Play Tourist

I'm looking forward to hosting my California student in my home this month.  She went with me to Venice, Italy this past Spring and she's coming to Charleston for both of my back-to-back watercolor workshops, so I offered her a free bed and a good time (ummm...that didn't sound right, did it?). 

Instead of painting on my commissions (which I really need to get back to tomorrow), I've been tidying up My Upstairs Studio (because Heavens...what would she think if she saw it au naturel?).  

Looking forward to showing off Charleston to her, and taking her to my town's Sweet Tea Festival (next Thursday evening in historic Summerville).  Magnolia Plantation & Gardens will also be on our Must-Do list!  I get to play Tourist!

"Gossamer Shelter II" (Magnolia Plantation & Gardens)
Acrylic Mixed Media by Helen K. Beacham Fine Art
In a Private Collection

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Come paint with me! 

In 2016, we're going to Venice again.

Sept 2015 classes have been added to my website!

Check them out HERE.

HGTV in my neighborhood

There were sightings of an HGTV film crew at this home, around the corner from where I live.  Today when I drove by, there were men working on the outside of the home.  Maybe the inside is now done?  If anyone knows something about this house (or which show it'll be on), would you share with us please!?  Don't you wish someone would knock on YOUR door and redecorate for you!?  Do you think that maybe they MIGHT be needing some artwork for their new decor?

HGTV home being redone.  Corner of Simmons and Peters
in my hometown of Summerville, SC

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Come paint Montreal, Maine, Charleston, and Magnolia Plantation with me in 2014!  In May 2015, we go back to Venice, Italy!!!  Find details HERE.

SEE MY LATEST POST HERE.

Considering doing an Open House?

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Holding a Studio Open House is not for the feint of heart!  I've held them on and off for 25 years so I've got lots (and lots!) of experience.

First and foremost (goes without saying), unclutter and reorganize your studio space (start early!).  Every time I put this much effort into cleaning up my studio, I uncover "surprises" I had forgotten about.  I came across a painting I had started and tucked away, unfinished.  The smile that crossed my face makes me think that one's gonna get finished now!

I have 4 grandchildren who each have a corner of my cottage as their own.  I share my studio with my  1.5 yr old who has a portable crib up there, along with all the other paraphernalia that comes with a young one.  (Don't worry...I don't use solvents, only water-based pigments, so no dangerous fumes to contend with.)  But all of his "things" had to be removed/hidden (then it all has to be pulled back out, of course).  Maybe I should have left the crib set up, with a painting or two displayed in it!

This is what greeted my guests as they came onto the front porch.  I invited MARIGOLDS (for the Home, Garden & Soul) to sprinkle my house with their many beautiful treasures that add such character and warmth to a home..perfect for gift-giving.  It made the event that much more special!  Thanks, Marigolds!

"The Reveal" (acrylic by moi) along with treasures from Marigolds.

One corner of my studio was set up to show all of my various works-in-progress.  I was able to discuss traditional 300# ARCHES PAPER versus WATERCOLOR CANVAS versus YUPO.  I also love AMPERSAND AQUABORD.

Another work-in-progress.  This time, an acrylic on canvas (Tuscany).  I was excited to see one of my collectors light up when she saw this one.  I agreed to let her have "first right of refusal"!  I imagine this one will get my earliest painting attention now!

Anne Peterson (left) 

I've been mentoring Anne Peterson (in watercolor painting) for the last several months.  When she started as my student a couple of years ago, I knew she was someone special.  While holding a full time job, she dedicates precious time to her art, always striving to improve.  I invited Anne to show two of her paintings at my Open House...we got such good feedback about her work!  Here's a closeup of one of her paintings:

"Around the Bend" by Anne Peterson.
Available for purchase by contacting me!

Lastly, while cleaning out my studio, I set aside a large amount of art instruction books that I've enjoyed over the years but was now willing to part with.  Artists who visited the Open House had a chance to add them to their library.

All in all, a lot of work goes into setting up such an event.  But, boy, it was well worth it!  (and my house is now already cleaned and ready for the rest of the holidays!!!)  Mark your calendars for next year!

See you at next year's Studio Open House!  Happy Holidays, everyone!

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Watercolor Workshop

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Yesterday, I held Day 1 of a 2 day watercolor workshop with my intermediate students in Summerville.  When I arrived at our location, I found 2 of my students waiting for the morning train to rumble through historic downtown Summerville!  Research photos for a future painting!?  I hopped out of my car and snapped pics of them, taking pics of the train!

My students, Anne & Bernice, snapping pics of the train (for future paintings!).

Everyone learned a lot throughout the day (or so they told me!) and I had to take a picture of Bernice's tree...what a marvelous tree it was!  Look at these luscious colors and granulation on her paper!  Good job, Bernice!

My student, Bernice's, tree!   Way to listen to the lesson!

The Summer House (in Summerville, SC) - location for my August 2012 watercolor workshop

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Another reason to love my town!

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I've been enjoying showing you snippets of my little town of Summerville, SC.  Here's another reason to love it:  Gahagan Park!

This is a kid's (and parents') daydream, right in our own back yard.
(a shout-out to www.ShoutAboutCarolina.com and www.scgreatoutdoors.com!)

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Painter's Block? Not today!

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Isn't it true that you always want what you can't have?  Today I want to be in the studio (but can't), so I guess I'm over my painter's block from yesterday!  Just for grins and giggles (and because so many of you loved my photo from yesterday), here's another shot of my quaint little town of Summerville!

Quaint Summerville, SC - Sumter Avenue

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Painter's Block?

I just came back from helping our son's family pack so that they can move here to Summerville, SC (so exciting!).

My body, however, got somewhat worn out, and with it my creative spirit.  I know the signs.  I just have to leave it alone for a few days and not force it.  I'll wake up one morning, refreshed and ready for the studio again.

One thing that always helps is taking a walk in this quaint historic town.  I truly do love the trees and the hanging moss...I "bookmarked" certain corners to revisit this afternoon when the light will be just right!  I feel myself coming around...!

Historic Summerville, SC - so quaint

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From watercolor to acrylics!

"Swamp Jewels V" (acrylic) by Helen K. Beacham

I just finished teaching a watercolor workshop this week, where we learned to paint orchids in a beautiful, loose fashion.  This coming Mon-Tues-Wed, I'm teaching an acrylics class where our focus will be to paint a successful painting with fresh color, with as few strokes as possible (because sometimes the simpler, the better!).  My students excite me when their eyes light up during their own, personal aha moments!

My Newest Painting! Enjoy!

"Lowcountry Splendor" (acrylic) by Helen K. Beacham

When I wander through the plantations and gardens of our beautiful Lowcountry, I am often drawn to the scenes that are off the beaten path.  This particular scene is magical and can be found at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens on Hwy 61 between Charleston and Summerville, SC.  Driving down Hwy 61 is a breathtaking experience, in and of itself.  It builds up the suspense as you approach Magnolia!

Pretty in Blue

A blast from the past!  Went through my old "transparencies" (anyone remember those days?) when I came across this painting that I had already forgotten about.  Since I've lost track of who owns this piece, let me know if it's You!

2 New paintings

Just finished two more paintings in my latest series (on Yupo paper).

"An Invitation II" (watercolor on Yupo)

"Welcome Home II" (watercolor on Yupo)

Demonstration at the Woodlands Inn

Scene for my Sunday demonstration:  Middleton Place Plantation in Summerville

This Sunday (Nov 14, 2010), I will demonstrate my watercolor techniques during a gourmet Sunday Brunch at the 5-star Woodlands Inn in Summerville, SC (I'll be in the dining room area).  I will paint this scene (above) from Middleton Place Plantation.  I might also work on a painting of one of the sunrooms at the Inn.  Here's a picture of  my work in progress so far, and the photo of the room below it.  Call the Woodlands for reservations for their special Sunday Brunch (843-875-2600).  http://www.woodlandsinn.com

Sisters AND Artists!

I enjoyed spending 2-on-1 time with Emma & Henley, who are sisters & artists!  They are my neighbors, and with the girls living across the street, I get to watch them ride their skateboards (although nowadays I guess they're called something else when they're split down the middle...??), and ride their bikes, and chase Goldie!  But the best time is when I get to watch them paint. 

New Painting

"Spring Lyrics" (watercolor & graphite)

This little setting is almost right around the corner from my house in downtown Summerville.  It seems so unassuming, but with the light behind the wisteria, I just knew it would end up being a painting.