Daily Practice
Journal Size
It's dark - dark - dark!!! outside with the rain sluicing across the roads, beating the roofs and generally making quite a mess outside. It took longer to get to the office this morning from my friend's home with such heavy rainfall and flooding roads ---
Thank you for your kind comments yesterday and the surprise cards and notes to celebrate my birthday today -- THANk YOU -- truly!
Our Plant a Row volunteers will have a potluck today to celebrate both my birthday and my assistant's who celebrates her birthday tomorrow. My sweet husband has prepared pistachio gelato for the group, and after an early morning of meetings, the lunch will be a lot of fun --
Again, thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Bill's The gods Whitewater Dance - Challenge
Journal Size
I was as splashed this mornig from the returning rain as the beach in this watercolor challenge posed by Bill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/5023081361/). Thank you Bill for another terrific challenge!!
It seems it's feast or famine these days with the weather -- after eight weeks of no rain, we had over 8" Monday and more of the same today and tomorrow ... flash floods are predicted and all work outdoors has stopped ...
I hope you have a terrific day -- I'll be wading thru our own kind of splashes today!
I was as splashed this mornig from the returning rain as the beach in this watercolor challenge posed by Bill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/5023081361/). Thank you Bill for another terrific challenge!!
It seems it's feast or famine these days with the weather -- after eight weeks of no rain, we had over 8" Monday and more of the same today and tomorrow ... flash floods are predicted and all work outdoors has stopped ...
I hope you have a terrific day -- I'll be wading thru our own kind of splashes today!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Oxford Sundown thru the Pine
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Though it's finally been raining for the last two days, this sunset was captured when C and I took our nightly walk to the top of our road last weekend. The days are shortening and so if we are going to 'catch' the sun as it dips behind the farm across from us, we have to leave our house earlier and earlier. We managed to get to this part of our walk (we try to get in at least a mile) just as the sun was lowering .....
It promises to be a far less hectic week than last and I can finally get to those tasks that have been on my list for a while ....
We have a day of sun with rain coming in tomorrow for the rest of the week.
I hope your day is terrific!
Arches 140#CP
Though it's finally been raining for the last two days, this sunset was captured when C and I took our nightly walk to the top of our road last weekend. The days are shortening and so if we are going to 'catch' the sun as it dips behind the farm across from us, we have to leave our house earlier and earlier. We managed to get to this part of our walk (we try to get in at least a mile) just as the sun was lowering .....
It promises to be a far less hectic week than last and I can finally get to those tasks that have been on my list for a while ....
We have a day of sun with rain coming in tomorrow for the rest of the week.
I hope your day is terrific!
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Ducks
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
I fell asleep last night listening to the music of the rain as it blessed our parched good earth -- what a restive, joyful sound! We're to have this longed for blessing for the next few days - and I know that folks in our part of the country are doing the 'grateful' dance for its arrival!
I painted this two months ago while visiting my friend Lorraine - hoping to post it when it finally did rain -- and it has been THAT long since we had any .....
The medicinal plant lecture was good - though it focused more on the challenges and difficulties of running clinical trials on natural remedies since they're testing for synergestic responses - but the talk was a renewal and a reminder of why I chose my field of study of people/plant relationships.
Off to work again -- it seems the weekends fly by ....
Have a great day -- and thank you for helping with my rain dance!
Arches 140#CP
I fell asleep last night listening to the music of the rain as it blessed our parched good earth -- what a restive, joyful sound! We're to have this longed for blessing for the next few days - and I know that folks in our part of the country are doing the 'grateful' dance for its arrival!
I painted this two months ago while visiting my friend Lorraine - hoping to post it when it finally did rain -- and it has been THAT long since we had any .....
The medicinal plant lecture was good - though it focused more on the challenges and difficulties of running clinical trials on natural remedies since they're testing for synergestic responses - but the talk was a renewal and a reminder of why I chose my field of study of people/plant relationships.
Off to work again -- it seems the weekends fly by ....
Have a great day -- and thank you for helping with my rain dance!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Fall Field
Daily Practice
Journal Size
No rain yet - but as I went out this morning to feed the kitties, the smell of rain was in the air -- you know that scent - damp, watery, a hint of moisture ....we're all on 'hope' right now for the rain as more and more of our trees lose leaves before their annual coloring, crops dry in the fields before maturity, and the dust and blowing dirt are choking ... RAIN -- please!!
This piece was painted a few weeks ago from a photo reference ... I worked on it again last weekend to give it richer contrasts and I like it better now than I did when I first finished it. It reminds me of some of our park trail heads ...
I'm off to hear a lecture today on plants that fight infection ... should be interesting ...
Hope your Sunday is terrific!
Journal Size
No rain yet - but as I went out this morning to feed the kitties, the smell of rain was in the air -- you know that scent - damp, watery, a hint of moisture ....we're all on 'hope' right now for the rain as more and more of our trees lose leaves before their annual coloring, crops dry in the fields before maturity, and the dust and blowing dirt are choking ... RAIN -- please!!
This piece was painted a few weeks ago from a photo reference ... I worked on it again last weekend to give it richer contrasts and I like it better now than I did when I first finished it. It reminds me of some of our park trail heads ...
I'm off to hear a lecture today on plants that fight infection ... should be interesting ...
Hope your Sunday is terrific!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Inspired by Chilopsis
Daily Practice
Journal Size
This is a quick splash and splatter study of a flower I was asked to paint for next year's arboretum brochure. The tree, desert willow or Chilopsis, is now blooming on the college's property. Its leaves remind me of oleanders and the flowers remind me or orchids - except the tree is far taller. Our flowers are both pink and white (we have a couple of trees) and so this was a practice piece to get into the mood to paint a more deliberate rendition.
Rested quite a bit yesterday - truly needed it ... and I'll have a bit of painting time today -- yahoo! We're also promised a major change in the weather -- cool temps and RAIN! We'll see ...
Hope your weekend is terrific!
Journal Size
This is a quick splash and splatter study of a flower I was asked to paint for next year's arboretum brochure. The tree, desert willow or Chilopsis, is now blooming on the college's property. Its leaves remind me of oleanders and the flowers remind me or orchids - except the tree is far taller. Our flowers are both pink and white (we have a couple of trees) and so this was a practice piece to get into the mood to paint a more deliberate rendition.
Rested quite a bit yesterday - truly needed it ... and I'll have a bit of painting time today -- yahoo! We're also promised a major change in the weather -- cool temps and RAIN! We'll see ...
Hope your weekend is terrific!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Fall Hay Field - Oxford, NC
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Okay, okay, I admit it -- no matter what the season, no matter how dry, wet, sunny or rainy, those dang hay bales capture my heart like nothing else on the landscape (except perhaps weeds and wild grasses!! LOL). Even as tired as I was last night, I just HAD to stop at the farm by my house and capture these!
It's been a long, late night week, and yesterday one of the Arboretum's board members secured permission for the Plant a Row volunteers to 'glean' sweet potatoes from a nearby farm. After only an hour, we collected over 335 pounds!!! That same generous board member had lemonade, cupcakes, salty snacks and the most delicious chicken salad sandwiches for us!!! What a gift!!! When we returned to the Arboretum, we had to find room in my Prius (already loaded down with supplies from the Dehydration class and my luggage) to pack all those potatoes so I could take them to the drop off point for the Food Bank. We got all of them packed ---!!! And unloaded! Three shopping carts full! WHEW!
But as tired as I was, when I passed this Oxford field with haybales just waiting to be moved to storage, I stopped the car, dug out my camera - and knew what I was going to paint last night no matter what!
Hopefully, this weekend will be a bit less busy than the last two, though my friend and I are planning to attend a gardening workshop on Sunday.
It amazes me, too, the difference in the colors of the roadsides from the 90 miles between where I work and where I live. My home is more northwest than the county where I work, and our foliage is at least two weeks ahead of the coloring there. This so reminds me of Edwin Way Teal's book "Autumn Across America' where he chronicles the movement of fall colors and activities .... I feel so fortunate to have my favorite season extended on a weekly basis!
Though yesterday was a record 97F and today is supposed to be as hot, we're expecting a cold front and chance of rain this weekend -- my fingers are crossed!
Have a great day!
Arches 140#CP
Okay, okay, I admit it -- no matter what the season, no matter how dry, wet, sunny or rainy, those dang hay bales capture my heart like nothing else on the landscape (except perhaps weeds and wild grasses!! LOL). Even as tired as I was last night, I just HAD to stop at the farm by my house and capture these!
It's been a long, late night week, and yesterday one of the Arboretum's board members secured permission for the Plant a Row volunteers to 'glean' sweet potatoes from a nearby farm. After only an hour, we collected over 335 pounds!!! That same generous board member had lemonade, cupcakes, salty snacks and the most delicious chicken salad sandwiches for us!!! What a gift!!! When we returned to the Arboretum, we had to find room in my Prius (already loaded down with supplies from the Dehydration class and my luggage) to pack all those potatoes so I could take them to the drop off point for the Food Bank. We got all of them packed ---!!! And unloaded! Three shopping carts full! WHEW!
But as tired as I was, when I passed this Oxford field with haybales just waiting to be moved to storage, I stopped the car, dug out my camera - and knew what I was going to paint last night no matter what!
Hopefully, this weekend will be a bit less busy than the last two, though my friend and I are planning to attend a gardening workshop on Sunday.
It amazes me, too, the difference in the colors of the roadsides from the 90 miles between where I work and where I live. My home is more northwest than the county where I work, and our foliage is at least two weeks ahead of the coloring there. This so reminds me of Edwin Way Teal's book "Autumn Across America' where he chronicles the movement of fall colors and activities .... I feel so fortunate to have my favorite season extended on a weekly basis!
Though yesterday was a record 97F and today is supposed to be as hot, we're expecting a cold front and chance of rain this weekend -- my fingers are crossed!
Have a great day!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Fall Bouquet - Happy First Day of Fall
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Happy First Day of Fall! This bouquet of dried flowers and fall grasses was painted this weekend - but it brings to mind the changing of the season - the rich purples of some of our wildflowers, the yellow of the lanscape, the dried seedpods and wonderful wild grasses. Fall has arrived - at least by the calendar -
Today our temps will reach almost 100F .. so it won't feel like fall in the least. The full moon that accompanied my drive in this morning speaks too of the changes to come. Still no rain, so yellow and brown remains the color of the roadsides.
Today our Plant a Row Volunteers are 'gleaning sweet potatoes' ..... one of our Board members has a farming neighbor who has just harvested his sweet potato patch. Our volunteers will now 'glean' what the machines have left behind and donate those to the food bank.
Our workshop last night went exceedingly well -- though late -- and everyone, despite the long hours -- enjoyed the discussions and the food!
Stay cool today -- my rain dance continues!
Arches 140#CP
Happy First Day of Fall! This bouquet of dried flowers and fall grasses was painted this weekend - but it brings to mind the changing of the season - the rich purples of some of our wildflowers, the yellow of the lanscape, the dried seedpods and wonderful wild grasses. Fall has arrived - at least by the calendar -
Today our temps will reach almost 100F .. so it won't feel like fall in the least. The full moon that accompanied my drive in this morning speaks too of the changes to come. Still no rain, so yellow and brown remains the color of the roadsides.
Today our Plant a Row Volunteers are 'gleaning sweet potatoes' ..... one of our Board members has a farming neighbor who has just harvested his sweet potato patch. Our volunteers will now 'glean' what the machines have left behind and donate those to the food bank.
Our workshop last night went exceedingly well -- though late -- and everyone, despite the long hours -- enjoyed the discussions and the food!
Stay cool today -- my rain dance continues!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
For the Last Day of Summer - A Rose After Jean Haines
Daily Practice
Journal
My evenings this week are all taken up with meetings - and so I am posting this rose I painted in the style of Jean Haines (and a bit of splatter) as a tribute to the last day of summer.
I got in last night after 8 pm and had time only to splatter a bit before heading to bed - but no finished work. Tonight is my 'dehydration' class (How to Dry Foods) and so it will be after 9 pm before I leave work today ... I hope to find a few minutes over lunch to continue my splatters from last night.
At at any rate, today is the 'official' last day of summer and as ITS tribute to us, we are expecting temps in the high 90s -- and still no rain. Our own knock-out roses are hanging on, thanks to a good watering regime, but so much of the landscape is 'dehydrating' and beginning to show the stress of almost 4 years of extraordinarily dry, drought conditions. We are seeing more and more 'wildfires' erupt .... so the need for rain is severe ...
I'm doing my rain dance -- and hope your day is great!
Journal
My evenings this week are all taken up with meetings - and so I am posting this rose I painted in the style of Jean Haines (and a bit of splatter) as a tribute to the last day of summer.
I got in last night after 8 pm and had time only to splatter a bit before heading to bed - but no finished work. Tonight is my 'dehydration' class (How to Dry Foods) and so it will be after 9 pm before I leave work today ... I hope to find a few minutes over lunch to continue my splatters from last night.
At at any rate, today is the 'official' last day of summer and as ITS tribute to us, we are expecting temps in the high 90s -- and still no rain. Our own knock-out roses are hanging on, thanks to a good watering regime, but so much of the landscape is 'dehydrating' and beginning to show the stress of almost 4 years of extraordinarily dry, drought conditions. We are seeing more and more 'wildfires' erupt .... so the need for rain is severe ...
I'm doing my rain dance -- and hope your day is great!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Oxford Fall Roadsides - Yellow Flowers on Masa
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Masa Paper
The shade of pines, the yellow daisies, grasses, bits of wildflowers --more views from our travels along our rural roads .....
Ah yes, the hay is also in the fields - dryer this cutting than in the spring, and with the sun's lower position in the sky, the drought and the dust -- they seem to take away some of that scene's charm - but not all of it -- those bales still engage me!!
I worked this view on masa paper - and love the way the paper helps accentuate the textures in the trees.
Thank you all for your most generous and kind comments yesterday. C and I had dinner together last night -- the first time on a Monday evening in about 4 years or so!! Woo hooo!! I have a class to teach on drying (dehydrating) foods, and so I worked up my recipes for the class from home since I had so much food, pans and such to gather at one time. Should be a fun class ...
I'm off to work - car is filled with all sorts of goodies and more flower bulbs for our town project ... one would really be surprised at how much storage is in one wee Toyota Prius! LOL
I hope you have a great day!
Arches 140#CP
Masa Paper
The shade of pines, the yellow daisies, grasses, bits of wildflowers --more views from our travels along our rural roads .....
Ah yes, the hay is also in the fields - dryer this cutting than in the spring, and with the sun's lower position in the sky, the drought and the dust -- they seem to take away some of that scene's charm - but not all of it -- those bales still engage me!!
I worked this view on masa paper - and love the way the paper helps accentuate the textures in the trees.
Thank you all for your most generous and kind comments yesterday. C and I had dinner together last night -- the first time on a Monday evening in about 4 years or so!! Woo hooo!! I have a class to teach on drying (dehydrating) foods, and so I worked up my recipes for the class from home since I had so much food, pans and such to gather at one time. Should be a fun class ...
I'm off to work - car is filled with all sorts of goodies and more flower bulbs for our town project ... one would really be surprised at how much storage is in one wee Toyota Prius! LOL
I hope you have a great day!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Midnight Morning Glories - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Today Charles and I celebrate our wedding anniversary. It was 18 years ago that we were wed under the shade of a large maple tree in one of our favorite state parks. We decorated our wedding invitations with these midnight blue morning glories, I wore silk flowers in my hair and carried them in my bouquet. And Charles wore one too on his suit.
I painted this image of morning glories in the darker shade of blue (I sold the heavenly blue painting) to celebrate today ...
Outside one of our windows, the Sweet Autumn Clematis vine and the midnight blue morning glory continue to bloom - and, as if celebrating too, the fragrant tea olive is in full floral fragrance ....
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CHARLES!!! May we keep blooming!
I painted this image of morning glories in the darker shade of blue (I sold the heavenly blue painting) to celebrate today ...
Outside one of our windows, the Sweet Autumn Clematis vine and the midnight blue morning glory continue to bloom - and, as if celebrating too, the fragrant tea olive is in full floral fragrance ....
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CHARLES!!! May we keep blooming!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Yellow Fields - Oxford Rural Roads
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
We drove around the countryside yesterday taking in the cusp of fall - especially as this year's color has been so adversely affected by the drought. Still, the wildflowers bloom despite the lack of moisture, and the trees, sturdy symbols of strength, hang on to provide a wee bit of shade and a home to so much wildlife. This small painting is a bit of what we saw yesterday -- green turning to yellow, fields of daisies and wild grasses, the sun bright and hot.
Some of our farmers have left their tobacco in the fields while we saw plenty of other fields with rows upon rows of bare sticks indicating tobacco has already gone to market.
It was a quiet ride -- we avoided the bicycle race on some of these same county roads; we avoided the festivals going on in other towns; we avoided the bustle of more urban places.
For us, we simply enjoyed the ride, the 'being in the place' we love, the welcoming of a new season.
Today we will focus a bit on our own yellowing property--break out the garden hose, water those courageous surviving plants, and perhaps, if the weather remains cool this morning, sit on the porch and enjoy the birdsong.
Restoration of the spirit and soul ....
Have a great day.
Arches 140#CP
We drove around the countryside yesterday taking in the cusp of fall - especially as this year's color has been so adversely affected by the drought. Still, the wildflowers bloom despite the lack of moisture, and the trees, sturdy symbols of strength, hang on to provide a wee bit of shade and a home to so much wildlife. This small painting is a bit of what we saw yesterday -- green turning to yellow, fields of daisies and wild grasses, the sun bright and hot.
Some of our farmers have left their tobacco in the fields while we saw plenty of other fields with rows upon rows of bare sticks indicating tobacco has already gone to market.
It was a quiet ride -- we avoided the bicycle race on some of these same county roads; we avoided the festivals going on in other towns; we avoided the bustle of more urban places.
For us, we simply enjoyed the ride, the 'being in the place' we love, the welcoming of a new season.
Today we will focus a bit on our own yellowing property--break out the garden hose, water those courageous surviving plants, and perhaps, if the weather remains cool this morning, sit on the porch and enjoy the birdsong.
Restoration of the spirit and soul ....
Have a great day.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Inspired by Fall Grapes
Daily Practice
Journal Size
To say that I have been inspired by grapes would be an understatement these days .... This is my fourth grape painting, and I'm working on another, I have one left to post and I have posted how many this season? LOL Ok, I'll just call it a 'series' -- much like Monet's water lilies ... well, ok, obsession --- that will work too! LOL
Jodi and I enjoyed a good morning and delicious lunch yesterday, though I have to admit my painting(s) didn't work out well and I plan to paint again a special cluster of flowers that I was asked to do for the Arboretum ... I hate those times when the water and paint just won't 'flow' .... but I'll play a bit with other subjects and eventually ease into that flower painting when the muse decides to pay a longer visit.
No rain still .... so we'll be back watering the garden and fruit trees. I also plan a 'drive and snap' few hours. The sky has been absolutely stupendous with the most amazing cloud formations, and yep, hay is in the fields, as well as all manner of fall wildflowers. Our landscapes are still in the 'turning' stage, but here and there I spot a flame of color in two or three trees (again early coloring and leaf drop because of the drought), and so I'd like to snap a few photos before those leaves leave those trees bare.
All and all, it should be a relaxing day -- hope yours is too!
Journal Size
To say that I have been inspired by grapes would be an understatement these days .... This is my fourth grape painting, and I'm working on another, I have one left to post and I have posted how many this season? LOL Ok, I'll just call it a 'series' -- much like Monet's water lilies ... well, ok, obsession --- that will work too! LOL
Jodi and I enjoyed a good morning and delicious lunch yesterday, though I have to admit my painting(s) didn't work out well and I plan to paint again a special cluster of flowers that I was asked to do for the Arboretum ... I hate those times when the water and paint just won't 'flow' .... but I'll play a bit with other subjects and eventually ease into that flower painting when the muse decides to pay a longer visit.
No rain still .... so we'll be back watering the garden and fruit trees. I also plan a 'drive and snap' few hours. The sky has been absolutely stupendous with the most amazing cloud formations, and yep, hay is in the fields, as well as all manner of fall wildflowers. Our landscapes are still in the 'turning' stage, but here and there I spot a flame of color in two or three trees (again early coloring and leaf drop because of the drought), and so I'd like to snap a few photos before those leaves leave those trees bare.
All and all, it should be a relaxing day -- hope yours is too!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Fast and Furious White Coneflowers
Daily Practice
Journal
After cleaning out the garden last week, it surprised me to find, despite the drought, heat and floral competition, these two bright and cheerful coneflowers.
I have a large patch of purple coneflowers in one of my front beds, and last year, a small collection of white petaled flowers showed up - don't you just love those kind of surprises! Now these 'whites' seem to have spread to other parts of the property -- on the side of my vegetable patch, in front of the woodlands.
I didn't have much time to paint last weekend (seems to be the way things have been lately---LOL) and so I dashed off this quick sketch before packing up the car for the week. When I got home last night, I found them still blooming --- with a few new purple beside them ....
Jodi comes this morning for a short art play time -- yeah -- and then C and I are having dinner out ... I'm expecting a quiet weekend with only a few 'work-related' obligations ...
BTW, our Plant a Row volunteers cut and hung to dry a TON of herbs yesterday. When you walked into our office space, the smell of basil and rosemary greeted you -- wow! If you'd like to see some of these great folks -- have a look:
www.johnstoncc.edu/arboretum/blog
We're hoping that somehow our 'chance' of showers turns into reality. The dust and dryness of our landscapes are truly taking its toll ...
Have a great day!
Journal
After cleaning out the garden last week, it surprised me to find, despite the drought, heat and floral competition, these two bright and cheerful coneflowers.
I have a large patch of purple coneflowers in one of my front beds, and last year, a small collection of white petaled flowers showed up - don't you just love those kind of surprises! Now these 'whites' seem to have spread to other parts of the property -- on the side of my vegetable patch, in front of the woodlands.
I didn't have much time to paint last weekend (seems to be the way things have been lately---LOL) and so I dashed off this quick sketch before packing up the car for the week. When I got home last night, I found them still blooming --- with a few new purple beside them ....
Jodi comes this morning for a short art play time -- yeah -- and then C and I are having dinner out ... I'm expecting a quiet weekend with only a few 'work-related' obligations ...
BTW, our Plant a Row volunteers cut and hung to dry a TON of herbs yesterday. When you walked into our office space, the smell of basil and rosemary greeted you -- wow! If you'd like to see some of these great folks -- have a look:
www.johnstoncc.edu/arboretum/blog
We're hoping that somehow our 'chance' of showers turns into reality. The dust and dryness of our landscapes are truly taking its toll ...
Have a great day!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Quiet Day at the Beach
Daily Practice
Journal
The kids have gone back to school, the labor day holiday is behind us, though a train-trail of hurricanes are in the Atlantic, the days are still hot and dry, and the beaches are so dang inviting with their sands, blues and peacefulness .... I imagine the calls of the gulls asking where we are ... and I'd like to be there to answer them -- wouldn't you?
Our trip yesterday was fabulous ... our first vineyard the most incredibly informative -- we got to see the harvesting, taste the grapes, take photos of the vines, grapes and harvesting, taste a few wines. Our second vineyard, larger in sales and size, was more focused on the inside production of the wine -- interesting - but not as much, at least to me, as seeing the fields, the grapes, and the ENTIRE process in one place. Such beauty too!
We've Plant a Row for the Hungry this morning and we'll be gathering herbs and checking on the growing greenhouse plants.
Hope your day is great!
Journal
The kids have gone back to school, the labor day holiday is behind us, though a train-trail of hurricanes are in the Atlantic, the days are still hot and dry, and the beaches are so dang inviting with their sands, blues and peacefulness .... I imagine the calls of the gulls asking where we are ... and I'd like to be there to answer them -- wouldn't you?
Our trip yesterday was fabulous ... our first vineyard the most incredibly informative -- we got to see the harvesting, taste the grapes, take photos of the vines, grapes and harvesting, taste a few wines. Our second vineyard, larger in sales and size, was more focused on the inside production of the wine -- interesting - but not as much, at least to me, as seeing the fields, the grapes, and the ENTIRE process in one place. Such beauty too!
We've Plant a Row for the Hungry this morning and we'll be gathering herbs and checking on the growing greenhouse plants.
Hope your day is great!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ripening Grapes
Daily Practice
Journal Size
We're off with a group of Arboretum guests for a local winery tour and viticulture education. We'll explore the harvesting of the grapes, have lunch, and then tour the winery and learn how wine is produced. The sun is expected to be bright and cheerful and this trip kicks off our 2010-2011 lecture series.
I hope your day is wonderful!
Journal Size
We're off with a group of Arboretum guests for a local winery tour and viticulture education. We'll explore the harvesting of the grapes, have lunch, and then tour the winery and learn how wine is produced. The sun is expected to be bright and cheerful and this trip kicks off our 2010-2011 lecture series.
I hope your day is wonderful!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Old Shed in the Yellowing Woods - Oxford
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
The fields are turning yellow - and are filled with those wonderful yellow-daisies that seem to amass this time of year. This shed, located about 3 miles from my home, seems to represent the view I'm seeing these days.
We're off to install some fall plants for a nearby town -- garden day for us .. so I"ll be away from the computer for a while.
That bug 'busyness' continues to follow me and I find myself dashing from fire to fire ... hope it slows down a bit ...
Have a great day!
Arches 140#CP
The fields are turning yellow - and are filled with those wonderful yellow-daisies that seem to amass this time of year. This shed, located about 3 miles from my home, seems to represent the view I'm seeing these days.
We're off to install some fall plants for a nearby town -- garden day for us .. so I"ll be away from the computer for a while.
That bug 'busyness' continues to follow me and I find myself dashing from fire to fire ... hope it slows down a bit ...
Have a great day!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Orchids on Masa
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Masa Paper
A busy but fun day yesterday! It was so good to share a meal with our good friends followed by music and a bit of painting. We walked before nightfall, the weather cool and pleasant ... and we again noticed how quickly it seems that the season is turning.
I am still enjoying my masa experiments and this time wanted to see how splash and splatter worked on it ...
It'll be another week of classes and getting different gardens ready for the change in season ... so I'll be away from the computer much of this time this week as well.
I hope your week is fabulous!
Arches 140#CP
Masa Paper
A busy but fun day yesterday! It was so good to share a meal with our good friends followed by music and a bit of painting. We walked before nightfall, the weather cool and pleasant ... and we again noticed how quickly it seems that the season is turning.
I am still enjoying my masa experiments and this time wanted to see how splash and splatter worked on it ...
It'll be another week of classes and getting different gardens ready for the change in season ... so I'll be away from the computer much of this time this week as well.
I hope your week is fabulous!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Maple leaf
Yes - the leaves are actually these colors --- not all - but at least one-third of our canopy has already changed leaf color and has begun dropping leaves.
We've had several days of cooler nights, and last night a good soaking rain ..coupled with the last years and the last few months of drought, this fall promises to be mighty early.
I sketched these quickly before the grands got up in the morning ...
C has his jam today and we've company for dinner ...another busy time ...
Hope your day is terrific!
We've had several days of cooler nights, and last night a good soaking rain ..coupled with the last years and the last few months of drought, this fall promises to be mighty early.
I sketched these quickly before the grands got up in the morning ...
C has his jam today and we've company for dinner ...another busy time ...
Hope your day is terrific!
Maple leaf
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Yes - the leaves are actually these colors --- not all - but at least one-third of our canopy has already changed leaf color and has begun dropping leaves.
We've had several days of cooler nights, and last night a good soaking rain ..coupled with the last years and the last few months of drought, this fall promises to be mighty early.
Journal Size
Yes - the leaves are actually these colors --- not all - but at least one-third of our canopy has already changed leaf color and has begun dropping leaves.
We've had several days of cooler nights, and last night a good soaking rain ..coupled with the last years and the last few months of drought, this fall promises to be mighty early.
Tulip Poplar leaf
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Yes - the leaves are actually these colors --- not all - but I'd has at least one-third of our canopy has already changed leaf color and has begun dropping leaves.
We've had several days of cooler night, and last night a good soaking rain ..coupled with the last years and the last few months of drought, this fall promises to be mighty early.
Journal Size
Yes - the leaves are actually these colors --- not all - but I'd has at least one-third of our canopy has already changed leaf color and has begun dropping leaves.
We've had several days of cooler night, and last night a good soaking rain ..coupled with the last years and the last few months of drought, this fall promises to be mighty early.
And more!
Yesterday after Emily and Nick watched our friend Tom work with the bees, we decided to take Emily and Nick to the Museum of Life and Science. They've always loved visiting there to see the butterflies, the tornato maker, animals, play in the large fort, beat on the drums and ride the train.
Unknown to us, the Museum was having its annual "HERO" Day, and the entire place was so packed with chidlren and people that we had to park a few miles from the buildings and take a shuttle in! (They enjoyed that too! LOL)
When we got inside, there were 'hero' figures all over the place, mostly from Star Wars. Every boy sported a light saber, no naturally, it was a trip to the gift shop for one of those (Emily got a diary with secret ink -- I think she's going to take after her Nonna and write! LOL) ... then off we went to visit figure by figure, butterflies, animals, space crafts, play with the other children in the fort, make music, eat lunch, and more. They had a blast!
Shopped a bit for some more school clothes for them; dashed home for dinner and then got them to Mike's finance's parents for the night.
When I finally got to chat with Mike-the event went exceptionally well with most chicken plates sold, funds raised, a successful motorcycle ride (the rain held off for him - thank heavens), and he was dragging himself to the dance for the final fund-raising portion of the day. He sounded tired, as we all were! but grateful that the event went off well!
Whew -- some day!
Unknown to us, the Museum was having its annual "HERO" Day, and the entire place was so packed with chidlren and people that we had to park a few miles from the buildings and take a shuttle in! (They enjoyed that too! LOL)
When we got inside, there were 'hero' figures all over the place, mostly from Star Wars. Every boy sported a light saber, no naturally, it was a trip to the gift shop for one of those (Emily got a diary with secret ink -- I think she's going to take after her Nonna and write! LOL) ... then off we went to visit figure by figure, butterflies, animals, space crafts, play with the other children in the fort, make music, eat lunch, and more. They had a blast!
Shopped a bit for some more school clothes for them; dashed home for dinner and then got them to Mike's finance's parents for the night.
When I finally got to chat with Mike-the event went exceptionally well with most chicken plates sold, funds raised, a successful motorcycle ride (the rain held off for him - thank heavens), and he was dragging himself to the dance for the final fund-raising portion of the day. He sounded tired, as we all were! but grateful that the event went off well!
Whew -- some day!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Cattails and Yellow Flowers - and Peace
9" x 12"
Arches 140# CP
There was a definite chill in the air last night when we picked up the grands - so much so that even my granddaughter was happy to borrow a sweatshirt! After we took them to dinner, Emily read to me -- READ!! at 6 years old - brought tears to my eyes! We spent a bit of time at the park as well-- climbing, running, walking, picking leaves that have already changed color. Though there fast becoming more and more yellow trees - the poplars and sycamores in particular, here and there a maple has already turned red.
In the parking lot of my local library, the water retention area is chock-full of cattails in their chocolate-brown glory - and yellow "ditch daisies' brighten up the rocks and greens.
Today I'd like to offer this view in peace as the world remembers the US tragedy of 9/11.
We'll spend the day with the grands while my son raises funds for his injured friend, and the world over will be remembering a terrible day of incredible sadness ... and yet there are so many more incidences of kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness -- that each of us through our daily acts and relationships can bring this good, good earth a measure of peace and of love ...
May each one of us decide to do that very thing, especially today ....
God bless.
Arches 140# CP
There was a definite chill in the air last night when we picked up the grands - so much so that even my granddaughter was happy to borrow a sweatshirt! After we took them to dinner, Emily read to me -- READ!! at 6 years old - brought tears to my eyes! We spent a bit of time at the park as well-- climbing, running, walking, picking leaves that have already changed color. Though there fast becoming more and more yellow trees - the poplars and sycamores in particular, here and there a maple has already turned red.
In the parking lot of my local library, the water retention area is chock-full of cattails in their chocolate-brown glory - and yellow "ditch daisies' brighten up the rocks and greens.
Today I'd like to offer this view in peace as the world remembers the US tragedy of 9/11.
We'll spend the day with the grands while my son raises funds for his injured friend, and the world over will be remembering a terrible day of incredible sadness ... and yet there are so many more incidences of kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness -- that each of us through our daily acts and relationships can bring this good, good earth a measure of peace and of love ...
May each one of us decide to do that very thing, especially today ....
God bless.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Rose Fence on Masa
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Masa Paper
It's been a long week with back to back meetings, long days and longer nights, and a busy weekend ahead.
My son is holding his fund raiser for a friend who was severly injured in a motocycle accident - there'll be a motorcycle run, chicken dinners, door prizes, and more -- and the event concludes with a dance and music. He's been able to secure almost all he needs through donations -- and if you'll pardon a mother's prejudice -- I am truly proud of this young man. To do this while still recovering from his own bout with doctors, a full schedule of work and children -- shows a determination and kindness that is commendable. Please send your good thoughts for its success and the well being of his friend.
We'll keep the grands for part of the weekend while Mike coordinates all the event's details. We're expecting fine weather -- fingers crossed!
We'll also have company and Charles' jam on Sunday -- so I'll be a bit scarce and will have to squeeze in a bit of painting as I can.
I painted this landscape a few weeks ago - and for those areas or gardens with a bit of rainfall or water, the knock-out roses are still blooming - though even these vigorous plants are showing signs of the season. At the Arboretum, our roses are a bit sparser and have already lost some leaves.
When I drove home late yesterday I was astonished to see so many yellow tree leaves on the ground.... and I even spied my first bits of red in the treescape ...the heat and lack of rain have certainly accelerated the season!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!
Arches 140#CP
Masa Paper
It's been a long week with back to back meetings, long days and longer nights, and a busy weekend ahead.
My son is holding his fund raiser for a friend who was severly injured in a motocycle accident - there'll be a motorcycle run, chicken dinners, door prizes, and more -- and the event concludes with a dance and music. He's been able to secure almost all he needs through donations -- and if you'll pardon a mother's prejudice -- I am truly proud of this young man. To do this while still recovering from his own bout with doctors, a full schedule of work and children -- shows a determination and kindness that is commendable. Please send your good thoughts for its success and the well being of his friend.
We'll keep the grands for part of the weekend while Mike coordinates all the event's details. We're expecting fine weather -- fingers crossed!
We'll also have company and Charles' jam on Sunday -- so I'll be a bit scarce and will have to squeeze in a bit of painting as I can.
I painted this landscape a few weeks ago - and for those areas or gardens with a bit of rainfall or water, the knock-out roses are still blooming - though even these vigorous plants are showing signs of the season. At the Arboretum, our roses are a bit sparser and have already lost some leaves.
When I drove home late yesterday I was astonished to see so many yellow tree leaves on the ground.... and I even spied my first bits of red in the treescape ...the heat and lack of rain have certainly accelerated the season!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Foggy Morning
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
This is from an exercise by Faith Love-Robertson (http://www.yourart.com/go.php?id=94623&url=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mYWl0aGxvdmVyb2JlcnRzb24uY29t). I thought I'd post it this morning since I drove to work in a thick fog .... we don't have mountains where I am -- but that foggy, wet feeling sure speaks to my morning!
Far too busy this week with another day of obligations ... things are going well, just non-stop ...
We had a smattering of rain -- insignificent to give the plants the moisture they need -- but it was good to reduce temperatures for a little while.
Hope your day is grand!
Arches 140#CP
This is from an exercise by Faith Love-Robertson (http://www.yourart.com/go.php?id=94623&url=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mYWl0aGxvdmVyb2JlcnRzb24uY29t). I thought I'd post it this morning since I drove to work in a thick fog .... we don't have mountains where I am -- but that foggy, wet feeling sure speaks to my morning!
Far too busy this week with another day of obligations ... things are going well, just non-stop ...
We had a smattering of rain -- insignificent to give the plants the moisture they need -- but it was good to reduce temperatures for a little while.
Hope your day is grand!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Eno River - Tree Bank
Daily Practice
Journal Size
The week before last, C and I took a long walk along the Eno River. The foliage had begun to change, the river was rather quiet, and the promise of cooler weather didn't come. Instead, it was a hot, humid day - making the climb over rocks and up hills a bit more tiring. Still, it was a good time out of doors.
It was an intensely busy day yesterday and today has already started out similarly ...
I hope to catch up with everyone once things slow down a bit!
Have a great day!
Journal Size
The week before last, C and I took a long walk along the Eno River. The foliage had begun to change, the river was rather quiet, and the promise of cooler weather didn't come. Instead, it was a hot, humid day - making the climb over rocks and up hills a bit more tiring. Still, it was a good time out of doors.
It was an intensely busy day yesterday and today has already started out similarly ...
I hope to catch up with everyone once things slow down a bit!
Have a great day!
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Hydrangeas - Patsy's Challenge
9" x 12"
Arches 140# CP
Patsy's been working on flowers and asked the floral watercolour group how we might go about painting her photo of hydrangeas (http://www.flickr.com/photos/patsyjenningsart/4961446054/). I had a bit of time before the grands came last night - and so I painted this. I took a direct approach, fairly realistic, but trying to keep the hydrangeas varied, filled with light and a bit impressionistic. The scan is a bit darker in the flowers and lighter in the glass vase area than the painting itself. Next time -- I'd like to try this a bit looser ...
It was a busy time with the grands and it's going to be a busy week. I leave for work shortly and have a meeting the moment I get there with a week filled with meetings.
Temps are returning to the mid-90s so it'll be hot -- Still no rain -- and the trees are responding with yellow leaves that are dropping a bit early this year.
Have a great day!
Arches 140# CP
Patsy's been working on flowers and asked the floral watercolour group how we might go about painting her photo of hydrangeas (http://www.flickr.com/photos/patsyjenningsart/4961446054/). I had a bit of time before the grands came last night - and so I painted this. I took a direct approach, fairly realistic, but trying to keep the hydrangeas varied, filled with light and a bit impressionistic. The scan is a bit darker in the flowers and lighter in the glass vase area than the painting itself. Next time -- I'd like to try this a bit looser ...
It was a busy time with the grands and it's going to be a busy week. I leave for work shortly and have a meeting the moment I get there with a week filled with meetings.
Temps are returning to the mid-90s so it'll be hot -- Still no rain -- and the trees are responding with yellow leaves that are dropping a bit early this year.
Have a great day!
Monday, September 06, 2010
Harvest Challenge - Blackberries
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Another challenge by Bill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/4935493833/). This time - blackberries! My painting of them tended to show them more 'unripe' than ripened ... but it was fun -- and challenging --- to get all those berries highlighted!! LOL THANKS once more, Bill!
Another incredible morning - cool, cool, cool! I slept with the windows open last night, falling asleep to the music of cicadas and crickets .... the scent of my Tea Olive wafting thru the screen .... how I LOVE these early days of fall! We've another cooler day today ... and I'll enjoy it with the grands ... but the high 90s return later this week as the new season teases its way here.
It's a labor day celebration in the US - and most offices are closed. There are still so many folks unemployed ... and today of all days we need to offer thoughts, encouragement and prayers that they find work. For those of us with jobs, the economy still makes us nervous for the employment situtation has not yet begun to improve very much ... fingers crossed for us all!
Meanwhile, I'm grateful for another day spent at home with my loved ones .. and -- REST!
Have a terrific day!
Arches 140#CP
Another challenge by Bill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/4935493833/). This time - blackberries! My painting of them tended to show them more 'unripe' than ripened ... but it was fun -- and challenging --- to get all those berries highlighted!! LOL THANKS once more, Bill!
Another incredible morning - cool, cool, cool! I slept with the windows open last night, falling asleep to the music of cicadas and crickets .... the scent of my Tea Olive wafting thru the screen .... how I LOVE these early days of fall! We've another cooler day today ... and I'll enjoy it with the grands ... but the high 90s return later this week as the new season teases its way here.
It's a labor day celebration in the US - and most offices are closed. There are still so many folks unemployed ... and today of all days we need to offer thoughts, encouragement and prayers that they find work. For those of us with jobs, the economy still makes us nervous for the employment situtation has not yet begun to improve very much ... fingers crossed for us all!
Meanwhile, I'm grateful for another day spent at home with my loved ones .. and -- REST!
Have a terrific day!
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Field of Queen Annes Lace and Chickory Flowers (Crop)
Daily Practice
(Cropped Version)
A very early cat-fight woke me this morning, and so unable to return to sleep, I thought I'd get an early start to the day.
I think I like the cropped version of this field a bit better than the landscape version. It was painted from a photo I took while visiting my friend, Lorraine in KY.
The weekend, finally, has been cooler -- and last evening when C and I went for a walk just before sundown, cool enough for me to wear a sweatshirt!! LOL -- almost 30 degrees lower than we've had almost all summer ...! WONDERFUL!
I managed to get the front garden pruned back and watered - then spent the day relaxing and painting a bit. Today will be much of the same ....
Hope you are enjoying the weekend!
(Cropped Version)
A very early cat-fight woke me this morning, and so unable to return to sleep, I thought I'd get an early start to the day.
I think I like the cropped version of this field a bit better than the landscape version. It was painted from a photo I took while visiting my friend, Lorraine in KY.
The weekend, finally, has been cooler -- and last evening when C and I went for a walk just before sundown, cool enough for me to wear a sweatshirt!! LOL -- almost 30 degrees lower than we've had almost all summer ...! WONDERFUL!
I managed to get the front garden pruned back and watered - then spent the day relaxing and painting a bit. Today will be much of the same ....
Hope you are enjoying the weekend!
Field of Queen Annes Lace and Chickory Flowers
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Even in Kentucky while visiting my friend, Lorraine, the car-stopper for me was a wonderful field of Queen Anne's Lace and Chickory. We were heading to the store or another town early one morning, when I spotted the field and thought we're return to it after our trip. When we did, the chickory had disappeared! We returned to the field the following morning -- and -- the chickory was there!! I had forgotten that these wonderful blue flowers close at night!! GEEZ!!!
But what a wonderful sight in the early morning!
Journal Size
Even in Kentucky while visiting my friend, Lorraine, the car-stopper for me was a wonderful field of Queen Anne's Lace and Chickory. We were heading to the store or another town early one morning, when I spotted the field and thought we're return to it after our trip. When we did, the chickory had disappeared! We returned to the field the following morning -- and -- the chickory was there!! I had forgotten that these wonderful blue flowers close at night!! GEEZ!!!
But what a wonderful sight in the early morning!
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Season's Turning
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Dashing around town before Jodi came for our paint day, I was struck again by the changes in the landscape. Day by day the vibrancy of the trees and shrubs has been slowly fading, and yesterday I noticed a distinctive yellowing of more and more leaf color. Though September usually marks a beginning of seasonal change, the drought we have continued to experience has hastened its arrival - despite the high temperatures. Unless we get significant rain (we are down 6"), leaf drop will be early and the usual blaze of color will be a mere memory.
Still, this painting was done from a photo I took when I stopped by our local library yesterday. A water collection ditch runs along its side and so perhaps it has had a bit more moisture than other parts of our landscape. Behind me is a large collection of cattails, but this small field was chock-full of wonderful textures, colors, and all sorts of wild plants. I've enhanced the quantity of the Queen Anne's Lace ...and most of those were brown - but here and there, tiny white daisylike flowers made a showing, along with yellow tickseed. Looking at view though, one would never guess you were standing in a parking lot! LOL
Jodi and I had a relaxing day ... watched an art DVD, painted, ate more of C's scrumptious gelato, and even got a chance to remove seeds from dried purple coneflower heads while we sat on the porch! My tea olive is in bloom again, and its sweet fragrance kept us company while we worked!
It's a three-day weekend as we celebrate Labor Day on Monday! Today I will play a bit in the garden as the weeds are having a good time depite the lack of rain .... and it's time to cut back the spent flowers and stalks.
Hope your weekend is terrific!
Journal Size
Dashing around town before Jodi came for our paint day, I was struck again by the changes in the landscape. Day by day the vibrancy of the trees and shrubs has been slowly fading, and yesterday I noticed a distinctive yellowing of more and more leaf color. Though September usually marks a beginning of seasonal change, the drought we have continued to experience has hastened its arrival - despite the high temperatures. Unless we get significant rain (we are down 6"), leaf drop will be early and the usual blaze of color will be a mere memory.
Still, this painting was done from a photo I took when I stopped by our local library yesterday. A water collection ditch runs along its side and so perhaps it has had a bit more moisture than other parts of our landscape. Behind me is a large collection of cattails, but this small field was chock-full of wonderful textures, colors, and all sorts of wild plants. I've enhanced the quantity of the Queen Anne's Lace ...and most of those were brown - but here and there, tiny white daisylike flowers made a showing, along with yellow tickseed. Looking at view though, one would never guess you were standing in a parking lot! LOL
Jodi and I had a relaxing day ... watched an art DVD, painted, ate more of C's scrumptious gelato, and even got a chance to remove seeds from dried purple coneflower heads while we sat on the porch! My tea olive is in bloom again, and its sweet fragrance kept us company while we worked!
It's a three-day weekend as we celebrate Labor Day on Monday! Today I will play a bit in the garden as the weeds are having a good time depite the lack of rain .... and it's time to cut back the spent flowers and stalks.
Hope your weekend is terrific!
Friday, September 03, 2010
Grapes on Masa
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Thank you all for your most kind comments yesterday and well wishes for Hurricane Earl. Earl 'kissed' the North Carolina coast at 2 am this morning as a catagory 2 hurricane. We were exceedingly lucky as the eye missed our coastline by almost 100 miles. The outer banks has some beach erosion, some flooding, some areas without power, but all in all, for the size of this storm, we were exceptionally fortunate. Prayers now for the Cape Cod area of Massachusettes as Earl veers northward ....
I painted this work of grapes on masa last week while Jodi came to visit and I was sharing a few masa techniques ...FUN .... I DO LOVE the textures that masa paper produces ... a bit of abstract - a bit of realism. Jodi returns today for another shared painting time! YAHOO!
On the way home last night, I had one of those McDonald Caramel Fappes because I was dragging after the Plant a Row session. We spent the better part of the morning and early afternoon planting more seeds for fall, continuing our viticulture experiments and then making a TON of pear butter. We cut, boiled, seasoned two LARGE pots of the butter - but didn't quite get to finish the process. So I brought home the mix plus a large bag of pears that we didn't have room enouugh to cook during our session. I worked last night to finish the butter we began (simmer until thick, place in jars, boil bath to seal), and then started from scratch with the pears I brought home. In all - I wound up with 60 JARS OF PEAR BUTTER!! WHEW And with the unpacking of the car, laundry, mail, bill paying and the like, it was well after midnight before I hit the bed. So now I know what to do when I'm tired -- a CARAMEL FRAPPE!!! LOLOLOL Nothing like caffeine and sugar to get things me energized again! LOL
Anyway, I'll bring in all those jars when we return to work on Tuesday (Monday is a holiday - Labor Day).
I'm really looking forward to a relaxing day of art today ....with the storm gone, and still no rain (you would have thought we'd have some with a hurricane less than 100 miles from us!! SIGH) -- temps are to reach almost 100F! I'll have to find some time this weekend to water the plants and do some much needed weeding and seed-collecting ....
Have a restful day!
Journal Size
Thank you all for your most kind comments yesterday and well wishes for Hurricane Earl. Earl 'kissed' the North Carolina coast at 2 am this morning as a catagory 2 hurricane. We were exceedingly lucky as the eye missed our coastline by almost 100 miles. The outer banks has some beach erosion, some flooding, some areas without power, but all in all, for the size of this storm, we were exceptionally fortunate. Prayers now for the Cape Cod area of Massachusettes as Earl veers northward ....
I painted this work of grapes on masa last week while Jodi came to visit and I was sharing a few masa techniques ...FUN .... I DO LOVE the textures that masa paper produces ... a bit of abstract - a bit of realism. Jodi returns today for another shared painting time! YAHOO!
On the way home last night, I had one of those McDonald Caramel Fappes because I was dragging after the Plant a Row session. We spent the better part of the morning and early afternoon planting more seeds for fall, continuing our viticulture experiments and then making a TON of pear butter. We cut, boiled, seasoned two LARGE pots of the butter - but didn't quite get to finish the process. So I brought home the mix plus a large bag of pears that we didn't have room enouugh to cook during our session. I worked last night to finish the butter we began (simmer until thick, place in jars, boil bath to seal), and then started from scratch with the pears I brought home. In all - I wound up with 60 JARS OF PEAR BUTTER!! WHEW And with the unpacking of the car, laundry, mail, bill paying and the like, it was well after midnight before I hit the bed. So now I know what to do when I'm tired -- a CARAMEL FRAPPE!!! LOLOLOL Nothing like caffeine and sugar to get things me energized again! LOL
Anyway, I'll bring in all those jars when we return to work on Tuesday (Monday is a holiday - Labor Day).
I'm really looking forward to a relaxing day of art today ....with the storm gone, and still no rain (you would have thought we'd have some with a hurricane less than 100 miles from us!! SIGH) -- temps are to reach almost 100F! I'll have to find some time this weekend to water the plants and do some much needed weeding and seed-collecting ....
Have a restful day!
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Calm before the Storm
Daily Painting
Journal Size
Sunup -- and Earl still threatens the NC Coast. Evacuations are taking place and landfall is expected along the northern coast of North Carolina .....My fingers are crossed and prayers offered that the hurricane doesn't cause too much damage. Emergency preparations are being made and will be dispatched as needed tonight or tomorrow.
Although we are about 100 miles inland from the coast, we'll be feeling some gusts of winds - hoping for some rain, though none is predicted - and watching our friends on the coast. With more storms on the westward hurricane track this season, Earl is only the first storm we'll be watching.
We have a busy day today with the Plant a Row for the Hungry. We'll do more planting, do additional work on our viticulture project, and work on making pear butter .... FUN!
Take care today ...!
Journal Size
Sunup -- and Earl still threatens the NC Coast. Evacuations are taking place and landfall is expected along the northern coast of North Carolina .....My fingers are crossed and prayers offered that the hurricane doesn't cause too much damage. Emergency preparations are being made and will be dispatched as needed tonight or tomorrow.
Although we are about 100 miles inland from the coast, we'll be feeling some gusts of winds - hoping for some rain, though none is predicted - and watching our friends on the coast. With more storms on the westward hurricane track this season, Earl is only the first storm we'll be watching.
We have a busy day today with the Plant a Row for the Hungry. We'll do more planting, do additional work on our viticulture project, and work on making pear butter .... FUN!
Take care today ...!
Yep -- pretty tired lady!
Long days have taken their toll -- I look mighty tired here beside my paintings!
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Harvest Challenge - Plums
Bill suggested another challenge - the great fruit harvest (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/4936082942/) and posted these luscious yellow/red plums! YUM! THANKS Bill -- another fun challenge!
Our own plum trees have finished fruiting and will now set bud for next year's harvest. I wish I could have made some plum jam from these!!
My paintings, altered books and displays for the Arboretum all go up in our local library today! My walls at home are bare as are my bookshelves .. but it will be fun to see everything on large walls ...!
Meetings follow the set up along with budgets and preparations for more classes ... busy time!
Thus far, Hurricane Earl is still scheduled to miss landfall in NC -- my fingers are still crossed!
Have a great day!
Our own plum trees have finished fruiting and will now set bud for next year's harvest. I wish I could have made some plum jam from these!!
My paintings, altered books and displays for the Arboretum all go up in our local library today! My walls at home are bare as are my bookshelves .. but it will be fun to see everything on large walls ...!
Meetings follow the set up along with budgets and preparations for more classes ... busy time!
Thus far, Hurricane Earl is still scheduled to miss landfall in NC -- my fingers are still crossed!
Have a great day!
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