An old historic home in Franklin, TN 24x30

Here's a commission painting recently finished, of a beautiful historic home in Franklin, TN.  (actually this photo was taken before some minor corrections and finishing touches and were applied to the figures).  The gallery there (gallery 202) sponsored me on this project. It was an interesting challenge, painting rather a formal scene in an impressionistic manner.  The piece was designed to fit over the fireplace in the family's main living room.
Sorry, no song lyrics to close out this blog this time....but perhaps next time!
All for now
John

Chrysanthemum with Fruit

Here's a still life painting started last week as a 'demo' for a large workshop class, and then finished up at home.  It's painted in a 'plein air' style,  concentrating mostly on values, edges, and gradual color build up, rather than using a tightly drawn and detailed approach.
I plan on painting some more elaborate and larger still life's soon, with a little more flair, and hope to share some of them with you via this blog site.
Also, coincidently,  I'm planning a (3) day workshop on still life painting at Anita Elder's "Elder Ridge Studio" in Dahlonega, GA, in just a few months.  I'll let you know the details as soon as it's scheduled.
 As for now, here's a few Johnny Mercer lyrics to close out this November episode of the JBG blog....

The falling leaves
Drift by my window
The Autumn leaves
of red and gold.......

so long for now,
John

Piedmont Park plein air

Hello there
...been on a cityscape binge lately........visited Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta last Monday and painted this 20x20 plein air piece,  then returned the following day to paint another 20x20. At home over the weekend I finished up a 24x24 scene of midtown Atlanta. Am delivering them to The ArtHouse Atlanta Gallery tomorrow.  Would love for you to drop by and see them.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
John

An October painting

Hello blog readers!
This scene, another one of my typical old house/landscape compositions, was painted this past Sunday at a little hillside area just south of Marietta Square.  There's an open field there where a stalled condominium construction sits,  and presently it affords some wonderful views of the Marietta area. I hope to get back there to paint another scene before the fall color runs out.
'til next time,
John

Smith GIlbert Gardens Plein Air Festival

I just returned from two days of painting at the Smith Gilbert Gardens Plein Air Festival. I was fortunate to pick up first place with this painting. (yup, that's a bottle tree!). There's a lot of beautiful autumn color at the gardens right now.  I picked this somewhat obscure area  for my Thursday morning painting.
 We had a sudden spell of very cold weather for the festival, and it was pretty uncomfortable most of the time.  For this painting I think i had on four layers of clothing plus gloves, scarf and hat.
 These painting festivals are really enjoyable; you always end up meeting some new artists and also see some old friends as well.

John

Goleta Beach/Near Santa Barbara

Here's a very recent painting of a little sandstone cliff area at Goleta Beach; just a few miles north of Santa Barbara, CA.  From this beach area you can see the University of California/ Santa Barbara to the north, and the harbors of the city of Santa Barbara to the distant south. It's a popular spot for plein air painters!

See you next time.

John Guernsey

The end of summer

A painting, from a few weeks ago,  of some pasture land just a few miles from where I live.  Quite a peaceful spot.

A happy Autumn to you,

John