Browsing again through the photos taken from Duke Gardens, I decided to sketch this bit of a flowerpot and some surrounding flowers. I love to see the softness of natural objects such as flowers set against harder textures like rocks and pots and fences.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Arboretum Kitchen Garden Corner
A quick skech of the riot of colors in a corner of the Kitchen Garden ...
Thursday, June 28, 2007
EDM 125 - goldfinch
Sketched from a photo reference, but chosen because our birdfeeder is full of bright yellow goldfinches.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Cow
This Saturday my two dearest art friends and I waill visit a dairy farm to sketch --- so, never having sketched a cow before, I thought I'd get in a bit of practice!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Sunflower
After a week's worth of barns and horses (and a few cows for next trip), I decided to get back to my beloved flowers....!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Yellow Barn - Quail Roost Farm
Fortified by a morning of sketching (and the kindness of the plein air group!), I decided to tackle 'the barn'! This historic unusual-color-of-yellow barn, I understand, was on the original farm and stood as the farm's landmark. I found a bit of shade under a single tree (the sun had come out by then, but was still hiding periodically behind clouds), and so I perched myself on a top of a knoll and decided to see what I could do in an hour. HA!
During lunch I was bemoaning my tendency to overwork my washes as I fussed and fussed to keep 'perfecting' what I had done. So one of the artists challenged me to an hour of work -- I took her up on it.
I sat beneath the the tree and gazed at this beautiful barn. I could see other artists around the barn also trying to capture it on paper. I was using 140# coldpress watercolor paper (Canson I believe) in a spiral field book with hard covers, which worked very well for me.
I put my feet up on my alternative chair and relaxed under the tree's shade. I lost myself in lines and did my best to use my eyes as I remembered the principles of perspective I was struggling with all week. After about 50 minuites when I thought my sketch was about done, I realized that the top of my roof should be a bit lower on the left corner -- I tried to amend, but sticking to my hour, I didn't adjust it enough. But I did realize my mistake .. yeah -- progress in wee steps! LOL
After an hour, Nancy and Harley came by reminding me of my time limit -- and we both laughed! She 'gave' me another bit of time to finish the sketch ... and this time, I did!
The barn was painted a most unusual color yellow -- not bright, not dull -- add to that that the barn was in shadow -- and I had a whale of a time trying to get my color close to the original. I wound up using New Gamboge, glazed with Winsor Violet and then glazed with Ind. Blue ... it's mighty close.
I stopped painting and fussing after about 40 minutes, and made minor adjustments at home -- like the edge of the roof (not adjusted enough) on the side by the trees that I covered with leaves ...and left the rest as learning lessons.
In all, I was quite pleased at not overworking the drawing, learning again about perspective, and learning too how important drawing is to a project. I was mighty glad I practiced barns before I tried this plein air! LOL
BTW, I was asked about the horses. There really weren't that many to be seen. The stables and pastures were off-limits, and most of the horses were not in view most of the day. A few riders went by, but for the most part, we all focused on the scenery sans horses.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable event ---!!!
During lunch I was bemoaning my tendency to overwork my washes as I fussed and fussed to keep 'perfecting' what I had done. So one of the artists challenged me to an hour of work -- I took her up on it.
I sat beneath the the tree and gazed at this beautiful barn. I could see other artists around the barn also trying to capture it on paper. I was using 140# coldpress watercolor paper (Canson I believe) in a spiral field book with hard covers, which worked very well for me.
I put my feet up on my alternative chair and relaxed under the tree's shade. I lost myself in lines and did my best to use my eyes as I remembered the principles of perspective I was struggling with all week. After about 50 minuites when I thought my sketch was about done, I realized that the top of my roof should be a bit lower on the left corner -- I tried to amend, but sticking to my hour, I didn't adjust it enough. But I did realize my mistake .. yeah -- progress in wee steps! LOL
After an hour, Nancy and Harley came by reminding me of my time limit -- and we both laughed! She 'gave' me another bit of time to finish the sketch ... and this time, I did!
The barn was painted a most unusual color yellow -- not bright, not dull -- add to that that the barn was in shadow -- and I had a whale of a time trying to get my color close to the original. I wound up using New Gamboge, glazed with Winsor Violet and then glazed with Ind. Blue ... it's mighty close.
I stopped painting and fussing after about 40 minutes, and made minor adjustments at home -- like the edge of the roof (not adjusted enough) on the side by the trees that I covered with leaves ...and left the rest as learning lessons.
In all, I was quite pleased at not overworking the drawing, learning again about perspective, and learning too how important drawing is to a project. I was mighty glad I practiced barns before I tried this plein air! LOL
BTW, I was asked about the horses. There really weren't that many to be seen. The stables and pastures were off-limits, and most of the horses were not in view most of the day. A few riders went by, but for the most part, we all focused on the scenery sans horses.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable event ---!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Quail Roost Farm
My first plein air experience with an organized group -- went very very well! And I have to say a big "THANK YOU" for everyone's encouragement and support! And to thank Kathleen for introducing me to this incredible group!
Saturday began with overcast skies and, for me, chilly weather. I was well prepared with my gear (thank you, my dear art friend!) --- a comfortable chair, lap table, and a marvelous alternative chair that held camera, paint, paper, tissues, water, water bottle and more that acted as a mini table for either my legs! LOL or palette (thank you, Lorraine!!).
I met the group of plein air artists from all around the region, some traveling two hours or more to get to our site. Most of the artists in the group are oil or pastel painters, and my friend Kathleen (http://www.geocities.com/gwinnettart/) who does fabulous watercolors was unable to make the event.
This fairly new plein air group (I undertand there are about 50-60 folks on the mailing list) was begun by Nancy and Harley Brookshire (http://www.outdoorpainter.org/). These eager and incredibly generous folks organize the ventures, choose the site, bring lunch, drinks, snacks, and offer enthusiasm and excitement for plein air. They typically hold an event each month.
We met at Quail Roost Farm in Durham -- a huge (over 800 acres) farm that was once a dairy farm and now a horse farm with riding schools, equestrian events and more. GORGEOUS barns, ponds, fields, trails, horses were there for us to paint.
The morning began with overcast skies, warming up slowly with the sun playing peek-a-boo with us all day long. After beginning a sketch or painting in cloudy gloom and then having the sun come out and brighten the scene changing EVERYTHING, I can only admire Karen Winters (www.karensblog.com) even MORE for all the glorious work she does in plein air. Talk about a challenge!
Nonetheless, I found a landscape I thought my novice abilities might be able to handle and parked my car and gear alongside. There was a wonderful clump of chickory (cornflower) against the pond and I spent the morning painting the scene. The birds, bees, one or two horse riders kept me company, and various artists would leave their spots and drop by for a chat and a bit of encouragement. Harley was a saint and would come by offering water and snacks as we painted. Were we spoiled!
We took a break at lunch and met at the sign-in table for more chat and site and work discussions. A truly wonderful group of artists.
After lunch, most folks selected another area to paint. More about that tomorrow.
What I learned -- plein air is plane challenging! But being outdoors all day was wonderful! We were graced with a warm day (low 80sF!) and though the sunlight was inconsistent, it was so balmy and so peaceful --- that if I did nothing yesterday but sit and watch everyone, it would have been worth the serenity and companionship!
I don't know how other plein air groups conduct their events, but having someone take care of site arrangements, lunch, drinks and details was a gift beyond measure -- giving us all time to focus entirely on our passion.
I also have to admit to a tad nervousness (LOL!!) about joining a group of artists who know one another and who have been at their art far longer than I! And to face barns (dang perspective!!! LOL) and horses (very new to me!) also contributed to a bit of fear. However, I am thrilled to say that the group's friendless, gernerosity , and encouragement helped to assuage my fears -- and I had a blast! I will definitely do more of these ... and again, thank YOU for your encouragement and Kat for introducing me to this group of wonderful artists!
Saturday began with overcast skies and, for me, chilly weather. I was well prepared with my gear (thank you, my dear art friend!) --- a comfortable chair, lap table, and a marvelous alternative chair that held camera, paint, paper, tissues, water, water bottle and more that acted as a mini table for either my legs! LOL or palette (thank you, Lorraine!!).
I met the group of plein air artists from all around the region, some traveling two hours or more to get to our site. Most of the artists in the group are oil or pastel painters, and my friend Kathleen (http://www.geocities.com/gwinnettart/) who does fabulous watercolors was unable to make the event.
This fairly new plein air group (I undertand there are about 50-60 folks on the mailing list) was begun by Nancy and Harley Brookshire (http://www.outdoorpainter.org/). These eager and incredibly generous folks organize the ventures, choose the site, bring lunch, drinks, snacks, and offer enthusiasm and excitement for plein air. They typically hold an event each month.
We met at Quail Roost Farm in Durham -- a huge (over 800 acres) farm that was once a dairy farm and now a horse farm with riding schools, equestrian events and more. GORGEOUS barns, ponds, fields, trails, horses were there for us to paint.
The morning began with overcast skies, warming up slowly with the sun playing peek-a-boo with us all day long. After beginning a sketch or painting in cloudy gloom and then having the sun come out and brighten the scene changing EVERYTHING, I can only admire Karen Winters (www.karensblog.com) even MORE for all the glorious work she does in plein air. Talk about a challenge!
Nonetheless, I found a landscape I thought my novice abilities might be able to handle and parked my car and gear alongside. There was a wonderful clump of chickory (cornflower) against the pond and I spent the morning painting the scene. The birds, bees, one or two horse riders kept me company, and various artists would leave their spots and drop by for a chat and a bit of encouragement. Harley was a saint and would come by offering water and snacks as we painted. Were we spoiled!
We took a break at lunch and met at the sign-in table for more chat and site and work discussions. A truly wonderful group of artists.
After lunch, most folks selected another area to paint. More about that tomorrow.
What I learned -- plein air is plane challenging! But being outdoors all day was wonderful! We were graced with a warm day (low 80sF!) and though the sunlight was inconsistent, it was so balmy and so peaceful --- that if I did nothing yesterday but sit and watch everyone, it would have been worth the serenity and companionship!
I don't know how other plein air groups conduct their events, but having someone take care of site arrangements, lunch, drinks and details was a gift beyond measure -- giving us all time to focus entirely on our passion.
I also have to admit to a tad nervousness (LOL!!) about joining a group of artists who know one another and who have been at their art far longer than I! And to face barns (dang perspective!!! LOL) and horses (very new to me!) also contributed to a bit of fear. However, I am thrilled to say that the group's friendless, gernerosity , and encouragement helped to assuage my fears -- and I had a blast! I will definitely do more of these ... and again, thank YOU for your encouragement and Kat for introducing me to this group of wonderful artists!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Horse
Ready or not, my plein-air event at the horse farm is tomorrow -- Now if I can only get THOSE horses to stay still, I may have a chance to capture them on paper!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Salvia guarantica
This intensely blue/purple shrub is all abloom in my garden. It grows in a rather shady area behind my porch and those deep purply/blue flowers poke their bright heads higher than the foliage -- surprising me as I fill the birdfeeder!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Barn
This is so overworked it makes me cringe ... But the pserspective is a bit closer -- too little darks, not enough shading or ground differentiation .... SIGH!
I argued with myself whether I should post these or not -- and decided to share my disappointments as well as those sketches I really like -- so that others too can take heart that the road to 'success' isn't always smooth or easier for anyone else!! LOL
I have 2 more days to get 'closer' to perspective and horses. By now, my stubborn streak is glowing red and I WILL GET THIS RIGHT!! (fingers crossed!) LOL
I argued with myself whether I should post these or not -- and decided to share my disappointments as well as those sketches I really like -- so that others too can take heart that the road to 'success' isn't always smooth or easier for anyone else!! LOL
I have 2 more days to get 'closer' to perspective and horses. By now, my stubborn streak is glowing red and I WILL GET THIS RIGHT!! (fingers crossed!) LOL
Barn
I've been invited to participate in a plein air event this Saturday at a horse farm. Horses and barns are WAY out of my comfort zone and so I thought I'd spend some time PRACTICING these structures and animals. HA!
I found out how 'challenging' perspective can be ... SEEING which ends go up which go down, evening out roof edges, shadows, etc., etc. So my week of practice has been frustrating to say the least.
This is the first barn I did -- and rather quickly -- I like the washy look but the perspective is way off.
I found out how 'challenging' perspective can be ... SEEING which ends go up which go down, evening out roof edges, shadows, etc., etc. So my week of practice has been frustrating to say the least.
This is the first barn I did -- and rather quickly -- I like the washy look but the perspective is way off.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Petunias and Rock
It was a long drive back to NC from my daughter's yesterday --- and a full day of work. By the time I crawled to Rebecca's I was exhausted and tried to do a quick study of the petunias and rock that sits against her garage door.
Not my best work ... I find it difficult to do really fine work when I'm so tired .. but the practice and discipline of sketching something daily remains .... hopefully today I'll have more time and more energy!
Not my best work ... I find it difficult to do really fine work when I'm so tired .. but the practice and discipline of sketching something daily remains .... hopefully today I'll have more time and more energy!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Horse
I've been graciously invited to a plein air event next Saturday at a horse farm. Horses, barns, buildings of all kinds are so out of my comfort zone, so following the example of a good friend, I'm practicing a bit of the subject material before feeing more foolish than I'll probably feel with folks all around!
This horse is from a photo I shot at the Lavender Farm two weeks ago.
I leave my dd this morning to head back to a busy work week. Can't wait to catch up on all my favorite blogs!
This horse is from a photo I shot at the Lavender Farm two weeks ago.
I leave my dd this morning to head back to a busy work week. Can't wait to catch up on all my favorite blogs!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Father's Day
When I think of my father, what comes instantly to mind are tools --! Dad was always repairing, fixing, mending something -- and could do it exceptionally well! My son, as a child, was always breaking his toys, and my dad, patient as Job, would be fixing those too. And as things go, my son, once the breaker, has now become the 'mender' and works as that for a living! My husband can fix anything -- and often can detect what needs mendiing by my describing the funny sound!
Tools have become a tradition in our home and family. But when I think of "Tools", their meaning extends even further than simply something that can be used to 'repair.'
I think of tools also as guidelines, instrutions, examples that are set by those whom we learn from, emulate or follow. Tools for living, doing art, working with others, getting something done, getting from place to place, etc.
So today, for all those father's -- the dads, the husbands, the sons, the brothers, uncles, sons-in-law, godfathers, instructors, repair folks, leaders -- May this be a most happy and restful day! And THANK YOU for providing the 'tools' that help make life worth living!
Tools have become a tradition in our home and family. But when I think of "Tools", their meaning extends even further than simply something that can be used to 'repair.'
I think of tools also as guidelines, instrutions, examples that are set by those whom we learn from, emulate or follow. Tools for living, doing art, working with others, getting something done, getting from place to place, etc.
So today, for all those father's -- the dads, the husbands, the sons, the brothers, uncles, sons-in-law, godfathers, instructors, repair folks, leaders -- May this be a most happy and restful day! And THANK YOU for providing the 'tools' that help make life worth living!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
EDM 123 Bell
Oh the Bells! Bells! This 'service needed' bell is hardly seen any more, (I used a photo reference as I'm out of town again!). We do have one, though, at the cashier's window at the college. Remember when they sat on every grocer's counter?
I'm thinking also of other bells: church bells ringing out festivals, hours, ceremonies, mass, life events; door bells, jingle bells, the bells on the ice cream truck; the hand bells making music for the chorus, and the novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
I do love bells -- especiall Tinker Bell!
I'm thinking also of other bells: church bells ringing out festivals, hours, ceremonies, mass, life events; door bells, jingle bells, the bells on the ice cream truck; the hand bells making music for the chorus, and the novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
I do love bells -- especiall Tinker Bell!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Grapes
Another guided work ... my dear friend continues to help me improve my watercolors and emphasizes particularly dark values (which I tend to shy away from for some odd reason) and to learn how to shape objects such as leaves with varying values. Thank you again, my friend!
I will be with my daughter this weekend and playing nonna to a one-year old who's just discovered the freedom of walking! So if I'm scarce, please know that I'm fully immersed in "Nonna-hood!" ... but I'll be sketching every chance I have!
Have a great weekend!
I will be with my daughter this weekend and playing nonna to a one-year old who's just discovered the freedom of walking! So if I'm scarce, please know that I'm fully immersed in "Nonna-hood!" ... but I'll be sketching every chance I have!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Two Years and A Pencil
December 2005
May 2007
December 5, 2005
January 2007Two years and a Pencil
I’ll be away this weekend, and so before I leave to spend some time with my daughter, I wanted to get this written and posted.
This Sunday, June 17, will make two years since I made the very deliberate decision to learn to draw. I seem to have been writing since I could speak, but visual art was something completely out of my experience, and something folks discouraged me (like my singing!!) to do. And so for over half a century, I remained a verbal artist…until two years ago.
I love the natural world .. it’s where I find my peace, inspiration, joy. And for as many years as I’ve had the privilege to live, I’ve loved those visual or illustrated journals that COMBINED words with illustration and watercolor. I can’t tell you how many ‘how to’ books sit on my shelves and HAVE sat on my shelves for years – me thinking that by reading or proximity their contents would magically transmit to my eye and hand the ability to render anything similar to what I was drooling over! HA!
I wish I could remember how I ran across the Everyday Matters site .. perhaps it was admiring someone’s work and following links back to the site … I don’t quite know (I do know that Danny’s books came AFTER I joined EDM) … but whatever led me on that path has my sincere gratitude. I began lurking on the site, turning green with envy for the talent and work I saw there. Folks talked about their own visual art journeys and I returned again to my own bookshelves for instruction… and decided, once and for all before I die, that I would really give drawing a go.
I started with my 1970s copy of “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.” And I didn’t read it – I WORKED it – practicing and practicing –and truly laughing at my pitiful efforts … until I did that ‘upside down drawing.’ That one exercise absolutely liberated me, and gave me the hope I so desperately needed that perhaps, I too, could learn to draw. What I drew LOOKED that the figure in the chair – not perfect – heck, after two years, I’m still struggling with figures!! LOL – but it was recognizable!!! And thus, the spark of ‘maybe’ was lit. …and once lit, my determination took over.. and I’ve been sketching every day since then.
I took Kate’s fabulous classes in sketching and watercolor (http://www.cathyjohnson.info/) and I read everything I could afford to buy or borrow. I joined the EDM site and Karen Winters so graciously helped me set up a blog.
And you, dearest of friends, encouraged me every step of the way.
Through your comments, encouragement, suggestions, my artwork has gradually improved. Your support and generosity keeps me sketching ..and the more I “Practice” .. the more my work will grow and improve. And I cannot thank you sufficiently or deeply enough!
Today I have been graced beyond measure by a dear friend who regularly encourages me through suggestions, ideas, recommendations, guidance and discussions of art that I never had in school – perspective, negative painting, color theory, books, videos to try – as well as inspires me through their own work. When I think of the invaluable learning of such a gift and such a friend, I get weepy with gratitude …and overwhelmed with the inability to express the depth of my appreciation.
And so, I apologize for the length of this … but more than anything, I wanted to write a letter today, my almost anniversary of penciling, a letter of thanksgiving, a letter of gratitude, a letter of love to YOU …. The instructors, the friends, the encouragers, the suggesters, the helpers, the supporters – you, my dearest of friends .. for the immeasurable support you’ve give me to keep picking up the pencil, the brush .. and keep at it. Words fail me (yes, I know after this length of letter!! LOL) – to convey the depth of gratitude and thanksgiving I wish to give each of you – and to, in turn, ‘pass it forward’ and return it to YOU, as you’ve given your ‘Atta girls’ to me …..
Thank you dear ones … MILLE MILLE GRAZIE! Keep practicing!
Here are some comparisons ….
I’ll be away this weekend, and so before I leave to spend some time with my daughter, I wanted to get this written and posted.
This Sunday, June 17, will make two years since I made the very deliberate decision to learn to draw. I seem to have been writing since I could speak, but visual art was something completely out of my experience, and something folks discouraged me (like my singing!!) to do. And so for over half a century, I remained a verbal artist…until two years ago.
I love the natural world .. it’s where I find my peace, inspiration, joy. And for as many years as I’ve had the privilege to live, I’ve loved those visual or illustrated journals that COMBINED words with illustration and watercolor. I can’t tell you how many ‘how to’ books sit on my shelves and HAVE sat on my shelves for years – me thinking that by reading or proximity their contents would magically transmit to my eye and hand the ability to render anything similar to what I was drooling over! HA!
I wish I could remember how I ran across the Everyday Matters site .. perhaps it was admiring someone’s work and following links back to the site … I don’t quite know (I do know that Danny’s books came AFTER I joined EDM) … but whatever led me on that path has my sincere gratitude. I began lurking on the site, turning green with envy for the talent and work I saw there. Folks talked about their own visual art journeys and I returned again to my own bookshelves for instruction… and decided, once and for all before I die, that I would really give drawing a go.
I started with my 1970s copy of “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.” And I didn’t read it – I WORKED it – practicing and practicing –and truly laughing at my pitiful efforts … until I did that ‘upside down drawing.’ That one exercise absolutely liberated me, and gave me the hope I so desperately needed that perhaps, I too, could learn to draw. What I drew LOOKED that the figure in the chair – not perfect – heck, after two years, I’m still struggling with figures!! LOL – but it was recognizable!!! And thus, the spark of ‘maybe’ was lit. …and once lit, my determination took over.. and I’ve been sketching every day since then.
I took Kate’s fabulous classes in sketching and watercolor (http://www.cathyjohnson.info/) and I read everything I could afford to buy or borrow. I joined the EDM site and Karen Winters so graciously helped me set up a blog.
And you, dearest of friends, encouraged me every step of the way.
Through your comments, encouragement, suggestions, my artwork has gradually improved. Your support and generosity keeps me sketching ..and the more I “Practice” .. the more my work will grow and improve. And I cannot thank you sufficiently or deeply enough!
Today I have been graced beyond measure by a dear friend who regularly encourages me through suggestions, ideas, recommendations, guidance and discussions of art that I never had in school – perspective, negative painting, color theory, books, videos to try – as well as inspires me through their own work. When I think of the invaluable learning of such a gift and such a friend, I get weepy with gratitude …and overwhelmed with the inability to express the depth of my appreciation.
And so, I apologize for the length of this … but more than anything, I wanted to write a letter today, my almost anniversary of penciling, a letter of thanksgiving, a letter of gratitude, a letter of love to YOU …. The instructors, the friends, the encouragers, the suggesters, the helpers, the supporters – you, my dearest of friends .. for the immeasurable support you’ve give me to keep picking up the pencil, the brush .. and keep at it. Words fail me (yes, I know after this length of letter!! LOL) – to convey the depth of gratitude and thanksgiving I wish to give each of you – and to, in turn, ‘pass it forward’ and return it to YOU, as you’ve given your ‘Atta girls’ to me …..
Thank you dear ones … MILLE MILLE GRAZIE! Keep practicing!
Here are some comparisons ….
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Emily
Every once in a while these days, I attempt my grandchildren -- again. I am getting closer -- but still have a long way to go ....
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Rebecca's Rock
On the way to Rebecca's door, there's a wee rock surrounded by flowers that continually catches my attention (the rock??? LOL) ... and tonight, with only a short time available for sketching (and dark coming on fast), I decided to try to capture this bit of a space within the larger garden.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Lavender Shrubs
What is it about some images that just give you one whale of a difficult time! These lavender shrubs - holy moly! I think I went through at least TEN sheets of journal paper before I could render the lavender as I liked it!!! MERCY! First ones, too wet, second too dry, third too stiff, fourth too icky, fifth a blurry mess ... and on and on! Of course, yes, I'm stubborn, so I kept at it, each 'session' (okay, gnarling of teeth -- and no I didn't throw anything though I was mighty tempted!!), I tried to figure out what I did that I liked, what looked 'right' to me, and then redo it .... (you got that didn't you -- TRIED!!!! LOL) Anyway, I"m quite pleased with this final version .. and you can bet your boots, I'm going to do another one just to prove to myself that it shouldn't take nine forevers to do so! lol
By the way, we also enjoyed vanilla and chocolate lavender ice cream, lavender lemonade, lavender shortbread, and the relaxing scent of sachets, lip balm, and more!
To see some photos, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Flowers from the Arboretum Perennial Garden
We had an advisory board retreat Thursday for the Arboretum -- new people, new ideas -- a very enthusiastic and helpful group. In preparation for the meeting, my technician and I picked some of the flowers blooming in the kitchen and perennial gardens --black-eyed Susans, Sunrise Echinacea, butterfly bush, some flowering herbs, blooming grasses. We placed them in vases to accentuate the 'garden' aspect of the work we were trying to accomplish.
The meeting lasted most of the day, so I had to resort to photos to use when I returned home. I penciled the outline of the vase, but decided to try to NOT outline the flowers -- and to just 'go for it' with paint. This is much harder for me .. I tend to rely -- probably too much -- on my 'lines' ...I like that this sketch is a bit looser ... but the jury is still out about how much I like it! LOL I'll have to try repeating this technique many more times to overcome my own reluctance and to improve this approach.
The meeting lasted most of the day, so I had to resort to photos to use when I returned home. I penciled the outline of the vase, but decided to try to NOT outline the flowers -- and to just 'go for it' with paint. This is much harder for me .. I tend to rely -- probably too much -- on my 'lines' ...I like that this sketch is a bit looser ... but the jury is still out about how much I like it! LOL I'll have to try repeating this technique many more times to overcome my own reluctance and to improve this approach.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Beets
Before I left Rebecca's this week, her brother gave her a basketful of beets from his garden. She generously shared some with me. When I got home, I rendered them into pickles ....the first time we've had home-grown beets since I gave up my extensive vegetable garden to take my current job. They were delicious!!! and so packed with memories of early morning gatherings of ripe squash, tomatoes, beans, lettuces and various fruits.
Though I am a long way from retiring, I know how important it will be for me to return to growing our own food once I am home more consistently. I do miss our large garden, the fresh food (substituted now with farmer's market varieties), and that important connection I feel to our own land.
I still maintain a few raised beds with lettuce, red mustard, tons of herbs, squash and a few small tomatoes and flowers -- and for the days I am home that is about all I can manage to water, weed, harvest .... and so that satisfies a bit, especially in the cool of the morning, with the dew still on the leaves, the birds awakening, the beginning hum of insects and hummingbirds, the scent of the day as it widens into its typical heat.
Ah, summer ....and gardens ...!
Though I am a long way from retiring, I know how important it will be for me to return to growing our own food once I am home more consistently. I do miss our large garden, the fresh food (substituted now with farmer's market varieties), and that important connection I feel to our own land.
I still maintain a few raised beds with lettuce, red mustard, tons of herbs, squash and a few small tomatoes and flowers -- and for the days I am home that is about all I can manage to water, weed, harvest .... and so that satisfies a bit, especially in the cool of the morning, with the dew still on the leaves, the birds awakening, the beginning hum of insects and hummingbirds, the scent of the day as it widens into its typical heat.
Ah, summer ....and gardens ...!
Friday, June 08, 2007
EDM 122 Shade
I used a photo reference for this EDM challenge since there is barely a bit of shade at my workplace! I loved the scene -- it so reminded me of John Denver's long ago song, "Cool and Green and Shady." Our temps have been in the high 90sF, and so sketching and painting THIS particular scene helped me feel a smidgen more refreshed!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Sun Dial at Duke
As Sue and I were leaving the gardens last Saturday, we turned a corner and this lovely sun dial greeted us ... I LOVED the way it sat among the flowers ... even IF the sundial portion looks like a tiny sailboat! LOL
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Guided Work - Flowers and Negative Painting
A good friend of mine helped me work through learning negative painting ... this was so much more difficult than it looks! But I really love the results!
Monday, June 04, 2007
Stone Wall and Ferns
This small view came from a photo I took while at Duke Gardens with Sue. The terraces in the Italian terrace gardens have such wonderful potential! Everywhere we looked, there was a painting to be made!
I painted this with the Quiller palette using complementaries of various greys and mixing the greens from various blues and Cad yellow. (Stephen Quiller - Color Choices)
We finally had some rain yesterday! I don't think I remember enjoying the sound, smell and FEEL of rain so much ..... it had been weeks since we had a good rainfall. The plants were joyous!
I painted this with the Quiller palette using complementaries of various greys and mixing the greens from various blues and Cad yellow. (Stephen Quiller - Color Choices)
We finally had some rain yesterday! I don't think I remember enjoying the sound, smell and FEEL of rain so much ..... it had been weeks since we had a good rainfall. The plants were joyous!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
EDM 121 COINS
My first memory of coins is associated with counting, learning change, shopping, understanding the exchange of goods for coins ...
Here are US coins alongside a few Euros that are left from our trip to Sicily -- memories I can hold in my pocket ...
Here are US coins alongside a few Euros that are left from our trip to Sicily -- memories I can hold in my pocket ...
Pergola at Duke with Sue
After a long number of weeks of busyness, travel and illness, Sue and I were finally able to get together to sketch again! What a glorious, glorious day!
Sue and I sketched the pergola while beyond it a wedding ceremony was being conducted.
The day was glorious -- warm, a bit humid, but the sun stayed mostly behind the clouds rendering the temperatures comfortable. Sue also brought some fantastic custard tarts we also enjoyed while we painted ... How I long for more splendid days like this!
See more fantastic images from Sue:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/loveitaly
and more photos of the Gardens:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye
Sue and I sketched the pergola while beyond it a wedding ceremony was being conducted.
The day was glorious -- warm, a bit humid, but the sun stayed mostly behind the clouds rendering the temperatures comfortable. Sue also brought some fantastic custard tarts we also enjoyed while we painted ... How I long for more splendid days like this!
See more fantastic images from Sue:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/loveitaly
and more photos of the Gardens:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye
Duke Pond and Waterlilies
Sue and I sat on a low stone wall and sketched this view ... it certainly had it challenges ....! I"ll attempt this one again ...!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Olives
My friend, Irene, loves olives and her entire home is filled with all things Italian. I sketched these for her.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Fountain at Capriflavors
Another aspect of the lovely terrace at Capriflavors. The sound of the fountain kept us company last week as we ate our pizza under the cool shade of vines that covered this beautiful spot.
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