Monday, January 31, 2011

Winter Walk


Winter Walk
Originally uploaded by linfrye
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Blue skies, sunshine, temps in the mid 60s! A mid-winter's dream of a day - and a walk around our neighbhorhood and park.

Despite the teasing temps, winter is still evident in the bare trees, landscapes of sienna and pine green, and not even a dandelion to be found. This is the view from the entry to our neighborhood - grasses and tangles of left over vegetation, a few sparse leaves on the trees, pines giving the air a breath of chlorophyl. Even with blue skies, the view says 'winter' .....

Today we drop almost 30 degrees and cold, wet, grey weather returns. Still the minor respite at the end of the month was incredibly uplifting and just the boost in optimism we all seem to need this time of year. Hope you have a grand week!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Horgner Berweiher - Thank You Doro!

9" x 12"
Arches 140#

My dear friend, Doro, kindly allowed me to use one of your incredible photographs to inspire this painting of Horgner Berwiher -- THANK YOU SO MUCH, DORO!! Her photography is amazing -- take a look! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ag_kyriaki/5400459302/).

It was far different than this winter scene yesterday - mild, sunshiney, in the mid 50s - and we're in for a repeat today -- a wonderful respite from the cold, damp and grey. Still, I do love painting snow -- and wanted to capture the kinds of winter we so rarely get in my part of North Carolina. Thank you again, Doro!

Today another bit of outdoor chores and resting for a very busy week ahead. Hope your Sunday is filled with sunshine and warmth!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Coral Morning Glories


Coral Morning Glories
Originally uploaded by linfrye
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The sun finally shone yesterday with enough warmth to actually take a leisurely walk! YAHOO! And today, our temps will climb to the mid 50s --- AHH .. what a sweet, warm, wonderul break in the winter weather.

This relief doesn't fool us though - winter winds will return and perhaps more snow, but for now, it's an absolute mood lifter!

To celebrate the sun, we're heading off for a drive in the country, a walk in the park, perhaps, and a bit of chore completion ...

Hope the sun is shining for you today too!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Mushrooms Three


Mushrooms Three
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice
Journal Size

Had to change the pace a bit - and thought I'd play a bit with color and something different! LOL

The sun is rising as I'm typing - and the sky is ablaze in pink and purple -- if I painted it as it appears, it would look like an abstract of unbelievable colors!

We're in for a bit of rain, so I suppose that 'red sky in the morning' will hold true today. Still, our temps are finally rising a bit, so it will be time for a walk OUTDOORS and away from the treadmill.

Got home last night and took a good, long night's sleep - much needed this week.

Hope your day is wonderful!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Winter River


Winter River
Originally uploaded by linfrye
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

While it rained here last night, the northeast US got hammered with snow again ... my gracious - has it been a winter! There was ice on my car this morning, there's black ice on the roads -- and yet -- Saturday is supposed to be in the mid 50s! No wonder everyone is getting sick.

We've Plant a Row for the Hungry this morning and we'll be in the greenhouse preparing for spring planting AND our plant sale. Hard to believe with so much ice and snow around that it's time to get our seeds started!

Have a great day!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Inspired by Denis Collette and a Field of Queen Annes Lace

1/8 Sheet
Arches140#CP

It's raining outside, and yesterday was full and late ... but thank heaven's, I'm feeling so much better. Still congested - but my head feels as though a fog is beginning to lift.

This painting was done over the weekend and was inspired by the work of Denis Collette (www.flickr.com/photos/deniscollette). THANK YOU AGAIN, Denis for your considerable and wonderful inspiration!
On a grey, rainy day, this brings me back to days of warm sunshine and fields of Queen Anne's Lace dotting my fields and roadsides! Seems a long time ago! LOL

Today we continue preparing for gardening classes - those eye-candy catalogues have been arriving non-stop since the beginning of the month and we are challenged to resist 'just one more plant!' LOL

Take care today -- dream sunshine and flowers!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Snow at the Lake


Snow at the Lake
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice
Journal Size

Though rain is in our forecast and the day breaks grey and gloomy, I can only 'hope' for the brightness of snow -- OR the warmup of spring. Winter is not behind us yet - far from it... so today I celebrate snow again .... hoping that despite the forecast, we'll get another snowfall or two before too long ... snow does make our landscape so pretty ...

Thank you all for your well wishes ... I'm a bit better, though very tired. My entire staff is down with the same bug, unfortunately, and from what I hear, it's one of those things that are 'going around" -- more than once. Geez.

We've a full house of particpants for our presenter tonight so it'll be a late night. Should be a lot of fun!

Hope ya'll stay well -- stay warm ...and have a great day!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Birch Trees


Birch Trees
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice
Journal Size

My cold and cough got the best of me yesterday and I spent the day resting.... these trees were all I could muster. I'm feeling a bit better, but with that restlessness that comes from being a bit under the weather.

I'm heading to work today - there's much to do. If I grow too tired, I'll head back home, but I'll rest better knowing I completed some obligations that are due.

Take care and have a great week!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Coral Lilies


Coral Lilies
Originally uploaded by linfrye
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The clouds hid the sun yesterday and the winds blew cold. Landscapes around me are tawny, grey and brown, and apparently I needed a dose of color along with the cough syrup! Though these lilies did not turn out as loosely as I would have liked, their color brightens a mighty grey weekend.

Our coastal plain received a couple of inches of snow yesterday -- odd again as those of us in the Piedmont of NC are typically those that receive snow whenever it's anywhere in the area ... I suppose our turn is coming next week ... Forecasters are uncertain if 'the event' will be rain OR snow OR a mix ... but whatever falls from th sky is certain to be messy ...

Hope your Sunday is peaceful and warm!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Remembering Summer


Remembering Summer
Originally uploaded by linfrye
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140# CP

The bitter cold has returned, and the heater runs constantly -- just like my nose! LOL My sweet granddaughter has 'shared' her cold with me -- and the tea and honey I consume helps with both.

I love the snow, and seeing the wonderful architecture of trees in winter, but I really dislike the cold. And we're in for another seige of it for a few days.

So I'll leaf through my images, warm myself with tea and memories -- and dream of warmer weather ....

Stay well!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Hope - Inspired by Denis Collette

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

This quick painting was inspired by works of Denis Collette (http://www.flickr.com/photos/deniscollette/) -- THANK YOU Denis!!! Though this particular photo of Denis's is filled with more autumnal color, I left this quick painting lighter as though spring were on its way.

It was another late evening yesterday and there is much to do at home today. These busy days make me long for the leisure of the holidays!

Our last few days were such a tease for warmer weather - tonight the cold returns and with it, the chance of snow next week.

Our Plant a Row volunteers spent the morning choosing vegetables to grow in the greenhouse -- all in anticipation of spring ahead --- hope indeed!

May your day be filled with warmth!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

A Field of White Daisies


A Field of White Daisies
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice
Journal Size

With so many obligations, I merely had time to paint a quick landscape. This view, based on a photograph, is of a field of white daisies - It reminded me of warmer weather, sunnier days ....

It'll be another late night -- so I'll catch up with everyone tomorrow ...

Have a good one!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

White Pansies


White Pansies
Originally uploaded by linfrye
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I painted these pansies last week, but with grey skies and rain, thought they might be a cheer-up on a warm, wet day.

It's mighty busy workwise with night meetings and workshops the rest of the week. There'll be precious little time to devote to painting ...dang ...

Hope your day is warm and bright!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Abstract Mountainside


Abstract Mountainside
Originally uploaded by linfrye
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I've been thinking a lot lately about texture and how those various spontaneous marks often 'paint' a picture. This abstract started with nothing more in mind than creating some different marks on the paper and trying to get a bit more texture into the work.

I started by sprinkling the paper with water, then tossing in different colors - making sure that the paint I tossed in was rather thick. I moved the paper around, spitzed it with alcohol, placed some wax paper in the background for some mountains, and added scrunched syran wrap to the center of the painting. I added some salt, dribbled some water, splattered more paint - then let it dry.

When I removed all the texturizing pieces, I added some negative highlights to give the texture a bit of form. Then, as the painting emerged as mountains, sky, sun, I added the tree to give a bit of reality to the piece.

It was fun ... and a good way to help break that constant question "what will I paint today?"

Off to work -- hope you have a great week! Keep your brushes wet!

Monday, January 17, 2011

More Grapes!


More Grapes!
Originally uploaded by linfrye
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

There are several 'done a while ago' paintings I've come across that I didn't get a chance to post .... this is one of them. It's part of a larger piece that didn't quite work in my evaluation, so I've cropped it for this view, which I like better.

Busy day with the grands yesterday - woke up to frozen water pipes --- got fixed several hours later -- made soap, painted, took a walk and fed the horses, hunted animal tracks and made pine cone and peanut butter bird feeders, played games, watched another movie, played in the tub with the soap they made -- a full day and fun. But oh did I sleep HARD last night!! LOL

Today, a day of rest and quiet, then return to a short workweek. My work schedule has been odd since Christmas with holidays, ice and snow storms, conferences out of town ...I wonder if the entire year will be like this month?

Hope your day is terrific! Remembering too to honor Martin Luther King today ...

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Inspired By The Purple of White Flowers

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

Busy day yesterday - errands, shopping, dinner with my son and grands, more shopping with them followed by the grands spending the night. New games, new movies, snacks --- oh yes, time to play at nonna's! LOL

We'll have the grands all day today as well. The weather is finally a bit warmer, so we'll be spending a bit of time outdoors. One of my neighbors has a few horses, and they always love to walk up the road for a visit and to bring the horses an apple or two, so a good walk is on the agenda.

They've also asked to 'paint with nonna' so that will be fun - and with 2 movies to watch, it'll be a quick day.

Hope your day is enjoyable as well!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Frosty Sunset - Inspired by TVG

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

My thanks to TVG (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tvg_foto/) for permission to use his wonderful Frosty Evening photographs as an inspiration for this painting. THANK YOU!!!!

In my interpretation of TVG's wonderful winter photos, I lowered the horizon, emphasized the sun's glow on the snow as well as the branches and twigs on the rightside of the painting in lieu of a large tree. His photographs reminded me so much of my own Oxford mornings - but filled with the warmth and color of the sunsets I love. Once again -- THANK YOU TVG!

Our snows are gone, but here and there, particularly on the east side of our property, ice still lingers in chunks. When the sun hits it, it glitters .... but since it's been so mighty cold, does little to aid its melting. We're due for a few days of moderate temperatures - and they sure will be welcome!

We've had home repairs done yesterday and today we'll be watching the grands until late tomorrow. My painting and internet time will be limited -- so I hope to catch up tomorrow night. Hope your weekend is warm and wonderful!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Remembering Fall


Remembering Fall
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

The trade show yesterday was terrific - more foliage being shown than flowers.. but some wonderful new varieties of shrubs and trees that will make our landscapes even more beautful.

I painted this as a practice for a wet in wet landscape using large washes to give an impression of that incredible fall abundance.

Right now, the multitudes of leaves once brilliant in color are brown and pieced, buried under ice, snow and mud, and doing what they do at their life's end - replenish the soil as compost and enrich the next generation of leaves, twigs, and flowers.

But aren't we lucky as artists and photographers? We can capture those magic moments of time ... and replenish our memories with them --- over and over ...

Have a great day!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Field of Pink Cosmos


Field of Pink Cosmos
Originally uploaded by linfrye
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

It's pretty obvious that spring, warmth, and colors are much needed lately! With all the storms and grey skies, ice and challenging weather, the warmer, brighter days of spring and summer are sure neededl!

Roads yesterday were good; parking lots were like ice skating rinks - but with the wild winds and bit of warm up, most ice is now relegated to the deepest woods and shadiest hillsides.

But the deep cold lingers - even in the 'warmest' conference rooms. Most of the attendents yesterday had their coats over their shoulders, despite the warm air we were breathing. The classes went well, and generated some ideas I'll bring back to the Arboretum.

Today is the trade show and candy for our eyes - new plants, flowers, trees and shrubs should be in their displayed glory. YAHOO!

Stay warm today ... will catch up tonight!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Inspired by Denis Collette and Monet

1/8 Sheet
Arches140#CP

The storm has passed, but the landscape around me is muddy, grey, dull -- and I am so longing for color. The college decided to remain closed yesterday as did most of the counties around me, and today, my home county has already kept the schools closed. Ice still covers most of our property, and even with several sweaters and the heat running, I have felt chilly. I am longing for color and warmth!

I painted this abstract landscape a while ago. It's based on a wonderful photo by Denis Collette (http://www.flickr.com/photos/deniscollette/) -- THANK YOU Denis! I fell in love with the colors and bits of abstraction that in my interpretation of his photo, remind me of spring trees along the riverside... perhaps with a bit of fireworks thrown in ... At any rate, it cheers me on another cold morning.

My sisters and friends in the northeast area of the US are readying for another huge blast of winter weather with snows of 12"-24" predicted. I wish them safety and warmth today!

I have a green industry conference to dash to today and tomorrow (FLOWERS!!!!), so I'll be scarce and will catch up this evening. I'm waiting for the sun to rise before I head out for the long drive so I can perhaps better judge the road conditions.

Be safe and warm today ... and may your day be filled with COLOR!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Oxford Shed in Morning Snow

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The freezing rain is still falling and many schools are closed. The college opens today at noon, so I'll try to make it in - hopefully all the roads, especially the rural roads I travel before reaching a highway, will be clear once the sun rises later this morning.

My landscape doesn't quite look like this - as ice has replaced the fluff of snow... but the shed is indeed from Oxford as is the basic view.

It's been a dilly of a winter and we still have a few months to go before we can even think of spring. Still, my mailbox runneth over with many luscious gardening catalogues promising gardens of awsome flowers, rich new vegetables and colorful perennials - all mighty tempting! Perusing them is a powerful winter dreamtime activity ...

Stay warm and safe today!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Storm Over the Water


Storm Over the Water
Originally uploaded by linfrye
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

We're expecting a blast of ugly weather today - snow, sleet, ice - and while I am jumping up and down for the snow, it's the ice and sleet that cause the most trouble for us - power outages, accidents, closings, delays and more. Already, snow is falling south of me moving north and east as I type. It doesn't look good for drivers. Schools and businesses are already canceling and closing. We are simply unprepared to deal with ice and snow - and this winter has already set a record for us.

Temps are mighty cold - low 30sF .. setting even more records ...mercy ...

Stay warm and safe today ...!

Sunday, January 09, 2011

White Flowers


White Flowers
Originally uploaded by linfrye
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Painting yesterday was a struggle -- and I really hate days like that. I decided to try to break the 'impasse' I seemed to be in and so went back to some books that inspire me.

This painting is from a book by Ann Blockley -- I love her style and method of applying paint. I have two of her books, and I just read she'll be releasing a new one and new DVD in June -- Yahoo!

We have company this afternoon and C's jam so it'll be a busy last day of the weekend ... hope you have a great Sunday!

Saturday, January 08, 2011

Dreaming of Tuscany


Dreaming of Tuscany
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Quarter Sheet
Arches 140#CP

To continue working with the color and light lessons on Wet Canvas, I painted this view of Tuscany from a collection of various photos. I wanted to emphasize a pink glow and the bright light on those wonderful hilltop homes. I kept the suggestion of red poppies small (mere specks) since I wanted the eye to go to the houses and the mood undisturbed by the any flowers. In real life, the pink/purple glow and burnt sienna are more evident than I can see from this scan and my home screen.

No snow yet and the forecast for next week is uncertain just what kind of 'event' we'll have. My fingers are still crossed for another six inches ...! LOL

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Friday, January 07, 2011

View from Sunken Meadow Woodland Trail

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

I've returned to our Thanksgiving trip to New York to visit family - and to the long hike I took with my sisters. Here is another painting of that Sunken Meadow Trail overlook .... I sent my earlier painting to one sister, and this to my other sis .... and I"ve kept the sand dune painting ...special memories of a wonderful trip and time.

We finished hanging my exhibit earlier this week, and I'll return next week to take some photographs. It really is amazing to me how different these paintings look when 'dressed up' with mats and frames and hung from a textured wall ...!

Hope you have fun today ... stay warm -- it's getting very cold again ...

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Snow at Dark


Snow at Dark
Originally uploaded by linfrye
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

No, no snow here -- yet -- but I am participating in a wonderful class by Virgil Carter on Painting with Color & Natural Light held on Wet Canvas (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?p=12160512#post12160512). While I'm struggling with the technical information about shadows, light, local, expressive and imagined color, I think the 'stretch' these lessons provide will help me -- and others -- enormously! Check them out!

Here I was using a photo of snow in daylight and trying to create, by using color and light, memory and imagination, of that early dark purple/blue that renders such a marvelous 'hush' after a snowfall. While this is only a partial aspect of Virgil's lessons ... it was a challenge to move past the local colors of the photograph to imagination and memory -- fun! I hope to devote more time to these lessons over the weekend.

Right now we're having rain with flurries predicted tomorrow and perhaps a 'snow event' on Monday -- we'll see!

Have fun today -- keep your brushes wet!

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Snow on the Pond


Snow on the Pond
Originally uploaded by linfrye
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though the snow, for the moment, is off the ground, we have flurries predicted for tonight and Thursday night ....! Already we have exceeded our 'typical' snowfall for the year ... and though the next snow isn't expected to accumulate, I'm really enjoying all of it! (Of course, I enjoy MOST when I don't have to get out in it - but that's beside the point! LOL)

Returning to work had me catching up on a lot of loose ends. Registration for spring semester begins today, and already the parking lot is filled with cars and registration doesn't begin for another 90 minutes. We've already seen record numbers of individuals pre-registering for classes ... so this year should be even busier than last.

I hang my exhibit later this morning...20 out of 23 paintings never having been framed or shown -- fun!

Hope your day is filled with all good things!

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Tree in Late Fall - Thank you Denis Collette

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP


The weather has turned mighty cold again; the snow is gone, most trees are bare save for the pines and some of the beeches ...and here and there a few red oaks hang on to their leaves. Though the skies now are far cooler than in this painting, Denis' photo brought me back to warmer days when when the trees, in similiar color, were placed against a warmer sky - a warmer season - a brighter sienna.
Thank you once again, Denis, for allowing me to paint from one of your splendid photos ! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/deniscollette).

I return to work again to begin the mad dash that always marks the end of the holidays, the start of another college semester, and the moving toward spring especially for those of us whose work and lives revolve around plants and gardening. I'll be running indeed!

Hope you have a great week!

Monday, January 03, 2011

Inspired by Roses in the Winter

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Rain, grey days, warm weather turning cold again, landscapes of siennas and umbers have me a bit hungry for color. Before the hard frosts came in December, so many of our roses continued to bloom and so inspired this splash and splatter.

My dear friend, Rebecca, whose home sheltered me for seven years while I worked out of town, celebrated her 80th birthday yesterday. Her children and friends threw her a surprise party -- and for once, SHE was the one being honored! What a joy to see her on the receiving end of so much good cheer, as she is most often the one extending all the extraordinary giving. Friends, church members, folks who stayed at her home over the years, all returned to honor a woman who good works have blessed so many. What a joy!

Today is my last day at home before returning to the work-routine --- already filled with a schedule that will keep me flying for the next six months. Though the time home was busy with holidays, much needed chores and errands, visits and planning, it was restive, and for this I'm grateful. 2011 will truly begin with fireworks!

Have a great day!

Sunday, January 02, 2011

Abstract Landscape - Karlyn Holman Workshop

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Workshop owith Karlyn Holman

I began this watercolor after a workshop with Karlyn Holman in November. Every week or so I'd take it out, add a bit, and put it away trying to figure out where to go next.

Finally, this weekend, I decided it was done. I could have emphasized the cloudy mountains more, but found (at least THIS week) that I liked the more etheral, dreamy look ...

We're off to a birthday celebration today, and will return to finish the last bit of framing. I've been invited to display my work at an area eatery for the month of January, submit several paintings to the Community College System office art display (Jan-Dec 2011) and display a few more at a college public function. We've been framing like mad! LOL

Hope your day is restive!!

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Happy New Year 2011


Happy New Year 2011
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Happy, happy new year!!

My wish for you -- a most blessed, prosperous, joyous, creative and peaceful new year!!!

Here's to 2011~ May it be the best yet!