Double Quince

Double Quince, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

With two quince shrubs on my property - one a brilliant crimson, the other a paler peach, I wanted to combine their colors in a different way in this painting. I focused more on the 'orange' side of the flowers, enhancing the colors for a more expressive interpretation. I used the 'double quince' blossoms as a model for the flower shape. So many of my own spring blossoms are pale pink or white, I wanted be a bit more adventuresome and go 'brighter' with this painting .....

Hope you have a super week!

Thank you for your comments, invitations, and visits!!

On a Street in Tuscany

On a Street in Tuscany, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

With so much tragedy lately, even the blossoms of spring seem a bit dulled by the shock and sadness of so much loss and concern.

Times like this, my thoughts return to happier moments. Here, I return to spring in Tuscany ... a quiet street, flowers in bloom, a remembered coffee and gelato, the sound of birds welcoming the season, the sun warm on my back as each doorway and ancient wall seems to glow in that incredible Italian sunlight.

For today, this dip into the past is enough to help recall the goodness in the world, the joy found in simple things, and people whose hearts are filled with love.

May there be peace ...

Poppies To Remember ...

Poppies To Remember ..., a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

6" x 8" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

I am heartsick with the tragedy of the Boston marathon and my heart and prayers go out to those killed and injured in this senseless event.

Though I painted this a while ago, it seems fitting today to remember those lost and hurt .... we are a people in mourning and bewilderment ....

Crab Apple

Crab Apple, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

Spring in my garden ... a branch from our Crab Apple Tree.

Swallowtails

Swallowtails, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

It seems even the swallowtails know it spring. We've seen dozens of this already!

Double Quince

Double Quince, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

In its full glory --

The Yellow Fields

The Yellow Fields, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

11" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Spring is here and it feels rather short-lived as temperatures this week have reached mid 80s...! Tree leaves are just emerging, and fields are beginning to yellow not only from the dropping pine pollen, but also from the field mustards and wild flowers also making an appearance. In a few short weeks, our roadsides will again look like this painting, and we'll be headlong into summer.

Still, half of the US is in snow, ice, torrential rains and storms, while those of us on the east side of a fast-moving front are enjoying record heat and sunshine. The farmers have been turning over their fields and we are in the midst of flowers and new growth.

I love this time of year where every turn delights us with a shrub or garden in bloom. The parade of blossoms seems to go so fast, it's hard to capture it all.

Time to bask in the joy of it.

Happy Thursday!

Blue Anemone

Blue Anemone, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

11" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

It's really beginning to feel like spring! Our temperatures have finally achieved a bit more 'normalcy' and we enjoyed a warm 71F yesterday with temps this week predicted to reach the 80s! Gorgeous, awesome weekend, and the warm weather, flower parade, and sunshine seemed to liberate everyone from their homes.

The Sertoma Art Show, in which I participated, showed over 42 artists and the reception was well attended. It was very heart warming to see friends and art appreciators there. The Art Center is located on Shelley Lake in Raleigh, and oh my was that area crowded! Kites were flying, folks were walking, riding, playing ball and Frisbee, and some adventuresome youngsters were even sloshing through the streams!

Everywhere flowers, trees, herbaceous plants, shrubs all seemed to welcome the season!

I hope spring reaches your part of the world and you have a chance to bask in it! Have a great week!

Spring Blossoms

Spring Blossoms, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The weather continues its undecided journey toward spring .... Saturday's weather - warm, sun-filled, in the low 70s; today, cold, gray, with sleet and temps not going above 40 .... It seems Winter is reluctant to move along and Spring hasn't gained enough momentum to be fully 'present.'

Still and despite this merry-go-round of temperatures and sun, clouds, and what-have-you's, the trees say it's Spring and are about their business of blooming. Cherries, Bradford pears, elms, maples and hickories, peach trees, my blueberries, and even in some parts - the first unfurling of dogwood blossoms -- are all moving the season forward.

I can only hope that it warms up enough to save a bit of newly-formed fruit for the season, and the bees and other pollinators decide it isn't too cold to go about THEIR business.

We're promised a warming trend -- again -- this weekend. My fingers are crossed.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Cone Flower Duo - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORRAINE

Cone Flower Duo - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORRAINE, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

8" X 12" (each) Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORRAINE!! I SO HOPE IT'S ONE OF YOUR BEST YET!!!!

I've been working on several 'double and triple' panel paintings for some upcoming festivals this spring and summer. I like the style of doing these - simple, spontaneous. Though narrow, we'll be framing each panel individually and hanging them side by side. For those of us with limited wall space, this size seems just right for a few of those 'unusual' spots in a room. I've done about four different flower paintings -- we'll see how they go. These are dedicated especially to my long-time friend, Lorraine ... on her special birthday day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORRAINE!! Hope your week is filled with joy and sunshine!!