Plum Blossoms - Sharon

Plum Blossoms - Sharon, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Retirement has been a busy time for me - a lot to catch up with after 11 years on the road, and I'm thoroughly enjoying my time!!! But sometimes in all this catching up, cleaning, changing, organizing, I long for a bit of timelessness.

It was in such a moment that this photo www.flickr.com/photos/dubonnet/7251639712 stopped me in my tracks, and brought me right to that quiet space of contemplation and dreaminess.

With Sharon's gracious permission, I created this interpretation of Sharon's beautiful plum blossoms. As I painted, I was transported from the heat-filled, sagging heat of summer, to the fresh, new, potentiality-filled moments of spring ... a time both refreshing, and rich with the season''s promises ahead. I used Unryu paper and watercolor to highlight the 'dreaminess' of the image that inspired me. Thank you, Sharon, for your kindness once again. (Please take a moment to visit Sharon's flickr stream to view some awesome work!!)

I spent the day with a friend yesterday making peach jam -- the first jam of the season - and luscious it was! We had a light lunch and hours of wonderful sharing and companionship. Afterwards I returned phone calls and began arrangements for teaching various classes in the fall. I'm excited about this opportunity to share with my 'home' community and begin to build new relationships.

I'll be off-line most of week and weekend as I'm planning to visit my sisters and Mom and computer time will be limited.

Hope your week is wonderful!