NEW YEAR 2013

NEW YEAR 2013, a photo by linfrye - with grands - be back soon on Flickr.

140#CP Watercolor

The last day of 2012 begins with temps in the mid 20s and a forecast of sunshine. As in other traditions, we'll clean and tidy the house, store the holiday decorations, restore order as we 'sweep' out the old in order to 'welcome' the new. The holidays are now memories and photographs as we create new experiences with each day and each year.

I'd like to thank each of you for your encouragement, visits, comments, invitations, friendship and inspiration over this year and these past years. Each day, week, each year is a journey, and I feel mightily blessed to have your company as we travel so many roads together.

My thoughts this early morning are best said by my favorite nature-writer, Hal Borland:

"...Any year, regardless of arbitrary time, is like a cicle; you can start at any point upon it and, following the circle, you come back to that point.....No year stands by itself, any more than any day stands alone. There is the continuity of all the years in the trees, the grass, even in the stones on the hilltops. Even in man. For time flows like water, eroding and building, shaping and ever flowing, and time is a part of us, not only our years, as we speak of them, but our lives, our thoughts. All our yesterdays are summarized in our now, and all our tomorrows are ours to shape.....There is no halt, no turning back. Tomorrow rises in the east, and all the tomorrows'....(Sundial of the Seasons)

May 2013 find each of us more peaceful, more prosperous, more creative, more KIND to one another ... and may we make each one of the days we are given gifts of love, joy and peace.

HAPPY 2013!

Roses for Taylor

Roses for Taylor, a photo by linfrye - with grands - be back soon on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Visiting with the grands is always a joy -- Each time we see them, they seem to have grown by feet instead of inches!!! Bringing all four of the 'older' cousins together simply quadrupled the enjoyment -- and of course, the noise levels! LOL We've been eating, and playing different electronic games, bouncing, and running -- riding bikes -- and did I mention -- running -- running! LOL So good to see them all together. The oldest two tend to act as older siblings and really help out with the younger girls ... quite grown up I must say. Lot of pictures... and another bank of memories.

This painting was a request from my granddaughter, Taylor, for 'pink flowers. She liked it too ...

Hope your holidays were joyous! Countdown for the remainder of 2012 .. where did the time go????

Sunset for Mike

Sunset for Mike, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

15" x 22" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The presents have all been given and opened, and now I can share a few other projects I've been working on that were surprises for Christmas. This painting was created for my son, Mike. I painted it several months ago, had it double matted and framed and surprised him with it for Christmas. I'm thrilled to say he loved it ..!

Our first half of the celebrations, with my son's family, was an absolute delight, and the second half of our celebrations will be later this week with my daughter and granddaughters.... and so we get to experience the joy and wonder of Christmas over an extended amount of time!

The rain has begun from that strong weather system making havoc across the US. We won't get any snow from it, but instead high winds and rain, and perhaps some thunder. Around these parts, the saying goes that thunderstorms in the winter mean snow 6-10 days later ... well, we can only keep our fingers crossed! LOL

I hope your holidays were joyous ... and that the spirit of the season continues ....

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Poinsettias in the Snow

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Poinsettias in the Snow, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13" Watercolor and white webbing
Arches 140#CP

WE WISH YOU AND YOURS A MOST JOYOUS AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY, CREATIVE NEW YEAR. MAY THIS SEASON BE FILLED WITH ALL THE LOVE YOUR HEART CAN HOLD!

Cattails in the Snow

Cattails in the Snow, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF WINTER! For those in the midwest, the snow has been flying - blizzard condiions, power outages, plane cancellations, traffic white-outs, and more snow than can be considered pretty. Here in the south, we've gotten the 'rain end' of that major storm, so these cattails are done from imagination rather than reality. We won't be having a white Christmas, but it's going to be a far cooler day than we've had lately and sunshiney. Our weather will be good for those who receive any type of 'wheel' from Santa - scooter, bike, skateboards ....

Today will be the shortest day of the year, BUT from here forward, we'll gain a smidge of time day by day, so that by March, sunset will really BE as well as FEEL much later! More time to paint!!! LOL

Last minutes to get things ready for Christmas .... Happy Almost Christmas!

Foggy Winter Sunrise

Foggy Winter Sunrise, a photo by linfrye Busy being a Nonna be back soon on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The weather continues to see-saw and the last few days have been unseasonably warm ... again in the mid 60s ... causing a foggy, wet, humid start to the day. I'm not too sad to experience warm weather since I am horribly cold-natured - but I do miss a bit of more seasonable winter temperatures and snow to somehow ready the mood for Christmas.

It's been a busy time for us ... Brayden is getting used to being at home and this week, his brother and sister are off from school - so a bit more adjusting. Holiday preparations are in full swing and we're dashing around for last-minute gifts and ideas, food items, wrapping and the like. In between times, I return to the art table for some 'normalcy' and a bit of relaxation. This painting was done as an experiment in technique as well as a tribute to the fog and warm winter weather.

I finally managed a walk yesterday and the listened to frogs croaking from puddles that remained from two days of rain .... seems so unusual to hear them in December ....

Hope your week is wonderful! Christmas Countdown!

Daylilies - Take Two

Daylilies - Take Two, a photo by linfrye Busy being a Nonna be back soon on Flickr.

10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

My thanks again for my friend, Beth, for allowing me to use her awesome capture (www.flickr.com/photos/74264119@N02/8228334508/in/photostream) to paint another version of these daylilies. In this version I wanted to soften the colors a bit but use the same paint palette and just 'hint' at the leaves. To me, it's a bit more of a botanical approach ... I have a few other approaches I'd like to try, but those will probably have to wait until after the holidays.

Thank you all for your most kind comments and notes about the birth of our newest grandson. Mom and Brayden are home now and doing well. Today we'll take Emily and Nick to meet their brother. It's an exciting time for our family, truly. And I thank you most sincerely for all your good wishes.

Prayers, especially now for those involved in the recent Connecticut tragedy .. most heartbreaking and senseless ... my heart goes out to all ...

Brayden Michael

Brayden Michael, a photo by linfrye Busy being a Nonna be back soon on Flickr.

Born 12-13-12
3:55 am
Weight 8.5 pounds
Length 21 1/4"

We are so proud to welcome this new addition to our growing family. Brayden joins Emily 8 and Nick 7 ... Mom and Dad are doing well. Christmas has definitely come early!

(Be back on line once things settle down.)

Please see http://www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye for more photos of Brayden.

Venice at Night - Thank you Antonello

Venice at Night - Thank you Antonello, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

There is something that just pulls me back to Italy time and time again. I can't seem to get enough of that incredible country! So flickr images of Italy really make me swoon, and the recent posting of Venice at night by Antonello Liguori really had me dizzy with joy! Antonello kindly granted me permission to paint from his masterful photo www.flickr.com/photos/antonelloliguori/8239170688/ -- THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! Please stop by his flickr stream fto see some incredible, GORGEOUS work!!!

Painting abstracts, using bolder colors, attempting more 'mood' scenes, working a bit on buildings are some painting projects I've been playing with these days. Painting this work allowed me to attempt many of these experiments in one painting. I've tried to keep this work loose and a bit sketchy. Not only was this a really terrific learning experience, but painting Venice also brought me back to a city I love. I am so ready to return to Italy!! Thank you once more, my friend, for also evoking fond, loving memories of my time in Venice!

My goal for 2013 is to continue working on many of these painting projects, approaches and techniques. It'll be an adventure!

What are YOUR goals for 2013?

The Time When Snow Fell

The Time When Snow Fell, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

This time of year when skies turn grey and cloudy, when leaves have left the trees, when rain threatens, when the garden has been put to bed, when all over the northern hemisphere snow makes an appearance and despite our 60F and 70F temperatures, I begin to long for snow.

It's a rare thing for us to have snow -- an event marked with school closings just for the 'threat' of the white stuff. And on those marvelously rare occasions when snow does decide to pay us a visit, that visit is horribly brief, and the 'flurry' is measured in quarters of inches. Ah well ... good there is art to dream upon.

This painting is based on a time two years ago when we did have a snow of significance ... I can't remember the exact depth, but maybe a few inches. The snow was a bit fluffier than normal, and the photo I took to mark the occasion was of the old farmhouse about 2 miles from our home. I moved the trees around a bit, but the dwelling is real. Oh yes, I did, exaggerate the snow a bit .. must be that old 'snow-envy' I feel this time of year.

For those sharing their images of snow -- blessings ... I am thoroughly enjoying each and every one .... know that you have a big fan of the stuff here in the sunny, and warm, south.

Hope your week is wonderful!

PS -- Still no baby ...

Gardenias for Emily

Gardenias for Emily, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

No baby yet --- but we're all sleeping with the phone by our bedsides just waiting for the 'we're at the hospital' phonecall ...

Meantime, I'm painting 'requests' from my grandchildren for Christmas. My granddaughter, Emily, has asked for 'white flowers' from a shrub she saw this summer. We finally identified 'which' of the white flowers were her favorites, and thus it was gardenias. We'll frame and wrap the painting today. Quite truthfully, I am honored than an eight-year-old would ask for a painting from me for a gift ...truly....

Our weather continues its unseasonable warming trend of 60s and 70s with only a few days between those mild temperatures that drop us into the 40s for a single day or two. For the most part, it's been quite a warm start to winter. We're also in the midst of a mild drought -- not a good way to begin another year. Still, it's a pleasure to wear only a light jacket outdoors.

It's also time to start the gift wrapping and final package sending ... the days do fly ..

Hope you have a marvelous weekend!

Fall's Twilight

Fall's Twilight, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/4 Sheet Mixed Media - watercolor, webbing, frosty ink
Arches 140#CP

I am still playing with abstracts, and as always, I am reluctant to let go of autumn -- so I finished this abstract I began lasa month with more autumnal colors with an emphasis on yellow and blue. I liked the motif I did last month and used the same ideas to finish this larger work.

I'm feverishly working on Christmas gift paintings and preparations for the holidays. My son told me today that by the doctor's reports, the baby has begun his descent and should be here before next week ...

I'm off to sling paint! Have a great week!

Daylilies - THANK YOU, Beth!

Daylilies - THANK YOU, Beth!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

12" X 16" Watercolor on Unryu Paper
140# Arches 140#CP

Each day I eagerly look forward to the inspiring artwork and captures of my friends on flickr. There rarely goes by a day without me opening up my contacts page and sighing in joyous wonder at the incredible photos and paintings that my friends have created.

It was just such inspiration by my friend, Beth, www.flickr.com/photos/74264119@N02/ that I was moved, inspired and fired-up to paint this warm rendition of daylilies. THANK YOU SOOOOO much, Beth, for allowing me to use your photo as a reference, and far more, for the inspiration!!!! BLESS YOU! Please drop by Beth's INCREDIBLE flickr stream to see and be inspired by her AWESOME works!!! Again, Thank you, Beth

I fell in love with the textures Beth added to her capture, and the wondrous color combinations of yellow, antwerp blue, orange, cobalt violet, burnt sienna. I added salt to my washes to try to recreate the DAZZLE of her work, and also added unryu paper to achieve a bit more white spots here and there for splash. It was a fun painting ...and I really loved working with these colors -- they sure warmed up the day!!!!

I'm working on several other renditions as I try to create a different 'style' or approach to this same image. I really have fallen in love with this color palette.

We've been promised another warm week. This morning, it was warm enough to walk outside without a hat, gloves or heavy coat. Mercy.

Hope your week is splashy and joyous!

Fall's Abstraction

Fall's Abstraction, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13" Watercolor and Webbing
Arches140#CP

Frosty mornings are the order of the day, and though ice crystals glaze the earth in winter white, with the sun's rising and subsequent heat, the ice melts and we are left with the fading ochres, siennas, chocolates, coffees, russets, auburns, tans, and bronzes of fall's glory. This abstract is my tribute to fall's colorful floor ... the earth beneath our feet, under the melted rime, long before it all become next year's earthly nutrients.

We've begun preparations for the holidays and I've started my marathon cooking activities. We're expecting our fifth grandchild in the next couple of weeks, so I'd like to make sure that with all the fun that event will bring, the majority of the holiday cooking and gifting is already done.

We're in for a warm weekend with temps in the mid 60s and reaching 70F ... go figure ...

Have a great weekend!

(Note: The squiggly lines are from a Krylon acryllic webbing (www.krylon.com/products/webbing_spray/) for those interested.)