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Tag Archives: travel

Reinvention

03 Saturday Dec 2011

Posted by pat in Art, paintings, Travel, Uncategorized

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branches, painting, Portugal, travel, US Virgin Islands, waves

It is interesting that just after I finish mentioning Pringles of Scotland as one of the 10 design firms sited in my post “British Fashion…’tis the season“, I came across an article about the company.

December 2011 Vogue article on reinventing the Scottish company Pringle

In the December 2011 issue of Vogue (American) there was an interesting story in the “View” section about the traditional Scottish sweater company reinventing itself to stay abreast of modern fashion, while still being true to its core identity.   It started me thinking of how many times over the years I needed to reboot my life or work or art to keep it fresh and exciting without losing what was “me” about it.

Now, I can definitely be a creature of habit. But, I also get bored if I let things stay static for too long.  It was with that in mind that My Beloved Brit and I sold our house and I sold my business in Washington, DC and we picked up everything and moved to the Caribbean for 8 years not knowing anyone there or having a clue as to how it would work out (it worked out great).

"White Cottage" the house we built with our own bare hands and a small crew on the caribbean island of St. John

And of course for many years I had my design business which I found I had to periodically tweak or twist in order to keep things current. But the core values and style of the company remained the same.

My art is like that.  I know artists who find a style and subject they are very comfortable with and keep it for ages.  Part of me envies that.  But I could never do it.  I tend to work on a series for at least a year or two and then start looking for a new viewpoint or subject or technique or color palette. New horizons.

For example, when we first moved back to the states returning from the islands, I had the luxury of spending a year exploring a new direction of painting.  That is when the wave series began.  I had realized that all over the world (and we were always searching out the sea no matter where we travelled) the waves were in many ways universal.

Waves in the Caribbean near "White Cottage"

Of course there were always endless variations, yet there was so much common ground…

Portuguese waves. photo by me

…but I was wondering how much the appearance and feel would depend on the waves geographical location. It became a game. We spent a few weeks searching the western most coast of Europe looking for the edge of earth closest to the Americas.  Would a wave on the extreme east of the Atlantic be similar to the waves on the extreme west coast? Someone told us the most western coast was in Spain, so off we went to look for waves.

After a stop for a few incredible days in Santiago de Compostela, Spain  (a UNESCO world heritage site and the pilgramage destination featured in the current movie “The Way”), we set off with our Michelin Tourist and Motoring Atlas to find Cabo Fisterra, a small point of land jutting out into the sea.

Cabo Fisterra, Spain, the end of the earth

It was amazing. After driving through tiny villages with mussel farms in the bays (they look like rows of swimming floats) we found what we were looking for. The monument wasn’t totally impressive…

The lighthouse at Cabo Fisterra

…but how were the waves?  Spectacular and strange – different from anything I had ever quite seen before.

The waves in Spain reach towards the west. photo by me

Wave painting by me. Private collection

The sun came out in Spain

Truly magnificent waves stretching their white foam in beautiful patterns, and bits of almost Caribbean blue water near the shore, but the furthest west? We headed to Portugal.

Pat at Capa Rocha in Portugal. The height of the cliffs overlooking the waves was frightening.

Another friend mentioned that they were sure the furthest coast west in Europe was north of Lisbon, and that there were incredible waves.  And sure enough, it was spectacular.

After a night at another great hotel (we lucked out on an internet travel site and found a great rate at the Penha Longa Hotel which turned out to be a Ritz Carlton as well as a bargain) near the town of Sintra, we set out for the coast for a day of exploring.  The cliffs were so high it was frightening, and to get the perfect angle on the waves I had to lean over the edge of the cliffs laying flat on my stomach with my camera.  I am petrified of heights, so MBB agreed to hold on to me.  Now that is trust. But I got the shots.  Enough for many paintings.

The cliffs at Capa Rocha. Photo by me with assistance from MBB

More waves in Portugal. Worth the trip. Photo by me.

We finally headed out after two days of incredible vistas. We were guests for a night at the home of MBB’s British expat friends living south of Lisbon in Batlha.  After a wonderful dinner buffet (despite some mystery things that looked like a tiny octopus) at an atmospheric restaurant in a nearby village, MBB and our host decided the only way to solve the problem of which point was the furthest west, was to run a GPS on the computer. The men gathered around the screen with great intensity. Portugal won, but I painted both country’s waves…and then some.

Wave from the Portuguese cliffs, Gallery 50

I painted waves from Maine, and the Caribbean and Florida.  I was in the studio for over a year painting waves.

The beginning of Wave #15, a caribbean wave

the caribbean wave in progress in the studio

Wave #15 finished

There was always another wave to explore.

Wave from Portugal, artist's collection

Wave #10, Caribbean, artist's collection

A Florida wave triptych, artist's collection

I couldn’t stop painting waves.

Until one day I did.  I was surrounded by the most gorgeous trees at our house in America, and soon we went back to England for another short summer.  As I have said before, there is no better way to appreciate a good garden than to see it dripping in mist and hugged by fog.  I was off.  It was now branches…and woods… and fields.

the start of a new series...branches

Branches II

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Branches 1

I guess what I am trying to explain is that exploring new worlds is good.  I loved the waves, and sometimes return to that subject with great joy.  But I am always curious about the next series…what is around the next corner.  And I think with life, and work and a truly good relationship, it can make all the difference in the world. Just stick to the core values, but look at it with a fresh eye and add a new twist of color.

Branches in Maine at the end of a walk with friends

The start of "How Golden Branches Weave the Light"

Final version of "how Golden Branches Weave the Light", artist's collection

It keeps everything very exciting.  There is always time for one more adventure.

One more wave

 

 

 

The Royal Tour

08 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by pat in England, London, The Royal Family, Travel, Uncategorized

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Buckingham Palace, Castles, England, Great Britain, The Royal Family, travel

Thank you Visit Britain for putting together a great tour with a list of royal attractions to see in Britain. Just in case you’re planning a royal themed trip, here they are. I’ve realized I’ve only seen 6 of the 12 so far, so I need to get to work.

12 Best Royal Experiences in the UK

1). Westminster Abbey – A royal trip to Britain would not be complete without visiting the historic Westminster Abbey which has served as the venue for coronations since 1066, and the wedding of Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, in April, 2011, was held here. Visitors to Westminster Abbey can see the graves of 17 monarchs, as well as memorials to many notable figures in British history. In addition, the Coronation Chair is part of the Abbey’s museum, along with pieces of art, stained glass, textiles and more. The Abbey is open to the public six days a week and an adult ticket costs £16.00.

2). Buckingham Palace – not only a London landmark but the official London residence of the British monarch. The palace has 19 state rooms that are open for public viewing each summer, from late July to early October, with complimentary audio tours. The Changing of the Guard takes place every other day, and daily in the summer, in front of the palace.

3). Windsor Castle – Just a quick train ride from London, Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, one of the Queen’s official residences, and where she spends most weekends. Open year-round, an adult ticket costs £16.50 which gives visitors access to the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and special exhibitions: throughout 2012 there will be an exhibition entitled “The Queen: Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years”.

4). Isle of Anglesey – Now the place that Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, call home, the Isle of Anglesey is known for its natural beauty. Visitors to the Isle of Anglesey can enjoy a visit to one of its many beaches or stroll along one of the coastal footpaths for a wonderful view of the Welsh coastline. For a tasty lunch, travellers can track down The Flaming Grill, a food truck that Prince William frequented during his training at the Royal Air Force Academy. Prince William was so impressed by that he gave it a royal seal of approval.

5). The Royal Yacht Britannia – a wonderful attraction to visit straight out of a royal fairy tale – this is where the Prince of Wales and Princess Diana honeymooned in 1981. During the 44 years that this ship served its country, The Royal Yacht Britannia carried the Royal Family on 968 official voyages all over the world. Now the ship is permanently docked in Edinburgh, where visitors can tour five of the ship’s decks. An adult ticket costs £11.00 and includes an audio tour.

6). Tower of London – Visitors wishing to see the Crown Jewels can do so at the Tower of London, where the 23,578 gems that make up the Crown Jewels, including the glistening Imperial State Crown, are housed. The Tower is steeped in history, having been used as a royal residence, military fortress and prison. Today, visitors enjoy touring the grounds and seeing The White Tower, Medieval Palace, prisoners’ exhibition and more, as well as keeping an eye out for the ghost of Queen Anne Boleyn, who is buried in the chapel of St Peter ad Vincula.

7). Balmoral Estate – One of the Queen’s favourite summertime retreats is Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside. Here, visitors might spot the Queen – as travellers can take up residence by renting a lovely cottage on the estate. The grounds, gardens and exhibitions are open to the public from April 1 to July 30.

8.) Enjoy a boat ride on the River Thames. – ahead of the Queen. On the afternoon of Sunday 3 June 2012, up to a thousand boats will muster on the River Thames in preparation for Her Majesty The Queen to lead the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. It will be one of the largest flotillas ever assembled on the river. Rowed boats and working boats and pleasure vessels of all shapes and sizes will be beautifully dressed with streamers and Union Jacks, their crews and passengers turned out in their finest rigs. The armed forces, fire, police, rescue and other services are all afloat and there are an exuberance of historic boats, wooden launches, steam vessels and other boats of note. However you don’t need to wait till next June – there are boat rides all year on the River Thames, from leisurely cruises, to quicker “commuter” trips and the high speed RIB journeys.

9.) The Palace of Holyroodhouse – The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, in Edinburgh, the palace has many connections with Scotland’s turbulent past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived there in the 16th century. An adult ticket costs £10.50 including audio guide, or for £6.00 you can visit the Queen’s Gallery: in 2012 the exhibition “Royal Treasures: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration” will bring together some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection, with a selection of 100 outstanding works.

10.) Sandringham Estate – near Kings Lynn in Norfolk is one of the Queen’s most beloved retreats. It has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862, and the Queen visits the estate every year on the anniversary of her father’s death. Today, visitors are welcome to Sandringham House and can walk through the beautiful gardens during the summer.

11.) Beaumaris Castle on the Isle of Anglesey is the last and largest of King Edward I’s Welsh fortifications, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although construction was never completed, it is regarded as Wales’ finest castle.

12.) Kensington Palace – A royal residence in central London, Kensington Palace is the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It was also the official residence of the Duke’s mother, Princess Diana. The palace is currently undergoing a major transformation, to help visitors to better understand both the tales of the people that lived in the palace and its architectural and decorative schemes visitors can see the palace’s magnificent state apartments. The first of four planned exhibitions, on Queen Victoria, is due to open in time for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Meanwhile, visitors can experience the “Enchanted Palace” a series of installations offering a fascinating interpretation of the palace’s hidden stories.

Guests can also drink tea at The Orangery Restaurant next door to the palace, which has some of the finest selections of tea in London.

Voyeur: Bath and the birth of a new idea

22 Saturday Oct 2011

Posted by pat in Art, Bath, paintings, Uncategorized

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Bath, England, painting, travel

We had been touring England for a few weeks by car, and I was looking for new art inspiration without much luck.  Sometimes it just goes like that. I had worked on my wave series. I had explored branches. I was hoping something new would hit me on this trip.

We had just come from a disappointing excursion to the east coast of England. It was an area neither of us were too familiar with, and although the purple heather hills of the Yorkshire Dales were spectacular, I still hadn’t found the venue that would give my artistic inspiration a jolt.

And then we went to Bath.

We found a hotel very near the old Roman Baths in the center of town… The Pratt’s Hotel.  The rooms were clean, the staff was friendly, but it is a quirky old hotel that did, in a way, live up to its name (“you prat” in Brit speak means a foolish person, sort of a meathead).  It was an odd hotel, but it was right in town and we could walk everywhere.  We had been driving for weeks, and it was time to do some exploring on foot

My Beloved Brit was tired of touring and wanted a nap and some down time hanging out in our room.  I wanted to get out in to the city, and of course the place to start an adventure in Bath is the 2000 year old Roman Baths.

This was fascinating.  The site was not even discovered until the late 19th century, and now you can wander through many different rooms and courtyards that weave under the modern street level.  It is so enlightening to walk in the ancient romans’ shoes, and the exhibits and artifacts are captivating.

Leaving this major attraction, I wandered around town, and then, finally, back to the hotel room to talk MBB into joining me. I had found the Museum of Bath at Work, which I thought might interest him. It’s a guys’ museum focusing on the industrialization of this area of England, housed in an old 18th century building that at one point was a “fizzy pop” company.  It had lots of machines and gadgets and featured the history of industrial Bath, which he loved.  I was also engaged by the exhibits. Of course we just happened to pass The Circus, an architectural marvel, and the classic areas of Bath that are soooo Jane Austen, Bath’s most famous resident.

We had a lovely evening wandering around town, had a great meal, and then went to bed early. The hotel was comfortable and quiet, and in the morning we had a big English breakfast in the dining room in the midst of a tour group of Germans.

We spent the morning wandering along the different streets together.  Bath is just the perfect size for exploring on foot.  You feel like you are in a city but it is not overwhelming. The buildings are lovely, the town is beautifully laid out, and around every corner there is another shop or restaurant to explore.  Bath is a World Heritage City nestled in the hills of Somerset county.

We found a Marks & Spencer right around the corner from Pratt’s.  How lucky. M&S is a department store, plus they have a fabulous food section with all kinds of pre-made sandwiches and an array of every sort of packaged gourmet treat you can imagine.  It’s like Dean & Deluca gone British.

We loaded up our basket, went back to our cozy room, and had a banquet sitting on the bed with our feast spread out before us. There was everything from egg mayonnaise (egg salad) sandwiches, sausage rolls, chicken tikka and sweet puddings. How perfect.

MBB was ready for his nap but I decided I wanted to go out for a walk to work off our major pig out.  It was still bothering me that I had not found the art inspiration that I was always looking for.

I wandered in to town along the main street.

There is a park along the river called Parade Gardens that is a level down from the main road. If you are a local, you simply show your ID and you are admitted free. If you are not a Bath resident you pay a small fee in summer. How sensible.  I paid my token fee and wandered down the steps and in to the gardens.

When I came back up to the street level and looked down, I paused to watch people wander along the paths and across the grass below.

I walked along.  On each side of me were two different worlds.  The bustling city of one of Bath’s busiest streets on the one side, and the cool green of the Parade Garden below me on the opposite side, sweeping down to the River Avon.

As I strolled along the edge of the wall, I looked down towards the river through the branches of a tree that had lost nearly all its leaves.  It was fabulous.  The people below weren’t aware of me at all as I watched them come and go beneath the screen of branches.  I was mesmerized. This was it. I had stumbled on a new tableau for my art.

I realized I had left my camera back in the room.  I literally ran (or tried to) the length of the park and then the additional few blocks to my room.  The light might fade! The people in the park might all go home! I crashed up the stairs (couldn’t wait for the very slow lift) and in to the room. MBB was watching a movie and working on his computer.  I was out of breath.  “Camera! Got to go back out!” He smiled and wished me well.

When I got back to the park it was all still there. Perfect. I watched and shot for about an hour. And I got it.

I had been working on painting branches for several years.  This was new.  There were people tangled in the scene.  It was a story. I chose this photo to work from but I knew it needed editing so the figures talked to each other, and to the Voyeur (is the voyeur the person in the lawn chair, or the viewer of the painting?).

I started by blocking in the main figures and the tree. The two women walking and talking were oblivious to me and to the person relaxing under the trees.  The whole city of Bath was above their heads.  The river was beyond the trees in the background. The two women were alone just listening to each other in their private conversation.

The next big decision was how complex to make the tree without losing the figures. I loved the spider web like branches, but didn’t want to lose my stars.

A bigger problem.  I was fairly far along with my blocking, and I realized it was too blue and moody…almost menacing.  Not what I wanted at all.  This was an intimate, golden world. I went back in and warmed up all the branches.  Each branch.  Then I went in and repainted the green between the branches with more yellow tones to eliminate the blue.  Sometimes these decisions are critical at an early stage.

The painting finally had the mood I wanted.  Now it was weeks of working on detail without losing the figures that were the center of the conversation.

Voyeur, oil painting, collection of the artist

This was the birth of what I called The Encounter series, where an individual’s surroundings affected them in a unique way, and the viewer of the painting creates their own story based on their experiences and point of view.

You can see a similar extension of this concept in a later painting called Winter’s Tale, which features My Beloved Brit in a snowy scene that took place on the other side of the world from Bath, in Yosemite, on the West Coast in California.

Winter's Tale, oil painting, artist's collection

Small world. A series was born. To see more, visit my website www.patwhitehead.com

 

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