Evenings Glow - Thanks Linda Stilin!

Evenings Glow - Thanks Linda Stilin!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I suppose water has been on my mind lately - and a wonderful photo posted of this view by Linda Stilin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stilinstyle/6009955621/in/photostream) inspired this work. THANK YOU SO MUCH Linda! Take a look at Linda's fabulous photos --!!!!

I changed the mood to sunset and that rosy glow I seem to favor ....

We're down to the very LAST day of voting!!!! We began this challenge with a tornado, experienced drought, floods, and an earthquake, and ended the voting period with a hurricane ... whew! This is one project we won't easily forget.
Thank you for voting one last day! The winners will be announced tomorrow --

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Thank you always for your support! Have a great day!

Marsh Finds

Marsh Finds , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

This is a painting from the sound (marsh) side of North Carolina's Crystal Coast BEFORE Hurricane Irene. I spotted a small boat abandoned in the grasses and wanted to add it to another painting of the marshes I love.

Unfortunately after Irene, there are LOTS of abandoned boats in all kinds of odd places--people's yards, on the roads, on the dunes, and yes, also in the marsh grasses. Clean up continues throughout the eastcoast - and my sisters are still without electricity. Storm damage is being accessed from North Carolina through Canada ...

We had another storm last night - rain, thunder, lightning, winds and in some places hail ... We weathered, fortunately, this storm as well - but oh my, what a rocky night!

We're down to two days remaining in the orchard competition....!!!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Thank you always for your kindest remarks, invitations, and voting support!

Delicate Pansies

Delicate Pansies , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

In the wrath of Hurricane Irene, the loss of life and property, flooding, power outages, and the recovery to come, something a bit cheerful and sent with hope for those adversely affected by the storm.

Life resumed for us yesterday, and my family in New York, gratefully, is - others, sadly are not as fortunate and we continue to pray for their safety and the hope for little loss of property and the will, strength and ability to recover.

May this week be filled with hope and sunny weather.

The Angry Atlantic

The Angry Atlantic, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

We are in good shape---and sincerely thank you for all your prayers and good thoughts. We lost power several times, lost a couple of trees - but in all -- extraordinarily fortunate.

Our prayers now are for the rest of the eastern coast, especially those in the direct path of Hurricane Irene - New York, Rhode Island, Boston. The eye of the storm is expected to pass over New York in about an hour.

This painting is based on photos I took last week on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina and photos I have seen on the news yesterday. Our coast has taken a hard hit - most especially from flooding - from the Sound side - and wind. Thousands of folks are without power. I am so grateful, even more now, for the time we had there the week before.

I have no news about the college since power may still be out. Our IT department shut down the network entirely, so it'll be tomorrow before we can access the damage.

Again, thank you for your prayers and thoughts and they continue for those still being impacted by the storm.

Thank you too for continuing to vote, espcially for those without power!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Hurricane Irene over Marshlands

Hurricane Irene over Marshlands , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

A quick watercolor of our marshes with Irene's approach. Right now, 7:15 am EDT, the eye of the storm is just about to hit the Crystal Coast of North Carolina --- the same place we vacationed last weekend. According to the news, there are folks along the coast without power, the winds and waves are up, but because Irene has lost strength to a status of 1 instead of hurricane 3 that was predicted, things aren't as horrible as they might have been -- but, they warn us - we are less than halfway through the storm.

Here, west of the coast by 200+ miles, the winds are battering my trees and we're having bands of rain come through. The reports at the school tell me of high winds and flooding -- but all, thusfar, less damaging than might have been.

We're all keeping our fingers crossed that the storm passes without more damage - but it's a slow moving storm and we're expecting these windy, rainy, gusty conditions for the rest of the day.

Thank you for all your good thoughts and prayers.

Please vote if you can especially for those who will not have their power restored for a few days!

PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

The Marsh

The Marsh, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

This wet in wet was done in 15 minutes in an effort to capture that watery, salty, gorgeous marsh that I so love. I suppose I'm a person who prefers quiet to the boisterous crash and splash of the ocean. The blues, siennas and greens, the knowledge that so much of sealife begins and resides in these salt marshes, the smells, the wind, the softer side of things --- all mean "marsh" to me.

Already the winds are beginning to push the waves and water on the ocean side of North Caroliana's coast. Hurricane Irene is expected to affect not just our coast, but New York, Long Island (home of my sisters and mom), Boston .. major cities and homes of thousands of people.

Here at home, we are further west from the coast and are expecting major gusts of wind and about 2"-4" rain (we need that!!) - but it also means power outages and some tree damage, but we should, we pray, avoid the worst. The coast has already begun evacuations... My college, on the edge of the path, is more likely to suffer some kind of damage ... all we can do is wait -- prepare -- and pray. Before I left work yesterday, we walked the Arboretum property getting things put indoors and those outdoors secured. We'll be as ready as we can be.

When I got home yesterday, I began the same walk-about, securing things, removing those items - like tomato cages, loose flower pots, statuary - that might take off and become projectiles in high winds. I've gotten batteries, food, extra water, gasoline for the generator, charged my phone, gassed my car.

I hope we have power on long enough to get my votes in each day!! LOL Thank you for your support and good wishes for the storm.

Stay safe everyone!


PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Catalpa-like Flowers

Catalpa-like Flowers, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I have really enjoyed painting white flowers this year, and these catalpa-like flowers really inspired me to do a larger splash and splatter approach. These unnamed white flowers are similar - yet somewhat different - than those of our catalpa trees. They remind me of a desert willow -- but I'm not sure since the leaves aren't the same. Regardless, I like the play of lights against darks and it was fun to do!

More preparations for the storm - though it looks like the hurricane has turned east enough to give us less trouble than it would otherwise ... fingers crossed.

We've also begun preliminary discussions with Edy's about the orchard -- so please, keep voting!!! THANKS SO MUCH!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

The Waves

The Waves, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I FINALLY got to dip my toes in the Atlantic Ocean this past weekend! I"ve been dreaming of doing just that for the last several years, and finally had the chance!

The waves were pretty energetic at Emerald Isle, which is where this painting is from, and it was a real effort to remain upright as the waves pushed my legs one way and the retreating sand pushed another! Surfers were taking advantage of the waves and, since it was the last weekend before school started, the beach was pretty active with children and adults.

Yesterday was a record day for us -- we had an earthquake! I never felt one of these before --! My assistant and I were creating a new spreadsheet for a grant we received, when we felt a rumble under our feet and our mobile unit swayed. It lasted several seconds. Normally when a large truck delivers something to the Arboretum, we get the same 'movement' -- so we ran outdoors to see if we just missed hearing such a vehicle. Nothing. Then we examined our two air conditioners, thinking that perhaps a compressor had blown -- and feeling only the fan working, we reported THAT as the problem. About 30 minutes later, we received a phone call from our grounds crew asking if we were okay -- and reporting to us that there was an earthquake. I thought he was joking - but it wasn't too much longer after that that the report of an earthquake was on the news. (How silly I felt when I had to cancel our maintenance request! LOL) We are all okay -- the epicenter of the quake was north of us by about 200 miles, but the effects of the 5.8 earthquake was felt as far north as Maine and as far south as Georgia.

Adding to the news of the day - we're watching the approach of Hurricane Irene - which, when it passes North Carolina, will be a catagory 3 -- quite severe --- Forecasters can't predict its landfall just yet -- but the beaches we visited last weekend will definitely be affected -- the question is to what degree. Depending on how far the storm passes over North Carolina will determine the rain and wind damage we'll experience both at work and at my home further north. Already the stores are short on batteries and bottled water. And we're all keeping our fingers crossed that the storm continues its eastward track and misses us entirely. We'll know by Friday where it's going.

Here's hoping today is a bit less eventful -- and everyone has a terrific one!

Hibiscus - Pink Flowers - Thank you Rupa Dee

Hibiscus - Pink Flowers - Thank you Rupa Dee, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

My thanks to my friend Rupa Dee (http://www.flickr.com/photos/63848165@N08/) whose beautiful photograph of hibiscus inspired this painting. THANK YOU Rupa!! Please take a moment to view her incredible works!

I began this painting at home, worked on it a bit as we drove to the coast, and a bit while we were vacationing. My own hibiscus are in bloom as well, but I fell in love with Rupa's wonderful capture .... thank you again!

We are in the second week of classes here at the college. I walked across the campus to the main building yesterday and almost had to elbow my way through the masses of people! Like most other colleges during this time of economic uncertainty, our classes are overflowing with folks trying to reeducate themselves for whatever jobs are available as well as those preparing for their future. The quiet days on campus are officially over!

But, we're still voting for the orchard. With nine days remaining in the entire four-month competition, we must keep voting daily to remain in the last five places ... Thank you again for your support!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Marshes of NC

Marshes of NC, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#

After over ten years time, my husband and I finally returned to North Carolina beaches for a few days!!! I've been dreaming of dipping my toes in the great Atlantic ocean for months now, and this weekend, we finally made it!!

We stayed at a small bed and breakfast that so reminded me of home - it was a few miles from Beaufort, NC, and our room was like a small efficiency - kitchen, dining/living room, bedroom, bath ... quiet, cozy, comfortable!

We spent our days touring, once again, the towns of Beaufort and Swansboro, Cape Lookout, the plentiful marshes, and the ocean at Emerald Isle. We spent some time at the Art Gallery in Beaufort, met a photographer who told us the best places for photographs, found several incredible restaurants, and at one shop, even had the owner give us a renditon of Elvis! LOL All in all, just what the doctor ordered -- only wish the prescription was for a few more days! LOL The weather was wonderful, if a bit hot - but sunshiney with a terrific ocean breeze.

We got home to even more high temperatures and then a blessed thunderstorm and much needed rain. The figs on my trees are finally plumping and sweetening ....

It's back to work today with a desk filled with papers and a calendar of meetings and deadlines ...

Vacations just aren't long enough!!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Moving toward Fall

Moving toward Fall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

There is a sense of fall in the air -- already the tulip tree and sycamore leaves have turned yellow - yes, partly because of the drought, but also because the season is turning away from summer's firey heat and moving toward the delicious bright, cooler weather of fall.

I love the view of this farm ... and never grow tired of trying to capture of it through all its moods and seasons. This is a quick, colorful variation ... but that fence and field carry my thoughts month to month.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement !!! And thank you for voting. We're down to the last ten days -- if we remain in the top 5, the Arboretum will win an orchard which will be maintained by our gardeners and volunteers, and the produce given to the hungry in our region. The voting remains fierce, and we really appreciate your help!


PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Have a great Sunday!

Dave's Onions

Dave's Onions, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP

Going to the Durham Farmer's Market is a delight for all the senses ...! These onions, found in our friend Dave's booth, were so pretty - that we brought them home to PAINT rather than use solely for cooking! LOL Of course, they were as delicious as they were pretty!

I'll be offline this weekend and will catch up with everyone on Sunday ... the weather is supposed to be rather nice with a chance of scattered showers -- we'll be outdoors and enjoying the pre-fall weather!

Hope you have a super weekend!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Sea Holly

Sea Holly, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though we don't currently have any of these unusual looking flowers either at the Arboretum or in my own garden, they're on the 'to be acquired' list.

These plants are native to the seasides of Europe - but with its thistlelike, prickly leaves and wonderful blue/purply color, its ability to thrive in drought conditions, and its resistant to deer, all make this plant worthy of a testing!

More chores ahead and a bit of errand-running. We've a chance of rain, so I'm dashing to get those collected seeds out in the gardens.

We're down to the last two weeks of competition for the Orchard for the Hungry -- the voting is fierce -- after all this time, we are so very close -- please help by voting today!! THANK YOU!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Linda's Barn in Snow

Linda Barn in Snow, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Yep, with temps in the 90s F it's a challenge to paint snow! LOL But it does cool one -- if only mentally! Hope you like this version too, Linda!

I missed my date with the weeds yesterday, and instead wrestled for several hours with the front garden. I deadheaded and pruned wheelbarrels of vegetation and wound up with two 5-gallon buckets of purple and white coneflower seedheads and a two-gallon bucket of blanket flower and miscellaneous seedheads! My plan is to use these over the newly cleared areas of the property and entry beds and extend the front beds a bit. It'll be a surprise to see what takes.

A bit more chores to do today and minor dashing around ... It's been wonderful to have some leisure time ...!

Stay well!

A Field of Pink Poppies

A Field of Pink Poppies , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

My sisters tell me they had 10" of rain the day I was to arrive - and the party went off well despite the soaking conditions. I tried to cheer myself with some thoughts of sunshine and flowers -
I have a date with the weeds today - the recent bits of rain have given them a strangle hold on the flowers, so today the battle will be fought. It's also time to collect the prodigious amount of seeds produced by my coneflowers, blanket flowers and more and spread them around the property.

We've been collecting the seedheads of Queen Anne's lace for dispersal during some of our walks, and I've ordered a number of packages of poppy seeds to scatter along with the others. This ''Johnny Apple Seed" approach to my front garden is most enjoyable ---! LOL Yesterday I came across dozens of fruits on the Passion Flower vine that also surprised me this year. Once those fruits ripen, I'll make some jam from them. They're very tart and lemony - and are quite like pomagranate seeds. And I found several new zinnias just opening ...One thing about this seed-sowing business, it's always a surprise what grows -- as well as what doesn't ...

Hope your day is wonderful! Our temps have cooled to the mid 80s! Feels like fall!

Barn Challenge

Barn Challenge, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

After finally get a better handle on perspective through Virgil Carter's class, I felt I could tackle those barns and angles for the challenge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stilinstyle/).

I also wanted to simplify the scene a bit with a more colorful approach. Since the original photograph was taken in fall, I kept the season the same and simplified the grasses to give more of a focus on the red barn. Since the photograph and property held special meaning for Linda's sister, I didn't want to stray too far from the original ...

I'd like to try this again in a different season ...

It rained a bit over the weekend and blessed us with much needed water and a cooling down of our temperatures.

I'll tackle some long-delayed chores today and see if I can get a dent in that long list of 'one-of-these-days'!

Have a great one!

Exhibit Entry - West Point on the Eno

Exhibit Entry - West Point on the Eno, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

It took us three hours to hang 66 paintings and labels in the Photography Museum at West Point on the Eno. You can see just how tired I look! LOL

I got home, packed and finished last minute details to head to New York for a family visit early this morning. I got to the airport by 6 am, wound up having my bags examined, and made it to my gate with 20 minutes to spare -- whew!

Airplane got to the runway ..... and sat ... and sat ... and sat. After 60 minutes, and a missed connection from Phily to NY, the pilot finally made the announcement that there was a mechanical problem with the plane .. and we slowly made our way back to the gate.

A full airplane qued up by the single ticket taker to try to find new connections. Exasperated folks grumpled and swore, some were patient, some sat with crying children, and I waited, at times more patient than others, but after 75 minutes, I finally made it to the front of the line.

Sadly, there was NOT ONE connection that could get me to my sister's surprise birthday party by 7 am tomorrow. Not one. Overbooked and canceled flights, stand-bys in cities that would have left me stranded, the plane I was to have taken was removed from service entirely as repairs were more extensive than thought - all made the decision for me -- and I canceled my attempts and sadly made my way back home.

It's taken a while to get over the disappointment. It's been almost a year since I saw my sisters and mom, and I was excited to get a few days with them on such a happy occasion. Apparently, this was not to be the time.

I still have some vacation time planned that I can get those pesky chores done, car part installed, a bit of rest. We'll see ... I haven't decided just what I'll do with the unexpected time to myself .. maybe save a day or two of vacation for another time.

Meantime, I'll now have a chance to enjoy the exhibit myself ... maybe even get a chance to paint a bit.

And maybe, next time, consider taking the train ...

Exhibit Wall

Exhibit Wall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Exhibit Wall

Exhibit Wall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Exhibit Wall

Exhibit Wall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Exhibit Wall

Exhibit Wall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Exhibit Wall

Exhibit Wall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Colorful Tuscany

Colorful Tuscany , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I'm still working with many of the wonderful ideas presented in Virgil Carter's class .... here, a typical Tuscan farm or vineyard treated with colorful warm colors against a cool mountain range - Tuscany, Sicily, Italy - home of my dreams. I hope to return once more - until then, I visit through my paintings.

I'll be heading out of town for several days and will be off line. It'll be a mighty busy time and I won't have much time to paint or have access to a computer - I'll check in as I can - and paint as often as time permits.

I hang my 60+ paintings today for the exhibit. I'll have to enjoy this showing once I get back. But we've worked feverishly to frame, mat, create signs and explanations of each piece, organize, and today, finally place on walls. I'll take photos!

Thank you too for your continued support and votes for the orchard. We're mighty close - with only 20 days or so until the competition is over and the winners announced!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

I hope your weekend and week ahead are wonderful! And keep playing!

Ronah's Marigold

Ronah's Marigold, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

My thanks go to my good friend, Ronah, who graciously allowed me to use her photograph of marigolds to paint this still life. Her photography is out of this world - please stop by to say hi (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kookie895/6031057677/in/photostream). I fell in love with the photo she took of these marigolds and just HAD to paint them! I am not growing any in my own garden, so these were a double treat!

The cooler weather has arrived - just in time for today's volunteers and harvesting for the hungry. We've a program planned for them as well about fall planting. It's time to rotate our crops and begin seeds for fall planting and begin our summer garden clean-up. Hard to believe that with temperatures still in the 90s we have to plant for fall -- ! We WILL be planting marigolds this fall - mostly calendulas .. and they'll help keep the gardens bright and cheery as well as repel some of the insects and attract pollinators.

Hope your day is as bright as marigolds!

Fog on the Mountain

Fog on the Mountain , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I painted this a few months back while taking another on-line class. It's a different style than the one I've been learning these last few weeks, but I like it too -- it's just a different approach and to me conveys a different feel and emotion.

I didn't have much time to paint last night and won't the remainder of the week with meetings and other obligations. I am already missing that quiet time with paints and water ....

We've a few cooler days - much appreciated - and a very small chance of rain.

It's easy to tell the season of summer is quickly moving toward fall, despite the high temperatures. Already student cars are filling the parking lots; there's a bustle about the college that was missing during the quieter months of June and July, and even now, a bit after 6 am, it's still dark outside and the sun won't be up for another 20 minutes or so .. Time passes so quickly ...

Hope your day is terrific!

Yellow Petunias

Yellow Petunias , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP

I don't have any yellow petunias in my garden, but my magentas have surived the worst of this heat and drought. For the longest time, I associated petunias with old-fashioned gardens, and I suppose they have been a long, frequently used flower. I've really grown to admire their strength, beauty and ability to withstand and survive so many of summer's challenges.

We're expecting a cool front today with temps in the high 80s, low 90s, and after temperatures in the 100s, it should feel fantastic!

Hope your weather is good for you -- and your day delightful!

Early Morn on the Marsh

Early Morn on the Marsh, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

As a final step for the exhibition, I went through some of my boxes of paintings and came across this one. It's a small painting but against the frame of plum (a bit more pink than shows here), I really loved the mood of it. I remember painting it, and hunted through my flickr uploads thinking I had posted it and could find the name I had given it. After 90 minutes, I gave up -- and could find it - surprised that I never posted the painting. So I named it last night after it was matted ... funny. The view is familiar to me and one I often paint - it's inspired by the many ponds and lakes we have in my area and those wild grasses that seem to catch my fancy.

My son and his new bride came to dinner last night, so good to catch up!

I'm mighty tired today after such an intense weekend...it'll be a while regaining my momentum ....

Have a terrific week!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Inspired by Pink Lisianthus - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!

Inspired by Pink Lisianthus - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

I saw these pink lisanthus at the farmers market last week and was inspired to paint them to celebrate Doris' birthday today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!!! MAY IT BE YOUR BEST YET!!

We picked figs in the --- RAIN!!! -- yesterday -- and didn't mind the soaking! We were doubly rejoicing for the water and the luscious fruit. I've put up over two dozen jars of preserves, dried several quarts and today will finish jars of picked figs (like spiced figs - not too much vinegar) ...!

We've company for dinner and we're still working on finalizing framing and cards for the exhibition next week.

The weekend has flown by in a buzz of activity and chores ....

Hope you have a great Sunday! And thank you for your continued votes -- we're almost to the finish line!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Couple of Trumpets

Couple of Trumpets, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

A very quick sketch of some trumpet flowers.

Still dashing around with framing, matting, selecting, creating description cards for all paintings, drying tomatoes, preserving figs, laundry, housework, and more. It seems that such busyness all falls on a single weekend these days! LOL

We are supposed to pick more figs today - right now the rain is falling and I'm doing my happy rain dance. The rain will help ripen all our fruits, perk up the plants, and give our parched landscapes much needed rain -- yahoo!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Hope you have a super day!

Figs

Figs , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

This painting of figs if from my archives. My own fig tree has finally begun ripening - but this year, due to so many days without rain, the figs are half the size! Still, we've been able to pick about a quart of the sweet fruits ...YUM!

It's a busy intense weekend with much to organize and prepare for the exhibit next week, car maintenance, watering, grandchildren...

Hope you have a great weekend - I'll check in as chores get crossed off the list!

Don't forget to vote!

Bird Bath

Bird Bath, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Another day of high temperatures and we've been under heat advisories all week -- whew .... perhaps rain tonight or this weekend?

When I am home, I find dozens and dozens of bees surrounding the bit of water dripping from my air conditioning lines ... they too are in need of this vital element. With so little rain in the area, ponds and lakes diminishing, I wonder how the birds find sufficient water? My own bird bath -- not as pretty as this - filled in the morning - evaporates in an hour when it's so hot ...

Our volunteers return this morning to harvest the tomatoes, squash, melons and more that are ready ...we'll donate those to the food bank - already we've donated over 200 pounds of food!

Hope your day is cool --- and thank you for continuing to vote!
PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Barn in the Oxford Woods

Barn in the Oxford Woods , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

As I continue in Virgil Carter's class, I am revisiting some of my favorite photographs and attempting to paint them in a more loose and colorful manner.

One of the things I love about living in rural North Carolina are the wonderful barns, shacks and outbuildings that dot the landscape. Some are still used; far more are abandoned, and the story of their decline is as rich as the story of their useful past. This particular barn/shack resides about two miles from my home. The fence is my inclusion, but the woodlands, trees and grasses creeping around and through the old barn are very real.

Images such as this, for me at least, harken back to simpler times, times when living by, for and with the land was the way of life and most important. ln our forward movement toward progress we tend to forget our deep, abiding dependence on this good earth. Images such as this, remind me .... again.

Take care of YOUR place on this earth -- and please remember to vote. This is the last round ending on August 31 - if we remain in the top 5 -- an orchard will be ours to nurture, tend, and harvest for this regions hungry. Thank you for your support!

Sunflowers - Again

Sunflowers - Again, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP

I can't yet leave the sunflowers and the challenge of painting them. Despite the heat, the farmers market was filled with sunflowers and their big, bold, bright faces encouraged me to return again to my paintbrushes and try to capture that wonderful petaled sunshine!

We had a cooler day yesterday and a welcome back breakfast for our faculty. Classes will begin in less than two weeks, so the college is abuzz with activity after a relatively quiet summer with less students on campus.

I'm readying for another painting exhibition at one of my favorite state parks in Durham. I have four walls to fill and will at their Photography Museum for six weeks. They've asked for labels on each painting that describe the painting so today's the day to begin getting all that information together.

Stay cool today!

Fog on the Maine Coast

Fog on the Main Coast, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

Virgil has kindly agreed to continue his exceptional class on colorful landscapes several more weeks - and this is a painting done for for that class. It's from a photograph of Virgil's from the Maine, USA coast. The photograph was a clear, sunshiney day, and I worked to change the mood, color and elements for a colorful foggy interpretation.

It's back to the work week and we're expecting temperatures a bit coolor than last. I suppose temps in the 90s will feel like a cool spell after heat and humidity over 100F! LOL

Have a great day!