March Comes in Like a Lion---New ArtBirds, Flowers, and Landscape Paintings

March Comes in Like a Lion

New Spring ARTWORK !

A new season.  Spring.  It's roaring in my ears with sounds of Inspiration.   I've been in my studio and working this winter with spring images in mind.  I've had lots of inspiration from trips to the coast of California, Texas, and to Ireland.   I've also been inspired by little birds and my well-loved pets, my cats as kittens.  

  

Bend Not Break, 6x8, Juried Painting selected by judges for the Inspire Center's April Show

I heard earlier this month that two of my paintings were accepted into Inspire's 2016 Annual Juried Art Show.  Bend Not Break and Moving Toward Marfa.  The above painting Bend Not Break was inspired by the coastline of Monterey, California.  Paul and I traveled to California for a vacation and to visit friends in December 2015.  I discovered this landscape while driving the Seventeen Mile Highway along the Monterey Bay Coast.  

Sky Watching on U.S. Route 181, 8x10 Landscape Painting near Goliad, Texas

During this month of March, I was selected as the featured artist for the Yellow Rose Gallery in Rockport, Texas.  Barbara Newell, gallery owner, gave me a reception to kick-off my art show at the end of February.  Paul and I enjoyed more time in Rockport with sun and sea.  On our way home, we stopped at Goliad's Presidio La Bahia to pay our respects to the fallen heroes from the Texas Revolution.  While on U. S. Route 181, I was skywatching.  The clouds were gathering for a later rainstorm.  This resulted in a studio painting after my return home.  

Lullabies, 5x7 ArtBird Portrait Painting of a little Chickadee

Chickadee Series.  One of my favorite little birds.  Here's a new one with spring colors and entitled, Lullabies.  I like this bird's cheerful and lively presence in my yard.  It always lifts my spirits when I spot one on the feeder or on the oak tree outside the kitchen.  

Spring Morning with Mother Robin , 5x7 ArtBird Portrait Painting of my Favorite Spring Bird, the Robin

As a child growing up in Pennsylvania, I associated the robin with the coming of spring.  Tired of snow and mud by March, I was ready for Spring.  When I spotted my first robin who had migrated back north, I knew that Spring had finally arrived.  I remembered doing a report on this bird in elementary school because I loved what this bird represented.  I also liked the mother robin's blue nest eggs.  It's still one of my favorite colors of blue. 

Flying into the Sunset, 8x10 landscape painting of Rockport, Texas

One of the glories of water and sky for me is a colorful sunset.  And, of course, add a bird flying into the landscape, and it's complete.  I experienced this beautiful sunset in Rockport during my last visit at the end of February.  

Poppy Morning, 8x10 floral painting inspired by the poppies of Castroville, Texas

The poppies are starting to bloom again in Castroville, Texas.  Their red spring blooms liven up this charming and historic Alsatian town southwest of San Antonio.  This is my latest poppy painting from my Castroville Series.  I created it as a demo painting when I was in Rockport on February 26th.  I started with a sketch and watercolor underpainting and then layered on the soft pastels.  

Sailing along the Irish Coast, 8x10 landscape painting of Ireland

This week I celebrated St. Patrick's Day with demo paintings of Irish Landscapes.  I painted the above painting at BesArte in LaVillita which is one of my newest stores that display and sell my artwork in downtown San Antonio.  I had traveled to Belfast, Ireland with my American cousins awhile ago to meet my Irish cousins and to travel across the countryside.  This was one of our stops.  I enjoyed watching the colorful sailboats along the pretty coastline.  The fog was lifting and I could view the distant hills. It was a true Irish Blessing.  

Snuggles, 5x7 cat portrait painting

My cats are elderly now.  One is deaf and the other has been diagnosed with renal failure.  They have brought me great joy for the past 18 years.  This painting is a tribute to them in their younger years.  They would nap together in the guest room on a favorite blanket.  They looked so happy and content.  I remember their loud purring and happy little faces.  They reminded me of Little Buddhas.  

      HAPPY SPRING!

Cindy Morawski

www.CindyMorawski.com

Studio:  210.522.0706

Wilkome to a Glimpse into the Past~~Photos and Narrative of Castroville, Texas

Medina River from the Bridge in Castroville

Glenn Nuyttens, Landmark Inn's Tour Guide, explaining about the Founding of Castroville

Allie, the Rickshaw Man, setting a World Record and stopping for a Chat

The Steinbach House, Museum at 100 Karm Street

DayTrippers, group photo at the Landmark Inn~~Say~~Alsatian!

Feline Wilkome, along with assistant Maria, to the Albro's Garden Shop on Fiorella Street

Medina River's December Reflections along Hwy 90

Historic Moye Center and Retreat

Picket Fence Leading to an Historic Home

Facing Houston Square, a Glimpse into the Past

Cheri Hoog, Castroville Resident, embracing Alsatian History

Travels to Castroville, Past and Present

by Cindy Morawski

Where can you find Texas History, natural beauty, fine dining, and more?  Hint:  It's only a day away by horse and wagon or by car it's only about a half an hour from San Antonio.  The historic town of Castroville, founded in 1844 by Frenchman Henri Castro, is a worthwhile stop for travelers and visitors alike. 

Traveling by present-day car, I joined my BSW DayTripper friends and headed to Castroville on December 1, 2011.  Our first stop landed us at the Landmark Inn, a state Historic Site, where we learned about the commercial side of this once-bustling city from tour guide Glenn Nuyttens.  Castroville's growing influence in early Texas started with having roots in mills of various types~~a cotton gin, a lumber mill, and a grist mill, all located on the Medina River.  Attracting commerce and colonists, this made it one of the largest towns in Texas in the 1800's. 

Surprises galore!  While making discoveries about Castroville's past, we presently came upon an ex-Marine named Allie and his loyal dog Roxy.  Allie's Rickshaw Trek, starting in California, will set a new Guiness World Record.  He's bound for Miami and then onto Washington, DC, to be met by the president.  He has a dream, and he's proving that America is still a great country.  He told us that he has met gracious and generous people along the way in his travels.  We had the pleasure of hearing some of his stories along the Medina River last Thursday.  If you want to learn more about his adventures, check out his website:  www.rickshawroadtrip.com.  Best of Luck to you, Allie and Roxy!

While continuing our walking tour with Castroville resident, Cheri Hoog, we enjoyed more colorful stops along the way.  Across the bridge from the Landmark Inn, we found the Steinbach House.  This present-day museum was originally built in Wahlbach, France, between 1618 and 1648.  It was relocated to Castroville in 1998.  Now it's open for tours Monday through Friday from 9 to 5. 

Another noteworthy stop included the St. Louis Catholic Church, at 610 Madrid Street.  Built between 1868 and 1870 under the organization of Father Peter Richard, it looks out on Houston Square.  Its chapel near the Moye Retreat Center has even an earlier building date of 1844.  If you get a chance to go inside the St. Louis Church, you won't be disappointed.  Beautiful stained glass windows and statues await you!

Moving along to some of the shops of the city, our touring group came upon Albro's House and Garden on Fiorella Street.  Owned by Ward and Tot Albro, it originally was an old saloon, relocated to its present-day site.  From 1920 until 1994, it had been a blacksmith shop.  The outhouse in the back, surrounded by lavendar, also has an historic note.  It was built by the WPA in 1930.  Look for Manchita, Spanish for Little Patches, the calico cat in the shop.  Maria and Tot will also be glad to help you find what you're looking for. 

All that walking gave us an appetite.  We were happy to dine at the Castroville Cafe at high noon.  This 1884 Victorian house is located on September Square which is the original location of the Henri Castro Homestead.  Serving delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, and more, you can enjoy your meal while surrounded by fine art in this lovely restaurant.   It's open from 11 to 2, and it's located at 309 Lafayette with both an outdoor porch and an inviting garden patio for lunch seating as well. 

All in all, a day out in Castroville, gave me a chance to connect to both past and present.  What a beautiful place to visit!  And, only a short drive from San Antonio . . . hope you'll make your own discoveries!



~~Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

PS:   If you're looking for a unique gift this Christmas, consider a calendar.  I have two to choose from:  Seasons~~ 2012 Art Calendar, New Landscape Paintings, and Photography of Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, another Art Calendar for 2012.  Just email or call me for more details.  I can mail it, deliver it in person, or you can come by my studio to pick it up.    cski02@sbcglobal.net   or  studio:  210.522.0706.