This is the scene that reminds me of Halloween -- pumpkins, warm-colored flowers, mums, and the rich scents of fireplaces, apples, pumpkin pie, brightly colored leaves, full moons, crisp nights ...
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Washer of Flowers
I cannot tell you how often I have passed this antique rusting washer on my way into town as it sits in front of a tiny, triangle-shaped antique barn housed on the corner of an aging gas station. I finally, in the middle of our rain last week, had my camera with me, a break in the rain, and a moment to stop and capture it on film.
While a pretty basic antique washer, I love how they've nicely placed seasonal flowers in the basin ....!
While a pretty basic antique washer, I love how they've nicely placed seasonal flowers in the basin ....!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Thunder Mountain - Another View
I'm still intrigued with large bolders and rocks, and finding this vignette caught my eye early in the day. I waited until the afternoon to paint in order to get a bit more sunshine on the rocks -- though it's hard to tell in this scan.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Thunder Mountain - View over the Hills
Our Plein Air group met at the home of a fellow artist outside Hillsborough, NC on Thunder Mountain. It was a chill morning as we arrived; the grass still wet from the recent, much appreciated rains, and heavy morning dew. It was a bit windy too in certain spots, but each artist found a 'view' to sketch from.
Several of us sat at this particular spot, overlooking a farmhouse and pond with a backdrop of just-turning fall trees. I sat bundled up in my coat watching the shade turn to sun, the darkish valley lighten up. The day turned out to be one of autumn's best - a bit chill, warm sun, beautiful color.
I find painting Plein Air so very challenging, as most folks do -- changing light, temperature variations, insects, cold or heat -- but fun nonetheless to find ways to work with those challenges ....
My great challenge yesterday was to put paint to paper -- and again - leave it alone. I'm always impatient to correct before the paint dries, dabble and adjust just a bit more.
But I suppose that's why we keep doing what we're doing -- each sketch, each painting contains its own lessons... and bit by bit, day by day, HOPEFULLY, we learn.
Several of us sat at this particular spot, overlooking a farmhouse and pond with a backdrop of just-turning fall trees. I sat bundled up in my coat watching the shade turn to sun, the darkish valley lighten up. The day turned out to be one of autumn's best - a bit chill, warm sun, beautiful color.
I find painting Plein Air so very challenging, as most folks do -- changing light, temperature variations, insects, cold or heat -- but fun nonetheless to find ways to work with those challenges ....
My great challenge yesterday was to put paint to paper -- and again - leave it alone. I'm always impatient to correct before the paint dries, dabble and adjust just a bit more.
But I suppose that's why we keep doing what we're doing -- each sketch, each painting contains its own lessons... and bit by bit, day by day, HOPEFULLY, we learn.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
My Dogwood
Though the drought has stressed so many of our state's dogwoods, including those on my property, this one tree seemed to compete with the other trees around it for the most vibrant color this year.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Blue Umbrella
My heart breaks watching the devastation in California and the farmers and landscapers here as both sides of our great country suffer from fire and dought.
I offer prayers and hopes for all affected
I offer prayers and hopes for all affected
Umbrella
Blessed rain fell yesterday and is here again today! It will help with the drought, but not cure it -- everyone is on conservation mode -- even well owners.
Our well, rather shallow, is showing signs of water shortages in smaller water flow and pressure. We're collecting water, using bottled water, and very short showers.
Still the rain is so so welcome!
Our well, rather shallow, is showing signs of water shortages in smaller water flow and pressure. We're collecting water, using bottled water, and very short showers.
Still the rain is so so welcome!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
TAGGED!
Marie-Dom (http://doodleaddict.blogspot.com/) tagged me the other day; but with my computer dying at work and my one at home also giving me internet trouble, I had to wait a bit to respond.
So many folks are doing wonderful self-portraits in response to this challenge -- well, let's say, I'm still working on my people-drawing skills! LOL So instead, I offer a photo of me, aglow with joy, from a photo two years ago when C and I were in Italy. I offer seven tidbits about myself:
1. The bags under my eyes are deeping in color and depth as I grow older .... I've always had a 'raccoon' look to my eyes ... I just hope to avoid the tail! LOL
2. I've shrunk half an inch ... and so I'm now not much taller than my mom .... aging is the pits! LOL
3. I have the best grandchildren in the world!
4. My sweet husband does the majority of cooking
5. And he grocery shops -- And yes, he's TAKEN! LOL
6. I prefer a quiet home and workplace
7. I listen to 'Books on Tape' in preference to watching TV
I will pass along this 'tag' to anyone reading this blog who'd like to play along ...!
Storm Clouds
IT RAINED yesterday! And is going to rain, actually rain, today and a bit tomorrow! Rain fell at work, at home, and over the drying lake that provides water for the majority of counties where I live. THANK GOD!
Though it won't break the drought, it will contribute much needed water to the wildlife, lakes, and the stressed plants that are barely hanging on.
We are all grateful for every drop that falls!!
Though it won't break the drought, it will contribute much needed water to the wildlife, lakes, and the stressed plants that are barely hanging on.
We are all grateful for every drop that falls!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Pear 2
I've been trying to make my watercolors more 'painterly' and loose ... the colors on these pairs are far richer in real life than this scanned version. The original scan is in my dead computer -- sigh ... so this is a third copy from a copy of a copy I had sent home for filing.
IT tells me I should have my computer back by tomorrow -- my fingers are crossed!
IT tells me I should have my computer back by tomorrow -- my fingers are crossed!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Vase of Flowers
After spending 8 hours working on my home computer with only fair success, I returned to work to find my computer at WORK was also dead!! SIGH!
I am on a borrowed computer with little access to files, favorite sites, etc. So I'll be absent for a while until I get 'connected'' again.
I wonder if my electro-magnetic field has gone awry......
The vase and flowers is my way of trying to de-stress from computer woes -- sketching and painting really help ... only wish they could fix my computers!! LOL
I am on a borrowed computer with little access to files, favorite sites, etc. So I'll be absent for a while until I get 'connected'' again.
I wonder if my electro-magnetic field has gone awry......
The vase and flowers is my way of trying to de-stress from computer woes -- sketching and painting really help ... only wish they could fix my computers!! LOL
Monday, October 22, 2007
Yellow Woodlands
This watercolor combines two methods of painting for me -- the paint throwing I did for the birches, and the stippling method (using an oil or bristle brush) suggested by Terry Harrison.
Despite the lack of rain, we have an amazing amount of color and I'm hung up on trying to capture it!
Despite the lack of rain, we have an amazing amount of color and I'm hung up on trying to capture it!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Pears on a Branch
My friend Diane lives in upstate New York and sent a number of wonderful fall photos of the vineyards and orchards around her home. These pears are from one of those glorious imagines. Thanks Diane!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Fall Stream
This painting is based on a photo I found. I fell in love with the colors and the deep shadows, and especially the water!! LOL We had about an hour of rain yesterday -- I have to admit, I ran out and danced in it, hoping to evoke the rain makers to continue sending rain .... but alas, the sun returned.
Still, I'm grateful for the bit of rain that settled the dust and gave a drop of water to the wildlife.
Still, I'm grateful for the bit of rain that settled the dust and gave a drop of water to the wildlife.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Persimmon
Each fall, my craving for persimmons intensifies; and each fall, I try to capture the elusive 'orange/yellow/vividness' of this fruit.
With the drought we are experiencing, I have yet to find a persimmon in the grocery store, and my generous student whose family raises them, saddens me as he reports there are no persimmons -- due to a late frost, high heat, no rain. SIGH!
Undeterred, I decide to find a photo to drool over and wish from, and try, yet another fall, to capture these persimmons in a more 'painterly' fashion.
This is my third attempt, and one I'm fairly pleased with, and a bit better, in my humble opinion, of my attempts last year (see viewfromtheoak.blogspot.com -- and search for 'persimmon'). When I did this same search and rediscovered the bounty I had last year, well, I just had to sigh!
Guess I'll have to be happy with an improving persimmon PAINTING instead of a persimmon pudding! LOL
With the drought we are experiencing, I have yet to find a persimmon in the grocery store, and my generous student whose family raises them, saddens me as he reports there are no persimmons -- due to a late frost, high heat, no rain. SIGH!
Undeterred, I decide to find a photo to drool over and wish from, and try, yet another fall, to capture these persimmons in a more 'painterly' fashion.
This is my third attempt, and one I'm fairly pleased with, and a bit better, in my humble opinion, of my attempts last year (see viewfromtheoak.blogspot.com -- and search for 'persimmon'). When I did this same search and rediscovered the bounty I had last year, well, I just had to sigh!
Guess I'll have to be happy with an improving persimmon PAINTING instead of a persimmon pudding! LOL
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Squash Trio
Sometimes when I go thru my stash of photo references for something to paint, I am drawn to a photo I've used before. This trio of squashes is one of them. After sketches their forms, I realized I had sketched it previously: viewfromtheoak.blogspot.com/search?q=squash+trio
I like to compare the two to see how my style or painting might have improved, where I"m still weak, what areas I need to improve.
Seems on yesterday's, I forgot the highlights! SIGH!
I like to compare the two to see how my style or painting might have improved, where I"m still weak, what areas I need to improve.
Seems on yesterday's, I forgot the highlights! SIGH!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Dwelling Place
Rebecca has been asking me to draw something she can use as cards for her B&B. I had sketched this lamp post months ago, but I didn't like the way it turned out, so I gave it another go.
I really like the way this has turned out, and so does Rebecca. I cut and pasted the name of her B&B in the sign area to insure that her logo is recognized when she uses the cards I'll make her.
I also will use this as my response to EDM 137 'Draw Something that you can Turn On and Off." This lamp post is often turned 'on' anticipating my arrival each evening, and yet gets turned 'off' by my morning's leaving.
I really like the way this has turned out, and so does Rebecca. I cut and pasted the name of her B&B in the sign area to insure that her logo is recognized when she uses the cards I'll make her.
I also will use this as my response to EDM 137 'Draw Something that you can Turn On and Off." This lamp post is often turned 'on' anticipating my arrival each evening, and yet gets turned 'off' by my morning's leaving.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Arboretum Water Feature
One of our industrious Landscape Classes created this fabulous water feature for the Arboretum gardens, and iIt sits in front of the mobile unit that houses our offices. In the persistent and truly terrible drought we are experiencing, this feature recycles a small amount of water.
I can't tell you how much we are enjoying the delightful the sound of splashing water as we're greeted each early morning and leaving late each evening!
I can't tell you how much we are enjoying the delightful the sound of splashing water as we're greeted each early morning and leaving late each evening!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Fall Apples
We took the grands to the new children's museum in Raleigh yesterday, Marbles. WHAT FUN!
Fire engine and gear to dress in, boats and fishing poles, water play, shopping carts, a microphone for singing that was occupied by so many children!, school bus, ambulance, doctor's office, and more. This museum's 'toys' were scaled to the younger child than the Children's Museum in Columbia, SC. Vehicles and toys were mostly made of wood or plastic rather than metal, scale of things smaller, fewer -- the museum done with less money, but equal vision. Emily and Nick had a blast and all I can say is PawPaw and I returned home very very -- VERY tired! LOL
Still, and with a ton of internet problems as we still continue to search for any semblance of high speed and wind up knocking out the Internet with all our trials, I did manage to paint a couple of very quick apples -- trying and tryping to keep those reds pure against a possible green addition -- needed for apples -- but prone to make mud. I kept the leaves light (though they're darker in real life) to keep a 'lighter' feel to the piece.
Now it's off to work ... already ---!
Fire engine and gear to dress in, boats and fishing poles, water play, shopping carts, a microphone for singing that was occupied by so many children!, school bus, ambulance, doctor's office, and more. This museum's 'toys' were scaled to the younger child than the Children's Museum in Columbia, SC. Vehicles and toys were mostly made of wood or plastic rather than metal, scale of things smaller, fewer -- the museum done with less money, but equal vision. Emily and Nick had a blast and all I can say is PawPaw and I returned home very very -- VERY tired! LOL
Still, and with a ton of internet problems as we still continue to search for any semblance of high speed and wind up knocking out the Internet with all our trials, I did manage to paint a couple of very quick apples -- trying and tryping to keep those reds pure against a possible green addition -- needed for apples -- but prone to make mud. I kept the leaves light (though they're darker in real life) to keep a 'lighter' feel to the piece.
Now it's off to work ... already ---!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Wood Burro
Another antique wagon filled with flowers from our trip to Hillsborough, NC a couple of weeks ago.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Birches
Last year I had the supreme pleasure of taking a class from Karlyn Holman (www.karlynholman.com) during Jerry's "Art in the Carolinas." From that class, I purchased several of Karyln's books and a couple of DVDs in which she demonstrates a 'throwing paint' method that she learned from Nita Leland. The birches above, were done following her DVD landscape demonstration.
What I like about this kind of painting is the combination of 'loose and control' -- for the 'throwing part' certainly helps me to loosen up my expectations and work with the spatters, splatters and colors that land on the paper rather than my tendency to keep 'fiddling' with the paint to make it do as I want! LOL But I do get a chance to 'control' a bit with the shaping and shadows on the trees -- so for me, a good combination of methods and a terrific exercise in loosening up and working WITH the inherent properties of watercolors.
Besides -- I LOVE fall and its vibrant colors -- and if I can't have them in my poor, dry woodlands, what a gift it is to be able to create them on my paper!
What I like about this kind of painting is the combination of 'loose and control' -- for the 'throwing part' certainly helps me to loosen up my expectations and work with the spatters, splatters and colors that land on the paper rather than my tendency to keep 'fiddling' with the paint to make it do as I want! LOL But I do get a chance to 'control' a bit with the shaping and shadows on the trees -- so for me, a good combination of methods and a terrific exercise in loosening up and working WITH the inherent properties of watercolors.
Besides -- I LOVE fall and its vibrant colors -- and if I can't have them in my poor, dry woodlands, what a gift it is to be able to create them on my paper!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Companion Copper Pot
There were two copper pots filled with flowers outside one of the Hillsborough establishments. Here's the second flower pot.
I think I captured more of a 'coppery' feel here -- but don't know why --- perhaps the shine?
I think I captured more of a 'coppery' feel here -- but don't know why --- perhaps the shine?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Thinking Blogger Award
My dear friend, Karen, continues to inspire, uplift, cheer and delight me (and others) with her fabulous blogs (see karenharveycox.blogspot.com/), and especially, by her generosity and kindness.
I have been so overwhelmed at work these last few weeks, that I simply ran out of time to acknowledge another of Karen's generous deeds -- to award me the "Thinking Blogger Award." (Though after spending so much time unable to think of anything but work and family related obligations, I don't know if I deserve this award!! ) ...
Thank YOU ever so much, Karen! I don't know how awards are created or the like -- but if there is such an award as "MOST GENEROUS AND KIND" -- Karen, THIS award would be YOURS!
Many many thanks!
I have been so overwhelmed at work these last few weeks, that I simply ran out of time to acknowledge another of Karen's generous deeds -- to award me the "Thinking Blogger Award." (Though after spending so much time unable to think of anything but work and family related obligations, I don't know if I deserve this award!! ) ...
Thank YOU ever so much, Karen! I don't know how awards are created or the like -- but if there is such an award as "MOST GENEROUS AND KIND" -- Karen, THIS award would be YOURS!
Many many thanks!
Copper Pot in Hillsborough
Home at last! YEAH!!
While in Hillsborough two weeks ago, I snapped some photos of the wonderful pots of flowers that decorate many of the storefronts of the town. This copper pot attracted my attention! And I have its 'twin' to attempt today.
I'm not sure I fully captured the 'copper' look to it -- but I'll keep trying.
Meantime, it just feels so good to be HOME!
While in Hillsborough two weeks ago, I snapped some photos of the wonderful pots of flowers that decorate many of the storefronts of the town. This copper pot attracted my attention! And I have its 'twin' to attempt today.
I'm not sure I fully captured the 'copper' look to it -- but I'll keep trying.
Meantime, it just feels so good to be HOME!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Hillsborough Pot
Hillsborough Pot
I truly LOVE pots of flowers!!! Here is a wonderful washtub of flowers that I saw during the Paint Out in HIllsborough, NC. The bit of rust on it just makes the 'pot' a bit more authentic, don't you think?
The Appreciation Tea went so well last night -- and I am ever grateful for all the hands who made it so successful. The college president, my Dean plus guests from three area garden clubs toured the facilities, ate some scrumptious food, enjoyed the music, lights, flowers and moon glow. I am so so thankful!
And another gift -- a bit of rain this morning!!!!
I'll be heading back to Oxford later today with a few days off. I'm pretty darned tired ...! LOL
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Colorful Grapes
In celebration of fall, though today promises to break another heat record with temps over 90F, I've sketched some colorful fall grapes.
It's also the night of our Appreciation Tea, so today will be very busy preparing our foods, tables, decorations, presentations and the like.
Hope everyone has a great day!
It's also the night of our Appreciation Tea, so today will be very busy preparing our foods, tables, decorations, presentations and the like.
Hope everyone has a great day!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Sky Study
The sky has been glorious this fall -- filled with lofty, billowy mounds of whipped cream clouds and touches of darker blue and gray. This is a study looking over some of the woodlands along the road to my home.
It'll be a busy week for me with a very important "Appreciation Tea' for some of the folks who've donated to the Arboretum. My dd's family is already relaxing and planning a few trips, and we get the grands next weekend.
It's still unseasonably hot -- over 90F ... and little rain. But Joey is home, I have a short work week ....and another paint out next Saturday and time with the grands!
It'll be a busy week for me with a very important "Appreciation Tea' for some of the folks who've donated to the Arboretum. My dd's family is already relaxing and planning a few trips, and we get the grands next weekend.
It's still unseasonably hot -- over 90F ... and little rain. But Joey is home, I have a short work week ....and another paint out next Saturday and time with the grands!
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Joey and T
Thank you! Thank you so so very much for your kindness and well wishes. Joey arrived yesterday, tired, excited, thrilled to see his daughter and wife again. The party, gifts, food, friends and family, time changes, outpourings of love, were so deeply appreciated --
We head back to Smithfield today to give this tired soldier and family a chance to reacquaint, talk, share, and build a few private memories before it's time for him to leave again.
A heartfelt THANK YOU from all of us!
We head back to Smithfield today to give this tired soldier and family a chance to reacquaint, talk, share, and build a few private memories before it's time for him to leave again.
A heartfelt THANK YOU from all of us!
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Fall Leaves and a Happy Homecoming!
Today my son-in-law comes home from overseas for a short leave. Friends and family are gathering to welcome him home -- today -- his birthday as well.
I'll be among the many welcoming him back -- as well as enjoying my daughter and granddaughter ... my only wish is that he didn't have to leave again and face the terrors of war.
Drought here continues to be severe ... and I'm surprised that with so little rain there is any leaf color at all. I found a few maples and sweetgum trees changing colors, but the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows won't be seen in our parts this year.
Fall is melancholy for some of us -- for me as well. It reminds me, especially today, of all the changes that are part of life and how often it is difficult to accept these changes.
But today I'll rejoice in the time my son-in-law will be able to spend with his wife and daughter, home safe and loved. And I'll relish the bits of color that has blessed this browned and dry state.... as I continue to pray for rain and mostly, for peace.
I'll be among the many welcoming him back -- as well as enjoying my daughter and granddaughter ... my only wish is that he didn't have to leave again and face the terrors of war.
Drought here continues to be severe ... and I'm surprised that with so little rain there is any leaf color at all. I found a few maples and sweetgum trees changing colors, but the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows won't be seen in our parts this year.
Fall is melancholy for some of us -- for me as well. It reminds me, especially today, of all the changes that are part of life and how often it is difficult to accept these changes.
But today I'll rejoice in the time my son-in-law will be able to spend with his wife and daughter, home safe and loved. And I'll relish the bits of color that has blessed this browned and dry state.... as I continue to pray for rain and mostly, for peace.
Friday, October 05, 2007
For Ken - Precious
Rebecca, the owner of the B&B I've lived in for the last four years while working out of town, lost her husband last year from Alzheimers disease. During his terrible last months, he clung to this 'baby doll' they named Precious.
Several weeks ago, Rebecca asked me to sketch his doll for a special 'giving away' ceremony she will do at her church in Ken's memory. I was honored! (and VERY nervous!!) There is so much sybolism, love and memories in this one piece -- just as in Precious herself -- as Ken was still with us when I first started sketching.
I finally finished Precious -- the first doll I've ever sketched. Rebecca was pretty pleased with my efforts and I am grateful and honored to be a part of this ceremony.
(BTW, the scan doesn't do this justice, I'm afraid!)
Several weeks ago, Rebecca asked me to sketch his doll for a special 'giving away' ceremony she will do at her church in Ken's memory. I was honored! (and VERY nervous!!) There is so much sybolism, love and memories in this one piece -- just as in Precious herself -- as Ken was still with us when I first started sketching.
I finally finished Precious -- the first doll I've ever sketched. Rebecca was pretty pleased with my efforts and I am grateful and honored to be a part of this ceremony.
(BTW, the scan doesn't do this justice, I'm afraid!)
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Fall Grapes
Fall around here is grape time -- if you can get to the grapes before the wildlife!
I'm thinking I could do a bit of negative painting in some of the background -- I may give that a try when I get home....
I'm thinking I could do a bit of negative painting in some of the background -- I may give that a try when I get home....
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Rose Hips
Work is super busy again -- with little time to fuss with my artwork -- I like this and may attempt it again -- it needs more darks and a bit more highlights .... next time!
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
A Wagon in Hillsborough
One of the shops we browsed was bedecked with lots of flowers and antiques -- here a very old wagon with fall offerings.
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