2010 Philadelphia Open Studio Tours – pdf
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2010 Philadelphia Open Studio Tours
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Category Archives: Philadelphia Gardens
Little Show of Horrors: Da Vinci Art Alliance @ Bartram’s Garden Gallery
Da Vinci Art Alliance is sponsoring the fabulous show, “Little Show of Horrors” @ Bartram’s Garden Gallery; alliance members were challenged to create works commemorating Charles Darwin’s 150th anniversary of “The Origin of Species”and carnivorous plants and all the artists went crazy on the theme of the fabled bug eaters. Above is Ted Warchal’s mixed media dream box and DoN Brewer‘s digital photo collage.
Dexiang Qian, Girl with Venus Flytrap, oil on canvas @ Little Show of Horrors @ Bartram’s Garden Gallery. An honorable mention award winner, the painting explores the mystery and allure of collecting exotic plants. The display of carniverous plants in Bartram’s Garden is unbelievably fascinating, DoN highly recommends seeking out the display while the Summer is still hot. Venus Flytraps are indigenous to the Carolina’s and their habitat is being encroached upon, Bartram’s Garden offers a glimpse into a strange & wondrous world of ecology and botany and it’s fragility.
Alden Cole’s Starlings tap into a deep psychological pattern recognition much like ancient man must have reacted to the Venus of Willendorf; the simple play of line and shape is loaded with narrative, a single line of graphite tingling the hive memory deep in our genetic code.
Michael Diprinzio @ Bartram’s Garden Gallery “Little Show of Horrors” featuring Da Vinci Art Alliance members.
Emily Orb with Bartram’s Garden director Louise Turen with “The Garden of Earthly Delights“, silk painting was honored with Best in Show. The reinvention of Bosch’s iconic dream scape is rendered with modern characters and technique, filling an entire wall of the historic space.
Dr. Debra Miller presenting awards @ Little Show of Horrors. The Bartram’s Garden Gallery is in the oldest barn in Philadelphia and a wonderful space for art shows with the rough stone white-washed walls, wide wood plank floors and ancient windows – and air conditioning!
Rachel Citrino, Ted Warchal (Most Creative winner) and the painting duo Karen McDonnell & Tony Cortosi @ Little Show of Horrors. The show runs though August 22nd and members of the alliance will be gallery sitting, Alden & DoN will be on sight all day Wednesday.
The art party opening for Little Show of Horrors @ Bartram’s Garden Gallery sponsored by the Da Vince Art Alliance. For a free downloadable version of DoN Brewer‘s Honorable Mention winner, “Botanical Print”, click here.
Da Vinci Art Alliance @ Bartram’s Garden Gallery
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.