North Carolina Living Treasures

What are North Carolina Living Treasures? I can’t wait to share with you! But first, let me share the purpose of this post and place. Whether it’s your first or gazillionth visit here, I hope you feel a warm (and bright colored) welcome. Each week I share a colorful painting with you. My hope is that these color clad, affordable paintings will delight your eyes and – hopefully – lift your spirits! If you’re new here and would like to receive your very own version of these weekly posts, subscribe here. Let’s look more closely at this week’s painting, OK?

First North Carolina Living Treasure

In a previous (previous previous) life, I was a potter and got to spend two months at Penland School of Crafts in Penland North Carolina. It is an experience that will forever shape my life. How and why? At the time I was burned out from day job world and in search of a creative outlet.

Heading to the mountains of North Carolina for two months of pottery making with other craftspeople was absolute paradise.

During my time at Penland, my classmates and I met the first North Carolina Living Treasure, Cynthia Bringle, when we toured her studio. Her delicious, buttery brown bud vase is one of the focal points of this week’s painting. Here’s a close up of it.

Second North Carolina Living Treasure

The American Holly (Ilex Opaca) is the other living treasure in this painting. We have two of these beauties in the grassy area of the sidewalk in front of our house. They were planted by the city a few years ago. We keep our eyes out for the flock of cedar waxwings who swoop in and gobble up the berries as they prepare for their winter migration. Here’s a close up of the holly in this week’s painting.

Studio Setup

And, here’s the studio photo for this week’s painting. Ahhh! It sure was fun to paint this one.

The Entire Painting

Here’s the painting in it’s entirety. It’s 6×12 inches, oils on panel and is currently not framed. If you are hoping to have this painting for your very own, it’s for sale for $197 + $14.28 NC Sales Tax + $25 Shipping = $236.28. Simply click on this PayPal Link to purchase.

How Are You

What’s happening in your world, gentle reader? Have you got some living treasures headed your way for the Holidays ahead? If so, please share here in the comments. I would love to hear from you!