Luck of the Irish
5×7″
Oil on RayMar panel
©2013 Lucinda Howe

St. Patrick’s day was celebrated at the home of Barbara Alston Yongue in Blair,SC.  Around 50 artists gathered to paint, eat, and share the joy of making art.  This small piece was painted was inspired by the dark silhouette of the grove of trees against the distant blue hills in the overcast morning light.

Artists gathered around the house and party barn for critique

Barbara served grits and greens and popovers for breakfast, smoked salmon with Irish cheeses for pre-lunch and Colcannon soup, shepherd’s pie, and green salad for lunch.  We painted quickly between courses.  By the time we got to Bailey’s Irish creme and coffee mousse and Irish whiskey cake, we were quite willing to relax and listen to critique.

Critique by Anne Hightower-Patterson White

Anne Hightower-Patterson White is an experienced teacher.  She gave a wonderful critique of each piece, emphasizing the positive elements and going right to the point about what could be improved.  She calls it “something to GLOW on and something to GROW on.”  David Phillips assisted with moving logistics of moving the wet paintings around.

Pete Holland, Noelle Brault, and Gerard Erley

By vote of the participating artists, the top prize, THE HOLY GRAIL, was awarded to Noelle Brault.  Pete Holland and Gerard Erley were tied for second place.  Congratulations to the winners and all who participated!