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 Three years ago we stopped in Charleston, South Carolina on the way down to Florida.   My purpose was to visit the studio of Mary Whyte, a watercolor artist, whose work I admire.  We made it there just before closing and were welcomed in.  We decided to explore the city further, eat some local food and see what the city had to offer. The stately homes and gardens are stunning but what really impressed me was the quality and quantity of art galleries strewn throughout the city.

One in particular caught my attention, Cecil Byrne Gallery.  Passing by a window on Broad Street, I noticed a beautiful seascape of rolling waves by pastel artist, Jeanne Rosier Smith.   Most galleries feature oil painters so it was exciting to step through the door and see the work of pastel artists Liz Haywood-Sullivan, Mike Beeman, Alain Picard and many others.   Lucky for me the owner, Cecilia Murray was there.  She is an artist as well and specializes in landscapes of the surrounding lowlands and its wildlife.  We chatted about pastels and painting and she impressed me with her enthusiasm for the medium and support of her artists.

Long story short, I am happy to say that I am now represented by Cecil Byrne Gallery.  My mother lives in Florida and I have taught workshops there the past several years.  Charleston is a good stopping point on the long trip and I used those visits to get a sense of the city and collect photo references.  These paintings are my impressions and are for sale in the Cecil Bryne Gallery.  Next time you visit Charleston, stop by her gallery, explore the city, and enjoy some shrimp and grits.

Zigzag 12x16 pastel

Cecil Byrne Gallery is located at 60 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Here is a link to her website: https://www.cecilbyrnegallery.com/

Welcome Home 8x6 Oil