Quote

"I would rather die of Passion than of Boredom" —Van Gogh

… although I'd like to keep my ears ;)

It's a true blessing to do what you love to do, and for me, starting with the morning walk, that includes any wildlife, is inspiring, and then being able to translate my experiences into drawings and paintings fills me with joy and gratitude.

A "Lyrical" Theme

"Caribbean Sun" © Beatrice Bork

This upcoming February Artists' Gallery group show, has the theme of "Lyrical" which pairs musical lyrics (or poems) with art. One of the paintings I'm planning on exhibiting at this show is "Caribbean Sun" along with the lyrics from the song "Yellow Bird" which I'm familiar with via a Trinidadian Steel Drum version, and a cover by Chris Isaac (it has been covered by many singers/ musicians).  While I was searching for the lyrics to the song, I found out that it is actually a Haitian Folk song, written by Oswald Duraund with music by Michel Mauleart Monton, 1893.

"Yellow Bird"
Yellow bird, up high in banana tree.
Yellow bird, you sit all alone like me.

Did you lady friend leave the nest again?
That is very sad, makes me feel so bad.
You can fly away, in the sky away.
You're more lucky than me.

I also had a pretty girl, she's not with me today.
They're all the same those pretty girls.
Take tenderness, then they fly away.
Yellow Bird, yellow bird.

Did you lady friend leave the nest again?
That is very sad, makes me feel so bad.
You can fly away, in the sky away.
You're more lucky than me.

Wish that I were a yellow bird, I'd fly away with you.
But I am not a yellow bird, So here I sit.
Nothing I can do.
Yellow bird, yellow bird.

What's next?

The current Artists' Gallery exhibit is winding down ("AG 18/18/18" ends Feb 2), and I'm getting ready for the next group exhibit, "Lyrical". This will be the second time we're going with this theme, it pairs up art with a song or poem.

"Lyrical"
2nd Annual Exhibit
18 Bridge St.
Lambertville, NJ 08822

January 25, is the last day of the Philadelphia Sketch Club exhibit where "Through the Shoals" is on exhibit. I was one of three jurors for this show, and there are some excellent pieces represented there.

Happy New Year!

"Twist" watercolor © Beatrice Bork

On this very, very cold day, my mind drifts to warmer climates, and one of my favorite locations is Trinidad, specifically at Asa Wright Nature Center. "Twist" was inspired by the Monkey Ladder Vine and those wonderful little birds white-bearded manakins. This bird is great fun to watch and listen for, it keeps a clean floor, and does a fascinating dance to get a female's attention. (what's not to like about that!) "Twist" is one of the paintings currently on display at Artists' Gallery in Lambertville, NJ.

Year ending, 2013

The Annual Holiday exhibit at Artists' Gallery in Lambertville will continue through Feb. 2, followed by another group exhibit Lyrical, opening Feb. 8, 2014. On another front, I was also recently honored to be asked to jury the 2014 Works on Paper show at the Philadelphia Sketch Club along with two other artists. This exhibit's opening reception is January 5, 2-4 pm and will continue until January 25, 2014. I will have my work "Through the Shoals" (flamingos) exhibited.

As 2013 draws to a close, in time of reflection, my personal thoughts on art is that it is something I hold onto like a life-preserver (or a security blanket). Even over the recent rough patches, where I wasn't able to actually produce anything tangible, I was still able to create both mentally and in form of simple sketches—which I feel are now a wealth of ideas to keep me busy for quite some time (not to mention new ideas). My paintings are a reflection of my experiences and thoughts, through my connection with the animal world using watercolor as my language.

Happy Holidays, and Happy Healthy New Year to all!

Lambertville for the Holidays

"Feathered" © Beatrice Bork

I had a great time at Artists' Gallery opening reception last Saturday! It's a great time of year when all 18 of the artists display their work in a group exhibit.  I had the opportunity to help hang the show, and I must say it's a great grouping of work!

I have a few new watercolor paintings at the gallery including; In Pain Sight (screech owl), Golden Eagle, Northern Cardinal, Twisted (Manikin on a Monkey-ladder vine), Feathered and some of my favorites that "feel wintery" including Red Flyer  (N. Cardinal), Stalk Walk (Ring-necked Pheasant), Lovie Dovie (Mourning doves) and Silent Flight  (Barn Owl). There is also a selection of my giclée prints available.

More information and art can be found at: www.BeatriceBork.artspan.com

Lambertville, NJ has a nostalgic feel near the Delaware River, it has a nice variety of antique shops, galleries, and other unique stores as well as a great variety of restaurants. If you're in the area, stop in Artists' Gallery at 18 Bridge Street, we're open Thurs. through Sunday, 11am-6pm and meet one of our artists. The Holiday Exhibit will be up through January. (Please check for gallery hours in January).

Coming up in December

"In Plain Sight" © Beatrice Bork

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving! I'm grateful for many things, family, friends, my pet, better health… and thankful to be able to have a career as an animal artist! I spend my time exploring, observing and soaking in the wonders around me, and then reliving these experiences through drawing and painting.

I also enjoy the excitement of an art exhibit, creating and selecting paintings, the planning and hanging, and then meeting new people as well as catching up with acquaintances I've met along the way.  Next up is the "AG 18/18/18" the annual holiday exhibit at Artists' Gallery in Lambertville, NJ. This is one of two group exhibits AG has throughout the year. It showcases all 18 artists in 18 styles at 18 Bridge St. AND this year is the 18th anniversary!

In Plain Sight is a newer watercolor painting of a screech owl that I plan on showing at the "AG 18/18/18" show.  I hope you can join the gallery at the opening celebration on Dec. 7, 4–7pm. (The exhibit runs until Feb. 2.)