Thank YOU all so much for your most generous comments yesterday -- I cannot tell you how they lifted up a sagging soul after a truly taxing day -- thank you ...more than I can say.
I got home late last night and worked on this French Window (from a photo on Wet Canvas) that I began Tuesday night. I was drawn to the stonework and of course, flowers, and wanted to see if I could keep it rather sketchy and simple ... I LOVE windows, arches and doors, but I have a tendency to sketch every stone -- sigh -- but I feel as though I've come a bit closer with this sketch to simplify my vision far more than I normally do.
Hope everyone has a terrific day!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
House with Shade and Hay
gardens yesterday were splendid!! Despite the heat, our small group enjoyed the summer flowers, lots of green shrubs and trees, a bit of shade and some relieving breezes, and some terrific ideas for the development of our 'Southern Garden." We'll have lots to incorporate in our planning!
The sketch above is based on a farm in Oxford. My husband took me on a drive the other week to capture more of my beloved hay bales, and we came across this older farm -- huge tree in the front yard as well as hay bales ready for moving to the barn. The color of the house was a weathered grey, but I didn't care for how that blended into the background, so I 'whitened' it somewhat ...
As developments are taking more and more of our family-owned farmlands, I am so grateful to be able to capture a bit of this way of life ...
The sketch above is based on a farm in Oxford. My husband took me on a drive the other week to capture more of my beloved hay bales, and we came across this older farm -- huge tree in the front yard as well as hay bales ready for moving to the barn. The color of the house was a weathered grey, but I didn't care for how that blended into the background, so I 'whitened' it somewhat ...
As developments are taking more and more of our family-owned farmlands, I am so grateful to be able to capture a bit of this way of life ...
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Cosmos
The cosmos have begun blooming, and I love their merry dance in the wind ....
Today we take another group to several area gardens so I'll be off the computer until tonight ... It's supposted to be 'cooler' -- only in the 80s!F .... but the gardens should be riots of color and we're looking forward to seeing how others are fairing through the heat .....
Today we take another group to several area gardens so I'll be off the computer until tonight ... It's supposted to be 'cooler' -- only in the 80s!F .... but the gardens should be riots of color and we're looking forward to seeing how others are fairing through the heat .....
Monday, June 16, 2008
Sunshine Lavender Farm 6 08
The Lavender Festival Saturday was really fun!!! Temperatures remained in the low 90s -- cooler for us -- and the scent and sight of lavender plants gave the air a very 'relaxing' fragrance and restive view!
I sat in the sun with an umbrella over me tfor shade o capture a bit of the enlarged perennial garden that framed the large farmhouse. Charles played his guitar and sang, and we feasted on chocolate cupcakes with lavender icing, chicken wrap sandwiches, lavender lemonade and chocolate lavender ice cream -- TRULY DIVINE! I brought home a few more lavender plants as well.
Besides enjoying the outdoors, great food and the time to paint gardens and plants, it was a most incredible day -- We ran into friends I hadn't seen in years! One of these is the wife of a fellow I worked with to help begin an arboretum at another college, and the other, a friend who used to roller skate with C and me!!! She wound up setting up her chair next to me and watercoloring with me! What fun -- Who would have guessed! And we met again with some folks from the plein air group I was introduced to at this same festival last year ---And I sold some paintings!!
All in all, a most delightful, delicious day!
I sat in the sun with an umbrella over me tfor shade o capture a bit of the enlarged perennial garden that framed the large farmhouse. Charles played his guitar and sang, and we feasted on chocolate cupcakes with lavender icing, chicken wrap sandwiches, lavender lemonade and chocolate lavender ice cream -- TRULY DIVINE! I brought home a few more lavender plants as well.
Besides enjoying the outdoors, great food and the time to paint gardens and plants, it was a most incredible day -- We ran into friends I hadn't seen in years! One of these is the wife of a fellow I worked with to help begin an arboretum at another college, and the other, a friend who used to roller skate with C and me!!! She wound up setting up her chair next to me and watercoloring with me! What fun -- Who would have guessed! And we met again with some folks from the plein air group I was introduced to at this same festival last year ---And I sold some paintings!!
All in all, a most delightful, delicious day!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day - Charles
Happiest of Father's Days to all the dads, fathers, uncles, brothers, guys -- (and the gals who have the role as 'dad') ... May this be a most wonderful day for you! And a special Thank YOU to Charles -- for bringing music into our home -- and a song in my heart!
This is C's group who 'jam' at our house several times during the month. He so wanted me to sketch them -- and this is the best I could do with 'people' ..! LOL I did sketch it free hand (YEAH) ...and added the title and names with Photoshop ...
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY EVERYONE!
This is C's group who 'jam' at our house several times during the month. He so wanted me to sketch them -- and this is the best I could do with 'people' ..! LOL I did sketch it free hand (YEAH) ...and added the title and names with Photoshop ...
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY EVERYONE!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBE!
The deep blue/purple of these Salvias brighten the shade area behind our house with their incredible color!
I hope they brighten YOUR birthday Bobbe!!
May this be the best!!!!
We're off to a Lavender Festival today - we'll indulge our senses with everything lavender -- from fields of blooming plants to ice cream and treats!
I hope they brighten YOUR birthday Bobbe!!
May this be the best!!!!
We're off to a Lavender Festival today - we'll indulge our senses with everything lavender -- from fields of blooming plants to ice cream and treats!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Poppies
The temperatures are finally down to a manageable 90F, but the air quality has been deemed code 'red' - dangerous - due to a huge wildfire in the southeastern part of NC ... winds have shifted, bringing smoke, dangerous air quality and particulate matter into our region, and thus we are advised to stay indoors if possible.
The weather around the US and elsewhere continues to sober us -- here in the US between wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and the drought that is creeping back into our state, it seems as though Mother Nature is having a fit.
Still, we look for signs of hope and cheer --- I'd like to offer these bright poppies (painted from a photo I took of those growing in Smithfield last month and offer them as hope for my friends in California, Iowa, NC, and especially today for San, whose daughter undergoes a major operations.
We are all hoping for far better times ...
The weather around the US and elsewhere continues to sober us -- here in the US between wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and the drought that is creeping back into our state, it seems as though Mother Nature is having a fit.
Still, we look for signs of hope and cheer --- I'd like to offer these bright poppies (painted from a photo I took of those growing in Smithfield last month and offer them as hope for my friends in California, Iowa, NC, and especially today for San, whose daughter undergoes a major operations.
We are all hoping for far better times ...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Oxford Hay Field
Everywhere I look, hay is being mowed and rolled into bales -- creating some of the most bucolic-looking fields and farms. This farm, close to where I live, had dozens of hay bales scattered throughout his acreage ....
Driving home or through the countryside this time of the year, evokes all those longings for slower times, waking with the call of the roosters, gathering vegetables from the garden, and resting in the deep cool of porches. Ah -- dream-time -- reality is far busier, tiring, and rest is at a premium. But just SEEING some of these farms in operation, fills me with hope and the dreams that keep one going ....
Driving home or through the countryside this time of the year, evokes all those longings for slower times, waking with the call of the roosters, gathering vegetables from the garden, and resting in the deep cool of porches. Ah -- dream-time -- reality is far busier, tiring, and rest is at a premium. But just SEEING some of these farms in operation, fills me with hope and the dreams that keep one going ....
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Gardenias - Pen and Wash
The gardenias are in full bloom and scenting the air with the most WONDERFUL fragrance!!!! I clipped a couple to help scent my rooms at home AND my office ....
Thank you all for your kind comments and good wishes. Thank heavens, and you, yesterday was a MUCH better day -- whew --- and today, it's going to be a balmy 90F instead of the 100+ we've been experiencing.
The heat and lack of rain has begun affecting the plants though and already, even with watering, we're beginning to see the stress on many of the small trees and perennials. It's going to be a long, hot summer, I'm afraid.
Stay cool ....! And once more, many,many thanks...!
Thank you all for your kind comments and good wishes. Thank heavens, and you, yesterday was a MUCH better day -- whew --- and today, it's going to be a balmy 90F instead of the 100+ we've been experiencing.
The heat and lack of rain has begun affecting the plants though and already, even with watering, we're beginning to see the stress on many of the small trees and perennials. It's going to be a long, hot summer, I'm afraid.
Stay cool ....! And once more, many,many thanks...!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Sweet Honesty (Lunaria annua)
Ever have one of those days when you feel like you've been battling monsters while covered in a steamy hot blanket? Yesterday was one of those, with temperatures over 100F and 'wrongs to to make right' frayed nerves, tempers and spirits.
When I got to the B&B last night, I took a stroll around Rebecca's garden. Even at 7:30 pm, the temperatures were in the 90s ... and the mosquitoes decided I was their dessert.
I retreated into the house, tired, weary, and mind aboggle. I decided I simply didn't have the energy to 'fuss' with a painting -- and so decided to fill myself with water inside and out -- and splashed my way through a sketch of Rebecca's 'Sweet Honesty' -- now in seed.
May today be better!
When I got to the B&B last night, I took a stroll around Rebecca's garden. Even at 7:30 pm, the temperatures were in the 90s ... and the mosquitoes decided I was their dessert.
I retreated into the house, tired, weary, and mind aboggle. I decided I simply didn't have the energy to 'fuss' with a painting -- and so decided to fill myself with water inside and out -- and splashed my way through a sketch of Rebecca's 'Sweet Honesty' -- now in seed.
May today be better!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Willow Oak at Sundown
The temperatures have been soaring these days, so it isn't until the sun is far into the west that my husband and I take our daily walk around our neighborhood. If we head to the main road, we pass a beautifully planted row of Willow Oaks along the property line of one of our neighbors. This week, as we walked while the sun was just beginning to set behind the last row of trees, the last light of evening back-shadowed the willows and lit paths of light on the most wonderful, airy grasses (wish I knew the name!!), rendering them a pale pink against the bright spots of yellow and light green.
I usually walk with my camera in hand, hoping to 'see' something to use as a reference later on (it's far too hot to paint outdoors lately! LOL) -- and I was excited to capture that fleeting light and bits of yellow and pink ...
We walked again last evening after I finished this painting -- and someone had mowed down those fluffs of grass .. sigh ... I was even more delighted that I was able to 'catch' this fleeting moment ...
I usually walk with my camera in hand, hoping to 'see' something to use as a reference later on (it's far too hot to paint outdoors lately! LOL) -- and I was excited to capture that fleeting light and bits of yellow and pink ...
We walked again last evening after I finished this painting -- and someone had mowed down those fluffs of grass .. sigh ... I was even more delighted that I was able to 'catch' this fleeting moment ...
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Magnolia
My friend, Deb, asked that I paint a magnolia blossom -- I had to wait until the magnolias were blooming on my property -- and this weekend - they finally opened!
Since the heat index was well over 100F, I brought in a cut blossom to paint -- (thank heavens the a/c was repaired)!!
I hope you like it Deb!
Since the heat index was well over 100F, I brought in a cut blossom to paint -- (thank heavens the a/c was repaired)!!
I hope you like it Deb!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
For Lanfranco
My dear friend from the Dolomites of Italy, Lanfanco (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lanfranco), kind offered another of his photos for me to sketch.
I chose this one of Lavaze not only for the beauty of the mountains, but I was so attracted to those wildlfowers!!! I've painted this scene to emphasize the flowers -- but if I paint it again, I may emphasize that wonderful water.
Please see (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lanfranco/2057883004/in/set-72157600344536193) for the original.
Lanfranco's wonderful photography never fails to inspire me! --- Many thanks, mi caro!!!! I hope you like it!
I chose this one of Lavaze not only for the beauty of the mountains, but I was so attracted to those wildlfowers!!! I've painted this scene to emphasize the flowers -- but if I paint it again, I may emphasize that wonderful water.
Please see (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lanfranco/2057883004/in/set-72157600344536193) for the original.
Lanfranco's wonderful photography never fails to inspire me! --- Many thanks, mi caro!!!! I hope you like it!
Friday, June 06, 2008
Montrose Gardens Arch and Flowers
I suppose the admiration and love I have for these incredible gardens is evident by all the sketches I continue to do of them! LOL But to me, they represent so much of what I admire in a garden -- from huge old trees and evergreens that give the garden 'bones' or 'foundation' to surprise places and pieces, to quiet areas of shade for contemplation, to rampant, abundant, colorful, fragrant flowers that brighten one's day and beautify the landscape, to those architectural pieces that indicate human existence. I also have to admire the woman who continues these gardens -- a basic one-woman show with a few helpers -- and she's been doing this for over 30 years. In my eyes, she's created a bit of paradise right here in NC, and I feel so honored to have been able to participate in a bit of that.
Temperatures here are expected to be close to 100F for the next week. Our a/c went out yesterday, so my "vacation day' to 'chill, relax, and paint' didn't quite happen as I had hoped. I am also hoping the repair folks can make it out here today ...even with my penchant for warm weather, I'm flagging a bit under such heat and humidity.
Here's to a day of ice tea and electric fans!
Temperatures here are expected to be close to 100F for the next week. Our a/c went out yesterday, so my "vacation day' to 'chill, relax, and paint' didn't quite happen as I had hoped. I am also hoping the repair folks can make it out here today ...even with my penchant for warm weather, I'm flagging a bit under such heat and humidity.
Here's to a day of ice tea and electric fans!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Another Herb Bed
I sat last Sunday and did a quick plein air sketch of one of my herb beds in bloom -- It's filled with lavender (which gave me the florets for my shortbread) and that orangey/red flower is Agastache rupestris -- the leaves smell just like tutti-fruitti. My sage is also in bloom --- We pass this bed when we enter the front door -- fragrant and merry!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Hydrangeas
Either my computer at work or Flickr was giving me a hard time this morning uploading any images -- so I wound up with two uploaded .. mercy ..
Anyway, these sweet peas were on Rebecca's table last night and I tried to do simple washes and keep it loose - but failed at that .... so here's why a tired body produces when one should really go to bed instead of push the river! LOL
I did wind up sketching them again for another attempt this weekend -- AFTER a sufficient night's sleep...
Anyway, these sweet peas were on Rebecca's table last night and I tried to do simple washes and keep it loose - but failed at that .... so here's why a tired body produces when one should really go to bed instead of push the river! LOL
I did wind up sketching them again for another attempt this weekend -- AFTER a sufficient night's sleep...
Sweet Peas
Either my computer at work or Flickr was giving me a hard time this morning uploading any images -- so I wound up with two uploaded .. mercy ..
Anyway, these sweet peas were on Rebecca's table last night and I tried to do simple washes and keep it loose - but failed at that .... so here's why a tired body produces when one should really go to bed instead of push the river! LOL
I did wind up sketching them again for another attempt this weekend -- AFTER a sufficient night's sleep...
Anyway, these sweet peas were on Rebecca's table last night and I tried to do simple washes and keep it loose - but failed at that .... so here's why a tired body produces when one should really go to bed instead of push the river! LOL
I did wind up sketching them again for another attempt this weekend -- AFTER a sufficient night's sleep...
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Montrose Garden Gate
While I"m still working through greens, I really did want to add a bit of color!!! LOL
This is the iron gate at Montrose Gardens ... I loved how it played against her poppies! I've kept this a bit lighter ... trying to keep a light feel to the painting to match the lightness of the day.
This is the iron gate at Montrose Gardens ... I loved how it played against her poppies! I've kept this a bit lighter ... trying to keep a light feel to the painting to match the lightness of the day.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Henderson House and Wildflowers
After 30 years of gardening I seem to be returning to my botanical roots --- I have become enamored once again with the wild places -- especially roadsides and forgotten landscapes that Nature seems to fill with the most astonishing wildflowers.
As I passed by this farm home last week en route to my son's, I was struck, as I was when I first fell in love with wildflowers and native plants, how beautiful those 'ditchbanks' looked against the house. So I pulled off the tiny bit of shoulder and snapped a few photos for painting.
I'm fairly pleased with the way this turned out, though I'm still experimenting with 'green!' LOL
The new computer is far faster than my old, but anything new, especially with so much to transfer, always has a few glitches ... we'll be working out most of those when I return home later this week.
As I passed by this farm home last week en route to my son's, I was struck, as I was when I first fell in love with wildflowers and native plants, how beautiful those 'ditchbanks' looked against the house. So I pulled off the tiny bit of shoulder and snapped a few photos for painting.
I'm fairly pleased with the way this turned out, though I'm still experimenting with 'green!' LOL
The new computer is far faster than my old, but anything new, especially with so much to transfer, always has a few glitches ... we'll be working out most of those when I return home later this week.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Raulston Arboretum - Plein Air
Sigh -- there are just some days when things don't work. Yesterday, sitting in the shade, lovely!!! trying to 'paint' just didn't work - no matter how I tried ... I 'somewhat' rescued this plein air attempt at home (at least enough to post), but I'm not happy with it a bit.
The biggest problem, I think, was/is trying to 'paint' instead of 'plein air sketch' ...different things really, with 'perfection' -- or something close to that, forever frustrating the one attempting the work. I have so much to learn about plein air and painting and attempting to get a completed 'painting' plein air for me, at least right now, simply does nothing but frustrate the heck out of me! Mercy, when will I learn!! LOL I post this nonetheless, as a reminder to myself that there are few folks who can complete a 'painting' plein air to their own satisfaction. So stop beating myself up.
Still, I did get a chance to sit in a lovely quiet spot at the Raulston Arboretum, mixing those many greens! LOL and listening to the birds and the "Red Hat Ladies," and plant collectors, and photographers and volunteers and visitors all who came by to snip a shrub here, oooh and ah about those red garden amaranth I was attempting to sketch there, walk the path a bit to the left, and simply enjoy the sunshine before the heat and humidity melted us after lunch.
Today, my son brings me a new computer -- which means down time while we reload my programs, printer and the like, transfer files and what not -- but the promise of a faster connection and more storge space is an allure I can't resist! LOL
Have a terrific Sunday!
The biggest problem, I think, was/is trying to 'paint' instead of 'plein air sketch' ...different things really, with 'perfection' -- or something close to that, forever frustrating the one attempting the work. I have so much to learn about plein air and painting and attempting to get a completed 'painting' plein air for me, at least right now, simply does nothing but frustrate the heck out of me! Mercy, when will I learn!! LOL I post this nonetheless, as a reminder to myself that there are few folks who can complete a 'painting' plein air to their own satisfaction. So stop beating myself up.
Still, I did get a chance to sit in a lovely quiet spot at the Raulston Arboretum, mixing those many greens! LOL and listening to the birds and the "Red Hat Ladies," and plant collectors, and photographers and volunteers and visitors all who came by to snip a shrub here, oooh and ah about those red garden amaranth I was attempting to sketch there, walk the path a bit to the left, and simply enjoy the sunshine before the heat and humidity melted us after lunch.
Today, my son brings me a new computer -- which means down time while we reload my programs, printer and the like, transfer files and what not -- but the promise of a faster connection and more storge space is an allure I can't resist! LOL
Have a terrific Sunday!
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