The Chapman Mill, later known as the Beverly Mill, was built in 1742 by Jonathan Chapman and son Nathaniel, on what would become the Prince William and Fauquier County line, which passes through the mill. In 1858, the mill was enlarged to seven stories. According to historic records, the mill ground cornmeal and flour for American troops during seven wars. During the Civil War, the Confederates turned the mill into a meat curing warehouse and distribution center. Confederates destroyed the mill after the First Battle of Manassas to keep it from advancing troops. In 1876, the Beverly family restored the mill. In 1998, fire destroyed the wooden interior and roof and what remains are the stone walls. Efforts have been made to re-build the mill.

This watercolor painting is based on my internet research and a short field trip to see the remains of the structure. I also walked the trails to get a sense of the run/water, land, roads and railroad line that made this such a historical site.

Beginning Wed., April 1 through May 3, 2009 several of my artwork pieces, both watercolor and acrylic, will be featured at the ArtBeat Gallery, 9407 Main Street, Manassas, VA 20110. A reception will be held Friday, April 3, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The public is welcome. 

This is the second baseball and bubble gum painting. This time I used acrylic, on gallery wrap canvas, with no frame. It represents what I recall, especially this time of year. Does anyone remember their baseball uniform, made of wool, in the days before polyester?? Remember how it felt after a soaking thunderstorm!?!  Ah, who cared! Mouth full of bubble gum, dirt on your glove. Wait, did I get a Willie Horton card?? Heck no, it was probably another Smokey Burgess!

The plan was an impressionist image of the ocean shore. I used a limited color palette, but needed, in my mind, a shot of energy. A bit of cadmium yellow for the sunset/sunrise in the otherwise cloudy sky, and aqua blue/green mixed into the sky, ocean and shore. My tools were brushes from 2″ flat to #10 round and palette knife for rich thick textures. Paint was often mixed on canvas, with small amounts of water as      needed. Some paint came  right from the tube onto the canvas. I had to paint outdoors at first to get my base done. I don’t have enough room indoors for this 24 x 48 canvas….maybe someday, somewhere a studio awaits! I finished indoors with an easel that seemed overwhelmed, but it worked. This happens to be the largest canvas I’ve ever done but it was a commission too.

 Another drummer asked me whether I could paint a portrait of Carter Beauford, drummer with the Dave Matthews Band. So I tried and used a photograph. Instead of my usual medium of watercolor, I tried arcylic on canvas. Coincidently, I saw him perform with the band on cable a few nights after I finished painting. Great sound and talent!

 Another watercolor piece done in a series on sports that I have enjoyed. I’ve played the game of golf since I was a kid and once could shoot in the 80’s…best round was a score of 81 in about 1982 in Myrtle Beach,SC…and the Acushnet putter (seen here) was in my bag! I don’t recall what brand of golfball was used, but I could have been any one of these which were popular at the time. 

My friends and I at the ArtBeat Gallery cooperative in Manassas, VA are having a new gallery show entitled “The Object Project”, featuring member’s interpretations of a single still life. The exhibit dates are Jan. 7 - March 1, 2009.  An opening  reception is Friday Jan. 9 from 6:00 - 9:00pm. There are five objects (ribbon, glassware, book, dulcimer and grapevine) which were selected months ago, and each artist will present them in their chosen medium. My chosen medium is watercolor for this show and the 22″ x 28″ piece is entitled “Dulcimer and Friends”.

I recently finished up some small acrylic-on-canvas pieces for a holiday show, where everything is 8 x 10 and smaller. It’s different when you haven’t worked much on small surfaces. I continue to explore acrylics, using brushes and palette knives. I found it helpful to keep the scene simple, especially on a small surface, where you could start thinking about small details too. I got started with the big shapes and finished with details, but not too many. I also tried a limited color palette. It helps to work with just three primaries, a few earthy colors and white. It’s enjoyable and challenging to work with acrylics because it’s such a different method from watercolor in establishing darks and lights and to mix paint and color on the canvas!

The annual Collector’s Showcase is the small works show and fundraiser at the Workhouse Gallery at Lorton. It will feature original art 8 x 10 and smaller for sale to beginning collectors and holiday shoppers. In addition, Workhouse artists are donating a 10 x 10 original piece of art, unframed, unmatted to be judged for the Workhouse calendar. Selected works will be published in the 2010 calendar and notecards. This piece SUNFLOWERS is my entry. I will also have several original acrylic-on-canvas small works for sale in Gallery Building W-16. More information see www.WorkhouseArts.org

The newest exhibit of the Workhouse Artists Association at the Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VA is October 15 - November 23, 2008, located on the first floor, in gallery building W-16. I have three pieces on display in this exhibit, and Ocean Race , 32″ x 40″ watercolor, is featured here. An artist reception is Saturday, October 18, 2 - 4PM. Unfortunately, I will miss this reception, but free refreshments are part of the reception and enjoyment.

Live musical events are also held in building W-16. Come out and enjoy the fine art exhibitions, then attend music performances under the title ARTNOTES. Please check the website: www.WorkhouseArts.org for more details about current and future events.

I will have more events coming up at Lorton to share later!