Kathleen Kotarba
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Made in the Shade
framed 14"x11" oil painting of Belvedere Farm, Fallston, MD
$575
framed 14"x11" oil painting of Belvedere Farm, Fallston, MD
$575
At Day's End
framed 12"x12" oil painting of the Lee Mansion at Jerusalem Mill, Kingsville, MD
$550
framed 12"x12" oil painting of the Lee Mansion at Jerusalem Mill, Kingsville, MD
$550
The Tenant's House
framed 9"x12" oil painting of tenant farmer's house at Jerusalem Mill Village, Kingsville, MD
$400
framed 9"x12" oil painting of tenant farmer's house at Jerusalem Mill Village, Kingsville, MD
$400
At Home in Havre de Grace
framed 12"x12" oil painting of the A.P. McCombs House, Havre de Grace, MD
$600
framed 12"x12" oil painting of the A.P. McCombs House, Havre de Grace, MD
$600
My paintings for this year’s festival (so far) are all historic structures from different periods in Harford County’s history. Each of my subjects (so far) represents a different architectural style, too. Some are more simple in design. Some are more elaborate and colorful like this one. Each one has been lovingly preserved by caring owners. Each one has a sense of place that is unique unto itself.
On August 9th I began painting the historic A. P. McCombs House in Havre de Grace. This picturesque 1880 Gothic Revival home is known for its joyous pink color, intricate details and the surrounding gorgeous garden. Its original owner, A. P. McCombs, owned the Havre de Grace Ironworks. Its current owner, Perry Stewart, has lovingly restored the house and received a well-deserved historic preservation award for her efforts.
Next, I faced the challenge of painting the ornate porch in the afternoon light...The late day light drifts through the intricacies of the porch, intensifying the already lively colors. For me this is the best time of day to paint.
Next, I faced the challenge of painting the ornate porch in the afternoon light...The late day light drifts through the intricacies of the porch, intensifying the already lively colors. For me this is the best time of day to paint.
The design of the Lee Mansion at Jerusalem Mill Village expresses a simple beauty. Beginning in 1772, the Lee Family owned and operated the mill and village for over 100 years! The stately mansion home of the Lees was completed in three stages, c. 1800, c. 1840 and c. 1869. Today, it is being lovingly restored and is the home of the Lee Gallery.
At the end of the day a beautiful tree shadow appears on the front of the mansion. The ancient wall glows and I paint as fast as I can.
At the end of the day a beautiful tree shadow appears on the front of the mansion. The ancient wall glows and I paint as fast as I can.
This year I started with examples of the 19th century architecture found at Belvedere Farm, established in 1823. Light and shadow created interesting patterns on the old farm house and adjacent wood house. This place was a nice retreat from the July heat.
FROM 2022:
Harford County's historic water-driven mills are a favorite subject of plein air artists.
Above is Kathleen's 2021 painting "Amos Mill Reborn." Below, Kathleen paints on July 4, 2022, at Jerusalem Mill in Kingsville (Harford).
She says, "At the end of the day the patterns of light and shadow on the Mill are magnificent. It changes quickly, so I have to move fast."
Above is Kathleen's 2021 painting "Amos Mill Reborn." Below, Kathleen paints on July 4, 2022, at Jerusalem Mill in Kingsville (Harford).
She says, "At the end of the day the patterns of light and shadow on the Mill are magnificent. It changes quickly, so I have to move fast."
Kathleen was drawn, again, to Belvedere Farm, "On August 25th, I returned to historic Belvedere Farm to paint a landscape. This time my subject was a field of golden marigolds...On August 29th, I completed my painting of marigolds...the largest ones I have ever seen! This field is a beautiful site to behold, especially at the end of the day."
Painting the tollhouse at Susquehanna State Park, Kathleen says, "...the dance of light and shadow was perfect! The sycamore trees near the river are amazing, too."
August 11, Kathleen writes of painting in Susquehanna State Park: This is the site of the historic covered bridge that once crossed the river. This park is rich in natural beauty and relics of 200+ years of Harford County history! Plein air painting is all about capturing fidelity to time and place. I especially like to paint subject matter that exists in only one place. This Harford County relic can only be here and nowhere else. In the “remains of the bridge” two centuries of history and nature are intertwined, forming tree covered islands in the river. It is something to contemplate.
I started a painting at Belvedere Farm on August 18 and returned the next two days to capture the light. This flower farm is most colorful. The yellow barn with a purplish roof was an interesting challenge. On day two and three I refined the color and light in my painting. I especially like to paint the hydrangeas in full bloom. Lots of greens and lavenders in the garden!
Harford County's premier Plein Air Painting Festival is comprised of a juried competition and a community-based quick draw competition, which annually draw professional artists from across the U.S. to capture the county's charms. The Festival's unique format allows painters to work at their own pace from July 1 to September 15, competing for thousands of dollars in cash prizes and sales commissions.
SCHEDULE
July 1 - Artists begin painting.
July 10 - Blog of "works-in-progress" begins HERE.
August 1 - Tickets go on sale for the Collectors' Preview & Awards Party.
August 1 - Community artists and students can register to paint in the Quick Draw Competition.
September 13 - Watch juried artists paint at Ladew Gardens in Monkton.
September 15 - 6:30 pm Watch juried artists paint by the light of the moon in downtown Havre de Grace.
September 16 - 6:30-9 - Attend the Collectors' Preview and Awards Party to congratulate the artists and get the first chance to purchase this year's paintings.
September 17 - 9-noon - Watch juried and community artists paint in downtown Bel Air.
September 17 - 10am-5pm - Attend the free exhibition of this year's paintings at the Bel Air Armory.
September 20 - November 20 - All paintings will be available for viewing and purchase online, HERE.
October 9 - 11am to 3pm - Free open house and exhibition of selected paintings by this year's juried artists at the Liriodendron Mansion, Bel Air. Also open on Wednesdays, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, and 10/26, from 1 to 5pm.
New this year! To showcase the county's vibrant arts scene, the Maryland Center for the Arts is a proud supporter of Harford County Arts Week, September 10-18, with Visit Harford, the Bel Air Cultural Alliance, the Havre de Grace Arts Collective, and many other county arts organizations, presenting exhibitions, performances, and creative opportunities for artists of all genres.
Click on the logo below to see all events.
SCHEDULE
July 1 - Artists begin painting.
July 10 - Blog of "works-in-progress" begins HERE.
August 1 - Tickets go on sale for the Collectors' Preview & Awards Party.
August 1 - Community artists and students can register to paint in the Quick Draw Competition.
September 13 - Watch juried artists paint at Ladew Gardens in Monkton.
September 15 - 6:30 pm Watch juried artists paint by the light of the moon in downtown Havre de Grace.
September 16 - 6:30-9 - Attend the Collectors' Preview and Awards Party to congratulate the artists and get the first chance to purchase this year's paintings.
September 17 - 9-noon - Watch juried and community artists paint in downtown Bel Air.
September 17 - 10am-5pm - Attend the free exhibition of this year's paintings at the Bel Air Armory.
September 20 - November 20 - All paintings will be available for viewing and purchase online, HERE.
October 9 - 11am to 3pm - Free open house and exhibition of selected paintings by this year's juried artists at the Liriodendron Mansion, Bel Air. Also open on Wednesdays, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, and 10/26, from 1 to 5pm.
New this year! To showcase the county's vibrant arts scene, the Maryland Center for the Arts is a proud supporter of Harford County Arts Week, September 10-18, with Visit Harford, the Bel Air Cultural Alliance, the Havre de Grace Arts Collective, and many other county arts organizations, presenting exhibitions, performances, and creative opportunities for artists of all genres.
Click on the logo below to see all events.
PAINTERS: Consider joining us on September 17 for the annual Quick Draw Competition.
Click HERE for details.
Click HERE for details.