Tunnel Hill Paint Out

We'll be painting both days at the annual "Battle of Tunnel Hill" --- and you're invited to join us!(WE are the members of the Art Alliance of North Georgia)
Two tents are already set up for the artists - one is for display of artwork done onsite and the other is a base of operations.
There is no participation fee except for the $5 main gate entry.
The Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation has graciously allowed us to set up (FREE) - so we're asking each artist to make a donation to the THHF. This can be a percentage of any artwork sales or another amount determined by each artist.
For more information, please contact beejw@charter.net
or call 706-270-1626.

painting at Red Clay Park

I've made arrangements for artists who'd like to paint at Red Clay Park this weekend, August 7th & 8th, during the Cherokee Days of Recognition. Saturday the park opens at 10:00am and Sunday at 11:00am. However, we have permission to get there early to paint before the heat gets...too HOT. For MapQuest and GPS, the address is 1140 Red Clay Park Rd., Cleveland TN 37311.

This site has more information about the event. There is no entry fee to the park. But they suggest a $5 parking donation.
http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/RedClay/

If we get there earlier than 10:00am, some of the Native American participants won't be in their regalia (Native dress), but there are still lot of things to paint before 10:00. After 10:00, there are lots of things going on. There will be food vendors, restrooms, etc. And we can always wade in the Blue Hole creek to cool off.

Even if you choose not to paint, it's a great event to attend. Bring your camera for lots of good photos. One bit of courtesy to keep in mind...before photographing any Native American INDIVIDUAL, you should ask their permission first. Photographing a group of Native Americans is OK, but it's always polite to get permission beforehand. Photography of some of the ceremonial dancing isn't permitted, but the announcer will let you know when photos cannot be taken.

Hope to see you there on Saturday morning. If you have any questions, please let me know.
BJ
beejw@charter.net
706-270-1626

Saturday, June 19

I painted at the Dalton (GA) Saturday Market last week. It's a small pocket park beside the courthouse where the Saturday Market is now happening every Saturday through September. You just show up around 7:30am. The spaces are first come/first served. If you're selling anything, the fee is $10.

Wednesday, October 21st

We'll begin painting around 9:00am at Peacock Alley on Hamilton Street in historic downtown Dalton, GA. Just behind Peacock Alley is the renovated railroad freight depot which now houses the Convention and Visitors Bureau. We're working on an exhibition for their open house scheduled for November 7th.

Monday through Sunday, September 14th - 20th

The "Tunnel Hill Battle Paintout" will be next weekend (Saturday and Sunday, September 19th & 20th) during the annual Battle of Tunnel Hill Civil War reenactment. The paintout welcomes 20-25 artists from Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.

http://picasaweb.google.com/beejw1a/THWorldwidePaintout?feat=directlink This link shows photos from last year's event.

All during this coming week, we'll be painting in the mornings beginning around 8:30 and again in the late afternoons. The battlefield is usually quiet, but this week will see the hustle of tents being erected and the sound of soldiers practicing marching drills. This morning we happened upon several reenactors cooking breakfast over an open fire. The crisp morning air together with hints of Autumn color in the foliage suggests a wonderful painting weekend coming up.

Tuesday, September 8th

We will paint at the Tunnel Hill battlefield on Tuesday morning, beginning around 8:30. There are some scattered hay bales and tree foliage is beginning to show faint signs of yellow. The "Tunnel Hill Battle Paintout" is coming up on September 19th & 20th, so we'll be scouting out new subjects for paintings.

We're also painting along GA Hwy 2 between Hwy 41 and (East to) Varnell. There's a horse farm with a lovely barn. And we may venture on to the Varnell House. Busy, busy.

Thursday, August 27th

On Thursday, we'll be scouting out old barns along GA Hwy 2 between Ringgold and Varnell. Then we may paint again at the Varnell House. There are so many sites that need to be captured on canvas and paper.

Wednesday, August 26th

We'll be painting at Bethlehem Gardens near Varnell beginning around 8:30am. There are lilies, hostas, ferns, fountains and all manner of other living things. Winding pathways into a shaded wonderland will give us endless painting venues. We're excited that the owner has granted us permission to paint there.

Tuesday, August 25th

We'll begin painting at Prater's Mill near Varnell, GA, on Tuesday morning around 8:00 or 8:30. There are lots of views to choose from. The mill and gin sit beside the creek which winds through woods and meadows.

Monday, August 24th

We're painting today at "Studio Bee" on Old Three Notch Road outside of Ringgold. There are acres of meadows, an organic garden complete with scarecrow, flowers, a barn, a creek, sunflowers, birdhouses - in short, it's a great place for artists. Excuse me while I get my easel...

Tuesday, August 18th

We'll be painting near the historic train tunnel in Tunnel Hill on Tuesday morning beginning around 7:30. It's near 215 Clisby Austin Road in case you'd like to find it by GPS or MapQuest. This photo shows the road leading into the parking lot just in front of the tunnel. It's a challenge finding a good spot to stand to capture the tunnel on canvas. But we're plein air painters...and we're not afraid of a little challenge!

Thursday, August 13th

The historic Varnell House and Varnell Springs sit on opposite sides of GA Highway 2 in Varnell, GA. We'll meet there Thursday morning around 8:30. Depending on how the morning light plays on the waters, trees and grasses, we'll see what the sites have to offer. We're sure there are paintings waiting to be painted.

Tuesday, August 11th

There has been a change of plans. We'll be painting at Studio Bee on Tuesday. Beginning around 8:15, we'll paint butterflies, weeds, wildflowers and whatever we see in the meadows nearby.

At sometime in the near future, we'll venture to Varnell Springs and the historic Varnell House, built in 1847. Let us know if you'd like to join us as we "paint Georgia".

Saturday, August 1st

We will be painting at Red Clay State Park during the "Cherokee Days of Recognition". There will be dancers, drumming, storytelling, demonstrations, food and historical information. Gates open at 8:00 am and the event starts at 10:00 am. Admission is free.
For MapQuest and GPS, the address is 1140 Red Clay Park Rd., Cleveland TN 37311.
If you'd like to join us in this painting adventure, e-mail me at beejw@charter.net and I'll pass along further information.

Tuesday, July 28th

We'll be painting at Barnsley Gardens near Adairsville, GA, on Tuesday. Send me an e-mail here at bjw.papainter@gmail.com if you'd like to join us.
We'll be leaving Dalton around 7:30, heading south to Adairsville.
The main gate opens at 8:00am, so we'll begin painting around 8:15-8:30am. Check in at the gift shop. There's an $8 charge.

Friday, July 24th

We'll be painting again on Friday morning at Crown Gardens & Archives beginning around 8:30am. It's a beautiful place with lots of painting ideas. Come join us as we 'paint Georgia'. The address is 715 Chattanooga Ave., Dalton GA.

Thursday, July 23rd

On Thursday, we'll be painting in Chickamauga Battlefield park. We'll meet at the museum at 8:00 am and decide where we'll set up for our first painting of the day. The museum is located on Highway 27, just south of Fort Oglethorpe. If you'd like to paint with us, we'd love to meet you.

Wednesday, July 15th

We will be painting Wednesday afternoon at Chickamauga Battlefield on Highway 27 just south of Fort Oglethorpe. We'll probably meet near the museum around 6:00 pm. If you'd like to join us, we'll be painting some of the monuments, meadows and hay bales (if they are still there). Sunsets there are always wonderful.

Tuesday, July 14th

We will be painting at Crown Gardens & Archives on Tuesday, beginning around 7:30 am. We may venture next door to the Hamilton House also. If you'd like to join us: Location: 715 Chattanooga Ave. Directions: I-75, Dalton/Walnut Ave exit, go east 1.8 miles on Walnut Ave., turn left on Thornton Ave. At 6th traffic light turn right on Tyler St., then left on Chattanooga Ave. Second building on left.

Thursday, July 9th

We will be painting on Thursday morning at Crown Gardens and Archives (in Dalton) starting around 8:00am. If you'd like to join us:
Location: 715 Chattanooga Ave. Directions: I-75, Dalton/Walnut Ave exit, go east 1.8 miles on Walnut Ave., turn left on Thornton Ave. At 6th traffic light turn right on Tyler St., then left on Chattanooga Ave. Second building on left.

Wednesday, July 8th

On Wednesday, we'll be painting at Chickamauga Battlefield, just South of Fort Oglethorpe on Highway 27.

Tuesday, July 7th

We will be painting again early at the Tunnel Hill battlefield, near 215 Clisby Austin Dr (Tunnel Hill). We'll probably be there to begin around 7:30-8:00am. The hay bales will be picked up sometime this week and there won't be more until around the second week in September, just before the "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment on September 19th & 20th. There are hundreds of bales scattered over the meadows.

Friday, July 3rd

We will be painting again early at the Tunnel Hill battlefield near 215 Clisby Austin Rd., Tunnel Hill. The hay bales are still scattered over the meadows and are beautiful in the early morning sun. We'll probably be there around 7:30am. If you'd like to join us to paint, let me know.

Thursday, July 2nd

We'll be painting again early Thursday morning at the Tunnel Hill battlefield near 215 Clisby Austin Dr., Tunnel Hill. We should be there around 7:15-7:30. Call if you'd like to join us to paint.

Tuesday, June30th

We will be painting early Tuesday morning, probably beginning around 7:30-8:00, at Crown Gardens and Archives in Dalton, GA.

Location: 715 Chattanooga Ave. Directions: I-75, Dalton/Walnut Ave exit, go east 1.8 miles on Walnut Ave., turn left on Thornton Ave. At 6th traffic light turn right on Tyler St., then left on Chattanooga Ave. Second building on left.

Thursday, June 25th

We will meet Thursday, the 25th, at 7:15-7:30am at Keith Baptist Church (1573 Keith Rd) in Tunnel Hill, GA. Sandra will lead us to a new painting site located about 2 miles from there. Join us if you'd like to paint before the morning gets too hot.

Wednesday, June 24

Wednesday morning we will be painting at the Tunnel Hill battlefield. The hay was cut a few days ago, and there are lovely bales scattered over the meadows. We'll get an early start...probably around 7:00 or before.

Tuesday, June 23rd

Sandra is painting at Crawfish Springs in Chickamauga, GA, this morning. This is an old photo made in the Fall of '06, but you can see how beautiful the spring is and all the possibilities for painting.

Thursday, June 18

The weather guy says "95 degrees" here in Tunnel Hill tomorrow. But if we get out early...very early...we can cover some canvas before we melt. So if you'd like to join us, we're going to meet at the Tunnel Hill battlefield early. They have cut the upper meadow hay yesterday and will be cutting the meadow near the covered bridge on Thursday.

Wednesday, June 10

Sandra and BJ will be painting at Barnsley Gardens near Adairsville, GA. This is a website showing some sites we'll have the opportunity to paint. http://www.barnsleyresort.com/about/history_overview.asp
Send me an e-mail here at bjw.papainter@gmail.com if you'd like to join us.
We should begin painting around 9:00am. Check in at the gift shop. There's an $8 charge.

Tuesday, June 9

Sandra is painting at Old Stone Church at the intersection of Hwy 41 and Georgia Hwy 2 in south Catoosa County beginning around 7:30am. The painting was "in process" at the time of the photo.

Monday, June 8th

BJ (and maybe Sandra ???) will be painting on Monday. It looks like Sandra has art students Monday morning. So BJ will scout out a good spot and paint solo...possibly along Dogwood Valley Road in Whitfield and Catoosa County. The hay is still uncut at the Tunnel Hill Battlefield...I'm looking for early Summer hay bales.

Saturday, June 6

BJ will be painting at the Tunnel Hill Battlefield, near the covered bridge, beginning around 8:00 am. Early morning light is also wonderful at Harry Griffin Park, less than a mile north of there. It may depend on whether they've cut the hay at the battlefield. We'll see in the morning.

Tuesday, June 2

Paint wherever you are. You're your own painting group. Then tell someone where and what you painted...and why. And invite them to join you next time.

Monday, June 1

Sandra and BJ will be painting Monday morning early - beginning around 7:30-8:00 am near the Ringgold (GA) courthouse. Then around 7:30 pm, they will be painting near the fruit stand just north of Ringgold on Ooltewah/Ringgold Rd.