Spring Plum Tree

Spring Plum Tree, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

I'm still playing with wet in wet techniques and thought I'd try to capture the flowering plum trees in a soft, colorful manner. Despite all the rain and freezing night temps, our flowering shrubs and trees have managed to hold onto their flowers - and though they're a bit less perky, they still look pretty good.

One more busy day and then a less hectic weekend -- thank heavens! We've more much needed rain, so we've had to postpone our art dedication until next week ... meantime, we'll be indoors preparing for the plant sale.

Stay dry!

Rainy Day after Karpinska

Rainy Day after Karpinska, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

I was reading a book by Ewa Karpinska on wet in wet applications - she painted a viewon which this is based - but I changed the colors and landscape a bit to show more of the scene from my window .....the chartruese and bright green of spring tree foliage against the greys of storm clouds arriving over blue skies. Grasses line the roads in uncut waves as cold temperatures and back-to-back days of precipitation have kept most folks out of their gardens and away from their lawns.

With more rain in the forecast for all day today as well as tomorrow, It looks like our art dedication will be postponed until next week.

Classes last night went well- just a long, long day - mirrored by another one today ...

Stay well and dry!

Tree Practice

Tree Practice, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

I've been taking a landscape class online with Johannes Vloothius at Wet Canvas .. and this weekend we covered trees ... this is from on of my practices ...

We had frost this morning, a brief snow in Oxford yesterday, warm temps this afternoon, rain tonight and tomorrow -- my gracious, I feel like I'm on a whirlwind of change ...

It'll be a late night tonight as our last lecture class is this evening and we've a full house ...

Stay warm and dry!

Snow Again - ?

Snow Again - ?, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I painted this earlier this year - but with temps covering at the freezing mark and snow predicted (a light dusting in my area of North Carolina) it seemed an appropriate painting to post.

Seems so odd to me - spring blossoms for the last three weeks and this week a return to mighty cold temperatures that will probably end the parade of color and flowers we've been experiencing. This has definitely been a strange spring.

It also promises to be a mighty busy week - late night classes, board meeting and dedication of a wonderful work of hypnotic art to the Arboretum as well as preparing for the plant sale in a few weeks.

Stay warm and hope the day is filled with sunshine and joy!

Spring Abstraction

Spring Abstraction, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

Jodi came the other day to paint - but the weather didn't cooperate for us to be able to do any plein air work. We worked at my art tables instead and played with ideas of abstraction. It's been quite a while since I did any of these ...

I used some of the colors of spring - yellows, plums, purples, blues, and we had a quiet few of hours painting these. The negative painting involved in creating shapes is so meditative ... what a relaxing time!

Our weather has turned a bit frosty - and across the border into Virginia, snow fell .. we, too, are expecting a bit of a freeze - that after weeks of temps in the 60s, 70s and 80s! Gracious!

Hope your Sunday is warm and sunshiney!

Poppies

Poppies, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

On this cold, grey, rainy Saturday, despite the celebration of our much needed rain, I dream of warmer days and the bright red of poppies.

I remember several years ago coming across an entire field of these beauties and taking photo after photo of their dancing forms. I've returned each season since to see if they were replanted --- nothing but fallow fields.

It only goes to show you how important it is to capture each moment as it happens --- there are no guarantees for a repeat ..

Enjoy all the moments of today!

Quiet Fall Landscape

Quiet Fall Landscape , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

More landscape practice - trying to simplify brush strokes and details. This landscape is a bit lighter in tones in real life, but no matter how I scanned, photographed or adjusted it, that gold/yellow really seemed to throw off the colors ...

Our temps have cooled again and we're in for a few days of rain - much, much needed...

Our current landscapes are greening nicely - though the trees have yet to fully leaf out. I found a tulip in bloom in one of my gardens, though ....and the deer have consumed my daffs ...it's an interesting spring ....!

Enjoy your day!

Camellia

Camellia, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

The rain has finally graced us with a bit of moisture and more, thank heavens, is in the forecast. Temps have cooled, but still, the flower parade marches on.

The last of the camellias are in bloom - reds and pinks at the Arboretum, a few white along the lakeside trail ...

Redbuds are now in bloom, and here at work, the trees are begining to dress themselves in chartreuse ... Oaks are sending their pollen through the air, making allergy sensitive folks suffer with running noses and itchy eyes .. and already, the pine pollen has begun to turn our lake waters, cars, and sidewalks a bright yellow -- yep, spring on parade!

We're in the throes of spring frenzy in the greenhouse as well as the warmth and longer days of sunlight have given our plantings a boost - some of the flowers have even begun to bloom!

Hope your day is filled with joy and sunshine!

Another Approach to Anemone

Another Approach to Anemone a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Another Approach to Anemone
1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though these flowers are rather strong in their structure and their petals are firm and often colorful, I wanted to try a different approach to them....I kept the firm outline of their petals and centers, but wanted to soften their surroundings to feel a bit like the softness of springtime ...

This 'differing' of approach is always interesting to me -- to 'see' perhaps how someone else might paint the same subject in a style or way that is as different as their handwriting from my own ... Always something new to learn and consider.

A busy day today and tomorrow -- yesterday was incredibly beautiful - but hot - in the 80s! and we're due for a repeat today. But tomorrow and the weekend? A plunge into winter again as we hit the 30s - and all of us worry about the flowers and fruits that have been tempted by the warmth ...

Have a great day!

Abstracts in Blue

Abstracts in Blue a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Mini-Art
Arches 140#CP
Matboard

What do you do with the work you're not pleased with? Or portions of a piece that you really love - but the entire painting just doesn't "zing?"

With an outdoor exhibit coming up in April, I know from last year that folks who attend this event are not willing to spend a lot of money on artwork - and yet they're looking for a 'little something' to take home.

I was going through my stacks of 'UGHS' and found wee pieces of each that worked on their own. I decided to cut these into small works - and will float them on matboard, or vice versa, and sell them very inexpensively - some framed, some not. I've added a wee charm to these (remainders from my altered books days) - and will see how they go.

I've kept them very simple so as to keep the focus on the artwork and to give them a feel of 'abstract.' We'll see.

So what do YOU do with your bits? Got any more ideas? I'd love to hear!

Purple Abstract and Green Abstract

Purple Abstract and Green Abstract a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Mini-Art
Arches 140#CP
Matboard

What do you do with the work you're not pleased with? Or portions of a piece that you really love - but the entire painting just doesn't "zing?"

With an outdoor exhibit coming up in April, I know from last year that folks who attend this event are not willing to spend a lot of money on artwork - and yet they're looking for a 'little something' to take home.

I was going through my stacks of 'UGHS' and found wee pieces of each that worked on their own. I decided to cut these into small works - and will float them on matboard, or vice versa, and sell them very inexpensively - some framed, some not. I've added a wee charm to these (remainders from my altered books days) - and will see how they go.

I've kept them very simple so as to keep the focus on the artwork and to give them a feel of 'abstract.' We'll see.

So what do YOU do with your bits? Got any more ideas? I'd love to hear!

Spring Azaleas Magnolia Gardens

Spring Azaleas Magnolia Gardens a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Spring Azaleas Magnolia Gardens
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

HAPPY FIRST FULL DAY OF SPRING!

No, our azaleas are not yet in bloom, but the warm weather has me reliving the trip we took to Charleston, South Carolina several years ago and the wonderfully blooming azaleas we found at Magnolia Gardens. I thought it might fit for today's first day of spring!

We're in for a few more days of warmest weather, then a bit of a cool down ... nonetheless, I think we're about finished with our down jackets!

Have a great day!

Spring Anemone Duke Gardens

Spring Anemone Duke Gardens a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
WC/Unryu Rice Paper

It was amazing to see just how many people were at Duke Gardens this weekend! The warm weather brought so many to the gardens that it was challening to even find a place to park!

Jodi and I walked through the White garden and I was surprised to find it being relandscaped and we very few flowers at that moment, and the same fevered activity was going on throughout the rose garden. The perennial beds were cut back and waiting for more time to pass before they would grow into their spaces -- BUT the Italianate garden and Asian gardens were in their glory! Saucer magnolias, hyacinths, pansies, plums, tulips, daffodils and more were all abloom and what an array of color and scent! Temps were in the 70s and sunbathers, joggers, photographers, children and retirees were all taking advantage of the day. These anemonies were spoted, along with snowdrops and bloodroot, along one of the woodland trails.

We sat in the sunshine along one of the walls to paint, but had to move when the gardeners began testing the irrigation .... talking about 'water' color! LOL

The beautiful sunshine and warm weather has continued to grace the weekend ... one more day to enjoy it!

Hope you have a chance to get outdoors!

By the Light of the Moon

By the Light of the Moon a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Did you see the moon last night?!!! HUGE - and it's supposed to be even larger tonight! We're paused at the last day of winter (according to the seasonal calendar) and with the temps this weekend, it feels like spring for sure!

The flowering trees on my property though are still holding back a bit - my saucer magnolia is still is bud and my flowering quince is JUST beginning to open. And my daffodils are barely out of the ground! In downtown Oxford, though, probably warmer just a bit than my rural home, these same plants are wide open - gracing the landscape with delicate pinks and peaches.

Today, a bit of gardening, a bit of painting, and a bit of chores ...should be a nice quiet weekend ...

Hope your is too!

Spring!

Spring! a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Spring! It has hit our landscapes pretty brightly this week - at least where I work. Ninety miles north - where I live - spring's appearance is somewhat slower in coming ...and yet, while not as colorful as the landscape south of my home, we too are enjoying the blossoms of pear trees, saucer magnolias, Bradford pears.

Today, temps should reach almost 80F ... my friend and I are hoping to paint outdoors this afternoon. There should be a wealth of inspirational material - from flowering quince to redbuds, plum trees to pears ...

It's time to see the sun!

Have a great day!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY - Periwinkle/Vinca

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY - Periwinkle/Vinca a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Taking advantage of the sunny days and warming temperatures, the light blue/purple periwinkles are blooming away in our gardens!

These cheeful flowers with bright green foliage are drought and heat tolerant and can reach 12" -24" tall. I found these growing around the lake at the college as well as a patch of them under my neighbor's Bradford Pears.

These plants are most often planted around borders, used as edging and ground covers ... In yesterday's cloudy weather, they sure were perky!

Today is also St. Patrick's Day - in celebration of the patron saint of Ireland reputed to drive the snakes out of that country. He used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity and over time, the 'wearing of the green' became a tradition to celebrate this saint.

We'll be celebrating green-ness today as we take our lettuces, kale, and mustards from the greenhouse and place them in their garden beds to be kissed by the sun and grown large enough to feed the hungry in our county. Temperatures will be in the 70s and from now until the weekend, we're promised summerlike weather.

It's time to be outdoors!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! PLANT SOMETHING GREEN!

On the Marsh

On the Marsh a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

A long day and night yesterday and not much painting time ...

This simple landscape was created wet in wet with Winsor Yellow and Paynes Grey - a combination that seemed to create its own mood and yet matches the weather this morning. I awoke to the tail end of a rain-filled night - though the total rainfall was less than 1/4" ... far less than we need to even put a dent in the drought conditions and dry soil.

The see-saw of temperature fluctuations continues - today we're already in the 60s and by Friday we should be in the 80s! Each day brings more flowers to bloom - but they'd shine a bit brighter if only they had more moisture to nourish them ...

Stay well ...

Inspired by More Orchids - For Japan

Inspired by More Orchids - For Japan a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

I painted this quite a while ago - but today, with even more news about nuclear disasters and with Japan so heavy on our hearts, I wanted to post this -- for hope, for prayers, for Japan.

In flower symbolism, the orchid stands for beauty and strength - all so fitting for the kindness and beauty of a country, of a people. And their strength - to hope, to endure, to build again ...

Prayers continue ....

PATH THRU THE WILDFLOWERS

PATH THRU THE WILDFLOWERS a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

In the walks we've had over the weekend, the only wildflowers I've seen are those shown by the 'spring ephemerals' - those eager weeds that take advantage of the additional warmth and sunshine before the trees expand their leaves and shade out their sunshine: chickweed, henbit, dandelions, bittercress. These flowers of these weeds are tiny, but their numbers are large!! And in the growing, competing grasses show bits of pink and white- not nearly as pretty as the wildflowers that will come later. Still, they're evidence of the season's progression....

We're due for some rain today - again, all welcome.

Japan and the fear of even more disasterous tragedies there are on everyone's mind....prayers, thoughts and hope continue ...

In the Pink

In the Pink a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

More pink flowers - from a photo of summer's beauty.... Our temps yesterday seemed like summer as the sun warmed us to almost 70F .... beautiful!

Did some framing yesterday in preparation of another art exhibit and today will spend a bit of time with my son helping him hang pictures. Then it's home for company and C's jam...The days are flying by ...

We continue to send thoughts and prayers to those in Japan ... each day the images from the event there grow ever more frightening and tragic ...

Moody Marsh Sunrise

Moody Marsh Sunrise a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

I've been playing with different wash methods as time seems so compressed lately .... This simple landscape was done wet in wet to begin, then values deepened after it dried. I am tending to favor pink lately as it seems everything from sunrises to plum blossoms are tinged with that color ....

The kitties water bowl was frozen this morning ... but our temps are supplosed to be in the mid 60s ...

My heart, prayers and thoughts go out to the folks in Japan and the incredible devastation and challenges they are facing ... May there be relief soon ...

Oxford's Summer Harvest

Oxford's Summer Harvest a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Each time I go by the farm down the road, I watch the movement of their haybales. This ipainting is from one of my views last summer when the stockpile of bales was resting in the barn and in the field nearby.

Today this field is empty and the barn half-filled as the cows have consumed a majority of the hay. The fields across the road from the barn are already turning lime green with new growth as the cycle of haying begins again.

The heaviest of winds spared us yesterday and the welcome rain was more gentle on the trees and land - giving everything a much needed, good soaking. We're in for a warm, sunny weekend - and I've got to get outdoors and begin corralling the weeds as they, like the spring blossoms, take advantage of the longer days of sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Have a great weekend!

Morning Has Broken

Morning Has Broken a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Journal Size
Arches 140# CP

NOT the sunrise I woke up to this morning -- but the ones I've been seeing over the last few weeks ...

Today morning will merely lighten the grey of storm clouds and rain -- all much appreciated in our dry landscapes. The weather is still mild, and I hope the heavy winds predicted for later today will spare all those delicate blossoms that brighten our roadsides.

Oh -- I mentioned that I have three paintings in a year-long display at the Community College System building - (a collection of artwork from the 58 community colleges across the state). They've put the entire exhibit on a virtual tour -- take a look if you have time:
www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/pr/artexhibit/

The Plant a Row for the Hungry volunteers will be in the greenhouse down - dividing lots of seedlings as we ready for our Plant Sale next month and grow out some of the plants for the beds we've been preparing.

Spring is such a busy time for us - one more grant to finish - and hopefully - a little less intensity to my days...

Hope your day is filled with sunshine!

Inspired by Tree Blossoms

Inspired by Tree Blossoms a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Journal Size
Arches 140#CP

The Bradford pears, plums, oaks, hickories, tulip poplars, saucer magnolia, maples -- all are in bloom! A drive down any road seems magical with blurs of pink, white, lime green, and here and there bits of maroon and a blue/green ... It's so hard to capture that dreamy, all-new feel -- all fresh feel -

Late meeting night last night, and working my way through the deluge of paper on my desk and several grants ... I hope to come up for air this weekend!

We're in for a stormy, rainy day -- we need the rain, but the storms bringing in will have us under tornado threats --

Stay warm, dry and safe today!

Daffodils

Daffodils a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

The daffs are really popping out around the Arboretum. Everywhere I look there are clusters of these pretties - heralding the onset of another turn of the year.

The morning started off with a light frost, but we're expected to see mid 60s temperature-wise and lots of sunshine ... and about the same for the rest of the week. Perhaps the temperatures are returning to those more normal for us this time of year.

Hope your day is great!

Quiet Lake in Fall - on Masa

Quiet Lake in Fall - on Masa a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

This hasn't been much of a painting weekend except for classes and practice, so I'm uploading some of those paintings done earlier that I haven't yet posted.

This fall view of one of our Oxford lakes was done on Masa rice paper - creating some of the textural fractures in the foliage, sky and lake - interesting effects.

If I had painted it this weekend, I see much that I would change ---

It rained all day yesterday - every drop precious in our drought conditions - and the storm that passed also sported several tornato touch-downs in the area. We, thankfully, were spared from the worst of it - but the wind was mighty gusty all day.

I've a full day of meetings so I'll be off line until tomorrow ...

Hope your day is terrific!

Landscape in Contrasts

Landscape in Contrasts a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

My weekend has been filled with workshop classes and I haven't had much time to paint .... This simple landscape, done in a VERY limited palette was my attempt to work quickly and with contrasts.

The class I'm taking has been going on for several weeks, but I only learned about it recently. It's on Wet Canvas and some of the information can be found here (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=522). It's presented by Johannes Vloothuis - an exceptional landscape painter. Though the forum for most of the landscape painting forum is based on oil painting, the PRINCIPLES Johannes presents are applicable to ALL media. The classes are chock full of information - and to be sure, a LOT to absorb!

I must also mention one of the books Johannes so highly recommends (and I couldn't agree more) by one of our Flickr friends - Carl Purcell (rock4art) - "Painting with your Artist's Brain." Carl eloquently makes so many of the principles clear and concise and applies them in examples that are incredible works of art.

The rain hasn't gotten here yet, but we did get our new raspberry plants in the ground yesterday ... I'm off to do homework! Have a great Sunday!

Prunus Mume - Japanese Apricot

Prunus Mume - Japanese Apricot a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140# CP

The morning breaks with fog and grey, and much needed rain is in the forecast. Here in Oxford, my forsythia are 'just' about to open -- but two hours south of me, the Japanese apricots that provide the fruit of a luscious jam -- are in bright, full bloom.

The smallish, delicate trees are originally from China, and their wonderful white to pink flowers open before the leaves appear. We typically see their flowers in February and Marsh and their fruit in April. To me, they taste just like the large, commerical apricots we see in grocery stores -- EXCEPT these are not as mealy tasting and much jucier --- though less than half the size of traditional apricot fruits.

Folks use these apricots in so many ways - from jams and jellies, to liquors, juices, picked and more.

According to Wikipedia: "The Chinese see its blossoms as both as a symbol of winter as well as a harbinger of spring. It is precisely for this reason that the blossoms are so beloved, as they bloom most vibrantly amidst the winter snow, after most other plants have shed their leaves, and before other flowers appear. They are seen as an example of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, and more recently have also been used as a metaphor to symbolize revolutionary struggle since the turn of the 20th Century."

I have two of these beauties on my property. One year, I collected over 50 seedlings from campus and planted them here in Oxford. It must have been an unusually harsh winter that year because the deer ate all but ONE of those seedlings. I've protected the single tree that has survived and it is now almost 5 feet tall. I probably won't see any fruit from my trees for another couple of years - so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that our cold nights (cold enough to freeze the kitties water bowl) will spare the fruits on campus.

Hope your weekend is restful!

Daffodils

Daffodils a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

A simply practice and quick sketch of one of the many daffodils so brightly blooming on the Arboretum grounds. Though the days have cooled to the highest temps in the low 50s, the sun's longer range during the day and the previous days of hotter temps have brought these bright trumpeters from their slumber and into the bright sunshine.

There's much to do this weekend as spring moves into higher gear ... I have a few more plants to put into the ground, some raspberries and seeds, and all of the plants need a deep drink of water. We are still much in need of a good, long rain.

Hope your day is wonderful and restive!

Forsythia

Forsythia a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

The Arboretum has become a daily source of eye-candy as spring's warming weather and longer daylight hours deepen the season.

Our forsythia, found throughout the property, seem to herald the Spring and brighten each garden they adorn. I painted a mere sprig of the lush shrub, focusing a bit more (though loosely) on those 'yellow bells' as they're called here in the south.

Yellow seems to be the color this week as daffodils and dandelions join the flower parade. And though our mornings tend to require a jacket, by afternoon, we are walking around with sweaters.

We're still being cautious about planting our vegetables, though. Our region of North Carolina has been known to experience a freeze, ice and snow in April ... but for now - we are relishing each and every blossom -- and the chance to leave our coats in the closet!

Have a great day!

Field of Snow

Field of Snow
Originally uploaded by linfrye

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

NO -- NO -- no snow here -- but a return to cold this morning - sufficient enough to leave ice on my car that needed to be scraped before I drove to work ---

Yes, our flowers are still abloom -- but I thought I'd post some paintings I did earlier this winter but didn't get a chance to post! LOL

BUSY BUSY time this week -- meeting upon meeting upon meeting. I got home last night with enough energy to paint a quick image - but the weeks of intensity are beginning to catch up with me and I'm heading to bed earlier than normal. Not a bad thing, just not a lot of time after a long work day to paint. Thank heavens for weekends! LOL

Hope your day is WARM!!

Beaches On My Mind

Beaches On My Mind
Originally uploaded by linfrye

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The weather is truly crazy this year ... this morning our temps are in the high 40s, but yesterday, we reached 80F!!!! We'll see-saw through the week with similiar temperature fluctuations.

When I drove south toward work yesterday morning, I was amazed at how swiftly spring had arrived. ALL the trees had broken bud, and the landscape was filled with the hazy magentas, oranges, lime green of tiny tree flowers. Forsythia, plum and cherry trees, quince, daffodils -- all in full bloom ... my gracious!!!

But the HOT weather has me dreaming of beachtime ... of spending days on white sandy beaches, walking the waterline, picking up shells, sketching with leisure ... ahh ...... at the rate of warm weather moving into our area, these days may not be so far away.

What this all equates to, though, is the mad-dash we face at the Arboretum. With spring, all our display gardens need refreshing, pruning, plants divided, new plants in the ground; plants in the greenhouse need to be bumped up, the root crops have to be in the ground for the hungry, etc., etc., etc. Spring means racing for us ... and right now, we're in the throes of it.

But as I dash from 'must' to 'must' .. my mind goes back to warm, sandy beaches ... and wishing I were there!!! LOL

Have a great day!