Window at Camp Caraway, NC

Window at Camp Caraway, NC
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

I'm back from my first conference, teaching all day today, and then another conference this afternoon ...

But here is a glimpse at the fantastic window that led from the main room at the Conference Center to the porch. Since it was so cold and the snow was still on the trees, most folks remained in the warmth of the room in the small amount of time we had between sessions.

A peek behind the petal

I wanted to sketch one more tulip before I had to leave for my conference. When I sat in front of the vase of tulips, this rather 'immodest' blossom was right before my eyes! I just had to sketch it!

There is something so provocative about flowers -- and tulips in particular: smooth petals, sensual curves, and here, this seemingly Georgia O'Keeffe-ish perspective!

I'm halfway to the conference -- it's snowing -- things are delayed ... egads!

Single Tulip

Single Tulip
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

I am so enjoying this vase of tulips and will do one more sketch before I leave for a three day conference and a Saturday work-day. I'll be scarce until Sunday unless the conference site has Internet access.

But I'll be sketching daily ... and look forward to seeing everyone's work when I get back.

Meanwhile -- stay warm! The temperatures are dropping.

Three Tulips

Three Tulips
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

I am so enamored with ink and wash ... and I'll keep practicing it myself until I can render it the way I imagine in my mind.

On the way back from the park Sunday, we stopped and picked up a small cluster of tulips for my "sketch subject" ...

(These look so much better in my sketchbook than on the screen!!)

Eno River 1 17 07

Eno River 1 17 07
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

It was an absolutely glorious day yesterday, and rather than spend yet another day in the house, C and I headed down the road for a walk at our favorite park. We took the trail we ususally walk on New Year's Day--one of our New Year's Day traditions, but didn't get to this year for all our company.

The path was a bit damp from all the rain, and muddy, slick with fallen, yet to be decomposed leaves, but we went slowly over the rocks and roots and rested at the river's edge.

I've attempted these particular rocks and water before
http://viewfromtheoak.blogspot.com/2006/01/hike-at-west-point-on-eno.html but attempting it THIS time, with a playful attitude (and oh yes, a full year of daily sketching practice) CERTAINLY made a huge difference! LOL

I'm not sure the shadows work -- but I really like the rocks!

Some folks use a portrait done year after year to gauge their progress ....perhaps this scene will be my yardstick ...

Rose with Waterbrush

Rose with Waterbrush
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

My typical method of applying paint - using a waterbrush. Again, I think the pinks need a bit of darkening for greater contrast.

These exercises sure have me admiring those folks who product glorious watercolors with SEEMINGLY little effort ... WOW! Maybe some day ....

Rose with Brush

Rose with Brush
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

Another value study of this rose. I used a synthetic brush -- something I ususally use when I'm at home and not on the road -- and mostly for linework. I need to get used to this tool much more than I am. Comparing this rose to the one in which I really concentrated on values -- I need to darken the pinks for greater contrast. I want to do this without messing up the delicate light throughout ... This alone will be another lesson! LOL

Rose Value Studies

rose value studies
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

A dear, generous friend is helping me with my watercolors. We're focusing on value studies at the moment. I've chosen roses to practice since I also need the sketching practice, and roses can be a challenge, though after doing and redoing this one rose, I think I should be able to sketch this one in my sleep!! lOL

I scanned and check the values of paint and compared them to the photo reference I was using ... I've begun to realize that my images have a predominance of mid-tones and could really use (in my opinion) a bit of darker values for spunk. So after this comparison, I used the paints to come closer to the image of my intent.

I really like this -- to me, the colors pop -- I realize the painting is overworked since I did and redid and redit to focus on the colors. But it sure was a good lesson!

Nick's Birthday Party

Nick had his birthday party yesterday with some of his friends. His Aunt made his bear-birthday cake -- and he sort of it enjoyed it!!! Just look at that face -- and TWO pieces!!

Then they all played outdoors with their cars ... FUN!

Rebeccas Early Spring Bouqet

Rebeccas Early Spring Bouqet
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

Rebecca's table vases always reflect what is blooming in her wonderful garden. Here, she's unconsciously showed the unusual weather we've been experiencing with the juxtaposition of early spring daffodils against the winter red-berries of Nandina! She's added two red hearts in preparation of Valentine's Day.

I like the loose, playful feeling of this sketch ...

Trying for a wet in wet rose

Trying for a wet in wet rose
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

The top rose I sketched back in December -- and came close to getting the highlights correct ...

The purple/pink rose is my attempt last night for wet-in-wet ... but again, I need to pay more attention to highlights -- though the values are closer. I went back in to darken a few areas ...

Rose for Mom

Rose for Mom
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

Yesterday was my mom's 84th birthday -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! The rose is her favorite flower ....

I remember growing up how she'd have so many rose bushes all around our home -- and how their scent filled each room ....

(My attempt at wet-in-wet -- but I needed to pay more attention to values here ....)

Calla

Calla
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

Last night I sketched callas for my dear daughter and her husband who leaves today for several months of training before he leaves for Iraq. My heart breaks for this absence, especially because HER daughter is a mere nine months old, and my dd works a demanding, full-time, stress-filled job. She (and he) will be facing multiple challenges in the next year, and so I painted callas (her favorite flower) and said prayers with each pencil line, and more with each stroke of paint.

God-speed, my dear son-in-law .... may angels rest on your family's shoulders......

Daffodils

It's mighty early for these to be in bloom, but in Rebecca's garden in those warmer spots protected by most winds, daffodils are blooming madly. They add a bit of sunshiney yellow to a cool ground of umbers and brows -- a tease of spring .....

EDM 101 Soap

The EDM challenge this week is to sketch a bar of soap. I've been creating my own gylcerine soap with scents I prefer for over six years. My family uses ONLY my hand-made soap!!
This bar uses one of my favorite flower molds.

EDM 100 Redeaux Cropped

landscape 2 cropped
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

I thought if I cropped my journal page it might look a bit better ...

EDM 100 redeaux

landscape 2
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

Another attempt to simplify my landscape.... and paint it loosely.

Tulips

tulips
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

It was such a grey rainy morning yesterday, so I sketched some loose tulips to bright up the grey day.

Nick Turns Two

Nick Turns Two
Originally uploaded by linfrye.

A few images of Nick's birthday -- the cupcakes I baked, the 'candies' on top -- which he and Emily LOVED -- and his candle.

I cannot believe how fast the year has flown!

Nick Turns Two

Nick turned two today !!!

I baked him some cupcakes and C and I went to visit him with his gifts. Both he and Emily enjoyed the cupcakes AND the new markers and coloring books. The markers are Crayola's MAGIC markers -- they only make a mark on the special coloring book .. YEAH!

A few photos of the birthday boy and the artists at work!