Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Daisy Days

Daisy Days  by linfrye
Daisy Days , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Though summer's official beginning isn't for another 3 weeks, the excessive heat and humidity that marks North Carolina summers have already arrived! Temps reached mid 90s yesterday with almost equal humidity - making breathing difficult. Being out of doors was a challenge and uncomfortable unless done early in the morning or late in the afternoon. WHEW ... I fear August when this kind of weather is expected!

And yet we still have daisies in the fields - bright and fresh looking and encouraging all those buzzing insects to stopy by for a sip of nectar. The daisies are certainly a cheerful respite!

Stay cool today --!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Poppy Field

Poppy Field  by linfrye
Poppy Field , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Poppies in the field, or in this case, our visit to a Hillsborough Garden, seem so fitting on Memorial Day. Today we honor the men and women of our armed services, especially those who have passed. My father served in WW II, my husband in the US Navy, my son-in-law and the men of his family still serve in the National Guard - for these, and so many others, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank them - for keeping our country safe, strong, and free.

THANK YOU ............

Taylor and her Roses

Taylor and her Roses by linfrye
Taylor and her Roses, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Taylor Recital Dance

Taylor Recital Dance by linfrye
Taylor Recital Dance, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Taylor and her Trophy

Taylor and her trophy by linfrye
Taylor and her trophy, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

The Trophy

Taylor Recital Dance

Taylor Recital Dance by linfrye
Taylor Recital Dance, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Another Baby Doll dance photo

Riley

Riley by linfrye
Riley, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Sister Riley

The Girls

The Girls by linfrye
The Girls, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

You can really see that Riley looks up to her older sister ...!

Taylor and her Dance Trophy

Taylor and her Dance Trophy by linfrye
Taylor and her Dance Trophy, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Queen Annes Lace

Queen Annes Lace by linfrye
Queen Annes Lace, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

I worked on this a while ago and found it in my archives ... The Queen Anne's Lace is just beginning to bloom around me and I'd like to do this again ... my attempt here was to be as loose as possible, and treat the blooms somewhat abstractly, while keeping a more wet-in-wet approach.

After all the dance performances yesterday, a late lunch, photographs, we all came home and rested. What a fun day with the grands! I am truly amazed that my 2 year old granddaughter sat still for almost 3 hours while we watched performance after dance performance! Watching the youngest performers - perhaps 3 years old, older dancers and on up through the years to adulthood - seemed to telescope all the generations into a beautiful and amazingly moving performance. When the fathers brought out their children and performed together, there wasn't a dry eye in the auditorium!!

It promises to be another warm, hot day and lots of sunshine. The rain has helped the flowers stay fresh and the landscape is just brimming with life and color! It's picture-taking time again!

Hope you have a great Sunday!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Field of Sunflowers

Field of Sunflowers by linfrye
Field of Sunflowers, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though thunderstorms and rain were the day yesterday, my mind and heart are ready for sunflowers! I have a few planted in my garden and though they're not blooming -- yet --- I am imagining them in their glory!

This morning my granddaughter has her first dance recital! So we're off to take photographs and enjoy another milestone for her. Last night, she got a few awards and trophies for her cheerleading - and she graduated the night before. At five years old, this week has been one incredible moving forward for her! CONGRATULATIONS, Taylor!!

We're expecting sunshine today -- after a few more showers. It will certainly be a day of celebration!

Hope YOUR day is filled with joy!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Oxford Hay Season

Oxford Hay Season  by linfrye
Oxford Hay Season , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

It's haying season again - and as I always am when this happens - I am going crazy over the hay bales! This painting is a composition of images - the farm across from our home, haybales from another farm, and fences from yet another farm. Running chores yesterday, I followed two trucks filled with hay bales, and I passed field after field with hay being baled and hay ready for baling. Yep -- 'this the season!

It's Memorial Day weekend, and we've a lot planned so I may be scarce for a while. It's cooler this morning than yesterday, but oh, does it feel like rain! We should have a couple of sunny days nonetheless - and hot - I'll be watering my tomatoes for certain!

Have a great day!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Pond and Purple Vetch

Pond and Purple Vetch by linfrye
Pond and Purple Vetch, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Last weekend, C and I walked another park in our own town. This athletic park has four areas for baseball, soccer and the like as well as a recreation center and swimming pool. Though there were no formal trails, we walked its circumference and found several cattail ponds and colorful purple vetch covering some of the pond banks.

To paint this, I tried to simplify the tumble of grasses, vines, and other wildflowers of this area ... I do want to tackle this again, as I want to paint a bit more of that colorful vetch. Purple vetch, so beautiful in its pink/purple dressing, belongs to the pea (legume) family and is often grown as a cover or forage crop. I LOVED the colors of these especially against the tawny grasses leading to the pond.

We're in a hot, hot spell -- yesterday we were over 90F; today we'll be even hotter. As the temps rise, so does the humidity, making the air a bit sticky and wet feeling ....

The tornados and storms continue to pelt the middle states, and prayers continue for the safety of so many in their path.

Stay safe and cool!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Sunflower

Sunflower  by linfrye
Sunflower , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I really think that scanners do not like yellows -- it's taken me quite a while to get this scanned so it looks 'close' to the original -- sigh ... anyway -- in real life, the sunflower petals are bright yellow/gold and the leaves are a bit more blue and not as garish as they look on screen ...

Mercy is it HOT! Yesterday temps reached 93F and today will be even hotter. Already it feels like those hot, humid, difficult days of AUGUST -- and May isn't over yet ...

Busy, busy days at work that make painting afterwards a bit of a challenge ...We've a holiday weekend coming up - and that should be a good break for everyone.

Have a great day -- and please remember to vote!

PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Flowered Arbor

Flowered Arbor  by linfrye
Flowered Arbor , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Flowered arbors ... don't you love them?!!! My own small arbor, covered with Jessamine as finished blooming, but the arbors we visited last week at Montrose Gardens were covered with the most fragrant roses!!!

I was painting this yesterday - when the phone rang -- to my utter surprise on the other end of the phone - clear across the Atlantic - was my friend Doris - all the way from Germany!!! WHAT A THRILL! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/djr-aquarelle/4733289830/in/contacts/).

We chatted for a short while - and I am so grateful for her incredibly perfect English!!! The connection, truly, was far clearer than I often have when speaking across our community!!! LOL Her surprise absolutely made my day ... and I've been hearing her sweet voice all evening!! Now to hope to paint together one day soon!!

I've another busy week ahead of me with next year's budget, tours, lectures and workshops to finalize ... where does the time go?

I also want to send prayers for the latest victims of tornadoes in Missouri ... this year has been horrific with natural disasters ... over 100 people have lost their lives to another bout of tornado damage ... prayers indeed.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Delphinium

Delphinium  by linfrye
Delphinium , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I LOVE delphinium -- but for some reason, they've been hard to grow in my own garden. Imagine my surprise this weekend to find this pretty one in full bloom in one open spot in the garden!! I brought out a small rug, sat down in the garden before the plant, and sketched it .... then, with the temperature approaching the high 80s, went indoors to paint. While sitting there sketching, I noted several new 'wee delphiniums' all getting ready to grow tall and feathery as this one.

Our highway department plants these en masse along certain highway areas, and from the car, their bright pink/blue/purple is an absolute delight. I've my fingers crossed that these few plants will be 'fruitful and multiply' .... I'd love to see many more of them out my front window!

Have a great day!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Beaches

Beaches  by linfrye
Beaches , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though Memorial Day (seemingly the start of summer) is yet a week away, this week's temperatures will move us from the milder 80s to the high humidity of North Carolina and heat in the 90s ... Yep, sure has me dreaming of languid days along the oceanfront, feet splashing water, seashells to explore, swaying beach grasses to hypnotize .... maybe THIS year I'll find a way to get there beyond my paintings! LOL

Yesterday's Art Festival was fun - though to me, not as crowded or sales-successful as last year. The music was a fabulous addition, there were food vendors, a jump station for the children, and a plethera of exhibitors. The Granville Arts Council did a fantastic job advertising the event and organizing it ...I suspect the fine weather (warm - in the 80s, mild breeze, sunny) was so perfect that folks might have been elsewhere, and there were several competing festivals going on. Still, the best part was meeting new folks.

My dear husband helped me set up - it took a while!!! LOL, and then performed with his 'jam' group to an appreciative audience. My kind and generous friend, Jodi, came out to keep me company during the lulls. She has finally posted some of her wonderful paintings (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23430605@N05/) - please stop by and wish her well!

And my biggest surprise was getting to meet David (http://www.flickr.com/photos/universalpops/), a flickr friend who seems to love the same kind of rural scenes I do . Since he lives across just over the Virginia line, he takes many beautiful photographs of my hometown and the rural areas between. Look at some of his latest captures -- really wonderful!

We got home around dinner time last night pretty tired. Today both C and I hope to REST, although I do hear a few plants outside calling my name for some attention.

Hope you have a great day! And thank you too for your continued voting!

PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

The wonderful Exhibit Frame by C

Me

Me by linfrye
Me, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

My sweet C

My sweet C by linfrye
My sweet C, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

The wonderful Exhibit Frame by C

Some of my cards and Mini-Art

Some of my cards and Mini-Art by linfrye
Some of my cards and Mini-Art, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Another part of the exhibit

Another part of the exhibit by linfrye
Another part of the exhibit, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

The Sunday Jam Band

The Sunday Jam Band by linfrye
The Sunday Jam Band, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Beaches

Beaches  by linfrye
Beaches , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though Memorial Day (seemingly the start of summer) is yet a week away, this week's temperatures will move us from the milder 80s to the high humidity of North Carolina and heat in the 90s ... Yep, sure has me dreaming of languid days along the oceanfront, feet splashing water, seashells to explore, swaying beach grasses to hypnotize .... maybe THIS year I'll find a way to get there beyond my paintings! LOL

Yesterday's Art Festival was fun - though to me, not as crowded or sales-successful as last year. The music was a fabulous addition, there were food vendors, a jump station for the children, and a plethera of exhibitors. The Granville Arts Council did a fantastic job advertising the event and organizing it ...I suspect the fine weather (warm - in the 80s, mild breeze, sunny) was so perfect that folks might have been elsewhere, and there were several competing festivals going on. Still, the best part was meeting new folks.

My dear husband helped me set up - it took a while!!! LOL, and then performed with his 'jam' group to an appreciative audience. My kind and generous friend, Jodi, came out to keep me company during the lulls. She has finally posted some of her wonderful paintings (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23430605@N05/) - please stop by and wish her well!

And my biggest surprise was getting to meet David (http://www.flickr.com/photos/universalpops/), a flickr friend who seems to love the same kind of rural scenes I do . Since he lives across just over the Virginia line, he takes many beautiful photographs of my hometown and the rural areas between. Look at some of his latest captures -- really wonderful!

We got home around dinner time last night pretty tired. Today both C and I hope to REST, although I do hear a few plants outside calling my name for some attention.

Hope you have a great day! And thank you too for your continued voting!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Purple Cone Flowers

Purple Cone Flowers by linfrye
Purple Cone Flowers, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The purple coneflowers are in full bloom in my garden -- and they have taken over the property!!! LOL From the herb bed to the side yard to the entire front garden - I'm finding TONS of them in tones of white and pink! The thrilling thing about these flowers and their happy abandon is that their quantities and effusive growing so reminds me of those English cottage gardens that everyone -- me too -- in the southern US LOVES, but we are never able to grow because of our summer heat and lack of water. But my Echinaceas seem to have grown beyond those limiting factors and have become MASSES of bobbing pink and white blooms. What a cheerful sight! The bees are having a hayday with them as well -- helping to pollinate the plants and continue their propagation and march across the property.

We're off to the Arts Festival! Cars are packed, paintings are framed, lunches are packed. It's going to be hot and fortunately the rain should wait until later this week to fall.

Have a great Saturday!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Spring on the Eno

Spring on the Eno by linfrye
Spring on the Eno, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

This painting is from my archives .... done early spring of this year following a long hike along the Eno River. When I finished the painting, I really didn't like it ... so I set it aside for a while ... and though I'm still not crazy about it, this morning it had a certain appeal, so I've decided to post it.

Yesterday was a blur of activity, and this weekend is going to fly by in a similiar fashion. I've a lot to squeeze in today, tomorow is the Arts Festival ... and my weeds are have a happy, happy time! LOL

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Orange Poppies and Queen Anne's Lace

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

OH MY GRACIOUS! WHAT A GLORIOUS GARDEN WE SAW YESTERDAY! Poppies, roses, iris, huge old trees, smoke trees in bloom, delphinium, Mahonia fruits, shade garden plants, Nigella -- and on and on and on -- and did I mention the poppies???!!! Red, purple, white, pink, orange -- What a feast for the eyes; a balm for the soul! Folks were filling their boxes with plants from the nursey, and we were asked to schedule another trip THIS year and a return NEXT year ... my gracious! The weather was perfect - sun finally came out, and yet it was cool enough to walk and walk, take lots of photos, and enjoy the serenity and effusivenes of a garden in all it's glory! WOWZA! Lunch couldn't have been any finer either!

It will be difficult to offer another trip that might please our guests as much -- but we'll try! What a gift.

Today we harvest food for the hungry - and please remember to vote -- we are really trailing so far behind!

BLESSINGS!
PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Oxford Barn in the Woods

Oxford Barn in the Woods  by linfrye
Oxford Barn in the Woods , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

This is one of those wonderful barnsI love from my home county ... It sits surrounded by tall grasses and woodlands, chopped wood stacked on the side, the barn seldom used. Still, it remains on the landscape as a reminder of times past ....

We leave shortly for another garden tour. My fingers are crossed that the rain I drove through this morning clears up for the day.

Have a great one!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Crested Iris

Crested Iris by linfrye
Crested Iris, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

These bright purple crested iris, thinner petaled than those blooming earlier, are now the 'show' at the Arboretum. Their smaller size almost hides the flowers among all the foliage ... but their color draws the eye to their presence. These pretties prefer moist soil, and in my walk around our lake yesterday, I found several clusters bright against the darker water.

We're in for more rain today, though the sun is giving us an hour or two of warmth and shine - so welcome after so much grey.

Hope your day is sunny!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Italian Poppies

Italian Poppies  by linfrye
Italian Poppies , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

How I longed to stop by the sides of the road last week when we traveled to the nursery! Mile after mile of poppies were in full bloom - all planted by the NC Department of Transportation as part of Lady Bird Johnson's beautification program. The sight of them took my breath -- and my mind went right back to Italy and the hillsides of poppies I saw there. This painting is merely a quick 'dreamscape' of what I remember from my trips to Italy - inspired by our own highway poppies. If the rain holds off any this week, I may just have to take some quick photos from my car along the highways ...

We've rain in store most of the week and a few trips too -- fingers crosed that the weather improves so we don't have to cancel these much anticipated events.

Have a super day -- and thanks too for your continued votes!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Blanket Flowers and Daisies

Blanket Flowers and Daisies  by linfrye
Blanket Flowers and Daisies , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I've watched my wild flower garden (wild in nature!!not necessarily in species!) come alive this spring as flower after flower has burst into splendid bloom. While Jodi and I sat on the porch this Friday to paint and enjoy the mild weather before the rain set in, I clipped several of the bright blanket flowers, and Jodi cut some daisies, and we put them together for a painting.

We sipped some coffee and nibbled on the strawberries my neighbor brought by, chatting and painting and surrounded by the now-grown kitties. Such a peaceful time --- it feels like it has been MONTHS since either of us have had a day like that.

This painting was a rascal to scan and/or photograph properly ... the yellow and red seemed to look 'dirty' on the screen for some reason -- please know it looks so much brighter in real life ...

My dear husband has been putting my display frame together and finally got it done last night --- it's a 10' x 10', multi-'walled', pvc pipe structure that can be broken down into portable pieces and put together like a puzzle to hold over 24 large paintings. He's amazing!!! Our test run for this structure is next Saturday - I'll post pictures once it's all together.

More rain today. I still have a few more plants that won't get in the sodden ground - but at least they're happy for the watering.

Have a restive Sunday!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Spring Park

Spring Park by linfrye
Spring Park, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

What a relaxing day we had yesterday! Before Jodi came by, I got most of my new plants in the ground. Then Jodi and I sat on the porch and painted flowers, talked, visited with my neighbor Tom, as he checked on the honey production of his bees, ate strawberries, and chatted! Wow, did we both need that kind of a restive day.

The rains and storms came during the night, waking me with claps of strong thunder -- but our plants have been thrilled with all the watering!

More rain expected today, and the yardwork is piling up ...still, next week is the artshow and we've a ton of things to get ready ...

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Friday, May 13, 2011

A Couple More Tulips

A Couple More Tulips by linfrye
A Couple More Tulips, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.


1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

I seem to be enamored with the parade of flowers that seem to be making an appearance these days. From photos on Flickr to the roadsides to the nurseries to so many gardens, including my own, flowers are the highlight of this time of year.

The flower farm yesterday was as delicious as a candy shop - hard to 'keep control' of what went into my 'purchase wagon' ... but I suppose taking a small car to a nursery also helps in the limiting factor! LOL Boy, do I have a lot of planting to do this weekend !!! LOL And we're to have a rainy one at that. I hope to get most of the plants in the ground so they can be watered in by Mother Nature. Lunch was fabulous too - a marvelous tour and trip!

My friend Jodi is coming this afternoon for a long-anticipated paint-in. My garden is abloom with so many painting opportunities -- IF the rain holds off. If not, we'll create a bouquet for painting practice.

There's also much to prepare for the artshow in 2 weeks ... so the weekend will be busy ...

Take care and find some flowers to enjoy!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Love in a Mist and Evening Primrose

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

From the window of my friend's home, her pink Evening Primroses bob and sway in the gentle night air. In my own garden, 90 miles away, my Nigella (Love in a Mist) are blooming ... I sat at her table last night and through the 'magic' of the brush, brought the two together - for a garden view of my own.

Today we head out with our volunteers for a 'than you' trip to a popular plant nursery and a divine!!! tea house for lunch ....

We've got overcast skies and poor air quality due to a large wildfire on our coast -- but we gardeners remain UNDAUNTED -- and will do what we need to do to find new plants!! LOL

Hope your day is great!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

More Oxford Yellow Fields and Wildflowers

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Late night last night, long day as well. This field is now almost all green and readying for the hay baler. The yellow and red flowers are now in seed, dropping next year's beauty to rest in the soil until the winter rains and spring warmth return them once again to blossom. Life cycles.

We had some needed rain last night and the skies are overcast. When I drive to work these days, the dawn is breaking and the dark is moving more toward the edges of things. In a few weeks time, I'll be able to drive both to and from work in the light ... and summer will be here.

Enjoy your day!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Iceland Poppies

Iceland Poppies by linfrye
Iceland Poppies, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

This weekend my dh and I had the opportunity to visit our local farmer's market. Boy was it jammed with people!!! The displays of flowers, cheeses, strawberries, lettuces, crafts were festival-like in atmosphere -- what a treat!!!

On one particular table, a vendor had a bucket of these Iceland poppies!! I went crazy for them!!!! He graciously allowed me to photograph them for this painting ...

I'll be in an out most of today and tonight with more meetings. Rain is scheduled tomorrow and then a trip planned Thursday for our volunteers ... the week is flying by already ...

Have a great day!

PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Monday, May 09, 2011

Oxford Farm in Spring - Landscape Challenge


10x14
Arches 140#CP

I am so enjoying the different interpretations of one of my favorite farms -- thank you all for your work!!! What a thrill to see a familiar place through YOUR eyes and paints!

I decided to give the second image a go - Both photos and barns are from the same farm and only about 60 feet from one another. The fields are still yellow and I suspect they'll be cutting the grass this week ...

The rain should be over for a while and we'll be back in warm temps this week. Hope you can get out and enjoy the sunshine!

PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Three Poppies - HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Early May and already the red poppies that the NC Highways Department plants on the roadsides are in bright bloom....! Spring is swiftly sailing into summer!

A most glorious HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all the moms today - the nonnas, the grandmothers, sisters, aunts, friends, cousins, daughters, and the men who also have the role of mom ...

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! May we all take a moment to thank those important and loving 'moms' in our lives .....wherever they may be...

Granville Arts Ad

Granville Arts Ad by linfrye
Granville Arts Ad, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.



What is so thrilling about this is that both my husband and I made the paper -- and the festival -- together ---

I'm listed on the left, and my husband's jam group "Sunday Pickers Jam" is listed on the right ....

We're both in the event -- YAHOO!

Saturday, May 07, 2011

Pepper Pair

Pepper Pair by linfrye
Pepper Pair, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Brrr.... for two days a cold front has given us rain and colder temps - highs in the 60s (after days in the 80s), which quickly faded so many of the tree blossoms that were still lingering. We warm up again this week so we'll get a chance to enjoy more floral displays.

We've planted peppers in the Plant a Row beds at the Arboretum, but I rarely grow any at home except for banana peppers -- how I wish I could eat them! I love peppers' senuous forms and colors, how they glow and crunch when raw .. but they never did agree with me ... guess I"ll enjoy them visually!

There's a new restaurant in Oxford - Harvest - that uses fresh, LOCAL ingredients from so many of the farms C and I frequent and support. We visited the restaurant last night -- OUTSTANDING - gourmet food from local foods - and no excess use of gasoline to drive somewhere for a special meal! They'll soon be adding local artwork to their walls -- so fingers crossed for another venue.

Speaking of venues, I have another display at my library where I work, and we've been preparing for an upcoming art festival in Granville County on May 21. I have two more shows after that ... it's been a busy spring!

We're off to the farmer's market this morning and to run a few errands. My son's wedding is coming up in six weeks too --

Hope your weekend is terrific!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Friday, May 06, 2011

Clematis

Clematis by linfrye
Clematis, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The flowers continue to bloom with all the rain we've been having this spring. Though this image was painted from a book reference, our own clematis, large as dinner plates, continue to brighten the Arboretum gardens.

There are more than 300 varieties of clematis with flowers from white to purple to pink and flower sizes from silver dollars to saucers .... The one blooming by our mobile office is a Nelly Moser - pale purple coloring over white petals, and folks always remark about how huge the blossoms grow --

Hope your Friday is grand! Enjoy some flowers too!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Beaches

Beaches by linfrye
Beaches, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Even though the weather has taken an unusual cool dip yesterday and today -- I am dreaming of beaches again -- the sand, the caw of the gulls, the scent of salt water and leisurely hours. Yep -- dreaming indeed.

Fortunately, our trip went very well yesterday despite the cold and rain. We hit sporatic rain showers all the way to the farm -- but once we arrived, the skies cleared, and we were able to tour the farm, see the goats, chickens, ducks, gardens, enjoy an awesome meal, and then walk around the ornamental grass arboretum. FUN and educational!

We harvest vegetable today and plant more tomatoes and lettuce, and I've a ton of meetings ....

Hope your day is great!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Flowered Arch in Loose Strokes

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I LOVE arches, doors and windows and it's been ages since I painted any. I've painted this view before, but wanted to try to simplify the view even further. It so reminds me of Italy!

It's raining right now and we've a trip planned to a goat farm and ornamental grass arboretum. From the weather reports and by the time we drive there, the rain should taper off enough for us to enjoy the trip-- fingers crossed.

Hope your day is great!

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks by linfrye
Hollyhocks, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I never could grow hollyhocks at home, though I really love them. By the time they were ready to bloom, the Japanese beetles would emerge and devour them to the ground ... so if I can't have them in the garden, I'll have them in paint! LOL

Weather is still warm though we've a cold front coming in tomorrow. We also have a trip planned, so hopefully, we'll avoid the predicted rain long enough for our tours ... fingers crossed.

Thanks to YOU, we've broken 1,000 votes!!!! BLESSINGS!! But we're still a long way off --- please continue your support! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Monday, May 02, 2011

Yellow and Bronze Iris

Yellow and Bronze Iris  by linfrye
Yellow and Bronze Iris , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

As the spring flower show progresses, the irises both at the Arboretum and at home are making their appearance. The bright purples and whites have already made their appearance, and now those wonderful yellow and bronze iris are having their time in the sun. What a parade!

We're in for warmer temps again this week, which will bring even more flowers and make our vegetable gardens grow as well. Every day there is something new to see and enjoy!

Thank you again for your continued votes!!!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Have a great day!

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Sunset over Oxford High Grass Fields

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

As we were coming home the other night, the sun was setting and I was struck by the way it lit up this white house and the tops of the tall grasses in the field....I tried to capture that here.
It looks far better in person - on my screen the watercolor almost looks like pastel --LOL

This week, that grass has already been cut - which goes to show you that some of those things that really inspire us can fade so quickly. All those yellow fields I admired -- this week too, have been mowed ....With all that grass cutting going on - we really are moving quickly from spring to summer ...

It took a while for C and I to get going yesterday and the busy weeks have made this weekend a good one to catch up on a bit of rest, but we did manage to put in a few more trees, flowers and tomatoes. It won't be long before we'll be enjoying those juicy red orbs from our own garden ...

Have a super Sunday!