"Camellia in the Rain" A painting by Charleston Artist Katherine M Schneider

"Camellia in the Rain"
5"x 7" mixed media on paper
Price: $100.00

Today's painting is of a rain soaked, winter booming camellia. The semi tropical climate in the Lowcountry is great for gardening all year long. Winter gardens in Charleston are beautiful.

One of the oldest gardens in America, Magnolia Gardens is in the height of winter bloom now with over 7000 sasanqua bushes (a variety of early blooming camellia) reportedly in bloom. The house and gardens have been decorated for Christmas with wreaths and ribbons everywhere.

What a nice alternative for anyone seeking to avoid the crowds and confusion at the malls. Fresh air, sunshine, endless garden paths under ancient moss covered oaks. It doesn't get any better than this for visiting or painting.

I've had a great time painting surrounded by fall berries and winter blooms. Tomorrow the temperature will be 80 and sunny as I head out to paint "en plein air" once again. Stop by and say "Hi" if you see a painter (that would be me or a friend) up to our elbows in paint enjoying a sunlit garden path or a bright pond reflection.

Many of the exhibiting artists of the Charleston Artist Guild (CAG) and The Charleston Outdoor Painters Asso.(COPA) are creating original paintings inspired by the winter gardens to show and sell in the Magnolia Gardens Art Gallery during the Winter Garden Festival Jan 19 - Feb 10, 2008.

"Portrait of A Reporter" A contemporary viewpoint

The Charleston Post and Courier this Monday ran a cover story in the business section about regional Daily Painting art blogs in which my artwork and blog, Paint Charleston Daily.blogspot.com were included. The article "Art of the Deal - All In A Day's Work" by Kyle Stock generated much interest in regional art blogs.

Being interviewed for the article and seeing reporters at work in the darkened expanse of a city newsroom were the inspirations for today's painting.

"Portrait of A Reporter"
10" x 8"
Oil on birch panel
Price: $175.00

"Summer Shower - Battery Park" A Daily Painting by Charleston Artist Katherine M. Schneider

Summer rain showers brought out bright colored umbrellas at Battery Park also known as White Point Gardens because of all the white, sun-bleached oyster shells lining the park pathways.

In my painting, a young family waits for a break in the storm as their son perches on a mount of stacked Civil War cannon balls, a favorite spot for children to climb whatever the weather.

"Summer Shower - Battery Park"
Oil on Panel 8" x 10"
Price: $175.00

Seagulls Circling the Trawler "Carolina", Shem Creek

Another day in paradise as I painted from the shade of a hauled sailboat by the mouth of Shem Creek at Charleston Harbor.

Capt. Magwood's shrimp trawler"Carolina", painted with the Magwood fleet colors of orange and green, was tied up by the Wando Shrimp Co. dock today while the crew worked on board.

I took the opportunity to paint the bright tangle of metal arms, colorful ropes and shrimp nets.
Although from shore the boat looks picturesque, to the men who make their living here,this is hot, hard work. However we all enjoy the delicious catch they bring back. Shrimp from coastal Carolina are the best tasting shrimp in the World! I'm having fresh, local shrimp tonight while I enjoy my new painting of:

"Seagulls Circling the Trawler Carolina"
Oil on cradled panel 11" x 14"
Price: $375.00

"Good Neighbors" Charleston Artist Katherine Schneider paints the Unitarian and St. John's Lutheran Churches

"Good Neighbors"
11" X 14" oil on panel
Price: Sold

Charleston is nicknamed "The Holy City" because it has so many beautiful, historic churches.
This "plein air" (painted on location) oil painting shows the distinctive landmarks of the Chas. Unitarian Church and St. John's Lutheran Church.
The Rev. Bachman, an early pastor of St. John's was also an ornithologist for whom the Bachman's Warbler is named and a close friend of John James Audubon. Bachman helped Audubon during the period he was publishing "The Birds of North America".

The Unitarian Church at 8 Archdale St. is the oldest Unitarian congregation in the South. The beautiful interior is modeled after the Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey. The freely growing churchyard grounds are a secret garden in the heart of a busy modern city.

"Flowers for the Fallen" A memorial painting for the 9 Fallen Charleston Firefighters

Fort Moultrie National Monument flying the American Flag at half mast is the subject of of this painting in memory of 9 Charleston firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty this week.

The row of wild flowers in the foreground seemed to make a natural setting with the fort and flag for a memorial. painting. This tragedy is the largest loss of fireman's lives in the line of duty since 9/11. Our hearts go out to their families.

The City of Charleston's Firemans Fund is accepting donations for the families of the firefighters. The Fireman's Fund address is PO Box 304, Charleston, SC. 29402.jFor a complete list of places to donate and fundraisers, go to www.charleston.net.

"Flowers for the Fallen"
11" x 14"
Oil on canvas panel

A Portrait of A "Charleston Child"

I've use a light touch and high key palette of colors in this portrait of a fair haired "Charleston Child."

The subject of the portrait, Miss Ella comes from a family of many southern beauties. I'm glad to have painted her in this stage of life.

11"x 14"
Pastel on archival paper

"Hazy, Lazy Day" A painting of a Charleston Marsh Creek

This painting of Palmetto Islands County Park in Charleston shows a popular spot for fishing, crabbing, and relaxing.

This day the humidity in the air over the marsh made the trees seem to shimmer in a silver haze. It was a good day to "wet a line", paint a painting, or enjoy the beautiful scenery. It was a "Hazy, Lazy Day" in Charleston.

Oil on canvas 30"x26" framed in gold leaf
Price: $675.00

Jalapeno and Hot Sauce - "Hot Stuff"

The bright colors and spicy flavors of the ingredients for a taco dinner made a good meal and an interesting painting.

This is a postcard size oil painting (4"x 6"). Although compact, the design and colors of the painting make a strong statement.

Bright colors, Spicy flavors. This painting's title is definitely "Hot Stuff".

In the collection of Mr. Fred Jenkins

"Sweet Season" for Strawberry and Canteloupe

The fresh strawberries this year are the biggest I've ever seen. The strawberry in the painting was the size of a small plum and twice as sweet. So was the cantaloupe.

I've just finished the painting and the fruit. Both gave me great satisfaction.

This is a "postcard" size oil painting (4"x6"). This tastey fruit is titled "Sweet Season".

Price: $75.00.

Sunlit Geranium A La Impressionism

I love the first flowers of Spring. They always brighten my day. I hope this painting gives the impression of the warm breeze and bright sunlight I felt while painting it on my back porch.

Price: $225.00

A Painting of "Charleston Haint Blue Shutters"

This 14"X11" plein air oil painting is titled "Charleston Haint Blue Shutters".

Haint Blue refers to a sky blue color that the people of the Gullah culture in South Carolina used to paint around their doors and windows to keep spirits (Haints) from entering their homes.

The historic home pictured in the painting reflects this folk custom today with it's bright, sky blue shutters.

Price: $375.00