Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Bridge Over Sad Waters

Journal

We lost my former father-in-law yesterday ... an especially sad time for my children. He was very good to me and we remained friends even after his son and I ended our marriage.

I painted this to cheer myself and didn't realize the symbolism until after it was finished.

May he rest in peace.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Light







 
Journal

Rain --- again.

This time of year the evening hours seem darker and deeper and colder ...

The need for light grows strong, and I crave candles, firelight and all things bright against the dark ... and the cold.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

From the Nativity



Journal

Rain still pelting the windows and flooding the streets .. sure do wish it were snow instead.

These figurines are from my mom's antique Nativity scene ... they're chipped and aged and worn with the years -- and though I have newer versions, I love the tie to family and holiday they represent.

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Wishing for Snow



It's raining again -- so I'm turning the rain to snow -- at least on my page!!! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Future Sketch Artists






My daughter and her family celebrated Christmas with us this weekend during their visit. I had created individualized sketch journals for each of the grandchildren ... You can see by these images -- they loved them ...! And the ten and six year olds already completed several pages! My youngest granddaughter told me that she sketched people so well because 'She was 'almost' an artist'!" Maybe she'll feel like a 'real artist' by the time she's six and a half !!! LOL


From Taylor, age 10







And from my "Almost an Artist" 6 year old granddaughter:




Sunday, December 21, 2014

First Snow!









Journal

My daughter's family is visiting and we're celebrating Christmas this weekend with her family and my two youngest granddaughters. We invited their two older cousins (my son's) to stay with us for a rollicking COUSIN time! Imagine the bliss yesterday morning when we awoke to unexpected SNOW FLURRIES!! The kids donned jackets and gloves and ran around the property trying to catch snowflakes on their tongues!

A Confectionery Blessing to our Celebrations!

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Nandina




Journal

A quick sketch as I waited for our weekend company!  The holiday celebrations have begun!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Fall Barn







Overcast and rainy today -- a perfect day to stay inside and prepare holiday cookies. Thought I would warm up a bit with this memory of August ...

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Let It Snow!!







Journal

Though sunshine and temperatures in the 50s make snow impossible, whenever I use these salt and pepper shakers, I can pretend we're all surrounded by SNOW!

Wishful thinking!

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Smelts








Journal

Though yesterday began with frost on the fields, it turned into a beautiful day - sunshine and in the low 60s! I went into Raleigh to pick up some paintings, have lunch with a friend, and do some holiday grocery shopping. What a joy it was to find fresh SMELTS! This cold water fish is a family tradition - though it's very challenging to find them in my part of North Carolina except once in a while during the holidays. I bought all they had on display .. and will fry these into golden 'chips' for my family's Christmas Eve dinner.

That meal will be even more special this year with memories AND food!

Monday, December 08, 2014

Pepper






Sketchbook Skool -
Pepper

Sketch of my cat, Pepper, in his 'half asleep' eye look .. resting in his bed under my art table.  Yes, he's a BIG boy -- almost 20 pounds of muscle!

Friday, December 05, 2014

A Page from my Journal






November 30 
A page from my journal -

An absolutely gorgeous day yesterday - sunshine and warm. A walk at the GAP - pines and this marsh elder - the colors we see. Lots of walkers and joggers. A simple pizza for dinner.


I really am enjoying my journal sketching and writing time. I began sketching and painting nine years ago but keeping such a journal was neglected over the years I focused on painting. Journaling has been a really good 'return' for me.

It's been wonderful, too, to have that bit of quiet time spent on reflection and contemplation without thought of perfect paintings, matting and framing. Good skill practice too.

I'm still painting for the classes I teach, gifts, and sales, but these journals are what they first were to me - a place to think, dream, meditate, reflect, practice, plan.

It's like filling the well ...