The Beckoning Sea, oil painting

The beckoning sea wind assures me that this too shall pass. Grand friends will gather on porches of seaside houses and around sizzling grills, making happy memories. Our cares cast aside for another day.

If we only knew when.

Whether I accept or deny it, the reality of personal stories, data and deaths detail the truth of Covid-19.  No cure, vaccine, or long-term health results known. I wonder how you are faring, how you are affected during this strange time?

Like many creatives, I am fortunate to work from home. For most of last year and the beginning of this one, I have hunkered down out of choice, painting for shows. This large oil painting, Beckoning Sea, is one I delivered to a gallery in South Carolina last month.

Now I am on pause.

Morning sunlight slants across green meadows, yellow flowers stir beneath an unending blue sky. July dreams drift in the sultry haze of time. Wistful memories of painting beside fine friends on rocky coasts and quiet coves call me to my easel. Imagination and memory are my summer muses.

I return to earlier themes of serenity and simplicity. Stripping the superfluous from the chaos of the world. Bearing down on the essence of beauty and harmony.

Wherever you are, my painting companions, I am with you in spirit and deed.

Dreaming beside the beckoning sea.

May Twilight. Egg tempera painting by Daniel Ambrose

May Twilight is one of 14 paintings I delivered to Cheryl Newby Gallery in South Carolina for my Summer Show. The exhibition runs from June 27 to July 25.

It was my first trip since Covid -19. I took extra precautions on the road and practiced the 3 W’s recommended by epidemiologists and virologists. Wear a mask, wash your hands, watch your distances.

During this pandemic, many of us are learning we can do with less, by necessity or choice. Long ago I chose the latter. So I channeled my creativity and structured my life, as I described in this post, Our Song. I sacrificed to live to paint and not paint to live.

I do not know if current events influenced my painting, May Twilight. Perhaps unconsciously, I sought a feeling of stillness contrasted with movement.  An abstract idea made visible in the tangible elements of bird, water and light. A balanced tension resides in their juxtaposition.

I do know that I find peace and inspiration in these elements. In singular moments of gentle beauty.

In times of chaos and disruption, I return to the center of quiet things. I focus on moments.

In the words of poet, Mary Oliver, “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”

Visit Cheryl Newby Gallery website to view the show.

I am excited to announce my Cheryl Newby Gallery Summer Show.  I will be exhibiting many new egg tempera paintings inspired by the South Carolina coastal lowcountry. Glenda Taylor and her exquisite ceramic art will participate with me in this 2 person show.

Because of Covid19 we will not be hosting an opening night reception this year, and I will miss seeing everyone. Especially since I have been holed up in the studio for months, painting. However, all the artworks will be on display, and it promises to be a gorgeous show. Cheryl and Kaitee have taken precautions to ensure you feel at ease while visiting and viewing this fabulous event.

Are you ready to get out and see beautiful art!?

I’ve been posting videos showing fascinating details of egg tempera paintings in progress on Instagram. Check out the finished paintings after the show opens on my Instagram page.

Newsletter subscribers will get a preview of some of the paintings. If you’d like to view them, please subscribe to my newsletter Ambrose Art Journal here.

For more information, visit Cheryl Newby Gallery website.

Cheryl Newby Gallery Summer Show
June 27th – July 25th, 2020
11096 Ocean Highway
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
(800) 435-2733