Angus Macpherson

The Other Day, abstract landscape, Southwestern Downpour

2014

Autumn Gathering Acrylic on Canvas Contemporary Abstract 36" x 24" Inspiration for Autumn Gathering is from the Memorial Park Conservancy. Also shown are other paintings by Eleanor McCarthy. Commissions available. As the first significant project of Memorial Park Conservancy's 10-year plan, Clay Family...

Azalea Profusion 48" x 48" Acrylic on Canvas Floral Gardens Azalea Trail Azaleas, known for their vibrant blooms, have a rich history stemming from East Asia, particularly China and Japan, where they were cultivated and admired for centuries. They were introduced to Europe in the 17th century and later to North America, becoming a symbol of the South, especially in places like Charleston, South Carolina. Here's a more detailed look at the history of azaleas: Origins in East Asia: Azaleas are native to China and Japan, where they have been cultivated and admired for centuries, holding cultural significance. Introduction to Europe: They were introduced to Europe in the 17th century, and quickly gained popularity. Arrival in North America: Azaleas made their way to the U.S. via England, France, and Germany around the 1830s. Symbol of the South: The first American azaleas were planted on a plantation near Charleston, South Carolina, called Middleton Place Gardens, and have been associated with Southern gardens ever since. Hybrids and Varieties: Plant explorers and breeders continued to develop new azalea varieties, leading to the vast selection we enjoy today. “Celebrate 88 Years of Azalea Trail” The River Oaks Garden Club’s 2026 Azalea Trail will celebrate the 88th Anniversary of this wonderful event. The biennial Azalea Trail is the primary fundraiser for the River Oaks Garden Club with all proceeds going back into the community to support the following organizations: Alzheimer’s Association, Bayou Bend, Bayou Greenways 2020, The Brookwood Community, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Chinquapin Preparatory School, Forum of Civics, Holly Hall Retirement Community, Houston Arboretum, Houston Botanic Garden, Houston Rose Society, Memorial Park Conservancy, Mercer Botanic Gardens, The Monarch School and Institute, Nature Discovery Center, The Parish School, Rienzi, Student Conservation Association and Urban Harvest. The History of the Azalea Trail River Oaks Garden Club (ROGC) was organized in 1927 by 27 residents of the emerging River Oaks area. It was not until late April 1935 that they held the first “Garden Pilgrimage,” as it was known then. That first year, there were 12 gardens on the tour, five of which were on Lazy Lane. Proceeds from the tour were used to beautify the grounds of River Oaks School, known today as River Oaks Elementary. In 1936, the Pilgrimage became known as the Azalea Trail, as three gardens were opened in March to display azaleas in addition to the April Pilgrimage. People were unfamiliar with the beautiful azaleas because they were not native to the area, so ROGC used the Azalea Trail to educate the public on azaleas and horticulture. The 1940s brought challenges to the Azalea Trail, as the war years led to severe shortages of plant material. ROGC members began to cultivate bedding and landscaping plants from seeds and cuttings and introduced the “Victory Garden” concept into landscape design at their own homes. The Victory Gardens incorporated vegetables into the borders of flower gardens and fruit trees into the broader landscapes – a practical shift from the isolated vegetable gardens and fruit orchards of the past. The ROGC Victory Gardens proved to be greatly appreciated by Azalea Trail attendees, setting the stage for a new interest in marketing fresh produce at the Greens Market held on the ROGC’s Forum building grounds. Azalea Trail attendance continued to grow, attracting an impressive 10,000 visitors in 1945. Visitors that year included several thousand service men and women, who enjoyed the Trail as honored guests. Among them was a contingency of military officers, visiting Houston to lay the cornerstone for a new, 39- building Naval Hospital (this later became the Veteran’s Hospital). The officers accompanied military patients from McCloskey Hospital in Temple, Texas and were entertained by ROGC members for the entire weekend. Garden Club members hosted a series of social events, and, although ROGC had fewer than 50 members, ten gardens and three homes were featured on the Azalea Trail that year. These efforts were more important during the war years than any previous time. The Shreveport Times related the sentiment of those who attended the Trail, noting that, “The beauty of a garden is yours to keep, in your heart. We all need beauty now more than ever before. Our hearts are troubled and our minds are worried, but peace and beauty can be found in a garden filled with lovely colors and beautiful flowers.” In 1948, the ROGC’s historic Forum building first opened as an information center during the Azalea Trail. Flower arrangements by members were also on exhibit, and member Frances Hannay published a pamphlet for the public called “Period Flower Arrangements”. In 1957, night gardens were featured on the Azalea Trail for the first time. In 1961, Miss Ima Hogg granted permanent supervision of Bayou Bend Gardens to ROGC. To this day, Bayou Bend Gardens remain an important jewel in the Azalea Trail crown. In 1982, The Mayor of Houston issued a proclamation, designating Azalea Trail Days and commending ROGC’s contribution to the historical preservation, conservation, and beautification of the city. In 2006, the City of Houston was designated an “Azalea City.” What started as a means for ROGC members to educate the people of Houston has evolved into the heralding symbol for Spring in the City of Houston. Today’s Azalea Trail offers Houstonians as well as out of town guests an enjoyable weekend that educates the public about architecture, flower arranging and horticultural possibilities in our region. Trail proceeds are given back to the community for projects in horticultural education, conservation and civic beautification. Eleanor McCarthy uses acrylic paints on canvas to create the soothing colors in her new contemporary paintings that were just painted in 2024. Every client sees a different image in her new series of paintings being produced in 2024. Eleanor McCarthy is inspired by the scenery of Texas, Southwestern Colorado, and Europe. Eleanor has recently begun to pursue non-representational painting and has enjoyed exploring the process of abstraction in creating new works of art. She has added acrylic painting and mixed media application to her artworks. Eleanor graduated from Tulane University with a BA in Sociology and from Southern Methodist University School of Law with a JD. Eleanor began to pursue painting after her children went to college. She has studied with Nancy Paris Pruden in Houston for the last 20 years and for two years with Arielle Masson at the Glassell School of Art. Eleanor has furthered her training with painting workshops in Texas, Colorado and Washington State under Mitch Albala, Jeanne Mackenzie, Joshua Been...

Waterworks_Framed 2018 Acrylic on canvas 30 x 40in Represented by: The Mannix Project East Hampton NY About the Artist: Beth Barry was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1955 an...

Burnt Orange Gestural Expression About the Artist: Beth Barry was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1955 and started making art as a young child. Exposed to love of making things by her father, she used to make furniture and clothing for her troll dolls...