More from France - Giverny -- We started the day in misty rain -- but after the 2 metros, a train, and the bus, the weather cooperated and we arrived at Giverny.  It was late in the day so the crowds had left, and Julie and I had wonderful light for saturated images, a quiet walk through the gardens, and even a bit of sunshine.  Awesome!

A Few Views of Paris - The Seine, Notre Dame, Seine,Luxembourg Gardens, Markets, Cafes, Fountains

Roses - Seems France is filled with Roses

Journal - It was most difficult to be so far away when Mom passed September 15, 2015 ... I couldn't make it back from France in time for the funeral, but everywhere I went during this long-planned trip, was filled with roses - Mom's favorite flower.  I lit candles at each church we visited, stopped to remember mom at every rose.  In the spring, we'll have another family ceremony while we plant roses in Mom's memory.

Splash and Splatter Sunflowers

Journal

A bit of summer .....

Morning Glories - Glorious

Journal Tip In --- When I walked outside yesterday, the morning glories were so -- well -- GLORIOUS!! --- I had to sketch them ... They've climbed up my holly bush ...

Yellowing Tobacco Fields

Journal

A bit of comfort sketching after dashing to NY to visit my mom who suffered a stroke. Coming back to NC I'm astonished to see so much yellow is in the fields and woodlands and especially the tobacco that remains in the fields. Of course the drought has affected the yellowing -- but it does feel like we'll have an early fall. I found the leaves on the bottom of my persimmon tree have already turned red.

Gate in Italy

Journal

It's always a joy to return to Italy even by browsing my photos.  This is one of the wonderful garden gates I saw while there.

Roadside and Yellow Flowers

Journal - Roadside and Yellow Flowers -- Fall is on its way! 

Splash and Splatter Morning Glories

Journal - Inspired by the morning glories creeping up my porch ...

At DosToquitos

Journal

Girls night out - waiting for friends to join us.  We sat outside DosTaquitos before having dinner at Relish followed by a reading by Margaret Maron of her newest book at Quail Ridge.

Fun night!

My tomatoes

Journal - these salad tomatoes keep coming ... and coming... and coming ....

Rose of Sharon

Journal -- Despite the lack of rain and high temps, this shrub is in full, dazzling bloom.

Potted Plants from the White Garden at Duke Gardens

Journal -- From the White Garden at Duke Gardens - One of the many clusters of potted plants.

Gulls at Sunset

A class demo putting all the beach elements I taught this month into a sunset scene.

The Dune

Painted from memory and a recent trip to the beach!  Finally got my toes in the Atlantic!!

Cottage and Wisteria

Journal Tip In

I've been trying to practice architectural elements these last couple of weeks ... This one was from a reference photo ...

Beach and Fence

When the weather turns as warm and sultry as its been, my thoughts turn to water and beachside visits ... Hope we can get there soon!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

For all the dads, fathers, uncles, brothers, men and women who fill the role as 'dad' -- may it be a wonderful and special day for you!

Gardenia

Journal - plein air pen and wash - my garden gardenia. I'm surprised more blooms weren't killed by this winter's cold ...

Every Day in May - 31 - Eggs

Journal - The last page of my Every Day in May Journal - eggs.  Yes, I was reminded I forgot to paint an omelet! LOL

Every Day in May - 11 - Hat

Journal - Hat

My husband's old hat -- I wear it when I'm working near the bee hives -- it keeps the bees from tangling in my hair ...

Every Day in May - Journal - Sign

 

 

Journal  

 

I found this wooden wheel barrow and wooden sign on a back street in Civita di Bagnoreggio, Tuscany, Italy.  It was in front of a shop selling puppets of Franciscan Monks who wore cords around their robes.

Every Day in May - Ingredients

Another page from my Every Day in May Journal.