Plums after Jean Haines 2012 - Final

Plums after Jean Haines 2012 - Final, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP


With the approach of Hurricane Sandy 24 hours away, the last day of Jean's workshop lost several participants as folks made their way home before the storm. In order to accommodate all the requests Jean received and in order to maximize the time remaining, Jean worked on a few more demons, and then launched into her prepared lesson to move us from 'free flowing practice' to work that was a bit more 'story telling.'

I was given permission earlier this year to paint from Rupa's fabulous plums www.flickr.com/photos/63848165@N08/5976774647/ and I had her photo reference with me. Though I painted these before in a more traditional way:
www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye/5993625708/ I wanted to see what they might look like in a looser style. (Thank you once more, Rupa!!!)

Jean was kind enough to demonstrate how she would approach this image, and for the rest of the workshop, I practiced. Each of my practice pieces came closer to the 'story' I wanted to tell... but this one, done a few days after the workshop, seems a bit closer to the combination of Jean's looseness and a bit more of my own style.

The workshop ended with the promise of Jean's return to New York next October, and then everyone scrambling to homes, last minute planes and trains, all to get out of harm's way.

It was an incredible workshop -- and I thank Jean for all her sharing of skills, enthusiasm, encouragement and joy!!!!

Can't wait to do it again next year! (without hurricanes, of course!)

Bittersweet Berries - After Jean Haines - Part 4

Bittersweet Berries - After Jean Haines - Part 4, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Jean's workshop really made an impression on me - her ideas, approach to painting, FLOW of the paint, expressiveness, imagination.

After the first day of the workshop, I began playing with Jean's ideas - and have done several small paintings of bittersweet berries. I LOVE their red, orange and yellow colors.

This painting was done from memory -- from the walk I did prior to Jean's workshop and my memory of bittersweet berries along the roadside.

Looking at this painting now, I want to define those berries a bit more ... but love the washes and colors ...so I'll take the things I like about this quick, small painting and do another couple of exercises and see what happens ...

More workshop info to follow. (I've been involved all weekend in classes at Jerry's 'Art of the Carolinas' and will lots to share in the next week or so about those classes and experiences.

Viburnum after Jean Haines 2012 - Part 3

Viburnum after Jean Haines 2012 - Part 3, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

This loose painting of viburnum berries was done in Jean Haines workshop in NY following a number of demonstrations. It is my attempt to paint in Jean's style and keep things loose, abstract, and suggestive without finishing the entire work ... thus leaving some of the painting to the imagination of the viewer.

It's a bit challenging to put into concrete terms how I might describe Jean's way of painting. So here's my attempt to suggest what I see as her approach ... I may be entirely wrong .. and if I am, I hope Jean will correct me!! LOL

Jean's approach is far different than any other artist I have ever had the privilege of learning from. In my words, I see Jean's method as somewhat 'subtractive' ... in other words, and speaking for myself, my approach, and most artists I think, is to ADD more and more paint to an image - improving values, adding highlights, and pretty much COMPLETING a painting with negative painting, more layers, ADDING splashes, splatters, blown paint, etc.

If my mind, how I see Jean painting is somewhat OPPOSITE -- Jean seems to SUBTRACT paint by using WATER to adjust her values, create a background, textures, forms and the like. Jean starts with rich, juicy paint in a rich wash and adds more and more WATER or water and pigment to her painting as she works on her first wash. Jean has this most amazing ability to judge, control and USE the water on her brush and the water in her paintings. She starts on DRY paper - thus keeping more control than painting wet into wet, and yet, she continues to add water to the wet paint on dry paper to spread her paint, move it around, create her images. Her first wash guides the bit of finishing she'll do on a painting (usually after it dries) - she does NOT FUSS to fix things, but uses those 'blooms and events' to the advantage of the painting. All the time, she's watching, learning from what is going on on the paper, and USING what she is seeing to the advantage of the painting. Her first wash has about defined the subject, spread paint for the background and has her values almost perfect. Her second, and rarely, third, wash completes the painting. Her results - fresh, spontaneous - and brilliant!

What amazed me the very most was how much WATER she uses -- and how she uses WATER to paint! But all the while -- controlled. I know, I know, it is WATERcolor after all -- but I know few other artists who use water in just the same way. Her pigments are used strongly, and again, she uses water to thin out their values, water to add different colors. And though Jean's work feels somewhat 'splashy', I was reminded to be careful with all my splattering (LOLOLOL!!!).

I hope this makes sense ...

It is an amazing approach to painting and one I hope to continue to practice and incorporate into my own 'signature' way of painting.

More to come.

Painting for the Bin - My Tomato and Part 2

Painting for the Bin - My Tomato and Part 2, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Jean's long anticipated workshop began on Saturday with Jean reviewing her philosophy and approach for painting watercolors, materials, paints, paper, brushes and the like.

Our first task was to warm up by 'painting for the bin'. In other words, our task was to paint simply to get the paint flowing freely and with abandon -- and all the time, WATCHING and LEARNING what pigment and water do on the paper. We reviewed the use of splatter (oh yes, I do LOVE to splatter!! LOL), adding salt, moving the paper around, adding water, trying colors that we normally don't use, using saran wrap to create textures, and the like. (One of these warm up exercises created my recently posted "Wash Out" (www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye/8151852150/).

After several of these, Jean suggested we visualize and paint a tomato ...simply, paint a tomato. The purpose of this exercise was to use water and pigment to create that fruit all the while learning -- and more -- ENJOYING -- again what is happening on the paper! To learn what each different pigment does on the paper, how it reacts to water, to salt, to the addition of more water. To learn to have a playful attitude toward a particular subject, to paint with that kind of joyousness that most often results in spontaneous, fresh and marvelous works. And we were to accept our painting events - the blooms, the runs and the like. Then Jean gave each of us a real tomato to paint the subject once again ... again painting with the same attitude and joy.

The tomato abve is my tomato attempt using the tomato in front of me as a guide. It was fun! And more, the pressure was off to 'produce a frameable' painting - since we were 'painting for the bin' ... with nothing more pressing than to simply enjoy AND LEARN from the process.

(Painting like this is so INVIGORATING and REENERGIZING and RECREATES the reason WHY we paint watercolors in the first place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bless you, Jean, for this gift!!!!)

The workshop continued with Jean demonstrating flowers, eyes, dogs, people and more. I cannot truly express what her enthusiasm and artistry gave to that room of watercolorists !!! We all were painting tomatoes and marveling at Jean's demos --- and each of us trying to replicate what we were learning with images of our own. (More on the next post.)

Jean's 'tomatoes' are shown below along with some of her demonstrations in process.

Jean suggested that we paint a tomato every day -- that doing so would teach us everything we needed to learn about watercolor, and all that we needed to learn would be in that single painting - and by the continual painting of the same subject day after day after day ...

(To learn more about Jean's philosophy, exercises, demonstrations and the like, please see:
www.jeanhaines.com And try her books and DVDs ... all of them marvelous!)

I will be offline much of the rest of this week and weekend as the annual Art of the Carolinas is going on in Raleigh. If you've never had a chance to enjoy this awesome event filled with workshops, a trade show with prices that are to die for, demonstrations and the like - hurry over or see www.artofthecarolinas.com/ for more information.

More to follow ...

Jean and Lin - Part One

Jean and Lin - Part One, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

What an absolute JOY it was to finally meet Jean Haines. I read about her workshop in New York almost nine months ago (from Jean's website - www.jeanhaines.com), and I immediately signed up for the class. I typically make several trips a year to NY to visit my sisters and mom, and I thought what a fabulous experience it would be to be able to combine the two!

I truly felt blessed to have the privilege of taking a watercolor class from this incredibly talented, enthusiastic, exciting and inspirational artist!!!

The sessions began with an introductory 'demonstration' by Jean on Friday night. This demo was also part of an open house exhibition of local Long Island artists at the Art League of Long Island.

As Jean began her demonstration, the room began to fill, and fill, and fill, until by the time half an hour had passed, there was standing room only!!! LOL

Jean talked about her love of watercolor, some of her paints, papers, methods, and began painting - to the oohs and ahhs and flashes of cameras as everyone sat on the edge of their seats to take in everything she was saying.

Jean graciously signed books or pamphlets or posed for photographs ... and all too soon the demo ended, and we went home to anticipate two full days of Jean's workshop.

I've included a few photos from the workshop ....

More to follow ...

Sassafras - The Glorious Color Before Sandy

Sassafras - The Glorious Color Before Sandy, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Throughout the fall, I have been moaning about the lack of color in the trees of our neighborhood.
But when I went to visit my mom and sisters and I took a walk around the neighborhood, I was in a virtual HEAVEN of incredible reds, golds and oranges!!!

I took these photos two days before Hurricane Sandy ripped the leaves from the tree branches. Oh did I enjoy the colors!!!

On another happy note, I met two wonderful blogger friends - Joan T.(www.flickr.com/photos/23074176@N08/ and her fabulous blog watercolorsbyjoan2.blogspot.com/) and Susan (www.flickr.com/photos/52358552@N06/).

They joined me for Jean Haines demonstration the Friday evening before her weekend workshop. WHAT FUN! Then Joan and I spent a couple of hours together after the storm passed just chatting and sharing and making plans to get together again. Flickr and blogging have been such blessings to meet the most talented, wonderful, generous and marvelous friends!!!

When I finally was able to return home, most of the color of my own trees was gone, and with temperatures dropping and wind and rain blowing (yes, we got some strong wind and rain from Sandy too), most of the fall color is now behind us.

But since I so LOVE the fall season, these photos will paint my world fabulous colors in the gray days ahead.

Hope you enjoy them too!

WASH OUT- Hurricane Sandy 2012 - GLAD TO BE HOME!

WASH OUT- Hurricane Sandy 2012 - GLAD TO BE HOME!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

7" x 9" Watercolor Wash
Arches 140#CP

Thank each of you for your thoughts and wishes and notes. Please continue to remember and pray for those so adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy.

There's much to report about the past seven days ... my visit to see my mom, Jean Haines workshop, the storm's aftermath. But let me say this for those who have expressed concern for us: We are fine, and we have made it through the storm virtually unscathed, with minor home damage, tree loss, and the inconvenience and disruption of power outages, cable, telephone and internet outages, some food shortages and major gasoline shortages and the rebuilding of destroyed towns, beaches, and lives. Compared to so many who have lost their lives and their homes, we were blessed indeed, and have nothing to complain about.

My one sister is still without power, cable, or cell service since the storm and is staying with friends. Her boyfriend awaits a tree service who, they pray, will get to the tree leaning on his home before the wind shifts, and makes the tree fall through the roof and into the second fstory of his home.

My other sister, with whom my mom lives and where I was staying, had power restored after 36 hours only to have it wiped out by a drunk driver who ran into the single power pole providing a neighborhood much needed light and energy. Cable, phone and internet service was restored to this same sister 48 hours after the storm, and lights were re-restored late last night.

We got through the worst of the hurricane with a generator, candles, a gas range, and the relief of having gone through a major crisis with our lives and property safe.

This makes the fourth major hurricane I have been through: Agnes, Hugo, Fran ...and now Sandy. Through each one, I wonder anew at the enormous forces of nature and the power of humankind to pick up the pieces and begin again and again. Hope and help from others, are mighty powerful.

This artwork was an exercise done in the workshop I have been privileged to attend with Jean Haines. I will have more to say and post about that wonderful experience and the opportunity of meeting an incredible, talented and remarkable artist. Her workshop, I might add, was held the day before and on the eve of superstorm.

While this exercise was merely a practice of mixing of two colors we really liked on a small piece of watercolor paper, the flow of the paint, the colors, and the mixing, all done without forethought two days before Hurricane Sandy's wrath, seemed fitting to post while describing a bit of our experience through the storm.

Again, please continue to keep the thousands of hurricane victims in your prayers and thoughts. There is so much repair work to do in New York, Long Island, New Jersey and elsewhere along the Eastern seaboard, that continued prayers and good thoughts will certainly be appreciated.

Morning Autumn Sunlight - THANK YOU - Xandra!

Morning Autumn Sunlight - THANK YOU - Xandra!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

That autumnal light - so clear, clean, brilliant - marvelous on its own. But when that same light filters through morning haze and fog -- the effects are so sublime and filled with mystery that I am jaw-dropped in awe. I've been able to capture a bit of that light in some of my recent photographs, and I gravitate toward these incredible images and morning moments.

It was just such a photograph that stopped me in my tracks and made me sigh with joy ...
www.flickr.com/photos/xandram/8080575427 . Not only was that special 'light and fog' all part of the image - but she also captured that incredible, dreamlike color that we have yet to see in my part of North Carolina. Xandra so generously permitted me to use her wonderful image as a reference to paint. What inspiration!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH, Xandra. (Please stop by Xandra's photostream for more incredible images!!)

I'll be attending a workshop by Jean Haines this weekend, so I'll be off-line for a while -- what a privilege!!!! Can't wait!

The leaves here are falling fast, and with the potential of Hurricane Sandy to pay us a visit this weekend, that wind and rain will rip even more leaves from the trees -- all before they have had a chance to really reach their typical peak of gold, orange and scarlet.

With such dangerous weather as a potential event for us and the Eastern seaboard of North Carolina, we are keeping our eyes peeled to the forecast and prayers for everyone's safety.

Golden Splender - THANK YOU, Denis!

Golden Splender - THANK YOU, Denis!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

In the piedmont of North Carolina this year, the fall color is slow to arrive, but here and there, we are seeing a bit more of the reds and golds and oranges that we would have typically seen last month. The early yellows, however, are now turning dark gamboge - and in most hickories - more a burnt umber. Yet many more of our early yellow 'turners' ... have already lost over one-third to two-thirds of their leaves, especially the sycamore and tulip trees.

And so, I was inspired, once more, by one of Denis Collette's glorious capture: www.flickr.com/photos/deniscollette/7005671681/. His wonderful golden beauty reignited that 'I must paint more fall view' feeling that sends me straight to my painting table and has me joyously absorbed in the process of light, water, paint, color, and values. THANK YOU so much, Denis, for permission to use your incredible image -- but more -- for the inspiration!!! (BTW, I used a vertical format for my version in lieu of Denis' horizontal capture.) Please take a few moments to enjoy Denis' wonderful flickr stream -- and see for yourself just how AWESOME it is!

It's been a busy time here and our fabulous 70sF sunshiney weather has continued. On Friday, my dear daughter and her two girls came up to spend the night with us as we both attended my daughter-in-law's baby shower. What fun it was!! And I SO LOVED seeing my daughter and playing with Taylor and Riley!! They are growing by leaps and bounds -- and my gracious, their conversations - at ages 6 and 3 -- are so grown up! And holy moly, they NEVER keep still!!! How I wish for an iota of their energy!! LOL (BTW, my son's and dil's baby, a boy, is due mid-December.)

I spent Sunday with my son, his wife, her parents, and Emily and Nick enjoying the last day of the NC State Fair. My granddaughter 'encouraged' me to take one of those swirly rides with her - - which didn't look too wild. But by the time my stomach found its proper place and my hands stopped shaking, she, her brother and my son were having a good laugh at my 'wobbly state.' LOL Then to make matters even more topsy turvey, my son fooled me into taking yet another stomach-wrenching ride ....By the time I finally gathered myself -- I had to laugh -- though it took me a good long while to walk steadily .. and no, I never DID open my eyes on either of those rides and my knuckles were indeed WHITE ... geez ... the things we do for the folks we love!! LOL Anway, I won't be suckered into THAT experience again! LOL

We're to continue this marvelous weather for the rest of the week -- can't wait to get back out in it and walk on those crunchy leaves! Have a great week!

My Dogwood

My Dogwood, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140 CP

I've begun to see a FEW trees in red glory this autumn, but for the most part, I think the ribbon for foliage color - at least in piedmont NC - has to go to the dogwoods. Despite several years of drought, unseasonably warm summers and short winters, the 'red ribbon' belongs to those persistent and delicate trees that, despite the quickly falling leaves from their taller neighbors, are still a brightly shining scarlet. Second runner-up this year are the sumacs - their bright reds competing neck-and-neck with the dogwoods.

But when the sun's just right, the hickories can look almost golden. Without that magical light enhancement, however, the hickories are a far dull yellow. Sycamore and tulips have lost most of their leaves, and the late-color-changing oaks are a dull brown rather than a vibrant sepia. In my neck of the woods, this isn't a 'fall showing' to write home about.

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that there still might be a bit more color change the first few weeks of November. I remember some years when our color peak came with Thanksgiving. We'll see.

Meanwhile, I'm pinning ribbons on the dogwoods!

Fall Berries and Leaves

Fall Berries and Leaves, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Mercy, those Mondays that start with no Internet service, rain, sick children, and cancelled appointments really set a tone don't they?!!! URGH!! But for now, my service has been restored, and I'm hurrying to post this before the rain causes another Internet failure ...

On a good note, as I look out my window, the muted tones are 'beginning' to turn a bit more golden ... and I've my fingers crossed for red leaves soon ...

I'd like to thank everyone for posting their fall colors -- you cannot know how cheered they've made me -- BLESS YOU!

These berries and leaves are done from imagination - and are closest to those of Virginia Creeper. I am really a fan of fall - berries, harvests, festivals, colors - and so I'm working my way through enjoying autumn by painting it as frequently as I can.

I hope you have a great week!!!!

Blackberry Brambles

Blackberry Brambles, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The sun has finally come out, the weather has warmed, and my quick trip to the beach with some girlfriends was incredible!!! Laughter, friendship, talking, good food, sinful fudge, a bit of wine, an AWESOME morning sunrise and walk on the beach, a handful of tumbled stones - a marvelous restoration of mind, body and spirit! Fantastic!

I came home to find a bit more color in the landscape, but have to admit that I saw more crimson maples SOUTH of us than here in the NC piedmont. Sigh ... so I decided to make my own fall splashes in tones of red/pink and purple that reminded me of the blackberry juice, jam and syrup that Doris made while I was visiting. The cool morning on the beach also reminded me of the cool mornings in Germany when we would go outside to pick those plump, sweet, juicy blackberries from Dori's vines!! YUM!!!

Our blackberries didn't fair as well this year, as the lack of rain and water kept those that the birds didn't beat me to far too dry and tart. I suppose one of the benefits of art is that we can CREATE our own visions of nature if 'nature herself' doesn't provide them! LOL

The NC State Fair opened today and I'm anxious to visit while the weather is still in the low to mid-70s. This warmer weather will bring more folks to the fair and crowds to the exhibits I like to see -- but I suppose that's part of the state fair experience. As is the food ....! I'm ready for some sweet, steamed corn on the cob, candy apples, hot sausages, and all those other state-fair indulgencies that contribute to the experience (and a bit of weight gain!! LOL).

Hope you have a great Friday and weekend!!! Get outdoors while you can before the weather turns toward winter!

Flowered Window in Civita - Redeaux

Flowered Window in Civita - Redeaux, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Sometimes I just really fall in love with a view or scene and can't part with the painting. This painting of Civita combined various methods that I tried and loved and the view itself never fails to bring me back to that magical visit to Italy. So after my first painting of this window sold, I absolutely HAD to paint one for myself while the techniques were still fresh in my mind. This one hangs on my living room wall. There are a few subtle differences between the two paintings, however, but the emotional connection I feel to this particular window, hits me time and time again.

Do you ever do that? Return to a view to paint it again and again? So often when I am looking for 'inspiration' for another painting, I'll go through my image files and find that I am drawn again and again to the SAME photo or simliar types of photos that I've painted before. Though I often try new techniques or approaches or colors or composition, it's those same scenes that appeal to me time and time again.

The weather here has been influenced by a cold front that has brought us rain and gloomy clouds. I'm hoping that once this passes, the cold -- no warmer than high 50sF -- will inspire the trees to become more fallish in their coloring!!

Hope you have a grand week!

Sumac

Sumac, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Though yellows predominate the fall landscape thusfar, here and there I am seeing wonderful spots of red - and our native winged sumac is one of these.

Winged sumac, Rhus copallinum, is one of those small trees or shrubs (growing no more than 20 feet) found along our roadsides. It's easy to recognize because of the distinctive 'leaf bits' or wings on the stem between each leaflet. (I did not paint this feature into my sketch -- as I was focused entirely on color and a bit of abstraction.) Usually, the leaves are a wonderful glossy green, but in the fall, those divided leaves are fabulously changed to a bright orange-red ... and really 'spark' up our landscape.

The fruits (called drupes) are red to russet to cinnamon colored when ripe. The tiny hairs on each round fruit contain malic acid which makes a tart lemonade tasting drink. Many of the wildfood gatherers sell 'sumac-ade' ... made from the fruits of this plant. Native Americans used the roots of winged sumac to treat dysentery and made a dye from the berries. The berries are consumed by many varieties of birds.

For all the wonders of this plant, my favorite is the fall color. And especially now, while I"m impatiently waiting for the oranges and red to finally paint our trees, I am enjoying the winged sumac even more.

Have a great weekend!

Fall Lake View - THANK YOU - TOM!

Fall Lake View - THANK YOU - TOM!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP


Fall seems to be taking its sweet time turning our trees anything more than yellow. Here and there I find a full gold - in the sycamores and tulip trees - both of which are losing their leaves rather quickly.

I can only spot a dogwood or two and some winged sumacs that are red .. but nothing as exuberantly orange as the image posted by my friend, Tom, who graciously allowed me to use the inspiration of his photo to paint this fall view. Please see Tom's work here to enjoy even more glorious works! www.flickr.com/photos/pax12/8029323118/in/photostream Thank you so much, Tom!!!

Our temps have risen again and the rain comes and goes -- nights and morning are chilly - and I suppose I am anxious to see more colors in the landscape. I am so enjoying the marvelous fall colors that my flickr friends are posting, and I thank Tom once again for sharing his fall with all of us.

Hope you have a great week!

Doris and Lin - gift from Doris - work by Janina

Doris and Lin - gift from Doris - work by Janina, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

I am so thrilled to post this --- This is my birthday gift from Doris --- a most incredible, AWESOME work by our mutual friend, Janina!

Janina is a most admired and wonderful friend of ours -- please see the other glorious portraits she has done as well as her magnificent work:

www.flickr.com/photos/janinab/

I AM HONORED BEYOND MEASURE by this heart-felt, GRANDGLORIOUS gift --

A MILLION THANK YOU'S!!!

Birthday Gift from Janina

Birthday Gift from Janina, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Imagine my surprise not only from Doris - but a separate, stupendous work and gift from Janina.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!! I AM THRILLED, HONORED AND OVER-THE-TOP HONORED!!!!

Please enjoy Janina's work here:

www.flickr.com/photos/janinab/

Again - a million thank you's!

Rose Hip Tangles - Happy Birthday to Me!

Rose Hip Tangles - Happy Birthday to Me!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Fall begins a season of celebrations - harvests, brlliant colors, Halloween, All Saints Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, our anniversary -- and today, my birthday!

To celebrate I painted some bright red rose hips - a reminder of the season and the colors I love, the hips-- the fruit of a season's work and the promise of more to come! Sort of like birthdays, I think!

Thank you all for your constant support and encouragment - but more, your friendships and kind words. You cannot know how much you mean to me!

Have a slice of celebratory cake today -- on me!

Rain Coming

Rain Coming, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

For our 20th anniversary, my husband and I went to Topsail beach on the North Carolina coast and spent a few days at a marvelous bed and breakfast overlooking the marsh. I LOVE the quiet of the marsh, that peaceful green, the lapping of water, the sound of sea birds .... and our breakfasts were absolutely out of this world gourmet!!!!

During the first couple of days there, the weather wasn't very cooperative, and we had rain ... but we found plenty to do. I sat on our private balcony and painted the view just as the rainclouds gathered over the marshes .....

It was a restful vacation - apparently both of us needed our batteries recharged ... and love our walks along the beach and marsh, visits to museums, and a few small towns that were utterly charming.

We've rain in the forecast for the weekend, and we could use some - but oh how the days have been simply beautiful with Carolina blue skies, sunshine and delightful temperatures. Fall at it's best!

Queen Anne's Lace

Queen Anne's Lace, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

140 Arches CP
Watercolor

BRRR ..... the mornings these days are downright nippy and both mornings and evenings require a light jacket. Yet by noon, temps have risen to the mid 70s and low 80s - but somehow the sun is not quite as hot as it was a month ago - even at these temperatures.

In drives around the countryside, more and more fields have turned to bright yellow - golden rod and tickseeds have taken over. Dogwoods are almost entirely crimson and tulip tree and sycamore leaves dot the ground. These longer, cooler nights have certain been working their magic on bringing color to the landscape!

I spot a few remaining Queen Anne's Lace - but most of these are now brown and heavy with seed. I've been seed-collecting these past weeks, and it's time now to begin my annual 'seed-strewing. Blanket flower, purple cone flower, Queen Anne's Lace, poppy seeds - all will be randomly mixed and scattered over bare and new ground for next year's blooming. Because our fall weather is still considerably warm, many of the biennial seeds - like purple cone flower and Queen Anne's Lace - will germinate and grow a basal rosette before first frost, die back a bit, and then resume growth in the spring and flower. By planting these seeds in the fall, at least in my mild-winter climate, I can 'fool' these plants into blooming their first spring.

Hope you have a great week!

Fall Physallis - HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL!

Fall Physallis - HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The leaves are turning, the skies clearing and the temperatures are moving back to reasonable temperatures. Pumpkins and gourds are appearing everywhere I look ... and now, more than ever, is the season for berries.

I find berries on the hollies, on the dogwood, on the winterberry shrub, viburnum, elderberry, and wrapped in casings like this physallis ... and I love to see each of them.

Somehow apples taste better in the fall than any other time, and I look forward to their sweet crunch. And now, with cooler evenings, a hot cup of tea really makes everything cozy.

Here's to fall and harvests and apple and pumpkin pies! To oranges and golds and crimson! Let the color kaleidescope begin!

Another Sunflower Triad - Happy Anniversary

Another Sunflower Triad - Happy Anniversary, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Happy Anniversary to us! We are celebrating our 20th Wedding Anniversary today ....!

Sunflowers for the sunshine of our lives and the cheeful happiness of 20 years with my sweetie!

Here's to 20 more!

Foggy Morning Sunrise - THANK YOU Maurizio

Foggy Morning Sunrise - THANK YOU Maurizio, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

There are so many signs announcing fall's approach - those later sunrises and earlier sunsets, cooler mornings, the mist and fog that greet me upon awakening, bluer, less hazy skies, bits of yellow and red in the trees and shrubs, golden wildflowers blanketing the roadsides.

It was just such a morning image that seemed to capture that 'early fall feeling' - posted by my dear friend, Maurizio:

www.flickr.com/photos/53359531n04/7944076612/in/photostream

whose work never fails to inspire me. My thanks to him for allowing me to use his photo as this painting's inspiration! Please stop by his flickr stream to enjoy even more incredible works!

Our temperatures continue to offer cool mornings and warmer afternoons, and today and tomorrow, a bit of needed rain. I spent a good amount of time over the weekend closing some of the vegetable beds and collecting flower seeds. I'll do some seed scattering later this month to prepare for next season. Each morning I walk I notice more and more leaf color changes...and it's a pleasure to be outdoors!

Hope your week is wonderful!

Hibiscus - and a Thank YOU!

Hibiscus - and a Thank YOU!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

I painted this while visiting Doris...both of us drawing inspiration from her beautiful garden and the hibiscus blooming there. I tried for something a bit looser, a bit more splashy, and a bit less 'controlled.' It was so much fun working through experiments with a fellow artist! See Doris' hibiscus here:

I also wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for your incredible support -- and for your vote of confidence for the competition.

I was notified that I won 'The People's Choice' Award for 'The Long Barn" posted yesterday. I was joined at the artist reception by my dear husband and many of my wonderful friends who worked with me at the Arboretum, a fellow artist from Oxford, several friends from different Art Councils, and many talented artists.

From the bottom of my heart - a humble thank you to all of them .. and to you .. for encouraging and supporting me in my watercolor journey. A million blessings.

The weather these days could not be more idyllic - cool, foggy mornings followed by warm, not too hot, days, clear blue skies, fluffy clouds, and the trees and shrubs just losing their color. Here and there I am spotting yellow and even bits of red .. and it won't be long before the color-kaleiscope is it's full glory.

Let's get outside and enjoy this wonderful weather while we have it! Happy Weekend!

The Long Barn - Oxford, NC

The Long Barn - Oxford, NC, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

12" x 28" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

This 'long barn' is located less than a mile from my home. I pass it daily -- and wanted to paint it for a long time. It took learning to use my 'stitch assistant' on my camera in order to capture it all ....
I painted this last month - just before I left to see Doris. With the trips I took in August and all the paintings we did together, I haven't had time to post it! LOL

Those haybales are still there and another haying season is getting underway. The farmer who owns this barn also rolls those hay bales that I LOVE to paint. I truly believe he rolls the prettiest bales around!

I entered this painting into a local competition - and the reception to announce the winners will be tomorrow night. We framed this long and narrow, and while I don't expect to win, it'll be fun to see all the entries and to have my work displayed at the Clayton Center for the month.

Here's the information; come join us if you can!

The announcement will come at a meet-the-artists reception honoring all those who entered. Two $750 awards will be presented. They are the Margaret Ritchie Award of Excellence for fine arts and the Award of Excellence for photography. In addition, three $100 Judges' Choice awards will be presented. Lastly, people attending the reception will be invited to vote for their favorite work in the show, and this winner will receive the People's Choice award of $25. Forty entries have been received already, and 23 are from Clayton artists. Clayton Visual Arts, which stages the $1,825 competition, expects to receive 50 or more entries. Media include oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, colored pencil, mixed media, and photography.

A meet-the-artists reception to honor all artists who entered the Art Faire competition will be held Thursday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Clayton Center, 111 E. 2nd St., Clayton. Light refreshments will be served--cookies, finger sandwiches, fruit, cheese, nuts, wine and punch. It is free and open to everyone. Children are invited, too. Dress is casual.

Hope to see you there!

Fall Grapes

Fall Grapes, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Oh the glorious cooler weather that was promised --- really did come today!!! When I went for my morning walk at 7:30 am, I needed long sleeves and slacks!! WOW!! And later, even when the sun burned off the fog, temps just managed to reach 80F!!! Absolutely wonderful -- temperatures, skies, breezes -- our first fall morning!

So fitting then, to post this painting. I worked on this when I was visiting Doris, modifying a technique learned from Karlyn Holman ... such fun!

Here in piedmont NC, hidden under 'just turning color' leaves, grapes are ripe. I pick some each morning that I walk, their sweet/tart taste thirst quenching and marvelous. The road crews went through the area cutting back tree limbs to prepare for hurricane season, so many of the grape vines that were laden with fruit have, unfortunately, been cut -- but here and there I can find a handful to enjoy and encourage me to 'keep walking!' lol

Here's to fall temperatures and weeks of wonderful blue skies, puffy clouds and leaves on their way to brilliant!

Fall Leaves

Fall Leaves, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

We've one more hot and humid day to endure before the temperatures are supposed to change dramatically and those of us in the piedmont of North Carolina will have a cool spell that will herald the beginning of fall. I hope so. After enjoying temps in the 80s with Doris, coming back to 95F and equally high humidity definitely saps one's spirit as well as body!

This painting was done while visiting Doris - both of us enjoying the sunshine and glorious temperatures. We focused on fall leaves, but wanted to keep a 'soft' approach as opposed to fall's typically brilliant colors. I concentrated more autumnal colors in the background so that the lighter leaves would 'play' against the more traditional fall hues.

The week was busy hanging different shows, beginning to teach a few watercolor classes, and making a bit of headway with my runaway garden. I have about 1/3 of the front area cut back and seeds collected, and I'm just waiting for the 'cool-down' to tackle the rest.

I've also been collecting the last of the tomatoes and the last of the figs -- and I'm delighted that there's some of both left to harvest. I've also found a few ripened grapes along the woodland edges -- yummy -- little orbs or deliciously unexpected treats.

We're off to the farmer's market to see what good things we can carry home for weekend meals. Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Circles -- After Karlyn Holman

Circles -- After Karlyn Holman, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

12" x 16" Watercolor

While visiting Doris, we experimented with many of Karlyn Holman's techniques and ideas (see www.karlynholman.com) I've painted many of these types of abstracts before, so it was exciting to share some ideas with Doris.

I wanted to create something with circles -- but after I got through painting all the circles, I felt a bit 'dizzy' .. lol ... so decided to try a 'design within a design' to break up the shapes.

Not only was visiting Doris an incredible, joyous experience, but sharing all that artistic energy really got our creative juices flowing!! Triple treat!!

The weather in Germany was incredibly glorious - cool to me after suffering 90+F temps for months, so I was feeling a bit 'fallish' for this painting.Temps here in North Carolina have been hot, humid and generally stickily unpleasant, but we're supposed to have a cool down next week -- maybe I can feel a bit more fallish again once I stop perspiring! LOL

Have a great day!

Linz

Linz, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

During my stay with Doris, we had to make a quick trip to Cologne ... such a beautiful city! On the way back, Doris found a small, picturesque village - Linz - where we would stop, explore and sketch.

Oh did I fall in love with this place!! Flowers everywhere - a central town sqare so pedestrian friendly - with fountains, shops, restaurants, cobblestones -- all the things of dreams! We even saw a 'band' with figures that would play music - faces and arms and eyebrows moving with expressions that had me laughing out loud.

We sat on one of the benches to sketch these two BEAUTIFUL buildings ... and then later in the week decided to turn them into paintings.

I modified my attempt quite a bit, moving the pink building out of the street and trying to give this a feel of a vignette. It was a challenge for me to paint with all the lines and wooden designs .. but I sure loved painting the flowers!!! LOL But I did learn a lot ...

We celebrate our Labor Day holiday today so it'll be more of a day to relax than 'labor' ... though I have begun tackling the garden. I've already collected a five pound bucket of purple cone flower seeds and that was only from from one bed!

I deliver paintings this week to two different exhibits so we spent most of yesterday matting and framing. I'm grateful for all the painting Doris and I did -- sure helped with some new additions to the exhibits as well as marvelous memories.

Hope you have a great holiday!

Montrose Gardens

Montrose Gardens, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Returning home after a long, long, long airplane ride and a midnight delivery of suitcases and meeting the intense heat, humidity and dense air of North Carolina, drain me even more than the jet-lag I'm feeling this morning. My body (and I have to admit, soul) are still in a wee town outside of Wetzlar, enjoying Dori's company, fresh brotchen, the cool air, the castles, painting hours, chatter, shared ideas and inspirations .... and though I'm grateful to be home and to return to my beloved family, I think I'm a bit homesick for a place I've just begun to know.

So with a mound of catching up to do, three exhibits to get ready for, a garden that has really misbehaved in my absence, children and loved ones to catch up with, I return to the more relaxed atmosphere of a garden I love here in NC - Montrose. I painted this several weeks ago while visiting my mom ... from a photo I took earlier in the spring. I hope to visit the gardens this fall to capture some of those flowering beautings.

I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend. I'll be laboring to catch up!!! LOL

Rose Hips - Thank You - Ernesto!

Rose Hips - Thank You - Ernesto!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches140#CP

Doris and I fell in love with Ernesto's capture of rose hips - www.flickr.com/photos/vilageron/7849474076/in/photostream - and we both approached painting these beauties in our own way. I chose to 'splash and splatter' and liked the random looseness of the berries and the bits of white throughout. Doris chose a moe traditional method with beautiful results too www.flickr.com/photos/djr-aquarelle/7859138618/

Thank you Ernesto for the inspiration!!

We too are seeing more berries in our walks and travels as summer\s flowers turn into fall's fruit. We\ve been wonderful viburnum and elderberries and some grapes are beginning to ripen on the vines we've spotted.

Here and there too we are noticing more yelllow leaves in the trees, and in the neighbor's garden, the dogwood is almost entirely red.

Fall is fast approaching!

Abstract Landscape with Fields after Karlyn Holman

Abstract Landscape with Fields after Karlyn Holman, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Doris and I have been experimenting with different watercolor methods and techniques. One of the experiments Doris asked me to demonstrate was from a Karlyn Holman workshop I took several years ago (see www.karlynolman.com).

We began with assorted paints, gauze, Unryu paper, salt and other texturizing materials, and went ahead splattering, splashing and generally slinging paint. WHAT FUN!!!

After everything was dried, we spent more concentrated activities finishing the paintings. And even though we worked with simliar materials and techniques, our resutls turned out so differently! l See Doris' :

Today was dedicated to painting as it was raining on and off. But we're continuing our experimenting and playing -- and generally having a BLAST!!!

Hope your week is terrific!!

Scheffenberg Castle

Scheffenberg Castle, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

When Doris and I decided on this trip, we promised ourselves that we would spend a good amount of time painting and sharing ideas and techniques.

I so wanted to learn how to paint buildings like Doris does. So on one of the days we didn't tour, Doris set out to do a step by step of one of the castles we had visited earlier in the week. We decided on Scheffenberg Castle.

Doris is a master of perspective and buildings, so she made sure I had a good drawing before I proceeded. Then I went on to try her method in my own 'signature' ... and this is the result.

Both the trip AND the painting was a lot of fun!

THANK YOU Doris for the instruction AND the Castle visit!

More FUN!!

More FUN!!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Holidays are continuing as wonderful as the weather! We've enjoyed some splendid days with sunshine and breezes, mild temperatures and utterly delightful views! It's hard to believe my eyes when I see sunfllowers still in bloom, peonies and roses bright and cheerful, and even sweet peas ... an early spring bloomer for me ... still looking fresh as spring itself!

We've been to castles and towers, town squares that are so wonderful with outdoor cafes, gelato, and those heavenly brotchen that I can't get enough of! We've enjoyed decadent waffles topped with cherries and whipped cream and ice cream, walked up dozens of hills, even found heather growing along the lake we visted.

We've been sketching along the way, painting as well, seen some incredible churches, a panoramic photography exhibit that was AWESOME, was entertained by the kindest fellow who demonstrated 6-7 replicas of authentic German trains -- as they ran around his HUGE outdoor track. And we laughed and laughed as each train made individual announcements complete with correct accents! We heard sound effects from the miniature farm, the fire department, the ambulance and more. We giggled until our sides ached!

We've enjoyed our trips around town and tonight a visit to the most amazing mosaic artist and her garden of mosaic globes. WOW.

It has definitely been a trip of a lifetime and a visit with a dear friend who has become a sister.

What absolute grace.

More FUN!!

More FUN!!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Holidays are continuing as wonderful as the weather! We've enjoyed some splendid days with sunshine and breezes, mild temperatures and utterly delightful views! It's hard to believe my eyes when I see sunfllowers still in bloom, peonies and roses bright and cheerful, and even sweet peas ... an early spring bloomer for me ... still looking fresh as spring itself!

We've been to castles and towers, town squares that are so wonderful with outdoor cafes, gelato, and those heavenly brotchen that I can't get enough of! We've enjoyed decadent waffles topped with cherries and whipped cream and ice cream, walked up dozens of hills, even found heather growing along the lake we visted.

We've been sketching along the way, painting as well, seen some incredible churches, a panaramic photography exhibit that was AWESOME, was entertained by the kindest fellow who demonstrated 6-7 replicas of authentic German trains -- as they ran around his HUGE outdoor track. And we laughed and laughed as each train made individual announcements complete with correct accents! We heard sound effects from the miniature farm, the fire department, the ambulence and more. We giggled until our sides ached!

We've enjoyed our trips around town and tonight a visit to the most amazing mosaic artist and her garden of mosiac globes. WOW.

It has definitely been a trip of a lifetime and a visit with a dear friend who has become a sister.

What absolute grace.

Physalis

Physalis, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

There are some mornings lately that feel like fall ... and that feeling of another season inspired this splash and splatter that Doris and I painted together.

I love physalis ... and those bright orange 'globes' just speak to me of the season I love best!

Hope your week is going well!

Sunflowers and Vase

Sunflowers and Vase, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14"
Arches 140#CP

Though I painted this a while ago, I am painting more today as I spend some time in a land where sunflowers are still tall and bright and bountiful, and where these same flowers echo the day's warmth and joyousness. I am in the company of a dear friend surrounded by incredible beauty and richness, hospitality, non-stop dialogue, painting, and walking and taking dozens of photographs.

We've been flickring and studying painting approaches, eating from her garden -- another source of stupendous wonder and beauty, enjoying gelato and books and ideas and friendship.

Yes, I am visiting my friend Doris (www.flickr.com/djr.aquarelle) and we have not stopped talking yet!! It's an awesome opportunity for us to learn from one another, enjoy new places and ideas and visions of another land, new customs and ways, and most -- the friendship born of a shared love of art and watercolor, deepened now by shared experience.

Auf wiedersehen!

On the River

On the River, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The weekend has flown! The festival was fun - somewhat small amount of traffic - but this was the first-time event for the hosts, and I believe the event was successful enough to repeat it again next year.
I sold a fair amount of paintings, had a good number of individuals interested in taking watercolor lessons, saw some of my friends I hadn't seen in a while, and enjoyed meeting new artists. I am truly grateful to be able to finally have the time to participate in more of these events.

This painting is a scene from the Eno River, Durham, NC ... one of the rivers Charles and I love to explore. There are many trails along its edge and cliffs and our wedding was held at one of the parks along its banks. It's a peaceful place, and in the summer the dense foliage keeps the area cool and a wonderful restive green. Rafts are available too to glide along the water and so many times during the summer, we find children wading in some of the shallow rocky areas by the old mill.

The season has begun its changing and can be felt in the cooling of the temperatures and the shortening of daylight. Yellow leaves are already beginning to dot the waysides as goldenrods and tawny grasses take the place of summer's bright wildflowers. It feels 'early' this year and I hope the cooler weather lingers long into the fall months. Autumn is my favorite season and I'd love to spend more time in it!

My mini-vacation is almost here --- and I'm so looking forward to it! I'll be off and on line as I can be - and will catch up with everyone as time permits.

Have a great week!!

In a Mood of Translucence - Thank You Irene

In a Mood of Translucence - Thank You Irene, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

While I was visiting mom and enjoying my sister's patio and the most delicious and cooling breeze I've felt since May, I was able to paint a bit while mom dozed in the sun. I had taken a few of my favorite images to use for painting should I have a chance to splash paint a bit.

One of the images I carried was this dream of a photo by Irene Steeves -Dreaming of Summer
www.flickr.com/photos/ircsi333/5636304766
Irene has generously permitted me to use the photo as an inspiration and reference for this painting --- Thank YOU so much, Irene! Please drop by Irene's flickr to see more incredible images!!!

What I love most about this wonderful creation is the translucency of the petals as the light that falls through the sheerness into the background -- WOW!! And what a challenge it was to achieve a similiar look in watercolor! I so enjoyed the challenge as well as the beauty and feeling of lightness Irene's image evoked!

It's been a busy week catching up with things and readying for my show and festival this weekend. I've a few more paintings to frame, much to pack up. We'll be having dinner with friends afterwards -- can't wait! Charles has a music jam on Sunday -- so a full weekend.

I have additional travel plans for the rest of the month so I'll be on and off flickr ....I can hardly believe I'm finally able to take some mini-vacations!!! It's been years!!!

Have a great weekend!

Sunflower Bouquet - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!

Sunflower Bouquet - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

15" x 22" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

A JOYOUS AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FRIEND, DORIS! MAY IT BE ONE OF THE BEST BIRTHDAYS!!

It's been a good visit with Mom and my sisters. The weather, though hot, has still given us an off-shore breeze that has made sitting oudoors utterly delightful!! I have not been able to spend THIS much time outside since May!!!!

It's been relaxing, and I've even managed to get in a few long walks and some paintings. Mom, thank heavens, is doing so much better--even getting around a bit spritely despite her hip replacement and illness over the holidays. We're all exceedingly grateful!

This sunflower bouquet was painted from the sunflowers C and I bought at the Farmer's Market last week. I painted it just before my visit to see Mom. What I loved about this particular sunflower bundle was all the various shades of gold to deep russet to yellow to almost orange. I didn't match the colors exactly in this painting, as the dark russet of some of the sunflowers was almost mahogony ... too dark for a painting I thought -- and so I decided to emphasize the reds of the russet colorations and use it to remember Doris' special day!


Sunflowers are mighty cheerful aren't they?! I hope they bring joy and best wishes!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!

Beaches

Beaches, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14"
Arches 140#CP

Sand between the toes, breezes off the Atlantic, the sound of gulls, waves crashing, sun tan lotion, sea oats and salt spray --- the beach I know and love. It'll be a while yet before another visit to the beach, so I enjoy the memories and paint my visit from past experiences. This painting was another trip down memory lane....

Mom is doing incredibly well as are my sisters, and time with them is enjoyable, relaxing and even energizing. The weather has been wonderful, though warm, but a different warm than the excessive heat and humidity I've experienced all summer. There's a glorious breeze that brings me right back to spring, and a freshness in the morning that hides the humidity that returns by afternoon. Still, seeing Mom doing so well, her mind as alert as ever, (she still is a force to reckon with when playing cards!!! LOL), fills me with an intense gratitude for all she's been through and all the help my sisters have been in her care.

I've a few more days of visiting, then back to my routine and an art show to prepare for. I wish you all a magnificent weekend!!!!

Plum Blossoms - Sharon

Plum Blossoms - Sharon, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Retirement has been a busy time for me - a lot to catch up with after 11 years on the road, and I'm thoroughly enjoying my time!!! But sometimes in all this catching up, cleaning, changing, organizing, I long for a bit of timelessness.

It was in such a moment that this photo www.flickr.com/photos/dubonnet/7251639712 stopped me in my tracks, and brought me right to that quiet space of contemplation and dreaminess.

With Sharon's gracious permission, I created this interpretation of Sharon's beautiful plum blossoms. As I painted, I was transported from the heat-filled, sagging heat of summer, to the fresh, new, potentiality-filled moments of spring ... a time both refreshing, and rich with the season''s promises ahead. I used Unryu paper and watercolor to highlight the 'dreaminess' of the image that inspired me. Thank you, Sharon, for your kindness once again. (Please take a moment to visit Sharon's flickr stream to view some awesome work!!)

I spent the day with a friend yesterday making peach jam -- the first jam of the season - and luscious it was! We had a light lunch and hours of wonderful sharing and companionship. Afterwards I returned phone calls and began arrangements for teaching various classes in the fall. I'm excited about this opportunity to share with my 'home' community and begin to build new relationships.

I'll be off-line most of week and weekend as I'm planning to visit my sisters and Mom and computer time will be limited.

Hope your week is wonderful!

Yellow Sunrise over the Lake

A Bright Sunrise over the Lake, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14"
Arches 140#CP

The bright, hot, HOT days continue, and though we've have rain accompanying the afternoon storms, the weather continues to be extraordinarilly hot, and I seem to gravitate to the coolness of blue. There's something mighty refreshing these days in that color - and I find myself looking for ways to wear it, paint it, or BE in it! Since I can't get to the beach, river, beach or marsh just yet, I'll have to settle on wearing it and painting it! LOL

We visited the farmer's market yesterday --- what fun! We got there early (to avoid the heat) - and despite the fierce sunshine, there were six different musical set-ups - all adding wonderful notes to the festivities. Vegetables were overflowing the bins (despite the drought!), fruits of all kinds, organic meats, flowers to delight the senses, a crowd that was laughing and happy-- an all together FUN event!

We brought home some fresh pork for lunch today, speckled butterbeans (YUM), pounds of tomatoes - rich, ripe, juicy -- some for sandwiches and most for drying for winter use, and the most wonderful bouquet of variously hued sunflowers. (More on that after I get those painted. I think the sunflowers are going to be a series! LOL)

We had an early lunch at a little cafe and by the time we left (around 12:15 pm) - there was a line out the door! So glad we got through early!

By then, both C and I were growing overly warm and called it a day. At home, cooled by blessed air conditioning, I sliced the tomatoes for the dehydrator, painted a bit, and readied a meal for company tomorrow. We even had a chance to watch a bit of the Olymics!

Today we rest, walk a bit and prepare for a busy week. I'm planning a visit to see my mom and sisters so I'll have limited posting time ...

Hope you have a cool, refreshing Sunday!

Sunflowers Three

Sunflowers Three, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Hot days, hot nights, hot flowers!

There aren't many plants that have been able to survive and still look perky after weeks and weeks of 90F-100F temperatures. The unrelenting heat continues and today our heat index will reach 110F ... sweltering. So though the sunflowers are still living, I've painted these far 'perkier' than they are in reality.

The bloom time of most all of my flowers has also shortened, and already seeds are forming on my coneflowers and gailardias and rudbeckias ...the natural response, I would suppose, to so much heat stress: bloom, pollinate, form the next generation. I'll have to begin seed harvesting this week ....
The birds have already begun to peck at the seedheads, and I feel for the hummingbirds who are looking for some nectar -- there just isn't a lot of it in flower production these days.

I've also begun to notice more tree leaves dropping and turning yellow - yes, a bit early for fall, and definitely a result of summer's intensity.

I'll be doing a bit more hibernating until the we have a break in the weather ....

Meantime -- stay cool!

Queen Anne's Lace

Queen Anne's Lace, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14"
Arches 140#CP

Despite the heat and lack of rain, these bright, over 5-foot tall blooms of the Queen Anne's Lace are softening my 'wild' flower garden with white doily-like blossoms. The flat-umbled clusters of florets are a bee-favorite, and when I am outdoors I can hear their constant buzzing as they pollinate my plants for next year's floral display.

I am so thrilled to finally have QAL in my garden! Late last summer, I stopped along the roadsides and clipped the clusters of ecru/tan seedheads from the masses I saw. I strew these seeds everywhere in my garden -- didn't scratch them into the surface at all -- but merely tossed them hither and yon. Early this spring, I noticed their delicate leaves, and as the season progressed, the plants became more numerous. With the early rains we had, these beauties grew and grew until now they are taller than I am. I'll do the same seed collecting this year, and toss the seeds over more garden areas. I really love how their white airy blossoms 'lighten' up all the purple cone flowers and gaillardia and rudbeckias!

I had a great time with the grands yesterday - but today I KNOW I've been exercising. My neighbor and I are doing daily mile and a half walks, and yesterday I added 90 minutes of roller skating (I haven't done THAT in 10 years!!!) and bowling. This morning I'm a wee sluggish and my morning exercise will be a tad forced!! LOL

It's been raining all around us - but none on our garden. I'm hoping today, the predicted 'scattered' showers will somehow 'scatter' over my property and relieve the parched look of everything.

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Bespeckled Anemones

Bespeckled Anemones, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10 1/4" x 14"
Arches 140#CP

I rarely believed retired folks when they said that they became so busy after retirement that they didn't know when they had time to work ... well, I'm singing a different song now. Either I'm slowing down significantly, finding more to do, or am more distracted - but the days seems to whiz by in a blur of motion, and I fall into bed each night and think "where did the time go!" Perhaps it's a bit of all of that that has me as busy as I was before, though I've exchanged 'work' obligations for home and family obligations. I'm finally spending a bit more time with my grands, getting some VERY much needed things done in and around the house, and my social life has picked up too. All good things -- and I have to admit, busier than I had anticipated in any of my retirement imaginings.

I painted this 'splash and splatter' simply for the colors .... I hadn't worked on a S&S for a while - the method I enjoy when I want to focus and find something recognizable from a page of freely tossed water and paint. I find the method relaxing, challenging and fun ... and so, anemones...

My garden tomatoes have gone gangbusters -- but the 5 vines I have are all the salad type tomatoes - especially Juliets and cherries. I have found over the years that the Juliets (those 2" grape shaped tomatoes) to be the very best for surviving North Carolina's extreme summer heat and humidity and most of all, semi-drought conditions. These last two weeks, we've had significant rain, and the vines are now over the porch rail making picking a challenge - it's like finding the jewels in the jungle ....

I've been dehydrating some tomatoes and mostly enjoying a simple meal of tomatoes and onions sauteed in butter and olive oil, flavored with basil, and served over spaghetti. My summertime favorite for a quick, light, easy to fix dinner or lunch.

We matted a few more paintings this weekend for an upcoming festival in August - a one-day event at one of my favorite retail nurseries. This is a first time event for them as well as for me, so we'll see how it goes.

I hope you have a super week!!!

Sun through the Trees

Sun through the Trees, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14"
Arches 140#CP

My current state of retirement can be defined in visual terms in this painting, inspired by a fabulous view by Ruby Ferreira

See: www.flickr.com/photos/rubenitaugusto/7416181980/in/faves-...

Thank you Ruby, for the inspiration and permission to post this!!!!! Please stop by Ruby's incredible flickr site for some outstanding captures!

Views like this and the feelings they engender -so exemplify my feelings these days - these days of bright possibilities - days filled with opportunity and promise; days that are free and ripe for creating memories and moments and maybe, bits of magic. (Thank you once more, dear Ruby!!)

It's been a busy week - but fun. I spend a day with a youth gardening group talking about squash. We harvested zucchini and together made chocolate-chip, orange zucchini bread -- YUMMMMMM!!!! And to watch those children enjoy and eat bowls of veggies made my heart sing!

Then I joined the folks at the Arboretum for the daylong wine tour of wineries in Johnston County -- fun, incredibly educational (who KNEW who much chemistry and horticulture went into a bottle of wine!!!), and yes, delicious!! And then took my grands to see Spiderman! Let me be honest here, I rarely get to the movies. I saw more movies when I was staying with my friend Amy while working out of town then I saw in the last 20 years! So going to the movies was indeed somewhat novel. But oh my gracious -- what a FABULOUS movie!!! When parts of the movie got intense or scary, I would hold Emily's hand, and she and I would scream together! But brave Nick, he didn't even flinch!!! LOL Yep, a chip off the shoulder of his father!!! Such a good time!

Today, I am resting. It's been such a dashing-around week, that I haven't spent enough time at the painting table -- but today -- that's the plan!

Filing and weeding will wait - though I may take a talk or two ...

And dream about another day of sun through the trees and the promise of tomorrow.

Grapes

Grapes, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

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!!!

Dilapidated Barn and Hay - Another View

Dilapidated Barn and Hay - Another View, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

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!

Morning Glories - Commission

Morning Glories - Commission, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

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 ....