9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Painted at Granville Arts Festival
This week, my oral history project took me to the home of a most fascinating woman. Her garden is called a 'recycled garden' -- bringing to mind bits of this, that and the other thing. But not at all! Her garden would be more aptly named 'a history garden' .... since every bit of her family's old farm implements, windows, chimney pieces, the town's old bricks, millstones, fireplace pieces, old benches and the like have all been 'recycled' into the most cozy, clever and incredibly beautiful garden. The interviewee loves hydrangeas, and when we visited her garden, they were in full bloom and in many varieties. What a glorious site.
My own hydrangea is in full bloom now and between the visit last week and my own garden, I had to paint these beautiful shrubs. I 'sponged' in the hydrangea blossoms before I left for the festival, and worked from memory on the leaves and bits of detail during the show. When the heat and humidity are over 90F, that paint sure doesn't work like it does in the studio! LOL But it was fun and I was glad to have something to work on in between visitors and visits to other booths.
I have to give my husband all the credit for creating the table displays ....he's such a clever fellow - we used what we had - a 6-sided display board I've had for 20 years, and the metal rack was from a Grow-Light Garden starter I've also had for as long! He fashioned picture holders in various lengths from coat hangers and we used his music stands for the large paintings. I think, like the garden I visited earlier this week, we too had a 'recycled' display! LOL
The festival was fun - though we didn't get beyond the pavillion to see the children's face painting and art making, and were too far from the amphitheatre to hear the music. But Charles, like me, never travels without his 'toys' and so he brought his guitar and mandolin, and quietly played his music -- thus providing the exhibitors in the pavillion a bit of festivity! FUN!
I sold several things, and had quite a bit of interest in my work - gratifying at all times. I've been asked to put some work in a local gallery, and was asked to teach more times than I can count. Oh if I could only retire now! LOL Still, it is something I want to consider and will probably begin developing agendas and plans so that I will be able to teach more sooner than later.
I met some incredible local artists. We exchanged emails and one artist's husband stayed with Charles and played C's guitar while C played the mandolin -- now how is that for fun! Two visual artists married to musicians living in the same town at the same festival! LOL
We have an 'art date' set up for next Friday ... and I'm so excited to be finding folks of like minds closer to home.
The festival was terrific in so many ways. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to have been part of it, to Charles for all the hard work and encouragement he provided, for my friends and son who came by to lend their support -- and the new friends made there and plans for the future.
My heart is full, though my poor, still sweated body, is mighty tired. LOL
And thank you all for all your encouragement and support to get me here too ...!
BIG BIG HUGS!
Sunday, June 06, 2010
My Display Board
You can see from these photos (I apologize for the glare) that the 10' x 10' square we each had lined the pavillion along the outer edges with two rows of artists in the center. Restrooms, concession and even a 'cool room - air conditioning and cold water' were all nearby. We were in the shade throughout the day, despite the 95+F heat. This brightness was during set up around 9 am ... but this side of the pavillion stayed bright and cheerful, and oh my yes, HOT, throughout the nine hours we were there.
More Display
You can't see below the table, but I had my large paintings on 'music stands' -- (thanks CHARLES!!) ....
Recipt Book, Painting Gear
I sat in the corner as folks made their way around the two table displays.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Inspired by Spring Colors
Daily Practice
Journal
My front garden is finally filling in the bones of a beginning with the various flowers and seeds I have planted and sown over the last two years. It's becoming a riot of surprises - from knock-out roses, to daylilies, to purple cone flowers (they seem to REALLY like that part of the property!) to wave after wave of spider flower. Here and there a long buried petunia seed has taken hold and flowered in bright pinky purple; blanket flowers and rose campions - my own wee cottage garden!
I spent the majority of yesterday in the kitchen making jars upon jars of apricot preserves. The Prunus mumi trees on campus have finally made it through a spring without frost ruining their fruit, and after three years of lost blossoms, I was finally able to make 4 batches of sweet/tart preserves! YAHOO!
Today we're off to the Art Festival - fingers crossed for some sales (mercy, I need some paint! LOL) and some decent attendance. We're in for extremely high temps - in the mid 90sF ... so we're packing ice and lots of water ...
Hope your day is cool and fun!
Journal
My front garden is finally filling in the bones of a beginning with the various flowers and seeds I have planted and sown over the last two years. It's becoming a riot of surprises - from knock-out roses, to daylilies, to purple cone flowers (they seem to REALLY like that part of the property!) to wave after wave of spider flower. Here and there a long buried petunia seed has taken hold and flowered in bright pinky purple; blanket flowers and rose campions - my own wee cottage garden!
I spent the majority of yesterday in the kitchen making jars upon jars of apricot preserves. The Prunus mumi trees on campus have finally made it through a spring without frost ruining their fruit, and after three years of lost blossoms, I was finally able to make 4 batches of sweet/tart preserves! YAHOO!
Today we're off to the Art Festival - fingers crossed for some sales (mercy, I need some paint! LOL) and some decent attendance. We're in for extremely high temps - in the mid 90sF ... so we're packing ice and lots of water ...
Hope your day is cool and fun!
Friday, June 04, 2010
Inspired by Shady Woods
Daily Practice
Journal
I really have fallen for the 'splash and splatter' method I've been 'inspired' by, and my goal now is to try to bring the spontaneity and 'surprise' of that method beyond flowers -- this is my first attempt to try to create a landscape from the splatter. I'm thinking Dr. Rorschach would have a ball with this! LOL
The last preparations are being made for the art festival tomorrow -- our temps are supposed to reach mid 90's ... yikes! I"m glad my exhibit will be in the shaded pavillion!
Off to play with more splatter .....!
Stay cool!
Journal
I really have fallen for the 'splash and splatter' method I've been 'inspired' by, and my goal now is to try to bring the spontaneity and 'surprise' of that method beyond flowers -- this is my first attempt to try to create a landscape from the splatter. I'm thinking Dr. Rorschach would have a ball with this! LOL
The last preparations are being made for the art festival tomorrow -- our temps are supposed to reach mid 90's ... yikes! I"m glad my exhibit will be in the shaded pavillion!
Off to play with more splatter .....!
Stay cool!
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Radish
Daily Practice
Journal
Time has developed wings and this is about all I could get done after our board meeting last night .... Hope to have a bit more relaxing time to paint sometime this weekend.
We've also managed to collect several pounds of apriots from the Prunus mumi trees on campus, so my summer of canning begins in earnest ...
I'm dashing again - have a great day!
Journal
Time has developed wings and this is about all I could get done after our board meeting last night .... Hope to have a bit more relaxing time to paint sometime this weekend.
We've also managed to collect several pounds of apriots from the Prunus mumi trees on campus, so my summer of canning begins in earnest ...
I'm dashing again - have a great day!
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Orange Poppies
Daily Practice
Journal
Another splash and splatter that turned into orange and yellow poppies ....This one was a bit more challenging as I had to lighten some of the darker splatters to give more form to the poppies -- fun.
We had a great trip to Tryon Palace yesterday. Though the weather threatened and we even had a few sprinkles, we were so fortunate that we were touring the buildings during the 'drizzle' and on the grounds in the gardens during the sunshine! Lunch was fantastic and everyone enjoyed learning more about southern gardens and NC history.
Today it's a return to our oral history project, more rain, and more meetings.
Hope your day is terrific!
Journal
Another splash and splatter that turned into orange and yellow poppies ....This one was a bit more challenging as I had to lighten some of the darker splatters to give more form to the poppies -- fun.
We had a great trip to Tryon Palace yesterday. Though the weather threatened and we even had a few sprinkles, we were so fortunate that we were touring the buildings during the 'drizzle' and on the grounds in the gardens during the sunshine! Lunch was fantastic and everyone enjoyed learning more about southern gardens and NC history.
Today it's a return to our oral history project, more rain, and more meetings.
Hope your day is terrific!
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Oxford Tobacco Farm
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
This is one of the tobacco farms still remaining in our town. These farmers alternate years for growing tobacco, and t2010 is their year to grow the cash crop. The plants were put out several weeks ago, and aleady they're calf-high.
Wonderful high-cloud skies have also graced the weekend and much sun. This week, though, we're in for bouts of rain so it was good to get some gardening chores done while I could.
I'm dashing to work shortly. Rain is falling, and we've two vans filled with guests for a trip to Tryon Palace gardens and grounds (the first governor's mansion in NC). I hope by the time I get to work, the rain will be done for the day ...
If the trip is on, I'll be gone all day -- I'll try to catch up tomorrow.
Have a great one!
Arches 140#CP
This is one of the tobacco farms still remaining in our town. These farmers alternate years for growing tobacco, and t2010 is their year to grow the cash crop. The plants were put out several weeks ago, and aleady they're calf-high.
Wonderful high-cloud skies have also graced the weekend and much sun. This week, though, we're in for bouts of rain so it was good to get some gardening chores done while I could.
I'm dashing to work shortly. Rain is falling, and we've two vans filled with guests for a trip to Tryon Palace gardens and grounds (the first governor's mansion in NC). I hope by the time I get to work, the rain will be done for the day ...
If the trip is on, I'll be gone all day -- I'll try to catch up tomorrow.
Have a great one!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Red Poppies - In Memory
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
For all those who have served to keep our country free, our familIES safe, and our nation strong --- HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! And a tribute to our brave, courageous and selfless men and women.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Arches 140#CP
For all those who have served to keep our country free, our familIES safe, and our nation strong --- HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! And a tribute to our brave, courageous and selfless men and women.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunny Afternoon
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
Our plans to pick up strawberries yesterday didn't materialize as the morning rain kept the strawberry farmer from the market. But our early venture to town revealed an issue with C's car, so instead of strawberries, we wound up at the car repair shop -- minor issue --but one that should have been taken care of during his car service the day before.
During our drive and travels, I was struck by the incredible clouds and sunshine of the day, especially after so many storms. The details of the sky are a bit richer than this scan shows -- but I just HAD to race home to paint that sky before the image and the 'feeling' of such expansive blue and sun left me. This is the result - along with one of the many 'barns and out buildings' we see so often.
C spent much of the day creating a portable exhibit for me for next week's art festival -- what a sweetheart! We're able to display over 20 framed paintings and as many in mats in a canvas 'sling' --and still have room for a basket of notecards. I priced the paintings and organized the 'paperwork' ...
Today, we rest. If we feel motivated, we may drive to the strawberry farm and pick our own -- we'll see.
Hope your day is sunshiney and fun!
Arches 140#CP
Our plans to pick up strawberries yesterday didn't materialize as the morning rain kept the strawberry farmer from the market. But our early venture to town revealed an issue with C's car, so instead of strawberries, we wound up at the car repair shop -- minor issue --but one that should have been taken care of during his car service the day before.
During our drive and travels, I was struck by the incredible clouds and sunshine of the day, especially after so many storms. The details of the sky are a bit richer than this scan shows -- but I just HAD to race home to paint that sky before the image and the 'feeling' of such expansive blue and sun left me. This is the result - along with one of the many 'barns and out buildings' we see so often.
C spent much of the day creating a portable exhibit for me for next week's art festival -- what a sweetheart! We're able to display over 20 framed paintings and as many in mats in a canvas 'sling' --and still have room for a basket of notecards. I priced the paintings and organized the 'paperwork' ...
Today, we rest. If we feel motivated, we may drive to the strawberry farm and pick our own -- we'll see.
Hope your day is sunshiney and fun!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
California Poppies and Larkspur
Daily Practice
Journal
I'm still not satisfied with the poppies as I can't seem to paint the 'view' in my mind's eye -- sigh -- I suppose some days are like that. The poppies at Montrose, such a wonderful gold and yellow, were so beautiful set against the deep purple/blues of the larkspur ...those complimentary colors -- whether on palette or in flower design - are really incredible.
While the sun shone for a while, I finally got to the garden - planted a few more perennials, sprayed the weeds, trimmed the tomatoes (some already forming), checked for insect pests and generally did a bit of 'clean up.' We spent the majority of the day though, reframing, working on the exhibit pieces, rematting paintings for the art festival next week. I still have almost 3 dozen I wish I had frames for that I'd like to put on my own walls ....! LOL
We had another fierce storm last night, and I'm so glad I got to the garden in time for my new plantings to be 'watered in' ....
We're in for more rain today and a quick trip to the farmer's market for strawberries. I have yet to put up jam or dry some for winter use and the season is almost over ...
Hope your day is terrific!
Journal
I'm still not satisfied with the poppies as I can't seem to paint the 'view' in my mind's eye -- sigh -- I suppose some days are like that. The poppies at Montrose, such a wonderful gold and yellow, were so beautiful set against the deep purple/blues of the larkspur ...those complimentary colors -- whether on palette or in flower design - are really incredible.
While the sun shone for a while, I finally got to the garden - planted a few more perennials, sprayed the weeds, trimmed the tomatoes (some already forming), checked for insect pests and generally did a bit of 'clean up.' We spent the majority of the day though, reframing, working on the exhibit pieces, rematting paintings for the art festival next week. I still have almost 3 dozen I wish I had frames for that I'd like to put on my own walls ....! LOL
We had another fierce storm last night, and I'm so glad I got to the garden in time for my new plantings to be 'watered in' ....
We're in for more rain today and a quick trip to the farmer's market for strawberries. I have yet to put up jam or dry some for winter use and the season is almost over ...
Hope your day is terrific!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Storm
Daily Practice
Journal
From bright, cheery sunshine to dark, foreboding storms -- I got in last night, had dinner, unpacked the car, and sat down to paint -- the light began to dim, grow dimmer, darken; lights began to flicker, and then the storm rolled in in its furry - crashes of thunder, streaks of lightning .... Yep, springtime in NC!
We should have a bit of sun throughout the day, but more storms tonight and most of tomorrow ... I think the 'weeds' are in cahoots with the weather as I am losing my battle with those pesky things!
Enjoy the day!
Journal
From bright, cheery sunshine to dark, foreboding storms -- I got in last night, had dinner, unpacked the car, and sat down to paint -- the light began to dim, grow dimmer, darken; lights began to flicker, and then the storm rolled in in its furry - crashes of thunder, streaks of lightning .... Yep, springtime in NC!
We should have a bit of sun throughout the day, but more storms tonight and most of tomorrow ... I think the 'weeds' are in cahoots with the weather as I am losing my battle with those pesky things!
Enjoy the day!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
California Poppies
Daily Practice
Journal
Visiting Montrose Gardens again last week, I was struck by the incredible number of poppies - California, Asian, wild - in colors from soft pink to orange to crimson .... I took dozens of photos - but no matter how I tried this week, the photo in my mind didn't quite match the painted results. I also wanted to try for something a bit less splashy and a bit more considered.
In thinking about this painting, I wanted to keep the background pale - but which tends to wash out in a scan. What impressed me about this scene in real life,was the array of yellow and green - the bright sunlight - the cheerfulness of the flowers. I may play with this image again to see if I can get 'closer' to what I 'see' in my mind.
It's been a busy week, and we've certainly enjoyed the sunshine. The intense heat has returned, but our 'yellow sunlight' will soon fade into the gray and wetness of more rain this weekend.
We'll be harvesting this morning and we'll all be glad to have the sun on our backs instead of umbrellas over our heads for a while!
Have a great day!
Journal
Visiting Montrose Gardens again last week, I was struck by the incredible number of poppies - California, Asian, wild - in colors from soft pink to orange to crimson .... I took dozens of photos - but no matter how I tried this week, the photo in my mind didn't quite match the painted results. I also wanted to try for something a bit less splashy and a bit more considered.
In thinking about this painting, I wanted to keep the background pale - but which tends to wash out in a scan. What impressed me about this scene in real life,was the array of yellow and green - the bright sunlight - the cheerfulness of the flowers. I may play with this image again to see if I can get 'closer' to what I 'see' in my mind.
It's been a busy week, and we've certainly enjoyed the sunshine. The intense heat has returned, but our 'yellow sunlight' will soon fade into the gray and wetness of more rain this weekend.
We'll be harvesting this morning and we'll all be glad to have the sun on our backs instead of umbrellas over our heads for a while!
Have a great day!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Yellow Fields
Daily Practice
Journal
The yellow fields are quickly being cut - and I won't enjoy that mass of 'weeds' again until fall ... I wanted to paint one last homage to that blanket of gold before summer grasses and crops take over ..
Our rains 'should' be done until the weekend .. and we truly need a bit of drying out.
I'm dashing to an early meeting - take care!
Journal
The yellow fields are quickly being cut - and I won't enjoy that mass of 'weeds' again until fall ... I wanted to paint one last homage to that blanket of gold before summer grasses and crops take over ..
Our rains 'should' be done until the weekend .. and we truly need a bit of drying out.
I'm dashing to an early meeting - take care!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Inspired by Roadside Daisies
Daily Practice
Journal
Roadsides, along with hay bales (LOL) always fascinate me -- in fact, watching wildflowers populate those untamed areas are the very thing that got me interested in botany. The places where humans do not cultivate and nature has her way are always filled with such diversity and interest - some of the most fascinating grasses and wildflowers seem to occupy these bits of land.
These days, the 'ditch daisies' are the 'show' along with wild grasses and the leaves of our common daylilies. With our weeklong rain, much of the browns of past vegetation are gone, and are being replaced with more and more green - I chose to use more yellow and brown in this sketch to indicate a brief sunshiney moment between all our bouts of rain.
I'm off to a busy workweek, and a bit more rain.
Hope your day is merry!
Journal
Roadsides, along with hay bales (LOL) always fascinate me -- in fact, watching wildflowers populate those untamed areas are the very thing that got me interested in botany. The places where humans do not cultivate and nature has her way are always filled with such diversity and interest - some of the most fascinating grasses and wildflowers seem to occupy these bits of land.
These days, the 'ditch daisies' are the 'show' along with wild grasses and the leaves of our common daylilies. With our weeklong rain, much of the browns of past vegetation are gone, and are being replaced with more and more green - I chose to use more yellow and brown in this sketch to indicate a brief sunshiney moment between all our bouts of rain.
I'm off to a busy workweek, and a bit more rain.
Hope your day is merry!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Oxford Hay and Barn
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
It's haying season and I cannot experience or view enough fields or barns! My dear husband kindly drove me around the countryside the last two weekends as I snapped more and more photos of haybales and barns! LOL
I remember how excited I was when I was in Italy and saw THEIR hay bales - there's something to elemental about rolled straw sitting in tawny fields that thrills me to pieces ... perhaps it's the earthiness of them, the fundamental aspects of farming, countrylife, the need for food and air that we all share - perhaps it's that very basic bits of 'life' that binds us - that seems to tug at my soul year after year. Whatever -- it's THAT time of year again, and I am loving it!
I've taken a day off today to begin preparing for the art festival in a couple of weeks. I've got tons to frame and mat so my painting time is limited.
We've had tremendous thunderstorms everyday this weekend and more continuing through the week. Those farmers who still have standing grass to cut and bale will have to wait until next weekend before they're able to get into their fields.
Take care today!
Arches 140#CP
It's haying season and I cannot experience or view enough fields or barns! My dear husband kindly drove me around the countryside the last two weekends as I snapped more and more photos of haybales and barns! LOL
I remember how excited I was when I was in Italy and saw THEIR hay bales - there's something to elemental about rolled straw sitting in tawny fields that thrills me to pieces ... perhaps it's the earthiness of them, the fundamental aspects of farming, countrylife, the need for food and air that we all share - perhaps it's that very basic bits of 'life' that binds us - that seems to tug at my soul year after year. Whatever -- it's THAT time of year again, and I am loving it!
I've taken a day off today to begin preparing for the art festival in a couple of weeks. I've got tons to frame and mat so my painting time is limited.
We've had tremendous thunderstorms everyday this weekend and more continuing through the week. Those farmers who still have standing grass to cut and bale will have to wait until next weekend before they're able to get into their fields.
Take care today!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Italy on a Hilltop
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
I've been playing around with my landscapes, trying for something a bit less formal ... and though I've overdone it here, I like the vignette style and 'different' foreground.
We spent the day yesterday touring one of our area gardens -- incredibly gorgeous with so many poppies, nigella, speedwells, larkspur, roses in bloom that it was like being in flower heaven! We had a leisurely lunch, and then roamed the countryside to see the hayfields and barns in their spring dress. We made it home before the thunderstorms .... wonderful day.
Today we'll see the grands and hopefully I"ll get back to the paint table.
Hope your Sunday is terrific!
Arches 140#CP
I've been playing around with my landscapes, trying for something a bit less formal ... and though I've overdone it here, I like the vignette style and 'different' foreground.
We spent the day yesterday touring one of our area gardens -- incredibly gorgeous with so many poppies, nigella, speedwells, larkspur, roses in bloom that it was like being in flower heaven! We had a leisurely lunch, and then roamed the countryside to see the hayfields and barns in their spring dress. We made it home before the thunderstorms .... wonderful day.
Today we'll see the grands and hopefully I"ll get back to the paint table.
Hope your Sunday is terrific!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Inspired by Guy's Hydrangeas
Daily Practice
Journal
My own hydrangeas are just opening their blue blossoms, but my friend Guy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10422334@N08/) posted and allowed me to use on of his pink beauties for this inspiration! THANk YOU again, Guy!
This small painting took me far longer than I thought it would -- I tried to keep the values -- all similiar - soft and light, and yet give it enough contrast for those wee florets to pop a bit .... challenging indeed! Additionally, our soils in the North Carolina piedmont are predominently acidic, which renders the majority of hydrangeas blue instead of pink. So this was quite fun to paint.
We're off to see some gardens today, though rain is in the forecast. My 'weeds' still beckon -- but they'll have to wait a bit longer ...
Have a great Saturday!
Journal
My own hydrangeas are just opening their blue blossoms, but my friend Guy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10422334@N08/) posted and allowed me to use on of his pink beauties for this inspiration! THANk YOU again, Guy!
This small painting took me far longer than I thought it would -- I tried to keep the values -- all similiar - soft and light, and yet give it enough contrast for those wee florets to pop a bit .... challenging indeed! Additionally, our soils in the North Carolina piedmont are predominently acidic, which renders the majority of hydrangeas blue instead of pink. So this was quite fun to paint.
We're off to see some gardens today, though rain is in the forecast. My 'weeds' still beckon -- but they'll have to wait a bit longer ...
Have a great Saturday!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Still Life with Pears and Grapefruit
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP
This week's painting practice was a better week for me despite the busyness of the office. I worked on this still life over a couple of days trying to capture the light once again. I wanted to paint a larger image than I did earlier, and to 'test' myself to see if I could replicate that 'light' once again. I need to paint a few more before I will be comfortable with my own 'method!" LOL
Our harvest and lunch yesterday went so well! We are blessed with a grand group of volunteers who have formed a closeness and camaraderie that is so heart-warming to be a part. Our lemon balm tea and lavender cookies, plus the addition of herbs to our salad have convinced so many of the group to now 'experience' herbs in new ways. Wonderful fun -- and another ten pounds of food for those who need it most.
My own small garden is demanding some attention, so while the sun is out, so will I.
I hope your day is wonderful.
Arches 140#CP
This week's painting practice was a better week for me despite the busyness of the office. I worked on this still life over a couple of days trying to capture the light once again. I wanted to paint a larger image than I did earlier, and to 'test' myself to see if I could replicate that 'light' once again. I need to paint a few more before I will be comfortable with my own 'method!" LOL
Our harvest and lunch yesterday went so well! We are blessed with a grand group of volunteers who have formed a closeness and camaraderie that is so heart-warming to be a part. Our lemon balm tea and lavender cookies, plus the addition of herbs to our salad have convinced so many of the group to now 'experience' herbs in new ways. Wonderful fun -- and another ten pounds of food for those who need it most.
My own small garden is demanding some attention, so while the sun is out, so will I.
I hope your day is wonderful.
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