Thank you all for your kindest comments and tremendous support. I am overwhelmingly humbled ...
I am finally home for the next five days and delighted to have some 'down' time from the fury of long days, late nights, intense hours and the fatigue that comes from too many urgent demands.
Our drought continues as does the heat, but the next five days stretch out before me like an oasis in the desert, and I couldn't be more grateful for the respite.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Blue Door
I am still enchanted with doors ... to me they're portals (like eyes) to the souls of the owners ... and for these older doors, a link to the past, history written in peeling paint, old stones, aged wood, and the companionship of green weeds ....
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Cates Farm- Last View
I painted this from a photo taken at the farm I've been trying to work on my greens and foliage as so much around me, despite this horrible drought, is green!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Cates Farm Old Chicken Coop
Another view from the Paint-Out Saturday ... by now it was after 1:00 pm, the heat was most intense, and the shade had shifted. I painted the side of this old chicken coop -- and so wish I had changed he treatment of the magnolia on the left ... Still, what I loved about the building was the peeling paint, the old door, and the clay foundation ....
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Cates Farm shed
Yesterday, the wonderful Plein Air Group I belong to went to Cates Farm, original home of the Cates pickle.
Beautiful buildings, woodlands, fields, cows and company kept us all there despite the 100F weather. Each of us found a bit of shade from which to sketch, while the event coordinators, Nancy and Harley, saw to our every need. Again, Harley took his 4-wheeler and visited each painter (scattered among the out buildings and fields) to offer drinks, snacks, ice-cold towels. They made sure we were all as cool and well hydrated as we could be. Lunch and snacks were again provided along with great company!
(I realize after I uploaded this that the trunk is dead center .. sigh ... and I'm still not happy with my trees ... BUT all the work I've done lately on doors helped me sketch the shed fairly accurately ... why is it that so often when you concentrate on one thing, like architecture, the other things, like the flora, seem to suffer? LOL)
Beautiful buildings, woodlands, fields, cows and company kept us all there despite the 100F weather. Each of us found a bit of shade from which to sketch, while the event coordinators, Nancy and Harley, saw to our every need. Again, Harley took his 4-wheeler and visited each painter (scattered among the out buildings and fields) to offer drinks, snacks, ice-cold towels. They made sure we were all as cool and well hydrated as we could be. Lunch and snacks were again provided along with great company!
(I realize after I uploaded this that the trunk is dead center .. sigh ... and I'm still not happy with my trees ... BUT all the work I've done lately on doors helped me sketch the shed fairly accurately ... why is it that so often when you concentrate on one thing, like architecture, the other things, like the flora, seem to suffer? LOL)
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Greensboro BiCentennial Park
Another view of this beautiful park.
I can't seem to get the scanner to give me closer colors to what I've done in the original. The background isn't as yellow and the water is more blue ... oh well ....it's still a beautiful park!
I can't seem to get the scanner to give me closer colors to what I've done in the original. The background isn't as yellow and the water is more blue ... oh well ....it's still a beautiful park!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Greensboro Bicentennial Garden Creek
Last week during a pause at my conference, I had the opportunity to visit the Greensboro, NC BiCentennial Park.
As part of Kate's watercolor class "Creating Textures in Watercolor" (http://cathyjohnson.info),' I sketched this water and woodland scene from a photo I took while visiting this beautiful park.
As part of Kate's watercolor class "Creating Textures in Watercolor" (http://cathyjohnson.info),' I sketched this water and woodland scene from a photo I took while visiting this beautiful park.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Tenuta San Michele
On the slopes of Mt. Etna, Sicily, is a wonderful winery and vineyard - Tenuta San Michele - a fascinating place we stayed in complete with wine tours, homemade jams, olive oils, delicious food, and spectacular views.
Here is ONE of their many vineyards .... producing several different types of grapes and wines.
During the tour of the vineyard and description of growing, pruning, fertilizing, harvesting methods, I had the chance to feel the soil ....It was soft as down! Most of this 'soil' is actually volcanic ash from Mt Etna ... a source that produced some of the sweetest grapes on the island.
PS - Thanks for the computer empathy -- still nothing good to report on that front - sigh.
Here is ONE of their many vineyards .... producing several different types of grapes and wines.
During the tour of the vineyard and description of growing, pruning, fertilizing, harvesting methods, I had the chance to feel the soil ....It was soft as down! Most of this 'soil' is actually volcanic ash from Mt Etna ... a source that produced some of the sweetest grapes on the island.
PS - Thanks for the computer empathy -- still nothing good to report on that front - sigh.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Marsala Beach
The beach at Marsala, Sicily ...
My computer died last night and so I'm working on a borrowed computer without access to bookmarks, blogs, etc. So until I get my computer back, and IF it can be repaired to keep everything on it .. I may not be able to comment on my favorite blogs until I return home late this week ....
Mercy, the dependence on technology!!!
My computer died last night and so I'm working on a borrowed computer without access to bookmarks, blogs, etc. So until I get my computer back, and IF it can be repaired to keep everything on it .. I may not be able to comment on my favorite blogs until I return home late this week ....
Mercy, the dependence on technology!!!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Mother Church Castelvetrano Sicily
This is the mother church of the town my grandfather was born in - Castelvetrano, Sicily, Italy.
I worked on this through an on-line class at Wet Canvas (www.wetcanvas.com) - with some of the finest artists and generous helpers -- especially in the process of painting from photographs and perspective.
My plan is to frame this for my mom along with a photograph (one of the few) of my grandfather.
This was the most ambitious project I've undertaken in the two years I've been sketching. I'm thrilled with the results and hope she will be too.
I worked on this through an on-line class at Wet Canvas (www.wetcanvas.com) - with some of the finest artists and generous helpers -- especially in the process of painting from photographs and perspective.
My plan is to frame this for my mom along with a photograph (one of the few) of my grandfather.
This was the most ambitious project I've undertaken in the two years I've been sketching. I'm thrilled with the results and hope she will be too.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Blue-Green Door and Tree
My friend Brenda asked me last week if I were missing my flower sketches -- and she was so right! So, I just HAD to find a door WITH some flora!!! LOL
Sunday, August 19, 2007
For Bob
Yellow flowers, of all types, bring a smile to my lips, reminding me of sunshine and hope.
With the loss this weekend of my dear friend's husband, my heart is heavy and I can't seem to find words that might comfort her in her pain.
I offer this wee flower in hopes that she'll know I am thinking of her in this darkest of times, and that perhaps, a seed of hope, a bit of sun, will begin to grow for her.
With the loss this weekend of my dear friend's husband, my heart is heavy and I can't seem to find words that might comfort her in her pain.
I offer this wee flower in hopes that she'll know I am thinking of her in this darkest of times, and that perhaps, a seed of hope, a bit of sun, will begin to grow for her.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
EDM 132 Chain
don't see too many chained gates, but we do have one on the Arboretum gates, scheduled for glass replacement this year...
Friday, August 17, 2007
Wooden Door
Old wooden doors so remind me of Italy and I love sketching them ... especially those with aged stones, crumbling walls. They remind me of our trip to Sicily and fuel the longing to return.
Snow, Salt, Splatter, Dry Brush
I'm taking another of Kate's wonderful watercolor classes. This is a combination of texturing techniques using salt, splatter and a dry brush. I painted it from imagination ... and since it has been 100F the last 3 days and we haven't had rain in 3 weeks, it was even more difficult to remember what it was like to be COLD!!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
THANK YOU, Jeanette!
My most generous friend, Jeanette, has given me an award! I am now 'A Rockin' Girl Blogger!' THANK YOU, Jeanette!
Jeanette has two wonderful blogs - Handmade (a terrific inspirational blog) and a fabulous photo blog -- be sure to visit these for some sheer eye candy!
I would love to nominate all those many blogs and flickr sites I visit daily so I could pass this honor along to other well deserving bloggers. But since I can't nominate EVERY blog I visit and love and I'm limited to a handful, here are a few ... (if you're interested, the blogroll on this site includes many of those fabulous blogs to which I refer!!! Click on the links and enjoy!) ...
Brenda has been a most supportive friend and blogger whom I met in one of Kate's watercolor classes ... http://amberridgedesert.blogspot.com/
My friend, France, whose pencil sketches make me drool: http://wagonized.typepad.com/wagonized/
Carol, whose descriptions of desserts and photos of them puts pounds on me without my taking a single bit and whose watercolors are so dreamy: http://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/
My dear friend, Teri, who began the visual art journey about the same time I did (not very long ago!) http://painteddaisies.blogspot.com/
and one more, though I've gone over my limit -- my dear friend and instructor - Kate Johnson - whose genrously shared flickr is as instructive as it is gorgeous:
Again, please pass this long, ladies, so that all those fabulous bloggers out there will be honored and applauded!
Lin
Blue Door
Thank you -- all -- for such encouraging and kind comments on the doors ...
I'm finally back from travels and have a door or two to finish this series -- it's been fun - and oh, so different than flowers!!! LOL
I'm finally back from travels and have a door or two to finish this series -- it's been fun - and oh, so different than flowers!!! LOL
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Venice Doorway
Another in the 'door' series -- this time from Venice.
I'll be at a conference for a couple of days .... engrossed in plants instead of doors ---
Temps have also returned to the high 90s and predicted to top 100F! Mercy, the water in Venice's canal sure beckons ...
I'll be at a conference for a couple of days .... engrossed in plants instead of doors ---
Temps have also returned to the high 90s and predicted to top 100F! Mercy, the water in Venice's canal sure beckons ...
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Antique Door
I found a photo of this door on WetCanvas. It reminds me of the doors we saw in Italy ....
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Yellow Flower
With the drought we are experiencing and the ending of summer (though you'd never know it by the temperatures!), the purple and yellow flowers seem to be the mainstay of the gardens.
EDM 131 Spray Bottle
We've been experiencing temperatures over 100F .. this spray bottle of perfumed water (Splash) is refreshing after any time spent outdoors. Since I travel so much, I keep one in the car as well as my office.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Chinese Lantern 2
I remember when I used to find these growing wild along the South Carolina beach dunes ...
Friday, August 10, 2007
Blue Pot and Pink Petunias
On the way to the Raleigh Farmer's Market (60 miles from our home), I sketched this pot of gernaiums from a photo I took when Sue and I went to Duke Gardens earler this year.
I'd also like to thank everyone for their kind and generous comments on the market photos. I've really enjoyed doing them and especially the lunches and dinners we've made from the veggies!
(The ink and watercolor is a style I love -- and I so hope to continue to learn to improve that.! Thank you all for your encouragement to do so!)
I'd also like to thank everyone for their kind and generous comments on the market photos. I've really enjoyed doing them and especially the lunches and dinners we've made from the veggies!
(The ink and watercolor is a style I love -- and I so hope to continue to learn to improve that.! Thank you all for your encouragement to do so!)
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Corn - Another Sweet Variety
We tried this new sweet corn, another delight found at the Raleigh Farmer's Market. It was sweet or sweeter than Silver Queen -- called Fantasia! It was a bit more yellow than Silver Queen, and sweet enough to eat without butter! C grilled the ears on the BBQ -- YUM YUM YUM!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Contained Farmer - Raleigh Farmer's Market
While strolling through the Raleigh Farmer's Market, we were struck by a fabulous display of bright bloooms in the most unusual containers! From various sizes to shapes to colors, each was masterfully arranged with bright summer flowers. We chatted a whilewith the designer/grower as we admired his talents and wares.
I felt in love with this washtub! I could just see it in my eclectic garden at home!
I felt in love with this washtub! I could just see it in my eclectic garden at home!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Raleigh Farmer's Market
Summer is such a lush time --- the displays at the Raleigh Farmer's Market this weekend were delicious for the eyes AND the pallet!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Eggplant
While walking through the Raleigh Farmer's Market, we were struck by the artfully displayed arrangement of different eggplants! From size to shape to color -- white, pink, blush, blue/purple, lavender, deep purple -- the display immediataely caught our attention!
We bought several pounds of the eggplant and yesterday, C made them into some scrumptious Eggplant Parmesan!
YUM!
We bought several pounds of the eggplant and yesterday, C made them into some scrumptious Eggplant Parmesan!
YUM!
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Cool Cosmos on a hot summer day
Sketched these fresh cosmos quickly before heading out in the expected high 90F heat .... they're so much brighter and lusher than my scan would do!
Farmer's Market and Capriflavors
Another outing for C and me -- Raleigh Farmer's Market for some veggies - eggplant, tomatoes, green beans, butter beans, new sweet corn (Fantasia -- YUM!). Then off to Capriflavors for more Italian goodies: bread, coffee gelato, salame, creamy basalmic (sweet as figs!), cheeses: smoked and plain mozarella, sharp provalone, misto Classico Podda, Pecorino Romano Ambriola, Prosciutto.
The Better Boy (sharp and acidic!) are drying in the dehydrator; we made a dinner of the cheeses, strawberries and cherries, cantaloupe, bruschetta on delicious crispy Italian bread, and saved the eggplant for today's dinner. The Patty Pan squash is from my own garden as was the basil and other fresh herbs.
A delicious dinner and day!
The Better Boy (sharp and acidic!) are drying in the dehydrator; we made a dinner of the cheeses, strawberries and cherries, cantaloupe, bruschetta on delicious crispy Italian bread, and saved the eggplant for today's dinner. The Patty Pan squash is from my own garden as was the basil and other fresh herbs.
A delicious dinner and day!
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Roses on the Wall
When I visited Duke Gardens this spring, I too a photo of some roses against a stone wall. I decided to give that complex photo a image.
This didn't quite turn out the way I expected ... but the process of texturizing each stone was certainly a learning experience!
This didn't quite turn out the way I expected ... but the process of texturizing each stone was certainly a learning experience!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Life is just a bowl
of Cherries ....! I simply LOVE this fruit -- as does Rebecca ... since this is her bowl of cherries ...... I'm so glad she shares!! LOL
EDM 130 School Supplies
Though my children are long past getting ready for school, and my grands NOT quite old enough to begin this late summer ritual, the stores are filling with all manner of supplies for the big return to school.
One of my earliest purchases was always a new lunchbox and thermos ... LOVED the surprises my mom would add to these!
One of my earliest purchases was always a new lunchbox and thermos ... LOVED the surprises my mom would add to these!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
My Granddaughter's Favorite Thing
She's such a GIRL!! She LOVES bags of all types -- and tiny as she is, will tote, drag, and heave purses, coolers, pocketbooks, shopping bags, and carriers of all types! And, of course, she MUST have those KEYS for traveling too --
Mercy! She is growing up to be more and more like her sweet Mom!
Mercy! She is growing up to be more and more like her sweet Mom!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Hibiscus
As the heat and humidity of our southern summers reaches its full force, I turn to the flowers that will give this season a last hurrah ...
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