"Salient Clouds at Kiawah Beach" SOLD

11"x14" Alla Prima Oil on Belgian Linen Canvas  sold

This was my latest demonstration at the Hagan Fine Art Gallery & Studio of my family's visit to Kiawah Beach just before a strong storm rolled in. . . we were able to enjoy the beach sunshine for at least an hour before we had to pack things up and head for the car.

sold at www.haganfineart.com

http://haganfineart.com/art/salient-clouds-at-kiawah-beach-by-mary-hoffman

"Together"

22"x28" Oil on Linen Canvas

These little shorebirds are so cute (and so quick making it difficult to catch on camera!).  Each time I visit the beach, I remember to keep the camera or iPhone handy just in case!

Available at Hagan Fine Art Gallery & Studio
www.haganfineart.com

"Coastal Drama"

9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel

I started this and nearly finished it "en Plein Air" on location at Sullivan's Island station 30.  I snapped a bunch of reference photos and put final touches on it when I returned to the studio.
This particular day was hot and sticky and although it was sunny, you could see by the dramatic cloud formations off shore that there was a storm in our near future.
These kind of cloudy days are so fun to capture on canvas!

"Beach Brothers"

16"x20" Oil on Linen Canvas

This was a commission for a woman whose younger brunette looks a lot like my own son. . . I really enjoy painting these sweet "moments" in time: capturing little ones playing at the beach.  So fun!

"Chasing Shadows"

30"x40" Oil on Linen Canvas

Available at www.haganfineart.com

"Standing Watch"

8"x6" Oil on Linen Panel  painted alla prima en plein air

Standing under that big oak between Stella Maris and Fort Moultrie I took this vantage and painted.  Just in time for Independence Day.

"View From The Fort"

8"x10" Oil on Linen Panel  Painted alla prima, en plein air.

On that cold, Spring day looking out over the span of yard from the top of the Fort (at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island, SC) was this view.  In the far distance one can make out the hint of our other historic site, Fort Sumter.

"Sullivan's Oak Tree Study"

6"x8" Oil on Linen Panel painted alla prima en plein air

There is a big, beautiful Oak Tree near the Stella Maris Church and the historic Fort Moultrie that gracefully "dances."  I love attempting these studies. They challenge me.

"Fort Moultrie Canon"

6"x8" Oil on Linen Panel  painted alla prima en plein air

This was painted back in March/April when the weather was unseasonably cold.  This has been quite a busy spring time for me and I have neglected keeping up with my blog.  My apologies.

This is basically a study of the structures at the historic Fort Moultrie interior - Trying out composition and value. The canon as well as the the sloping yard and brick wall created wonderful value shapes from which to work.  Then my hands got too cold to hold the brush and I called it a day!

"Discovery II - Beach Baby in Blue Series"

30"x40" Oil on Linen Canvas

It is summer time!  I love watching how the little ones marvel at their first trip to the beach.  It's a glorious place and continues to cause wonder to all those who visit.

Available at Hagan Fine Art & Studio  www.haganfineart.com

"Safe From The Surf" SOLD

11"x14" Oil on Canvas   sold

I love these little children-at-the-beach vignettes.  More to come!

"New Discoveries" SOLD

9"x12" Oil on Linen   sold on One Kings Lane online sale www.onekingslane.com

When my son was just a toddler I snapped this image of him on one of our first trips to the beach. He was fascinated with the sand and all the prize finds of the surf.

"I'm Not Who I Was" (Brandon Heath) (aka "Easy Beach")

9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel

Another lovely day with the Wednesday painters at Fort Moultrie's Beach.  This time I wanted to concentrate on the incredible shapes and colors of the tree line and bushes lining the beach dunes.  The foreground clump of grass had a bizzillion orange butterflies drinking the nectar of the pretty purple and yellow flowers. 

A young mother of two little girls beautfully dressed in white holding paper parasols enjoyed the day to photograph her little ladies on the beach.   Another family of two young children came by to see what I was painting and announced that I was painting their "Easy Beach" which they regularly enjoy.

"Sleeping in the Sun" SOLD

6"x8" Oil on Linen Panel   sold

Seagulls sleeping on the beach on a sunny day. . . best kind of nap ever!
www.charlestonartistcollective.org

"Moultrie Rocks!" SOLD

9"x12" Oil on Linen Panel   SOLD

This is "Everyday Life" in the Lowcountry!  Check out The Charleston Artist Collective's September Theme: "Everyday Life"www.charlestonartistcollective.org