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 an interview check The Senior Gazette. 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 "pleine air", from the French phrase "en pleine aire" meaning in fresh air or out of doors in natural light..
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.
Due to age related illness i can no longer paint plein aire, but have beautiful garden and river views from my windows. I will still post new paintings and art events on my What's New page.
Visit PLEIN AIR ARTISTS

As a member of LHVPAP, Lower Hudson Valley Pleine Aire Paintersyou may paint with a group of artists at designated locations absoluely free. All New York State Plein Aire Groups are without charges. For more information about this group contact Jamie Grossman, Director.

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Last updated January 3, 2012