Around the Bend

Here’s to walking, daydreaming, wandering around the bend. Why? I’ll share more in a minute. But first, I’ll welcome new readers and share the purpose of this blog.

Transitions

Welcome! Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. This year’s theme is Transitions. I am expanding on last year’s theme. 2021’s theme was “Small Spaces Special Places“. Since we were all spending a lot of time in or close to home last year, it made sense to me to keep paintings small and simple.

Why Transitions? So many reasons. Here are one or two. I plan to transition to larger paintings this year. In fact, the first painting I posted this year was huge (for me.) It measures 8×24″…wowza. Here’s the painting and post for that week. Second, I am focusing on transitions within my painting process, too. This includes transitions from light to dark. Something I love to think about as I compose a painting. I also love to think about the negative space around an object. An example of this is the painting I shared two weeks ago called “Blowing in the Wind.”

So there you have it! The scoop on transitions as the theme for 2022.

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A Wonderful Walk Around the Bend

Are you a fan of walking? Me too. I especially love going out on walks where I’m enticed by a view of some kind. It’s also fun to allow time to just head out the front door and see where BDE (Best dog ever) leads me. That is probably crazy sounding to goal-oriented people in our midst.

But to me, heading out for a walk and just letting the steps lead where they may, can be absolute paradise. So, I guess it should not surprise me that my imagination would conjure up a painting like this. Here’s a larger version of the painting which, in real life, is 8×16 inches. And, will be framed and on view at my show at Stokes County Arts Council from May 16, 2022 till June 30, 2022.

If you decide to come to the show’s opening on Friday, May 27, you will have plenty of options to see “around the bend.” Why? The arts council building is located on a wonderful, twisty and turny two lane road. And, thankfully, you will find all kinds of goodies.

Such as? Ample free parking behind the arts council. In the middle of the building, there’s a delightful gift store with handmade gifts of all kinds (soaps, scarves, children’s toys, jewelry and more). And, there’s also delicious coffee and luscious ice cream. Oh, and there will be my paintings and my abstract artist friend, Ellen Gamble‘s paintings, too.

If you decide to visit there are plenty of other wonderful places nearby too. In fact, Hanging Rock State Park is er…well…you guessed it…just around the bend. And, there’s a friendly tavern called Green Heron Alehouse nearby too.

Familiar Phrase

If you have that feeling, as I did, that there’s something familiar about the expression and title of this week’s post. You’re right! Again! So, I’ll share Credence Clearwater Revival’s version of Up Around the Bend here:

Your Favorite Idea

What about you gentle reader? What’s your idea of a favorite “around the bend?” I would love it if you shared it here in the comments below. Thank you!