M. E. Whitehill-Watercolors

"Paintings to enhance your life"

About the Artist

      This is a photo taken of me walking on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. For a recent published interview check The Senior Gazette. now called Niche News. Click Current News on menu and look for previous issue of March 2-9, 2009.
My Great Grandfather was a Hudson River Artist, Thomas B. Pope.
I knew at an early age that I was born to be an artist. I received a degree in Art and Art History from Wells College, where my German professor was also a watercolorist. His enthusiasm for the medium created my dream to paint with watercolors.
The dream was on hold during the war years and because of the demands of four children, and in the 1960's I took advantage of New York State's Title II program to receive an MS in Library Science from SUNY Albany.
After 20 years as a Librarian I retired in order to paint full time. My dream had come true at last.
I found many opportunities to study watercolors with the masters.

     My first instructor was Carol St. John, followed by Edgar Whitney, Frank Webb, Carlton Plummer, Janet Walsh, Ruth Baderian, Tony Van Hasselt, Charles Sovek among others.
I recommend workshops as a means to explore the many styles and methods of watercolors and to interact with other artists.

This is a 5" x 7" oil painting by T.B. Pope. It is a view of the Hudson River looking north. Pope also painted in pastels and watercolor and like many artists today gave lessons in order to make a living. Pope was a self taught artist and sold to residents of Newburgh, but today his work is found throughout the United States.

Here's a little watercolor by
T. B. Pope that I found in an antique shop.

I prefer working on site or "plein air", from the French phrase "en pleine aire" meaning in fresh air.
The outdoor experience is sometimes frustrating
because of wind, insects, interruptions from other people, the constantly changing light etc.
The rewards outweigh these inconveniences. While you are working all your senses are heightened. You can hear the songs of the birds, hum of insects, music of the trickling stream.
You smell the delicious scents of new mown hay, flowers and herbs, pine trees or the salty air of the ocean. You have a constantly moving panorama of clouds, shadow shapes, other people going about their work and you notice minute details of rocks, flora and fauna.
Being able to reach out and touch the natural world lifts you to another level of joy.
Just don't touch the poison ivy.
Be prepared with anchors for your easel from the wind and insect repellent.
A love of people will make you many new friends while you are in the field.
An umbrella is a must if you cannot find a shady spot so that you are not blinded by the glare from your paper.
I like to paint with another artist if that is possible as it is more fun to have someone to share a picnic lunch, and a critique from a fellow artist is very helpful.
As a memberof the LHVPAP, Lower Hudson Valley Pleine Aire Painters I have a chance to paint with a group of artists at designated locations. For information about this group contact Jamie Grossman, Director.

At left is a recent painting, "Iris and Lupine", an 8" x 10" floral. It was donated to Orange County Land Trust Silent Auction.

Click on the Daily Motivator for a truly inspiring experience. There are three slide shows with musical accompaniment.

Web site created by M.E.Whitehill

Last updated June 1, 2010