Alert Lion at Bendel Museum, 6x9", watercolor
Show of hands ... anyone here been to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center in Stamford, CT? It's part natural history and art museum, veggie and animal farm, playground and cultural event center. It's even got an owl and an otter pond. Yes, a little something for everyone. And a wonderful place to bring the kids.
Recently I've been invited to paint postcards for the SMNC gift shop, yay! The postcards aren't printed yet, but I've got a preview for you. Above is a watercolor of a lion gate in front of the museum, a tudor-style mansion once owned by Henri Bendel. (Yes, that Bendel, the guy with the high-end fashion store on West 57th Street way back when. Does anyone else remember the pink and brown stripes on their logo and handbags?)
Designed by unnamed sculptors, the "Alert" lion is just one of a pair guarding the mansion. The other big cat is ... you guessed it, "Asleep". Would love to go back again some time and paint that one too.
Recently I've been invited to paint postcards for the SMNC gift shop, yay! The postcards aren't printed yet, but I've got a preview for you. Above is a watercolor of a lion gate in front of the museum, a tudor-style mansion once owned by Henri Bendel. (Yes, that Bendel, the guy with the high-end fashion store on West 57th Street way back when. Does anyone else remember the pink and brown stripes on their logo and handbags?)
Designed by unnamed sculptors, the "Alert" lion is just one of a pair guarding the mansion. The other big cat is ... you guessed it, "Asleep". Would love to go back again some time and paint that one too.
Heritage cattle at the Heckscher Farm, Stamford Museum and Nature Center, watercolor, unfinished?
The Heckscher Farm at the SMNC is noted for their heritage farm animals. And darn if I didn't forget to jot down the name of this breed! Luckily my minions are on the case and will report back. [Update: Informed sources say are Randall Linebacks.] In the meantime ... These black and white bovines have long, pointy horns with a bit of a twist on the ends. I loved how their distinctive horns glinted in the sun and stood out against the darks behind them.
I can't decide if this painting is finished or if it needs just a few extra little touches and pops. This is the danger zone where I can either make a painting sing or (gasp!) totally overwork it. I'll put it away for a few days and then look at it again with fresh eyes. It goes against my natural inclination to show you my work until it's finished and ready to go. But rumor has it that people nowadays are interested in how the sausage gets made. And I'm here to oblige.
If you're near Connecticut bring yourself (and your kids) to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Highly recommended!
I can't decide if this painting is finished or if it needs just a few extra little touches and pops. This is the danger zone where I can either make a painting sing or (gasp!) totally overwork it. I'll put it away for a few days and then look at it again with fresh eyes. It goes against my natural inclination to show you my work until it's finished and ready to go. But rumor has it that people nowadays are interested in how the sausage gets made. And I'm here to oblige.
If you're near Connecticut bring yourself (and your kids) to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Highly recommended!
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