" which is paired with the poem "Hope" by Emily Dickinson, if you have read my last blog on Feathers, makes an obvious connection with my recent journey. I also chose my painting "Summer House at the Shore" to go along with the song "Surfin' Bird" by the Trashmen. It is just a fun old song, there's always room for some fun! ...  My inspiration for this piece comes from the Purple Martins seen at Cape May by the lighthouse, where there are a slew of "apartments" set up for these birds that "surf the air". 

"Summer House at the Shore" © Beatrice Bork

Feathers.

Well, 2012 did not go as I anticipated. Mid-way through my path took a detour. As many of you know I'm going through treatments for breast cancer, of which I have been told my prognosis is good. I still have a way to go, but am looking forward to having a better 2013!

This detour has made me stop and reflect, more than I usually do, and I'm looking forward to seeing how my future unfolds as I hope this experience is giving me some more insight than I had before. I'm not sure how this will come through in my art, but I know it will somehow.

Most people know that birds are among my favorite subjects to paint—and for years I have heard people share some very personal reflections about their connections they have with them. For me it is also a deep, even spiritual connection—not only in painting, but also in my life, many experiences I have had resulted from this connection to birds, and nature.

Right around the time of my diagnosis I found a barn owl primary feather, while walking my dog (it's not where I would really imagine finding one), it felt like a sign from the universe that things will be okay. It may be silly, but I like the idea and for all the stories that people have told me over the years about how special birds are to them, I will take them as a good sign. Next time you come across a feather, I hope you smile.

I wish you all a Happy Healthy New Year!

Holidays in Lambertville

"Vantage Point" watercolor © Beatrice Bork

Yesterday marked the opening of our 17th Annual Holiday show, a group exhibit of the house artists at Artists' Gallery. I have several pieces on display throughout the gallery as well as a few new prints and my 2013 Calendar. If you're in the neighborhood, please stop in! We have a wonderful group of 18 great artists with 18 different styles on display.

17th Annual Holiday Show:
Reception: Saturday, December 8, 4 – 7 pm
Exhibit Dates: Dec 7, 2012 – Feb 3, 2013
Artists' Gallery is located at 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ
Gallery hours: Fri/Sat/Sun 11 am – 6 pm
Phone us: 609.397.4588
Find us on: Facebook.com/artistsgallery
We Are LambertvilleArts.com


Among the paintings I'm exhibiting is a new painting that I had started right before my diagnosis (breast cancer) that I feel was a foretelling/symbolic painting of sorts. It is a painting of a house sparrow, perched on a lamp-post at Lambertville Station. The bird has a unique "Vantage Point" at sunset—and in a way at the moment I finished the piece I was feeling that same way. My situation had me stop and look around, I had time to reflect—where I was and where I was headed. I am going through treatments and looking forward to the next chapter when I can enjoy a new sunrise.

Animals and Totems, reception cancelled

UPDATE: Unfortunately, our meet the artists reception this Friday, November 2, 5 – 7pm has been cancelled, due to "Sandy". A new reception date/time has yet to be determined. The exhibit will remain up until November 15th, (I would suggest calling the bank if you plan on stopping by to make sure their hours are back to normal: 609-397-0333)

“Animals & Totems” — Featuring my watercolor paintings and my father, Guenter Bork’s, hand-carved jewelry at the Gallery in The Bank of Princeton—Lambertville Branch.

Click here for more info about The Bank of Princeton, 10 Bridge St. Lambertville, NJ.