Melrose Open Air Arts 2015 - Dogwoods, Azaleas and Pink Flamingos

Dogwood blossoms in Melrose, FL

This year the Melrose Open Air Arts has a welcome return March 7 to the 21. Having participated in this painting event for several years, I'm pleased that the timing is just right for blossoms and blooms to be at their peek in this sleepy little town east of Gainesville, FL. 

My Open Air Arts ritual each year is a visit to a little patch of land just west of Melrose near Earleton. Then I'm off into town to see what stirs my painting imagination.

On Tuesday, I was immediately taken with beautiful white blossoms on dogwood trees on a street with the name ...Dogwood Lane.

A brilliant azalea bush in the morning light also caught my attention. The vibrant magenta blossoms cascaded over an old white picket fence with such magical dancing shadows.

"

Morning Glory
6x6"
Sold

That painting along with three others were hung today at Melrose Bay Art Gallery. 
Please mark the date of the artist reception at Melrose Bay Art Gallery on Saturday, March 21 from 6 to 9 pm. 

Oh I almost forgot to mention the pink flamingo yard art that made it's way into one of my paintings...just for a bit of whimsy.

Happy Spring.

Open Air Arts Dreaming by the Bay

Dreaming in the Park by the Bay
© Karen F. Rose
pastel
$250
Available Melrose Bay Art Gallery
Bellamy Road Art Gallery

One of the pleasures of painting in the Melrose Open Air Arts is choosing a location that speaks to you.  In past years, and again this year I was attracted to "the park by the bay" Melrose's Heritage Park on Melrose Bay. 

I see the the park bench and the blue of the water as an invitation to rest, to reflect and to dream. 

Thanks to all who stopped by to chat while I was pasteling. 
Especially the couples from Penny Farms. We had a wonderful discussion about pastel which I enjoyed and I hope you did too.
I have four paintings on display through April 21. Hope you will stop in and see all the fabulous art created by the 40 talented artists who participated in Open Air Arts this year.

Melrose Open Air Arts 2013 - Painting the Town

Melrose Bay Art Gallery
Melrose, Florida

Spring Forward. Now that you have set your clocks ahead hope you will mark your calendar for Open Air Arts. Pleased to be participating for the fourth year in this festival which invites artists to paint this artsy little town.
I'll setting up my plein air easel, painting all day Saturday, March 16th along with over forty other artists.
Please join us on Saturday, March 23 for the Gala and Art Sale from 5 to 9.
For a complete list of activities click on this link

Melrose Open Air Arts- What's in Your Pocket?

© 2011 Karen F. Rose    Melrose Memory, oil on canvas, 6x6"
sold

Remember the moment.
Sweet spring air and a glow, a kindness that warms my heart.
Painting in Melrose...a pocketful of memories.

Launch From the Shallow End

©2011 Karen F. Rose   Launch From the Shallow End, oil on canvas, 10x10"

Available at the Melrose Open Air Arts, April 2 - April 30
Bellamy Arts Gallery

Notes from the Melrose Open Air Arts-
On Friday in the park next to Melrose Bay, I couldn't help but notice a young mother and her kindergarten age son as they spent the sunny afternoon "at the beach" in Melrose.
At this shallow spot of the Bay, this little guy was launching on an adventure in his inner tube. Carefully he entered the cool water and did not venture out too far into the deeper water.
His mother kept a careful eye on him. His feet never left the sandy bottom.

What a lesson to be learned at any age.
Is it best to launch from the shallow end?
In so many of life's adventures should we test the "waters" before we take the big plunge?

Lake Santa Fe Good Morning

© 2011 Karen F. Rose   Lake Santa Fe Good Morning, oil on canvas, 6x6"
sold

The sun rises quickly from the other side of the lake. GOOD MORNING! It's glow wipes away the sleep from your eyes.
No gentle tap on the shoulder, roll over and hit the snooze button here.
Now go out and make it a great day!

Painting in the Open Air Arts in Melrose, FL

Look for signs giving you directions to the artist locations.

Up early to see the sunrise over Melrose yesterday. What fun to be painting in the Open Air Arts Event again this year. This is my third year and I love being part of this event.. Harriet Huss and all those organizing the event have done a fabulous job promoting the event. Hope you will stop by and say hello.

What time was sunrise yesterday you might be wondering? 7:28 a.m.  

Don't worry you don't have to get up that early. Over 60 artists will be there all weekend from 10 - 5 painting. For the complete details for you to plan your weekend, the schedule of events is on this link.
And if you want to join me at sunrise, I'll have the coffee, but will you bring the donuts please? Thanks.