1/2 sheet
Arches 140#CP
Oh yes -- I AM DEFINITELY enjoying retirement; though I have overcommitted myselfff and am as busy as I was when working (surprised??? LOLOL)
I'll be working with a group of youngsters tomorrow as we learn about squash and zucchini and make zucchini bread. While that's cooking, I'll lead them in a painting exercise. Should be deliciously fun.
I also agreed to help with a trip we'd planned from the Arboretum since my former assistant will be out of town -- I'll be taking two vans of guests on a wine tour of our county --- including one winery that is presumed to be haunted!!
So to get in the mood, I've been painting grapes ....
Though I like both versions, I think I prefer the cropped version -- but you decide ...
We're still expecting a cooling down of temperatures, but as of yet, it's still in the mid 90s and the promised rain hasn't made an appearance .... so maybe tonight?
Meanwhile - I hope you have a great week!!!
Monday, July 09, 2012
Grapes
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Dilapidated Barn and Hay - Another View
1/2 sheet
Arches 140#CP
Ah retirement! Folks warned me that once they retired they were often more busy than when they were working. And am I finding that to be true! All of a sudden, I have obligations and commitments that seem to be taking more time than my 12-hour days at work!! Go figure!! LOL All I know is that I seem to have less time to paint than I did before -- and I really need to change that!
This is another view of the dilapdidated Oxford barn I painted earlier. I can't seem to keep a barn for myself as they are well liked and, gratefully, are selling well. I'm also working on a 2013 calendar of area barns and I need at least two more paintings for that collection. I've taken the photos of some marvelous old barns I wans to include - now I just need to stay home long enough to paint them!
I got to see my grandchildren earlier this week... a gift I've been hoping for for a long time. We've also set a movie date next week - and promises of individually-planned activities for each grandchild. I am thrilled to finally be able to do this! I've made plans to see my mom and catch up with her, and now to schedule a long weekend with my daughter and my granddaughters. And yes, fit in more of that much needed cleaning and reorganizing.
I still haven't felt that "nothing to do" feeling, but I know it will come eventually. Meanwhile I'm enjoyed all those things I've had to put off ....
Our weather has been insanely hot -- days upon days of temperatures in the 100sF with equal humidity. I go outside early in the mornings to water some of the plants, then stay indoors so breathing is possible. We've not had a lot of rain, but next week is supposed to bring a cold front and some precipitation (fingers crossed).
I hope the rest of your week is terrific!
Monday, July 02, 2012
Morning Glories - Commission
10" x 14"
Arches 140#CP
These morning glories were done as a suggestion for a larger commissioned work. The final painting will be a half-sheet (15" x 22"). I presented this to my client for color and composition and was given the go-ahead. I've been working on the larger work this weekend.
The weather has turned blistery -- for four days, we've been in the 100sF with equal humidity, making being outdoors very challenging to breathe and impossible to work. So instead of playing outside, my first weekend of retirement was spend indoors getting my book cases organized and making space for get togethers, craft workshops and an upcoming vist by my plant a row friends. I've tried to get to this project for MONTHS, and having 2 days without the obligations of work, finally made it happen!
I'm so excited about this upcoming get together - I am beside myself with joy! We've scheduled a 'crafts day' for the last week in July -- to include a covered dish and card-making, collage session. I've now got the room ready, and I'll spend the next week or two organizing materials and finding something very special to cook. To think of these marvelous, generous, fun-loving friends coming to my home makes my heart soar ...
With the last weeks finalizing at work and retirement paperwork and procedures to put behind me, I haven't been working on watercolors with any haste. I've found the need to 'nest' and make my home "mine' again my priority. Cleaning corners, organizing space, tossing out extraneous papers - are all part of the process for me. I've a lot more to do, but for now, this major project says to my soul 'You're HOME!'
Painting is definitely on tap for this week ... as is an already a scheduled mid-week dinner with my son and grandchildren.
Friends, family, TIME!!!!!! to paint, play and connect - are such blessings - that again, I am runing over in tears of gratitude ....
I so hope your week is wonderful ....
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Golden Rudbeckia - Class Demo - Retirement Day
10" x 14"
Arches 140#CP
It's 6:18 am and as I sit at my desk and work computer for the last time, I am filled with mixed emotions. There is so much of 'me' that I will be leaving here at the college and Arboretum, and so much to look forward to as I start the next phase of my life, that I feel I have one foot in the past and one foot in the future, and there's that awkwardness that standing in such a place engenders.
I am sad to leave for a lot of reasons, joyous for so many more. But today, as I say goodbye to the life I've known and lived for 11 years, it is, as expected, bittersweet.
I will miss the accomplishments, the friends, the families who have made my work and stay here such a joy. Having been fortunate to have a career in 'blue jeans' has been a blessing, as has working with plants, the creative endeavers of garden design, teaching, planning, lectures, workshops, community events. I leave the arboretum, as I'd hoped, further along its development. I'm grateful for the Trustees and supervisors who've entrusted me with the vision and responsibility to bring the Arboretum forward. And I'm grateful for the gifts, donations, grants and hard work of supporters and my loyal staff for making it all possible.
This last week has been typical and wonderful. I finished my "Art in the Garden" class and this rudbeckia was the project for my students. The sunshine of its colors also matches the week of bright sun and beautiful weather. Our trip and tour of coastal gardens yesterday was sheer delight - and today, we end with my retirement party and my incredible, loving, generous volunteers and staff.
The week has been a gift, as has been the work I've loved.
Tomorrow, another phase begins. Thank each of you for being with me through all of it.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Lace Cap Hydrangea
10" x 14"
Arches 140#CP
I uploaded several photos from my garden and posted them as a challenge here: (www.flickr.com/groups/watercolouristpwl/discuss/721576301...)
I used the photo of the lace-cap hydrangea to paint. (I'm having my students work on the golden rudbeckia). In the painting, I see more yellow in the leaves and pink tones in the blossoms on the original than on the screen - Still, it was fun to do -
These will be my last four days of work: 1 day of finishing paperwork, 1 class, 1 trip, then a farewell/good luck party - and then 11 years of living out of town four days out of seven will be over - and an Arboretum and more accomplished. It's a good feeling -- scary too in a lot of ways - endings are never easy for me - and the transition to 'being at home' is another adventure - a bit planned, a bit uncertain, a lot open ...
I plan to continue teaching classes - from watercolor to crafts to altered books to gardening to herbs and cooking to heaven knows what else. I plan first get my house in order, reduce the clutter that has managed to accumulate, get my garden a bit more under control, paint, paint and paint.
I've already got a number of classes booked, promised visits to my mom and my daughter, and time promised with my son's children.
C and I are planning some long weekends - and for the first few weeks, I hope to catch up on my sleep and energy - the last few weeks of intense finalizing has made me a bit flagged.
Thank you all for your well wishes and kind thoughts. And thank you for your friendship and keeping me company along the way!
You are my blessings!
Have a great week!
Lin
Friday, June 22, 2012
Bouquet of Roses
Bouquet of Roses, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.
Arches 140#CP
There's been a bevy of last-of-the-tasks activity at work, and nights spent working on demonstration pieces for my students and mock-up works for a commission - so time to finish a painting of my own has been limited. We've also had a slam into summer with mid 90sF heat - WHEW! The cool, mild spring really spoiled us all!
Still with only four work days remaining until retirement, when I got home last night I could feel my mental and physical focus moving more and more toward what needs doing at home. Closets, room reorganizing, divesting books that are no longer used, painting, gardening, and much more. There are new classes to start, advertise and find space for, a website to finish, grandchildren to spend time with, visits with mom, long weekends with Charles ... it feels a bit overwhelming right now and it will take a bit of time to realize that I no longer have to squeeze it all into three short weekend days.
My 'wild' garden has been a joyous, peaceful gift in all this sea of change. I arrived in time to see even more cone flowers in bloom, more Queen Anne's Lace, the hydrangea even bluer than when I posted photos, and golden rudbeckias as abundant as the cone flowers. I was elated and blessed! The blueberries were ready and I picked a gallon from shrubs no taller than me ... and the peaches are so abundant this year, they've bend the poor tree over like a wedding arch.
We're in for more hot weather and some rain this weekend - we need the rain as it does a lot of the south.
I painted these roses earlier this spring - trying for just a splashy, loose approach - much like the roses that were blooming in my own garden.
Hope you have a great weekend! Stay cool!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Daylily - Done as My Demo for My Watercolor Class
10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP
I am teaching a four-part watercolor class at the Arboretum this month, and I painted this day lily (from the Arboretum gardens) as a demonstration for my students to show the various techniques I am teaching - washes, textures, glazing, splatter, dry brush, blowing paint.
Today we'll begin some of the flowers I've uploaded and see how everyone progresses. With only 2 classes remaining, I am anxious to get the students to begin to apply their newly learned skills.
I'd like to share a link to the interview that was done for the Clayton Arts Reception earlier this month.
bcove.me/1uerdljv
I was truly honored and humbled by the incredible reception they held, the professionalism, the care they took to showcase my work, and the marvelous, wonderfully warm and generous folks who came out to share that evening with me.
We've another intense week as retirement 'count-down' continues. I'll be pretty much gone the rest of the week and I'll catch up as I can.
Have a great day!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Find Lin
Remember the game "Where's Waldo?" Well, this is similiar ... "Where's Lin?" LOLOL
Taken today in my 'Wild Garden"Where's Lin?"
Answser: Behind the 5 foot depth of 'wild garden'
Rudbeckias
Another from My 'Wild' Garden and a photo I'll use with my watercolor students to draw and paint.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Poppies and Lace
1/4 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
It seems poppies have captivated me this spring! I can't stop painting them! Even at the Lavender Farm we visited this week, I found more to photograph with the intention of painting them!!
These particular poppies were from the first lavender farm we visited this year. I combined them with the Queen Anne's Lace that in my own garden, is a foot taller than I am! We've had almost weekly rains, which has given the garden a large boost - and every time I come home from my workweek, I am astonished at the size, colors, NUMBERS of flowers that have graced my 'wild' flower garden! Blanket flowers, rudbekias, cone flowers, Queen Anne's Lace, butterfly bushes, roses -- everything but the poppies I planted!! SIGH!!!
It's been another intense week at work -- and with merely two remaining weeks before retirement, the intensity is going to reach record frenzy! My watercolor classes (which I am teaching) are going very well and are such fun! We're using the flowers at the Arboretum to learn flower structure and then learn how to paint the flowers we choose. Our trips have been so well attended, we are now up to two full vans for the rest of the trips this month! And the Lavender farm we visited THIS week - was incredible!!! Great company, awesome gardens, fabulous food, and terrific friendships! When I retire, I'll join these groups -- but this time, I'll be merely a passenger! And our volunteers have been harvesting vegetables like crazy -- 93 pounds of food donated yesterday alone! WOW!
This weekend too is busy. I'm working on several drafts for a comission, I have some sketching to do to prepare for my watercolor students, we've Father's Day to celebrate, and to begin finding places for all my things I'm finally bringing home from out of town.
I hope your weekend is fabulous -- and a most JOYOUS AND APPRECIATIVE HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the dads, uncles, brothers, cousins, fathers, step-fathers, grand-fathers, and family members who serve as fathers!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Dilapidated Barn and Hay - Oxford, NC
Half Sheet
Arches 140#CP
The hay season is still going on and finding old barns and hayfields is a hobby I enjoy as often as I can.
Charles and I found this old barn when we were photographing the 'yellow' fields earlier this spring. The owner of the property came by to see if we needed any help or had car trouble (we were stopped at the edge of the highway), and I told the owner that I admired her farm and was taking photographs to use for some paintings. C and I were then invited to join her and her husband for a 'horse-drawn wagon' tour of their property and the adjacent properties of their relatives.
We spent an incredible 90 minutes on the 'back side' of the farms - through the woods, over creeks and bridges, a cabin without electricity and on the grounds since the property was occupied, and more. And all the while, my camera was in action! What a joy -- and what a delightful, fabulous couple! We've been back to their farm for more photos and they've been by our home for some of Charles' music.
This barn was one of many on their property. The hayfields (and basic arrangement of the hay) was in another field, but I combined the two for this painting.
I sent our new friends several greeting cards using this painting to thank them for their wonderful hospitality.
We're off to see another lavender garden with Arboretum guests today .... Hope you have a great week!
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Lavender
11" x 15"
Arches 140#CP
My gracious, getting ready to retire is a mighty busy, intense time, especially when you live out of town and have been working in one place for 11 years, it's the end of the fiscal year, high gardening time, and a busy 3-days a week teaching schedule. WHEW!
I must say that at times like these I crave time to paint even more. There's a wonderful restiveness to the process that I need to relax and rest for the next day of demands.
I painted this lavender shrub this week in between commitments. In the painting (not sure on each computer screen), the painting is soft, with a pink hue - much like I saw at the lavender festival. I truly love lavender - its scent, the way the flower stems bob in the breeze, the calming effect it has on me, and the delicious flavor it adds to foods - especially chocolate chip, lavender ice cream! My son thinks it tastes like chocolate soap - but I find it HEAVENLY!
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons culinary lavender
1 cup milk (I used skim)
1 small package chocolate fudge instant pudding (I used Jello)
1 – 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (cut into pieces – yes – small pieces)
2 cups ½ and ½ (I used non-fat)
½ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
In small saucepan, add the culinary lavender (I used the lavender tied in cheesecloth) to the 1 cup milk. Heat on medium heat until the milk just begins to boil (BUT DO NOT BOIL). Remove from heat, and let lavender and milk steep for 30 minutes. Remove lavender, strain and cool.
In the meantime, cut up semi-sweet chocolate chips. (You can also cut up a semi-sweet chocolate bar). When lavender milk is cool, mix and blend well with chocolate pudding mix.
In frozen ice cream maker add:
Lavender Milk and pudding mix
½ and ½ (or Cream)
Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Follow manufacturer’s directions. Ours takes about 30 minutes of spinning. Add chocolate chips after 30 minutes and have machine blend for 5 minutes. Remove from ice cream maker – eat and freeze whatever you can’t resist eating!
I have a couple of lavender plants to get into the ground today - and then I think I"ll spin up a quart of lavender ice cream -- for dessert, and well, just to relax!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, June 08, 2012
Me Discussing My work
Clayton Visual Arts
Reception 6 7 12
What an INCREDIBLE night! The art reception at the Clayton Visual Arts showcased 18 of my paintings along with another North Carolina artist, Jo Lee Tucker. Here I am addressing the more than 50+ attendees.
Paintings sold, new work commissioned, and I went home in a daze from the night, the joy, and the deep, heart-felt appreciation and gratefulness for such a moment. I was truly humbled.
I sincerely thank the folks at Clayton Visual Arts for the awesome opportunity and event. What an amazing blessing!
(My dear husband apologizes for the blurry shots -- it was a busy night! LOL)
Monday, June 04, 2012
Poppies Squared
1/4 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
Like others on Flickr these last few weeks, I seem to be focused on poppies these days. This painting was inspired by our recent visit to Montrose Gardens, Hillsborough, NC. As happens each spring, Nancy's historic and glorious garden is filled with every variety of these beauties. The cottage-style of her gardens is just perfect for the poppy's effusiveness and multitude of colors. What a joy to see!
And to think, I will soon have enough time to see them more often!
I have turned in my retirement notice -- and will be officially 'retired' at the end of this month. It was a difficult decision to make after 11 years of dedicated work to the project of building an arboretum, starting a two-year horticulture program, creating a solid lecture series and volunteer core, annual plant sales, seeking grants and gifts, and more. My association with this arboretum has been so long and so productive, and the fine folks I've met along the way have meant so much to me - that the decision to begin another phase in my life was mighty challenging.
Still, I'm not as young as I was when I started this venture, and my grandchildren are getting older too - and after 11 years of living 4 days out of 7 away from home -- it is time that I turn to things less stressful and less intense.
My plan is to continue teaching the classes I began at the Arboretum: gardening, art, soapcrafting, collage, herbs, cooking, watercolor - but to do all those closer to home. I'm excited, nervous, and yet anxious to finally slow down my frenetic pace.
And return to my own garden - and plant some poppies of my own!
Have a great week!
Saturday, June 02, 2012
Sunshine Lavender Festval
A GLORIOUS day -- low 70s, music provided, wonderful crowds, another incredible day! My paintings inventory has gotten low!! LOL I could have sold a dozen of my tee-shirts today!
And to top it off - lavender chicken salad, pineapple tea, lavender cupcakes, AND -- a double scoop of lavender ice cream chocolate and vanilla!!!
YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A special thanks to my dear husband who helped set up, helped with answering the many questions, helped arranged the paintings, talked to folks about my work and upcoming classes, and made the event more pleasurable. He is a blessing!
Meeting folks
was so joy-filled! It seemed that each person I met had wonderful stories to tell and I spent the day in awesome company and laughter!
A steady crowd
Of some amazing and wonderful people! Some all the way from South Carolina and New York!
Friday, June 01, 2012
Morning on the Marsh
1/2 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
I've been asked many times, "Where do you get your inspiration for your paintings?" And the question always surprises me - not for the curiosity it suggests, but more from the challenge of articulating an answer.
Some days inspiration comes from the most simple things: the way the sun lights my dining room table, the light on a leaf, the play of colors in my garden; sometimes even sounds - like trickling water in a creek, the rain on my skylights; or the smell of gardenias when I open my front door. Many more times, I am inspired by scenes captured by photographs or paintings or line work or simple washes of paint ane the suggestions they imply.
This painting was inspired by a photograph by Early Riser - www.flickr.com/photos/31996407@N05/7232489912/in/faves-li... . I love the way he captures morning views -- they bring me right back to the early mornings I spent in Charleston when I worked for the resorts on Johns Island. I would leave my home before sunrise, and by the time I was crossing over the island bridges, the sun would just be breaking the dawn. I would be rising higher on the bridge as the sun made its ascent - and like morning magic, we'd meet at the highest rise. For some reason, that 'meeting' created such a feeling of hope and optimism for the day.... the sun above, the marsh below... and the day ahead.
And so when I saw this particular capture, I was transported right back to those days, those magical moments, and I tried to capture that particular feeling in this painting.
Thank you, Brian for the inspiration of your work, and for evoking a most precious memory for me and a painting of marsh memories.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Red Poppies
1/4 Sheet
Arches 140#CP Rough
Though a bit late for Memorial Day, it still seems fitting to post these poppies! We had the opportunity last week for a short visit to two gardens last week - both filled with wonderful poppies. From red to purple, pink, blue and California orange - the poppies were plentiful. Even along the highways of North Carolina, poppies dress the landscape ....
Poppies often represent beauty, magic, consolation, fertility and eternal life. The Egyptians included poppies at funerals and in burial tombs. The flowers were used by the Greeks in the shrines of Demeter and Diana. But more than anything, the red poppy has been associated with Flanders fields as an emblem of those who died in World War I. The tradition of poppies to memorialize our fallen soldiers continues as we remember the sacrifices of the men and women who have kept our country free. May we continue to remember and to honor them ...
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Ducklings
1/4 Sheet
Arches 140#CP Rough
It's been a fast six months since we saw our granddaughters last -- and already the two have grown INCHES -- and are reading, counting, singing, dancing, playing junior monopoly, painting, performing! Where does the time go? It seems only yesterday that they were as tiny as these ducklings -- and now, they are well on their way into childhood ... cuddly babes no longer.
My thanks to my dear friend, Fossibear, for allowing me to use his photograph as inspiration for painting these ducklings. His fabulous photo,www.flickr.com/photos/fossibear/7229144766/in/faves-linfrye/ was of a precious gathering of baby swans … I turned these beauties into baby ducklings and painting them in the marshland I love. Thank you, Lutz for the inspiration!!! Please stop by his photostream to see some incredible, beautiful work!!
We’re off to the recital with our own precious grands ….still as cuddly and adorable as ever!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Pansies
1/2 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
The days, though longer in sunlight, seem to be fleeing with as much speed as lightning and are as filled as our ponds these rainy weeks. I can hardly find time lately to breathe let alone paint, and I can tell it's taking a toll of my tranquility! I painted this earlier this spring .... and though I am painting larger images more frequently, I'm finding it harder and harder to get to the painting table as often, or as long, as I'd like. Life, as they say, has a way of moving one in other directions.
Still, each day I do put paint to paper, but can't get to finishing a work for several days .... then something else pops up before I have time to post it ... ah well, this will pass ... I just hope it passes quickly, I am missing that 'zone' I am able to get into when painting that really helps me relax and dream.
This weekend will be another busy one. We'll be visiting my daughter and grands and take in a dance recital for both of them -- adorable!! It will be a quick visit and I'm looking forward to seeing the girls since we haven't seen them since the holidays. They're growing so fast!!! Our phone conversations have taken on that 'adult' tone that seems to move children from simply "Hi Nonna" -- to real "Guess what I did this weekend" chats! Wonderful -- but will be even better to see them.
Hope you have a great week... stay dry...
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Granville Art Festival 2012
Thank you for all your kind wishes.
It was a FABULOUS festival with good sales, incredible music, a variety of wonderful offerings for the more than 1500 people who visited, a terrific selection of food items, fun things for children to do and a really FUN, FESTIVE, FESTIVAL atmosphere.
The Granville Art Council did one heck of a job advertising and putting things together -- one of the best shows I've participated in -- professionally done --THANK YOU all involved!
I've met some other artists in the Granville area, met some potential art and workshop students, and met more folks in my hometown -- something living and working out of town for 11 years has made very difficult. What a joy to meet such wonderful neighbors!
I return to work tomorrow - pretty tired - but gearing up to teach art classes for the Arboretum during the month of June and lead a number of trips to area gardens for more garden classes. So much to see and learn and do!
We'll be preparing for our next festival on June 2 - The Lavender Festival - and I'm looking forward to Chocolate Lavender Ice Cream!!! YUMMMMM!
I'll be on and off the the Internet with the demands of work -- so I hope to catch up with everyone as I can ...
Meanwhile - have a great week -- and walk around the gardens!!
Granville Art Festival 2012
Me in my booth. It was cool in the morning with a breeze that made tying things down a necessity!
Granville Art Festival 2012
We simplified our framing so that it was easier to put it up quickly. I was still able to hang 20 framed paintings - including 4 24" x 28" frames... and I had (you can just see it by my right knee) dozens more matted paintings.
I sold framed paintings, matted paintings, bookmarks, postcards, greeting cards, mini-art pieces and had folks sign up for potential art, craft and gardening workshops.
Great show!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Oxford Hay and Barn
Arches 140#CP
The hay, tall, golden, incredibly beautiful, is starting to be cut and rolled, and scenes like this (a combination of Oxford farms and fields) are my ride home companions. Each and every one thrills me to my soul, touching some core element of my being that, having been raised in the city, cannot be explained. I like to think that some of my family's earlier generations, growing up in rural parts of Italy, tended such farms, and their love of the land and working with its elements has somehow been passed through time to me.
This week, my housemate delighted us with a Netflix movie that took place in Italy (the name escapes me at the moment). Toward the end of all the action, the camera panned fields of hay - and as tired as I was after another too-intense week, I was immediately seized with emotion and an overwhelming sense of 'homecoming.'
I don't understand it ... but I do embrace it.... and try to capture a bit of that emotional bond I sense by painting hay bale after hay bale.
(Yep, even the folks around here find it unusual that someone carries on and on about their hay bales! LOL)
Work continues its intensity as does home activities. This weekend is the Granville Art Festival. Charles and his jam group will be performing and I'll have a tent and exhibition. I've been preparing for this over the last few weeks - so today we'll do a trial set-up to make the 10' x 15' area more attractive, and I'll bring my paints to try to get in a bit more time at the easel. It's been so busy that my Internet time and painting time has been squeezed .. and I truly miss the relaxation of visiting friends, being inspired by the incredible photographs and artwork, and using my painting time to unwind and rest.
I hope your weekend is terrific!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Ready to Garden!
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Gardening --- oh yes, it's time to get out there once again and show those weeds who's boss!!!
The weather this weekend was perfect for an afternoon in the garden, and I spent some time putting in flats of flowers --- and then - thank heavens, the rain followed behind my planting and has been steadily giving all the plants a good, solid soaking. The wee tomatoes, blueberries, persimmon and squash are really benefiting from all the good rain.
Here at work, we are in the throes of trips and tours and working hard to keep our gardens weed-free. We've designed another couple of beds that will finish up the Southern Garden (a long, long project), and will begin cleaning the greenhouse for the summer. Even though the students are now gone for the summer, Arboretum work is at its peak busy season.
Hope your week is terrific!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Yellow Field Roses - HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP
To all the mothers - the aunts, sisters, grandmothers, nonnas, daughters and those whose role is that of 'mother' - a most joyous and wonderful 'HAPPY MOTHERS DAY'!
The celebration of mom, for me, always brings me to flowers. My mom and dad had a small garden, barely more than foundational plantings. But of those, dad planted roses and lilacs - my mother's favorites. These field roses, painted to celebrate the beauty of less cultivated plants, are dedicated to my mom -- for her beauty, tenacity, strength and love. And more, for that bit of 'non-domesticated' wildness that enchants, surprises and manages to thrive in all manner of conditions - a celebration if you will, of the unpampered that is in all of us.
I came late to gardening, learning first to appreciate the wild species of things - enjoying the surprise of flowers and plants that grow without human intervention. The plants that make the roadsides, ditches, woodlands and fields a riot of color, fragrance and unquestionable beauty. I love too, how 'nature' provides 'wild' edibles without cultivation as well as provides the progeny of many of our domesticated food plants. I love how she provides such bounty of utilitarian plants for medicines, music, vessels, clothing and almost every other human need. Such effusive variety and abundance is motherlike in its selfless giving.
This weekend, we recognize, appreciate and celebrate - all our moms - including the mother of all of us - Our Good Earth.
May we remember to honor all our Moms!
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Old Oxford Barn - Home
1/2 Sheet
Arches 140#CP
I am back home - and what overwhelms me most is the incredible quiet. That rich, peaceful, serene stillness that is in the very air I take into my lungs. The PEACE of it is so rich, so magnificent, that I am brought to tears for the very serenity it brings.
I unpack my bags and walk through my now-bursting colorful garden. The breeze is rich with honeysuckle and privot. Birds twitter and sing their nesting songs. Insects buzz. And the sun warms my skin and makes each flower a blaze of color.
I am home - and this peacefulness is as much a gift as seeing my mom doing so well.
The yellow fields of spring are fading and the hay in the fields is turning from green to bronze. The farmers have begun baling... and I am in my glory to see hay bales once again!
Feeling this 'home-coming' -- from the air to the flowers, to the fields to the bird song - is a salve. The miles between my mom and sisters and my home are many, and I miss seeing those I love more frequently. Though mom is so much better - with health issues prominent, one lives from day-to-day. Thus, this sense of serenity is even more of a blessing.
It's a funny thing the types of places that give us a sense of peace and 'home.' My sisters and daughter love the city - the 'availability' and 'conveniences' of having stores and events close by. My son, like me, prefers the quiet life and the feel of soil beneath our feet instead of asphalt and concrete. Different strokes indeed.
Somehow the rural life has become "home"... and it is here I return for the exquisite gift of quiet, peaceful moments shared by the rounds of seasons and the flora and fauna that join in its celebration.
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Dreaming of Heather Fields
10" X 13"
Arches 140#CP
I am still visiting mom -- one more day then a long journey home. It has been such a joy to see her doing so well. Her mind is sharp, her appetite good, mobility, though limited, is still so much improved. I am ever grateful for the tremendously good care she is getting at my sisters' hands and the medications that are keeping her symptoms managable.
To take advantage of my being with the family, we will celebrate Mother's Day a week early and all of us go out for a quiet dinner. The last time all of us got together for a meal was last Thanksgiving, so tonight is mighty special.
The weather in New York has been cool and rainy, but the company has been fabulous!
Hope to catch up with painting and commenting next week ...
Have a great Sunday!
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Spring Bouquet
10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP
Another busy week behind me - sales, tours, trips, classes - and I'm heading out for a few days to visit my mom. She's been doing so well -- thank you all for your prayers and thoughts!
I'll be offline until next week - so I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and I hope to catch up with everyone sometime mid- week!
It's very hot here already - mid 90sF yesterday -- so stay cool!