Drawing in Nature Class – October 2016

I will be teaching a class called “Drawing in Nature” in the fall. I am going to spend some time this summer exploring the parks to choose locations for the class and I will post more details in late summer. The class will be a time to get out and enjoy nature and expression through art.  If you are interested in attending, please email me at admin@christineeckerfield.com.

Oak Tree, Bold

Natural Places: Pastels Created Directly from Nature
The Centre for Girls, Tampa, Florida, July 2015

While I had my exhibition at the Centre for Girls, the artwork that the girls created was also being shown. Many of the projects on display were created during summer camp. The art was creative and there was a wide range of styles. The Centre for Girls has financial aid for families that cannot afford to pay for tuition.

During summer camp, each week there is a different theme. One week’s theme was outer space. They painted the sun, stars, and different planets. The paintings were colorful and expressive. Space ships they created out of recycled water bottles are hanging from the ceiling.

They also have a pottery studio and my husband Craig and I were able to buy some of the work.  It is really nice! I bought some colorful bowls and Craig bought a small bowl detailed with shells.

The Centre will soon have a Digital lab and will have a variety of classes including graphic design, web design, and journalism. They are also adding new landscaping to their yard.

I am looking forward to having a plein air workshop in October with the girls!

Merit Award at Possibilities in Pastel IX

Thanks so much to the Pastel Society of Tampa Bay for the Merit Award I received for my painting, Morning Oak Trees, Valentine’s Day (bottom right). I received a Dakota Pastel Box and Pastel Premier Pastel Paper. Thank you also to Dakota and Pastel Premier for their donations for the award. I appreciate it, it was a nice surprise!

Possibilities in Pastel IX
February 2 – 27, 2015
Opening Reception February 13, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

This is a juried pastel exhibition of over 100 pastels at the Stirling Art Studios & Gallery in Dunedin, Florida. It is sponsored by the Pastel Society of Tampa Bay with Judge Margaret Dyer. The exhibition includes a wonderful group of pastels done by different artists representing a variety of styles, subject matter, techniques, and sizes.

January and February 2015 Paint Outs

If you would like to join me to paint out Friday mornings, please contact me at admin@christineeckerfield.com. Possible painting locations include Alderman’s Ford Park, Alafia River State Park, Hillsborough River State Park, and Little Manatee River State Park. The painting below was done at Little Manatee River State Park.

FLOR 500
December 2014

This is a participatory art project created by Miami artist Xavier Cortada to commemorate Florida’s quincentennial in 2013. Exhibitions are scheduled for Spring 2015.

500 Floridians were invited to depict 500 native wildflowers. http://www.xaviercortada.com/?page=FLOR500_artists.

I live in Region Four and chose Gulf Muhly or Muhlygrass, FLOR 217. In the fall, Gulf Muhly blooms with beautiful pink wispy flowers.

December 2014 Paint Outs

If you would like to join me to paint out Friday mornings, please contact me at admin@christineeckerfield.com. Possible painting locations include Alderman’s Ford Park, Alafia River State Park, Hillsborough River State Park, Edward Medard Park, Mosaic Peace River Park, and E.G. Simmons Park. The painting below was done at Alderman’s Ford Park in Lithia, Florida.

Five by Five 2014 – Small Art for a Big Cause
Friday, October 24, 8:00 pm
Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa, Florida

Event proceeds go towards funding individual artist grants and programs with the Arts Council of Hillsborough County. http://fivebyfivetampabay.com/

Paint & Photo Brooker Creek Preserve
Exhibit – October 12, 16-18, 2014

Plein Air Event and Exhibition, Tarpon Springs, Florida.
http://www.tarponspringspleinair.com/2014-ts-plein-air.html

October and November 2014 Paint Outs

If you would like to join me to paint out Friday mornings, please contact me at admin@christineeckerfield.com. I am forming a group to meet at different locations around Valrico and Brandon, Florida. Possible locations include Alderman’s Ford Park, Alafia River State Park, Edward Medard Park, Mosaic Peace River Park, and E.G. Simmons Park.

Moments in Nature at the Safety Harbor Museum and Cultural Center
Pastels – En Plein Air
March 21 – April 30, 2014
Opening Reception March 21, 5:30 – 7:30 pm

A solo exhibition comprised of 22 pastels completed on location, with an expressive style and high key color. The images include palm trees and palmettos with lush vegetation; waves and reflections; sand, sun, clouds, and sky; and oak trees with Spanish moss. The exhibition includes pastels created at Fort De Soto Park, Honeymoon Island, and other natural settings in the Tampa Bay area.

March and April 2014 Paint Outs

If you would like to join me to paint out Friday mornings in March and April, please contact me at admin@christineeckerfield.com. I am forming a group to meet in the mornings at different locations around Valrico and Brandon, Florida. Possible locations include Alderman’s Ford Park, Alafia River State Park, Edward Medard Park, Mosaic Peace River Park, and E.G. Simmons Park.

3rd Annual Juried Show at the Florida Museum for Women Artists

Two of my pastels, Fiery Sunrise and St. Petersburg Palms at Sunset, are currently being exhibited in the 3rd Annual Juried Show at the Florida Museum for Women Artists in Deland, Florida. The show was juried by Dr. Ron Yrabedra. It is in the Main Gallery and runs through January 12, 2013: http://www.floridamuseumforwomenartists.org/exhibitions/galleries/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illuminated Nature at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts

My painting titled Rain Cloud, Siesta Key, won Third Place in Illuminated Nature, a juried exhibition at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts at the Durante Gallery, in Longboat Key, Florida. The exhibition was juried by Brian Haverlock.