Friday, June 22, 2012

Bouquet of Roses


Bouquet of Roses, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

There's been a bevy of last-of-the-tasks activity at work, and nights spent working on demonstration pieces for my students and mock-up works for a commission - so time to finish a painting of my own has been limited. We've also had a slam into summer with mid 90sF heat - WHEW! The cool, mild spring really spoiled us all!

Still with only four work days remaining until retirement, when I got home last night I could feel my mental and physical focus moving more and more toward what needs doing at home. Closets, room reorganizing, divesting books that are no longer used, painting, gardening, and much more. There are new classes to start, advertise and find space for, a website to finish, grandchildren to spend time with, visits with mom, long weekends with Charles ... it feels a bit overwhelming right now and it will take a bit of time to realize that I no longer have to squeeze it all into three short weekend days.

My 'wild' garden has been a joyous, peaceful gift in all this sea of change. I arrived in time to see even more cone flowers in bloom, more Queen Anne's Lace, the hydrangea even bluer than when I posted photos, and golden rudbeckias as abundant as the cone flowers. I was elated and blessed! The blueberries were ready and I picked a gallon from shrubs no taller than me ... and the peaches are so abundant this year, they've bend the poor tree over like a wedding arch.

We're in for more hot weather and some rain this weekend - we need the rain as it does a lot of the south.

I painted these roses earlier this spring - trying for just a splashy, loose approach - much like the roses that were blooming in my own garden.

Hope you have a great weekend! Stay cool!

4 comments:

Shirley said...

I'm so excited for you. I had no idea that you were so close to retirement - and I shared your feelings that the crowded weekends could now be expanded to pursue so many good things! I haven't regretted my June 2009 retirement for one day! You have to promise that you will let me know when you visit Mom so we can at least spend one morning sketching NYC!

Aquarell said...

Hallo Lin. Ein wundervolles Bild. Es ist anders als sonst von Dir gemalt. Neue Wege zu suchen und neue Maltechnik bereichert die Kreativität.
Grüsse Dich lieb
janina

Lorraine said...

Roses not showing up on my computer. Yesterday or today. Just lots of jibberish where beautiful painting should be!!
Hugs,
Lorraine

Lorraine said...

Ah finally the beautiful bouquet has shown up. It is like looking at the bouquet through a film of tears my friend -- so soft and muted -- the colors gorgeous as always.

What a treasure it is every time I open your blog to a new painting. Thank YOU for gracing us with so much talent and beauty these last six or so years.

Hugs,
Lorraine