Rose Hips - Thank You - Ernesto!

Rose Hips - Thank You - Ernesto!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches140#CP

Doris and I fell in love with Ernesto's capture of rose hips - www.flickr.com/photos/vilageron/7849474076/in/photostream - and we both approached painting these beauties in our own way. I chose to 'splash and splatter' and liked the random looseness of the berries and the bits of white throughout. Doris chose a moe traditional method with beautiful results too www.flickr.com/photos/djr-aquarelle/7859138618/

Thank you Ernesto for the inspiration!!

We too are seeing more berries in our walks and travels as summer\s flowers turn into fall's fruit. We\ve been wonderful viburnum and elderberries and some grapes are beginning to ripen on the vines we've spotted.

Here and there too we are noticing more yelllow leaves in the trees, and in the neighbor's garden, the dogwood is almost entirely red.

Fall is fast approaching!

Abstract Landscape with Fields after Karlyn Holman

Abstract Landscape with Fields after Karlyn Holman, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Doris and I have been experimenting with different watercolor methods and techniques. One of the experiments Doris asked me to demonstrate was from a Karlyn Holman workshop I took several years ago (see www.karlynolman.com).

We began with assorted paints, gauze, Unryu paper, salt and other texturizing materials, and went ahead splattering, splashing and generally slinging paint. WHAT FUN!!!

After everything was dried, we spent more concentrated activities finishing the paintings. And even though we worked with simliar materials and techniques, our resutls turned out so differently! l See Doris' :

Today was dedicated to painting as it was raining on and off. But we're continuing our experimenting and playing -- and generally having a BLAST!!!

Hope your week is terrific!!

Scheffenberg Castle

Scheffenberg Castle, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

When Doris and I decided on this trip, we promised ourselves that we would spend a good amount of time painting and sharing ideas and techniques.

I so wanted to learn how to paint buildings like Doris does. So on one of the days we didn't tour, Doris set out to do a step by step of one of the castles we had visited earlier in the week. We decided on Scheffenberg Castle.

Doris is a master of perspective and buildings, so she made sure I had a good drawing before I proceeded. Then I went on to try her method in my own 'signature' ... and this is the result.

Both the trip AND the painting was a lot of fun!

THANK YOU Doris for the instruction AND the Castle visit!

More FUN!!

More FUN!!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Holidays are continuing as wonderful as the weather! We've enjoyed some splendid days with sunshine and breezes, mild temperatures and utterly delightful views! It's hard to believe my eyes when I see sunfllowers still in bloom, peonies and roses bright and cheerful, and even sweet peas ... an early spring bloomer for me ... still looking fresh as spring itself!

We've been to castles and towers, town squares that are so wonderful with outdoor cafes, gelato, and those heavenly brotchen that I can't get enough of! We've enjoyed decadent waffles topped with cherries and whipped cream and ice cream, walked up dozens of hills, even found heather growing along the lake we visted.

We've been sketching along the way, painting as well, seen some incredible churches, a panoramic photography exhibit that was AWESOME, was entertained by the kindest fellow who demonstrated 6-7 replicas of authentic German trains -- as they ran around his HUGE outdoor track. And we laughed and laughed as each train made individual announcements complete with correct accents! We heard sound effects from the miniature farm, the fire department, the ambulance and more. We giggled until our sides ached!

We've enjoyed our trips around town and tonight a visit to the most amazing mosaic artist and her garden of mosaic globes. WOW.

It has definitely been a trip of a lifetime and a visit with a dear friend who has become a sister.

What absolute grace.

More FUN!!

More FUN!!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Holidays are continuing as wonderful as the weather! We've enjoyed some splendid days with sunshine and breezes, mild temperatures and utterly delightful views! It's hard to believe my eyes when I see sunfllowers still in bloom, peonies and roses bright and cheerful, and even sweet peas ... an early spring bloomer for me ... still looking fresh as spring itself!

We've been to castles and towers, town squares that are so wonderful with outdoor cafes, gelato, and those heavenly brotchen that I can't get enough of! We've enjoyed decadent waffles topped with cherries and whipped cream and ice cream, walked up dozens of hills, even found heather growing along the lake we visted.

We've been sketching along the way, painting as well, seen some incredible churches, a panaramic photography exhibit that was AWESOME, was entertained by the kindest fellow who demonstrated 6-7 replicas of authentic German trains -- as they ran around his HUGE outdoor track. And we laughed and laughed as each train made individual announcements complete with correct accents! We heard sound effects from the miniature farm, the fire department, the ambulence and more. We giggled until our sides ached!

We've enjoyed our trips around town and tonight a visit to the most amazing mosaic artist and her garden of mosiac globes. WOW.

It has definitely been a trip of a lifetime and a visit with a dear friend who has become a sister.

What absolute grace.

Physalis

Physalis, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

There are some mornings lately that feel like fall ... and that feeling of another season inspired this splash and splatter that Doris and I painted together.

I love physalis ... and those bright orange 'globes' just speak to me of the season I love best!

Hope your week is going well!

Sunflowers and Vase

Sunflowers and Vase, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14"
Arches 140#CP

Though I painted this a while ago, I am painting more today as I spend some time in a land where sunflowers are still tall and bright and bountiful, and where these same flowers echo the day's warmth and joyousness. I am in the company of a dear friend surrounded by incredible beauty and richness, hospitality, non-stop dialogue, painting, and walking and taking dozens of photographs.

We've been flickring and studying painting approaches, eating from her garden -- another source of stupendous wonder and beauty, enjoying gelato and books and ideas and friendship.

Yes, I am visiting my friend Doris (www.flickr.com/djr.aquarelle) and we have not stopped talking yet!! It's an awesome opportunity for us to learn from one another, enjoy new places and ideas and visions of another land, new customs and ways, and most -- the friendship born of a shared love of art and watercolor, deepened now by shared experience.

Auf wiedersehen!

On the River

On the River, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The weekend has flown! The festival was fun - somewhat small amount of traffic - but this was the first-time event for the hosts, and I believe the event was successful enough to repeat it again next year.
I sold a fair amount of paintings, had a good number of individuals interested in taking watercolor lessons, saw some of my friends I hadn't seen in a while, and enjoyed meeting new artists. I am truly grateful to be able to finally have the time to participate in more of these events.

This painting is a scene from the Eno River, Durham, NC ... one of the rivers Charles and I love to explore. There are many trails along its edge and cliffs and our wedding was held at one of the parks along its banks. It's a peaceful place, and in the summer the dense foliage keeps the area cool and a wonderful restive green. Rafts are available too to glide along the water and so many times during the summer, we find children wading in some of the shallow rocky areas by the old mill.

The season has begun its changing and can be felt in the cooling of the temperatures and the shortening of daylight. Yellow leaves are already beginning to dot the waysides as goldenrods and tawny grasses take the place of summer's bright wildflowers. It feels 'early' this year and I hope the cooler weather lingers long into the fall months. Autumn is my favorite season and I'd love to spend more time in it!

My mini-vacation is almost here --- and I'm so looking forward to it! I'll be off and on line as I can be - and will catch up with everyone as time permits.

Have a great week!!

In a Mood of Translucence - Thank You Irene

In a Mood of Translucence - Thank You Irene, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

While I was visiting mom and enjoying my sister's patio and the most delicious and cooling breeze I've felt since May, I was able to paint a bit while mom dozed in the sun. I had taken a few of my favorite images to use for painting should I have a chance to splash paint a bit.

One of the images I carried was this dream of a photo by Irene Steeves -Dreaming of Summer
www.flickr.com/photos/ircsi333/5636304766
Irene has generously permitted me to use the photo as an inspiration and reference for this painting --- Thank YOU so much, Irene! Please drop by Irene's flickr to see more incredible images!!!

What I love most about this wonderful creation is the translucency of the petals as the light that falls through the sheerness into the background -- WOW!! And what a challenge it was to achieve a similiar look in watercolor! I so enjoyed the challenge as well as the beauty and feeling of lightness Irene's image evoked!

It's been a busy week catching up with things and readying for my show and festival this weekend. I've a few more paintings to frame, much to pack up. We'll be having dinner with friends afterwards -- can't wait! Charles has a music jam on Sunday -- so a full weekend.

I have additional travel plans for the rest of the month so I'll be on and off flickr ....I can hardly believe I'm finally able to take some mini-vacations!!! It's been years!!!

Have a great weekend!

Sunflower Bouquet - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!

Sunflower Bouquet - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

15" x 22" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

A JOYOUS AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FRIEND, DORIS! MAY IT BE ONE OF THE BEST BIRTHDAYS!!

It's been a good visit with Mom and my sisters. The weather, though hot, has still given us an off-shore breeze that has made sitting oudoors utterly delightful!! I have not been able to spend THIS much time outside since May!!!!

It's been relaxing, and I've even managed to get in a few long walks and some paintings. Mom, thank heavens, is doing so much better--even getting around a bit spritely despite her hip replacement and illness over the holidays. We're all exceedingly grateful!

This sunflower bouquet was painted from the sunflowers C and I bought at the Farmer's Market last week. I painted it just before my visit to see Mom. What I loved about this particular sunflower bundle was all the various shades of gold to deep russet to yellow to almost orange. I didn't match the colors exactly in this painting, as the dark russet of some of the sunflowers was almost mahogony ... too dark for a painting I thought -- and so I decided to emphasize the reds of the russet colorations and use it to remember Doris' special day!


Sunflowers are mighty cheerful aren't they?! I hope they bring joy and best wishes!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!

Beaches

Beaches, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14"
Arches 140#CP

Sand between the toes, breezes off the Atlantic, the sound of gulls, waves crashing, sun tan lotion, sea oats and salt spray --- the beach I know and love. It'll be a while yet before another visit to the beach, so I enjoy the memories and paint my visit from past experiences. This painting was another trip down memory lane....

Mom is doing incredibly well as are my sisters, and time with them is enjoyable, relaxing and even energizing. The weather has been wonderful, though warm, but a different warm than the excessive heat and humidity I've experienced all summer. There's a glorious breeze that brings me right back to spring, and a freshness in the morning that hides the humidity that returns by afternoon. Still, seeing Mom doing so well, her mind as alert as ever, (she still is a force to reckon with when playing cards!!! LOL), fills me with an intense gratitude for all she's been through and all the help my sisters have been in her care.

I've a few more days of visiting, then back to my routine and an art show to prepare for. I wish you all a magnificent weekend!!!!