Daily Practice
Journal
This image was painted from a photo reference I've had for a long time. The photo shows roses in bloom on a summer's day, and I've altered the painting for fall light and colors, and the goldenrods and grasses which are now blooming along the roads' edges.
We took a short drive around the countryside yesterday, looking at how the season has begun to change more of the landscape. Here and there spots of tree leaf color - scarlet, orange, pure gold -- surprised us among the dimming greens and yellows of the trees. Our temps yesterday were in the 80s; today, we're supposed to have rain and only reach 70F .... I would imagine that many of the trees will begin changing colors in earnest after a few days of cooler temperatures and the rain we've been waiting for.
Another busy week ahead, hopefully more evenly dispersed among the hours ....
Have a good week!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Roadside Grasses
Daily Practice
Journal
I have always been fascinated by wildflowers --- in fact, my foray into botany began by wondering about the names of those flowers and weeds I saw growing along the roadsides. My curiosity lead me to take my first botany class, and I've been 'hooked' ever since.
This time of year when lawnmowers tend to leave a patch or two along the ditches, the multitude of grasses and flowers grow up in profusion in colors that announce the season - sepia, sienna, brown, gold, yellow, tapioca, yellow, green. My drives around rural North Carolina find more and more to observe and enjoy. This painting was done from memory of those drives. I was trying to capture that tangle of color and the dominence of one or two of the tallest grass varieties ... all against the fall sky. I love this time of year.
We had the grands yesterday - and really had a terrific time. We had lunch at one of those 'children' places where they could climb and slide and dispel some of the energy they always seem to have. We took them grocery shopping - that was an adventure in distraction!!! LOL Then home to cook apple crisps and pudding cups, get 'fancied' with both Nick and Emily painting my nails and nose and cheeks and lips with make-up -- LOL. Baths to cool and scrub off, walks, and trains and dinner -- a full day. Emily and PawPaw played violins while Nick joined them with a guitar -- they made quite a 'joyful' noise ...!
Today we rest. I didn't catch the news last night and can't tell whether the sun is trying to come out or we're in for a bit of rain. Regardless, chores are basically behind us and today will be a quiet one as we gear up for another busy week.
Happy Sunday!
Journal
I have always been fascinated by wildflowers --- in fact, my foray into botany began by wondering about the names of those flowers and weeds I saw growing along the roadsides. My curiosity lead me to take my first botany class, and I've been 'hooked' ever since.
This time of year when lawnmowers tend to leave a patch or two along the ditches, the multitude of grasses and flowers grow up in profusion in colors that announce the season - sepia, sienna, brown, gold, yellow, tapioca, yellow, green. My drives around rural North Carolina find more and more to observe and enjoy. This painting was done from memory of those drives. I was trying to capture that tangle of color and the dominence of one or two of the tallest grass varieties ... all against the fall sky. I love this time of year.
We had the grands yesterday - and really had a terrific time. We had lunch at one of those 'children' places where they could climb and slide and dispel some of the energy they always seem to have. We took them grocery shopping - that was an adventure in distraction!!! LOL Then home to cook apple crisps and pudding cups, get 'fancied' with both Nick and Emily painting my nails and nose and cheeks and lips with make-up -- LOL. Baths to cool and scrub off, walks, and trains and dinner -- a full day. Emily and PawPaw played violins while Nick joined them with a guitar -- they made quite a 'joyful' noise ...!
Today we rest. I didn't catch the news last night and can't tell whether the sun is trying to come out or we're in for a bit of rain. Regardless, chores are basically behind us and today will be a quiet one as we gear up for another busy week.
Happy Sunday!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Pond at Summer's End
Daily Practice
Journal
The light this time of year shows the season's changing. The sun is lower in the sky, daylight ends over an hour earlier than in June, and there's a fading of leaf color that tinges everything a kind of yellow. The vibrant greens of summer are almost gone.
This painting, done from a photograph, was altered to reflect what I see of the pond near our home --- yellowing grasses, more brown stems and weeds along the roadsides, thinnng of tree canopies, a cooler light.
Thank you for your kindest and most generous comments yesterday. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
Tropical Storm Danny has passed our coastline, but there's a bit of rain in the forecast from another front coming through. We do need the rain, and temperatures are predicted to be MUCH cooler next week --- 20 degrees cooler! That will certainly be turning our leaves yellow far quicker than the monthlong passing of time!
Hope your Saturday is all it can be!
Journal
The light this time of year shows the season's changing. The sun is lower in the sky, daylight ends over an hour earlier than in June, and there's a fading of leaf color that tinges everything a kind of yellow. The vibrant greens of summer are almost gone.
This painting, done from a photograph, was altered to reflect what I see of the pond near our home --- yellowing grasses, more brown stems and weeds along the roadsides, thinnng of tree canopies, a cooler light.
Thank you for your kindest and most generous comments yesterday. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
Tropical Storm Danny has passed our coastline, but there's a bit of rain in the forecast from another front coming through. We do need the rain, and temperatures are predicted to be MUCH cooler next week --- 20 degrees cooler! That will certainly be turning our leaves yellow far quicker than the monthlong passing of time!
Hope your Saturday is all it can be!
The Trail of Cats
I promised another shot of the kitties following us during our walks ... Here they're strung out along the road after we've crossed the creek and are heading to the round-about at the top of the road. Two are missing - Pepper and Whiskers. Pepper has begun coming with us part-way --- but Whiskers has yet to follow the crowd! LOL
(From Front of photo to back - Boots, Blackie, Target, and Spot by the rock on the right hand side.)
(From Front of photo to back - Boots, Blackie, Target, and Spot by the rock on the right hand side.)
Friday, August 28, 2009
Muscadine Grapes
Daily Practice
Journal
During our walks around the neighborhood, C and I try to notice some of the changing aspects of the natural world all around us. This year, we found the muscadine vines that drape many of our roadside trees, just FILLED with grapes.
The vines have been there a long time, but in the 15 years we've lived here, I can't recall seeing such a quantity of grapes. They've just begun to ripen too - and standing beneath them, I can spot every color from a yellow-green, to red-gold, to purple to almost black. Tasty too, I might add! LOL
In the years prior to this when I spent more time collecting wild edibles, I remember using Euell Gibbon's books as references for recipes. He has a wonderful pie recipe using wild grapes that truly tastes like a cherry pie. I've made jelly and juice before as well, and I've crafted those long, flexible vines into terrific baskets.
This year, though, my jam cabinet is full and I think I'll just enjoy the grapes out of hand during our walks -- an incentive, I think, to walk a bit further! LOL
The trip yesterday -- FABULOUS! The food -- out of this world! The company - so very enjoyable! We went to Elodie Farms again (http://www.elodiefarms.com) - a farm I love and have visited for their porch dinners, to have the grands feed the goats, and for so many of our plein air outings. This was the first time many of our Arboretum guests have been to a goat farm and have been exposed to the idea of agri-tourism. To say they enjoyed themselves it is truly an understatement. We've been asked to make this trip an annual event!! Educational and Fun!
Local food, farm tours, and the like are so much becoming a sustainable way for folks to remain on the land. I wholeheartedly support them and encourage our students to think how to diversify their love of the land and being out of doors when they begin their own green business. Yesteday's meal consisted of eggs, tomatoes, goat cheese, herbs -- all grown at Elodie. Their freshness and richness could not be denied!
We're in for some rain today, though Hurricane Danny is supposed to stay off our coastline. We do need the rain and the cloudy sky makes the day even more restive.
Have a great day!
Journal
During our walks around the neighborhood, C and I try to notice some of the changing aspects of the natural world all around us. This year, we found the muscadine vines that drape many of our roadside trees, just FILLED with grapes.
The vines have been there a long time, but in the 15 years we've lived here, I can't recall seeing such a quantity of grapes. They've just begun to ripen too - and standing beneath them, I can spot every color from a yellow-green, to red-gold, to purple to almost black. Tasty too, I might add! LOL
In the years prior to this when I spent more time collecting wild edibles, I remember using Euell Gibbon's books as references for recipes. He has a wonderful pie recipe using wild grapes that truly tastes like a cherry pie. I've made jelly and juice before as well, and I've crafted those long, flexible vines into terrific baskets.
This year, though, my jam cabinet is full and I think I'll just enjoy the grapes out of hand during our walks -- an incentive, I think, to walk a bit further! LOL
The trip yesterday -- FABULOUS! The food -- out of this world! The company - so very enjoyable! We went to Elodie Farms again (http://www.elodiefarms.com) - a farm I love and have visited for their porch dinners, to have the grands feed the goats, and for so many of our plein air outings. This was the first time many of our Arboretum guests have been to a goat farm and have been exposed to the idea of agri-tourism. To say they enjoyed themselves it is truly an understatement. We've been asked to make this trip an annual event!! Educational and Fun!
Local food, farm tours, and the like are so much becoming a sustainable way for folks to remain on the land. I wholeheartedly support them and encourage our students to think how to diversify their love of the land and being out of doors when they begin their own green business. Yesteday's meal consisted of eggs, tomatoes, goat cheese, herbs -- all grown at Elodie. Their freshness and richness could not be denied!
We're in for some rain today, though Hurricane Danny is supposed to stay off our coastline. We do need the rain and the cloudy sky makes the day even more restive.
Have a great day!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Lycoris - Naked Ladies - Surprise Lily
Daily Practice
Journal
Grace. Yesterday was simply one of those days of tranquility, quiet and the space of time that allows one to recuperate a time of intense activity and frenzy. Because of all the
hours we've all worked and the pace of activity, we took a much needed respite and enjoyed a few minutes away from the phones and computers to sit at Cold Stone and enjoy an endulgence of ice cream! With 90F degree weather, creamy, cold, sweet ice cream topped by all kinds of decadent candies, it was absolutely joy and a true moment of grace.
I got to the B&B in the daylight with enough time to sit and watch the evening news and play with paints far longer than I've had time to do in a while.
Yesterday was truly a gift.
Today, we take 2 vans of guests two hours north to visit a wonderful goat farm. We'll tour the farm, learn more about Agri-tourism in our state, sample the goat cheese, have a quiet lunch, then proceed to an ornamental grass arborteum. It's going to be another hot day, but we've traveled with many of these returning Arboretum guests, and so we're looking foward to enjoying the day together as we learn more about North Carolina and the green industry.
Thank you again for your most kind comments yesterday -- may today be a day of respite and grace for you too.
Journal
Grace. Yesterday was simply one of those days of tranquility, quiet and the space of time that allows one to recuperate a time of intense activity and frenzy. Because of all the
hours we've all worked and the pace of activity, we took a much needed respite and enjoyed a few minutes away from the phones and computers to sit at Cold Stone and enjoy an endulgence of ice cream! With 90F degree weather, creamy, cold, sweet ice cream topped by all kinds of decadent candies, it was absolutely joy and a true moment of grace.
I got to the B&B in the daylight with enough time to sit and watch the evening news and play with paints far longer than I've had time to do in a while.
Yesterday was truly a gift.
Today, we take 2 vans of guests two hours north to visit a wonderful goat farm. We'll tour the farm, learn more about Agri-tourism in our state, sample the goat cheese, have a quiet lunch, then proceed to an ornamental grass arborteum. It's going to be another hot day, but we've traveled with many of these returning Arboretum guests, and so we're looking foward to enjoying the day together as we learn more about North Carolina and the green industry.
Thank you again for your most kind comments yesterday -- may today be a day of respite and grace for you too.
Cauliflower
Daily Practice
Journal
Though we don't have any growing in any of our gardens, I thought I'd try an impressionistic approach to cauliflower ... I loved playing with the richer paints and splashing colors around. I can't really determine if this actually LOOKS much like cauliflower, but it was fun to paint!
Journal
Though we don't have any growing in any of our gardens, I thought I'd try an impressionistic approach to cauliflower ... I loved playing with the richer paints and splashing colors around. I can't really determine if this actually LOOKS much like cauliflower, but it was fun to paint!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Vase - 20 min and Dashing
Daily Practice
Journal
With a mere 20 minutes of uncommitted time yesterday, this simple vase was all I could manage to get done. I tried to keep things simple, and added a bit of 'Asian" feel to the branches ...
Our trip last night to one of the largest nurseries in the US was incredible -- ACRES upon ACRES of potted plants, greenhouses, THOUSANDS of roses, perennials, shrubs ... we rode in covered wagons drawn by large tractors around miles of nursery-owned land - and listened to the questions about running such a huge operation. Our students, many brand- new to the industry, had their mouths open in wonder and amazement, while even those nurserymen who have been in the industry longer than I've been in NC looked justifiably impressed.
We didn't sit for dinner until after 8 pm, and that orange crescent moon was brightly shining in a navy blue sky by the time we all vanned back to the college.
To say I'm whipped today is an understatement. We've still got late meetings tonight and 25 people scheduled for our trip to an Agri-tourism goat farm tomorrow.
I will find some time today to catch up with myself and relax enough to sketch. These last few weeks have been mighty full.
I've been asked if I practice drawing everyday. To be honest, it will be 4 years in November since I made the promise to myself to really learn how to draw and paint AND to practice everyday, even if it were merely a vase. Starting to sketch and paint so late in life means I really have to 'hurry up' and learn before I've run out of time! LOL And daily practice is the only way I know, with my crazy schedule, to learn quickly!
Further, we all give so much of ourselves to our jobs, our families, our children, churches, worthy causes. We give from commitment and full hearts. But we are human, afterall, and as such, I do believe we each need to fill our own wells so that we can continue giving and doing. Each of us finds a way to 'refill' and 'refresh' ... or we should, I think. I try to do that daily with a bit of 'me' time by sketching and painting. I find it meditative, and in some ways, like prayer. I find that same solace when I garden, when I walk in the woods, among other such times and activities. But with the pace of life these days, 30 minutes of quiet time to breath and reconnect to something that returns one to oneself, I think is important. At least it is to me. And so yes, I sketch or paint everyday -- or at least make the attempt. I think it helps.
And I thank you for asking ... truly.
Journal
With a mere 20 minutes of uncommitted time yesterday, this simple vase was all I could manage to get done. I tried to keep things simple, and added a bit of 'Asian" feel to the branches ...
Our trip last night to one of the largest nurseries in the US was incredible -- ACRES upon ACRES of potted plants, greenhouses, THOUSANDS of roses, perennials, shrubs ... we rode in covered wagons drawn by large tractors around miles of nursery-owned land - and listened to the questions about running such a huge operation. Our students, many brand- new to the industry, had their mouths open in wonder and amazement, while even those nurserymen who have been in the industry longer than I've been in NC looked justifiably impressed.
We didn't sit for dinner until after 8 pm, and that orange crescent moon was brightly shining in a navy blue sky by the time we all vanned back to the college.
To say I'm whipped today is an understatement. We've still got late meetings tonight and 25 people scheduled for our trip to an Agri-tourism goat farm tomorrow.
I will find some time today to catch up with myself and relax enough to sketch. These last few weeks have been mighty full.
I've been asked if I practice drawing everyday. To be honest, it will be 4 years in November since I made the promise to myself to really learn how to draw and paint AND to practice everyday, even if it were merely a vase. Starting to sketch and paint so late in life means I really have to 'hurry up' and learn before I've run out of time! LOL And daily practice is the only way I know, with my crazy schedule, to learn quickly!
Further, we all give so much of ourselves to our jobs, our families, our children, churches, worthy causes. We give from commitment and full hearts. But we are human, afterall, and as such, I do believe we each need to fill our own wells so that we can continue giving and doing. Each of us finds a way to 'refill' and 'refresh' ... or we should, I think. I try to do that daily with a bit of 'me' time by sketching and painting. I find it meditative, and in some ways, like prayer. I find that same solace when I garden, when I walk in the woods, among other such times and activities. But with the pace of life these days, 30 minutes of quiet time to breath and reconnect to something that returns one to oneself, I think is important. At least it is to me. And so yes, I sketch or paint everyday -- or at least make the attempt. I think it helps.
And I thank you for asking ... truly.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Rebecca's Porch
Daily Practice
Journal
Plein Air
The crickets were already chirping by the time I dragged myself to Rebecca's last night. The constant throb of people, phones, meetings, musts were so intense that it took a while before I could relax enough to THINK about painting. I sat on Rebecca's porch, enclosed and screened from the persistent mosquitoes, and sketched the view from the window. By the time I had begun to apply the final touches of paint, not even the light on the porch was strong enough to discern the values. So I cleaned up my corner, retreated to my bedroom, and added a dash or two of color to make the needed value adjustments.
Today promises to be another busy one with a late night meeting out of town to which we're taking the students. I hope to paint during lunch or find a quiet 30 minutes away from phones so I can get in a sketch! LOL
Our lecture series brochure and offerings have been positively received, and already our trips and tours are full -- almost a YEAR away from some of the events! I'm elated -- ! This week, we're off to do a few agri-tourism tours and lunches, and our vans have only a seat or two remaining. The weather promises to be good.....
My granddaughter starts kindergarten this morning. My gracious, I remember the day she was born, rocking her through bouts of colic, watching her take her first steps -- can she be 5 years old already???
I'll be thinking of her all day ...
Journal
Plein Air
The crickets were already chirping by the time I dragged myself to Rebecca's last night. The constant throb of people, phones, meetings, musts were so intense that it took a while before I could relax enough to THINK about painting. I sat on Rebecca's porch, enclosed and screened from the persistent mosquitoes, and sketched the view from the window. By the time I had begun to apply the final touches of paint, not even the light on the porch was strong enough to discern the values. So I cleaned up my corner, retreated to my bedroom, and added a dash or two of color to make the needed value adjustments.
Today promises to be another busy one with a late night meeting out of town to which we're taking the students. I hope to paint during lunch or find a quiet 30 minutes away from phones so I can get in a sketch! LOL
Our lecture series brochure and offerings have been positively received, and already our trips and tours are full -- almost a YEAR away from some of the events! I'm elated -- ! This week, we're off to do a few agri-tourism tours and lunches, and our vans have only a seat or two remaining. The weather promises to be good.....
My granddaughter starts kindergarten this morning. My gracious, I remember the day she was born, rocking her through bouts of colic, watching her take her first steps -- can she be 5 years old already???
I'll be thinking of her all day ...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Oranges
Daily Practice
Journal
I was still working through some of my photographs from Italy this weekend, and I came across a small orange tree that was growing at LaRomita, Tuscany. I had painted oranges before, and thought I'd try them again. I love the contrast of orange against green, and the work felt very contemplative as I worked on individual leaves.
It was good to see the grands yesterday -- I am always astonished to see how much they seem to grow from week to week. Emily's vocabulary at 5 is incredible to me - speaking with thought and purpose and 'finery' -- little slang! We did some tree-bark rubbings and my nails got painted pink and purple! Nick played tag with his neighbor friend -- all boy, to be sure.
Our weekend walks had four of our six cats following us. As soon as I can dowload some photos I'll post them. We looked like a mini-train or like the opening scene of the TV show - Bonaza - where Paw, Hoss, Adam and Little Joe all ride up the hill together --- makes me giggle every time I turn around and watch the cats behind us!
Another busy week ahead, but with school underway at the college, it shouldn't be so insane -- (fingers crossed)! It's supposed to be somewhat cooler as well ... a good time to be outdoors if possible.
Have a safe week!
Journal
I was still working through some of my photographs from Italy this weekend, and I came across a small orange tree that was growing at LaRomita, Tuscany. I had painted oranges before, and thought I'd try them again. I love the contrast of orange against green, and the work felt very contemplative as I worked on individual leaves.
It was good to see the grands yesterday -- I am always astonished to see how much they seem to grow from week to week. Emily's vocabulary at 5 is incredible to me - speaking with thought and purpose and 'finery' -- little slang! We did some tree-bark rubbings and my nails got painted pink and purple! Nick played tag with his neighbor friend -- all boy, to be sure.
Our weekend walks had four of our six cats following us. As soon as I can dowload some photos I'll post them. We looked like a mini-train or like the opening scene of the TV show - Bonaza - where Paw, Hoss, Adam and Little Joe all ride up the hill together --- makes me giggle every time I turn around and watch the cats behind us!
Another busy week ahead, but with school underway at the college, it shouldn't be so insane -- (fingers crossed)! It's supposed to be somewhat cooler as well ... a good time to be outdoors if possible.
Have a safe week!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Poppies and Olive Trees
Daily Practice
Journal
Hurricane Bill was pretty kind to us, passing by our coastline with high waves and undercurrents, and granting our need for rain in a fairly gentle way -- a few thunderstorms, heavy rains, sun, more soft rain, a thunderstorm, sun. We are grateful for the rain and being spared the winds, and pray for those who may be in his path as he makes his way northward.
In the quiet hours yesterday, I was going through my photos of Tuscany and found this photo. I remembered trying for the ten days I was there to locate a few poppies to photograph or paint - and finally, the day before we left for Venice, found a few blooming against several ancient olive trees. I cropped the photo severely to give a different view and tried to paint more of those gnarly, textured aspects of the incredible olive trees.
Thank you all for your most generous comments yesterday. Ya'll absolutely made my month! LOL
We're off to see the grands for a bit this morning. The air is cool and everything is still wet. I'm drying the last of our tomatoes --- and though we may get a few more from the vines before I have to pull them out for the winter, the 'bulk' of production from them is about over. Where did the summer go?
Journal
Hurricane Bill was pretty kind to us, passing by our coastline with high waves and undercurrents, and granting our need for rain in a fairly gentle way -- a few thunderstorms, heavy rains, sun, more soft rain, a thunderstorm, sun. We are grateful for the rain and being spared the winds, and pray for those who may be in his path as he makes his way northward.
In the quiet hours yesterday, I was going through my photos of Tuscany and found this photo. I remembered trying for the ten days I was there to locate a few poppies to photograph or paint - and finally, the day before we left for Venice, found a few blooming against several ancient olive trees. I cropped the photo severely to give a different view and tried to paint more of those gnarly, textured aspects of the incredible olive trees.
Thank you all for your most generous comments yesterday. Ya'll absolutely made my month! LOL
We're off to see the grands for a bit this morning. The air is cool and everything is still wet. I'm drying the last of our tomatoes --- and though we may get a few more from the vines before I have to pull them out for the winter, the 'bulk' of production from them is about over. Where did the summer go?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Sundown Over The Lake
Daily Practice
Journal
Yesterday was a much needed day of rest, some chores, appointments, painting, sunshine, rain showers, a short thunderstorm, and peace. A full day, but without the frenetic activity, pace and demands of the past weeks. A day
to paint a scene reflective of the tranquility.
The rains from Hurricane Bill are supposed to reach us today; though we've not seen the amount of rain that has been in the forecasts. Some areas of NC are moving toward the 'drought' mark again, and so I think we're all anxiously awaiting the rain we truly need.
Enjoy the weekend!
Journal
Yesterday was a much needed day of rest, some chores, appointments, painting, sunshine, rain showers, a short thunderstorm, and peace. A full day, but without the frenetic activity, pace and demands of the past weeks. A day
to paint a scene reflective of the tranquility.
The rains from Hurricane Bill are supposed to reach us today; though we've not seen the amount of rain that has been in the forecasts. Some areas of NC are moving toward the 'drought' mark again, and so I think we're all anxiously awaiting the rain we truly need.
Enjoy the weekend!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Beach Path
Daily Practice
Journal
As I drove northward to my home yesterday, and especially when I turned into our gravel road, I was a bit astonished to see how far toward fall everything looked. Sycamores and tulip poplars were shedding yellow leaves, sumacs were forming pink/brown fruits, and some of the summer shrubs, like my butterfly bushes, were beginning to show a thinning--all pointing toward the turn of the season. We're at least 6-8 weeks from the fall color we usually see in October and most vividly in November, but change is definitely in the air and in the landscape.
I painted this beach path last weekend - falling in love with the shadows and that changing light that indicates 'end of summer.' Though we never made it to the ocean this year, memories of all the years I raised my children on the beaches of South Carolina were with me as I painted from a photo reference. Our paths to the Atlantic didn't have as much shade as this view, but the abundance of vegetation, all seeming to thrive in nothing but sand, was always an amazing sight to me. Live oaks draped with Spanish Moss, hints of blue water, and swaying grasses were all part of the 'beach experience' for my family and me.
I must say, today especially, with the fatigue of the week in my eyes and shoulders, rain from Hurricane Bill on the way, and cooler temperatures expected .... the memories of those 'beach days' are a wonderful walk ....
Stay well.
Journal
As I drove northward to my home yesterday, and especially when I turned into our gravel road, I was a bit astonished to see how far toward fall everything looked. Sycamores and tulip poplars were shedding yellow leaves, sumacs were forming pink/brown fruits, and some of the summer shrubs, like my butterfly bushes, were beginning to show a thinning--all pointing toward the turn of the season. We're at least 6-8 weeks from the fall color we usually see in October and most vividly in November, but change is definitely in the air and in the landscape.
I painted this beach path last weekend - falling in love with the shadows and that changing light that indicates 'end of summer.' Though we never made it to the ocean this year, memories of all the years I raised my children on the beaches of South Carolina were with me as I painted from a photo reference. Our paths to the Atlantic didn't have as much shade as this view, but the abundance of vegetation, all seeming to thrive in nothing but sand, was always an amazing sight to me. Live oaks draped with Spanish Moss, hints of blue water, and swaying grasses were all part of the 'beach experience' for my family and me.
I must say, today especially, with the fatigue of the week in my eyes and shoulders, rain from Hurricane Bill on the way, and cooler temperatures expected .... the memories of those 'beach days' are a wonderful walk ....
Stay well.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Italian Door - Tuscany
Daily Practice
Journal
In the throes of a hectic workweek, I return in my mind to the restive, inspired landscape and culture of Italy. I scroll through my May photographs and note this Tuscan doorway - bathed in sunlight - the red climbing roses highlighting the pale stones, the curtain giving just enough color to draw my attention. Ahhh .... I am homesick for my ancestral lands!
Things are calming down a bit here at the office, and job duties will be changing in the next few weeks. I am scurrying to get loose ends tied since a great chunk of my time will now be devoted to daily teaching -- something that the growing administrative tasks I have acquired had made impossible. While there hasn't been an increase in the numbers of hours in the day, it means some of my 'normal' tasks must be placed on hold until budgets allow our worklives to return to a more 'routine', less intense pitch. I pray it's soon.
We never got our predicted rain yesterday - but since Hurricane Bill will pass close enough to our coastline, we're expected some solid showers this weekend. If the winds can be kept at bay, the rain will be very welcome!
Have a great day!
Journal
In the throes of a hectic workweek, I return in my mind to the restive, inspired landscape and culture of Italy. I scroll through my May photographs and note this Tuscan doorway - bathed in sunlight - the red climbing roses highlighting the pale stones, the curtain giving just enough color to draw my attention. Ahhh .... I am homesick for my ancestral lands!
Things are calming down a bit here at the office, and job duties will be changing in the next few weeks. I am scurrying to get loose ends tied since a great chunk of my time will now be devoted to daily teaching -- something that the growing administrative tasks I have acquired had made impossible. While there hasn't been an increase in the numbers of hours in the day, it means some of my 'normal' tasks must be placed on hold until budgets allow our worklives to return to a more 'routine', less intense pitch. I pray it's soon.
We never got our predicted rain yesterday - but since Hurricane Bill will pass close enough to our coastline, we're expected some solid showers this weekend. If the winds can be kept at bay, the rain will be very welcome!
Have a great day!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Swiss Chard - Bright Lights
Daily Practice
Journal
Plein Air/Studio
Thank heavens yesterday was somewhat less frenetic then the last week and especially Monday! WHEW! I took few minutes around noon to sit on the bench outside my office (yes, I know, we rarely have the time to actually SIT in the garden! LOL), and sketched the newly pruned Swiss Chard in the square-foot garden we have as you enter the Arboretum offices.
The variety - Bright Lights (Beta Bright Lights) is one of the showiest of the chards - growing almost 20" high - with the most wonderfully colored stems - from a light yellow to gold to orange to red to purple to white! Not only are these wonderful vegetables colorful and a great addition to the garden, but the leaves and cooked stems are succulent, sweet and good for you! We sell a lot of this at our annual plant sale and we try to keep some in our kitchen garden as well! The leaves will continue to grow if kept cut back to no less than 2" from the crown.
I wanted to paint this chard in all its electric color, and so used a bit of imagination and artistic license to show off their 'bright lights.'
We're supposed to get some rain today - and I'm hoping we do. Though the fog embraces us most mornings and the dews are heavy, our soils are fairly dry and could use a good, gentle soaking.
Have a great day -- and eat your CHARD! LOL
Journal
Plein Air/Studio
Thank heavens yesterday was somewhat less frenetic then the last week and especially Monday! WHEW! I took few minutes around noon to sit on the bench outside my office (yes, I know, we rarely have the time to actually SIT in the garden! LOL), and sketched the newly pruned Swiss Chard in the square-foot garden we have as you enter the Arboretum offices.
The variety - Bright Lights (Beta Bright Lights) is one of the showiest of the chards - growing almost 20" high - with the most wonderfully colored stems - from a light yellow to gold to orange to red to purple to white! Not only are these wonderful vegetables colorful and a great addition to the garden, but the leaves and cooked stems are succulent, sweet and good for you! We sell a lot of this at our annual plant sale and we try to keep some in our kitchen garden as well! The leaves will continue to grow if kept cut back to no less than 2" from the crown.
I wanted to paint this chard in all its electric color, and so used a bit of imagination and artistic license to show off their 'bright lights.'
We're supposed to get some rain today - and I'm hoping we do. Though the fog embraces us most mornings and the dews are heavy, our soils are fairly dry and could use a good, gentle soaking.
Have a great day -- and eat your CHARD! LOL
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Bluebird House and Tall Coreopsis
Daily Practice
Journal
Summer Garden
This weekend I sat on my porch and painted the bluebird house across the herb beds as it was surrounded by one of our native coreopsis - a tall variety that reaches almost 10 feet (Coreopsis tripteris). I obtained the seed many, many years ago from the NC Botanical Gardens. I planted a few seeds, but oh my gracious, has it ever become a 'bit!' invasive. The yellow flowers are relative small for coreopsis - and the flower stalks are somewhat short as well. The leaves are in threes and broad and it grows at our woodland edges in mostly dry soil .
The original planting was about 10 feet away - and the plant formed a large clump that invaded other parts of the fenceline. The seeds have spread to other parts of the garden, and other 'clumps' have begun to form.
I think what make this a particularly challenging plant is keeping the clumps a bit shorter than 10 feet and constrained. I've cut this particular cluster back TWICE this summer, and yet it has already flowered as tall as the bluebird house.
The bluebird house -- empty now -- had only one clutch this year -- due I know, to six cats who seemed to enjoy sitting in that cluster of coreopsis! Sigh -- makes me wish we could all get along a bit better since those cats are certainly well fed! LOL
I kept an impressionistic look to this painting, and kept the petals lighter than they are in person to denote the high temperatures and hot sun.
It's been a brutal beginning of the week with current budget cuts changing schedules, plans and futures. We're all hanging in, but I'm told there's more to come. For now, my schedule, already hectic and full, has a new element which will make commitments made difficult to keep. We're busy working out details. I do know that my Internet time will be cut ... at least during the week.
Meantime, we forge forward, and enjoy the flowers -- while they're in glorious bloom!
Journal
Summer Garden
This weekend I sat on my porch and painted the bluebird house across the herb beds as it was surrounded by one of our native coreopsis - a tall variety that reaches almost 10 feet (Coreopsis tripteris). I obtained the seed many, many years ago from the NC Botanical Gardens. I planted a few seeds, but oh my gracious, has it ever become a 'bit!' invasive. The yellow flowers are relative small for coreopsis - and the flower stalks are somewhat short as well. The leaves are in threes and broad and it grows at our woodland edges in mostly dry soil .
The original planting was about 10 feet away - and the plant formed a large clump that invaded other parts of the fenceline. The seeds have spread to other parts of the garden, and other 'clumps' have begun to form.
I think what make this a particularly challenging plant is keeping the clumps a bit shorter than 10 feet and constrained. I've cut this particular cluster back TWICE this summer, and yet it has already flowered as tall as the bluebird house.
The bluebird house -- empty now -- had only one clutch this year -- due I know, to six cats who seemed to enjoy sitting in that cluster of coreopsis! Sigh -- makes me wish we could all get along a bit better since those cats are certainly well fed! LOL
I kept an impressionistic look to this painting, and kept the petals lighter than they are in person to denote the high temperatures and hot sun.
It's been a brutal beginning of the week with current budget cuts changing schedules, plans and futures. We're all hanging in, but I'm told there's more to come. For now, my schedule, already hectic and full, has a new element which will make commitments made difficult to keep. We're busy working out details. I do know that my Internet time will be cut ... at least during the week.
Meantime, we forge forward, and enjoy the flowers -- while they're in glorious bloom!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Gaillardia - Blanket Flower - Crop
Daily Practice
Journal
Inspired by Ann Blockley
I couldn't decide if I liked the cropped version better or the larger -- so I uploaded them both.
I love Ann's style - the way she uses water and rich pigment to give her paintings so much 'flow.' I can't say I achieved her 'wateriness' .. but I do like the rich colors and loose style.
It's back to work today and another intense week. Students return to classes, and my granddaughter enters kindergarten .... Mercy, where has the time gone?
Enjoy your week!
Journal
Inspired by Ann Blockley
I couldn't decide if I liked the cropped version better or the larger -- so I uploaded them both.
I love Ann's style - the way she uses water and rich pigment to give her paintings so much 'flow.' I can't say I achieved her 'wateriness' .. but I do like the rich colors and loose style.
It's back to work today and another intense week. Students return to classes, and my granddaughter enters kindergarten .... Mercy, where has the time gone?
Enjoy your week!
Gaillardia - Blanket Flower
Daily Practice
Journal
Inspired by Ann Blockley
I love blanket flowers! Among all the pinks in my garden, these bright yellow, oranges really stand out!
They remind me of a low-growing sunflower -- in their color, at least! According to Wikipedia, the common name refers to the flower's resemblance to brightly patterned blankets made by native Americans.
These annual and perennial plants are drought tolerant and are loved by various butterflies. I like them especially because they remind me of fall, my favorite season.
Already our dogwoods are showing tinges of yellow and red, our sycamore and poplars are become more and more golden and some are already dropping their leaves. I know a lot of these conditions are due to our recent droughts, but this August has been so much cooler than in the last few years -- not that I'm complaining in the least. But with hurricanes already named, we in North Carolina are beginning to see a bit of fall.
Where did summer go??
Journal
Inspired by Ann Blockley
I love blanket flowers! Among all the pinks in my garden, these bright yellow, oranges really stand out!
They remind me of a low-growing sunflower -- in their color, at least! According to Wikipedia, the common name refers to the flower's resemblance to brightly patterned blankets made by native Americans.
These annual and perennial plants are drought tolerant and are loved by various butterflies. I like them especially because they remind me of fall, my favorite season.
Already our dogwoods are showing tinges of yellow and red, our sycamore and poplars are become more and more golden and some are already dropping their leaves. I know a lot of these conditions are due to our recent droughts, but this August has been so much cooler than in the last few years -- not that I'm complaining in the least. But with hurricanes already named, we in North Carolina are beginning to see a bit of fall.
Where did summer go??
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Rose of Sharon
Daily Practice
Journal
Plein Air
The days lately have run from high, humid temperatures, to rain, muggy days intermixed with sunshine, but somewhat cooler for our typical August - prime conditions for plant diseases. By now, the early planted spring plants are looking a bit tired and bedraggled, and the garden calls for attention.
But in between those 'tired' plants, a few, like this Rose of Sharon, are in the midst of blooming their hearts out. I have several shrubs in front of the property, and their morning-opened brightness is a fine welcome to our guests. I sat between two shrubs, despite the 90+F heat, and sketched this branch, all the while watching larger bees crawl in and out of the flowers - leaving with bundles upon bundles of pollen. Nope, I didn't see any of the honey bees this far from their nests --- yet. They seem to be enjoying the vitex tree shading one of their boxes.
By the time I had sketched, it had grown too hot to paint, and so I waited until later that night to return to the shrub. Surprise! The blossoms had curled up like umbrellas - wonderfully soft wee parasols, almost blue in their evening rest - bedecking this large bush. I had to laugh! So I returned the next morning to complete the painting.
While I really do enjoy this plant and welcome its annual showing, it is so well pollinated and adapts so well to various soils, that I literally find HUNDREDS of seedlings each fall and spring. I so wish it were a bit more 'discriminating' so I didn't have to spend so much time weeding it! LOL
Jams and preserves are finally done, it's a day of picking the remaining tomatoes, spraying for mildew, watering some of the dryer areas, and getting in one more painting before another busy work week.
Hope your Sunday is restive!
Journal
Plein Air
The days lately have run from high, humid temperatures, to rain, muggy days intermixed with sunshine, but somewhat cooler for our typical August - prime conditions for plant diseases. By now, the early planted spring plants are looking a bit tired and bedraggled, and the garden calls for attention.
But in between those 'tired' plants, a few, like this Rose of Sharon, are in the midst of blooming their hearts out. I have several shrubs in front of the property, and their morning-opened brightness is a fine welcome to our guests. I sat between two shrubs, despite the 90+F heat, and sketched this branch, all the while watching larger bees crawl in and out of the flowers - leaving with bundles upon bundles of pollen. Nope, I didn't see any of the honey bees this far from their nests --- yet. They seem to be enjoying the vitex tree shading one of their boxes.
By the time I had sketched, it had grown too hot to paint, and so I waited until later that night to return to the shrub. Surprise! The blossoms had curled up like umbrellas - wonderfully soft wee parasols, almost blue in their evening rest - bedecking this large bush. I had to laugh! So I returned the next morning to complete the painting.
While I really do enjoy this plant and welcome its annual showing, it is so well pollinated and adapts so well to various soils, that I literally find HUNDREDS of seedlings each fall and spring. I so wish it were a bit more 'discriminating' so I didn't have to spend so much time weeding it! LOL
Jams and preserves are finally done, it's a day of picking the remaining tomatoes, spraying for mildew, watering some of the dryer areas, and getting in one more painting before another busy work week.
Hope your Sunday is restive!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Apple Blossoms
Daily Practice
Journal
Inspired by Ann Blockley
Home--- is there a nicer word in the English language?
After unpacking and doing a few chores, I put the ripest figs on the stove to bubble and simmer into preserves. I watched a really fabulous DVD by Ann Bockley, as I love her looser style. She reminds me of Janket Rogers - another artist whose style I admire -- and so instead of turning in at a reasonable hour, I played with a few ideas from Ann.
While I didn't achieve the spontaneity Ann does, some of the lost and found edges, highlights, and approach seemed to work. I'm not entirely pleased with my colors though, and this needs, I think, a bit more hard edges here and there -- but overall, I think it's an approach I will enjoy learning as I practice a bit more.
I so enjoy learning new ways of painting - and find DVDs a great way to review over and over ideas that appeal to me. And it's funny, no matter how often I replay them, I learn something each time, hear something I didn't before, or observe that elusive 'something' that I've been searching for.
We're in for a weekend of rain, and I'm glad for the restive quiet it gives me. I've one more intense week, then things should even out a bit more.
Hope your day is filled with peace!
Journal
Inspired by Ann Blockley
Home--- is there a nicer word in the English language?
After unpacking and doing a few chores, I put the ripest figs on the stove to bubble and simmer into preserves. I watched a really fabulous DVD by Ann Bockley, as I love her looser style. She reminds me of Janket Rogers - another artist whose style I admire -- and so instead of turning in at a reasonable hour, I played with a few ideas from Ann.
While I didn't achieve the spontaneity Ann does, some of the lost and found edges, highlights, and approach seemed to work. I'm not entirely pleased with my colors though, and this needs, I think, a bit more hard edges here and there -- but overall, I think it's an approach I will enjoy learning as I practice a bit more.
I so enjoy learning new ways of painting - and find DVDs a great way to review over and over ideas that appeal to me. And it's funny, no matter how often I replay them, I learn something each time, hear something I didn't before, or observe that elusive 'something' that I've been searching for.
We're in for a weekend of rain, and I'm glad for the restive quiet it gives me. I've one more intense week, then things should even out a bit more.
Hope your day is filled with peace!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Figs
Daily Practice
Journal
I arrived at the B&B last night pretty tuckered out after three days of registration and upteen meetings -- and there to greet me, two BOXES of freshly picked figs! Being the ol' softie that I am, I burst into tears ... geez! LOL Of course I had to eat a few -- sweet as summer rain --- and so I sketched a few of them for a card to thank Rebecca (the owner of the B&B where I stay during the week) for picking them for me. My weekend work is cut out -- fig preserves, fig jam, dried figs, and I'm wondering if I can get C to WRITE down his recipe for Portabello Mushrooms and figs? If I can, I'll share it here.
Though I have several small fig bushes on my property, the drought has made the fruit a bit smaller than normal, but these, I'm suspecting they're Brown Turkey (a larger variety than the English I have), were rich and ripe. They grew 90 miles south of where mine are growing - almost a half-zone difference. It only goes to show the importance of those 'planting zones' when one is planting a garden and expecting a harvest! I won't see my Brown Turkey figs this ripe until the end of the month!
Better go hunting for some canning jars!
Lin Frye
North Carolina
Journal
I arrived at the B&B last night pretty tuckered out after three days of registration and upteen meetings -- and there to greet me, two BOXES of freshly picked figs! Being the ol' softie that I am, I burst into tears ... geez! LOL Of course I had to eat a few -- sweet as summer rain --- and so I sketched a few of them for a card to thank Rebecca (the owner of the B&B where I stay during the week) for picking them for me. My weekend work is cut out -- fig preserves, fig jam, dried figs, and I'm wondering if I can get C to WRITE down his recipe for Portabello Mushrooms and figs? If I can, I'll share it here.
Though I have several small fig bushes on my property, the drought has made the fruit a bit smaller than normal, but these, I'm suspecting they're Brown Turkey (a larger variety than the English I have), were rich and ripe. They grew 90 miles south of where mine are growing - almost a half-zone difference. It only goes to show the importance of those 'planting zones' when one is planting a garden and expecting a harvest! I won't see my Brown Turkey figs this ripe until the end of the month!
Better go hunting for some canning jars!
Lin Frye
North Carolina
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Zinnia Garden
Daily Practice
Journal
Though it was another long and stressful day, we have a good number of students this year ... yahoo! For a long time, we've been mighty worried that the economy which adversely affects the green industry and thus our enrollment, may keep students from entering this field. Fortunately, as the economy seems to be improving, so too, do our enrollment numbers. I am ever so grateful!
This landscape is based on a photo reference and some imagination. I chose zinnias because of a visitor I had this weekend --- my farming friend, Tom. We met Tom and his wife, Irene, last year, when we purchased honey from their hives. They generously sent us home with corn, figs, tomatoes, and an armload of zinnias - Irene's favorite flower.
We learned that Irene had passed this spring, which saddened all of us. We purchased more honey this weekend, and spent some time with Tom. He told us that he's continuing his beekeeping operation, but because he had so many bees, he wanted to place his bees elsewhere so they could produce better. We quickly offered our property - filled with the tulip poplar trees he was looking for, and after his visit this weekend, Tom has agreed to keep some hives with us. WOWEE! I'm hoping to quietly observe and learn how things are done, but even more, I am thrilled to be able to contribute pollen and respite to the bees. Honey bees have been in decline for quite a number of years, and so if there is anything we can do to help with their survival, I'd like to be part of that. We've already planted clover for the bees, as well as pollen producing fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Thus, the zinnias -- to remember our sweet friend, Irene....
And for Tom ....
And hopefully, this time next year, hundreds of honeybees ...
Journal
Though it was another long and stressful day, we have a good number of students this year ... yahoo! For a long time, we've been mighty worried that the economy which adversely affects the green industry and thus our enrollment, may keep students from entering this field. Fortunately, as the economy seems to be improving, so too, do our enrollment numbers. I am ever so grateful!
This landscape is based on a photo reference and some imagination. I chose zinnias because of a visitor I had this weekend --- my farming friend, Tom. We met Tom and his wife, Irene, last year, when we purchased honey from their hives. They generously sent us home with corn, figs, tomatoes, and an armload of zinnias - Irene's favorite flower.
We learned that Irene had passed this spring, which saddened all of us. We purchased more honey this weekend, and spent some time with Tom. He told us that he's continuing his beekeeping operation, but because he had so many bees, he wanted to place his bees elsewhere so they could produce better. We quickly offered our property - filled with the tulip poplar trees he was looking for, and after his visit this weekend, Tom has agreed to keep some hives with us. WOWEE! I'm hoping to quietly observe and learn how things are done, but even more, I am thrilled to be able to contribute pollen and respite to the bees. Honey bees have been in decline for quite a number of years, and so if there is anything we can do to help with their survival, I'd like to be part of that. We've already planted clover for the bees, as well as pollen producing fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Thus, the zinnias -- to remember our sweet friend, Irene....
And for Tom ....
And hopefully, this time next year, hundreds of honeybees ...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Flowered Pond
Daily Practice
Journal
Another incredibly busy day. Shortly before work ended I drove over an hour to give a presentation on herbs -- it's the talk we were preparing for for the last month. We brought various herbs for a give-away, taste treats from herbs, and a preprestation of what we do at our school and Arboretum. It went very well, and we're hoping that the friends we've made there will visit some of our functions and Arboretum.
I painted this over the weekend, though I did manage to get in a bit of sketching over lunch. I'm not thrilled with what I attempted yesterday -- it's missing something - so I'll continue pondering about how to improve the work.
Today and tomorrow are equally busy with registration of new students, instructors meetings, departmental meetings, etc. But I should get home long before 10 pm tonight! LOL
Today is also supposed to be our final SEARING HEAT day -- I hope so. Walking, let alone working, out of doors with a heat index of well over 100F is not pleasant and extremely tiring. We're also hoping for rain again as the temperatures have continued to take much moisture from the soils.
Stay cool!
Journal
Another incredibly busy day. Shortly before work ended I drove over an hour to give a presentation on herbs -- it's the talk we were preparing for for the last month. We brought various herbs for a give-away, taste treats from herbs, and a preprestation of what we do at our school and Arboretum. It went very well, and we're hoping that the friends we've made there will visit some of our functions and Arboretum.
I painted this over the weekend, though I did manage to get in a bit of sketching over lunch. I'm not thrilled with what I attempted yesterday -- it's missing something - so I'll continue pondering about how to improve the work.
Today and tomorrow are equally busy with registration of new students, instructors meetings, departmental meetings, etc. But I should get home long before 10 pm tonight! LOL
Today is also supposed to be our final SEARING HEAT day -- I hope so. Walking, let alone working, out of doors with a heat index of well over 100F is not pleasant and extremely tiring. We're also hoping for rain again as the temperatures have continued to take much moisture from the soils.
Stay cool!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Figs
Daily Practce
Journal
Plein Air Sketch
Our figs are finally ripening enough to harvest! YAHOO! There is something so wonderful about fresh figs -- their sweet pulp and soft seeds are mighty welcome! We eat them out of hand, made into jams, and C fashions an incredible Portabello Mushroom and fig recipe served over rice ..! Sweet and savory at the same time!
We have only five small bushes -- two English and two Brown Turkey. The English are a bit small this year -- I would guess from the last few years of drought, and yet they ripen first. Our Brown Turkeys are just ripening, and are somewhat larger. Our fifth shrub is from Sicily --- a gift from a friend many years ago. It has languished with the weather issues we've had, and the deer seem to nibble it severely each year -- but THIS year, it seems to have finally taken off and is covered with figs as well. They won't be ready for harvest until another ten days or so.
I sketched this early yesterday morning - but even at that time, the sun was high overhead and the humidity was oppressive. When the perspiration from my face kept dripping onto my sketchpad and staining the paper, I decided to paint it from memory indoors! Temps reached 99F, but the humidity was the worst -- rivaling the temperatures for highest numbers -- ugh.
This is the first of two busiest weeks for me - tonight I have a presentation to make over an hour's drive from work, registration and new students the rest of the week, and meetings squeezed in. We're supposed to have a break from the heat on Wednesday -- I so hope so -- it's mighty difficult to work in such oppressiveness, even with the air conditioning running full blast!
STAY COOL!
Journal
Plein Air Sketch
Our figs are finally ripening enough to harvest! YAHOO! There is something so wonderful about fresh figs -- their sweet pulp and soft seeds are mighty welcome! We eat them out of hand, made into jams, and C fashions an incredible Portabello Mushroom and fig recipe served over rice ..! Sweet and savory at the same time!
We have only five small bushes -- two English and two Brown Turkey. The English are a bit small this year -- I would guess from the last few years of drought, and yet they ripen first. Our Brown Turkeys are just ripening, and are somewhat larger. Our fifth shrub is from Sicily --- a gift from a friend many years ago. It has languished with the weather issues we've had, and the deer seem to nibble it severely each year -- but THIS year, it seems to have finally taken off and is covered with figs as well. They won't be ready for harvest until another ten days or so.
I sketched this early yesterday morning - but even at that time, the sun was high overhead and the humidity was oppressive. When the perspiration from my face kept dripping onto my sketchpad and staining the paper, I decided to paint it from memory indoors! Temps reached 99F, but the humidity was the worst -- rivaling the temperatures for highest numbers -- ugh.
This is the first of two busiest weeks for me - tonight I have a presentation to make over an hour's drive from work, registration and new students the rest of the week, and meetings squeezed in. We're supposed to have a break from the heat on Wednesday -- I so hope so -- it's mighty difficult to work in such oppressiveness, even with the air conditioning running full blast!
STAY COOL!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Flowered Arch
Journal
I painted this landscape a while ago, but didn't get a chance to post it. I believe the reference was a photo from Latin America - but I love arches of all kinds, and flowered makes them even more appealing to me!
My IT connection 'seems' to be back after two days and four hours on the phone with Tech Support and eight hours of 'waiting.' The signal and strength seem somewhat diminished, so I'm not jumping up and down until I'm sure the 'fix' is going to hold. Sigh. Frustrating indeed.
We had a pretty busy day yesterday - visited the farmer's market, cooked a bit for the herb presentation I will make Monday evening, I picked up the grands and my son joined us for a late dinner.
It seemed though like a day fraught with frustration, though - first my internet service, the farmer's market didn't have some items we needed for our planned dinner today, the stores we stopped in didn't have what we needed either, the library was closed due to renovations, and my son got caught in traffic on his way to dinner and missed the meal with the family! Some days .....! LOL
Today is C's jam and dinner with friends. The day is starting off better than yesterday ... thank heavens ... so fingers crossed.
I did manage to get in a plein air sketch, and will try to get to paint it today. Temps are supposed to reach close to 100F ... whew!
Stay cool ....
I painted this landscape a while ago, but didn't get a chance to post it. I believe the reference was a photo from Latin America - but I love arches of all kinds, and flowered makes them even more appealing to me!
My IT connection 'seems' to be back after two days and four hours on the phone with Tech Support and eight hours of 'waiting.' The signal and strength seem somewhat diminished, so I'm not jumping up and down until I'm sure the 'fix' is going to hold. Sigh. Frustrating indeed.
We had a pretty busy day yesterday - visited the farmer's market, cooked a bit for the herb presentation I will make Monday evening, I picked up the grands and my son joined us for a late dinner.
It seemed though like a day fraught with frustration, though - first my internet service, the farmer's market didn't have some items we needed for our planned dinner today, the stores we stopped in didn't have what we needed either, the library was closed due to renovations, and my son got caught in traffic on his way to dinner and missed the meal with the family! Some days .....! LOL
Today is C's jam and dinner with friends. The day is starting off better than yesterday ... thank heavens ... so fingers crossed.
I did manage to get in a plein air sketch, and will try to get to paint it today. Temps are supposed to reach close to 100F ... whew!
Stay cool ....
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Friday, August 07, 2009
Foggy Lakeside Sun-Up
Daily Practice
Journal
Limited Palette
Ah .... so good to be home! It seems like the paperwork on my desk as well as meeting obligations are multiplying like proverbial rabbits .... and so I plan my escape by painting quiet, restive scenes. LOL
This image was inspired by a photo reference, and has a bit more contrast in real life. I tried to limit my palette to give this more of a blue/brown/yellow tone to set the mood of early morning - as one might see after camping out on the side of a quiet lake.
Our temperatures are expected to reach close to 100F this weekend, and we've a fairly busy one planned -- and that lake certainly lures me .....
Have a great day!
Journal
Limited Palette
Ah .... so good to be home! It seems like the paperwork on my desk as well as meeting obligations are multiplying like proverbial rabbits .... and so I plan my escape by painting quiet, restive scenes. LOL
This image was inspired by a photo reference, and has a bit more contrast in real life. I tried to limit my palette to give this more of a blue/brown/yellow tone to set the mood of early morning - as one might see after camping out on the side of a quiet lake.
Our temperatures are expected to reach close to 100F this weekend, and we've a fairly busy one planned -- and that lake certainly lures me .....
Have a great day!
Foggy Lakeside Sun-Up
Daily Practice
Journal
Limited Palette
Ah .... so good to be home! It seems like the paperwork on my desk as well as meeting obligations are multiplying like proverbial rabbits .... and so I plan my escape by painting quiet, restive scenes. LOL
This image was inspired by a photo reference, and has a bit more contrast in real life. I tried to limit my palette to give this more of a blue/brown/yellow tone to set the mood of early morning - as one might see after camping out on the side of a quiet lake.
Our temperatures are expected to reach close to 100F this weekend, and we've a fairly busy one planned -- and that lake certainly lures me .....
Have a great day!
Journal
Limited Palette
Ah .... so good to be home! It seems like the paperwork on my desk as well as meeting obligations are multiplying like proverbial rabbits .... and so I plan my escape by painting quiet, restive scenes. LOL
This image was inspired by a photo reference, and has a bit more contrast in real life. I tried to limit my palette to give this more of a blue/brown/yellow tone to set the mood of early morning - as one might see after camping out on the side of a quiet lake.
Our temperatures are expected to reach close to 100F this weekend, and we've a fairly busy one planned -- and that lake certainly lures me .....
Have a great day!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Morning Light
Daily Practice
Journal
This is practice piece (inspired by a photo and enhanced by memory and morning observation) represents the light through our summer foggy mornings -- the sun is breaking through the clouds and coming over the woodlands, grasses and weeds are covering the fields, and there is an indistinction among the individual trees forming the backdrop. Fog is lifting slowly, and though it's cool, there's a sense of the heat to come later in the day ... it's a summer morning in North Carolina.
We've had more rain yesterday, and this morning, the fog is denser. Puddles are everywhere, trees and rooflines drip excess water. More rain is expected, but the plants seem happy with their dryness quenched ...
I make my way through the day's obligations, a few less meetings, a bit more time to find my desk among the papers. Students return next week to register for classes, and the season turns .....
Journal
This is practice piece (inspired by a photo and enhanced by memory and morning observation) represents the light through our summer foggy mornings -- the sun is breaking through the clouds and coming over the woodlands, grasses and weeds are covering the fields, and there is an indistinction among the individual trees forming the backdrop. Fog is lifting slowly, and though it's cool, there's a sense of the heat to come later in the day ... it's a summer morning in North Carolina.
We've had more rain yesterday, and this morning, the fog is denser. Puddles are everywhere, trees and rooflines drip excess water. More rain is expected, but the plants seem happy with their dryness quenched ...
I make my way through the day's obligations, a few less meetings, a bit more time to find my desk among the papers. Students return next week to register for classes, and the season turns .....
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Rudbekia
Daily Practice
Journal
I stayed overnight with a friend last night, and when I arrived at her home, she had the most over-flowing, gorgeous vases of rudbekias she had collected from her garden ... bright yellow daisy-like blooms in every room! As we chatted, I loosely sketched and painted the flowers. I'm pleased with the looseness.... the only think I had hoped to have was a bit more light in the room to enable me to see more clearly the contrasts and tones ... Nothing beats an art table with a good light! LOL
Our gardens here at the Arboretum are also overflowering with Rubekias . They're drought tolerant, attract tons of butterflies and several species of songbirds eat the seeds. They bloom from spring until fall .. and are always a cheerful sight!
Thank you too for your encouragement on my posting yesterday -- ya'll are the BEST! Blessings!
Meetings all went well, and I have another day of them. It's supposed to be even hotter than yesterday - sigh - close to 100F! Well, that's August in North Carolina for you.
Stay cool! And once more -- blessings!
Journal
I stayed overnight with a friend last night, and when I arrived at her home, she had the most over-flowing, gorgeous vases of rudbekias she had collected from her garden ... bright yellow daisy-like blooms in every room! As we chatted, I loosely sketched and painted the flowers. I'm pleased with the looseness.... the only think I had hoped to have was a bit more light in the room to enable me to see more clearly the contrasts and tones ... Nothing beats an art table with a good light! LOL
Our gardens here at the Arboretum are also overflowering with Rubekias . They're drought tolerant, attract tons of butterflies and several species of songbirds eat the seeds. They bloom from spring until fall .. and are always a cheerful sight!
Thank you too for your encouragement on my posting yesterday -- ya'll are the BEST! Blessings!
Meetings all went well, and I have another day of them. It's supposed to be even hotter than yesterday - sigh - close to 100F! Well, that's August in North Carolina for you.
Stay cool! And once more -- blessings!
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Double Hibiscus
Daily Practice
Journal
Isn't it funny how some days the paint flows with ease, and other days, it seems to have a mind of its own and doesn't cooperate? Yesterday was like that for me. I took the day off to get to some appointments, which, unfortunately were also stubbornly difficult, and found that despite the 'time' to play, the day just wouldn't cooperate! LOL Oh well, at least I got the weeds taken care of ...!
I have this wonderful double hibiscus that has almost completed its blooming and I thought I'd try to catch it in paint - but without my usual pencil sketch under it, AND an attempt to paint it loosely. I added some of my ornamental grasses, also blooming to give it a bit of background. Alas, it didn't turn out quite the way I wanted, those additional petals in the centers really giving me a hard time. I do like the colors -- but the finished work is not one of my favorites. Good thing there's another sheet of paper in my journal! LOL
Off to work an hour earlier today. I've meetings from arrival until dinner - so I hope everyone has a terrific day and I'll catch up as soon as I can. The work-a-thon has begun!
Journal
Isn't it funny how some days the paint flows with ease, and other days, it seems to have a mind of its own and doesn't cooperate? Yesterday was like that for me. I took the day off to get to some appointments, which, unfortunately were also stubbornly difficult, and found that despite the 'time' to play, the day just wouldn't cooperate! LOL Oh well, at least I got the weeds taken care of ...!
I have this wonderful double hibiscus that has almost completed its blooming and I thought I'd try to catch it in paint - but without my usual pencil sketch under it, AND an attempt to paint it loosely. I added some of my ornamental grasses, also blooming to give it a bit of background. Alas, it didn't turn out quite the way I wanted, those additional petals in the centers really giving me a hard time. I do like the colors -- but the finished work is not one of my favorites. Good thing there's another sheet of paper in my journal! LOL
Off to work an hour earlier today. I've meetings from arrival until dinner - so I hope everyone has a terrific day and I'll catch up as soon as I can. The work-a-thon has begun!
Monday, August 03, 2009
Bill's Whitewater Dance Challenge
Daily Practice
Journal
Like Donna (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_happy_learner/3780958197/) this is my first 'wave' attempt, and attempt at anything other than a sandy beach! LOL The beaches I've lived near here on the East Coast have all been white and sandy with few rocks ... it was fun to attempt the rockiness and bits of mauve I saw in Bill's reference photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/3777541985/) of a beach from the 'other' side of the ocean! I think I could have made the wave a bit more dramatic - but for now, I was excited to try some new techniques to get that splash and spray! FUN, Bill -- thanks !!!! and I'm looking forward to your tutorial!
Thank you all too for your kindest comments yesterday. Your generous encouragement truly keeps me attempting new things!
For a day of leisure, we wound up fairly busy yesterday. My son and his friend visited us for dinner - always good to see him!! We returned a bit to his hobby of insect observation and collecting, and spent some time identifying moths and the ways of mud daubers, a few beetles and the like. 'Bugs' don't bother me much - unless they're biting me or bothering my plants, so it was fun to remember some special times he and I spent out of doors quite a number of years ago.
After they left, C and I pitted several bags of cherries. We put up a batch of cherry jam and added several racks of them to the dehydrator. I like drying my own fruit - oftentimes the dried fruit one purchases in the grocery stores are preserved with sulphur, which leaves a bitter aftertaste -- so doing my own, listening to the summery hummmmm of the dryer is simply part of the summer to me. Before my farm neighbor passed, we used to gather cherries together from his enormous tree. These days, I have to wait until they go on sale at the market! LOL
The rain gave the weeds a bit of reprieve yesterday -- so I'm anxious to get at them today. The humidity is mighty high with our bouts of rain and sun, but we're all grateful to have the rain. Figs are plumping on the trees, tomatoes are still setting, and the apples are almost ready for picking ... the rain helps make all of those even better!
I hope your day is filled with the things you need!
Journal
Like Donna (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_happy_learner/3780958197/) this is my first 'wave' attempt, and attempt at anything other than a sandy beach! LOL The beaches I've lived near here on the East Coast have all been white and sandy with few rocks ... it was fun to attempt the rockiness and bits of mauve I saw in Bill's reference photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/3777541985/) of a beach from the 'other' side of the ocean! I think I could have made the wave a bit more dramatic - but for now, I was excited to try some new techniques to get that splash and spray! FUN, Bill -- thanks !!!! and I'm looking forward to your tutorial!
Thank you all too for your kindest comments yesterday. Your generous encouragement truly keeps me attempting new things!
For a day of leisure, we wound up fairly busy yesterday. My son and his friend visited us for dinner - always good to see him!! We returned a bit to his hobby of insect observation and collecting, and spent some time identifying moths and the ways of mud daubers, a few beetles and the like. 'Bugs' don't bother me much - unless they're biting me or bothering my plants, so it was fun to remember some special times he and I spent out of doors quite a number of years ago.
After they left, C and I pitted several bags of cherries. We put up a batch of cherry jam and added several racks of them to the dehydrator. I like drying my own fruit - oftentimes the dried fruit one purchases in the grocery stores are preserved with sulphur, which leaves a bitter aftertaste -- so doing my own, listening to the summery hummmmm of the dryer is simply part of the summer to me. Before my farm neighbor passed, we used to gather cherries together from his enormous tree. These days, I have to wait until they go on sale at the market! LOL
The rain gave the weeds a bit of reprieve yesterday -- so I'm anxious to get at them today. The humidity is mighty high with our bouts of rain and sun, but we're all grateful to have the rain. Figs are plumping on the trees, tomatoes are still setting, and the apples are almost ready for picking ... the rain helps make all of those even better!
I hope your day is filled with the things you need!
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Lemon Tree
Daily Practice
Journal
I remember the first time I saw lemons growing on a tree --- my parents' home in Florida boasted a small tree, but laden with the largest yellow fruit that looked like oranges to me. They turned out to be lemons, however, and mighty sour. Then again, I saw trees in Italy, and it seemed every other home had a lemon tree decked out in bright yellow. If I still had my greenhouse, I too would be able to keep a lemon tree - or I could grow a small, ornamental one indoors. Instead, we rely on the grocers to provide those wonderful citrusy, tart, bright fruits that enliven our meals and I seem to crave -- never in my tea -- but in sauces over pork, chicken, tortellini, and even steak. YUM ....
I also rely on wonderful photographers whose reference photos allow me a chance to play with those warm colors - yellows, burnt sienna, orange, green, blue, umbers, and smatterings of turquoise .... eye candy.
We never did get our our rain yesterday, but the heat, like a down jacket in the Carribean, was overwhelming, and so we ran errands and rested. Today, the chores we put off yesterday await, and those weeds that played in all the rain, are getting haircuts, heat or not! LOL
We spent the evening in a small coffee house listening to a most incredible family of talented young men - 12, 14, 16 years old, and their dad -- The Bethesda Bluegrass Boys (http://www.bethesdabluegrassboys.com/) accompanied by their friend and awesome female vocalist, Holly. To sit and sip luscious coffee and watch these YOUNG!!!! people move their fingers adroitly and with lightning speed over strings of mandolin, banjo, base, while dad kept up with guitar, and the sound so powerful, just kept us tapping our toes and admiring them with jaws dropped. We had heard the group last year at the bluegrass festival, but to hear them and actually watch them close up playing their instruments -- simply magical. Mercy, all that talent in one family. At their ages, I was still playing with dolls ...! LOL
It's been a wonderfully restive weekend, and though chores await, I still see where there should be some time to paint and perhaps a nap!
Hope your Sunday is filled with peace!
Journal
I remember the first time I saw lemons growing on a tree --- my parents' home in Florida boasted a small tree, but laden with the largest yellow fruit that looked like oranges to me. They turned out to be lemons, however, and mighty sour. Then again, I saw trees in Italy, and it seemed every other home had a lemon tree decked out in bright yellow. If I still had my greenhouse, I too would be able to keep a lemon tree - or I could grow a small, ornamental one indoors. Instead, we rely on the grocers to provide those wonderful citrusy, tart, bright fruits that enliven our meals and I seem to crave -- never in my tea -- but in sauces over pork, chicken, tortellini, and even steak. YUM ....
I also rely on wonderful photographers whose reference photos allow me a chance to play with those warm colors - yellows, burnt sienna, orange, green, blue, umbers, and smatterings of turquoise .... eye candy.
We never did get our our rain yesterday, but the heat, like a down jacket in the Carribean, was overwhelming, and so we ran errands and rested. Today, the chores we put off yesterday await, and those weeds that played in all the rain, are getting haircuts, heat or not! LOL
We spent the evening in a small coffee house listening to a most incredible family of talented young men - 12, 14, 16 years old, and their dad -- The Bethesda Bluegrass Boys (http://www.bethesdabluegrassboys.com/) accompanied by their friend and awesome female vocalist, Holly. To sit and sip luscious coffee and watch these YOUNG!!!! people move their fingers adroitly and with lightning speed over strings of mandolin, banjo, base, while dad kept up with guitar, and the sound so powerful, just kept us tapping our toes and admiring them with jaws dropped. We had heard the group last year at the bluegrass festival, but to hear them and actually watch them close up playing their instruments -- simply magical. Mercy, all that talent in one family. At their ages, I was still playing with dolls ...! LOL
It's been a wonderfully restive weekend, and though chores await, I still see where there should be some time to paint and perhaps a nap!
Hope your Sunday is filled with peace!
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Cherries and Herbs
Cherries and Herbs
Daily Practice
Journal
Oh, be ever careful what you ask for! The rains! Did we have rain! YAHOO!!!! it finally reached sufficient quantity to soak the soil and WET this area of NC! (thank you for those who helped send it! LOL) ..... But the accompanying wind knocked out our TV and Internet service for well over 10 hours .....! We're expecting a bit more rain today, so I'm hoping that despite the winds that seem to come with all the storms, that our Internet service stays working! Yes, I'll admit it, I'm an Internet-addicted person .... sigh.
Thank you too for your most incredibly generous comments yesterday. I was running errands most of yesterday (before the rain) and couldn't catch up with any postings until late last night -- so thank you once more.
I worked on 'wet in wet' blends yesterday and staying soft - a constant challenge for me ... The herb pot is from a photo I took in Tuscany, the cherries from my refrigerator, and the cinnamon basil (below) from my garden, sketched plein air last week.
I'm finding that if I don't return to these 'softer' studies, my tendency is to lose the whites far too soon, and so until these lessons become integrated into 'habit' I need to keep the discipline of the 'softer side.'
Today, with everything so very sodden, I'll probably practice a bit at my drawing table -- less the sun comes out for a while. I need to run a few local errands, and tonight we're scheduled to see one of C's friends performing at a local coffee house ... there might even be time enough to take a nap! LOL
Again, thank you for the rain and your kindnesses! Hope today is relaxing for you too!
Daily Practice
Journal
Oh, be ever careful what you ask for! The rains! Did we have rain! YAHOO!!!! it finally reached sufficient quantity to soak the soil and WET this area of NC! (thank you for those who helped send it! LOL) ..... But the accompanying wind knocked out our TV and Internet service for well over 10 hours .....! We're expecting a bit more rain today, so I'm hoping that despite the winds that seem to come with all the storms, that our Internet service stays working! Yes, I'll admit it, I'm an Internet-addicted person .... sigh.
Thank you too for your most incredibly generous comments yesterday. I was running errands most of yesterday (before the rain) and couldn't catch up with any postings until late last night -- so thank you once more.
I worked on 'wet in wet' blends yesterday and staying soft - a constant challenge for me ... The herb pot is from a photo I took in Tuscany, the cherries from my refrigerator, and the cinnamon basil (below) from my garden, sketched plein air last week.
I'm finding that if I don't return to these 'softer' studies, my tendency is to lose the whites far too soon, and so until these lessons become integrated into 'habit' I need to keep the discipline of the 'softer side.'
Today, with everything so very sodden, I'll probably practice a bit at my drawing table -- less the sun comes out for a while. I need to run a few local errands, and tonight we're scheduled to see one of C's friends performing at a local coffee house ... there might even be time enough to take a nap! LOL
Again, thank you for the rain and your kindnesses! Hope today is relaxing for you too!
Cinnamon Basil
Daily Practice
Journal
Plein Air
I sat in front of these blooming cinnamon basil plants in my garden last week, KNOWING that to get the best flavor from the leaves, I needed to snip the flowers so that the fragrant oils remained in the leaves. But mercy, I found them far too pretty to do that! LOL
I grow cinnamon basil to dry for winter use. I love the Italian, large-leaved varieties, Genovese basil and the rest, but when those leaves are dried for use in cheeses, for instance, their flavor evaporates -- and there is no 'basil' taste. But the spicy varieties, and especially cinnamon basil, all contain more of what I think of when I think of basil - a heady fragrance, a bit of a bite, a green herbness - a wonderful taste! And even dried, this variety KEEPS those flavors. The leaves are smaller than Genovese -- but PACKED with flavor.
I use the dried leaves in cheese mixes, pasta sauce, bruschetta and the like. I'll be giving an herb talk the week after next and sharing this recipe with them -- so I thought I'd share it with you too. Though fresh herbs can be used, I find dry herbs to contain far more concentrated flavor:
Goat (or Cream) Cheese with Herbs
Ingredients:
10 1/2 ounces cheese, room temperature
2 teaspoons each (if fresh) 1 teaspoon each if dried):
Anise Hyssop
Italian Parsley (the flat leaved variety)
Sweet Marjoram
Thyme
Dill
Basil (here I use cinnamon)
A dash of Chives and pinch of cayenne pepper
Milk for thinning
In a bowl, combine the cheese, herbs and pepper. Blend well. Add the milk if you would like it thinner, a small amount at a time, then mix again. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Bring to room temperature before serving with fresh vegetables and crackers.
ENJOY!
Journal
Plein Air
I sat in front of these blooming cinnamon basil plants in my garden last week, KNOWING that to get the best flavor from the leaves, I needed to snip the flowers so that the fragrant oils remained in the leaves. But mercy, I found them far too pretty to do that! LOL
I grow cinnamon basil to dry for winter use. I love the Italian, large-leaved varieties, Genovese basil and the rest, but when those leaves are dried for use in cheeses, for instance, their flavor evaporates -- and there is no 'basil' taste. But the spicy varieties, and especially cinnamon basil, all contain more of what I think of when I think of basil - a heady fragrance, a bit of a bite, a green herbness - a wonderful taste! And even dried, this variety KEEPS those flavors. The leaves are smaller than Genovese -- but PACKED with flavor.
I use the dried leaves in cheese mixes, pasta sauce, bruschetta and the like. I'll be giving an herb talk the week after next and sharing this recipe with them -- so I thought I'd share it with you too. Though fresh herbs can be used, I find dry herbs to contain far more concentrated flavor:
Goat (or Cream) Cheese with Herbs
Ingredients:
10 1/2 ounces cheese, room temperature
2 teaspoons each (if fresh) 1 teaspoon each if dried):
Anise Hyssop
Italian Parsley (the flat leaved variety)
Sweet Marjoram
Thyme
Dill
Basil (here I use cinnamon)
A dash of Chives and pinch of cayenne pepper
Milk for thinning
In a bowl, combine the cheese, herbs and pepper. Blend well. Add the milk if you would like it thinner, a small amount at a time, then mix again. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Bring to room temperature before serving with fresh vegetables and crackers.
ENJOY!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)