Sunday, June 02, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Evening at San Felepe
This is where we stayed during part of our visit to Italy for a 14 day workshop with Karlyn Holman. It's a restored monastery ... There were 32 folks on this trip with Karlyn including 2 other instructors: Bonnie Broitzman and Pauline Hailwood -- incredible workshop!!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Day's End - FIRST PLACE
Please excuse the repost but I wanted to share that this painting won first place in the 'professional' category of the Kerr-Lake Art Show. My sweet husband submitted this for me and told me of the prize.
I am now back in Germany with Doris and still not on the computer much. I have tons of photos to share of our time in Italy and will do so as time permits.
Hope you're having a great time too!
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Along the River Mein
Our trip to Frankfurt and the Palm Gardens. Please see http://www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye for more photos.
Sunday, May 05, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Double Quince
10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
With two quince shrubs on my property - one a brilliant crimson, the other a paler peach, I wanted to combine their colors in a different way in this painting. I focused more on the 'orange' side of the flowers, enhancing the colors for a more expressive interpretation. I used the 'double quince' blossoms as a model for the flower shape. So many of my own spring blossoms are pale pink or white, I wanted be a bit more adventuresome and go 'brighter' with this painting .....
Hope you have a super week!
Thank you for your comments, invitations, and visits!!
Friday, April 19, 2013
On a Street in Tuscany
12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
With so much tragedy lately, even the blossoms of spring seem a bit dulled by the shock and sadness of so much loss and concern.
Times like this, my thoughts return to happier moments. Here, I return to spring in Tuscany ... a quiet street, flowers in bloom, a remembered coffee and gelato, the sound of birds welcoming the season, the sun warm on my back as each doorway and ancient wall seems to glow in that incredible Italian sunlight.
For today, this dip into the past is enough to help recall the goodness in the world, the joy found in simple things, and people whose hearts are filled with love.
May there be peace ...
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Poppies To Remember ...
6" x 8" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
I am heartsick with the tragedy of the Boston marathon and my heart and prayers go out to those killed and injured in this senseless event.
Though I painted this a while ago, it seems fitting today to remember those lost and hurt .... we are a people in mourning and bewilderment ....
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Thursday, April 11, 2013
The Yellow Fields
11" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
Spring is here and it feels rather short-lived as temperatures this week have reached mid 80s...! Tree leaves are just emerging, and fields are beginning to yellow not only from the dropping pine pollen, but also from the field mustards and wild flowers also making an appearance. In a few short weeks, our roadsides will again look like this painting, and we'll be headlong into summer.
Still, half of the US is in snow, ice, torrential rains and storms, while those of us on the east side of a fast-moving front are enjoying record heat and sunshine. The farmers have been turning over their fields and we are in the midst of flowers and new growth.
I love this time of year where every turn delights us with a shrub or garden in bloom. The parade of blossoms seems to go so fast, it's hard to capture it all.
Time to bask in the joy of it.
Happy Thursday!
Monday, April 08, 2013
Blue Anemone
11" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
It's really beginning to feel like spring! Our temperatures have finally achieved a bit more 'normalcy' and we enjoyed a warm 71F yesterday with temps this week predicted to reach the 80s! Gorgeous, awesome weekend, and the warm weather, flower parade, and sunshine seemed to liberate everyone from their homes.
The Sertoma Art Show, in which I participated, showed over 42 artists and the reception was well attended. It was very heart warming to see friends and art appreciators there. The Art Center is located on Shelley Lake in Raleigh, and oh my was that area crowded! Kites were flying, folks were walking, riding, playing ball and Frisbee, and some adventuresome youngsters were even sloshing through the streams!
Everywhere flowers, trees, herbaceous plants, shrubs all seemed to welcome the season!
I hope spring reaches your part of the world and you have a chance to bask in it! Have a great week!
Thursday, April 04, 2013
Spring Blossoms
9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
The weather continues its undecided journey toward spring .... Saturday's weather - warm, sun-filled, in the low 70s; today, cold, gray, with sleet and temps not going above 40 .... It seems Winter is reluctant to move along and Spring hasn't gained enough momentum to be fully 'present.'
Still and despite this merry-go-round of temperatures and sun, clouds, and what-have-you's, the trees say it's Spring and are about their business of blooming. Cherries, Bradford pears, elms, maples and hickories, peach trees, my blueberries, and even in some parts - the first unfurling of dogwood blossoms -- are all moving the season forward.
I can only hope that it warms up enough to save a bit of newly-formed fruit for the season, and the bees and other pollinators decide it isn't too cold to go about THEIR business.
We're promised a warming trend -- again -- this weekend. My fingers are crossed.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Cone Flower Duo - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORRAINE
8" X 12" (each) Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORRAINE!! I SO HOPE IT'S ONE OF YOUR BEST YET!!!!
I've been working on several 'double and triple' panel paintings for some upcoming festivals this spring and summer. I like the style of doing these - simple, spontaneous. Though narrow, we'll be framing each panel individually and hanging them side by side. For those of us with limited wall space, this size seems just right for a few of those 'unusual' spots in a room. I've done about four different flower paintings -- we'll see how they go. These are dedicated especially to my long-time friend, Lorraine ... on her special birthday day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORRAINE!! Hope your week is filled with joy and sunshine!!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Tulips - HAPPY EASTER!
Half Sheet - Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
Tulips, symbol of spring and perfect love, are a perfect accompaniment to this Easter holy day. Eggs, chickens, new birth, hope, joy are all part of this special time ....
May your Easter be filled with blessings, joy, love and the many gifts of the season.
Thank you for your kind comments, invitations and visit!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Splashy Sunflowers
9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
With the rain and cold that has also blossomed with spring flowers, it felt like the right time to splash a bit of paint and create a flower abstraction. Though my bouquet of bright sunflowers is now becoming next year's compost, they inspired me to create a somewhat different view of them ... What I love about the creative aspect of splashing large amounts of paint colors, is the resultant 'Rorschach' test of 'finding' flowers' and using negative painting to 'carve' them out of the mass of color and shapeless paint. It's a meditative kind of approach that seems to quiet me while I also have a chance to delight in the possibilities before me. Fun.
Tomorrow is our 8-county area 'Senior Games' ... a time when we 'more mature' adults participate in different activities such as basketball, tennis, arts of all kinds and more. For my first entry into this annual event, I'll merely participate in the Opening Ceremonies and Senior Walk ... but it will be a real delight to see other mature adults taking an active role in their health and well being.
Hope the rest of your week is wonderful!
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Saturday, March 23, 2013
Day's End
10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
There's something magical about the ending of the day - the way the light slants and gives everything in its path a radiance that speak to me in colors that stir my senses. There's that luminous light that remains after a work or activity-filled day - promising an evening of restoration - the glow of accomplishments lingering in the liquid light.
With spring ready to be embraced, it's views like this that will sustain me as the seasons of labor replace winter’s quiet.
Happy Weekend!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Poppies for The First Day of Spring
10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
JOYOUS SPRING!! It has arrived not only by the calendar but also in some places. However in terms of weather conditions: freezing temperatures, lack of sunshine -- and dare I say it, in another several feet of snow in some parts of the US --- spring seems months away.
Here in my part of North Carolina, Bradford pears are all abloom, daffodils and dandelions, Sweet Daphne (Daphne odora) are not only blooming, but the scent is truly heady, forsythia, saucer magnolia, plums, cherries and flowering quince ... yep, it's spring here - according to the flora.
But temperature wise -- no. Instead of those balmy days we had in January, we are getting JANUARY"S COLD !!! Apparently, the flowers and trees are going forward with the season despite the cold, rain and gray .... Go figure .. sigh ...
And at least we here can take pleasure in the marvelous colors that are bringing spring ... now ...
Have a great week!
PS This is the painting I'll teach for my Beginning Watercolor class.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Cone Flowers
8" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
We had the grands this weekend and the weather cooperated beautifully. Yesterday was a balmy if not HOT day with temps reaching the low 70s. We spent several hours in the park riding bikes and scooters. As the kids raced around the pavilion, I took out a small pad and sketched my surroundings. Soon, the heat of the day tired them, and they too, took up pencils to sketch the park's outbuildings. We painted sunflowers earlier that morning, and it was really delightful to see their interest.
While we've had our 'blip' of summer weather, we'll be returning to rain and cooler temps for the rest of the week. Still, even where we live, a half zone north of most of our friends, our Bradford pears are beginning to bloom, daffodils are everywhere, and bluets are in my own grasses. I love seeing these bits of color, especially on so many gray, rainy days.
Hence, the dip into summertime flowers, and the Purple Cone Flowers that brighten my front flower beds. Already their leaves are bright green and lengthening by the day. The rain we're expecting today will help nourish them into bloom, and the warming sunshine bring them to full beauty.
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!!!! Today, everyone is Irish -- Erin go Bragh!!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Oxford Barn from the Roadside
12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
As I travel the countryside running my errands or heading to town, I pass rural scenes like this for miles and miles. So many old barns tucked in the far side of fields with woodlands in the distance and grassy fields spotted with shrubs.These views bring me a sense of peace and well-being.
Though at this point in the seasonal clock, the fields are just being turned and the annual rye has most other fields an emerald green, it won't be long before green leaves dress the just-budding trees and tan-brown weeds turn to gold.
Have a great day!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Sunflower - Not too long now!
8" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
The weather, as well as the time, has really switched to spring. With temps yesterday reaching the low 70s and beautiful sunshine, I suppose I will have to give up my hope for one last snowfall and embrace the early season.
We've had company most of the weekend, been to a seasonal yoga class, enjoyed dinner with friends .... my sweet husband brought home some sunflowers that rivaled the glow of the weekend... and their cheery brightness inspired more sunflower paintings ...
This small one is the practice for a larger work ....
Hope your week is magnificent!
Friday, March 08, 2013
Dandelion Clocks
8" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
Though snow flew for 45 minutes the other day, the dandelions have begun making their annual appearance and in many sunny instances, have already set seed and begun their plentiful propagating ... sigh ...
But, there are more ways to conquer these prolific problem plants -- EAT 'EM!
And spring is the perfect time. These tender dandelion leaves are just perfect for preparing a spring tonic. Chickweed, henbit, bittercress, wild onions are all greening my property, and I'm thinking that along with changing the clocks this weekend to daylight savings time, a collection of these tasty ephemerals -- stewed with a bit of olive oil and a bit of red pepper or made into a savory omelet -- might just be what the doctor ordered to welcome the new season.
Care to join me?!
Monday, March 04, 2013
Poppy Field
9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
The cold has returned with rain and even snow flurries predicted for later this week, but my watercolor class prefers to think 'spring.' I've been teaching various approaches to watercolor flowers - from experimental to more traditional. This painting was done with a more traditional approach that includes layering and positive application of paint.
I begin a new set of weekly classes today and have to admit that I am really enjoying the participants as well as the teaching. Preparations keep me mindful of the importance of basic watercolor techniques and the students keep me on my toes to explain what and why I do what I do -- fun!!
I have to admit too that when I retired I thought I'd jump right back into gardening, but I'm dragging my feet. Certainly the weather hasn't been cooperative; nonetheless, I am enjoying slinging paint a bit more these days. Maybe that'll change when the weather does. But for now -- I'm keeping those brushes wet!
Have a great week!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Winter Pond
9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140# CP
The sun finally made an appearance this week bringing our temps to the high 50s and making the days REALLY feel like spring.
But the vacillating weather is not through with us. As warm and springlike as it's been, we are expecting more cold, rain and a small flurry this weekend. Morning fog and icy waters greet us every other day - and in between, we are in shirtsleeves. Quite difficult on the plants as well as on the body.
Still, the flower buds continue to expand, and here and there daffodils bloom along ponds that are iced over once again. Seems the weather is as contrary as politics these days ...
Stay well .....
Monday, February 25, 2013
Winter Bouquet
12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
With spring in the air -- it was in the 60sF yesterday - the winter remnants starkly contrast the greening earth. I do so love those tawny colors, the browns and tans, echrus and coffees, the sennas and umbers, auburns and russets. This delicate bouquet came from my own garden of ornamental grasses and surviving flower stalks ... some intact even after the birds have had their fill of seeds. These dried left-overs will remain for years, reminding me of a season of rest and its own quiet beauty.
Already the buds on trees, especially the maples and hickories, are coloring the gray woodlands with a 'spring hue' and after all the rain, the air is damp and fresh promising new life and a new season.
It's time to walk a bit, begin our goodbyes to the winter, and prepare for spring.
Hope your week is wonderful.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Moonlit Pond
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP Watercolor
There's something marvelous about winter night skies - somehow they seem clearer, the stars brighter, the moon closer. On the ponds and waters, the light makes the water glisten and reflections are deeper. The light is brighter, the darks darker, and the cold of the winter even more bone-chilling. The night is a deeper quiet without the tiny sounds of busy nocturnals... and the daylight seems a long-time coming.
Still, we know that spring is merely a few weeks away and the busyness of that season will grab us all as we leave our nests of hibernation and emerge to turn the calendar once again.
But until then, the night rests, blue and indigo and ebony ....
And so should we.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Snow!!
Snow!! a video by linfrye .... computer working slowly on Flickr.
Taken yesterday morning from my front porch. You can almost hear me doing the "Happy Snow Dance" in that magical hush of snowfall ......
My Personal Winter Wonderland
View from my Upstairs Window toward our woodlands on a fast February snowfall.
We woke to a light rain that quickly turned to flakes and later turned to big, fat, flaky flakes and accumulated on the grasses, on the trees, on the shrubs, cars, yardart ... but not the roads. We received 2" by early afternoon. I was doing the "Happy Snow Dance" and taking a ton of photos.
By evening, the snow changed to rain with a mix of such light snow that it felt like a white mist, and, sadly to me, most of the snow was gone.
Still, I am so grateful for the technology of a camera so I could capture this 12-hour wonderland I've been so hoping to see once more before the spring sets in .
I am a grateful snow bunny ...
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Two Pink Poppies - HAPPY VALENTINES DAY
Two Pink Poppies - HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, a photo by linfrye .... having computer issues cant log in on Flickr.
7.5" x 11" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
Wishing everyone love and blessings on this day set aside to remember those we love... May we each experience the joys of loving relationships - family, relatives, friends, teachers, husbands, wives, children, neighbors.
May we all bloom in the riches of affection and love!
THANK EACH OF YOU FOR YOUR LOVING KINDNESSES, CREATIVITY AND FRIENDSHIP!
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Saturday, February 09, 2013
Pond Reflections - Sharon
12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
It's been cold. The northeast has been hit with a whopper of a blizzard. And here in the sunny south, there are plum trees in bloom, a colorful haze of opening tree buds in the woodlands, and lawns greening up ... It's nutty weather.
I was going through some of my archived 'favorites' and ran across Sharon's incredible photo of this pond. I painted it before in the fall www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye/6922576182/ but wanted to warm my chilly bones and paint it again with the feeling of summertime. I wanted to enrich the reflections so I could include it in the Sertoma's Spring Show "Reflections." Please see Sharon's photo here www.flickr.com/photos/dubonnet/6228002665/ as well as her other wonderful, beautiful and moving work! Thank you Sharon for your gracious permission to use your image once more as an inspiration!
It's been an 'over-the-top' busy week ... finished teaching one set of classes near where I used to work, continued teaching classes near my home, met some friends for lunch, was out of town with a friend for a wonderful, 'simple pleasures' party of food tastings, and spent the last two days sitting myself down and finishing many needed chores like art submissions, class write-ups, preparing for an Herb talk due in 8 weeks (have more work to do on that - but my hand-outs are almost ready), preparing paintings for exhibits, etc, etc. I know, I know, those who told me it would be this way once I retired were certainly correct ... who'd have thought?! LOL
My prayers are with those in the eye of the storm; hope my thoughts and this image warms them a bit .. Have a super, safe, and warm weekend!
Monday, February 04, 2013
Winter Birch Waterscape
7.5" x 11" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
Webbing Spray
With the prediction from Punxsutawney Phil for an early spring as well as spotting crocus ready to bloom, I'm scrambling to post a few more snow paintings as I am still hoping for one or two more 'flurries' before that seasons arrival.
This small painting was a practice piece for a larger work using white webbing from Krylon (www.krylon.com/products/webbing_spray/). I love the abstract surface it creates which challenges me to find ways to respond to its spontaneous patterns. Lots of fun, and something we'll be experimenting with this month in my classes.
We're expecting temps in the 40s and 50sF this week with little chance of the white stuff. Seems our winter this year has been more swift and schizophrenic with its frequently changing highs and low than the restive, quiet season it once was. I miss that.
Hope your week is terrific!
Friday, February 01, 2013
Sundown on the Lake - Thank you Brian!
12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
My days have been busy, busier than I would have imagined as a 'retired' woman - filled with teaching and new friends, painting, exercising, family. With spring less than six weeks away, and the frenzy of reclaiming my garden, spring cleaning, painting and all the 'renewal' that that season requires, I am relishing those quiet, peaceful evenings when the momentum stills, the sky fills with color, and serenity surrounds my space.
So many flickr images remind me of these magical times, and many of those captures are done by my friend Brian www.flickr.com/photos/31996407@N05/ His photostream is a fabulous tribute to the morning and that incredible peace of the sun's rise as it brings light to us once more. With his gracious permission and the inspiration of one of his images, I painted this view, transforming his image of sunrise into sundown (a particular quiet time for me), and gave my painting the colors of that serenity. Thank you Brian, for your wonderfully inspiring work and for your kindness. Please stop by Brian's flickrstream to take a sip of serenity too.
It promises to be another busy weekend. My granddaughter has another birthday (whereever is the time going??? LOL), we'll be working a bit with my son, and there are bits and pieces of chores that can only be done on Saturdays and Sundays.
Still, the peacefulness of the morning and the serenity of the sundown will be there ... if we but
stop and cherish it.
Happy weekend my friends. And thank you again, Brian!
Monday, January 28, 2013
A Walk in the Sunrise and Snow
10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
No, our weekend of icy weather sure doesn't look like this; though I wish it did. Even with temps rising to the high 30sF, there are still patches of ice in the shaded areas and here and there on backroads.
But by Wednesday, even those hidden spots will be nothing but memories when our temperatures are predicted to reach mid 70sF .. yep -- mid 70sF after dipping in the 20sF for three days ... mercy, makes me dizzy riding this insane see-saw!!! LOL
Still, with warmer temps, we'll be able to get outdoors and get in a few more walks. The garden is quite a mess with all this temperature fluctuation, and those early bloomers sure didn't like the cold snap. Spring will be mighty interesting ...
Hope your week is terrific.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Hellebore
10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
Temperatures have plunged into the 20s and 30s here, driving many of us into studios with hot cups of coffee and tea. Though typical to have a few frigid days in this part of North Carolina, iced steps and roads bring out the salt and sand trucks and folks become more timid about traveling.
Nonetheless, the cold weather this week came with incredible blue skies, reminding all of us that spring is still scheduled to arrive in a few months and despite the weather, there is always beauty all around to admire, appreciate and paint.
Have a terrific day.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Late Fall Birches
10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
The temperatures, after our brief kiss of snow, warmed to the 50s and 60s and have been mighty pleasant. But this 'dip' into warmth will end tomorrow when we are plunged into the wintry temperatures of the rest of the country -- mid 20s and 30s .... Unseasonable for the North Carolina Piedmont. But that blast of arctic air gives me hope for another dusting of the white stuff, and gives me another week of hibernation.
Of course, this is also the time when seed and nursery companies send their incredible, air-brushed, magnificently colored catalogues, beguiling us with dreams of having the 'best garden,' producing the 'top vegetables,' enhancing our property with the 'best performers,' all to make us dream our way into spring-- neglecting, of course, to burst that bubble with the reality of the work, energy and sweat equity that comes with it.
I can't deny that I'm infatuated too with such promises and tempting photographs, but after years of gardening, that impulse to buy every seed in the book, accept all the accolades of this that or the other 'best', or convince myself that THIS year I will win the war on weeds, insects and heat, I am happy to dream in color catalogue splendor, while I enjoy a bit more of winter's rest and the leisure time at the art table.
Growing older has a few advantages .... Like experience.
Have a great week!
Friday, January 18, 2013
SNOW!!!! But not quite like this ...
10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
Krylon Acryllic White Webbing
The North Carolina Piedmont had its first snow of 2013 -- and I was doing the Snow Happy Dance! It started around 7:30 pm last night and lasted only until around 10 pm ...The predicted 3" - 5" didn't happen, however, and this morning, looking outside and judging merely by the light on the porch, there is little accumulation. Darn! But it was that white stuff!! YIPPEE!
The weeklong barrage of rain however, weakened so many trees, and the sudden cold and heaviness of the snow has caused many of them to fall. (And sadly, my apricot blossoms will not bear fruit AGAIN this year -- sigh!), I can see more tree branches ON my back porch than off it, but can't tell if the trees have toppled, split or areemerely so bent over with the now-frozen precipitation that they cannot stand. I'll have to check once the sun comes up.
Because temps have fallen so fast, the puddles of rain and frozen snow have caused wide-spread school and business delays and closings. Temperatures are supposed to reach mid 40s later this morning, so all the pretty snow and even the treacherous ice should be gone very soon.
Still, judging by photos on the news and Internet, even this minimal drop of the 'white stuff' has caused joyousness in children, mini-snowmen to be built, and painters to dream ....
May it come again soon!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Sailing
15" x 22" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
With temperatures in the 70s and the days feeling more like summer than the middle of January, I thought it fitting to post this painting I did for my son as another Christmas gift. When we lived in Charleston, SC, the Atlantic Ocean was our playground and beach excursions, fishing and sailing were part of our daily lives. Mike took to sailing like the proverbial duck to water, and even today he loves anything to do with boats and water.
It's been a busy month with birthday celebrations - this weekend we celebrated my grandson's 8th birthday! In a few weeks, we'll celebrate my daughter-in-law's birthday - followed by the rest of our family members in February. From December through March, it's a gift-giving celebration of family!
Our unseasonal warm spell is scheduled to end next week, but my iris, already 3" tall, as well as the fruit trees and other flora that have been tricked into an early blooming, will all be challenged to live through the roller coaster extremes this year. And that includes us ... as we try to remain healthy in such changing times.
Hope your Sunday is wonderful!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Prunus Mume HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY MOM
It's almost as though the Flowering Apricot on my property has opened to celebrate my mom's 90th birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!
This was the sight that greeted me yesterday morning -- along with temps in the mid 60s! And in other places flowering cherries were also in full bloom Unbelievable!
And though in my heart I am still wishing for a bit of snow, it pleases me to know that my mom, who loves flowers of all kinds, has had flowers blooming for her special day -- even in January.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Dandelion Clocks - Warm Week and Buds Breaking
8" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
Amazing to think that here it is early January and already there is a slight haze to the woodlands as buds begin to swell in anticipation of 'Spring'! I noticed yesterday that even our dainty dogwoods have swollen their flower buds ....And my Prunus mumi (apricot) and an 'late winter bloomer' is showing a bit of pink on some of the branches.... sigh. The weather forecas for the next few weeks is for warming temperatures, as high as 50F and 60F most of this week, though the evening temperatures still fall below freezing. The spring ephemerals - dandelion, chickweed, henbit and other early spring flowers that take advantage of sunlight through the bare trees, are now breaking ground -- Very crazy weather and seemingly far too early in the season.
Last year the USDA changed our plant hardiness zone from 7b to 7a ... indicating that our temperatures have warmed significantly over a long enough period of time to warrant the change. This means that those plants that once were consider too 'tender' to be planted where I live, now have a much better chance of survival .. and my choice for plant varieties have increased for cold tolerant plants and have become more 'iffy' for those plants that don't like too much heat.
For me as a utilitarian gardener, it means that instead of beginning my spring garden in March -- I can now begin weeks earlier in February .... geez ... where is the winter??
But like all else weatherwise, predictions are not necessarily fact, and I can still hope for snow before I plant the spring lettuces. At least I can hope ...
Saturday, January 05, 2013
CATTAILS IN THE SNOW
10" x 13" Arches Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
Gray skies, cold weather, landscapes slumbering, I feel the need to hibernate. When days are like the past week - rainy, cold - dim --- nothing feels better than cozying in and creating. It's part of the cycle, I believe, to restore and recharge dull, used batteries. So while the temperatures and light signal this time for contemplation and restoration, I take advantage of it, for here in the south with our weather changing, we'll be sunshiney and warm in a matter of days. For me, oddly enough, when El Sol brightens the earth and the air is warm - I am literally pulled from my cozy nest and encouraged (??? forced/pulled/motivated ??? ) to be outdoors or dashing around. All thoughts and feelings of rest completely evaporate.
Perhaps that's why snow plays such an important part in my painting and mental processes these days. It's such a rariety here that even the threat of a flurry closes schools, highways, and programs. Perhaps it's this need to slow down a bit, rest a bit more that drives the need for external conditions that 'force' a period of quiet that is not otherwise encouraged or allowed. Maybe.
But I also like the stuff, the way the softness of it covers all the sore spots, creates a bit of innocence and magic, and gives us that awesome 'hush' that whispers 'peace.'
Sure, it helps not to have to get out in it, travel, shovel or drive ... lol ... and I can sit by the window, warm and snuggly, and dream. But that too fuels the creative process and the spirit ... and I think, especially after the frenzy of the holidays, ALL of us could use a dose of it.
I hope your weekend is restive, peaceful, and has some time in it for refueling and restoring. It's time.
Thursday, January 03, 2013
The Light in the Snowfall
10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
It's been grey and raining and cold for the start of a new year. Yesterday afternoon the color of the sky, the crisp feel to the air, CERTAINLY felt like snow ... but no, just a bit more rain.
I do miss that white stuff this time of year, and am constantly inspired by those images of snow I see on flickr. I fell in love with this particular view by my friend Linda, who so kindly gave me permission to use her photo as this painting's inspiration:
www.flickr.com/photos/stilinstyle/8286993451/in/faves-lin...
Please stop by Linda's photostream for more beauties!!!
I painted this scene twice, and with this version I used a more impressionistic approach to focus on the snow and light of the lampost. Thanks once more Linda!
The year began busy and will continue that way for several weeks as I begin teaching new watercolor classe, and meet the deadlines to exhibit my work in new venues. More framing needs to be done, and always, there are more household chores to do than I can even list! LOL
Still, winter to me, especially when it rains or snows, reminds me that this is a season of rest and recuperation, a time of 'gathering in', contemplation, refueling. I think of those hibernating bears as they spend the winter in slumber to prepare for the true busy seasons of spring and summer. And so I too, despite constant demands, will take the time to 'winter' myself ... as the seasonal clock moves ever insistently forward ....
Happy 2013! May it be a restorative time for you too!