Over the Summer, Alden Cole and DoN made regular trips to Bartrams Garden in West Philly to work on paintings for the Da Vinci Art Alliances Art of the Tree exhibit. Today on a snowy cold day, I remember sitting in the humid heat painting the fantastic lotus in full bloom in the water Lilly pond, including in the composition an unusual tree with large thorns and small shiny leaves. DoN wondered aloud what type of tree it was and a voice from behind said, Its a Toothache Tree. One of the many gardeners had been watching DoN paint and was very helpful in explaining the many plants in the historic garden. The anesthetic effect of the thorns from the Toothache Tree was used by the Indians to soothe sore gums.
Alden Cole’s “DoN Painting in Bartram’s Garden”, oil on recycled cutting board.
Carved wood by R.J Wallner in Bartram’s Garden Gallery.
Solid brass owl sculpture by Michelle Post.
Paintings on left by DoN Brewer, paintings on right by Victoria Necins and Alden Cole, luminary by Alden Cole.
Another day DoN painted a landscape with a Carolina Silverbell Tree with a hint of the Schuylkill River peeking through the trees; painting plein air can be intoxicating and tiring, DoN has to bring all the supplies to the location hopefully not forgetting something important. Art friend, Aida accompanied DoN one sunny day and we both produced decent paintings. Check out the Bartrams Garden website for the history of this amazing nature space, even better visit the garden and wander the paths along the river.
“Carolina Silverbell” by DoN Brewer. oil on canvas.
“Bartram’s Garden” by DoN Brewer, oil on canvas.
“Lotus and the Toothache Tree” by DoN Brewer, oil on rag board.
Da Vinci Art Alliance art party @ Bartram’s Garden Gallery in America’s oldest barn.
Alden and DoN each completed three paintings appropriate for the show which ran the weekend of October 23rd starting with a lovely cocktail party and awards presented by Dr. Deb Miller. Shoshana, Shirleen and Alden sipped wine and nibbled snacks with members of the Da Vinci Art Alliance and watched the sun set over the Philadelphia skyline.
DoN cant wait for Spring and the chance to paint the beautiful flowers and trees in this lovely, restful space hidden on the edge of Philadelphia.