“Storm over the Salt Marsh”, oil, 5 x 7″, © Mary Bentz Gilkerson

The captivating odor of salty air, hot sun on warm cedars and pines, and the rich tang of pluff mud.

“Golden Fall, Botany Bay”, oil, 6 x 6”, © Mary Bentz Gilkerson The golden fall light paints the marshes of Botany Bay with rich color beyond the…

​“Dawn Light, Edisto”, oil, 5 x 7″, © Mary Bentz Gilkerson I love the pre-dawn early morning light. I’ve stayed in a house on Scott Creek on Edisto…

A quiet backwater creek at high tide on Tybee Island in early morning light. Time on the Sea Islands, whether you're on Edisto in SC, Tybee or St. Simons in GA, is measured by the rise and fall of the tides. The ocean breathes in and the tide goes out leaving mud...

Have you ever had the feeling that your creative well has just completely been drained dry? Like there's nothing left. In today's culture, we tend to be so busy. We drive ourselves so hard. Go, go, go, go, go. There’s a feeling that you're not being productive if...

How to Save Paint without Putting It in the Freezer or Refrigerator   Have you ever been told to put your palette in the refrigerator or freezer so your paint wouldn’t dry out between sessions? I’m betting you have. This is such common advice, and although well...

One of the best ways to speed up your process, and unify your painting all in one go is to use a toned ground. And as an added bonus, you bypass some of the difficulties that are present when you're faced with a blank white canvas. In today's Quick Tip session, I'm...

I made this painting recently based on a study that I did down on the Edisto Island a couple of years ago in the fall. October is one of my favorite times of year to be on the Island. The light then is spectacular. The color of the sky and the ocean becomes this rich,...

What do thriving successful artists know that gives them an edge?

They know their painting why – how they define success for themselves as artists.