1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
Though thunderstorms and rain were the day yesterday, my mind and heart are ready for sunflowers! I have a few planted in my garden and though they're not blooming -- yet --- I am imagining them in their glory!
This morning my granddaughter has her first dance recital! So we're off to take photographs and enjoy another milestone for her. Last night, she got a few awards and trophies for her cheerleading - and she graduated the night before. At five years old, this week has been one incredible moving forward for her! CONGRATULATIONS, Taylor!!
We're expecting sunshine today -- after a few more showers. It will certainly be a day of celebration!
Hope YOUR day is filled with joy!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Field of Sunflowers
Friday, May 27, 2011
Oxford Hay Season
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
It's haying season again - and as I always am when this happens - I am going crazy over the hay bales! This painting is a composition of images - the farm across from our home, haybales from another farm, and fences from yet another farm. Running chores yesterday, I followed two trucks filled with hay bales, and I passed field after field with hay being baled and hay ready for baling. Yep -- 'this the season!
It's Memorial Day weekend, and we've a lot planned so I may be scarce for a while. It's cooler this morning than yesterday, but oh, does it feel like rain! We should have a couple of sunny days nonetheless - and hot - I'll be watering my tomatoes for certain!
Have a great day!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Pond and Purple Vetch
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Last weekend, C and I walked another park in our own town. This athletic park has four areas for baseball, soccer and the like as well as a recreation center and swimming pool. Though there were no formal trails, we walked its circumference and found several cattail ponds and colorful purple vetch covering some of the pond banks.
To paint this, I tried to simplify the tumble of grasses, vines, and other wildflowers of this area ... I do want to tackle this again, as I want to paint a bit more of that colorful vetch. Purple vetch, so beautiful in its pink/purple dressing, belongs to the pea (legume) family and is often grown as a cover or forage crop. I LOVED the colors of these especially against the tawny grasses leading to the pond.
We're in a hot, hot spell -- yesterday we were over 90F; today we'll be even hotter. As the temps rise, so does the humidity, making the air a bit sticky and wet feeling ....
The tornados and storms continue to pelt the middle states, and prayers continue for the safety of so many in their path.
Stay safe and cool!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sunflower
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
I really think that scanners do not like yellows -- it's taken me quite a while to get this scanned so it looks 'close' to the original -- sigh ... anyway -- in real life, the sunflower petals are bright yellow/gold and the leaves are a bit more blue and not as garish as they look on screen ...
Mercy is it HOT! Yesterday temps reached 93F and today will be even hotter. Already it feels like those hot, humid, difficult days of AUGUST -- and May isn't over yet ...
Busy, busy days at work that make painting afterwards a bit of a challenge ...We've a holiday weekend coming up - and that should be a good break for everyone.
Have a great day -- and please remember to vote!
PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Flowered Arbor
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Flowered arbors ... don't you love them?!!! My own small arbor, covered with Jessamine as finished blooming, but the arbors we visited last week at Montrose Gardens were covered with the most fragrant roses!!!
I was painting this yesterday - when the phone rang -- to my utter surprise on the other end of the phone - clear across the Atlantic - was my friend Doris - all the way from Germany!!! WHAT A THRILL! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/djr-aquarelle/4733289830/in/contacts/).
We chatted for a short while - and I am so grateful for her incredibly perfect English!!! The connection, truly, was far clearer than I often have when speaking across our community!!! LOL Her surprise absolutely made my day ... and I've been hearing her sweet voice all evening!! Now to hope to paint together one day soon!!
I've another busy week ahead of me with next year's budget, tours, lectures and workshops to finalize ... where does the time go?
I also want to send prayers for the latest victims of tornadoes in Missouri ... this year has been horrific with natural disasters ... over 100 people have lost their lives to another bout of tornado damage ... prayers indeed.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Delphinium
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
I LOVE delphinium -- but for some reason, they've been hard to grow in my own garden. Imagine my surprise this weekend to find this pretty one in full bloom in one open spot in the garden!! I brought out a small rug, sat down in the garden before the plant, and sketched it .... then, with the temperature approaching the high 80s, went indoors to paint. While sitting there sketching, I noted several new 'wee delphiniums' all getting ready to grow tall and feathery as this one.
Our highway department plants these en masse along certain highway areas, and from the car, their bright pink/blue/purple is an absolute delight. I've my fingers crossed that these few plants will be 'fruitful and multiply' .... I'd love to see many more of them out my front window!
Have a great day!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Beaches
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
Though Memorial Day (seemingly the start of summer) is yet a week away, this week's temperatures will move us from the milder 80s to the high humidity of North Carolina and heat in the 90s ... Yep, sure has me dreaming of languid days along the oceanfront, feet splashing water, seashells to explore, swaying beach grasses to hypnotize .... maybe THIS year I'll find a way to get there beyond my paintings! LOL
Yesterday's Art Festival was fun - though to me, not as crowded or sales-successful as last year. The music was a fabulous addition, there were food vendors, a jump station for the children, and a plethera of exhibitors. The Granville Arts Council did a fantastic job advertising the event and organizing it ...I suspect the fine weather (warm - in the 80s, mild breeze, sunny) was so perfect that folks might have been elsewhere, and there were several competing festivals going on. Still, the best part was meeting new folks.
My dear husband helped me set up - it took a while!!! LOL, and then performed with his 'jam' group to an appreciative audience. My kind and generous friend, Jodi, came out to keep me company during the lulls. She has finally posted some of her wonderful paintings (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23430605@N05/) - please stop by and wish her well!
And my biggest surprise was getting to meet David (http://www.flickr.com/photos/universalpops/), a flickr friend who seems to love the same kind of rural scenes I do . Since he lives across just over the Virginia line, he takes many beautiful photographs of my hometown and the rural areas between. Look at some of his latest captures -- really wonderful!
We got home around dinner time last night pretty tired. Today both C and I hope to REST, although I do hear a few plants outside calling my name for some attention.
Hope you have a great day! And thank you too for your continued voting!
PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Beaches
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
Though Memorial Day (seemingly the start of summer) is yet a week away, this week's temperatures will move us from the milder 80s to the high humidity of North Carolina and heat in the 90s ... Yep, sure has me dreaming of languid days along the oceanfront, feet splashing water, seashells to explore, swaying beach grasses to hypnotize .... maybe THIS year I'll find a way to get there beyond my paintings! LOL
Yesterday's Art Festival was fun - though to me, not as crowded or sales-successful as last year. The music was a fabulous addition, there were food vendors, a jump station for the children, and a plethera of exhibitors. The Granville Arts Council did a fantastic job advertising the event and organizing it ...I suspect the fine weather (warm - in the 80s, mild breeze, sunny) was so perfect that folks might have been elsewhere, and there were several competing festivals going on. Still, the best part was meeting new folks.
My dear husband helped me set up - it took a while!!! LOL, and then performed with his 'jam' group to an appreciative audience. My kind and generous friend, Jodi, came out to keep me company during the lulls. She has finally posted some of her wonderful paintings (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23430605@N05/) - please stop by and wish her well!
And my biggest surprise was getting to meet David (http://www.flickr.com/photos/universalpops/), a flickr friend who seems to love the same kind of rural scenes I do . Since he lives across just over the Virginia line, he takes many beautiful photographs of my hometown and the rural areas between. Look at some of his latest captures -- really wonderful!
We got home around dinner time last night pretty tired. Today both C and I hope to REST, although I do hear a few plants outside calling my name for some attention.
Hope you have a great day! And thank you too for your continued voting!
PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Purple Cone Flowers
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
The purple coneflowers are in full bloom in my garden -- and they have taken over the property!!! LOL From the herb bed to the side yard to the entire front garden - I'm finding TONS of them in tones of white and pink! The thrilling thing about these flowers and their happy abandon is that their quantities and effusive growing so reminds me of those English cottage gardens that everyone -- me too -- in the southern US LOVES, but we are never able to grow because of our summer heat and lack of water. But my Echinaceas seem to have grown beyond those limiting factors and have become MASSES of bobbing pink and white blooms. What a cheerful sight! The bees are having a hayday with them as well -- helping to pollinate the plants and continue their propagation and march across the property.
We're off to the Arts Festival! Cars are packed, paintings are framed, lunches are packed. It's going to be hot and fortunately the rain should wait until later this week to fall.
Have a great Saturday!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Spring on the Eno
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
This painting is from my archives .... done early spring of this year following a long hike along the Eno River. When I finished the painting, I really didn't like it ... so I set it aside for a while ... and though I'm still not crazy about it, this morning it had a certain appeal, so I've decided to post it.
Yesterday was a blur of activity, and this weekend is going to fly by in a similiar fashion. I've a lot to squeeze in today, tomorow is the Arts Festival ... and my weeds are have a happy, happy time! LOL
Hope your weekend is wonderful!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Orange Poppies and Queen Anne's Lace
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
OH MY GRACIOUS! WHAT A GLORIOUS GARDEN WE SAW YESTERDAY! Poppies, roses, iris, huge old trees, smoke trees in bloom, delphinium, Mahonia fruits, shade garden plants, Nigella -- and on and on and on -- and did I mention the poppies???!!! Red, purple, white, pink, orange -- What a feast for the eyes; a balm for the soul! Folks were filling their boxes with plants from the nursey, and we were asked to schedule another trip THIS year and a return NEXT year ... my gracious! The weather was perfect - sun finally came out, and yet it was cool enough to walk and walk, take lots of photos, and enjoy the serenity and effusivenes of a garden in all it's glory! WOWZA! Lunch couldn't have been any finer either!
It will be difficult to offer another trip that might please our guests as much -- but we'll try! What a gift.
Today we harvest food for the hungry - and please remember to vote -- we are really trailing so far behind!
BLESSINGS!
PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Oxford Barn in the Woods
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
This is one of those wonderful barnsI love from my home county ... It sits surrounded by tall grasses and woodlands, chopped wood stacked on the side, the barn seldom used. Still, it remains on the landscape as a reminder of times past ....
We leave shortly for another garden tour. My fingers are crossed that the rain I drove through this morning clears up for the day.
Have a great one!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Crested Iris
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
These bright purple crested iris, thinner petaled than those blooming earlier, are now the 'show' at the Arboretum. Their smaller size almost hides the flowers among all the foliage ... but their color draws the eye to their presence. These pretties prefer moist soil, and in my walk around our lake yesterday, I found several clusters bright against the darker water.
We're in for more rain today, though the sun is giving us an hour or two of warmth and shine - so welcome after so much grey.
Hope your day is sunny!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Italian Poppies
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
How I longed to stop by the sides of the road last week when we traveled to the nursery! Mile after mile of poppies were in full bloom - all planted by the NC Department of Transportation as part of Lady Bird Johnson's beautification program. The sight of them took my breath -- and my mind went right back to Italy and the hillsides of poppies I saw there. This painting is merely a quick 'dreamscape' of what I remember from my trips to Italy - inspired by our own highway poppies. If the rain holds off any this week, I may just have to take some quick photos from my car along the highways ...
We've rain in store most of the week and a few trips too -- fingers crosed that the weather improves so we don't have to cancel these much anticipated events.
Have a super day -- and thanks too for your continued votes!
PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Blanket Flowers and Daisies
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
I've watched my wild flower garden (wild in nature!!not necessarily in species!) come alive this spring as flower after flower has burst into splendid bloom. While Jodi and I sat on the porch this Friday to paint and enjoy the mild weather before the rain set in, I clipped several of the bright blanket flowers, and Jodi cut some daisies, and we put them together for a painting.
We sipped some coffee and nibbled on the strawberries my neighbor brought by, chatting and painting and surrounded by the now-grown kitties. Such a peaceful time --- it feels like it has been MONTHS since either of us have had a day like that.
This painting was a rascal to scan and/or photograph properly ... the yellow and red seemed to look 'dirty' on the screen for some reason -- please know it looks so much brighter in real life ...
My dear husband has been putting my display frame together and finally got it done last night --- it's a 10' x 10', multi-'walled', pvc pipe structure that can be broken down into portable pieces and put together like a puzzle to hold over 24 large paintings. He's amazing!!! Our test run for this structure is next Saturday - I'll post pictures once it's all together.
More rain today. I still have a few more plants that won't get in the sodden ground - but at least they're happy for the watering.
Have a restive Sunday!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Spring Park
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
What a relaxing day we had yesterday! Before Jodi came by, I got most of my new plants in the ground. Then Jodi and I sat on the porch and painted flowers, talked, visited with my neighbor Tom, as he checked on the honey production of his bees, ate strawberries, and chatted! Wow, did we both need that kind of a restive day.
The rains and storms came during the night, waking me with claps of strong thunder -- but our plants have been thrilled with all the watering!
More rain expected today, and the yardwork is piling up ...still, next week is the artshow and we've a ton of things to get ready ...
Hope your weekend is wonderful!
Friday, May 13, 2011
A Couple More Tulips
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
I seem to be enamored with the parade of flowers that seem to be making an appearance these days. From photos on Flickr to the roadsides to the nurseries to so many gardens, including my own, flowers are the highlight of this time of year.
The flower farm yesterday was as delicious as a candy shop - hard to 'keep control' of what went into my 'purchase wagon' ... but I suppose taking a small car to a nursery also helps in the limiting factor! LOL Boy, do I have a lot of planting to do this weekend !!! LOL And we're to have a rainy one at that. I hope to get most of the plants in the ground so they can be watered in by Mother Nature. Lunch was fabulous too - a marvelous tour and trip!
My friend Jodi is coming this afternoon for a long-anticipated paint-in. My garden is abloom with so many painting opportunities -- IF the rain holds off. If not, we'll create a bouquet for painting practice.
There's also much to prepare for the artshow in 2 weeks ... so the weekend will be busy ...
Take care and find some flowers to enjoy!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Love in a Mist and Evening Primrose
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
From the window of my friend's home, her pink Evening Primroses bob and sway in the gentle night air. In my own garden, 90 miles away, my Nigella (Love in a Mist) are blooming ... I sat at her table last night and through the 'magic' of the brush, brought the two together - for a garden view of my own.
Today we head out with our volunteers for a 'than you' trip to a popular plant nursery and a divine!!! tea house for lunch ....
We've got overcast skies and poor air quality due to a large wildfire on our coast -- but we gardeners remain UNDAUNTED -- and will do what we need to do to find new plants!! LOL
Hope your day is great!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
More Oxford Yellow Fields and Wildflowers
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
Late night last night, long day as well. This field is now almost all green and readying for the hay baler. The yellow and red flowers are now in seed, dropping next year's beauty to rest in the soil until the winter rains and spring warmth return them once again to blossom. Life cycles.
We had some needed rain last night and the skies are overcast. When I drive to work these days, the dawn is breaking and the dark is moving more toward the edges of things. In a few weeks time, I'll be able to drive both to and from work in the light ... and summer will be here.
Enjoy your day!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Iceland Poppies
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
This weekend my dh and I had the opportunity to visit our local farmer's market. Boy was it jammed with people!!! The displays of flowers, cheeses, strawberries, lettuces, crafts were festival-like in atmosphere -- what a treat!!!
On one particular table, a vendor had a bucket of these Iceland poppies!! I went crazy for them!!!! He graciously allowed me to photograph them for this painting ...
I'll be in an out most of today and tonight with more meetings. Rain is scheduled tomorrow and then a trip planned Thursday for our volunteers ... the week is flying by already ...
Have a great day!
PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Monday, May 09, 2011
Oxford Farm in Spring - Landscape Challenge
10x14
Arches 140#CP
I am so enjoying the different interpretations of one of my favorite farms -- thank you all for your work!!! What a thrill to see a familiar place through YOUR eyes and paints!
I decided to give the second image a go - Both photos and barns are from the same farm and only about 60 feet from one another. The fields are still yellow and I suspect they'll be cutting the grass this week ...
The rain should be over for a while and we'll be back in warm temps this week. Hope you can get out and enjoy the sunshine!
PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Three Poppies - HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Early May and already the red poppies that the NC Highways Department plants on the roadsides are in bright bloom....! Spring is swiftly sailing into summer!
A most glorious HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all the moms today - the nonnas, the grandmothers, sisters, aunts, friends, cousins, daughters, and the men who also have the role of mom ...
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! May we all take a moment to thank those important and loving 'moms' in our lives .....wherever they may be...
Granville Arts Ad
What is so thrilling about this is that both my husband and I made the paper -- and the festival -- together ---
I'm listed on the left, and my husband's jam group "Sunday Pickers Jam" is listed on the right ....
We're both in the event -- YAHOO!
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Pepper Pair
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
Brrr.... for two days a cold front has given us rain and colder temps - highs in the 60s (after days in the 80s), which quickly faded so many of the tree blossoms that were still lingering. We warm up again this week so we'll get a chance to enjoy more floral displays.
We've planted peppers in the Plant a Row beds at the Arboretum, but I rarely grow any at home except for banana peppers -- how I wish I could eat them! I love peppers' senuous forms and colors, how they glow and crunch when raw .. but they never did agree with me ... guess I"ll enjoy them visually!
There's a new restaurant in Oxford - Harvest - that uses fresh, LOCAL ingredients from so many of the farms C and I frequent and support. We visited the restaurant last night -- OUTSTANDING - gourmet food from local foods - and no excess use of gasoline to drive somewhere for a special meal! They'll soon be adding local artwork to their walls -- so fingers crossed for another venue.
Speaking of venues, I have another display at my library where I work, and we've been preparing for an upcoming art festival in Granville County on May 21. I have two more shows after that ... it's been a busy spring!
We're off to the farmer's market this morning and to run a few errands. My son's wedding is coming up in six weeks too --
Hope your weekend is terrific!
PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Friday, May 06, 2011
Clematis
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
The flowers continue to bloom with all the rain we've been having this spring. Though this image was painted from a book reference, our own clematis, large as dinner plates, continue to brighten the Arboretum gardens.
There are more than 300 varieties of clematis with flowers from white to purple to pink and flower sizes from silver dollars to saucers .... The one blooming by our mobile office is a Nelly Moser - pale purple coloring over white petals, and folks always remark about how huge the blossoms grow --
Hope your Friday is grand! Enjoy some flowers too!
PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Beaches
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
Even though the weather has taken an unusual cool dip yesterday and today -- I am dreaming of beaches again -- the sand, the caw of the gulls, the scent of salt water and leisurely hours. Yep -- dreaming indeed.
Fortunately, our trip went very well yesterday despite the cold and rain. We hit sporatic rain showers all the way to the farm -- but once we arrived, the skies cleared, and we were able to tour the farm, see the goats, chickens, ducks, gardens, enjoy an awesome meal, and then walk around the ornamental grass arboretum. FUN and educational!
We harvest vegetable today and plant more tomatoes and lettuce, and I've a ton of meetings ....
Hope your day is great!
PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Flowered Arch in Loose Strokes
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
I LOVE arches, doors and windows and it's been ages since I painted any. I've painted this view before, but wanted to try to simplify the view even further. It so reminds me of Italy!
It's raining right now and we've a trip planned to a goat farm and ornamental grass arboretum. From the weather reports and by the time we drive there, the rain should taper off enough for us to enjoy the trip-- fingers crossed.
Hope your day is great!
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Hollyhocks
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
I never could grow hollyhocks at home, though I really love them. By the time they were ready to bloom, the Japanese beetles would emerge and devour them to the ground ... so if I can't have them in the garden, I'll have them in paint! LOL
Weather is still warm though we've a cold front coming in tomorrow. We also have a trip planned, so hopefully, we'll avoid the predicted rain long enough for our tours ... fingers crossed.
Thanks to YOU, we've broken 1,000 votes!!!! BLESSINGS!! But we're still a long way off --- please continue your support! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Monday, May 02, 2011
Yellow and Bronze Iris
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
As the spring flower show progresses, the irises both at the Arboretum and at home are making their appearance. The bright purples and whites have already made their appearance, and now those wonderful yellow and bronze iris are having their time in the sun. What a parade!
We're in for warmer temps again this week, which will bring even more flowers and make our vegetable gardens grow as well. Every day there is something new to see and enjoy!
Thank you again for your continued votes!!!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Have a great day!
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Sunset over Oxford High Grass Fields
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
As we were coming home the other night, the sun was setting and I was struck by the way it lit up this white house and the tops of the tall grasses in the field....I tried to capture that here.
It looks far better in person - on my screen the watercolor almost looks like pastel --LOL
This week, that grass has already been cut - which goes to show you that some of those things that really inspire us can fade so quickly. All those yellow fields I admired -- this week too, have been mowed ....With all that grass cutting going on - we really are moving quickly from spring to summer ...
It took a while for C and I to get going yesterday and the busy weeks have made this weekend a good one to catch up on a bit of rest, but we did manage to put in a few more trees, flowers and tomatoes. It won't be long before we'll be enjoying those juicy red orbs from our own garden ...
Have a super Sunday!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Barn and Yellow Fields
9" x 12"
Arches140#CP
Ahhhhh..... home. Thank you all for your most kind comments, thoughts and good wishes. It has been a wild, turbulent, insanely busy April with work and weather to match. Thank you for all your generous thoughts and patience.
As I sit at my home computer looking out the window and the rising sun, I am ever so grateful for the safety of my family and home and grateful to finally have the past six weeks completed. We were spared by so much bad weather, had a successful sale despite all the tornadoes, and have had so much outpouring of support and kindnesses ...that having a moment to rest, really rest, brings on the enormity of gratitude and prayers for those less fortunate.
Thank you too for your constant support and daily voting. Quite honestly, the county, school, churches, citizen groups and more are so necessarily involved with the needs of tornado victims that the orchard project has taken an understandably backseat .... and so YOUR votes have meant even more -- again, many many thanks. The voting will continue through August with top winners chosen monthly, so perhaps with slow, daily persistence, we can still win.
The Art and Food festival was fabulous -- truly! There was a lot of interest in my work and while I had no sales at the event, I did sell several other paintings the week before. I met a lot of wonderful artists - and the area chefs who came out and provided samples of their cuisine -- outstanding! By the time we sampled a PORTION of the offerings, we were stuffed - but oh my, do we have some new places to go for dinner! LOL Music was great - and all the friends and supporters there were so uplifting and encouraging. WOW! We got home and by the time we unpacked just the necessary things, it was close to midnight .. a long, long day ... but oh so memorable!
Gratefully, with a friend's help, I think I have found a way around the computer issues at work -- at least my fingers are crossed. With all the storm damage, high winds, bits of flooding, we are finding more and more 'outages' and disruptions throughout the campus. I feel for our IT folks; they have been mighty busy trying to get so much back on line ...
This painting was begun last weekend, and despite it all, finished during this crazy week ... lol. It's one of those marvelous barns we still have around Oxford, and the yellow fields that my dear husband knows how much I love. He found this farm during one of his travels, and came home to carry me there for photographs - knowing that barns, farms and yellow fields just make me smile! What a sweetie.
On my work computer, the painted fields look brighter than they do on my home computer screen - so know that the fields in the painting are a bright yellow/gold ..the color of buttercups and mustards - all dotted with the blossoms of white clover ... MY kind of serenity! LOL
I hope to catch up with everyone this weekend --- I've so missed seeing your works and chatting a bit.
Hope your weekend is terrific - and prayers for those recovering from all the storms.
And thank you again for your vote!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Friday, April 29, 2011
Fields of Buttercups
1/8 Sheet
Arches140#CP
We made it through another round of storms, but had to leave our mobile unit office during the highest winds since we've already sustained damage from falling trees. Fortunately all turned out okay ... but my heart and prayers go out to the folks in the midwest whose homes, jobs and lives were lost to this same storm system. It has certainly been a difficult spring.
I am still experiencing problems logging into FLICKR ... and have written the technicians there twice with no answer. Our IT folks checked the issue from our end and it appears there is a problem on Flickr's end ... so while everyone points fingers at the other, I still can't log in ... I hope I can do so once I get home, but at this rate, we'll see.
Despite the storm, those generous and courageous Plant a Row for the Hungry volunteers harvested our first crop yesterday and donated 9.14 pounds of strawberries, green beans, radishes, lettuce, kale, chard and mustard to the Interfaith Food Shuttle! These volunteers are simply amazing!
Today I teach about small scale gardens at the Farmers Market, then prepare for the Art Show tonight. I'll have two of my works on display -- fingers crossed!
Hope to catch up with everyone as soon as I can. You can't imagine how frustrating these technical difficulties can be!
Stay well!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Astilbe
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
I still do not have access to Flickr except on my borrowed computer --- I have access to this only for a few minutes each day, so I'll catch up with everyone this weekend -- I hope.
This painting was done a while back -- but my own astilbe are getting ready to bloom ... they seem quite early to me.
We're under the threat of more severe weather and tornados ... we've already had blips of power losses ... and my heart goes out to those in the midwest who just experienced the storm heading this way...
Be safe everyone ....
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Snowball Viburnum
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
The snowball viburnum on my property is in glorious full bloom! This large shrub/tree will grow 8'-10' tall and as wide, and this time of the year, be filled with TONS of non-melting, brilliantly white to cream, snow-ball-like blooms! The sight is breathtaking -- and I tried to capture it here. These viburnums will grow well in zones 5-8. I planted a second one in another area, and right now, it's merely 2 feet tall -- but I give it four years before it's rivaling it's cousin!
We've got 2 more days of rain and intermittant internet service. Our first tour for the spring has been cancelled with all the rain ...and there are still so many folks digging out of the messes and working through the losses from the tornadoes. This rain isn't helping much.
Please continue to vote ...we really could use each one! THANKS so much!
Note - Please check the count after you vote - many folks have noted that they had to vote a couple of times before the numbers records their vote.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Lake
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Our spring is swiftly moving into summer - at least heatwise. We have already experienced temps in the mid 80s, and it seems to me that our summer plants are making their appearance mighty early. Already my purple cone flowers are ready to open, the blackberry flowers and vines are rambling all over, and my daisies are about to pop! Sure makes me dream of summertime by the lake ...but since it is still April .... that leisure vacation is a long way off.
We're expecting rain for most of the week, and after all the high heat, the plants are ready for it ...
Hope your day is terrific!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Garden of Batchelors Buttons
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
This weekend, C and I went into town and had a quiet dinner. Afterward, we decided to take our daily walk around the historic district to view the spring in a more urban setting.
We found so many delightful little vistas and surprises, but the BEST was a garden maintained by one of our local dentists. This garden occupies an entire corner lot in the district - and each year, the good doctor plants a variety of flowers, vetables and herbs which, to our eyes, almost appear by magic.
Among the large, columned homes fillled with our town's history, there is this magnificent, 'almost wild' area covered from one end to the other with flowers. This spring, we were greeted by a half acre of batchelor buttons. Pinks, purples, whites all swayed in the gentle breezes. While we walked the small pathways through the gardens, those flowers reached my waist. A small child could get lost in the foliage and color!! UTTER DELIGHT!! Such a selfless gift to the community - open to the public - delighting the eyes and giving the air the softest bit of fragrance. MAGIC! Happening upon this beauty just made our walk even more delightful and made us smile all the way home.
Sometimes it's these little happenstances that can really charge the day with a bit more brightness, a bit of light to the challenges, a spot of joy ....
May we contribute as welll as find such 'happenstances' ...
Thank you too for your continued support and voting!! Have a great week!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Red Tulips - HAPPY EASTER
9" X 12"
Arches 140#CP
HAPPY EASTER!! MAY THIS BE A MOST JOYOUS CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
Tulips almost seem synonymous with spring and Easter and to me, along with the Easter Lily, symbolize joy of spring's return, the 'newness' of another season, the return of warmth and the richness of life. Whether in religion or in landscape, Easter seems to bring the message of joy, resurrection, and life returned ...
May we celebrate this joy today.
HAPPY EASTER!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Lilacs
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
Growing up in New York, my mom had a huge lilac shrub that she doted on almost as much as her roses. She'd cut sprays of them and their heady scent would fill each room of our home.
But here in North Carolina, lilacs don't do particularly well in our very hot and humid summers -- except for one variety - Miss Kim.
Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim' grows about eight feet tall and eight feet wide and very fragrant lilac/pink flowers (paler blue than these painted). It prefers sun to part shade and moist soil.
My new acquisition is still in its pot since we've had rain most of the weekend - but I think I have the perfect spot for Miss Kim .... and each time it blooms, as it's doing now, it'll be a fragrant reminder of my children -- and my mom.
Thank you again for voting!!!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Happy Easter Saturday!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Nasturiums
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
These bright, peppery tasting flowers are in full bloom at the Arboretum .... we sold so many of them over the weekend too. Their leaves and flowers are edible and add a 'zip' to salads of all types. I love how they drape over the beds we've planted them in ...
I can't 'read' the colors of my painting on my screen this morning as compared to the painting ... somehow these look darker on the screen than they are in real life. I'm finding my scanner either washes out all color or darkens it too much ... sigh ...
We're off to get more matting and frames for my month-long exhibit at the library whein my work town. I exhibited there in January and I'm back for another display. I have quite a few new paintings to frame.
We also have the grands coming to a pre-Easter dinner, so I hope to have some time to paint as well and get some plants in the ground. The season is moving ahead fast!
Have a great day and a terrific Easter weekend! And thank you too for voting!!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Pasque Flower - Vestaligo - THANK YOU!
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
My thanks go to my friend Ernesto (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vilageron/) for the inspiration of one of his fabulous photos to paint this flower! Please take a moment to view his glorious works!
Much of the clean-up has been completed and folks are still coming to the greenhouse for the vegetables we didn't sell on Saturday. The few flowers that remain will be put on the Arboretum grounds, and by next week, we'll close down the greenhouse for the summer. We begin our trips and tours next week - using those as learning and teaching opportunities for the folks who learn best outside a lecture hall. It'll be a welcome change for us as we, too, move out of doors a bit.
We've rain in the forecast - and despite the storms, we need the water. The winds and high temps have desiccated the plants so the rains are welcome -- and hopefully, the winds won't be as bad.
Thank you too for continuing to vote!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Fence and Field
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
The grasses in the fields around my home are growing ... and between the greens of the leafing trees, the greena of the grasses, and the greens of all those pines, dots of yellow and white are beginning to fleck this 'emerald' vista.
This field is two miles from my home, and each time I pass it, I'm waiting for the mustards, buttercups and daisies to make their appearance and turn all that green into gold. The parade of wildflowers has begun, though, and here and there, bit of color, other than green, are showing.
Thank you all for your votes and your kind thoughts. When I got to work yesterday, much of the timber had been cut away from walkways, limbs had been collected, and some of the gardens 'put to rights.' My feeling again was deep gratitude for so little damage compared to mere miles away where other greenhouses, nurseries and farms fared so much worse.
We're making lists of replacement needs, getting estimates and overall returning a bit to normal. And I thank each of YOU for thinking of us and those who have been so adversely affected by these recent storms.
Thank you too for voting! We've gotten our weblink fixed -- so you can go here to reach the page:
http://www.johnstoncc.edu/
And click on "Click here to vote each day"
Again, many many thanks!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Lake Tranquility
1/8 Sheet
Arches140#CP
Among all the devastation of property and loss of life, and the bustle of recovery work from Saturday's tornadoes, this small lake near my home sits as a tranquil reminder that there will be less frenetic, painful days ahead. It always seems so contrary to me to have blue skies and sunshine following a big storm -- but there it is ...Perhaps it's a message of hope midst the ruins and sadness.
I return to work today to see just how much damage our grounds have endured. I've seen photos and talked to my staff, and we've been spared the worst. I suppose the hardest thing is bearing the disappointment of work and effort lost so quickly and knowing it must be done again .... and again ... and realizing just how fragile it all is ...
Still, the gratitude of safety fills us all ... and prayers for those less fortunate.
Thank you all for your votes and support!
Vote today! THANKS!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
Monday, April 18, 2011
Spring Blossoming Tree
1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for believing in our orchard project and voting --- please continue to do so daily. We are so far behind and with our current state of emergency and clean up following the horrible tornado damage, our voting campaign will take another hit.
I found a short-cut to the voting page:
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0
OR the typical method:
www.CommunitiesTakeRoot.com
Choose: North Carolina
Click on "Plant"
Click on "List by State"
Click on " Smithfield - The Arboretum at Johnston Community College"
VOTE DAILY!!!
Again, many thanks.
This painting is another from the archives, done wet into wet and trying to achieve that 'etheral' spring blossom look. As I look out my windows this morning, the trees have already dressed themselves in shades of chartruese, lime, ochre and green .... it seems just last weekend I was wondering when those last bare limbs would get on some clothes -- and look at that -- a week later, and they're already leafed out!
Hope your week is splendid! And again, thank you!
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