The Modern World of Sue Arnson

I am feeling extremely modern and contemporary today after spending the last few days in Los Angeles.  It is always fun to visit California and seems a world away from Garrett County Maryland.  We had a wonderful time with the Arnson family this past weekend. 
Just before we left, my work in the studio had been focused on doing more abstract paintings.   I find that the spring colors and the rolling hills of the area are not only beautiful but truly inspiring.

DCL abstract 

watercolor

16"x20"

$175

Purple Mountain Majesty

watercolor

11"x14"

$75

suealoft@aol.com

A Form of Art

One of the great things I have learned in the years that I have been involved in the arts community of Garrett County is that art takes many forms.   I was raised in a conservative community and had very little exposure to any art so I entered the world of art with  little background.   I have come around to expanding my views on the question "what is art?"
This winter  Brad Nesline, of Long and Foster Realty, has been transforming a road car into a race car.   This project involved more than motors, tires, clutches etc.   It became a major art project.   He learned to air brush, becoming quite skilled.  I consider this vehicle a true work of art.   Unfortunately Brad is insisting that the car is going to the races.   It is art.

Washington DC and Spring

                                                 World War II Memorial

It is remarkable.   Spring actually has arrived in Bittinger, Maryland.   The crocuses are up and  blooming, as well as the tete a tete daffodils.  We do still have some piles of snow here and there in shady places and on the North side of the hills. Today the temperature reached into the 70's and we ate dinner on the deck for the first time this year.
We spent last week in Washington, D.C. with grandchildren, showing them their nation's capital.  A grand time was had by all.   We were at the Smithsonian, the Lincoln Memorial, the zoo and other attractions.   We visited the World War II Memorial  for the first time.   My friend and mentor Jim McNeil had served in that war where he was captured and held as a POW.  I consider Jim the premier watercolor painter in Garrett County.  There are many watercolor artists in Western Maryland who have benefited from Jim's instruction.  Unfortunately Jim McNeil has not had the opportunity to visit that memorial.

We went to the Phillips Collection to see the Georgia O'Keefe abstract exhibit.  I had not seen most of the pieces in the show and loved it.   There were several that were watercolors on paper, which were really terrific.

And so I continue to play with abstract painting.