Peter's Rose: Floral Still life by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

Peter's Rose©2012C.L.Burgess  8x6 oil on panel 

My friend and neighbor Peter, a native Brit, is a medical doctor, in whom I have come to entrust my care after my insidious bouts with hornets. He is also a birder, dog lover and avid gardener who loves art. So much so, that he even made a trip to see my pooch art in MD while he was there for his daughter's wedding last week!
Whenever Peter visits us, or just if the mood strikes he brings flowers from his garden. This is one of the most delicate little roses I have ever been given. The last painting I did of peonies, was a gift from Peter. Which I promptly returned in kind, by painting a small impromtu alla prima painting for him. I think someday I may have to publish a book of the paintings I do from his lovely gifts. The generosity in spirit of giving flowers to enjoy is always graciously and happily received by this artist.


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Kitchenware Still Life and a studio visit

A Cook's Night©2012 C.L.Burgess 

8x6 oil on canvas panel

I recently had a visit from a former student of mine, who brought a friend over to meet me, and spend an evening drawing with me. 

It is so good to see the young men I used to teach all grown up and making their way into the world as adults. This particular evening he wanted to "just hang out" drawing with me and his friend revisiting the "old days" with Mrs. B.

I had fun teaching again since his friend wasn't an artist, and asked good questions. This is the set up I used.

I kept it simple in form and color. I got to draw ahead of the visit, then while they drew and I "observed", I painted this small work above and then we "played with pastels" and redrew larger what they began in pencil. I think we all had some quality time together.

What a fun beginning to 2012 in my studio. It was an "A+" experience.

Salvaged: Some thoughts on a Still Life by Cathyann Burgess

Salvaged©2011C.L.Burgess oil on linen 16x12

Bella Arte Gallery

When I thought of the title it was so very appropriate. To salvage is to rescue.


We artists, and  most especially former art teachers make good use of things disposed, forgotten, unwanted, worn out, the flotsam and jetsam of life. I used to so admire the artist Louise Nevelson for that. She, taking the tossed out and about; breathing new life into the found object.


Maybe too, the symbolism herein could also be read differently, as we all bring something to the pieces as we look at art objects. What could the spent spider flower mean in this context? And the the weathered wood; was it used to support perhaps a porch roof? Or did the painter put those words there? Why are these objects precious enough to  arrange and paint?


What story do these things hold for you?
Art tells stories. It really doesn't matter what that story is sometimes, once the artist gives it birth. The experience has already been had once. It is generously given now for others to ruminate over, write poems for, remember someone or something or somewhere; giving still, new birth to yet more art, perhaps.
Thank you, Louise.

Red Striped Camellia by Cathyann Burgess

Red Striped Camellia©2011 C.L.Burgess16 x 12 oil on linen


The camellias in my yard are getting ready to bloom again. These were
painted from my spring blossoms and hopefully gaining attention and
a new home from the show Art at the Mill which ends this weekend.

I am especially looking forward to seeing the blooms this season,
in stark contrast to the tree that was felled form Irene, not two
feet away from it. Photos will follow. And of course, more paintings
of camellias.

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Still Life: A Sunny Disposition by Cathyann Burgess

A Sunny Disposition©2011 C.L.Burgess oil 6x6 oil on board

After returning from seeing my best girlfriend, who lives in State College, PA I feel a rush of warmth. So what better way to express days well spent in the sunshine of friendship, in spite of the gray weather of the mountains that surrounded us during my stay.

On the way to lunch, we saw a field of sunflowers, boldly presenting their sunny faces against the steel blue, cold sky.  A Cheers to us! from nature.
We made our own sunshine. This is my impression.


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White Poppy flower: The Visitor by Cathyann Burgess

The Visitor©2011 C.L.Burgess 6x8 oil on paper

I escaped the bee sting since he was preoccupied with this marvelous flower!


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Food:Still Life with Sausage by Cathyann Burgess

Sausage, Pepper and Onion©2011C.L.Burgess 10 x 10 oil on linen

The sausage was the challenge. Before I began to cook this delicious dinner, it occurred to me that I had never painted "sausage", ah, another excuse to explore a new red. I was reading about the introduction of the still life as genre in the 1600 by the Dutch. The French artist Chardin first influenced my exploration of this subject matter long ago, but clearly the Dutch painters were responsible for the growth and interest in the still life. Often containing symbolism about the transience nature of existence, later the genre really just spoke to commonplace everyday existence and the artist's interest in the shapes, color and forms of the objects in a given household.

I tried to mimic the realist style of the masters, directing the emergence of these forms from the subtle toned background. It is a painting that exalts the humble kitchen and meal still prepared in the 21st century much as it did in Chardin's time. This took more time to render than a usual daily painting that I do. This is indirect painting, building form from successive glazing over a tonal under painting.

Ok.... time to eat.

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Peonies and a Rose by Cathyann Burgess

Peonies and a Wild Rose©2011Cathyann Burgess 10 x 8 oil on canvas

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Peony Pinks by Cathyann Burgess

Peony Pinks©2011 C.L.Burgess 11x6 oil on paper

My neighbor is a physician and an avid gardener. He brought me this lovely flower from his garden before the deluge last night that would surely have pummeled it to pieces. A lovely surprise on an otherwise dismal afternoon lifted my spirits. Flowers can do that, as acts of pure generosity. Had to paint it. A fun filled alla prima hour for me.

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Floral Still Life by Cathyann Burgess

Petal Pinks©2011 C.L.Burgess oil on wood 8x6

I saved this camellia before a rainstorm and put it into the nearest container and almost forgot it, as I got distracted with something else in my studio, which is the bane of my existence of late. As the afternoon wore on and I was starting to get ready to cook dinner I noticed the light hitting the fading bloom in its little pitcher. Opportunity presented itself ...or was it just a distraction from making dinner?


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Still Life with Red Roses by Cathyann Burgess

Left Out©2011 6x6 oil on masonite panel
$150+s/h

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Camellias by Cathyann Burgess

Overflow of Camellias©2011C.L.Burgess 7x5 oil on masonite panel
$150 plus s/h

It is amazing what a few days of warmth and rain can do to the garden. I have an abundance of these beautiful camellias! What a visual feast! Hopefully they will out last this new chill as the frost returns. April can't come fast enough!

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Red Tulip Still Life by Cathyann Burgess

Red Tulip©2011 C.L.Burgess 

6x6 oil on cradled masonite

Red. Lush. Inviting.
Leaning toward me in full
open face splendor.

Can't resist an opportunity to paint red.


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Interested in purchasing this or any other work ? I accept PayPal. Buy with confidence.
Small works in oil 6x6 or 5x7 are $150. plus shipping/handling
email me at: cathyannburgess@gmail.com

Still life: Blue Orchids by Cathyann Burgess

Blue Orchids©2011C.L.Burgess 5x7 oil on masonite panel

$150 + s/h

Was I ever awed by the display of these unusual orchids last week! I caved in and bought some to add to my meager collection. I think there will be a series of paintings coming out of this. This is a small study for my daily workout.

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Still Life with Fiestaware by Cathyann Burgess

Fiesta Rose©2011 C.L.Burgess 8x6 oil on linen panel

Fiesta Rose©2011 C.L.Burgess oil on raymar linen panel 8x6

Spring is about to burst forward. This little still life is in a floral motif exhibit at Bella Arte Gallery in Richmond Va. called Everlasting Bouquets for the month of March. 

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For Japan: Quince Blossoms by Cathyann Burgess

An Offering©2011 C.L.Burgess 12 x12 oil on gallery wrap linen

The horror we bear witness to today and over the past few days, affects us all. When things like this happen, I am ever thankful that art is my vehicle for expression and as haven for my soul. 

I painted this over the weekend, mindful and heartsick for Japan and its citizens and for us all, really. I finished today. The pot is one I made and the blooms from a bush I recently planted. It is my offering for the souls lost and those still suffering. And yet, it is a reminder that life moves forward, that the earth still meets us fresh and new somewhere, with promise. The question before us is, will we honor it?

Remember to donate to relief services.

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Sill life in oil: Pears by Cathyann Burgess

Pared Pears©2011C.L.Burgess oil on canvas panel 8x8

$250 +s/h

There is just something about this fruit with its modulating form that holds interest for painters. I have painted peeled pears and apples a few times and it seems to offer equal appeal to me as the raw fruit in its skin.

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