9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
After weeding, watering, and clipping seedheads yesterday, I walked to the edges of the woodland to find that the muscadines are ripening! They're wonderful colors of pink, purple, russet and green and hide behind those variously-sized, heart-shaped leaves. I stood under those vines I could reach and nibbled a few of the ripest ones ... and took photos of the others. We made preserves from our harvest last year... we'll see how much time we've got to do that again this season.
We began dehydrating more fruit -- from tomatoes to bananas to mangoes..... and today, once those are dry enough, we'll fill the dehydrator with sweet smelling nectarines. YUM. I feel like the busy ant in the story of the ant and the grasshopper -- I'm laying in stores for the winter while the world seems to be playing during the remaining days of summer! LOL
I'm also preparing for an exhibit this September -- actually 3 of them - at the library in the town where I work. I'll have wall space for my watercolors, a large display case for the altered books I've created years ago (http://www.picturetrail.com/linfrye), and the Arboretum will have a display case for its upcoming events -- an entire month! WOO WHOO!! So today, we're off for more frames and mats --- including one for my son's marsh scene that he has patiently been waiting for!
It's still incredibly hot and rain threatens every once in a while .. I wish it would give us a good soaking!!
Have a great day!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Jockey
Abstract
Cropped from 9" x 12" Arches 140#CP
Here's one of the cropped pieces ... I see a jockey, head bent, scarf (?) blowing in the wind .....
Or is my imagination working overtime?! LOL
Anyway, fun things to dream upon ....
The Plant a Row volunteers worked so hard yesterday! We harvested, tore out spent plants, trimmed, deadheaded, raked, hoed, limed and fertilized the garden beds in preparation for next week's fall vegetable planting. After a couple of hours, we were all soaked with perspiration, and wound up in the a/c sharing a bowl of cold tomato salad -- just the thing to revive us! LOL
Today I must do the same thing with my own garden, and encourage the rain by watering the plants. Still, when I got home last night, I was able to pick a quart of fresh figs -- yummmmmmm!
Have a great day!
Cropped from 9" x 12" Arches 140#CP
Here's one of the cropped pieces ... I see a jockey, head bent, scarf (?) blowing in the wind .....
Or is my imagination working overtime?! LOL
Anyway, fun things to dream upon ....
The Plant a Row volunteers worked so hard yesterday! We harvested, tore out spent plants, trimmed, deadheaded, raked, hoed, limed and fertilized the garden beds in preparation for next week's fall vegetable planting. After a couple of hours, we were all soaked with perspiration, and wound up in the a/c sharing a bowl of cold tomato salad -- just the thing to revive us! LOL
Today I must do the same thing with my own garden, and encourage the rain by watering the plants. Still, when I got home last night, I was able to pick a quart of fresh figs -- yummmmmmm!
Have a great day!
Landscape after Holman and Haines
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
I LOVED how this abstract began, but wound up getting it too horizontal. I was trying for something a bit splashy and runny, but the papers along the horizontal could have been used to a better effect if I had done something more toward the top of the piece. Still, if I stare at this long enough, I see animals, a jockey, and other fun pieces. So I decided to crop it into several works.
Arches 140#CP
I LOVED how this abstract began, but wound up getting it too horizontal. I was trying for something a bit splashy and runny, but the papers along the horizontal could have been used to a better effect if I had done something more toward the top of the piece. Still, if I stare at this long enough, I see animals, a jockey, and other fun pieces. So I decided to crop it into several works.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Summer Landscape with Masa
Watercolor on Masa Paper
9" x 12"
Working on masa paper has its own set of challenges and wonderful surprises: the way the paper winds up crinkling, the way those crinkles 'take' the paint, the way lines won't go in the direction you may want, the challenge of getting just the right tone since lightening any area damages the paper. Still, it is so much fun working with this type of rice paper and its wonderful personality ---!
The "Plant a Row" gardens are getting an overall today. The intense summer heats, inconsistent rains, influx of insects have all taken their toll on the plants. We'll save those plants we can to coax through the fall, but we'll refresh the soil, clean beds and prepare these areas for planting fall crops. We've about another month of calendar 'summer' ... so for us, its time to 'think' fall and the crops we can share with those in need.
Have a great day!
9" x 12"
Working on masa paper has its own set of challenges and wonderful surprises: the way the paper winds up crinkling, the way those crinkles 'take' the paint, the way lines won't go in the direction you may want, the challenge of getting just the right tone since lightening any area damages the paper. Still, it is so much fun working with this type of rice paper and its wonderful personality ---!
The "Plant a Row" gardens are getting an overall today. The intense summer heats, inconsistent rains, influx of insects have all taken their toll on the plants. We'll save those plants we can to coax through the fall, but we'll refresh the soil, clean beds and prepare these areas for planting fall crops. We've about another month of calendar 'summer' ... so for us, its time to 'think' fall and the crops we can share with those in need.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Hope
Daily Practice
JOurnal Size
There have been so many people I know lately who have been diagosed with diseases that are life-threatening, friends who have fallen into depression or despair or have gone missing from our lives, and still others who have received news that has knocked them off their orbits as they struggle to adjust to the blows life has dealt.
To them, I humbly offer the hope of sunrise.....
and prayers, energy, thoughts and love as we all struggle to right ourselves and see the blessings of another day of life on God's good earth.
JOurnal Size
There have been so many people I know lately who have been diagosed with diseases that are life-threatening, friends who have fallen into depression or despair or have gone missing from our lives, and still others who have received news that has knocked them off their orbits as they struggle to adjust to the blows life has dealt.
To them, I humbly offer the hope of sunrise.....
and prayers, energy, thoughts and love as we all struggle to right ourselves and see the blessings of another day of life on God's good earth.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Morning Glory
Daily Practice
Journal
I love this time of summer/early fall when the morning glories seem to crawl over every inch of ground, shrub and surface. The 'heavenly blue' color is one of my favorites and has now covered much of my Clematis vince and fence-- but I'm also crazy about that deep blue/purple that sings midnight to me. Here and there a smaller, bright red/orange morning glory, Ipomea quamoclit or cypress vine) competes with the heavenly blues to see which will take over more of the garden!
There are hundreds of different varieties of this plant named for its habit of opening in the morning and closing by afternoon. Some species are annuals, others perennials. Most tolerate poor soil. Their twining nature makes them very useful for creating shade and for covering vertical surfaces.
Seeds contain ergot alkaloids and can produce hallucinations and poisoning if ingested in large quantities. Best to enjoy this flower before it seeds! LOL
Still, when the morning glories dominate much of the landscape, they seem to herald a change in the seasons. This morning's early fog echoes the same seasonal shift .... now if only the high heats do the same!
Have a great day!
Journal
I love this time of summer/early fall when the morning glories seem to crawl over every inch of ground, shrub and surface. The 'heavenly blue' color is one of my favorites and has now covered much of my Clematis vince and fence-- but I'm also crazy about that deep blue/purple that sings midnight to me. Here and there a smaller, bright red/orange morning glory, Ipomea quamoclit or cypress vine) competes with the heavenly blues to see which will take over more of the garden!
There are hundreds of different varieties of this plant named for its habit of opening in the morning and closing by afternoon. Some species are annuals, others perennials. Most tolerate poor soil. Their twining nature makes them very useful for creating shade and for covering vertical surfaces.
Seeds contain ergot alkaloids and can produce hallucinations and poisoning if ingested in large quantities. Best to enjoy this flower before it seeds! LOL
Still, when the morning glories dominate much of the landscape, they seem to herald a change in the seasons. This morning's early fog echoes the same seasonal shift .... now if only the high heats do the same!
Have a great day!
Monday, August 09, 2010
Late Fall Early Winter Landscape with Masa
Daily Practice
8" x 10"
Masa Paper
I am truly enjoying the textures created by masa paper and just had to play with techniques and styles this weekend using that crinkley wet paper. For those interested, here is a really good step-by-step (http://johoutz.com/gallery/masatechniquestep1.htm).
It remains terribly hot, humid and oppressive, and so I wanted to use a bit of cool colors in this late fall, early snow scene .... It's one of those 'tween seasons' kinds of images, done simply and kept light with bits of blues and purples to cool down the remaining siennas ...
Here despite the heat, the coming on of fall can be seen in the blossoming of goldenrod and the first ripening of purple muscadines, the earlier sunsets and later sunrises ....It seems the summer has flown -- if not the heat!
It's back to the routine of work and students returning to college .... buses will be on the roadways and the busyness of this season will begin ...
Have a great week!
8" x 10"
Masa Paper
I am truly enjoying the textures created by masa paper and just had to play with techniques and styles this weekend using that crinkley wet paper. For those interested, here is a really good step-by-step (http://johoutz.com/gallery/masatechniquestep1.htm).
It remains terribly hot, humid and oppressive, and so I wanted to use a bit of cool colors in this late fall, early snow scene .... It's one of those 'tween seasons' kinds of images, done simply and kept light with bits of blues and purples to cool down the remaining siennas ...
Here despite the heat, the coming on of fall can be seen in the blossoming of goldenrod and the first ripening of purple muscadines, the earlier sunsets and later sunrises ....It seems the summer has flown -- if not the heat!
It's back to the routine of work and students returning to college .... buses will be on the roadways and the busyness of this season will begin ...
Have a great week!
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Challenge Iris
Daily Practice
Journal
This iris, a challenge offered by the Floral Watercolourist group, has confounded me since I took the photograph! LOL I painted this yesterday, but have been practicing it for the last several weeks -- and I'm still not pleased with it. I post it today probably so I can move on, give it a rest, and then try it again in a few days ... ! LOL I tried to keep this a bit loose, didn't like the results, tightened up, and just kept plugging along ... it's a start ...
Grands came yesterday -- we got to play in the water, run (whew!), explore a bit, make homemade ice cream, watch the chicken that escaped capture when my neighbor moved, went for a walk, played stickers .... fun. School starts for them in 2 weeks, and my grandson will attend for the first time ...Both he and his sister had haircuts for the occasion, and gracious, they're growing so fast.
Today's C's jam and more company for dinner - the last day of vacation. It's been a bit of activity for me, with travel, family visits, rest, painting ....like the grands, I too am not sure I'm ready for 'school' ...! LOL
Have a great day!
Journal
This iris, a challenge offered by the Floral Watercolourist group, has confounded me since I took the photograph! LOL I painted this yesterday, but have been practicing it for the last several weeks -- and I'm still not pleased with it. I post it today probably so I can move on, give it a rest, and then try it again in a few days ... ! LOL I tried to keep this a bit loose, didn't like the results, tightened up, and just kept plugging along ... it's a start ...
Grands came yesterday -- we got to play in the water, run (whew!), explore a bit, make homemade ice cream, watch the chicken that escaped capture when my neighbor moved, went for a walk, played stickers .... fun. School starts for them in 2 weeks, and my grandson will attend for the first time ...Both he and his sister had haircuts for the occasion, and gracious, they're growing so fast.
Today's C's jam and more company for dinner - the last day of vacation. It's been a bit of activity for me, with travel, family visits, rest, painting ....like the grands, I too am not sure I'm ready for 'school' ...! LOL
Have a great day!
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Sunflowers with Masa Paper
Masa Paper
9" x 12"
Arches 140# CP
Only a few days left to play with some new techniques and ideas before I return to work. This painting was done using masa paper.
I wet the masa paper, crinkled it, spread it flat, then splashed in paint while the masa was wet so that the paint remained in the crinkles of the masa. When this dried, I glued the back of the masa paper to a sheet of Arches using YES! glue, making sure that the masa was as flat as I could get it but still retained the crinkles. When this dried, I went back in with more paint to finish the sunflowers.
Some of the prettiest work done using this technique has been done by Cheng-Khee Chee (http://www.chengkheechee.com/galleries/04/index.html). It was a lot of fun, and I'll be using this paper again.
No rain yesterday, and more heat and humidity. The grands come for dinner tonight so it'll be a busy Saturday.
I hope you have a terrific weekend!
9" x 12"
Arches 140# CP
Only a few days left to play with some new techniques and ideas before I return to work. This painting was done using masa paper.
I wet the masa paper, crinkled it, spread it flat, then splashed in paint while the masa was wet so that the paint remained in the crinkles of the masa. When this dried, I glued the back of the masa paper to a sheet of Arches using YES! glue, making sure that the masa was as flat as I could get it but still retained the crinkles. When this dried, I went back in with more paint to finish the sunflowers.
Some of the prettiest work done using this technique has been done by Cheng-Khee Chee (http://www.chengkheechee.com/galleries/04/index.html). It was a lot of fun, and I'll be using this paper again.
No rain yesterday, and more heat and humidity. The grands come for dinner tonight so it'll be a busy Saturday.
I hope you have a terrific weekend!
Friday, August 06, 2010
Inspired by Fall Landscape and Jean Haines
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Another landscape inspired by Jean Haines - this time combined with my own splash and splatter.
What I hope to do with all this trying on of styles and techniques is to spark my own creativity and move my own work into the next phase. Each time I learn something from a particular artist, I need to practice that and practice even more so that whatever 'lesson' or technique or view 'speaks to me, I can incorporate into my own 'style' and make it my own.
What I hope to gain from these from Jean is a bit of splashy-looseness, a bit of abstraction, and even more, how to respond to the flow of the paint and let 'it' inform where the painting goes. This type of journey is fun, frustrating, uses a lot of paint and paper, but I do believe that by the time the 'lessons' are learned, my own work will be improved and be better for all the trials and play.
We had another incredible thunderstorm last night with winds over 60 mph ... the rain was wonderful, but all that noise! YIKES! And still furnace-hot! with humidity ---!
Stay cool and safe ... it seems the weather is really having its way with us!
Journal Size
Another landscape inspired by Jean Haines - this time combined with my own splash and splatter.
What I hope to do with all this trying on of styles and techniques is to spark my own creativity and move my own work into the next phase. Each time I learn something from a particular artist, I need to practice that and practice even more so that whatever 'lesson' or technique or view 'speaks to me, I can incorporate into my own 'style' and make it my own.
What I hope to gain from these from Jean is a bit of splashy-looseness, a bit of abstraction, and even more, how to respond to the flow of the paint and let 'it' inform where the painting goes. This type of journey is fun, frustrating, uses a lot of paint and paper, but I do believe that by the time the 'lessons' are learned, my own work will be improved and be better for all the trials and play.
We had another incredible thunderstorm last night with winds over 60 mph ... the rain was wonderful, but all that noise! YIKES! And still furnace-hot! with humidity ---!
Stay cool and safe ... it seems the weather is really having its way with us!
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Sunflowers in Pot
Daily Practice
Journal Size
I'm an early riser, and when at Lorraine's I'd sometimes put the coffee on, return to my room and paint a bit before the household rose for the day. These sunflowers were the result of that early morning splashing.
Mercy did we have a storm last night -- rain, thunder, lightning that was startling in its intensity. I'll have to pick up the tomato cages this morning after all that wind ... whew ... and we are in for another scorcher -- a heat index of over 105F ... gracious!
Stay cool everyone .....!
Journal Size
I'm an early riser, and when at Lorraine's I'd sometimes put the coffee on, return to my room and paint a bit before the household rose for the day. These sunflowers were the result of that early morning splashing.
Mercy did we have a storm last night -- rain, thunder, lightning that was startling in its intensity. I'll have to pick up the tomato cages this morning after all that wind ... whew ... and we are in for another scorcher -- a heat index of over 105F ... gracious!
Stay cool everyone .....!
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Inspired by a Spring Landscape and Jean Haines
Daily Practice
Journal Size
Both Lorraine and I fell in love with Jean Haines (www.jeanhaines.com) and so we were both playing with some of her book ideas.
In this small work, I added resists of gesso to the paper, then splashed on water, and splashed on paint -- in a combination of my own splash and splatter and Jean's soft, loose, wet approach ... When dry, I enhanced the colors a bit, but kept things high tone .... Fun!
It's raining this morning, and the grey skies, after so much heat and sun, are very restive --- very needed, I'd say! LOL
My figs are finally ripening and the rain will give them a bit more juicyness before I gather them all ...
I'm still catching up ---! LOL
Journal Size
Both Lorraine and I fell in love with Jean Haines (www.jeanhaines.com) and so we were both playing with some of her book ideas.
In this small work, I added resists of gesso to the paper, then splashed on water, and splashed on paint -- in a combination of my own splash and splatter and Jean's soft, loose, wet approach ... When dry, I enhanced the colors a bit, but kept things high tone .... Fun!
It's raining this morning, and the grey skies, after so much heat and sun, are very restive --- very needed, I'd say! LOL
My figs are finally ripening and the rain will give them a bit more juicyness before I gather them all ...
I'm still catching up ---! LOL
Walking barefoot in newly mown grass --I haven't done that in ages!
You think I enjoyed this???? LOLOLOLOL
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Poppies and Sweet Honesty Pods
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Lorraine and I 'played' for five days -- trying various techniques, paints, mixed medias, studying books, DVDs, ideas and just 'splashing around.' I'll be posting some of those this week.
This work is a more stuided approach to a vase of poppies and sweet honesty seedpots I'd admired that Lorraine had on one of her shelves. The glorious part was the vase -- awesome glass in glowing oranges and blues and swirls of yellow -- which I'll have to paint sometime ..... but for this more serious of our playtime splashing -- I focused on the poppies and pods.
I'm home now, and will probably spend the next two days catching up on mail, bills and the sleep that Lorraine and I never found time to fit in ....
Though it's good to be home ....KY seems far to far away ....
Arches 140#CP
Lorraine and I 'played' for five days -- trying various techniques, paints, mixed medias, studying books, DVDs, ideas and just 'splashing around.' I'll be posting some of those this week.
This work is a more stuided approach to a vase of poppies and sweet honesty seedpots I'd admired that Lorraine had on one of her shelves. The glorious part was the vase -- awesome glass in glowing oranges and blues and swirls of yellow -- which I'll have to paint sometime ..... but for this more serious of our playtime splashing -- I focused on the poppies and pods.
I'm home now, and will probably spend the next two days catching up on mail, bills and the sleep that Lorraine and I never found time to fit in ....
Though it's good to be home ....KY seems far to far away ....
Lorraine and I
Lorraine and I (I'm on the right with a bad hair day!) sporting our artwork T shirts and enjoying my visit to KY and our trip to a local crafts festival!
After 5 long years, I finally made it to KY to visit my dearest, close-as-a-sister friend, Lorraine.
Lorraine and I met almost 10 years ago on line when we both were involved with a particular group of collage and altered book artists. We met a few years later and have been 'best friends' ever since, Lorraine most often visiting here for Art in the Carolinas art classes. We've exchanged collages, altered books, journals, hand-made paper, marbled papears, fabrics, quilt pieces and Lord knows what else. We would chat monthly or so ... both our lives busy...and for me, with my work schedule, grand children and more, finding it harder and harder to break away.
But THIS year, I finally!!! made it KY -- and it couldn't have come at a more needed time for both of us.
During her last vist, I remember us sitting on my porch, watercolors in hand, each of us attempting to capture the tree bark on the sweetgum tree before us -- she taking weekly watercolor lessons, and me just starting out .... how incredible wonderful to spend five days with a 'sis' as we splashed, played, laughed, cried, remembered, visiting, toured, ate, and splashed paint some more.
One night her husband made the BEST home-made pizza and home-made strawberry ice cream I've ever tasted. On another, I met her art instructor and toured his home and his wife's incredible garden. On another I met Lorraine's art friend as we chatted about art. We walked, visited the UK Arboretum, ate wonderful food, inbibed tons of delicious coffee, nibbled on farmer's market berries and corn.
Her kitties treated me as if they'd known me forever--with pets and nose 'kisses' and purrs (on their part! LOL). And I spend most quiet moments exploring Lorraine's stupendous home filled with the most sumptuous artwork, blown glass, kittie plates and cups and things, and some of our earlier collage and quilt work.
It was a stupendous time -- and from the bottom of my heart -- THANK YOU, LORRAINE -- for one magnificent, magical, fun-packed time!
May the next time be sooner than five years!! LOL
After 5 long years, I finally made it to KY to visit my dearest, close-as-a-sister friend, Lorraine.
Lorraine and I met almost 10 years ago on line when we both were involved with a particular group of collage and altered book artists. We met a few years later and have been 'best friends' ever since, Lorraine most often visiting here for Art in the Carolinas art classes. We've exchanged collages, altered books, journals, hand-made paper, marbled papears, fabrics, quilt pieces and Lord knows what else. We would chat monthly or so ... both our lives busy...and for me, with my work schedule, grand children and more, finding it harder and harder to break away.
But THIS year, I finally!!! made it KY -- and it couldn't have come at a more needed time for both of us.
During her last vist, I remember us sitting on my porch, watercolors in hand, each of us attempting to capture the tree bark on the sweetgum tree before us -- she taking weekly watercolor lessons, and me just starting out .... how incredible wonderful to spend five days with a 'sis' as we splashed, played, laughed, cried, remembered, visiting, toured, ate, and splashed paint some more.
One night her husband made the BEST home-made pizza and home-made strawberry ice cream I've ever tasted. On another, I met her art instructor and toured his home and his wife's incredible garden. On another I met Lorraine's art friend as we chatted about art. We walked, visited the UK Arboretum, ate wonderful food, inbibed tons of delicious coffee, nibbled on farmer's market berries and corn.
Her kitties treated me as if they'd known me forever--with pets and nose 'kisses' and purrs (on their part! LOL). And I spend most quiet moments exploring Lorraine's stupendous home filled with the most sumptuous artwork, blown glass, kittie plates and cups and things, and some of our earlier collage and quilt work.
It was a stupendous time -- and from the bottom of my heart -- THANK YOU, LORRAINE -- for one magnificent, magical, fun-packed time!
May the next time be sooner than five years!! LOL
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Inspired by Faux Glads
Daily Practice
Journal
The gladiolas in my garden are long gone, but I wanted to try to achieve a splatter and splash done more vertically --- I probably should have made that right hand 'shoe' into a leaf -- but I thought it was interesting in itself! LOL
I'm off for the next five days to Kentucky to spend some much-anticipated time with a dear friend I haven't seen in five years! She's planned a ton of things to do, including a bit of painting -- and I'm so very excited!
I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with everyone until I return next week ... meantime, though, my brushes will definitely be wet ...
Hope yours will be too ...
Journal
The gladiolas in my garden are long gone, but I wanted to try to achieve a splatter and splash done more vertically --- I probably should have made that right hand 'shoe' into a leaf -- but I thought it was interesting in itself! LOL
I'm off for the next five days to Kentucky to spend some much-anticipated time with a dear friend I haven't seen in five years! She's planned a ton of things to do, including a bit of painting -- and I'm so very excited!
I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with everyone until I return next week ... meantime, though, my brushes will definitely be wet ...
Hope yours will be too ...
WIP - Purple Daylilies
Daily Practice
This flower challenge is from a photo I took of a daylily garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden this summer -- I wanted to see how closely I could come to achieving that rich red/purple color against the contrasting gold .... I'm pretty happy with the colors--this was done without any drawing -- and now I need to consider how I want to approach the rest of the painting ...
Still pondering.....
This flower challenge is from a photo I took of a daylily garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden this summer -- I wanted to see how closely I could come to achieving that rich red/purple color against the contrasting gold .... I'm pretty happy with the colors--this was done without any drawing -- and now I need to consider how I want to approach the rest of the painting ...
Still pondering.....
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Dark Stormy Night
Daily Practice
Journal
The rain has arrived! And with it cooler temperatures, winds, thunder, lightning -- a good solid soaking that should last several days. YAHOO!!
This impressionistic painting is based a bit on imagination as I work with some 'loose suggestive' ideas from Jean Haines new book "Colour and Light in Watercolor' -- what a beautiful display of her own splashing and creating techniques .... Harder than it appears (as all paintings seem too! LOL) - I've been working on some of those techniques all week -- much to my frustration! My own need for a bit of solidity and line coupled with what I love about splash and splatter tend toward a creative tension that doesn't always resolve itself in a work I like ... I suppose that is part of the struggle of growth -- but it certainly fills the trash can! LOL
Hope your day is great - rain finds its way to your thirsty plants - and we all return to the 'flow' ....
Journal
The rain has arrived! And with it cooler temperatures, winds, thunder, lightning -- a good solid soaking that should last several days. YAHOO!!
This impressionistic painting is based a bit on imagination as I work with some 'loose suggestive' ideas from Jean Haines new book "Colour and Light in Watercolor' -- what a beautiful display of her own splashing and creating techniques .... Harder than it appears (as all paintings seem too! LOL) - I've been working on some of those techniques all week -- much to my frustration! My own need for a bit of solidity and line coupled with what I love about splash and splatter tend toward a creative tension that doesn't always resolve itself in a work I like ... I suppose that is part of the struggle of growth -- but it certainly fills the trash can! LOL
Hope your day is great - rain finds its way to your thirsty plants - and we all return to the 'flow' ....
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Daylilies
Daily Practice
Journal
Daylilies still brighten the landscape, though the quantity and vigor of the flowers are lessened by the heat, lack of rain and passing of time. Still, from wild oranges that seem to find a bit of moisture in the irrigation ditches to those plants with a bit of afternoon sun, their cheerful colors continue to delight!
I thought I'd give these a more studied approach and try to show the wonderful warm colors in their petals....
It's cooled a bit, if one considers mid-90s to be cool, and so being out of doors isn't as difficult as when temps and humidity were over 100F ...
Hope your day is grand!
Journal
Daylilies still brighten the landscape, though the quantity and vigor of the flowers are lessened by the heat, lack of rain and passing of time. Still, from wild oranges that seem to find a bit of moisture in the irrigation ditches to those plants with a bit of afternoon sun, their cheerful colors continue to delight!
I thought I'd give these a more studied approach and try to show the wonderful warm colors in their petals....
It's cooled a bit, if one considers mid-90s to be cool, and so being out of doors isn't as difficult as when temps and humidity were over 100F ...
Hope your day is grand!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Beach Dreaming
Daily Practice
Journal
It's back to a short week at work -- the pile of paperwork and 'musts' await me, and after a week at home, I'm still dreaming of beaches and leisure sunny days....
We had bit of rain and storm last night - so I'm glad the gardens got an additional bit of water.
We're cooling off to the mid-90s this week -- ahhh ... cool?? LOL
Have a great week!
Journal
It's back to a short week at work -- the pile of paperwork and 'musts' await me, and after a week at home, I'm still dreaming of beaches and leisure sunny days....
We had bit of rain and storm last night - so I'm glad the gardens got an additional bit of water.
We're cooling off to the mid-90s this week -- ahhh ... cool?? LOL
Have a great week!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Cool, Green, Shady
Daily Practice
Journal
We've yet another (a week's worth!) of days with heat indices of over 100F.... In my head, John Denver's song "Cool and Green and Shady" plays over and over:
Saturday's, holidays, easy afternoon
Lazy days, summer days, nothing much to do
Rainy days are better days, for hanging out inside
Rainy days and city ways make me want to hide
Someplace cool and green and shady.
Find yourself a piece of grassy ground
Lay down, close your eyes
Find yourself and maybe lose yourself
While your free spirit flies...
August skies, lullabys, promises to keep
Dandelions and twisting vines, Clover at your feet
Memories of Aspen leaves, trembling on the wind
Honeybees and fantasies
Where to start again
Someplace cool and green and shady
Cool and green and shady
Cool and green and shady
Cool and green and shady
Cool and green and shady
Words and music by John Denver and Joe Henry
We put up 30 jars of blood orange and cantaloupe jam last night -- the recipe for cantaloupe jam called for oranges - and I didn't have any in the house ... C remembered that we had blood orange pulp in the freezer and we substituted that -- oh my gracious -- absolutely YUMMY!!!! I have a bit of this mix left over after making 2 batches, so I'm trying to find a clever way of using it -- maybe muffins?? Hmmmmmm......
Today is watering day -- everything is wilting --- no rain in sight -- so I won't get to the paint table for a while --- but the plants will be happy ...! LOL
Stay cool -- and in the shade if you can!
Journal
We've yet another (a week's worth!) of days with heat indices of over 100F.... In my head, John Denver's song "Cool and Green and Shady" plays over and over:
Saturday's, holidays, easy afternoon
Lazy days, summer days, nothing much to do
Rainy days are better days, for hanging out inside
Rainy days and city ways make me want to hide
Someplace cool and green and shady.
Find yourself a piece of grassy ground
Lay down, close your eyes
Find yourself and maybe lose yourself
While your free spirit flies...
August skies, lullabys, promises to keep
Dandelions and twisting vines, Clover at your feet
Memories of Aspen leaves, trembling on the wind
Honeybees and fantasies
Where to start again
Someplace cool and green and shady
Cool and green and shady
Cool and green and shady
Cool and green and shady
Cool and green and shady
Words and music by John Denver and Joe Henry
We put up 30 jars of blood orange and cantaloupe jam last night -- the recipe for cantaloupe jam called for oranges - and I didn't have any in the house ... C remembered that we had blood orange pulp in the freezer and we substituted that -- oh my gracious -- absolutely YUMMY!!!! I have a bit of this mix left over after making 2 batches, so I'm trying to find a clever way of using it -- maybe muffins?? Hmmmmmm......
Today is watering day -- everything is wilting --- no rain in sight -- so I won't get to the paint table for a while --- but the plants will be happy ...! LOL
Stay cool -- and in the shade if you can!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Guys Glowing Lavender Field
Daily Practice
Journal
THANK YOU, Guy! for allowing me to paint from this wonderous image (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10422334@N08/)! The scan this morning doesn't show the subtle golden tones evident in the real painting --- but I so enjoyed the contrasts of gold, blue, lavender and purple -- thank you again, Guy, for the inspiration!
We're in for another 100F day and by now, we - people and landscapes - are collectively wilting ..... I watch the humidity condense on my skylight windows and wish for the relief of rain - but there is little to be had. I'm thinking of resorting to painting snow to try to cool off! LOL
Despite all this heat, those grape tomatoes are STILL producing like mad. I picked another quart yesterday - and the constant hum of my dehydrator is the music hit of the summer ....
Stay cool ...!
Journal
THANK YOU, Guy! for allowing me to paint from this wonderous image (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10422334@N08/)! The scan this morning doesn't show the subtle golden tones evident in the real painting --- but I so enjoyed the contrasts of gold, blue, lavender and purple -- thank you again, Guy, for the inspiration!
We're in for another 100F day and by now, we - people and landscapes - are collectively wilting ..... I watch the humidity condense on my skylight windows and wish for the relief of rain - but there is little to be had. I'm thinking of resorting to painting snow to try to cool off! LOL
Despite all this heat, those grape tomatoes are STILL producing like mad. I picked another quart yesterday - and the constant hum of my dehydrator is the music hit of the summer ....
Stay cool ...!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Playing with Colorful Abstracts and Angles --- This Way
Daily Practice
Journal
Some days, I just want to do something meditative -- and yesterday was one of them. I have been working on our lecture series for next year (ever try to get reservations a full year in advance? Folks think you're crazed! LOL) And I wanted to do something different -- and so this is what happened.....
I painted this horizontally -- but like a lot of abstracts, sometimes if you turn it one way or another, you 'find or see' something entirely different. I turned this work vertically and felt much better - a bit more optimistic, as though the angles rose instead of slid off the page ... so vertical it is.
Temps are going in the 100sF today - and even though I stay in most of the day, the heat seems to permeate the walls of the house and still sap one's energy.
I've been drying peaches for the winter and the smell makes my mouth water ... I hope I can resist enough of them to actually SAVE some ...!
Stay cool and be careful outdoors!
Journal
Some days, I just want to do something meditative -- and yesterday was one of them. I have been working on our lecture series for next year (ever try to get reservations a full year in advance? Folks think you're crazed! LOL) And I wanted to do something different -- and so this is what happened.....
I painted this horizontally -- but like a lot of abstracts, sometimes if you turn it one way or another, you 'find or see' something entirely different. I turned this work vertically and felt much better - a bit more optimistic, as though the angles rose instead of slid off the page ... so vertical it is.
Temps are going in the 100sF today - and even though I stay in most of the day, the heat seems to permeate the walls of the house and still sap one's energy.
I've been drying peaches for the winter and the smell makes my mouth water ... I hope I can resist enough of them to actually SAVE some ...!
Stay cool and be careful outdoors!
Playing with Colorful Abstracts and Angles
Daily Practice
Journal
This is how I painted it ... but I think I like the movement better vertical ....
Journal
This is how I painted it ... but I think I like the movement better vertical ....
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Field of Poppies, Buttons and Queen Annes Lace CROP
The cropped version .... a bit calmer with more focus on the poppies ...
Field of Poppies, Buttons and Queen Annes Lace
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Another challenge from Bill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/4813746898/) -- a very complex landscape with some incredible flowers -- poppies, batchelor's buttons, Queen Anne's Lace.
I loved the field scene -- but think my interpretation is far too busy without a central focus of interest ... I'm playing with some ideas with this image and will redo.
I do like the cropped version though ....
Thanks Bill --- I'm still being stretched ... and will play more with this!
Arches 140#CP
Another challenge from Bill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/4813746898/) -- a very complex landscape with some incredible flowers -- poppies, batchelor's buttons, Queen Anne's Lace.
I loved the field scene -- but think my interpretation is far too busy without a central focus of interest ... I'm playing with some ideas with this image and will redo.
I do like the cropped version though ....
Thanks Bill --- I'm still being stretched ... and will play more with this!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Inspired by Pineapples
Daily Practice
Journal
When temps get so uncomfortable that the usual fluids don't seem to quence a thirst, I often resort to summer fruits to do the job. Though my favorite thirst-quencher fruit is watermelon, pineapple ranks pretty high in my fruit basket choices.
I remember visiting the Dole Plantation many, many years ago - the acres of pineapples were astonishing to see, and Dole suggested endless uses of the fruit in all sorts of dishes. But what has remained with me all these years later is how they sprinkled sea salt over the sliced pineapple to help 'cut' the acidity! Doing so changes the taste a bit -- but one can sure eat a lot more that way!
We're into triple digits today and tomorrow - Stay safe and cool ...
Journal
When temps get so uncomfortable that the usual fluids don't seem to quence a thirst, I often resort to summer fruits to do the job. Though my favorite thirst-quencher fruit is watermelon, pineapple ranks pretty high in my fruit basket choices.
I remember visiting the Dole Plantation many, many years ago - the acres of pineapples were astonishing to see, and Dole suggested endless uses of the fruit in all sorts of dishes. But what has remained with me all these years later is how they sprinkled sea salt over the sliced pineapple to help 'cut' the acidity! Doing so changes the taste a bit -- but one can sure eat a lot more that way!
We're into triple digits today and tomorrow - Stay safe and cool ...
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Field of Cosmos
Daily Practice
Journal
I've been trying for weeks to capture that elusive lightness of cosmos as they dance in fields of grasses and other flowers - this is the closest I could come to that vision .. I'm still not thoroughly happy with it -- but it's close.
Thank you for all your kind comments and well wishes yesterday. The surgery went well and my vision is clearer this morning. I can now actually read a bit with that one eye -- something I haven't been able to do since I was 12! LOL Ah, modern medicine! The second surgery will be done after this eye heals -- and in my head the song 'I can see clearly now' keeps playing ...! Gratitude fills me.
Temps will be extreme this week with triple digits predicted and no more rain showers. Typically, NC feels this kind of weather in August - but we've an early start this year ...The high heat is affecting much of the east coast this week - so I hope everyone stays cool and hydrated ...
Be careful outside ....
Journal
I've been trying for weeks to capture that elusive lightness of cosmos as they dance in fields of grasses and other flowers - this is the closest I could come to that vision .. I'm still not thoroughly happy with it -- but it's close.
Thank you for all your kind comments and well wishes yesterday. The surgery went well and my vision is clearer this morning. I can now actually read a bit with that one eye -- something I haven't been able to do since I was 12! LOL Ah, modern medicine! The second surgery will be done after this eye heals -- and in my head the song 'I can see clearly now' keeps playing ...! Gratitude fills me.
Temps will be extreme this week with triple digits predicted and no more rain showers. Typically, NC feels this kind of weather in August - but we've an early start this year ...The high heat is affecting much of the east coast this week - so I hope everyone stays cool and hydrated ...
Be careful outside ....
Monday, July 19, 2010
My Grape Tomatoes - Lin Frye
Daily Practice
Journal
This has been a very good year for grape tomatoes -- and these in my garden are producing TONS of 1 1/2"-2" orbs of sweet, juicy fruit.
I have planted several varieties -- but like tags of all kinds, they've become lost or weather worn -- but I know which I've ordered from Johnny's Seeds, and I'll order them again. Despite the drought, the bouts of rain, the intense high temperatues, my scanty weekend watering, these sweet things have been growing and producing like nothing else in my garden.
Before I left to visit my grands, I picked several quarts, and picked TWICE as much when I got home. The hum of the dehydrator has been going non-stop as we slice and dry and save these for winter use. I've put up my special summer tomato sauce to enjoy mid-winter too -- when I'm desperate to remember sunny weather. What a gift of the Americas - the tomato!
We had another good rain last night with predictions of possible showers this afternoon. I'm delighted!!
Lin Frye
North Carolina
North Carolina
Journal
This has been a very good year for grape tomatoes -- and these in my garden are producing TONS of 1 1/2"-2" orbs of sweet, juicy fruit.
I have planted several varieties -- but like tags of all kinds, they've become lost or weather worn -- but I know which I've ordered from Johnny's Seeds, and I'll order them again. Despite the drought, the bouts of rain, the intense high temperatues, my scanty weekend watering, these sweet things have been growing and producing like nothing else in my garden.
Before I left to visit my grands, I picked several quarts, and picked TWICE as much when I got home. The hum of the dehydrator has been going non-stop as we slice and dry and save these for winter use. I've put up my special summer tomato sauce to enjoy mid-winter too -- when I'm desperate to remember sunny weather. What a gift of the Americas - the tomato!
We had another good rain last night with predictions of possible showers this afternoon. I'm delighted!!
Lin Frye
North Carolina
North Carolina
My Grape Tomatoes
Daily Practice
Journal
This has been a very good year for grape tomatoes -- and these in my garden are producing TONS of 1 1/2"-2" orbs of sweet, juicy fruit.
I have planted several varieties -- but like tags of all kinds, they've become lost or weather worn -- but I know which I've ordered from Johnny's Seeds, and I'll order them again. Despite the drought, the bouts of rain, the intense high temperatues, my scanty weekend watering, these sweet things have been growing and producing like nothing else in my garden.
Before I left to visit my grands, I picked several quarts, and picked TWICE as much when I got home. The hum of the dehydrator has been going non-stop as we slice and dry and save these for winter use. I've put up my special summer tomato sauce to enjoy mid-winter too -- when I'm desperate to remember sunny weather. What a gift of the Americas - the tomato!
I may be off-line for a few days. I go in for cataract and lens implant surgery this morning. I have been wearing my contact lenses for over 45 years - YIKES! - and they've begun to irritate my eyes. My one near-sighted eye and my one far-sighted eye have gone extreme and I cannot be fitted with corrective lenses -- and so, this operation is necessary. My left eye will be done this morning -- and maybe next month - the right.
Meantime, I'm fasting from food and liquids -- and missing my morning cup of coffee!
We had another good rain last night with predictions of possible showers this afternoon. I'm delighted!!
Take care -- I'll catch up soon ...
Journal
This has been a very good year for grape tomatoes -- and these in my garden are producing TONS of 1 1/2"-2" orbs of sweet, juicy fruit.
I have planted several varieties -- but like tags of all kinds, they've become lost or weather worn -- but I know which I've ordered from Johnny's Seeds, and I'll order them again. Despite the drought, the bouts of rain, the intense high temperatues, my scanty weekend watering, these sweet things have been growing and producing like nothing else in my garden.
Before I left to visit my grands, I picked several quarts, and picked TWICE as much when I got home. The hum of the dehydrator has been going non-stop as we slice and dry and save these for winter use. I've put up my special summer tomato sauce to enjoy mid-winter too -- when I'm desperate to remember sunny weather. What a gift of the Americas - the tomato!
I may be off-line for a few days. I go in for cataract and lens implant surgery this morning. I have been wearing my contact lenses for over 45 years - YIKES! - and they've begun to irritate my eyes. My one near-sighted eye and my one far-sighted eye have gone extreme and I cannot be fitted with corrective lenses -- and so, this operation is necessary. My left eye will be done this morning -- and maybe next month - the right.
Meantime, I'm fasting from food and liquids -- and missing my morning cup of coffee!
We had another good rain last night with predictions of possible showers this afternoon. I'm delighted!!
Take care -- I'll catch up soon ...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
IT FINALLY RAINED!
Daily Practice
Journal
I got home yesterday, unpacked the car, and the storm hit! Dark clouds, thunder, lightning, and rain -- sweet, blessed rain! Once I reached Raleigh, I ran into the stuff -- it stopped traffic for a while -- but oh how joyful I was to know the garden, the trees, the animals, were finally getting a bit of water! The rain and my views from the road inspired this memory painting.
The month-long drought at the house, though, despite watering, has hit some trees hard. I imagine that the accumulation of several years of drought have stressed the trees sufficiently that this last bout was the perverbial 'straw' that broke the camel. Sycamore leaves, yellowing months early, are now on the ground, and the trees stand almost bare .... it looks like they're celebrating and early fall ... but I know how susceptible they are to any insect or disease that might come along.
And I know that these are not the only plants under stress. Shrubs, annuals, perennials are also hard hit. Talking with other gardeners I find that they've lost specimen trees of all kinds, prized shrubs, perennials they've had for a long time. Sad.
Temps are supposed to be in the high, high 90s this week --- I'm trying to look at this as though it's a free visit to a sauna .....LOL
I've much to catch up on today -- I already miss the grands -- but oh, it's good to be HOME!
Journal
I got home yesterday, unpacked the car, and the storm hit! Dark clouds, thunder, lightning, and rain -- sweet, blessed rain! Once I reached Raleigh, I ran into the stuff -- it stopped traffic for a while -- but oh how joyful I was to know the garden, the trees, the animals, were finally getting a bit of water! The rain and my views from the road inspired this memory painting.
The month-long drought at the house, though, despite watering, has hit some trees hard. I imagine that the accumulation of several years of drought have stressed the trees sufficiently that this last bout was the perverbial 'straw' that broke the camel. Sycamore leaves, yellowing months early, are now on the ground, and the trees stand almost bare .... it looks like they're celebrating and early fall ... but I know how susceptible they are to any insect or disease that might come along.
And I know that these are not the only plants under stress. Shrubs, annuals, perennials are also hard hit. Talking with other gardeners I find that they've lost specimen trees of all kinds, prized shrubs, perennials they've had for a long time. Sad.
Temps are supposed to be in the high, high 90s this week --- I'm trying to look at this as though it's a free visit to a sauna .....LOL
I've much to catch up on today -- I already miss the grands -- but oh, it's good to be HOME!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
My Neighbor's Mailbox
Daily Practice
Journal
Another oldie -- walking along our rural road, the mailboxes are often covered with vines and flowers of some sort. This one of my neighbor's caught my eye a while back .....
Still no rain -- sigh -- these flowers today are dried and crispy ... much like the other water-hungry flora ...
When I get home it'll be 'hose-duty' again ....
Journal
Another oldie -- walking along our rural road, the mailboxes are often covered with vines and flowers of some sort. This one of my neighbor's caught my eye a while back .....
Still no rain -- sigh -- these flowers today are dried and crispy ... much like the other water-hungry flora ...
When I get home it'll be 'hose-duty' again ....
Taylor!
It's been so much fun spending time with the 'girls'! From shopping to dance preparations and performance, picking bllueberries, playing house, painting, chase, and of course, celebratory lunches --- and all the rest - !
Sure makes me realize when YOUNG folks have the children! LOL I may not play soccer with the girls - but all the shopping, chasing, pretending, fixing, finding, crafting can be mighty tiring! LOL
It's off to home this afternoon --- it will be hard to say goodbye...
Sure makes me realize when YOUNG folks have the children! LOL I may not play soccer with the girls - but all the shopping, chasing, pretending, fixing, finding, crafting can be mighty tiring! LOL
It's off to home this afternoon --- it will be hard to say goodbye...
Friday, July 16, 2010
Inspired by Soft Flowers
Daily Practice
Journal
I've had this painting in my journal since May -- and since I'm out of town thought I'd post it while I have a quiet moment and my family is sleeping....
It's a wonderful time!! The girls have grown so much -- Taylor has her dance camp performance this morning, and Riley, 18 months old and jabbering like we should all know what she's talking about, is hilarious! It's so GRAND to see my girls again and spend some time playing, shopping, and painting.
I leave for home tomorrow afternoon - long drive -- so I'll catch up on Sunday ...
We've had a bit of rain here - none back home -- I'm hoping those rain clouds follow me home!
Journal
I've had this painting in my journal since May -- and since I'm out of town thought I'd post it while I have a quiet moment and my family is sleeping....
It's a wonderful time!! The girls have grown so much -- Taylor has her dance camp performance this morning, and Riley, 18 months old and jabbering like we should all know what she's talking about, is hilarious! It's so GRAND to see my girls again and spend some time playing, shopping, and painting.
I leave for home tomorrow afternoon - long drive -- so I'll catch up on Sunday ...
We've had a bit of rain here - none back home -- I'm hoping those rain clouds follow me home!
Inspired by Soft Flowers
Daily Practice
Journal
I've had this painting in my journal since May -- and since I'm out of town thought I'd post it while I have a quiet moment and my family is sleeping....
It's a wonderful time!! The girls have grown so much -- Taylor has her dance camp performance this morning, and Riley, 18 months old and jabbering like we should all know what she's talking about, is hilarious! It's so GRAND to see my girls again and spend some time playing, shopping, and painting.
I leave for home tomorrow afternoon - long drive -- so I'll catch up on Sunday ...
We've had a bit of rain here - none back home -- I'm hoping those rain clouds follow me home!
Journal
I've had this painting in my journal since May -- and since I'm out of town thought I'd post it while I have a quiet moment and my family is sleeping....
It's a wonderful time!! The girls have grown so much -- Taylor has her dance camp performance this morning, and Riley, 18 months old and jabbering like we should all know what she's talking about, is hilarious! It's so GRAND to see my girls again and spend some time playing, shopping, and painting.
I leave for home tomorrow afternoon - long drive -- so I'll catch up on Sunday ...
We've had a bit of rain here - none back home -- I'm hoping those rain clouds follow me home!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Still Waters
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
The storm finally came our way last night - thunder, lightning, wind -- and blessed rain .... thank you all for doing the rain dance with me!!!! It rained for several hours -- and though we still need more -- I am ever grateful for what has fallen and relieved our thirsty plants and wildlife!
This painting was greatly inspired by a moving photo by A. Cascalheira (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cascalheira/) -- what an incredible photographer!
I loved the pink hues and the still waters! My upload looks bit crooked this morning -- sorry ...!
I'm off for several days to visit my dd and granddaughters -- so I'll be mighty scarce until Sunday.
I hope you have a great week -- keep the paints wet -- and thank you for your rain thoughts!
Arches 140#CP
The storm finally came our way last night - thunder, lightning, wind -- and blessed rain .... thank you all for doing the rain dance with me!!!! It rained for several hours -- and though we still need more -- I am ever grateful for what has fallen and relieved our thirsty plants and wildlife!
This painting was greatly inspired by a moving photo by A. Cascalheira (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cascalheira/) -- what an incredible photographer!
I loved the pink hues and the still waters! My upload looks bit crooked this morning -- sorry ...!
I'm off for several days to visit my dd and granddaughters -- so I'll be mighty scarce until Sunday.
I hope you have a great week -- keep the paints wet -- and thank you for your rain thoughts!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Brown Eyed Susans
Daily Pactice
Journal
The bright yellows and golds of the brown-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are dancing in the garden despite the lack of rain and intense heat. This perennial (in some areas it is an annual) can reach heights of 12"-24" and tend to form wonderfully bright golden beds of rich color. The roots have been used as an astringent for sores and swelling and drops have been used for earaches. It has been reported that the roots have also been used in much the same way as purple cone flowers - for snake bite, headaches, to treat bronchitis, colds and other illnesses - as an immune-system booster.
The plantsmen are developing so many varieties of this plant that these, like purple cone flower, are an incredible addition to any garden.
The plants at the Arboretum are doing beautifully -- but mine at home, drought-stressed over the last few years - have become rather skimpy and sparse. At the field day nursery visits last week, I picked up a few new plants and gave them a new home -- but if we don't hve significant rain soon, even these won't make it, even with watering.
I rained here in Smithfield yesterday -- in fact my friend and I walked after work IN the drizzle -- wasn't too much though - we never got sodden. But in Oxford -- less than a quarter of an inch (.03) fell -- sigh. It's overcast this morning -- more rain dancing for sure.
Journal
The bright yellows and golds of the brown-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are dancing in the garden despite the lack of rain and intense heat. This perennial (in some areas it is an annual) can reach heights of 12"-24" and tend to form wonderfully bright golden beds of rich color. The roots have been used as an astringent for sores and swelling and drops have been used for earaches. It has been reported that the roots have also been used in much the same way as purple cone flowers - for snake bite, headaches, to treat bronchitis, colds and other illnesses - as an immune-system booster.
The plantsmen are developing so many varieties of this plant that these, like purple cone flower, are an incredible addition to any garden.
The plants at the Arboretum are doing beautifully -- but mine at home, drought-stressed over the last few years - have become rather skimpy and sparse. At the field day nursery visits last week, I picked up a few new plants and gave them a new home -- but if we don't hve significant rain soon, even these won't make it, even with watering.
I rained here in Smithfield yesterday -- in fact my friend and I walked after work IN the drizzle -- wasn't too much though - we never got sodden. But in Oxford -- less than a quarter of an inch (.03) fell -- sigh. It's overcast this morning -- more rain dancing for sure.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Inspired by Elephants
Daily Practice
Journal
Inspired by Jean Haines and Bill's Hen challenge, I'm trying to find more animals in my splashes. The theory has always been to write and paint what one knows .... I've studied flowers for years, as well as love them, therefore,I tend to 'see' flowers in my abstractions. Trying to see other things is a good exercise -- and learning their shapes and parts is a good stretch too. I have a bit more to learn about elephants for sure -- but I did manage to see ears and trunks here and the beginning of a body .... Fun...
Work week begins again -- the rain dance continues ....
Journal
Inspired by Jean Haines and Bill's Hen challenge, I'm trying to find more animals in my splashes. The theory has always been to write and paint what one knows .... I've studied flowers for years, as well as love them, therefore,I tend to 'see' flowers in my abstractions. Trying to see other things is a good exercise -- and learning their shapes and parts is a good stretch too. I have a bit more to learn about elephants for sure -- but I did manage to see ears and trunks here and the beginning of a body .... Fun...
Work week begins again -- the rain dance continues ....
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Clusters of Queen Annes Lace
Daily Practice
Journal
After staining every window in the house, washing curtains, hanging window treatments and then curtains, cleaning the spills and mess, I wanted some 'fresh air' from the order of the finish we were using.
Hot as it was, I walked around our road and spotted some of the last Queen Anne's Lace flowers. I LOVE their daintiness and the way they really brighten our green roadsides.
I started by adding masking, then splashing on colors, especially focused on the flower bottoms.
I really liked the lighter version, but after thinking about it a while, felt the colors needed more stregthening to contrast with the whites. I scanned both versions because I rather like them both! LOL
C has his jam today and I hope to rest a bit and find some time to paint a bit more before the workweek.
After all the threatening clouds, not a drop of rain -- sigh ... Alaready the sycamore trees are showing signs of stress and have turned yellow as they do in September, and our crab apple tree has also dropped a lot of leaves.
Rain dance anyone?
Journal
After staining every window in the house, washing curtains, hanging window treatments and then curtains, cleaning the spills and mess, I wanted some 'fresh air' from the order of the finish we were using.
Hot as it was, I walked around our road and spotted some of the last Queen Anne's Lace flowers. I LOVE their daintiness and the way they really brighten our green roadsides.
I started by adding masking, then splashing on colors, especially focused on the flower bottoms.
I really liked the lighter version, but after thinking about it a while, felt the colors needed more stregthening to contrast with the whites. I scanned both versions because I rather like them both! LOL
C has his jam today and I hope to rest a bit and find some time to paint a bit more before the workweek.
After all the threatening clouds, not a drop of rain -- sigh ... Alaready the sycamore trees are showing signs of stress and have turned yellow as they do in September, and our crab apple tree has also dropped a lot of leaves.
Rain dance anyone?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)