Martha Faires - Blog: Being thankful

by Martha Faires on 6/19/2009 8:31:13 AMComment on this

June has been a whirlwind in my art world.

On June 4 my student show was hosted by Carillon Assisted Living in Harrisburg, NC. They generously provided us with large beautiful walls on which to hang the student work, provided a cookout supper, entertained us with music, and gave out door prizes to students and guests. So with the beautiful work of students and the excitement of art awards, it was all-in-all a very successful evening. It was also fun to interact with the staff and residents of Carillon. We were blessed and impressed.

A guest viewing the Student Show

Also this month you can view some of my work at the Piedmont Pastel Society Member Show at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, open now through July 14. What a talented group to exhibit with! I feel glad to be included.

"Winter Survival 2" pastel

You can also see my work in the MHA Spring Judged Show at The Gallery at Mint Hill Arts, 7714 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, in Mint Hill, NC. One of my pieces, �Mint Hill Farmer�s Market� won a Judge�s Recognition Award. It was a fun piece, a work of heart from beginning to end because in May I had spent the day painting plein air in the market and was intrigued by my subject.

"Mint Hill Farmer's Market" oil

June was also get-away time as my husband and I took a couple of days off for much

needed rest. What did I do? Paint plein air! While he threw the fishing line, I splashed color.

"Cane Creek" oil pastel, plein air quick study

Comment on or Share this Article >>

Rejoicing in Gray

by Martha Faires on 3/17/2009 9:45:15 PMComment on this

Daffodils, Plein Air

Dare I post this? Okay, just to let you in on my musings on a gray morning, I dare.� My sincere apologies to any real poets out there. I think being an artist helps me see �gray� in a whole new way. It is not the bland, dreary drapery of a soggy day, but rather a foil for the beauty all around.

Written on March 16:

I awoke� to another gray day and since Scripture tells us "In everything give thanks," I've decided to rejoice in a gray day.

With apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning:�

Why do I love thee (gray day)? Let me count the ways. . .�

I love thee for your depth and breadth and height.

You complement daffodils and make them more bright.

I love thee for the blanket of diffused rays

Of light that gently illumines the glittering beads �

Of rain and dew, those unrequited seeds

That promise to nourish the coming� days

Of sunny red flowers and fruit-bearing trees.

I love thee for hiding the beautiful things

That I take for granted until they don't sing.

I love thee for causing the stillness to ring

With the jubilant thought of soon-coming spring.

With all of my senses and memories at peak

I love you for giving me cause to speak

Of the greatness of God who made much of clay

And taught me to cherish the blessing of gray.

Comment on or Share this Article >>

A busy month

Rejoicing in Gray