As promised, I am writing about the wonderful weekend at the annual Art in the Park at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton, Va. This is the location of the famous painting by “Grandma Moses”, Duck Pond at the Gypsy Hill. Grandma Moses, as she is known, a local artist, was a painter in the primitive school of art, with a distinctive style.
The park was overflowing with travelers and locals with their families, lazily strolling under the shade of old trees, visiting artists’ and craftsmen’s displays. This being an annual event, visitors and buyers come from around the state and out of state to join us. This was my second show at this event and the very first time to show the Giclee copies of the two portraits of the Virginia First Ladies, Jeannie Baliles and Roxane Gilmore at Art in the Park . Mrs. Baliles portrait is now at the Historic Library of Virginia in Richmond, Va. and Mrs. Gilmore’s portrait is at the Valentine Museum, also in Richmond.
The reception was exceptional and my space was continuously flooded with enthusiastic visitors viewing my oils and pastels, set up on easels. Needless to say that my list of commissions is a sign of that enthusiasm.
Today I’m working on the painting of a lovely lady. Due to the metric measurements of the antique frame,the stretcher bars had to be custom crafted. I have looked forward to this particular painting and for now, as usual, I am enjoying the moment to the max. Later in the year I have been invited to show my art work at an art event in Leesburg, Va. and to teach a class at our local Mary Baldwin College. I want to send a special “thank you” for the many kind comments on my blog post. Till next time, Nahid