At this point in the trip, I'm still unable to settle myself to paint at my best ... I'm using my travel journal so my sketches are approximately 9" x 7" ... easier to 'try' to get done before heading out the next day.
During this session while we sat eating gelato and overlooking the aquaduct and landscape, Karlyn explained and demonstrated aerial perspective and so each of us worked at capturing the scene before us. I sketched this site twice - capturing all that woodland or attempting to make it interesting made this exceptionally challenging! LOL
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tenor Paolo Macedoni
WHAT A PERFORMANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was ready to stand for an encore, but I know that the Italians will only do that for the very very very very best of performances ... so I sat in my seat while I really wanted to jump for joy -- this was one heck of a performance!
Paolo Macedoni - Concerti di Primaravera 2009, Terni
Meet Paolo Macedoni ... not only was he outstandingly handsome, but he had a voice that could carry from Terni to Spoleo! FANTABULOUS!
The church was filled with what we believed were family members and town friends ... and though we couldn't understand a word of the introduction to the songs, the words of the music itself (though many were so familiar!), nor the comments of the audience, we were thoroughly enraptured!
The church was filled with what we believed were family members and town friends ... and though we couldn't understand a word of the introduction to the songs, the words of the music itself (though many were so familiar!), nor the comments of the audience, we were thoroughly enraptured!
Auditorium S. Michele Accangelo - site of the concert for piano and tenor
Auditorium S. Michele Accangelo - site of the concert for piano and tenor
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Church from the Overlook at Spoleto
A close up of the church we were sketching.
Spoleto Italy held a special meaning for me. I spent over 25 years in Charleston, South Carolina - sister city of this Spoleo, Italy. Each year Charleston hosts a Spoleo festival - a two week performing art extravaganza ... the last week of May, first week of June. I spent many, many joyous times attending those Charleston festivities.
Thus actually SEEING and BEING in Spoleto Italy had even more meaning for me .... the only thing Italy lacked at this time, was that festival music! But gracious, she had all the rest!
Spoleto Italy held a special meaning for me. I spent over 25 years in Charleston, South Carolina - sister city of this Spoleo, Italy. Each year Charleston hosts a Spoleo festival - a two week performing art extravaganza ... the last week of May, first week of June. I spent many, many joyous times attending those Charleston festivities.
Thus actually SEEING and BEING in Spoleto Italy had even more meaning for me .... the only thing Italy lacked at this time, was that festival music! But gracious, she had all the rest!
Spoleto - Gelato!!!
Our daily gelato and the site located at the overlook of Spoleto. Great view, great gelato, wonderful time sketching here.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Google Maps Practice Sketch at Airport
Daily Practice
As I was scanning some of my journal pages I found this one and thought I'd post it before I begin posting those from the trip.
I found this site using Google Maps (I can't recall at the moment where in Italy it was, but it was from the street scene view along the coast of Northern Italy. I sketched it while waiting to leave for Italy, and painted it at RDU while waiting for my plane ... so it could be said I was practicing for the trip! LOL
Right now, it's 10 pm Italy time, 4:00 EDT .. and my poor body isn't sure whether it should sleep or eat ... ! I think a nap is in order.
Funny thing, too. I ran a few errands and the elderberries now in blossom here were also in blossom in Tuscany. I LOVED seeing all the plants in Tuscany that we have here in North Carolina!
Floral connections for sure!
As I was scanning some of my journal pages I found this one and thought I'd post it before I begin posting those from the trip.
I found this site using Google Maps (I can't recall at the moment where in Italy it was, but it was from the street scene view along the coast of Northern Italy. I sketched it while waiting to leave for Italy, and painted it at RDU while waiting for my plane ... so it could be said I was practicing for the trip! LOL
Right now, it's 10 pm Italy time, 4:00 EDT .. and my poor body isn't sure whether it should sleep or eat ... ! I think a nap is in order.
Funny thing, too. I ran a few errands and the elderberries now in blossom here were also in blossom in Tuscany. I LOVED seeing all the plants in Tuscany that we have here in North Carolina!
Floral connections for sure!
Workshop at La Romita
The workshop was held in the Chapel ... here you can see some of the participants setting up for the ten days we spent here.
LaRomita
Our Workshop site. What a glorious, incredible place! You'll be hearing lots about this facility and the sites and food and people there!
Dusk from the Tower
Evening sets after the first day at La Romita. This is the view from the "Tower' where three of the workshop participants (me included!) stayed! It overlooks the city of Terni.
I cannot begin to describe this incredible two week journey! My journal is almost filled -- mostly with words and notes -- some paintings to finish - lots more to add.
I arrived back to my home very late last night, so it will take quite a while to catch up as well as reorganize myself. Judging from emails at work, we have a new presidents, many obligations and several events that will take a bit of my time until most of THAT dust settles, and the same is true here at home.
For now, my mind, my soul, my heart is still on Italy time. I've downloaded over 3,000 photos (oh my gracious!!! LOL), so there's much to go through.
I painted some while there -- but I have to admit to an incredible distraction trying to absorb the sights, sounds, impressions, photos, people, workshop lessons, new friends, the language ... well, you know, I was over-the-top excited and cold barely sit down to get in the painting zone -- so I have a few paintings, and I'll post those as we go along.
I think what I'll try to do in order to share this journey with you is to post some photos, some notes from the trip, some of the incredible FLICKR friends who joined me (and whom I met for the first time in real life -- absolutely AWESOME!!), some of the food, some paintings .....
I'll try to get to this daily, but please bear with me if my 'catch up' takes a bit of time ....
Meanwhile, I am so glad to be safely home. The workshop, like my trip to Italy, was a gift of a lifetime.
I'd like to thank Karlyn Holman (www.karlynholman.com) for one of the most out-of-this-world workshops and trips -- so exceptionally organized, planned, yet remaining spontaneous, fun, adverturesome, educational, social, enriching, magical..... and more. And thank you to Douglass Thomas, co-instructor for the workshop.
I am missing Italy already!
I cannot begin to describe this incredible two week journey! My journal is almost filled -- mostly with words and notes -- some paintings to finish - lots more to add.
I arrived back to my home very late last night, so it will take quite a while to catch up as well as reorganize myself. Judging from emails at work, we have a new presidents, many obligations and several events that will take a bit of my time until most of THAT dust settles, and the same is true here at home.
For now, my mind, my soul, my heart is still on Italy time. I've downloaded over 3,000 photos (oh my gracious!!! LOL), so there's much to go through.
I painted some while there -- but I have to admit to an incredible distraction trying to absorb the sights, sounds, impressions, photos, people, workshop lessons, new friends, the language ... well, you know, I was over-the-top excited and cold barely sit down to get in the painting zone -- so I have a few paintings, and I'll post those as we go along.
I think what I'll try to do in order to share this journey with you is to post some photos, some notes from the trip, some of the incredible FLICKR friends who joined me (and whom I met for the first time in real life -- absolutely AWESOME!!), some of the food, some paintings .....
I'll try to get to this daily, but please bear with me if my 'catch up' takes a bit of time ....
Meanwhile, I am so glad to be safely home. The workshop, like my trip to Italy, was a gift of a lifetime.
I'd like to thank Karlyn Holman (www.karlynholman.com) for one of the most out-of-this-world workshops and trips -- so exceptionally organized, planned, yet remaining spontaneous, fun, adverturesome, educational, social, enriching, magical..... and more. And thank you to Douglass Thomas, co-instructor for the workshop.
I am missing Italy already!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Italian Poppy Fields
Daily Practice
The poppies are blooming here in North Carolina, and I so hope to see fields of them blooming also in Italy.
I leave in a few hours and will be gone several weeks.
Stay well everyone -- I'll be missing your incredible artwork and will probably return to the US with some serious Internet-withdrawal ...
But I hope to catch up with everyone then!
For now -- Ciao!
The poppies are blooming here in North Carolina, and I so hope to see fields of them blooming also in Italy.
I leave in a few hours and will be gone several weeks.
Stay well everyone -- I'll be missing your incredible artwork and will probably return to the US with some serious Internet-withdrawal ...
But I hope to catch up with everyone then!
For now -- Ciao!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Strada del Caslino, Tuscany, Italy, Google Maps
Daily Practice
Google Maps
Tuscany, Italy
Okay, okay, I'll admit it -- I'm hooked on this virtual travel and I'm getting a bit more nervous and excited about the trip tomorrow.
I've repacked 4 times -- LOL - deciding that carrying art supplies certainly is far heavier than carrying clothing!
I've been practicing a bit more of architectual subjects since I still struggle with these - but my love of flora and landscape still shows in the images I tend to choose. Still, the virtual travel on a cool, rainy day was so close to 'time travel' that it made the sun come out inside the house!
It's supposed to be far warmer today and I'll have lunch with my son before my trip. Schools will be closing soon for the summer break, and our college students will have only 10 days between spring and summer sessions. When I return to work, courses will be in full gear as will planning for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Is it me or does it seem this year is flying by?
I do plan to 'smell the roses' today ... hope you can too!
Google Maps
Tuscany, Italy
Okay, okay, I'll admit it -- I'm hooked on this virtual travel and I'm getting a bit more nervous and excited about the trip tomorrow.
I've repacked 4 times -- LOL - deciding that carrying art supplies certainly is far heavier than carrying clothing!
I've been practicing a bit more of architectual subjects since I still struggle with these - but my love of flora and landscape still shows in the images I tend to choose. Still, the virtual travel on a cool, rainy day was so close to 'time travel' that it made the sun come out inside the house!
It's supposed to be far warmer today and I'll have lunch with my son before my trip. Schools will be closing soon for the summer break, and our college students will have only 10 days between spring and summer sessions. When I return to work, courses will be in full gear as will planning for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Is it me or does it seem this year is flying by?
I do plan to 'smell the roses' today ... hope you can too!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Viale di Antignano Tuscany Italy, Google Maps
Daily Practice
Google Maps
We spent a quiet Mother's Day yesterday. Talked to my mom, sisters, children, and Charles cooked my favorite Lemon Steak and Tortilini -- yum!
We spent the day relaxing -- even fit in a nap! LOL And I spent a bit of time packing and 'getting in the Tuscan' mood! I virtually visited Tuscany, looking for those 'green' areas that had a street view, and I found this wonderful combination of flowers and architecture. I printed the photo and went to work on my sketch. (Yes, there was really THAT much foliage in it! LOL Probably inspired my choice! LOL) I've printed a few others Tuscan views to practice on the plane during the long flight 'across the pond.'
I enjoyed 'seeing the sights' and am still amazed at the technology that allows us to 'see for miles!' It was terrific preparation for my growing excitement.
We've got another rainy day, cooler than it has been. My garden is enjoying so much water, but being indoors today may just mean another virtual trip.... Care to travel somewhere in Italy?
Now if I could only get a good cup of expresso! LOL
Google Maps
We spent a quiet Mother's Day yesterday. Talked to my mom, sisters, children, and Charles cooked my favorite Lemon Steak and Tortilini -- yum!
We spent the day relaxing -- even fit in a nap! LOL And I spent a bit of time packing and 'getting in the Tuscan' mood! I virtually visited Tuscany, looking for those 'green' areas that had a street view, and I found this wonderful combination of flowers and architecture. I printed the photo and went to work on my sketch. (Yes, there was really THAT much foliage in it! LOL Probably inspired my choice! LOL) I've printed a few others Tuscan views to practice on the plane during the long flight 'across the pond.'
I enjoyed 'seeing the sights' and am still amazed at the technology that allows us to 'see for miles!' It was terrific preparation for my growing excitement.
We've got another rainy day, cooler than it has been. My garden is enjoying so much water, but being indoors today may just mean another virtual trip.... Care to travel somewhere in Italy?
Now if I could only get a good cup of expresso! LOL
Sketchbooks for Italy
I spent a bit of time yesterday adding a few things to my hand-made spiral sketchbook for Italy -- some photos, my itinerary, a few charms, copies of some of my 'Italian practice sketches.' I've interspersed writing paper between the watercolor paper so that I can keep a written journal along with my sketches.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY - LARKSPUR
Daily Practice
Plein Air
Happy Mother's Day to all Moms -- moms of children, moms of animals, moms who are caretakers, moms who are those, male and female, find themselves or who choose to be in the role of 'Mom' -- today in North America -- we honor you for the work you do, the ever important role you play in the lives of those you touch and care for .... may your day be filled with every blessing and love!
Larkspur, also known as Delphinium, according to the Teleflore website: Derived from the Greek word "delphis," meaning dolphin, delphinium are also commonly known as larkspur. Other names include Lark's Heel, Lark's Claw and Knight's Spur. Used by Native Americans and European settlers to make blue dye, it's believed that the most ancient use of delphinium flowers was for driving away scorpions.
The July birth flower, these lush, dolphin-shaped flowers symbolize an open heart and ardent attachment and convey a feeling of lightness and levity.
We planted two of these flower clusters several weeks ago, and this weekend, I sat beside them as they opened to paint their delicate pinky/lavender. They danced in the gentle breezes and gave full meaning to 'lightness!'
I hope your day, MOMS, is filled with love and lightness and the joy of levity!
Plein Air
Happy Mother's Day to all Moms -- moms of children, moms of animals, moms who are caretakers, moms who are those, male and female, find themselves or who choose to be in the role of 'Mom' -- today in North America -- we honor you for the work you do, the ever important role you play in the lives of those you touch and care for .... may your day be filled with every blessing and love!
Larkspur, also known as Delphinium, according to the Teleflore website: Derived from the Greek word "delphis," meaning dolphin, delphinium are also commonly known as larkspur. Other names include Lark's Heel, Lark's Claw and Knight's Spur. Used by Native Americans and European settlers to make blue dye, it's believed that the most ancient use of delphinium flowers was for driving away scorpions.
The July birth flower, these lush, dolphin-shaped flowers symbolize an open heart and ardent attachment and convey a feeling of lightness and levity.
We planted two of these flower clusters several weeks ago, and this weekend, I sat beside them as they opened to paint their delicate pinky/lavender. They danced in the gentle breezes and gave full meaning to 'lightness!'
I hope your day, MOMS, is filled with love and lightness and the joy of levity!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Still Life Challenge
Bill posted another challenge - this time a still life (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/3495839472/).
While I"m not too excited about my rendering, it was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed the wet-in-wet applications of the tiles and fruit, and the deepening of values with subsequent glazes.
THANKS once more, Bill!
Today we're in for spotty showers again - but we're off to find some strawberries so I can make some jam for gift giving this Christmas and dry a few pounds of them for my morning cereal.
Hope you enjoy your day!
While I"m not too excited about my rendering, it was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed the wet-in-wet applications of the tiles and fruit, and the deepening of values with subsequent glazes.
THANKS once more, Bill!
Today we're in for spotty showers again - but we're off to find some strawberries so I can make some jam for gift giving this Christmas and dry a few pounds of them for my morning cereal.
Hope you enjoy your day!
Friday, May 08, 2009
Our Skies this Week
Daily Practice
We've been playing the game of 'sun and storm' this week .... we'd wake up to torrential rains, thunder and lightning, stiff winds, then a few hours later, we'd have sunshine, high humidity, and clear skies. A few hours later, the storms will roll in again ....with tornado warnings, slanty sun followed by purple/black clouds. The words for the week have been 'sky watching!!!'
I'm home at last and ready to google some Italy maps, THINK about what to pack, and tidy up a few loose ends. My plane leaves on Wednesday, so I'm going to have a few days to catch up on sleep, painting, and my family before I cross the pond. I truly need to unwind a bit before the excitement of the trip...
Thank you all for your most kind comments this week. I hope to catch up on your artwork in the next few days ...! I've missed the wee bit of leisure during the week to be inspired by the incredible artwork created by YOU!
We're in for storms again. I have a bit of running around to do -- my Euros have arrived, I owe the library a book or two, and I MUST decide which shoes are most comfy so I have to do a bit of walking to do! LOL
Stay dry and safe!
We've been playing the game of 'sun and storm' this week .... we'd wake up to torrential rains, thunder and lightning, stiff winds, then a few hours later, we'd have sunshine, high humidity, and clear skies. A few hours later, the storms will roll in again ....with tornado warnings, slanty sun followed by purple/black clouds. The words for the week have been 'sky watching!!!'
I'm home at last and ready to google some Italy maps, THINK about what to pack, and tidy up a few loose ends. My plane leaves on Wednesday, so I'm going to have a few days to catch up on sleep, painting, and my family before I cross the pond. I truly need to unwind a bit before the excitement of the trip...
Thank you all for your most kind comments this week. I hope to catch up on your artwork in the next few days ...! I've missed the wee bit of leisure during the week to be inspired by the incredible artwork created by YOU!
We're in for storms again. I have a bit of running around to do -- my Euros have arrived, I owe the library a book or two, and I MUST decide which shoes are most comfy so I have to do a bit of walking to do! LOL
Stay dry and safe!
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Rebecca's Shed and Ivy-Clad Pecan Tree
Daily Practice
Plein Air
I got to the B&B just before the storms set in for the night. I had sketched this scene last week of Rebecca's shed and one of her 3 ivy-clad pecan trees that tower over her backyard. I managed to paint three-quarters of it last night before I gave in to the constant thunder and sporatic rains. I moved my car around the front trellises and sat in it so I could finish the painting, despite the weather. I went indoors just as I finished the bed of iris and the rain was coming down in sheets -- just as it is this morning.
One more day of work! YAHOO! I'm back-to-back meetings yet again, with appointments running from 7:30 am until 7:30 pm ... so my computer time is limited once more.... but tomorrow .. VACATION begins!!!
Stay dry everyone -- we're in very bad storms with threats of tornados and lightning ....it should make a very interesting day!
Plein Air
I got to the B&B just before the storms set in for the night. I had sketched this scene last week of Rebecca's shed and one of her 3 ivy-clad pecan trees that tower over her backyard. I managed to paint three-quarters of it last night before I gave in to the constant thunder and sporatic rains. I moved my car around the front trellises and sat in it so I could finish the painting, despite the weather. I went indoors just as I finished the bed of iris and the rain was coming down in sheets -- just as it is this morning.
One more day of work! YAHOO! I'm back-to-back meetings yet again, with appointments running from 7:30 am until 7:30 pm ... so my computer time is limited once more.... but tomorrow .. VACATION begins!!!
Stay dry everyone -- we're in very bad storms with threats of tornados and lightning ....it should make a very interesting day!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Rebeccas Rose Trellis
Daily Practice
A disappointing day yesterday. We left with two vans and an extra vehicle filled with excited patrons and headed toward Wilmington and the spring blooms of Airlie Gardens. About 30 minutes into the trip, the heavens opened up, and sheets of rain, drumrolls of thunder and bolts of lightning 'had their way with us.' Sigh. We pulled into a rest stop to call the Gardens to see if the weather were any better, and it seemed that the banks of storm clouds were going to continue throughout the day. Sadly, we turned the cars around and returned to the Arboretum to plan alternative trips.
We wound up scheduling not one, but FOUR trips between June and next May - with suggested ideas for the 2010-2011 year. So we were able to achieve some positive results from the day.
The storms battered us until well into the evening, with several tornatos wrecking havoc in the towns we had passed by. So we probably made the sane decision - disappointing as it was.
After we all dried off and resumed the tasks we could now tackle, the day went fairly well. When I left for the evening, I reached the B&B before sundown. Under threatening skies, I sat in my car in front of Rebecca's Rose Trellis, and sketched that cheerful scene. Later on, Rebecca told me that the climbing roses were her mother's ... even more special to her.
More meetings today and tidying tasks before my trip next week. I'm waiting until Saturday to get excited...!!! LOL
A disappointing day yesterday. We left with two vans and an extra vehicle filled with excited patrons and headed toward Wilmington and the spring blooms of Airlie Gardens. About 30 minutes into the trip, the heavens opened up, and sheets of rain, drumrolls of thunder and bolts of lightning 'had their way with us.' Sigh. We pulled into a rest stop to call the Gardens to see if the weather were any better, and it seemed that the banks of storm clouds were going to continue throughout the day. Sadly, we turned the cars around and returned to the Arboretum to plan alternative trips.
We wound up scheduling not one, but FOUR trips between June and next May - with suggested ideas for the 2010-2011 year. So we were able to achieve some positive results from the day.
The storms battered us until well into the evening, with several tornatos wrecking havoc in the towns we had passed by. So we probably made the sane decision - disappointing as it was.
After we all dried off and resumed the tasks we could now tackle, the day went fairly well. When I left for the evening, I reached the B&B before sundown. Under threatening skies, I sat in my car in front of Rebecca's Rose Trellis, and sketched that cheerful scene. Later on, Rebecca told me that the climbing roses were her mother's ... even more special to her.
More meetings today and tidying tasks before my trip next week. I'm waiting until Saturday to get excited...!!! LOL
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Marsh and Trees
Daily Practice
We're off to see Airlie Gardens today -- all 30 of us! Though the skies are cloudy and rain is in the forecast, we're braving the elements to see the spring blooms along the coast of North Carolina.
I'll be gone all day (as I was yesterday), so I'll try to catch up tomorrow ...
Stay dry everyone!
We're off to see Airlie Gardens today -- all 30 of us! Though the skies are cloudy and rain is in the forecast, we're braving the elements to see the spring blooms along the coast of North Carolina.
I'll be gone all day (as I was yesterday), so I'll try to catch up tomorrow ...
Stay dry everyone!
Monday, May 04, 2009
Italian Courtyard
Daily Practice
I spent a number of hours yesterday exploring the 'virtual touring' allowed by Google Maps. Through their new 'street view' capacity, I was able to virtually SEE from the street level, what was on a particular street! From storefronts to house views -- WOWZA! I was jaw-dropped! I learned about this feature through this blog: http://virtualpaintout.blogspot.com/ ... and my gracious ... it absolutely inspired me! I was all over Italy!!! LOL
So, I found this photo in my 'stash' of reference images, and thought it might give me a practice run on some Italian scenes.
I noticed that some of the maps were years old (such as our Arboretum) -- still, that virtual tour was mind-blowing and amazing to me. Take a look yourself!! you may really be able to join me across Tuscany!
We're in our last workweek before vacation, so naturally enough, it will be filled with all those pesky 'musts' before leaving for a few weeks. I will probably be scarce, computer-wise ...
We're also expecting spots of showers throughout the week. We take two vans of guests to a large public garden tomorrow, so I'm hoping that the rains will hold off so all 30 of us can enjoy the splendid spring showing!
Have a great day! Let me know if you find some really neat addresses on those incredible maps!
I spent a number of hours yesterday exploring the 'virtual touring' allowed by Google Maps. Through their new 'street view' capacity, I was able to virtually SEE from the street level, what was on a particular street! From storefronts to house views -- WOWZA! I was jaw-dropped! I learned about this feature through this blog: http://virtualpaintout.blogspot.com/ ... and my gracious ... it absolutely inspired me! I was all over Italy!!! LOL
So, I found this photo in my 'stash' of reference images, and thought it might give me a practice run on some Italian scenes.
I noticed that some of the maps were years old (such as our Arboretum) -- still, that virtual tour was mind-blowing and amazing to me. Take a look yourself!! you may really be able to join me across Tuscany!
We're in our last workweek before vacation, so naturally enough, it will be filled with all those pesky 'musts' before leaving for a few weeks. I will probably be scarce, computer-wise ...
We're also expecting spots of showers throughout the week. We take two vans of guests to a large public garden tomorrow, so I'm hoping that the rains will hold off so all 30 of us can enjoy the splendid spring showing!
Have a great day! Let me know if you find some really neat addresses on those incredible maps!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
From Under My Tree -- I can see
Pinks, my Maple-Leaved Hydrangea, a Christmas Fern, Nandina Fire-Power, and a wee Holly.
The warm weather brought hundreds of people to the Farmer's Market yesterday for bags of assorted lettuces, cheeses, plants, herbs, and strawberries! Boy was it crowded! Music played in the neighboring park, dogs on leashes, babes in strollers, arms filled with farm produce and flowers - a festive mood despite the threat of rain. In fact, there were more festivals going on yesterday than there were hours to participate -- from strawberry festivals to the "Ham and Yam" to Firemen's Parades, etc., etc. Wow!
Opting out of all of these, Charles and I took a long drive around the countryside, simply enjoying the play of greens that seemed to have clothed the trees almost overnight ... what an array!
When we got home to unload a few things we purchased, I took my sketchpad and travel paint set to the front of the house, sat under a tree, and sketched the plants before me. I sat in the shade and the scents of the blossoms were divine...! So relaxing ...!
The clouds are back again today threatening sporatic showers. We'll drop by the grands for a short time, then spend the day resting up for another busy week.
Have a great Sunday!
Plein Air
Daily Practice
The warm weather brought hundreds of people to the Farmer's Market yesterday for bags of assorted lettuces, cheeses, plants, herbs, and strawberries! Boy was it crowded! Music played in the neighboring park, dogs on leashes, babes in strollers, arms filled with farm produce and flowers - a festive mood despite the threat of rain. In fact, there were more festivals going on yesterday than there were hours to participate -- from strawberry festivals to the "Ham and Yam" to Firemen's Parades, etc., etc. Wow!
Opting out of all of these, Charles and I took a long drive around the countryside, simply enjoying the play of greens that seemed to have clothed the trees almost overnight ... what an array!
When we got home to unload a few things we purchased, I took my sketchpad and travel paint set to the front of the house, sat under a tree, and sketched the plants before me. I sat in the shade and the scents of the blossoms were divine...! So relaxing ...!
The clouds are back again today threatening sporatic showers. We'll drop by the grands for a short time, then spend the day resting up for another busy week.
Have a great Sunday!
Plein Air
Daily Practice
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Tuscan Orchards
Daily Practice
It's been raining on and off for the last few days, and with work as busy as it's been, I haven't had a moment to even begin getting excited about my trip -- so yesterday, I found this photo of a Tuscan Orchard and thought I'd work on a bit of Italian-countryside practice. I've noticed that I've sketched this before ... guess I need to renew my stash of photo references!! LOL And seeing this on my monitor, I wish I had made the rows just a tad spikier ...oh well, next time.
Worked a bit outdoors in between the raindrops to plant a few more flowers and vegetables, ran some errands, and tried practicing some 'loose' paintings -- which turned out to be more of a mess than anything else ... lol
We're off to the Farmer's Market - strawberries are in already, and I need to pick up a few items for the trip. I have one more week to work, equally intense as the last three have been. But then --- R&R and Italy --- SIGH!!!
It's been raining on and off for the last few days, and with work as busy as it's been, I haven't had a moment to even begin getting excited about my trip -- so yesterday, I found this photo of a Tuscan Orchard and thought I'd work on a bit of Italian-countryside practice. I've noticed that I've sketched this before ... guess I need to renew my stash of photo references!! LOL And seeing this on my monitor, I wish I had made the rows just a tad spikier ...oh well, next time.
Worked a bit outdoors in between the raindrops to plant a few more flowers and vegetables, ran some errands, and tried practicing some 'loose' paintings -- which turned out to be more of a mess than anything else ... lol
We're off to the Farmer's Market - strawberries are in already, and I need to pick up a few items for the trip. I have one more week to work, equally intense as the last three have been. But then --- R&R and Italy --- SIGH!!!
Friday, May 01, 2009
Nasturiums
Daily Practice
Got home at dark last night --- a long day, an even longer week. After unpacking and working on a few chores, I didn't have much time to devote to a painting, so I sketched a couple of nasturtium .... blooming now around the Arboretum gardens.
At the Earthfest this week, we had some of these perky flowers planted within a pot of red-leaf lettuce -- apparently the pot was a show-stopper, and we had folks asking about 'edible flowers.' A few of them were adventurous enough to taste a bit of leaf ...and were shocked at how 'peppery' they were. We sold a few more of our plant sale remains after these small demonstrations ... and that was good news too!
Today is catch-up day for me for those home chores and visits to banks, post office and the like. We've rain in the forecast, and we certainly need it. The vegetables I planted last week still look fresh, but the soil in the beds is mighty dusty as are our roads and waysides. Rain would certainly be welcome, too, to knock down the remaining bits of pollen.
Take care today!
Got home at dark last night --- a long day, an even longer week. After unpacking and working on a few chores, I didn't have much time to devote to a painting, so I sketched a couple of nasturtium .... blooming now around the Arboretum gardens.
At the Earthfest this week, we had some of these perky flowers planted within a pot of red-leaf lettuce -- apparently the pot was a show-stopper, and we had folks asking about 'edible flowers.' A few of them were adventurous enough to taste a bit of leaf ...and were shocked at how 'peppery' they were. We sold a few more of our plant sale remains after these small demonstrations ... and that was good news too!
Today is catch-up day for me for those home chores and visits to banks, post office and the like. We've rain in the forecast, and we certainly need it. The vegetables I planted last week still look fresh, but the soil in the beds is mighty dusty as are our roads and waysides. Rain would certainly be welcome, too, to knock down the remaining bits of pollen.
Take care today!
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