Daily Practice
Journal
I return to work and limited time to paint -- geez, I really miss those open hours before me where I can think, paint a bit more slowly and thoughtfully ... ah well, the weekend is coming!
This is another splash attempt at poppies. I wish I had saved a bit more white space, but I like the color combos ...
After our garden tours yesterday (HOT!!) I got home to spend most of the evening watering plants -- we still have had no rain. Temps are to cool off today at our second day of workshops -- but today will be spent indoors ... There'll be sessions on pest control, new plants, new agricultural laws, and as always - water, water, water.
Stay cool today ...!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wishing for the Cool of Marshlands
Quarter Sheet
Arches 140#CP
Yesterday was a rest and catch-up day with a bit of time to paint. Returning to routine after three intense days takes a bit of effort -- and blueberries, watering, laundry sometimes complain pretty loudly! LOL
This scene has been much on my mind these last few weeks. Our temps have hovered around the 100F mark with little rain, and though C and I had a short escape to the mountains, I am still longing for salt air and cool water, the quiet, restive feel of marshlands ....
I'll be dreaming of these today as I return to work with the rest of the week busy with nursery tours and professional development training. Most of these classes and visits are outdoors and our 'cold front' has yet to arrive.
I'll be away from the computer until late this evening -- have a great day ...!
Arches 140#CP
Yesterday was a rest and catch-up day with a bit of time to paint. Returning to routine after three intense days takes a bit of effort -- and blueberries, watering, laundry sometimes complain pretty loudly! LOL
This scene has been much on my mind these last few weeks. Our temps have hovered around the 100F mark with little rain, and though C and I had a short escape to the mountains, I am still longing for salt air and cool water, the quiet, restive feel of marshlands ....
I'll be dreaming of these today as I return to work with the rest of the week busy with nursery tours and professional development training. Most of these classes and visits are outdoors and our 'cold front' has yet to arrive.
I'll be away from the computer until late this evening -- have a great day ...!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Hibiscus
Quarter Sheet
Arches 140#CP
For our last workshop day, Sterling turned to florals emphasizing again shapes, values, light. His demo was a bit more stylized and flowing, and absolutely magnificent. I tried to take his lessons and apply them to my own photo, and found working on large, single flowers somewhat challenging after my splashy small flower paintings.
Sterling will return to Jerry's in Raleigh again in August and in November for Art in the Carolinas. He's a magnifient, encouraging and helpful instructor -- I'll be taking more of his classes for sure!
My last day off -- and so glad to have it. After 3 days of hard concentration and learning, I'm mighty tired and feeling a bit 'out of things' as my mind has been wrapped in art so intensively. I'll need today to putter around the house, do some chores and return to my routine.
Still no rain - my date with a waterhose will have to be met today ...
Stay cool ...
Arches 140#CP
For our last workshop day, Sterling turned to florals emphasizing again shapes, values, light. His demo was a bit more stylized and flowing, and absolutely magnificent. I tried to take his lessons and apply them to my own photo, and found working on large, single flowers somewhat challenging after my splashy small flower paintings.
Sterling will return to Jerry's in Raleigh again in August and in November for Art in the Carolinas. He's a magnifient, encouraging and helpful instructor -- I'll be taking more of his classes for sure!
My last day off -- and so glad to have it. After 3 days of hard concentration and learning, I'm mighty tired and feeling a bit 'out of things' as my mind has been wrapped in art so intensively. I'll need today to putter around the house, do some chores and return to my routine.
Still no rain - my date with a waterhose will have to be met today ...
Stay cool ...
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Gas Light Barn done a la Sterling Edwards
Quarter Sheet
Arches 140#CP
I didn't quite keep all the whites and luminousity that I was striving for and Sterling was teaching, and using different colors on my familiar Gas Light Barn and scene was more challenging than I could imagine. I tried to use the colors Sterling did on his piece - and in real life there is more of a rosy glow to this than I could capture or adjust for the screen. I used Windsor Violet, Windsor Yellow, permanent rose and New Gamboge - which really worked well in Sterling's 4 step process. He did several demos yesterday so there wasn't as much time for us to paint -- working on this at home after a most tiring day, sure made my hand a bit too heavy with the paint. Still, the values and light are there -- as are the lessons in my head! Using different colors for barns and trees, though, was certainly a twisting of my own mind and a lesson I need to repeat more often in order to truly keep 'values' in mind and on paper.
We're back today for our last day of lessons. Sterling told us on Friday that by today we'd be mighty tired, and he told the truth! LOL Still, there is so much to absorb, practice and 'make my own' --- a very exciting and rich experience.
Still no rain -- I see myself tonight holding a waterhose on the tomatoes and dozing on my feet! LOL
Have a great day!
Arches 140#CP
I didn't quite keep all the whites and luminousity that I was striving for and Sterling was teaching, and using different colors on my familiar Gas Light Barn and scene was more challenging than I could imagine. I tried to use the colors Sterling did on his piece - and in real life there is more of a rosy glow to this than I could capture or adjust for the screen. I used Windsor Violet, Windsor Yellow, permanent rose and New Gamboge - which really worked well in Sterling's 4 step process. He did several demos yesterday so there wasn't as much time for us to paint -- working on this at home after a most tiring day, sure made my hand a bit too heavy with the paint. Still, the values and light are there -- as are the lessons in my head! Using different colors for barns and trees, though, was certainly a twisting of my own mind and a lesson I need to repeat more often in order to truly keep 'values' in mind and on paper.
We're back today for our last day of lessons. Sterling told us on Friday that by today we'd be mighty tired, and he told the truth! LOL Still, there is so much to absorb, practice and 'make my own' --- a very exciting and rich experience.
Still no rain -- I see myself tonight holding a waterhose on the tomatoes and dozing on my feet! LOL
Have a great day!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Sea and Grass
Quarter Sheet
Arches 140#CP
Simple shapes, variety, contrasts, dark against light, light against dark, white space, center of interest - all were part of Sterling's wonderful instructions, demonstration and lesson. While the photo reference was one I brought (from Wet Canvas), Sterling demonstrated these principles from a photo he had from a trip he and his wife made while out west. It showed a canyon and valley and was completed in 90 minutes!! Magic! My friend Joan (http://watercolorsbyjoan.blogspot.com/) has been painting beach scenes from Long Island (where I was raised) and has me so longing for salt water that I just HAD to paint something 'beachy'! Sterling helped with this painting by indicating some of the contrast areas that gave the painting more 'pop' and strengthening values to increase contrast. EXCELLENT!
BTW, he had a copy of his new book -- oh my it's going to be a winner!! I came home and ordered one immediately! LOL
Two more days of intense learning -- can't wait. Though I have to admit, I am tired already! LOL
Still no rain, and still mighty hot. We have a few grape tomatoes turning red, and the vines are now 7 feet tall ...it looks like a jungle out back ...!
Stay cool!
Arches 140#CP
Simple shapes, variety, contrasts, dark against light, light against dark, white space, center of interest - all were part of Sterling's wonderful instructions, demonstration and lesson. While the photo reference was one I brought (from Wet Canvas), Sterling demonstrated these principles from a photo he had from a trip he and his wife made while out west. It showed a canyon and valley and was completed in 90 minutes!! Magic! My friend Joan (http://watercolorsbyjoan.blogspot.com/) has been painting beach scenes from Long Island (where I was raised) and has me so longing for salt water that I just HAD to paint something 'beachy'! Sterling helped with this painting by indicating some of the contrast areas that gave the painting more 'pop' and strengthening values to increase contrast. EXCELLENT!
BTW, he had a copy of his new book -- oh my it's going to be a winner!! I came home and ordered one immediately! LOL
Two more days of intense learning -- can't wait. Though I have to admit, I am tired already! LOL
Still no rain, and still mighty hot. We have a few grape tomatoes turning red, and the vines are now 7 feet tall ...it looks like a jungle out back ...!
Stay cool!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Lacecap Hydrangea
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Though the recent extreme temps are giving these magnificent flowers a 'challenge', the lace-cap hydrangeas are still such a magnificent sight! The cool blues and purples of the lace-caps in my garden temper the 100F heat and humidity just by their color and bright spot in the shade.
Hydrangeas come in so many varieties of shapes and forms. I purchased a new variety that is supposed to remain pink despite the pH of the soil -- we'll see .... I am waiting for the weather to cool a bit before I subject another plant to such intense weather!
I'm off for my 3-day workshop with Sterling Edwards. I took a workshop from him last November during Art in the Carolinas -- he's a magnificent instructor and I have been looking forward to another workshop from him since then!
Still no rain and another hot, hot, hot day ... Stay cool ...!
Arches 140#CP
Though the recent extreme temps are giving these magnificent flowers a 'challenge', the lace-cap hydrangeas are still such a magnificent sight! The cool blues and purples of the lace-caps in my garden temper the 100F heat and humidity just by their color and bright spot in the shade.
Hydrangeas come in so many varieties of shapes and forms. I purchased a new variety that is supposed to remain pink despite the pH of the soil -- we'll see .... I am waiting for the weather to cool a bit before I subject another plant to such intense weather!
I'm off for my 3-day workshop with Sterling Edwards. I took a workshop from him last November during Art in the Carolinas -- he's a magnificent instructor and I have been looking forward to another workshop from him since then!
Still no rain and another hot, hot, hot day ... Stay cool ...!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Inspired by Roses
Daily Practice
Journal
Visiting rose gardens, the Arboretum and my own Knock-Out Roses, the various colors, shapes, forms, and their heavenly fragrance - all inspired this splashy attempt. I tried to keep the leaves and feeling 'light' and so the more yellow of the leaves.
Yellow - yep, seems to be 'my' summer color -- I suppose the influence of that color choice must be our incredible heat. We're hitting another day of 100F with equally high humidity. The plants, earlier fed by weekly rains, are beginning to show signs of stress as our preciptation moves from "constant" to 'scattered' and a water hose just doesn't do the trick.
I put up another 38 jars of plum preserves last night - and there are another 2 batches to make this week. We should have enough plum preserves, my husband's favorite, for the next 6 years! LOL
My friend, Jodi, is coming to paint today -- yahoo! And the last of the jams are already in the final stage of hot water bath sealing.
Our peaches, heavy on our small tree and weighing it down to the ground, are still hard as rocks. We keep watching them so as to gather some before the deer! We picked over a gallon of blueberries yesterday from our 5 bushes - and there are as many more still on the plants. Now, what to do with those? LOL
Stay cool!
Journal
Visiting rose gardens, the Arboretum and my own Knock-Out Roses, the various colors, shapes, forms, and their heavenly fragrance - all inspired this splashy attempt. I tried to keep the leaves and feeling 'light' and so the more yellow of the leaves.
Yellow - yep, seems to be 'my' summer color -- I suppose the influence of that color choice must be our incredible heat. We're hitting another day of 100F with equally high humidity. The plants, earlier fed by weekly rains, are beginning to show signs of stress as our preciptation moves from "constant" to 'scattered' and a water hose just doesn't do the trick.
I put up another 38 jars of plum preserves last night - and there are another 2 batches to make this week. We should have enough plum preserves, my husband's favorite, for the next 6 years! LOL
My friend, Jodi, is coming to paint today -- yahoo! And the last of the jams are already in the final stage of hot water bath sealing.
Our peaches, heavy on our small tree and weighing it down to the ground, are still hard as rocks. We keep watching them so as to gather some before the deer! We picked over a gallon of blueberries yesterday from our 5 bushes - and there are as many more still on the plants. Now, what to do with those? LOL
Stay cool!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
En Route to Pilot Mountain
Daily Practice
Journal
The NC Highway Department has graced our roadsides with fields of incredible flower displays. Acres of varying colors soften the dark asphalt hardness with beauty, movement and form. Wildflowers of all types are used in these efforts started long ago by Lady Bird Johnson. The fruit of all those years of hard work are today ours to enjoy.
This time of year, the prevalance of daylilies planted over highway acres creates wave upon wave of yellows, golds, oranges, pinks and peach. Eye candy for the traveler!
On the way to Pilot Mountain, we stopped at one of the overlooks to view the mountains and enjoy a bit of the bright daylilies. I could see from the road just a hint of farmhouse between the trees, but I moved the house a bit for this painting.
The visit to Cape Fear Botanical Garden and Fayetteville Tech Rose Garden yesterday was superb! Despite the close to 100F heat, we managed to stay in the shade most of the day, enjoying the displays, reconstructed farm buildings and general store, hostas, daylilies, ponds and more. I must say that those who love gardens will find a way to enjoy the beauty each new setting holds no matter the heat or weather! Grand folks indeed!
My dd is visiting and my son joined us for dinner yesterday. I am on vacation for a few days - but probably a bit busier than ever! I have a ton of plum jam to make, an art date, a workshop with Sterling Edwards this weekend, and gardening and watering to help save our veggies and plants in this week of 100F weather.
I hope we all manage to stay cool .....!
Journal
The NC Highway Department has graced our roadsides with fields of incredible flower displays. Acres of varying colors soften the dark asphalt hardness with beauty, movement and form. Wildflowers of all types are used in these efforts started long ago by Lady Bird Johnson. The fruit of all those years of hard work are today ours to enjoy.
This time of year, the prevalance of daylilies planted over highway acres creates wave upon wave of yellows, golds, oranges, pinks and peach. Eye candy for the traveler!
On the way to Pilot Mountain, we stopped at one of the overlooks to view the mountains and enjoy a bit of the bright daylilies. I could see from the road just a hint of farmhouse between the trees, but I moved the house a bit for this painting.
The visit to Cape Fear Botanical Garden and Fayetteville Tech Rose Garden yesterday was superb! Despite the close to 100F heat, we managed to stay in the shade most of the day, enjoying the displays, reconstructed farm buildings and general store, hostas, daylilies, ponds and more. I must say that those who love gardens will find a way to enjoy the beauty each new setting holds no matter the heat or weather! Grand folks indeed!
My dd is visiting and my son joined us for dinner yesterday. I am on vacation for a few days - but probably a bit busier than ever! I have a ton of plum jam to make, an art date, a workshop with Sterling Edwards this weekend, and gardening and watering to help save our veggies and plants in this week of 100F weather.
I hope we all manage to stay cool .....!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Pilot Mountain
Daily Journal
This weekend my husband and I FINALLY slipped away to spend the weekend in the mountains of NC. We left early Friday morning and spent two days in a restored tobacco barn - reminescent of a log cabin -- complete with fireplace, loft, balconies and sweet, warm mornings lingering over breakfast -- RELAXATION! And would you believe we even had a CAT come and visit us! LOL
This small sketch was painted from memory of Pilot Mountain itself - so named for the granite outcropping that arises from blue-misty-hazy Blue-Ridge mountains almost 3,000 feet above sea level. This view, spotted along the roads that lead up to the mountain and State Park itself, gives you the view of the tawny fields, treeline, mountain and then, like a pilot's cabin, that sheer bit of granite rock. Sure a funny sight!
We hiked around that pinnacle, despite the heat -- and the views of the valley were fantastic. Hawks circled, hikers came and went, and we just enjoyed the slow climb all the while marveling at all that chiseled granite!
Today we take another group to a nearby Botanical Garden. Temps are to reach 100F by noon - so we'll be wilting by the time we return.
Stay cool today!
This weekend my husband and I FINALLY slipped away to spend the weekend in the mountains of NC. We left early Friday morning and spent two days in a restored tobacco barn - reminescent of a log cabin -- complete with fireplace, loft, balconies and sweet, warm mornings lingering over breakfast -- RELAXATION! And would you believe we even had a CAT come and visit us! LOL
This small sketch was painted from memory of Pilot Mountain itself - so named for the granite outcropping that arises from blue-misty-hazy Blue-Ridge mountains almost 3,000 feet above sea level. This view, spotted along the roads that lead up to the mountain and State Park itself, gives you the view of the tawny fields, treeline, mountain and then, like a pilot's cabin, that sheer bit of granite rock. Sure a funny sight!
We hiked around that pinnacle, despite the heat -- and the views of the valley were fantastic. Hawks circled, hikers came and went, and we just enjoyed the slow climb all the while marveling at all that chiseled granite!
Today we take another group to a nearby Botanical Garden. Temps are to reach 100F by noon - so we'll be wilting by the time we return.
Stay cool today!
Monday, June 21, 2010
It's Summer
Happy First Day of Summer!
Already the days here are hot hotter and hottest! Mercy! Still, the flowers bloom in the fields, the birds give us their melodies, and the sun warms and tans us. Veggies grow larger, tomatoes and fruits ripen, days are long and vacation and leisure time beckons.
It's summer ....
My memories of childhood summers are of those long, languid days lying by the swimming pool, BBQ dinners, company every weekend, reading, playing ball, long walks, and endless days that seemed to stretch forever.
Summer days for grown-ups aren't always so restful .... for those who garden, this is the busiest time -- weeding, watering, harvesting, canning, freezing, drying in between the 'normal' demands of the work day ...
Still, when the weather gets so hot that the body just CAN'T move quickly, and one sits on the porch with a bowl of freshly made ice cream or ice cold watermelon, a soft, tender breeze dries the face, crickets chirp and fireflies light -- well, THAT'S darn good too ...
Summer --- may we all find a bit of our childhood leisure to enjoy it.
Already the days here are hot hotter and hottest! Mercy! Still, the flowers bloom in the fields, the birds give us their melodies, and the sun warms and tans us. Veggies grow larger, tomatoes and fruits ripen, days are long and vacation and leisure time beckons.
It's summer ....
My memories of childhood summers are of those long, languid days lying by the swimming pool, BBQ dinners, company every weekend, reading, playing ball, long walks, and endless days that seemed to stretch forever.
Summer days for grown-ups aren't always so restful .... for those who garden, this is the busiest time -- weeding, watering, harvesting, canning, freezing, drying in between the 'normal' demands of the work day ...
Still, when the weather gets so hot that the body just CAN'T move quickly, and one sits on the porch with a bowl of freshly made ice cream or ice cold watermelon, a soft, tender breeze dries the face, crickets chirp and fireflies light -- well, THAT'S darn good too ...
Summer --- may we all find a bit of our childhood leisure to enjoy it.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Fathers Day
Daily Practice
Journal
To all the fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, male instructors, men who act as fathers, fathers of pets and women who must serve the role as both Mom and Dad -- a most wonderful HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to you!
Along the path of life,we all come across those situations where we 'are' the father-parent - sometimes it's at work, owning a pet, care-taking a stepchild, sick one, aged parent, teaching another, or being a model for 'fatherhood' in one capacity or another, there will always be times when we are called to be 'dads.' Today we salute and honor them for the role they play in guiding, instructing and loving those they lead.
A Blessed and Joyous Day to you!
Journal
To all the fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, male instructors, men who act as fathers, fathers of pets and women who must serve the role as both Mom and Dad -- a most wonderful HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to you!
Along the path of life,we all come across those situations where we 'are' the father-parent - sometimes it's at work, owning a pet, care-taking a stepchild, sick one, aged parent, teaching another, or being a model for 'fatherhood' in one capacity or another, there will always be times when we are called to be 'dads.' Today we salute and honor them for the role they play in guiding, instructing and loving those they lead.
A Blessed and Joyous Day to you!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Cliff in the Foggy Morning
Daily Practice
Journal
I am without a scanner and away, so I'm posting some of my older images that I have saved but didn't upload .... this is one I did ages ago by a wet in wet, abstract ... and then an overpainting of details .... the wet in wet suggested to me a foggy morning, much as I've been seeing on my way to work this week AND this morning .......
I'll be on an off the computer ... so I hope your weekend is terrific!
Journal
I am without a scanner and away, so I'm posting some of my older images that I have saved but didn't upload .... this is one I did ages ago by a wet in wet, abstract ... and then an overpainting of details .... the wet in wet suggested to me a foggy morning, much as I've been seeing on my way to work this week AND this morning .......
I'll be on an off the computer ... so I hope your weekend is terrific!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Oxford Hay Season
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
The hay was gone from the fields when I got home yesterday, and already the new season of grasses has begun. A lush carpet of emerald green soread over the valleys and hills and replaced the tawny siennas and browns. It'll be another 4 months or so before I view the hay bales again.
We sent another 40 pounds of food to the food shelter yesterday. One volunteer offered us the opportunity to pick ripe, juicy, DELICIOUS plums from his trees, and so four of us followed him back to his farm for a 'pickin'! WOW! This season's rain and sun have been mighty beneficial to his fruit trees, and we came home with a cooler filled with bright red/purple orbs. The scent was intoxicating, and I probably ate my weight in plums!
I will be going out of town this weekend, and so last night was a marathon of activity -- laundry, packing, repacking, and rendering gallons of plum pulp to save for making preserves next week. WHEW!
I'll be scarce and will have to catch up with everyone on Sunday --- I hope you have a great weekend!
Arches 140#CP
The hay was gone from the fields when I got home yesterday, and already the new season of grasses has begun. A lush carpet of emerald green soread over the valleys and hills and replaced the tawny siennas and browns. It'll be another 4 months or so before I view the hay bales again.
We sent another 40 pounds of food to the food shelter yesterday. One volunteer offered us the opportunity to pick ripe, juicy, DELICIOUS plums from his trees, and so four of us followed him back to his farm for a 'pickin'! WOW! This season's rain and sun have been mighty beneficial to his fruit trees, and we came home with a cooler filled with bright red/purple orbs. The scent was intoxicating, and I probably ate my weight in plums!
I will be going out of town this weekend, and so last night was a marathon of activity -- laundry, packing, repacking, and rendering gallons of plum pulp to save for making preserves next week. WHEW!
I'll be scarce and will have to catch up with everyone on Sunday --- I hope you have a great weekend!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Inspired by Orchids
Daily Practice
Journal
Ah, flowers -- they're all around me lately -- and with the rain and hot sun, they seem to be exploding in colors and quantity.
This 'splatter and splash' (I really am enamored with this method! LOL) was done over the weekend. I used my friend's 'iridescent medium' on the stamen, and in real life has just the nicest bit of shine and glitter in the throats of the flowers.
It stormed again last night with another battering of rain ... the weeds are having their way with so many of the gardens ....! LOL
During this time of campus life when most students are gone, it's a plethera of paperwork that keeps us inside -- budgets, plans, meetings, reports. I suppose that could be a good thing in all the heat -- lol
Hope your day is cool and sunny!
Journal
Ah, flowers -- they're all around me lately -- and with the rain and hot sun, they seem to be exploding in colors and quantity.
This 'splatter and splash' (I really am enamored with this method! LOL) was done over the weekend. I used my friend's 'iridescent medium' on the stamen, and in real life has just the nicest bit of shine and glitter in the throats of the flowers.
It stormed again last night with another battering of rain ... the weeds are having their way with so many of the gardens ....! LOL
During this time of campus life when most students are gone, it's a plethera of paperwork that keeps us inside -- budgets, plans, meetings, reports. I suppose that could be a good thing in all the heat -- lol
Hope your day is cool and sunny!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
My Squash Plant
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
After splashing and spattering paint for a while, returning to more traditional methods of watercolor application feels a bit odd. In some ways, I like this work, in many more, I'm not so sure... My attempt was a more considered approach to the squash growing in my garden - and yet, my arm misses that freedom of splashing paint! LOL
Yesterday's trip went very well -- we managed to avoid the rain, but holy moly was it HOT. Still, we were able to remain fairly comfortable with breaks for lunch and visiting each historic building -- all, thankfully, air conditioned.
It's thundering as I type, and we finally completed some drainage work in between bouts of showers. It will still be mighty hot today -- despite the rain.
Hope your day is terrific!
Arches 140#CP
After splashing and spattering paint for a while, returning to more traditional methods of watercolor application feels a bit odd. In some ways, I like this work, in many more, I'm not so sure... My attempt was a more considered approach to the squash growing in my garden - and yet, my arm misses that freedom of splashing paint! LOL
Yesterday's trip went very well -- we managed to avoid the rain, but holy moly was it HOT. Still, we were able to remain fairly comfortable with breaks for lunch and visiting each historic building -- all, thankfully, air conditioned.
It's thundering as I type, and we finally completed some drainage work in between bouts of showers. It will still be mighty hot today -- despite the rain.
Hope your day is terrific!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Inspired by a Shed in the Grasses
Daily Practice
Journal
Thank you so much for your most kind comments yesterday ......
I am still struggling with moving the spontaneous, splashy splatter to landscapes -- I worked on this last night - but have to admit that it was more 'directed' than yesterday's work. I added the shed (I should have made it larger) to give the summer grasses something to play against.
We're taking two vans of Arboretum Guests to Old Salem today -- we've got a garden tour in the morning, lunch, and then the homes and shops scheduled for the afternoon. Temps will be very high with thunderstorms predicted .. so fingers are crossed ...
I'll catch up tomorrow ...
Have a great day!
Journal
Thank you so much for your most kind comments yesterday ......
I am still struggling with moving the spontaneous, splashy splatter to landscapes -- I worked on this last night - but have to admit that it was more 'directed' than yesterday's work. I added the shed (I should have made it larger) to give the summer grasses something to play against.
We're taking two vans of Arboretum Guests to Old Salem today -- we've got a garden tour in the morning, lunch, and then the homes and shops scheduled for the afternoon. Temps will be very high with thunderstorms predicted .. so fingers are crossed ...
I'll catch up tomorrow ...
Have a great day!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Inspired by the Glow of Eventide Along the Water
Daily Practice
Journal
I am still working to bring the 'splatter and splash' to my landscapes. Yesterday, my friend Linda came over to paint while her husband joined the jam group to play music. I was teaching her how I 'splatter' and after I tossed the paint, asked her what she saw.
To my surprise, she suggested a landscape -- and so while she worked on sunflowers, I worked to 'see' what she saw-- and so this landscape came about. It was fun -- and I'm very grateful she helped me see the splatters through her eyes...!
C's jam went so well -- music was grand, and our neighbors came by as well to hear the group. Some had to leave early when, yep, another storm came up, and battered our pretty flowers with heavy rains. Mercy, the area between the house and garage was running water as though it were a river! The hot-storm-rain pattern is with us this week - I hope it doesn't rain out our trip tomorrow.
Stay well!
Journal
I am still working to bring the 'splatter and splash' to my landscapes. Yesterday, my friend Linda came over to paint while her husband joined the jam group to play music. I was teaching her how I 'splatter' and after I tossed the paint, asked her what she saw.
To my surprise, she suggested a landscape -- and so while she worked on sunflowers, I worked to 'see' what she saw-- and so this landscape came about. It was fun -- and I'm very grateful she helped me see the splatters through her eyes...!
C's jam went so well -- music was grand, and our neighbors came by as well to hear the group. Some had to leave early when, yep, another storm came up, and battered our pretty flowers with heavy rains. Mercy, the area between the house and garage was running water as though it were a river! The hot-storm-rain pattern is with us this week - I hope it doesn't rain out our trip tomorrow.
Stay well!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Inspired by Sunflowers and Irridescent Medium
Daily Practice
Journal
When my friend, Jodi, came to paint this weekend, we worked on 'splatter and splash' to loosen up and approach our watercolors in a somewhat different manner. Fun! Jodi added to the play by sharing her Irridescent Medium to the work. I don't know if it shows up or not, but there is just a 'hint' of sparkle and shine to the painting. I can't wait to try this medium on snow!
This painting was based on the sunflowers that have sprouted by my bird feeder. There are several different kinds of sunflowers growing -- all indicating the various seed types a bag of sunflower birdseed contains.
Sunflowers are interesting --- the plants are allelopathic, meaning they exude a chemical that decreases the ability of other seeds to germinate. We haven't filled our birdfeeders in quite a while since the kitties pose a threat to them, so seeing these sunflowers come up and bloom was quite a delightful surprise. I'm going to let these flowers seed out so perhaps a few other surprises will bloom next year.
We have a house full of company coming for C's jam today - so I'll be scarce. The thunderstorm we had last night is supposed to 'repeat' itself all week, and temps are due to reach triple digits. Gracious, it's not even summer yet!
Stay cool!
Journal
When my friend, Jodi, came to paint this weekend, we worked on 'splatter and splash' to loosen up and approach our watercolors in a somewhat different manner. Fun! Jodi added to the play by sharing her Irridescent Medium to the work. I don't know if it shows up or not, but there is just a 'hint' of sparkle and shine to the painting. I can't wait to try this medium on snow!
This painting was based on the sunflowers that have sprouted by my bird feeder. There are several different kinds of sunflowers growing -- all indicating the various seed types a bag of sunflower birdseed contains.
Sunflowers are interesting --- the plants are allelopathic, meaning they exude a chemical that decreases the ability of other seeds to germinate. We haven't filled our birdfeeders in quite a while since the kitties pose a threat to them, so seeing these sunflowers come up and bloom was quite a delightful surprise. I'm going to let these flowers seed out so perhaps a few other surprises will bloom next year.
We have a house full of company coming for C's jam today - so I'll be scarce. The thunderstorm we had last night is supposed to 'repeat' itself all week, and temps are due to reach triple digits. Gracious, it's not even summer yet!
Stay cool!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Sunset Solitude - For Mike
12" x 16"
Arches 140#CP
When my son came to visit me at the Art Festival last weekend, he really liked my painting of a sunset and lake scene done in warm yellows, oranges and siennas. He asked me to paint a similiar scene for him (since I never did paint the motorcycle he asked me to do! LOL) of the marsh in Charleston at sunset.
Yesterday, between preserving 30 jars of jam, planting, weeding, and painting with a friend, I managed to paint this for him ... the original I sent him did not include the bird, but Mike asked me to add the egret/heron--so I found a place for him among the cattails.
ENJOY, Mike!
Today I have another appointment with weed control .. mercy, those things are really persistent! and a few chores in town.
It was such a joy to paint with my friend, Jodi. We thought about painting outdoors, but when temps tipped the scales over 87F, we retreated indoors to paint. I worked a bit on this painting while she was here and we also played with splattering ... wonderful fun, good sharing, and another paint date in a couple of weeks. Friends and painting -- gifts to be sure!
We're in for a couple of days of high humidity and high temperatures, so I'm dashing early to get the weeds hit before it's too hot for the herbicide to work ...
Stay cool!
Arches 140#CP
When my son came to visit me at the Art Festival last weekend, he really liked my painting of a sunset and lake scene done in warm yellows, oranges and siennas. He asked me to paint a similiar scene for him (since I never did paint the motorcycle he asked me to do! LOL) of the marsh in Charleston at sunset.
Yesterday, between preserving 30 jars of jam, planting, weeding, and painting with a friend, I managed to paint this for him ... the original I sent him did not include the bird, but Mike asked me to add the egret/heron--so I found a place for him among the cattails.
ENJOY, Mike!
Today I have another appointment with weed control .. mercy, those things are really persistent! and a few chores in town.
It was such a joy to paint with my friend, Jodi. We thought about painting outdoors, but when temps tipped the scales over 87F, we retreated indoors to paint. I worked a bit on this painting while she was here and we also played with splattering ... wonderful fun, good sharing, and another paint date in a couple of weeks. Friends and painting -- gifts to be sure!
We're in for a couple of days of high humidity and high temperatures, so I'm dashing early to get the weeds hit before it's too hot for the herbicide to work ...
Stay cool!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Inspired by a Field of Daisies
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
The roadsides are dotted with clumps of yellow and white daisies surrounded by lush, rain-aided green grasses .... These bright, seemingly smiling flowers brighten the drive home as well as the fields and ditches along the way.
Our intense heat has returned along with the beginning of summer bounties. One of the Plant a Row volunteers brought me such incredibly delicious plums yesterday, so my task today is to render them into my husband's favorite prserves. The stuffed squash and daylily blossoms yesterday were a great hit! One volunteer brought cheesecake to share, deviled eggs from his own chickens, a cooling watermelon and I added zucchini bread -- what a feast. On top of that, we donated 40 1/2 pounds of food to the foodbank yesterday!
We're expecting company this weekend, as well as hosting C's Jam (the music kind), and yardwork to do - going to be busy -- again!
Stay cool today ...!
Arches 140#CP
The roadsides are dotted with clumps of yellow and white daisies surrounded by lush, rain-aided green grasses .... These bright, seemingly smiling flowers brighten the drive home as well as the fields and ditches along the way.
Our intense heat has returned along with the beginning of summer bounties. One of the Plant a Row volunteers brought me such incredibly delicious plums yesterday, so my task today is to render them into my husband's favorite prserves. The stuffed squash and daylily blossoms yesterday were a great hit! One volunteer brought cheesecake to share, deviled eggs from his own chickens, a cooling watermelon and I added zucchini bread -- what a feast. On top of that, we donated 40 1/2 pounds of food to the foodbank yesterday!
We're expecting company this weekend, as well as hosting C's Jam (the music kind), and yardwork to do - going to be busy -- again!
Stay cool today ...!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Field of Poppies
Daily Practice
Journal
Montrose Gardens
I continue to return to the photos I took of Montrose Gardens in North Carolina -- paintings at every turn -- and some of the most magnificent fields of poppies I've ever seen.
This painting comes a bit closer to what I've had in my mind and kept trying to achieve! I still have a vision for those yellow/gold ones that I'll keep playing with! LOL
Today we're harvesting as well as having another pot luck lunch. I'll teach the group how to stuff squash and daylilly blossoms and see how everyone enjoys those.
The promised rain is still 'en route'.. so we'll be dashing about this morning to insure our harvest before the rain comes.
Hope your day is great!
Journal
Montrose Gardens
I continue to return to the photos I took of Montrose Gardens in North Carolina -- paintings at every turn -- and some of the most magnificent fields of poppies I've ever seen.
This painting comes a bit closer to what I've had in my mind and kept trying to achieve! I still have a vision for those yellow/gold ones that I'll keep playing with! LOL
Today we're harvesting as well as having another pot luck lunch. I'll teach the group how to stuff squash and daylilly blossoms and see how everyone enjoys those.
The promised rain is still 'en route'.. so we'll be dashing about this morning to insure our harvest before the rain comes.
Hope your day is great!
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Gas Light Building and Hay Bales
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
I've painted this building a long time ago covered in weeds so that only the roof was showing --- much the sight I see when I pass it from the road. The building and the haybales are on the road I use to reach my home. I had watched the grasses growing all spring, and waited and waited until the farmers cut and baled the hay. When C and I ventured out this weekend and saw they were baling, I knew I had to return for some more photos.
One farmer who lived across the road from this field and whose oral history I did many years ago, told us that the building used to house 'gas lights' for the area. I have no idea what that means, and unfortunately, he is no longer with us to ask, but the building still stands almost covered in grasses and volunteer shrubs. The hay is grown by a tenant farmer also living along the road, and each spring and fall, I eagerly await the fields to be dotted with these ochre and gold bundles.
C and I went for photos mid-day, and when we tried to return later that evening to capture some of those wonderful long evening shadows, rain was approaching (photo earlier), and that opportunity was lost. I expect when I return home this week, the bales will be in the farmer's barn.
The trip to the nursery with Arboretum guests was WONDERFUL -- with lots to see, too much to choose from, too much spent (LOL), and a divine lunch. Great fun and some new plants to try....
We're expecting rain again, and the weeds here at the Arboretum are growing faster than the zucchini -- and that's saying something! LOL
Have a super day!
Arches 140#CP
I've painted this building a long time ago covered in weeds so that only the roof was showing --- much the sight I see when I pass it from the road. The building and the haybales are on the road I use to reach my home. I had watched the grasses growing all spring, and waited and waited until the farmers cut and baled the hay. When C and I ventured out this weekend and saw they were baling, I knew I had to return for some more photos.
One farmer who lived across the road from this field and whose oral history I did many years ago, told us that the building used to house 'gas lights' for the area. I have no idea what that means, and unfortunately, he is no longer with us to ask, but the building still stands almost covered in grasses and volunteer shrubs. The hay is grown by a tenant farmer also living along the road, and each spring and fall, I eagerly await the fields to be dotted with these ochre and gold bundles.
C and I went for photos mid-day, and when we tried to return later that evening to capture some of those wonderful long evening shadows, rain was approaching (photo earlier), and that opportunity was lost. I expect when I return home this week, the bales will be in the farmer's barn.
The trip to the nursery with Arboretum guests was WONDERFUL -- with lots to see, too much to choose from, too much spent (LOL), and a divine lunch. Great fun and some new plants to try....
We're expecting rain again, and the weeds here at the Arboretum are growing faster than the zucchini -- and that's saying something! LOL
Have a super day!
Blanket Flower
I just had to share a bit of my garden. The rain has really brought out the best colors this year!
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
My Beloved Roadsides with Wild Roses
Daily Practice
Journal
With all the rain and high temperatures we've been experiencing, the plant growth has been incredible! And with that same rain, the weather has kept many landscapers and highway department workers from being able to mount their mowers and remove some of the rampant 'weed' growth along the roadsides.
And mercy, have I enjoyed all that WILDFLOWER WILDNESS!
This fencepost, located along one of the rural roads in my county, was chock-full of wild roses, the red-brown seedheads of Rumex, the lacy dots of tiny daisies, and grasses upon grasses of all kinds. Not in this image, but further along the road, Queen Anne's Lace and orange Daylilies also add their beauty -- and I am in absolute heaven!
My dh shakes his head at me -- hayfields and ditch flowers --! My loves! LOL
We're off to take several vans of folks to a huge flower farm and lunch. We've invited the Arboretum volunteers who have been so incredibly generous of their time planting and harvesting the food for the hungry. It's our small way of saying 'thank you' .....
I hope to catch up tomorrow .... Meantime .. take a walk along the 'wild side' and smell those wild roses!
Journal
With all the rain and high temperatures we've been experiencing, the plant growth has been incredible! And with that same rain, the weather has kept many landscapers and highway department workers from being able to mount their mowers and remove some of the rampant 'weed' growth along the roadsides.
And mercy, have I enjoyed all that WILDFLOWER WILDNESS!
This fencepost, located along one of the rural roads in my county, was chock-full of wild roses, the red-brown seedheads of Rumex, the lacy dots of tiny daisies, and grasses upon grasses of all kinds. Not in this image, but further along the road, Queen Anne's Lace and orange Daylilies also add their beauty -- and I am in absolute heaven!
My dh shakes his head at me -- hayfields and ditch flowers --! My loves! LOL
We're off to take several vans of folks to a huge flower farm and lunch. We've invited the Arboretum volunteers who have been so incredibly generous of their time planting and harvesting the food for the hungry. It's our small way of saying 'thank you' .....
I hope to catch up tomorrow .... Meantime .. take a walk along the 'wild side' and smell those wild roses!
Monday, June 07, 2010
Hayfields
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
With all the rain we've been having, our farmers have had a time returning to the fields in order to cut and bale hay. This weekend with its intense heat, however, seems to have dried the fields enough for that activity to begin again.
These haybales are in one of the many fields near our home. The background trees are a bit bluer in my painting (dang scanner), but the sunlight and heat, blue skies and circling birds are all very real and part of our country drives.
Thank you all for your most kind comments on my display and sales. It was fun, but it did take all of yesterday to recover from the heat! LOL
It's off to work for another week ...Take care!
Arches 140#CP
With all the rain we've been having, our farmers have had a time returning to the fields in order to cut and bale hay. This weekend with its intense heat, however, seems to have dried the fields enough for that activity to begin again.
These haybales are in one of the many fields near our home. The background trees are a bit bluer in my painting (dang scanner), but the sunlight and heat, blue skies and circling birds are all very real and part of our country drives.
Thank you all for your most kind comments on my display and sales. It was fun, but it did take all of yesterday to recover from the heat! LOL
It's off to work for another week ...Take care!
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Blue Hydrangea and Festival Summary
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Painted at Granville Arts Festival
This week, my oral history project took me to the home of a most fascinating woman. Her garden is called a 'recycled garden' -- bringing to mind bits of this, that and the other thing. But not at all! Her garden would be more aptly named 'a history garden' .... since every bit of her family's old farm implements, windows, chimney pieces, the town's old bricks, millstones, fireplace pieces, old benches and the like have all been 'recycled' into the most cozy, clever and incredibly beautiful garden. The interviewee loves hydrangeas, and when we visited her garden, they were in full bloom and in many varieties. What a glorious site.
My own hydrangea is in full bloom now and between the visit last week and my own garden, I had to paint these beautiful shrubs. I 'sponged' in the hydrangea blossoms before I left for the festival, and worked from memory on the leaves and bits of detail during the show. When the heat and humidity are over 90F, that paint sure doesn't work like it does in the studio! LOL But it was fun and I was glad to have something to work on in between visitors and visits to other booths.
I have to give my husband all the credit for creating the table displays ....he's such a clever fellow - we used what we had - a 6-sided display board I've had for 20 years, and the metal rack was from a Grow-Light Garden starter I've also had for as long! He fashioned picture holders in various lengths from coat hangers and we used his music stands for the large paintings. I think, like the garden I visited earlier this week, we too had a 'recycled' display! LOL
The festival was fun - though we didn't get beyond the pavillion to see the children's face painting and art making, and were too far from the amphitheatre to hear the music. But Charles, like me, never travels without his 'toys' and so he brought his guitar and mandolin, and quietly played his music -- thus providing the exhibitors in the pavillion a bit of festivity! FUN!
I sold several things, and had quite a bit of interest in my work - gratifying at all times. I've been asked to put some work in a local gallery, and was asked to teach more times than I can count. Oh if I could only retire now! LOL Still, it is something I want to consider and will probably begin developing agendas and plans so that I will be able to teach more sooner than later.
I met some incredible local artists. We exchanged emails and one artist's husband stayed with Charles and played C's guitar while C played the mandolin -- now how is that for fun! Two visual artists married to musicians living in the same town at the same festival! LOL
We have an 'art date' set up for next Friday ... and I'm so excited to be finding folks of like minds closer to home.
The festival was terrific in so many ways. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to have been part of it, to Charles for all the hard work and encouragement he provided, for my friends and son who came by to lend their support -- and the new friends made there and plans for the future.
My heart is full, though my poor, still sweated body, is mighty tired. LOL
And thank you all for all your encouragement and support to get me here too ...!
BIG BIG HUGS!
Arches 140#CP
Painted at Granville Arts Festival
This week, my oral history project took me to the home of a most fascinating woman. Her garden is called a 'recycled garden' -- bringing to mind bits of this, that and the other thing. But not at all! Her garden would be more aptly named 'a history garden' .... since every bit of her family's old farm implements, windows, chimney pieces, the town's old bricks, millstones, fireplace pieces, old benches and the like have all been 'recycled' into the most cozy, clever and incredibly beautiful garden. The interviewee loves hydrangeas, and when we visited her garden, they were in full bloom and in many varieties. What a glorious site.
My own hydrangea is in full bloom now and between the visit last week and my own garden, I had to paint these beautiful shrubs. I 'sponged' in the hydrangea blossoms before I left for the festival, and worked from memory on the leaves and bits of detail during the show. When the heat and humidity are over 90F, that paint sure doesn't work like it does in the studio! LOL But it was fun and I was glad to have something to work on in between visitors and visits to other booths.
I have to give my husband all the credit for creating the table displays ....he's such a clever fellow - we used what we had - a 6-sided display board I've had for 20 years, and the metal rack was from a Grow-Light Garden starter I've also had for as long! He fashioned picture holders in various lengths from coat hangers and we used his music stands for the large paintings. I think, like the garden I visited earlier this week, we too had a 'recycled' display! LOL
The festival was fun - though we didn't get beyond the pavillion to see the children's face painting and art making, and were too far from the amphitheatre to hear the music. But Charles, like me, never travels without his 'toys' and so he brought his guitar and mandolin, and quietly played his music -- thus providing the exhibitors in the pavillion a bit of festivity! FUN!
I sold several things, and had quite a bit of interest in my work - gratifying at all times. I've been asked to put some work in a local gallery, and was asked to teach more times than I can count. Oh if I could only retire now! LOL Still, it is something I want to consider and will probably begin developing agendas and plans so that I will be able to teach more sooner than later.
I met some incredible local artists. We exchanged emails and one artist's husband stayed with Charles and played C's guitar while C played the mandolin -- now how is that for fun! Two visual artists married to musicians living in the same town at the same festival! LOL
We have an 'art date' set up for next Friday ... and I'm so excited to be finding folks of like minds closer to home.
The festival was terrific in so many ways. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to have been part of it, to Charles for all the hard work and encouragement he provided, for my friends and son who came by to lend their support -- and the new friends made there and plans for the future.
My heart is full, though my poor, still sweated body, is mighty tired. LOL
And thank you all for all your encouragement and support to get me here too ...!
BIG BIG HUGS!
My Display Board
You can see from these photos (I apologize for the glare) that the 10' x 10' square we each had lined the pavillion along the outer edges with two rows of artists in the center. Restrooms, concession and even a 'cool room - air conditioning and cold water' were all nearby. We were in the shade throughout the day, despite the 95+F heat. This brightness was during set up around 9 am ... but this side of the pavillion stayed bright and cheerful, and oh my yes, HOT, throughout the nine hours we were there.
More Display
You can't see below the table, but I had my large paintings on 'music stands' -- (thanks CHARLES!!) ....
Recipt Book, Painting Gear
I sat in the corner as folks made their way around the two table displays.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Inspired by Spring Colors
Daily Practice
Journal
My front garden is finally filling in the bones of a beginning with the various flowers and seeds I have planted and sown over the last two years. It's becoming a riot of surprises - from knock-out roses, to daylilies, to purple cone flowers (they seem to REALLY like that part of the property!) to wave after wave of spider flower. Here and there a long buried petunia seed has taken hold and flowered in bright pinky purple; blanket flowers and rose campions - my own wee cottage garden!
I spent the majority of yesterday in the kitchen making jars upon jars of apricot preserves. The Prunus mumi trees on campus have finally made it through a spring without frost ruining their fruit, and after three years of lost blossoms, I was finally able to make 4 batches of sweet/tart preserves! YAHOO!
Today we're off to the Art Festival - fingers crossed for some sales (mercy, I need some paint! LOL) and some decent attendance. We're in for extremely high temps - in the mid 90sF ... so we're packing ice and lots of water ...
Hope your day is cool and fun!
Journal
My front garden is finally filling in the bones of a beginning with the various flowers and seeds I have planted and sown over the last two years. It's becoming a riot of surprises - from knock-out roses, to daylilies, to purple cone flowers (they seem to REALLY like that part of the property!) to wave after wave of spider flower. Here and there a long buried petunia seed has taken hold and flowered in bright pinky purple; blanket flowers and rose campions - my own wee cottage garden!
I spent the majority of yesterday in the kitchen making jars upon jars of apricot preserves. The Prunus mumi trees on campus have finally made it through a spring without frost ruining their fruit, and after three years of lost blossoms, I was finally able to make 4 batches of sweet/tart preserves! YAHOO!
Today we're off to the Art Festival - fingers crossed for some sales (mercy, I need some paint! LOL) and some decent attendance. We're in for extremely high temps - in the mid 90sF ... so we're packing ice and lots of water ...
Hope your day is cool and fun!
Friday, June 04, 2010
Inspired by Shady Woods
Daily Practice
Journal
I really have fallen for the 'splash and splatter' method I've been 'inspired' by, and my goal now is to try to bring the spontaneity and 'surprise' of that method beyond flowers -- this is my first attempt to try to create a landscape from the splatter. I'm thinking Dr. Rorschach would have a ball with this! LOL
The last preparations are being made for the art festival tomorrow -- our temps are supposed to reach mid 90's ... yikes! I"m glad my exhibit will be in the shaded pavillion!
Off to play with more splatter .....!
Stay cool!
Journal
I really have fallen for the 'splash and splatter' method I've been 'inspired' by, and my goal now is to try to bring the spontaneity and 'surprise' of that method beyond flowers -- this is my first attempt to try to create a landscape from the splatter. I'm thinking Dr. Rorschach would have a ball with this! LOL
The last preparations are being made for the art festival tomorrow -- our temps are supposed to reach mid 90's ... yikes! I"m glad my exhibit will be in the shaded pavillion!
Off to play with more splatter .....!
Stay cool!
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Radish
Daily Practice
Journal
Time has developed wings and this is about all I could get done after our board meeting last night .... Hope to have a bit more relaxing time to paint sometime this weekend.
We've also managed to collect several pounds of apriots from the Prunus mumi trees on campus, so my summer of canning begins in earnest ...
I'm dashing again - have a great day!
Journal
Time has developed wings and this is about all I could get done after our board meeting last night .... Hope to have a bit more relaxing time to paint sometime this weekend.
We've also managed to collect several pounds of apriots from the Prunus mumi trees on campus, so my summer of canning begins in earnest ...
I'm dashing again - have a great day!
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Orange Poppies
Daily Practice
Journal
Another splash and splatter that turned into orange and yellow poppies ....This one was a bit more challenging as I had to lighten some of the darker splatters to give more form to the poppies -- fun.
We had a great trip to Tryon Palace yesterday. Though the weather threatened and we even had a few sprinkles, we were so fortunate that we were touring the buildings during the 'drizzle' and on the grounds in the gardens during the sunshine! Lunch was fantastic and everyone enjoyed learning more about southern gardens and NC history.
Today it's a return to our oral history project, more rain, and more meetings.
Hope your day is terrific!
Journal
Another splash and splatter that turned into orange and yellow poppies ....This one was a bit more challenging as I had to lighten some of the darker splatters to give more form to the poppies -- fun.
We had a great trip to Tryon Palace yesterday. Though the weather threatened and we even had a few sprinkles, we were so fortunate that we were touring the buildings during the 'drizzle' and on the grounds in the gardens during the sunshine! Lunch was fantastic and everyone enjoyed learning more about southern gardens and NC history.
Today it's a return to our oral history project, more rain, and more meetings.
Hope your day is terrific!
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Oxford Tobacco Farm
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
This is one of the tobacco farms still remaining in our town. These farmers alternate years for growing tobacco, and t2010 is their year to grow the cash crop. The plants were put out several weeks ago, and aleady they're calf-high.
Wonderful high-cloud skies have also graced the weekend and much sun. This week, though, we're in for bouts of rain so it was good to get some gardening chores done while I could.
I'm dashing to work shortly. Rain is falling, and we've two vans filled with guests for a trip to Tryon Palace gardens and grounds (the first governor's mansion in NC). I hope by the time I get to work, the rain will be done for the day ...
If the trip is on, I'll be gone all day -- I'll try to catch up tomorrow.
Have a great one!
Arches 140#CP
This is one of the tobacco farms still remaining in our town. These farmers alternate years for growing tobacco, and t2010 is their year to grow the cash crop. The plants were put out several weeks ago, and aleady they're calf-high.
Wonderful high-cloud skies have also graced the weekend and much sun. This week, though, we're in for bouts of rain so it was good to get some gardening chores done while I could.
I'm dashing to work shortly. Rain is falling, and we've two vans filled with guests for a trip to Tryon Palace gardens and grounds (the first governor's mansion in NC). I hope by the time I get to work, the rain will be done for the day ...
If the trip is on, I'll be gone all day -- I'll try to catch up tomorrow.
Have a great one!
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