Daily Practice
Journal Size
As Hurricane Earl makes his way eastward, folks along the Atlantic coast, including NC, watch with worry as his track comes closer and closer to land. He's expected to remain at sea and turn northward WITHOUT making landfall, but predictions are 'best guesses' and one won't know until this hurricane is out to sea again. The North Carolina coast will definitely experience riptides and beach erosion from wind and rain ... and we will all hold our breaths until, at least, THIS storm has passed.
Meanwhile, I still dream of leisure days, sand between my toes, and CALM seas ....
It's a busy time here but the frantic first weeks of school are settling into routine and our monthly workshops will begin shortly ....
Take care.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Poppy Challenge
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Bill offered another wonderful challenge photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/4936083880/) for the Floral Watercolourist group. I attempted a somewhat more realistic perspective for this one and altered the shadows and leaves somewhat to help the light pink petals of the poppy stand out even more -- lots of fun! THANKS Bill!!!
We finished more chores yesterday including the framing of my son's painting, packed the car for a week filled with exhibition set-ups, workshops, cooking and gardening classes. C is really enjoying his ice cream maker, and we finished off the last of the figs as he rendered them into fig gelato -- RICH! I'd better walk a LOT this week!
Temps are going to be high in the 90s again with little chance of rain and we've a busy schedule ....
Hope your week is terrific!
Arches 140#CP
Bill offered another wonderful challenge photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/4936083880/) for the Floral Watercolourist group. I attempted a somewhat more realistic perspective for this one and altered the shadows and leaves somewhat to help the light pink petals of the poppy stand out even more -- lots of fun! THANKS Bill!!!
We finished more chores yesterday including the framing of my son's painting, packed the car for a week filled with exhibition set-ups, workshops, cooking and gardening classes. C is really enjoying his ice cream maker, and we finished off the last of the figs as he rendered them into fig gelato -- RICH! I'd better walk a LOT this week!
Temps are going to be high in the 90s again with little chance of rain and we've a busy schedule ....
Hope your week is terrific!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Late August Foggy Morning
Daily Practice
Journal Size
As the sun makes its way above the woodlands, the last bit of fog clings to the interior sections, and its moisture remains on the grass and my windows. It's cooler, right now, and the heat of the day won't descend until much later. It's a typical, end of August morning letting us know that autumn quickly approaches. This is a memory painting - done partly from memory, partly from imagination, but fully from the experience of this week's foggy mornings .....
C and I took a long hike in one of our favorite parks yesterday. Already the trees shading us have lost their vibrancy and were beginning to show signs of fall yellow/greens - despite the low 90F temps. The overhead canopy was somewhat thinner as we tampled on fallen, dry leaves, and even the air had that fragrance of change. We're less than 30 days until the offical date of fall.
Today we rest and finish the chores we put off yesterday ... Hope your Sunday is wondrous!
Journal Size
As the sun makes its way above the woodlands, the last bit of fog clings to the interior sections, and its moisture remains on the grass and my windows. It's cooler, right now, and the heat of the day won't descend until much later. It's a typical, end of August morning letting us know that autumn quickly approaches. This is a memory painting - done partly from memory, partly from imagination, but fully from the experience of this week's foggy mornings .....
C and I took a long hike in one of our favorite parks yesterday. Already the trees shading us have lost their vibrancy and were beginning to show signs of fall yellow/greens - despite the low 90F temps. The overhead canopy was somewhat thinner as we tampled on fallen, dry leaves, and even the air had that fragrance of change. We're less than 30 days until the offical date of fall.
Today we rest and finish the chores we put off yesterday ... Hope your Sunday is wondrous!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Inspired by Blanket Flowers
Daily Practice
Journal Size
The brilliant red and yellow blanket flowers have graced my garden all summer; but try as I might, I've had a heck of a time capturing them to my satisfaction. Even now, while the 'feeling' of these flowers are evident in the 'splash and splatter,' I'm not entire satisified that I caught the 'essence' of those wonderful plants. Ah, the challenges of watercolor!! LOL
My friend Jodi and I got together yesterday to do some painting. We played with masa paper, enjoyed C's home made pistachio ice cream, and time away from chores to explore watercolors. Fun!
This week, the Arboretum donated several pounds of herbs to the Food Bank, and I brought home some extra basil to make into pesto for the Plant a Row volunteers - I finished that project last night.
I also viewed a new DVD by David Bellamy "Summer Landscapes in Watercolour" ... really terrific. In this DVD he addresses the 'challenge' of all that green of summertime, ways to capture those roadsides (hedgerows) and clumps of vegetation (my favorite!!!! LOL), and how to make interesting fields and mountains of greens ... excellent!
We're due this weekend for a drop in humidity and temperatures... so I'm hoping to head outdoors for a while ... maybe I can attempt some of those 'green things' this afternoon!
Have a great weekend!
Journal Size
The brilliant red and yellow blanket flowers have graced my garden all summer; but try as I might, I've had a heck of a time capturing them to my satisfaction. Even now, while the 'feeling' of these flowers are evident in the 'splash and splatter,' I'm not entire satisified that I caught the 'essence' of those wonderful plants. Ah, the challenges of watercolor!! LOL
My friend Jodi and I got together yesterday to do some painting. We played with masa paper, enjoyed C's home made pistachio ice cream, and time away from chores to explore watercolors. Fun!
This week, the Arboretum donated several pounds of herbs to the Food Bank, and I brought home some extra basil to make into pesto for the Plant a Row volunteers - I finished that project last night.
I also viewed a new DVD by David Bellamy "Summer Landscapes in Watercolour" ... really terrific. In this DVD he addresses the 'challenge' of all that green of summertime, ways to capture those roadsides (hedgerows) and clumps of vegetation (my favorite!!!! LOL), and how to make interesting fields and mountains of greens ... excellent!
We're due this weekend for a drop in humidity and temperatures... so I'm hoping to head outdoors for a while ... maybe I can attempt some of those 'green things' this afternoon!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Cliffs on Masa
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Working on masa paper has proved to be far too much fun! The 'instant texturizing' of the subject, while providing challenges of all kinds, also encourages me to work with the subject as the painting itself demands. In other words, while my intention of subject or paint placement may be in one specific area, if a fold, crevice, or 'line' forms a different way in this same area, this 'surprise' encourages me to work with what I have - the subject before me - and not necessary what I had first intended. This loss of control can definitely be challenging!
I suppose this is also a good lesson for living as well ... that need for constant 'adjustment' to life's circumstances and 'surprises' .... some of those welcome, others not so much.
With the economy still in its difficulties, changes of all kinds happening around us, perhaps that is another reason I keep painting on masa ....so I can learn to be more flexible with the changes that are ever constant ....
Returning to work yesterday was busy, but productive and good. The drive went well, the volunteers were incredible uplifiting and fun, and each day, my 'brain' is adjusting more and more the changes brought about by new eyesight. Maybe my head could use a brush and some masa paper too! LOL
Have a great day!
Arches 140#CP
Working on masa paper has proved to be far too much fun! The 'instant texturizing' of the subject, while providing challenges of all kinds, also encourages me to work with the subject as the painting itself demands. In other words, while my intention of subject or paint placement may be in one specific area, if a fold, crevice, or 'line' forms a different way in this same area, this 'surprise' encourages me to work with what I have - the subject before me - and not necessary what I had first intended. This loss of control can definitely be challenging!
I suppose this is also a good lesson for living as well ... that need for constant 'adjustment' to life's circumstances and 'surprises' .... some of those welcome, others not so much.
With the economy still in its difficulties, changes of all kinds happening around us, perhaps that is another reason I keep painting on masa ....so I can learn to be more flexible with the changes that are ever constant ....
Returning to work yesterday was busy, but productive and good. The drive went well, the volunteers were incredible uplifiting and fun, and each day, my 'brain' is adjusting more and more the changes brought about by new eyesight. Maybe my head could use a brush and some masa paper too! LOL
Have a great day!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Fall's Anticipation
Daily Practice
Journal Size
A quickly done, sketchy watercolor to mark the onset of seasonal change. After a morning rain, the sun was shining so brightly, but our temps reached only the mid 70s yesterday. Restless from being still too long, I took a slow walk around our neighborhood - the scent or damp earth, kudzu flowers, ripening muscadine grapes and sweet autumn clematis kept me company (along with 3 of the kitties) - and everywhere I looked, the vibrancy of summer color was fading to the first hints of sienna ....
I came in and painted this with a bit of fall color exaggeration -- but mostly in anticipation of the season to come. We'll get these days between now and October that forewarn us that a new season is coming .... and I delight in the freshness of them ...
I'm feeling so much better that I will head into work for a short time today. The Plant a Row volunteers are coming, and they're such delightful company that I really want to be there with them as we explore viticulture with one of our volunteer experts ....
It'll be a short day - and I am eager to see my friends again ....
Hope your day is grand! I will take your advice though, and take it very easy and carefully ...
Hugs ...
Journal Size
A quickly done, sketchy watercolor to mark the onset of seasonal change. After a morning rain, the sun was shining so brightly, but our temps reached only the mid 70s yesterday. Restless from being still too long, I took a slow walk around our neighborhood - the scent or damp earth, kudzu flowers, ripening muscadine grapes and sweet autumn clematis kept me company (along with 3 of the kitties) - and everywhere I looked, the vibrancy of summer color was fading to the first hints of sienna ....
I came in and painted this with a bit of fall color exaggeration -- but mostly in anticipation of the season to come. We'll get these days between now and October that forewarn us that a new season is coming .... and I delight in the freshness of them ...
I'm feeling so much better that I will head into work for a short time today. The Plant a Row volunteers are coming, and they're such delightful company that I really want to be there with them as we explore viticulture with one of our volunteer experts ....
It'll be a short day - and I am eager to see my friends again ....
Hope your day is grand! I will take your advice though, and take it very easy and carefully ...
Hugs ...
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Garden Zinnia
Daily Practice
Journal Size
I seemed to have slept the day away yesterday, waking every now and again to work a bit, then return to resting - probably well needed ... LOL
This lone zinnia graces my garden in fall dress and this week has been encouraged by daily rain showers. I wanted a loose look and so splashed and splattered the majority of it and used negative painting to give the petals a bit more form.
I like zinnias, and this year the Arboretum grew a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and forms. I don't have very many in my own garden, but I'm hoping that the few that I have planted, will drop their seeds for next year's blooming.
Speaking of gardens, so many of my plants are shedding their petals now and turning the browns and sepias of autumn. I love this season as much as I love the colorful spring. This season, though, shows a bit more of the 'architecture' of plants --- trees, shrubs, the pods and seedheads of so many annuals and perennials, and the ornamental and wild grasses have their time on stage. A beautiful view - special for the season.
It's raining again, and I'm resting one more day. The eye is cleaing and my feet are steadier under me ... I am ever so grateful ....
Have a super day!
Journal Size
I seemed to have slept the day away yesterday, waking every now and again to work a bit, then return to resting - probably well needed ... LOL
This lone zinnia graces my garden in fall dress and this week has been encouraged by daily rain showers. I wanted a loose look and so splashed and splattered the majority of it and used negative painting to give the petals a bit more form.
I like zinnias, and this year the Arboretum grew a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and forms. I don't have very many in my own garden, but I'm hoping that the few that I have planted, will drop their seeds for next year's blooming.
Speaking of gardens, so many of my plants are shedding their petals now and turning the browns and sepias of autumn. I love this season as much as I love the colorful spring. This season, though, shows a bit more of the 'architecture' of plants --- trees, shrubs, the pods and seedheads of so many annuals and perennials, and the ornamental and wild grasses have their time on stage. A beautiful view - special for the season.
It's raining again, and I'm resting one more day. The eye is cleaing and my feet are steadier under me ... I am ever so grateful ....
Have a super day!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Morning Glory and Sweet Autumn Clematis
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Thank you all for your most generous, thoughtful and kind well wishes ..... Surgery went well, and this morning, my eye is still a bit foggy - something expected. It should be clearing by tomorrow - and I should, by then, be able to tell how much I will be able to see. My eye doctor and I discussed lens implants, and I opted for a 'near vision' improvement so I could see better close-up .... which means I will probably have to have bi-focals to drive .... not a bad option, in my opinion ... LOL I won't be able to be fitted for these until both eyes fully recover - probably after a few weeks. Meanwhile, I won't know until tomorrow how well I can see to drive -- I expect I'll be able to do so using my left eye - adjusted for more distant vision. It boggles my mind to think of such incredible medical breakthroughs!
I started this painting over the weekend from a photo I took of a corner of my garden. The sweet autumn clematis is in full bloom, and those midnight blue/purple morning glories have found a way to wind themselves around and through the other vine. I'm not very happy with the way this turned out - I think it needs some darkening, the morning glories need shape improvement and all of it needs adjustments in composition. What I like about it though is the soft background and overall color scheme...... I see another attempt in my future! LOL
I might mention that if you've never grown sweet autumn clematis, you may want to give that robust plant a try. Last year, the entire vine was skeletonized by hordes of cucumber beetles -- not once, but TWICE, and yet grew back to full size, blooming three times! This year, the vine is as vigorous as ever -- with the sweetest fragrance ... so easy to grow -- just give it lots of vertical space to climb!
It's raining and the garden is rejoicing! It'll be a day of rest today ....
Again, my humble thanks for your kindness ...
Journal Size
Thank you all for your most generous, thoughtful and kind well wishes ..... Surgery went well, and this morning, my eye is still a bit foggy - something expected. It should be clearing by tomorrow - and I should, by then, be able to tell how much I will be able to see. My eye doctor and I discussed lens implants, and I opted for a 'near vision' improvement so I could see better close-up .... which means I will probably have to have bi-focals to drive .... not a bad option, in my opinion ... LOL I won't be able to be fitted for these until both eyes fully recover - probably after a few weeks. Meanwhile, I won't know until tomorrow how well I can see to drive -- I expect I'll be able to do so using my left eye - adjusted for more distant vision. It boggles my mind to think of such incredible medical breakthroughs!
I started this painting over the weekend from a photo I took of a corner of my garden. The sweet autumn clematis is in full bloom, and those midnight blue/purple morning glories have found a way to wind themselves around and through the other vine. I'm not very happy with the way this turned out - I think it needs some darkening, the morning glories need shape improvement and all of it needs adjustments in composition. What I like about it though is the soft background and overall color scheme...... I see another attempt in my future! LOL
I might mention that if you've never grown sweet autumn clematis, you may want to give that robust plant a try. Last year, the entire vine was skeletonized by hordes of cucumber beetles -- not once, but TWICE, and yet grew back to full size, blooming three times! This year, the vine is as vigorous as ever -- with the sweetest fragrance ... so easy to grow -- just give it lots of vertical space to climb!
It's raining and the garden is rejoicing! It'll be a day of rest today ....
Again, my humble thanks for your kindness ...
Monday, August 23, 2010
Inspired by Daisies
Daily Practice
Journal Size
It seems a long time since I splashed and splattered my way through a painting and I almost forgot how to 'see' that way of doing things .... I worked on this piece as a horizontal, and didn't like the way it was going - so I worked another painting. When I came back to my art table, it was sitting vertically, and suddenly, I could 'see' the flowers -- ! Funny!! LOL So I finished it last night.
I'm off to have my second cataract removed this morning, so I'll be back on line once I'm fully recovered ...
Take care today!
Journal Size
It seems a long time since I splashed and splattered my way through a painting and I almost forgot how to 'see' that way of doing things .... I worked on this piece as a horizontal, and didn't like the way it was going - so I worked another painting. When I came back to my art table, it was sitting vertically, and suddenly, I could 'see' the flowers -- ! Funny!! LOL So I finished it last night.
I'm off to have my second cataract removed this morning, so I'll be back on line once I'm fully recovered ...
Take care today!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Rocky Shore
Daily Practice
Journal Size
The light of early morning is just beginning to separate individual trees from the dark clump that night turns our woodlands. The skylights are streaked with dewy moisture and here and there bits of fog cling to low places. As my coffee brewed, I fed the cats. The air outside is ' heavy and pregnant with rain' as well as heat, and everything outside has a damp, wet feel to it. Rain is in the forecast - and hopefully the clouds will 'give birth' soon ...
The day was incredibly busy yesterday, but the feeling of accomplishment soothes our aching muscles. We removed all the spent vegetable plants and spread crimson clover seeds. Once these plants are up, we'll use them as green manure - the nodules on their roots capturing nitrogen in the air and fixing it in the soil. And their blossoms will be a wonderful sight as well. We weeded out the beds along the fence, trimmed the eleagnus, did laundry, collected figs and framed my paintings for the September exhibition. And took a much needed nap! LOL
I painted this before heading to the garden from a photo reference from Wet Canvas - fun!
Today we check on the grands and rest.
Hope your day is great!
Journal Size
The light of early morning is just beginning to separate individual trees from the dark clump that night turns our woodlands. The skylights are streaked with dewy moisture and here and there bits of fog cling to low places. As my coffee brewed, I fed the cats. The air outside is ' heavy and pregnant with rain' as well as heat, and everything outside has a damp, wet feel to it. Rain is in the forecast - and hopefully the clouds will 'give birth' soon ...
The day was incredibly busy yesterday, but the feeling of accomplishment soothes our aching muscles. We removed all the spent vegetable plants and spread crimson clover seeds. Once these plants are up, we'll use them as green manure - the nodules on their roots capturing nitrogen in the air and fixing it in the soil. And their blossoms will be a wonderful sight as well. We weeded out the beds along the fence, trimmed the eleagnus, did laundry, collected figs and framed my paintings for the September exhibition. And took a much needed nap! LOL
I painted this before heading to the garden from a photo reference from Wet Canvas - fun!
Today we check on the grands and rest.
Hope your day is great!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Poppies
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Long day yesterday -- spent more time WAITING at the hospital than the actual time it took for procedures and tests for my son. I worked on this piece as we waited and finished it at home...
We got some good news ruling out a few potential causes of my son's discomfort - but unfortunately, little answers. We'll have to seek a second opinion - and worst, there is little relief to his symptoms ...
I thank you for your kind and generous thoughts for him -- the search for answers will continue ....
This weekend is another busy one - it's time to do a bit of work in the garden. Our vegetables that have really produced well this summer, are about spent, and like the gardens at the Arboretum, it's time to do a bit of freshening up on my own plants. Once we get some of that done, we'll be framing paintings for the exhibition in a couple of weeks.
The figs are still producing well and we'll be using those for some recipes my husband wants to try, and I need to see the grands before they start school next week ....
I hope to get to the art table for a bit of time each day -- I'm missing those relaxing days with Lorraine ... responsibility free -- and painting, painting, painting! LOL
Have a great day!
Journal Size
Long day yesterday -- spent more time WAITING at the hospital than the actual time it took for procedures and tests for my son. I worked on this piece as we waited and finished it at home...
We got some good news ruling out a few potential causes of my son's discomfort - but unfortunately, little answers. We'll have to seek a second opinion - and worst, there is little relief to his symptoms ...
I thank you for your kind and generous thoughts for him -- the search for answers will continue ....
This weekend is another busy one - it's time to do a bit of work in the garden. Our vegetables that have really produced well this summer, are about spent, and like the gardens at the Arboretum, it's time to do a bit of freshening up on my own plants. Once we get some of that done, we'll be framing paintings for the exhibition in a couple of weeks.
The figs are still producing well and we'll be using those for some recipes my husband wants to try, and I need to see the grands before they start school next week ....
I hope to get to the art table for a bit of time each day -- I'm missing those relaxing days with Lorraine ... responsibility free -- and painting, painting, painting! LOL
Have a great day!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Beaches and Getting Away from it All
Daily Practice
Journal Size
I got home late last night and my practice paintings weren't going well after such a long day. I painted this several weeks ago, but the sentiment remains ...! LOL
Had to run errands after unpacking the car, laundry, and getting our ripened figs into the dehydrator, and today is busy as well. I will be with my son as he has a few more tests at the local hospital -- fingers crossed that all goes well. The procedures tend to take a bit of time, so I won't be on line until some time this evening, and I hope to catch up with everyone then.
We've had more rain - but not significant amounts. Still, it was wonderful to collect another bowl of figs while they were plumped from needed moisture!
Have a great day ....!
Journal Size
I got home late last night and my practice paintings weren't going well after such a long day. I painted this several weeks ago, but the sentiment remains ...! LOL
Had to run errands after unpacking the car, laundry, and getting our ripened figs into the dehydrator, and today is busy as well. I will be with my son as he has a few more tests at the local hospital -- fingers crossed that all goes well. The procedures tend to take a bit of time, so I won't be on line until some time this evening, and I hope to catch up with everyone then.
We've had more rain - but not significant amounts. Still, it was wonderful to collect another bowl of figs while they were plumped from needed moisture!
Have a great day ....!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Early Fall Grasses
Daily Practice
Journal Size
With the sound of croaking frogs serenading me through the dark ...
Early yesterday morning, I took our new VP for a tour around the Arboretum. While we passed the ditchbank, I noticed early fall wild grasses in full bloom and some skeletons of Queen Anne's Lace. Before leaving for my friend's last night, I plucked a bit of plant material so I could put the stems into a vase and use the 'bouquet' to sketch.
I am really crazy about wild grasses as well as the seedpods that are left behind when the beautiful.petals of so many flowers drop off to reveal another 'side' of the plant world. These tawny browns and ochres herald the onset of fall for me, though the 'official' turn of the season won't take place for another 30 days or so. Nonetheless, there are signs all around me that fall is on its way.
We had a bit of rain last night - less than an inch, with more promised today. The Plant a Row for the Hungry volunteers arrive this morning to plant the fall garden .... if we can beat the rain, the timing would work out very well to give these new seeds a good drink of water to get established.
Have a great day!
Journal Size
With the sound of croaking frogs serenading me through the dark ...
Early yesterday morning, I took our new VP for a tour around the Arboretum. While we passed the ditchbank, I noticed early fall wild grasses in full bloom and some skeletons of Queen Anne's Lace. Before leaving for my friend's last night, I plucked a bit of plant material so I could put the stems into a vase and use the 'bouquet' to sketch.
I am really crazy about wild grasses as well as the seedpods that are left behind when the beautiful.petals of so many flowers drop off to reveal another 'side' of the plant world. These tawny browns and ochres herald the onset of fall for me, though the 'official' turn of the season won't take place for another 30 days or so. Nonetheless, there are signs all around me that fall is on its way.
We had a bit of rain last night - less than an inch, with more promised today. The Plant a Row for the Hungry volunteers arrive this morning to plant the fall garden .... if we can beat the rain, the timing would work out very well to give these new seeds a good drink of water to get established.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wildflower Landscape on Masa
Daily Practice
Journal Size
It's early as I write, the dark of night still clinging to the sky, shrouding the woods and the roads here. The promise of rain held in low-hanging clouds darken the outdoors even more. At my desk, the lights blaze warmth, and the coffee begins its work to energize me for another busy day.
The first weeks of school, coupled with heat, weeds, deadlines, unexpected needs, visitors and new-year planning have tired me each night so that painting, my typical relief, has been a bit of a struggle. This painting was finished over the weekend, as the small practice work I did last night will take me longer than it might have if my energy levels were higher. Still, I am always glad to put paint to paper! LOL
My friend has been so very kind this week -- she's been playing comedies each night while I paint and she works on some of her work, and so the house is lifted with our laughter, and the day's fatigue is slowly lifted ..... a gift for sure.
I've an early morning meeting and several others throughout the day ... I'm hoping for that much-needed rain -- our landscapes are so dry ...
Take care today ....!
Journal Size
It's early as I write, the dark of night still clinging to the sky, shrouding the woods and the roads here. The promise of rain held in low-hanging clouds darken the outdoors even more. At my desk, the lights blaze warmth, and the coffee begins its work to energize me for another busy day.
The first weeks of school, coupled with heat, weeds, deadlines, unexpected needs, visitors and new-year planning have tired me each night so that painting, my typical relief, has been a bit of a struggle. This painting was finished over the weekend, as the small practice work I did last night will take me longer than it might have if my energy levels were higher. Still, I am always glad to put paint to paper! LOL
My friend has been so very kind this week -- she's been playing comedies each night while I paint and she works on some of her work, and so the house is lifted with our laughter, and the day's fatigue is slowly lifted ..... a gift for sure.
I've an early morning meeting and several others throughout the day ... I'm hoping for that much-needed rain -- our landscapes are so dry ...
Take care today ....!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Circles Again with Webbing
Daily Practice
Journal Size
While visit Lorraine, I was showing her how to create the circles and lines of this type of abstract. I added acrylic webbing for some of the black lines on this.
Busy time at work and the college is hopping with new students - between the cars trying to find a parking spot and the students hunting for classrooms, it's a tad chaotic --- by next week, though, things will become routine and those first nervous days of class will long be forgotten.
Have a great day!
Journal Size
While visit Lorraine, I was showing her how to create the circles and lines of this type of abstract. I added acrylic webbing for some of the black lines on this.
Busy time at work and the college is hopping with new students - between the cars trying to find a parking spot and the students hunting for classrooms, it's a tad chaotic --- by next week, though, things will become routine and those first nervous days of class will long be forgotten.
Have a great day!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Crab Apples
Daily Practice
Journal
I'm still playing with styles and methods -- and attempting a blend of loose and realistic. Though these may look like cherries, they are actually crab apples from one of the trees on our property. I've added a few more leaves than our tree currently has as the lack of rain has created an early leaf drop. But the tree is filled with many, many small apples, and they're almost ready for picking. My husband loves crab apple jelly, and if I can get to these before the birds and wildlife, I'll render them into several jars.
I caught some kind of stomach virus this weekend, so I haven't been as productive as I like to be on weekends. I'm feeling better, but sure wish I could have that 'time' back! LOL
School starts today and the college will be jumping ...
Take care and have a great day!
Journal
I'm still playing with styles and methods -- and attempting a blend of loose and realistic. Though these may look like cherries, they are actually crab apples from one of the trees on our property. I've added a few more leaves than our tree currently has as the lack of rain has created an early leaf drop. But the tree is filled with many, many small apples, and they're almost ready for picking. My husband loves crab apple jelly, and if I can get to these before the birds and wildlife, I'll render them into several jars.
I caught some kind of stomach virus this weekend, so I haven't been as productive as I like to be on weekends. I'm feeling better, but sure wish I could have that 'time' back! LOL
School starts today and the college will be jumping ...
Take care and have a great day!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Another Fall Landscape and Pond - Splash, Karlyn, Haines, Carbonetti
Daily Practice
Journal Size
I'm finding it both challenging and fun to play with different techniques and approaches to watercolors, and this one combines a number of them.
I started with my own 'splash and splatter', added textures from some things I've learned from Karlyn Holman, kept some areas a bit dreamy like Jean Carbonetti and left more of the paint running as Jean Haines does. It's interesting to me to see what aspects of their painting styles I tend to ''adopt' to my own way of working.....
I didn't have much time to sit yesterday. Our chores took us out of the house most of the day, and when at home, I prepared a ton of food for the dehydrator in preparation for a class I'll teach in a few weeks. Today, hopefully, will be less busy!
We've decided on a dozen new paintings to be framed and half a dozen of my already framed paintings to be hung next month. Whew, all those frames and mats get expensive!
Another hot day and still no rain ...I'll be spending a bit of time with the water hose to keep those luscious figs producing!
Have a great day!
Journal Size
I'm finding it both challenging and fun to play with different techniques and approaches to watercolors, and this one combines a number of them.
I started with my own 'splash and splatter', added textures from some things I've learned from Karlyn Holman, kept some areas a bit dreamy like Jean Carbonetti and left more of the paint running as Jean Haines does. It's interesting to me to see what aspects of their painting styles I tend to ''adopt' to my own way of working.....
I didn't have much time to sit yesterday. Our chores took us out of the house most of the day, and when at home, I prepared a ton of food for the dehydrator in preparation for a class I'll teach in a few weeks. Today, hopefully, will be less busy!
We've decided on a dozen new paintings to be framed and half a dozen of my already framed paintings to be hung next month. Whew, all those frames and mats get expensive!
Another hot day and still no rain ...I'll be spending a bit of time with the water hose to keep those luscious figs producing!
Have a great day!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Muscadines
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
After weeding, watering, and clipping seedheads yesterday, I walked to the edges of the woodland to find that the muscadines are ripening! They're wonderful colors of pink, purple, russet and green and hide behind those variously-sized, heart-shaped leaves. I stood under those vines I could reach and nibbled a few of the ripest ones ... and took photos of the others. We made preserves from our harvest last year... we'll see how much time we've got to do that again this season.
We began dehydrating more fruit -- from tomatoes to bananas to mangoes..... and today, once those are dry enough, we'll fill the dehydrator with sweet smelling nectarines. YUM. I feel like the busy ant in the story of the ant and the grasshopper -- I'm laying in stores for the winter while the world seems to be playing during the remaining days of summer! LOL
I'm also preparing for an exhibit this September -- actually 3 of them - at the library in the town where I work. I'll have wall space for my watercolors, a large display case for the altered books I've created years ago (http://www.picturetrail.com/linfrye), and the Arboretum will have a display case for its upcoming events -- an entire month! WOO WHOO!! So today, we're off for more frames and mats --- including one for my son's marsh scene that he has patiently been waiting for!
It's still incredibly hot and rain threatens every once in a while .. I wish it would give us a good soaking!!
Have a great day!
Arches 140#CP
After weeding, watering, and clipping seedheads yesterday, I walked to the edges of the woodland to find that the muscadines are ripening! They're wonderful colors of pink, purple, russet and green and hide behind those variously-sized, heart-shaped leaves. I stood under those vines I could reach and nibbled a few of the ripest ones ... and took photos of the others. We made preserves from our harvest last year... we'll see how much time we've got to do that again this season.
We began dehydrating more fruit -- from tomatoes to bananas to mangoes..... and today, once those are dry enough, we'll fill the dehydrator with sweet smelling nectarines. YUM. I feel like the busy ant in the story of the ant and the grasshopper -- I'm laying in stores for the winter while the world seems to be playing during the remaining days of summer! LOL
I'm also preparing for an exhibit this September -- actually 3 of them - at the library in the town where I work. I'll have wall space for my watercolors, a large display case for the altered books I've created years ago (http://www.picturetrail.com/linfrye), and the Arboretum will have a display case for its upcoming events -- an entire month! WOO WHOO!! So today, we're off for more frames and mats --- including one for my son's marsh scene that he has patiently been waiting for!
It's still incredibly hot and rain threatens every once in a while .. I wish it would give us a good soaking!!
Have a great day!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Jockey
Abstract
Cropped from 9" x 12" Arches 140#CP
Here's one of the cropped pieces ... I see a jockey, head bent, scarf (?) blowing in the wind .....
Or is my imagination working overtime?! LOL
Anyway, fun things to dream upon ....
The Plant a Row volunteers worked so hard yesterday! We harvested, tore out spent plants, trimmed, deadheaded, raked, hoed, limed and fertilized the garden beds in preparation for next week's fall vegetable planting. After a couple of hours, we were all soaked with perspiration, and wound up in the a/c sharing a bowl of cold tomato salad -- just the thing to revive us! LOL
Today I must do the same thing with my own garden, and encourage the rain by watering the plants. Still, when I got home last night, I was able to pick a quart of fresh figs -- yummmmmmm!
Have a great day!
Cropped from 9" x 12" Arches 140#CP
Here's one of the cropped pieces ... I see a jockey, head bent, scarf (?) blowing in the wind .....
Or is my imagination working overtime?! LOL
Anyway, fun things to dream upon ....
The Plant a Row volunteers worked so hard yesterday! We harvested, tore out spent plants, trimmed, deadheaded, raked, hoed, limed and fertilized the garden beds in preparation for next week's fall vegetable planting. After a couple of hours, we were all soaked with perspiration, and wound up in the a/c sharing a bowl of cold tomato salad -- just the thing to revive us! LOL
Today I must do the same thing with my own garden, and encourage the rain by watering the plants. Still, when I got home last night, I was able to pick a quart of fresh figs -- yummmmmmm!
Have a great day!
Landscape after Holman and Haines
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
I LOVED how this abstract began, but wound up getting it too horizontal. I was trying for something a bit splashy and runny, but the papers along the horizontal could have been used to a better effect if I had done something more toward the top of the piece. Still, if I stare at this long enough, I see animals, a jockey, and other fun pieces. So I decided to crop it into several works.
Arches 140#CP
I LOVED how this abstract began, but wound up getting it too horizontal. I was trying for something a bit splashy and runny, but the papers along the horizontal could have been used to a better effect if I had done something more toward the top of the piece. Still, if I stare at this long enough, I see animals, a jockey, and other fun pieces. So I decided to crop it into several works.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Summer Landscape with Masa
Watercolor on Masa Paper
9" x 12"
Working on masa paper has its own set of challenges and wonderful surprises: the way the paper winds up crinkling, the way those crinkles 'take' the paint, the way lines won't go in the direction you may want, the challenge of getting just the right tone since lightening any area damages the paper. Still, it is so much fun working with this type of rice paper and its wonderful personality ---!
The "Plant a Row" gardens are getting an overall today. The intense summer heats, inconsistent rains, influx of insects have all taken their toll on the plants. We'll save those plants we can to coax through the fall, but we'll refresh the soil, clean beds and prepare these areas for planting fall crops. We've about another month of calendar 'summer' ... so for us, its time to 'think' fall and the crops we can share with those in need.
Have a great day!
9" x 12"
Working on masa paper has its own set of challenges and wonderful surprises: the way the paper winds up crinkling, the way those crinkles 'take' the paint, the way lines won't go in the direction you may want, the challenge of getting just the right tone since lightening any area damages the paper. Still, it is so much fun working with this type of rice paper and its wonderful personality ---!
The "Plant a Row" gardens are getting an overall today. The intense summer heats, inconsistent rains, influx of insects have all taken their toll on the plants. We'll save those plants we can to coax through the fall, but we'll refresh the soil, clean beds and prepare these areas for planting fall crops. We've about another month of calendar 'summer' ... so for us, its time to 'think' fall and the crops we can share with those in need.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Hope
Daily Practice
JOurnal Size
There have been so many people I know lately who have been diagosed with diseases that are life-threatening, friends who have fallen into depression or despair or have gone missing from our lives, and still others who have received news that has knocked them off their orbits as they struggle to adjust to the blows life has dealt.
To them, I humbly offer the hope of sunrise.....
and prayers, energy, thoughts and love as we all struggle to right ourselves and see the blessings of another day of life on God's good earth.
JOurnal Size
There have been so many people I know lately who have been diagosed with diseases that are life-threatening, friends who have fallen into depression or despair or have gone missing from our lives, and still others who have received news that has knocked them off their orbits as they struggle to adjust to the blows life has dealt.
To them, I humbly offer the hope of sunrise.....
and prayers, energy, thoughts and love as we all struggle to right ourselves and see the blessings of another day of life on God's good earth.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Morning Glory
Daily Practice
Journal
I love this time of summer/early fall when the morning glories seem to crawl over every inch of ground, shrub and surface. The 'heavenly blue' color is one of my favorites and has now covered much of my Clematis vince and fence-- but I'm also crazy about that deep blue/purple that sings midnight to me. Here and there a smaller, bright red/orange morning glory, Ipomea quamoclit or cypress vine) competes with the heavenly blues to see which will take over more of the garden!
There are hundreds of different varieties of this plant named for its habit of opening in the morning and closing by afternoon. Some species are annuals, others perennials. Most tolerate poor soil. Their twining nature makes them very useful for creating shade and for covering vertical surfaces.
Seeds contain ergot alkaloids and can produce hallucinations and poisoning if ingested in large quantities. Best to enjoy this flower before it seeds! LOL
Still, when the morning glories dominate much of the landscape, they seem to herald a change in the seasons. This morning's early fog echoes the same seasonal shift .... now if only the high heats do the same!
Have a great day!
Journal
I love this time of summer/early fall when the morning glories seem to crawl over every inch of ground, shrub and surface. The 'heavenly blue' color is one of my favorites and has now covered much of my Clematis vince and fence-- but I'm also crazy about that deep blue/purple that sings midnight to me. Here and there a smaller, bright red/orange morning glory, Ipomea quamoclit or cypress vine) competes with the heavenly blues to see which will take over more of the garden!
There are hundreds of different varieties of this plant named for its habit of opening in the morning and closing by afternoon. Some species are annuals, others perennials. Most tolerate poor soil. Their twining nature makes them very useful for creating shade and for covering vertical surfaces.
Seeds contain ergot alkaloids and can produce hallucinations and poisoning if ingested in large quantities. Best to enjoy this flower before it seeds! LOL
Still, when the morning glories dominate much of the landscape, they seem to herald a change in the seasons. This morning's early fog echoes the same seasonal shift .... now if only the high heats do the same!
Have a great day!
Monday, August 09, 2010
Late Fall Early Winter Landscape with Masa
Daily Practice
8" x 10"
Masa Paper
I am truly enjoying the textures created by masa paper and just had to play with techniques and styles this weekend using that crinkley wet paper. For those interested, here is a really good step-by-step (http://johoutz.com/gallery/masatechniquestep1.htm).
It remains terribly hot, humid and oppressive, and so I wanted to use a bit of cool colors in this late fall, early snow scene .... It's one of those 'tween seasons' kinds of images, done simply and kept light with bits of blues and purples to cool down the remaining siennas ...
Here despite the heat, the coming on of fall can be seen in the blossoming of goldenrod and the first ripening of purple muscadines, the earlier sunsets and later sunrises ....It seems the summer has flown -- if not the heat!
It's back to the routine of work and students returning to college .... buses will be on the roadways and the busyness of this season will begin ...
Have a great week!
8" x 10"
Masa Paper
I am truly enjoying the textures created by masa paper and just had to play with techniques and styles this weekend using that crinkley wet paper. For those interested, here is a really good step-by-step (http://johoutz.com/gallery/masatechniquestep1.htm).
It remains terribly hot, humid and oppressive, and so I wanted to use a bit of cool colors in this late fall, early snow scene .... It's one of those 'tween seasons' kinds of images, done simply and kept light with bits of blues and purples to cool down the remaining siennas ...
Here despite the heat, the coming on of fall can be seen in the blossoming of goldenrod and the first ripening of purple muscadines, the earlier sunsets and later sunrises ....It seems the summer has flown -- if not the heat!
It's back to the routine of work and students returning to college .... buses will be on the roadways and the busyness of this season will begin ...
Have a great week!
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Challenge Iris
Daily Practice
Journal
This iris, a challenge offered by the Floral Watercolourist group, has confounded me since I took the photograph! LOL I painted this yesterday, but have been practicing it for the last several weeks -- and I'm still not pleased with it. I post it today probably so I can move on, give it a rest, and then try it again in a few days ... ! LOL I tried to keep this a bit loose, didn't like the results, tightened up, and just kept plugging along ... it's a start ...
Grands came yesterday -- we got to play in the water, run (whew!), explore a bit, make homemade ice cream, watch the chicken that escaped capture when my neighbor moved, went for a walk, played stickers .... fun. School starts for them in 2 weeks, and my grandson will attend for the first time ...Both he and his sister had haircuts for the occasion, and gracious, they're growing so fast.
Today's C's jam and more company for dinner - the last day of vacation. It's been a bit of activity for me, with travel, family visits, rest, painting ....like the grands, I too am not sure I'm ready for 'school' ...! LOL
Have a great day!
Journal
This iris, a challenge offered by the Floral Watercolourist group, has confounded me since I took the photograph! LOL I painted this yesterday, but have been practicing it for the last several weeks -- and I'm still not pleased with it. I post it today probably so I can move on, give it a rest, and then try it again in a few days ... ! LOL I tried to keep this a bit loose, didn't like the results, tightened up, and just kept plugging along ... it's a start ...
Grands came yesterday -- we got to play in the water, run (whew!), explore a bit, make homemade ice cream, watch the chicken that escaped capture when my neighbor moved, went for a walk, played stickers .... fun. School starts for them in 2 weeks, and my grandson will attend for the first time ...Both he and his sister had haircuts for the occasion, and gracious, they're growing so fast.
Today's C's jam and more company for dinner - the last day of vacation. It's been a bit of activity for me, with travel, family visits, rest, painting ....like the grands, I too am not sure I'm ready for 'school' ...! LOL
Have a great day!
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Sunflowers with Masa Paper
Masa Paper
9" x 12"
Arches 140# CP
Only a few days left to play with some new techniques and ideas before I return to work. This painting was done using masa paper.
I wet the masa paper, crinkled it, spread it flat, then splashed in paint while the masa was wet so that the paint remained in the crinkles of the masa. When this dried, I glued the back of the masa paper to a sheet of Arches using YES! glue, making sure that the masa was as flat as I could get it but still retained the crinkles. When this dried, I went back in with more paint to finish the sunflowers.
Some of the prettiest work done using this technique has been done by Cheng-Khee Chee (http://www.chengkheechee.com/galleries/04/index.html). It was a lot of fun, and I'll be using this paper again.
No rain yesterday, and more heat and humidity. The grands come for dinner tonight so it'll be a busy Saturday.
I hope you have a terrific weekend!
9" x 12"
Arches 140# CP
Only a few days left to play with some new techniques and ideas before I return to work. This painting was done using masa paper.
I wet the masa paper, crinkled it, spread it flat, then splashed in paint while the masa was wet so that the paint remained in the crinkles of the masa. When this dried, I glued the back of the masa paper to a sheet of Arches using YES! glue, making sure that the masa was as flat as I could get it but still retained the crinkles. When this dried, I went back in with more paint to finish the sunflowers.
Some of the prettiest work done using this technique has been done by Cheng-Khee Chee (http://www.chengkheechee.com/galleries/04/index.html). It was a lot of fun, and I'll be using this paper again.
No rain yesterday, and more heat and humidity. The grands come for dinner tonight so it'll be a busy Saturday.
I hope you have a terrific weekend!
Friday, August 06, 2010
Inspired by Fall Landscape and Jean Haines
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Another landscape inspired by Jean Haines - this time combined with my own splash and splatter.
What I hope to do with all this trying on of styles and techniques is to spark my own creativity and move my own work into the next phase. Each time I learn something from a particular artist, I need to practice that and practice even more so that whatever 'lesson' or technique or view 'speaks to me, I can incorporate into my own 'style' and make it my own.
What I hope to gain from these from Jean is a bit of splashy-looseness, a bit of abstraction, and even more, how to respond to the flow of the paint and let 'it' inform where the painting goes. This type of journey is fun, frustrating, uses a lot of paint and paper, but I do believe that by the time the 'lessons' are learned, my own work will be improved and be better for all the trials and play.
We had another incredible thunderstorm last night with winds over 60 mph ... the rain was wonderful, but all that noise! YIKES! And still furnace-hot! with humidity ---!
Stay cool and safe ... it seems the weather is really having its way with us!
Journal Size
Another landscape inspired by Jean Haines - this time combined with my own splash and splatter.
What I hope to do with all this trying on of styles and techniques is to spark my own creativity and move my own work into the next phase. Each time I learn something from a particular artist, I need to practice that and practice even more so that whatever 'lesson' or technique or view 'speaks to me, I can incorporate into my own 'style' and make it my own.
What I hope to gain from these from Jean is a bit of splashy-looseness, a bit of abstraction, and even more, how to respond to the flow of the paint and let 'it' inform where the painting goes. This type of journey is fun, frustrating, uses a lot of paint and paper, but I do believe that by the time the 'lessons' are learned, my own work will be improved and be better for all the trials and play.
We had another incredible thunderstorm last night with winds over 60 mph ... the rain was wonderful, but all that noise! YIKES! And still furnace-hot! with humidity ---!
Stay cool and safe ... it seems the weather is really having its way with us!
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Sunflowers in Pot
Daily Practice
Journal Size
I'm an early riser, and when at Lorraine's I'd sometimes put the coffee on, return to my room and paint a bit before the household rose for the day. These sunflowers were the result of that early morning splashing.
Mercy did we have a storm last night -- rain, thunder, lightning that was startling in its intensity. I'll have to pick up the tomato cages this morning after all that wind ... whew ... and we are in for another scorcher -- a heat index of over 105F ... gracious!
Stay cool everyone .....!
Journal Size
I'm an early riser, and when at Lorraine's I'd sometimes put the coffee on, return to my room and paint a bit before the household rose for the day. These sunflowers were the result of that early morning splashing.
Mercy did we have a storm last night -- rain, thunder, lightning that was startling in its intensity. I'll have to pick up the tomato cages this morning after all that wind ... whew ... and we are in for another scorcher -- a heat index of over 105F ... gracious!
Stay cool everyone .....!
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Inspired by a Spring Landscape and Jean Haines
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Both Lorraine and I fell in love with Jean Haines (www.jeanhaines.com) and so we were both playing with some of her book ideas.
In this small work, I added resists of gesso to the paper, then splashed on water, and splashed on paint -- in a combination of my own splash and splatter and Jean's soft, loose, wet approach ... When dry, I enhanced the colors a bit, but kept things high tone .... Fun!
It's raining this morning, and the grey skies, after so much heat and sun, are very restive --- very needed, I'd say! LOL
My figs are finally ripening and the rain will give them a bit more juicyness before I gather them all ...
I'm still catching up ---! LOL
Journal Size
Both Lorraine and I fell in love with Jean Haines (www.jeanhaines.com) and so we were both playing with some of her book ideas.
In this small work, I added resists of gesso to the paper, then splashed on water, and splashed on paint -- in a combination of my own splash and splatter and Jean's soft, loose, wet approach ... When dry, I enhanced the colors a bit, but kept things high tone .... Fun!
It's raining this morning, and the grey skies, after so much heat and sun, are very restive --- very needed, I'd say! LOL
My figs are finally ripening and the rain will give them a bit more juicyness before I gather them all ...
I'm still catching up ---! LOL
Walking barefoot in newly mown grass --I haven't done that in ages!
You think I enjoyed this???? LOLOLOLOL
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Poppies and Sweet Honesty Pods
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Lorraine and I 'played' for five days -- trying various techniques, paints, mixed medias, studying books, DVDs, ideas and just 'splashing around.' I'll be posting some of those this week.
This work is a more stuided approach to a vase of poppies and sweet honesty seedpots I'd admired that Lorraine had on one of her shelves. The glorious part was the vase -- awesome glass in glowing oranges and blues and swirls of yellow -- which I'll have to paint sometime ..... but for this more serious of our playtime splashing -- I focused on the poppies and pods.
I'm home now, and will probably spend the next two days catching up on mail, bills and the sleep that Lorraine and I never found time to fit in ....
Though it's good to be home ....KY seems far to far away ....
Arches 140#CP
Lorraine and I 'played' for five days -- trying various techniques, paints, mixed medias, studying books, DVDs, ideas and just 'splashing around.' I'll be posting some of those this week.
This work is a more stuided approach to a vase of poppies and sweet honesty seedpots I'd admired that Lorraine had on one of her shelves. The glorious part was the vase -- awesome glass in glowing oranges and blues and swirls of yellow -- which I'll have to paint sometime ..... but for this more serious of our playtime splashing -- I focused on the poppies and pods.
I'm home now, and will probably spend the next two days catching up on mail, bills and the sleep that Lorraine and I never found time to fit in ....
Though it's good to be home ....KY seems far to far away ....
Lorraine and I
Lorraine and I (I'm on the right with a bad hair day!) sporting our artwork T shirts and enjoying my visit to KY and our trip to a local crafts festival!
After 5 long years, I finally made it to KY to visit my dearest, close-as-a-sister friend, Lorraine.
Lorraine and I met almost 10 years ago on line when we both were involved with a particular group of collage and altered book artists. We met a few years later and have been 'best friends' ever since, Lorraine most often visiting here for Art in the Carolinas art classes. We've exchanged collages, altered books, journals, hand-made paper, marbled papears, fabrics, quilt pieces and Lord knows what else. We would chat monthly or so ... both our lives busy...and for me, with my work schedule, grand children and more, finding it harder and harder to break away.
But THIS year, I finally!!! made it KY -- and it couldn't have come at a more needed time for both of us.
During her last vist, I remember us sitting on my porch, watercolors in hand, each of us attempting to capture the tree bark on the sweetgum tree before us -- she taking weekly watercolor lessons, and me just starting out .... how incredible wonderful to spend five days with a 'sis' as we splashed, played, laughed, cried, remembered, visiting, toured, ate, and splashed paint some more.
One night her husband made the BEST home-made pizza and home-made strawberry ice cream I've ever tasted. On another, I met her art instructor and toured his home and his wife's incredible garden. On another I met Lorraine's art friend as we chatted about art. We walked, visited the UK Arboretum, ate wonderful food, inbibed tons of delicious coffee, nibbled on farmer's market berries and corn.
Her kitties treated me as if they'd known me forever--with pets and nose 'kisses' and purrs (on their part! LOL). And I spend most quiet moments exploring Lorraine's stupendous home filled with the most sumptuous artwork, blown glass, kittie plates and cups and things, and some of our earlier collage and quilt work.
It was a stupendous time -- and from the bottom of my heart -- THANK YOU, LORRAINE -- for one magnificent, magical, fun-packed time!
May the next time be sooner than five years!! LOL
After 5 long years, I finally made it to KY to visit my dearest, close-as-a-sister friend, Lorraine.
Lorraine and I met almost 10 years ago on line when we both were involved with a particular group of collage and altered book artists. We met a few years later and have been 'best friends' ever since, Lorraine most often visiting here for Art in the Carolinas art classes. We've exchanged collages, altered books, journals, hand-made paper, marbled papears, fabrics, quilt pieces and Lord knows what else. We would chat monthly or so ... both our lives busy...and for me, with my work schedule, grand children and more, finding it harder and harder to break away.
But THIS year, I finally!!! made it KY -- and it couldn't have come at a more needed time for both of us.
During her last vist, I remember us sitting on my porch, watercolors in hand, each of us attempting to capture the tree bark on the sweetgum tree before us -- she taking weekly watercolor lessons, and me just starting out .... how incredible wonderful to spend five days with a 'sis' as we splashed, played, laughed, cried, remembered, visiting, toured, ate, and splashed paint some more.
One night her husband made the BEST home-made pizza and home-made strawberry ice cream I've ever tasted. On another, I met her art instructor and toured his home and his wife's incredible garden. On another I met Lorraine's art friend as we chatted about art. We walked, visited the UK Arboretum, ate wonderful food, inbibed tons of delicious coffee, nibbled on farmer's market berries and corn.
Her kitties treated me as if they'd known me forever--with pets and nose 'kisses' and purrs (on their part! LOL). And I spend most quiet moments exploring Lorraine's stupendous home filled with the most sumptuous artwork, blown glass, kittie plates and cups and things, and some of our earlier collage and quilt work.
It was a stupendous time -- and from the bottom of my heart -- THANK YOU, LORRAINE -- for one magnificent, magical, fun-packed time!
May the next time be sooner than five years!! LOL
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)