A Fine Art Journal by Lyn O'Neal

Rockville Bridge with Train, oil, 9 x 12

2011-08-11T11:58:00.005-04:00

Just to show that I have been painting this season, I am posting two in one day. Last week I finished up this painting that I started last year. I rarely complete the plein air paintings in one session - although sometimes it does all come together, so I am thrilled when I can go back out - even a year later. We painted at Ft. Hunter Mansion and were also asked to demonstrate that day for a group of youth who were kayaking and canoeing on the Susquehanna. They stopped there for lunch and joined us in a paint-out of their own, after a brief demonstration by the president of our group, Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters. Turned out that the Harrisburg Camera Club showed up as well and took photos. Saw my picture on PennLive, the Patriot News website.

Late Winter at Wildwood Lake, oil, 11 x 14

2011-08-11T11:51:00.005-04:00

The first plein air painting session of 2011 for me was at the end of Winter at the Wildwood Lake. I love to paint there at different seasons, because it changes so dramatically. Not everyone was thrilled by the winter dead grasses and leaves, but I loved the pallette of subtle grays that I saw. Much better than greens for me!

Harrisburg Skyline I, oil, 6 x 8 inches

2010-09-26T15:22:00.004-04:00

Though the politics in the city of Harrisburg are in upheavel, the beauty of a city skyline remains intact. We painted from the West Fairview boat launch over the past two weeks and this is the little piece I finished. I've been wanting to do the skyline for a while. Almost miraculously, we saw a majestic golden eagle riding the wind above us the first day. They are not normally seen in these parts - but it must have been travelling through. What a wingspan! Scripture tells us that, "they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings as eagles." If only the city would take a lesson from that eagle soaring over it -- to wait on the Lord and allow Him to move among the decision-making. That's what I was thinking while painting.

Where Have I Been?

2010-09-14T09:31:00.003-04:00

Amity Hall Boat Launch

Oil on canvas board

9 x 12 inches

I now belong to three blogs and have inadvertantly "forgotten" to post to my own. The Daily Painters of Pennsylvania and The Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters both have blogs now and are starting to exhibit as groups around Central Pa. It's been wonderful meeting other artists and posting our work together. So, I did fall behind on posting to this blog. I'm making an effort now to come back and continue this blog because this is also a journal of my art journey and I feel it necessary to express myself in writing as well as on canvas.

Last week we painted in Amity Hall at the boat launch. It was a brisk, windy day - exhillerating compared to the heat of this past summer. We saw a bald eagle flying above and two great blue herons soaring over the waters. I completed this piece on site - maybe a few touch-ups are required but it is mostly finished. The light was changing every minute due to the thick, fast moving clouds. But every now and then the sun would shine and hit the trees and plants - which is what I tried to capture very quickly here. I'm pleased with this piece - it's loose with almost a watercolor feel. It says what I hoped to say.

View from Liverpool, oil on linen board, 6x8

2010-07-26T18:10:00.003-04:00

It was a beautiful morning in Liverpool, PA when a few of us journey up Rt. 11/14 to Liverpool to paint the lovely view of the Susquehanna River. We had respite from the heat for one day with a nice breeze and perfect plein air conditions. There was a morning haze hanging around but that just made this little scene all the more special. I really enjoyed painting that day. We then ate lunch at a cozy little restaurant and talked about our artistic journeys. I'm thankful for those little moments in time that fill your senses.

Codori Farm, Gettysburg

2010-06-29T18:44:00.004-04:00

I am blessed every year to be part of the Plein Air Paint Out at the Gettysburg Festival. We paint all week on the battlefields and around Gettysburg and then exhibit the works at the end of the week. This year we exhibited at the Historic Railroad Station where Abraham Lincoln came through to deliver the Gettysburg Address. I love this event for the sheer kinship with history. One cannot stand for 3 hours in one spot while painting, partaking in the vast open spaces of the battlefields and not connect with it's significance. It is a worship experience as I thank God for those before me who sacrificed all to deliver a nation, just as Christ sacrificed all to deliver our souls. This scene, I hope, fills your senses with peace, quietness and tranquility.

Wildwood Lake, oil, 9 x 12

2010-06-01T08:17:00.002-04:00

Last year I attempted to paint plein air at the wetlands of Wildwood Sanctuary and was overwhelmed by the scene. So last week we went back there to paint and I chose this simple scene and made a goal to finish it within 2 hours. I was pleased to meet that goal - other than a few finishing touches in my studio when I returned home. I also may add the little egret that was standing on the water line. For me, as I am growing and learning, each painting serves as a study and as long as I am able to accomplish the goal of the study I am pleased.

"Just Around the Corner", oil on board, 14 x 11 inches

2010-05-10T13:17:00.003-04:00

I'm finally back in front of the easel. If you've been wondering where I've been - I'm well but busy with the gallery. Now that Spring has sprung I'm back painting - it took a few messy attempts to get back into the swing of things - but last week I took my time with this little plein air piece and enjoyed it so much! It is so refreshing to be out in God's "open air", smelling the combination of freshly mowed grass and oil paints, listening to the birds flittering all around and being amongst fellow artists enthusiastic about the discovery of the perfect little scene. I praise the Lord for being blessed with the opportunity to be an artist and share the experience with others. Thank you for your patience and I hope I'll have many new posts to share!

Resurrection Sunday!

2010-04-04T16:36:00.004-04:00

Resurrection Sunday coincides this year with the peak bloom of my cherry trees in full blossom. What a wonderous display to greet me as I drove down my lane on my way to church this morning. The glory of Spring is a reminder of the glory of the risen Savior!

2010-03-28T14:34:00.002-04:00

THANK YOU to all the artists who participated and to all the patrons who attended the "Palm Sunday through Resurrection" exhibit opening reception yesterday. I am thrilled with the artwork submitted by the artists - such deep expression and interpretation of the theme. I am so moved by the quality of all the artists represented by Art & Soul Gallery - not only in their artistic talent but in their thoughtful and sincere spirit. I have received so much positive feedback and, as the Lord leads, I know we are on the right path. Blessings to you all! --Lyn

"Donkey Thoughts", sculpture

2010-03-01T11:41:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted any of my sculptures for a while, so I thought I'd share this piece. I call it "Donkey Thoughts" as I imagine what has gone through the mind of this creature that has been a witness of so many biblical and historical events throughout time. This sculpture won a Judge's Choice Award at a show at the Art Center in Mechanicsburg in 2007. This sculpture, along with other artist's works, will be on display at an exhibit entitled "Palm Sunday through Resurrection" opening March 27, 2010 at the Art & Soul Gallery in Lemoyne and running through April 24, 2010.

Sunshine Award

2010-02-22T19:07:00.005-05:00

My artist friends and fellow bloggers Diana Marshall and Claire Beadon Carnell have sent me a "Sunshine Award" for brightening their day with images and blurbs from this blog.

The rules for accepting this award are:

-Put the logo on your blog with your post.

-Pass the award on to 12 other bloggers

-Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

-Link to the person from whom you received this award.

This took a little time, but you know what...I haven't stopped lately to tell these fellow artists how much I learn and am inspired by their blogs, so I thought now was a good time to do it. They do bring me sunshine.

Thank you to Diana and Claire, it means a lot coming from you both as I love your work. If you hadn't already won this award, you would be the people I'd pass it on to.

Here are 12 of my favorite artists:

After Vermeer's "Christ in the House of Martha and Mary", c.1655

2010-02-14T16:18:00.004-05:00

Painted using old master classical painting methods, I narrowed this subject and painted just "Mary" from Vermeer's 1655 painting. I was so taken not only by the mastery of Vermeer but by the sweet devotion he gives in Mary's attention to Christ from the biblical story of Martha, the consummate servant and Mary, the devotee hanging on every word. This style of painting, with it's thin glazes and weeks of drying time between layers, allows the artist to contemplate the meaning within the subject over a long period which translates to a definate emotion with the choice of brushstroke and pallette. Glorious! I learned so much from this study.

An Artist's Inspiration

2010-02-06T12:00:00.003-05:00

Today's snowstorm has painted the earth with such glorious beauty. An artist needs to look no further than their own backyard to find inspiration. God's creation lays the scene and the artist takes notice! This is the view that I woke up to this morning - as my horse finds refuge in her stall, herself enjoying the beauty of the falling snow. So the busy-ness slows down if but for a few hours - isn't it grand? It's a sabbath for the soul. Even the crisp, cool air is refreshing! I'm so inspired I'm ready to paint!

"Bridled Spirit", 9 x 12, oil

2010-02-04T08:35:00.002-05:00

This painting was a study of the the nuances of the horse's color and bone structure. Making all those transitions with softness. Horses are my favorite subject - there's a sweetness in their soul that just captivates the canvas.

"In the Garden", oil, 6 x 8 inches

2010-01-13T22:05:00.002-05:00

This quick little plein air sketch was painted last summer in the garden at Kings Gap. It was a very hot day and the bumble bees were out and about. I took refuge under a shade tree and captured the sundial in the center of the abundant flower garden. Success is being able to complete a study in a couple of hours before the light and shadows change and to capture that first impression of the scene without the worry over details. Now this piece is enough information to try a larger, more finished work.

"Christ Chapel, Gettysburg College", oil, 9" x 12"

2010-01-11T11:24:00.003-05:00

This is a plein air piece that I painted during the 2009 Gettysburg Festival. It is Christ Chapel on the campus of Gettysburg College. I was drawn by the sunlight shining from behind the church, sparkling on the steeple, and dancing on the tree tips. Painting outside, directly from observation, and racing against the changing light is like no other feeling.

"Garden Party", oil on board, 6 x 8 inches

2009-12-07T17:23:00.002-05:00

I call this piece "Garden Party" because it looks like a these flowers are at a party talking amongst one another and having a jolly good time. I painted this en plein air in one sitting with quick, loose brushwork. I was so captured by the breeze fluttering the sweet lavender petals.

Thanks for a Wonderful Evening!

2009-12-05T07:41:00.003-05:00

Thank you to everyone who attended the grand re-opening of Art & Soul Gallery last night! It was a wonderful evening and a great turnout! And thank you to the artists who brought extra food - no one left hungry. I received so many compliments on the beautiful and accomplished artwork exhibited at the gallery. There truly is outstanding talent represented in our Central Pennsylvania artists. I look forward to a bright future introducing more work to our community. Gotta run to the gallery now. Thank you again everyone!

GRAND RE-OPENING CELEBRATION!

2009-12-02T09:32:00.002-05:00

This Friday, December 4, from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. is the Grand Re-Opening Celebration at Art & Soul Gallery in Lemoyne, PA. I invite everyone to join the celebration, meet the artists and view the current exhibit of outstanding artwork by local area artists currently on display. Light refreshments will be served.
I was so thrilled to become the new owner of the Gallery and keep it's presence alive and thriving at the West Shore Farmer's Market. It is a wonderfully active place to be, with many unique shoppes on the second level in addition to the local farmer's market downstairs.
I am taking this opportunity to reveal the Gallery's new logo, seen above. My personal mission for the Gallery can best be stated by Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." The artwork I select to represent at the gallery will align with this mission.
The gallery address is 900 Market St., Lemoyne, PA 17043. Call 717-761-1270, or email artandsoul@pa.net for more information.

"Just for Arden", oil

2009-11-26T09:37:00.002-05:00

We joke with my sister that special things in life were created just for her. This sunset at Clearwater Beach in Florida was one of those things. It was an overcast day, but there was still a wonderful moment to capture as Arden splashes along the beach during the setting of the sun. The purples and blues were so strong I had to make it a painting! Just for Arden.

A Father's Covering, oil, 20 x 16

2009-11-18T08:48:00.003-05:00

There is alot of symbolism in this painting. Scripture tells us that the father is the covering over his household, just as God is the covering over His children. As the father in this painting lifts and carries his child upon his strong shoulders, he walks underneath the tree covering, representing his covering by God as he covers his child. He walks toward the covering and against the path of the world. The only way God can cover his children is if we don't follow the ways of the world, but the ways of God. There's no safer place to be.

November Tree, oil on panel, 8 x 10 inches

2009-11-12T17:32:00.003-05:00

Today we painted at Big Springs in Newville. It was breezy and cool but I found a protected nook by the stream and captured this last vestage of Autumn with the orange leaves hanging on before winter. It was great to be out painting again. Amongst all us painters was a fly fisherman casting in the stream. Once this little painting dries, it will be available for purchase at the Art & Soul Gallery in Lemoyne, PA. Call 717-761-1270 if you're interested.

Hay Bales

2009-10-25T14:52:00.003-04:00

I love hay bales! I captured these beauties freshly baled along my road. Perspective is always my inspiration and the line of trees, driveway and receding haybales were just the right recipe.

It's always a sad day when the farmer comes and takes them away. I am blessed to enjoy seeing them out my window for a brief time. The cows are in for a bountiful feast!

Cherry Blossoms, oil, 24x30

2009-09-26T11:38:00.003-04:00

This is my horse, Jayde, grazing on the fresh Spring grass during the short two-week blossoming of the cherry trees. I was drawn to the perspective of the tree and fence lines and sunlit colors of the horse, the pink and white blossoms, and the spring grasses. What a pallette!

Kreative Blogger Award

2009-09-21T17:45:00.006-04:00

Thank you to Claire Beadon Carnell for including me as a new blogger for this award. If it wasn't for Claire I wouldn't know how to do this blog, so I return this award back to you as thanks. Please check out Claire's blog and her other favorite bloggers.

I pass this award along to seven other artists whose blogs I enjoy.

Before I send you off to their wonderful sites, here are 7 things about me you might like to know:

I love and serve my savior, Jesus Christ, because, Praise God!, He took my sins away!
Along with a love of art, I love to write!
I love my cutest four nephews as if they were my own kids!
I enjoy quiet, peace and praying.
I honor the elder generations for their wisdom and experience.
My family and church are my best friends.
I have the best dog in the whole world!

NOW, those seven great bloggers...

Debbie Becks-Cooper - for her beautiful texture work

Mary Beth Brath - for starting her blog yesterday

Edward Burton - for taking us to the museum

Diane Morgan - and her lovely watercolors

Pat Koscienski - for those great landscape abstracts

Jennifer Lawson - for great storytelling

Diana Marshall - and her challenging subject matter

List 7 things about you and pass it along to 7 Kreative Bloggers. Go visit these artist's supreme blogs!

Cupcake, 5x7

2009-09-02T10:04:00.005-04:00

This is my first painting from the Different Strokes From Different Folks Blog Challenge, where artists paint their own interpretations of the same photograph. I chose to focus on a single cupcake and it's shadow. The curves of the icing, the tonal changes in the shadows and the reflection of the yellow cake on the grey tabletop. Cupcakes make a beautiful work of art.

View from Kings Gap, oil, 8x10

2009-08-19T10:38:00.004-04:00

I just finished this little painting of a portion of the vast landscape view from the top of Kings Gap. It reminds me of something my grandmother once said. She was a country farming girl from the South, and my father drove her from North Carolina up through Maryland to visit us in Pennsylvania. She made him pull over along the highway when she saw the outstanding scenic views of the farmland along the Maryland highway. She got out of the car and stood there taking it all in for a long time and finally made the comment..."The Lord do decorate this earth beautiful." And do I agree.

Summer Bales, oil, 6x8

2009-08-15T16:16:00.005-04:00

The hay is freshly baled and waiting for the farmer to pick up. This is my favorite thing to watch in the summer. It rained so much this year, I didn't think the farmer would ever be able to cut and bale the hay. But, he knows just the right time to get the job done. This small sketch reminds me of all those beautiful summer mornings in the country.

Our Intercessor

2009-08-01T14:27:00.005-04:00

About 15 years ago, while praying, I saw a vision of Jesus interceding in prayer. Hebrews 7:25 says, "He always lives to interecede for them." It so struck me that why should we worry and fret when we have one who lives to intercede on our behalf to the Father. First He died in our place to reconcile us to God, and now He lives to interecede on our behalf.

Recently I sculpted my vision into a bust, which is shown. It is an open edition - Jesus is available to all - I didn't feel right limiting the edition.

If you are interested in this work, please contact the artist. Each piece is cast resin mounted on finished solid maple wood, with a brass plaque which quotes the scripture cited above.