Daily Practice
After spending so many hour indoors this weekend with the rain and yesterday in preparation for today, when I got to the B&B, I sat in the car and sketched the view from my window of Rebecca's side yard. Flowers were in bloom, and the entire scene was welcoming and so springy!
In a few hours, we'll be filled with Arboretum guests and I suppose we are as prepared as we can be. A few more final 'touches' this morning, and it's TIME!
Thank you for your wishes of luck! We'll need it!
It'll be late tonight before I return to the computer -- I hope your day goes well, too!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunset on the Island
I painted this last week, again working on those sunsets and sunrises I so love. I kept the 'island' simplifed so I could highlight the sky.
It's our 'busy' week with close to 75 folks coming for my Southern Garden lecture and Arboretum tour tomorrow; interviews for gardeners the next two days ... Thank heavens the weather promises to be sunny and warm, and my fingers are crossed that folks are satisfied with what they see and hear.
Hope your week is good. I may be a bit scarce with all this going on ...and my fingers are crossed for a bit of a quieter time next week! LOL
It's our 'busy' week with close to 75 folks coming for my Southern Garden lecture and Arboretum tour tomorrow; interviews for gardeners the next two days ... Thank heavens the weather promises to be sunny and warm, and my fingers are crossed that folks are satisfied with what they see and hear.
Hope your week is good. I may be a bit scarce with all this going on ...and my fingers are crossed for a bit of a quieter time next week! LOL
Sunday, March 29, 2009
My Travel Kit
As promised -- my travel kit. I keep all but the sketchpage in a zip lock bag.
There was an interesting post on Wet Canvas last week about using 'Sculpy' clay to mold wells for paint and add them to an Altoid Tin. (see www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5...
I purchased some Sculpy and used a $1, unhinged tin from Michaels Arts and Crafts to try out the idea. As you can see I wasn't very tidy -- but I did manage to get in all my favorite colors. The Altoids tin on the right I prefer for the 'hinged' part ... I don't have to juggle but one palette. Still, I prefer having the colors I like and so I will redo the tin on the left, but neater. BTW, I molded the Sculpy in the Altoids box and baked BOTH in the oven according to Sculpy directions -- worked very well!
A couple of pieces of info:
I used double-faced Scotch Tape to add a piece of freezer paper (wax side up) to line both sides of the palette -- it works incredibly well to mix my paint, and then wipes up clean to remix additional colors. When the 'wax' is worn off, it's a simple thing to pull it off the adhesive and add a new piece of freezer paper.
I cut a sponge to fill in the gap between the paint wells and the tin -- I find the sponge especially helpful to wick off too much water on my brush.
The sketchpad is 7" x 10" Arches spiral watercolor pad, 140# cp. I love it -- but it's mighty expensive. I'm in the midst of constructing my own of a similar size and using the same paper. I'll be interspersing typing paper between the sheets of watercolor paper for journaling. Once I have this spiral-bound and decorated, I'll post. I'm adding an envelop or two as my travel journal to Italy.
The tiny spray bottle works well to wet my paints. It's a 'mini-sprayer' from Ranger.
The double water holder works exceptionally well in the car ... hold just enough water and clips onto my book so I can keep all of this on my lap.
Hope this helps!
There was an interesting post on Wet Canvas last week about using 'Sculpy' clay to mold wells for paint and add them to an Altoid Tin. (see www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5...
I purchased some Sculpy and used a $1, unhinged tin from Michaels Arts and Crafts to try out the idea. As you can see I wasn't very tidy -- but I did manage to get in all my favorite colors. The Altoids tin on the right I prefer for the 'hinged' part ... I don't have to juggle but one palette. Still, I prefer having the colors I like and so I will redo the tin on the left, but neater. BTW, I molded the Sculpy in the Altoids box and baked BOTH in the oven according to Sculpy directions -- worked very well!
A couple of pieces of info:
I used double-faced Scotch Tape to add a piece of freezer paper (wax side up) to line both sides of the palette -- it works incredibly well to mix my paint, and then wipes up clean to remix additional colors. When the 'wax' is worn off, it's a simple thing to pull it off the adhesive and add a new piece of freezer paper.
I cut a sponge to fill in the gap between the paint wells and the tin -- I find the sponge especially helpful to wick off too much water on my brush.
The sketchpad is 7" x 10" Arches spiral watercolor pad, 140# cp. I love it -- but it's mighty expensive. I'm in the midst of constructing my own of a similar size and using the same paper. I'll be interspersing typing paper between the sheets of watercolor paper for journaling. Once I have this spiral-bound and decorated, I'll post. I'm adding an envelop or two as my travel journal to Italy.
The tiny spray bottle works well to wet my paints. It's a 'mini-sprayer' from Ranger.
The double water holder works exceptionally well in the car ... hold just enough water and clips onto my book so I can keep all of this on my lap.
Hope this helps!
Blue Flowers and Fields - Sketching at 60
MILES PER HOUR -- that is ....
I've been trialling the mini-kit I put together to see how this might work during my plane trip as well as plein air opportunities. I'll have a chance to take a photo later tonight. Right now, I'm pretty pleased with it.
I sketched and painted this while driving to the mountains -- it's based partly on a photo reference, partly from what we could see in the fog and rain, and I've added an enormous amount of artist's licence to make the day sunnny!! LOL
It looked like the rain 'might' be clearing late last night. But we've had steady rain -and fortunately, warm temps. We kept the grands last night -- they were incredibly good. They're still asleep so I've only a few moments. While my daughter fed Riley yesterday afteernoon, we took Taylor to a museum featuring 'Health" and there were lots of opportunities for her to slide, and roll, and shop and play. Fun! We brought both girls to our motel last night for some arts and crafts and a sleep over. Riley ate on schedule, awakening only once at 2:45 am for a bottle ... I am so pleased at how well they've both done.
We head home later this morning ...hope your Sunday is terrific!
I've been trialling the mini-kit I put together to see how this might work during my plane trip as well as plein air opportunities. I'll have a chance to take a photo later tonight. Right now, I'm pretty pleased with it.
I sketched and painted this while driving to the mountains -- it's based partly on a photo reference, partly from what we could see in the fog and rain, and I've added an enormous amount of artist's licence to make the day sunnny!! LOL
It looked like the rain 'might' be clearing late last night. But we've had steady rain -and fortunately, warm temps. We kept the grands last night -- they were incredibly good. They're still asleep so I've only a few moments. While my daughter fed Riley yesterday afteernoon, we took Taylor to a museum featuring 'Health" and there were lots of opportunities for her to slide, and roll, and shop and play. Fun! We brought both girls to our motel last night for some arts and crafts and a sleep over. Riley ate on schedule, awakening only once at 2:45 am for a bottle ... I am so pleased at how well they've both done.
We head home later this morning ...hope your Sunday is terrific!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Redbuds
This is the view we saw while driving to and from work, to the mountains, and this will greet us again when we get home. The redbuds are brightening our woodlands with their pink/magenta...beautiful time!
Oh how Riley has grown!! We met the 'girls' at their hotel and all went to dinner. Today, we spent the day and evening with them in our motel while we give my daughter and her husband the first 'free' night they've had since January. They have a special dinner to go to as well ... Since Riley eats every 3 hours and Taylor is a bundle of 3 year old energy, there won't be much sleep in our immediate future ... but my camera is ready, and we'll have a fun time bonding and playing.
It's warm outdoors, but still rainy. Spring has come to the mountains .. and despite the grey -- those pinks and chartruses are brightening the world!
Oh how Riley has grown!! We met the 'girls' at their hotel and all went to dinner. Today, we spent the day and evening with them in our motel while we give my daughter and her husband the first 'free' night they've had since January. They have a special dinner to go to as well ... Since Riley eats every 3 hours and Taylor is a bundle of 3 year old energy, there won't be much sleep in our immediate future ... but my camera is ready, and we'll have a fun time bonding and playing.
It's warm outdoors, but still rainy. Spring has come to the mountains .. and despite the grey -- those pinks and chartruses are brightening the world!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Spring Again
We're heading to the mountains to see my daughter and son-in-law who are participating in a special National Guard event there. We'll be watching the grands for the weekend --- I haven't see my newest granddaughter since January, so I'm sure she's changed a lot.
I probably won't have a lot of time to check mail, so I hope to catch up with everyone Sunday night.
It's raining still and while I was hoping to see scenes like this in the mountains, I expect it'll be far more grey!
Stay well everyone--and have a great weekend!
I probably won't have a lot of time to check mail, so I hope to catch up with everyone Sunday night.
It's raining still and while I was hoping to see scenes like this in the mountains, I expect it'll be far more grey!
Stay well everyone--and have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Old Wooden Bucket
Daily Practice
Working a bit on drawing skills (still need a lot of practice there!) and textures .....
We're blanketed with rain and fog this morning and it's going to remain with us until Sunday. We've gotten most of the outdoor work completed so from now until then we'll be working in the greenhouse to ready for the plant sale. Temps are warm, but everything is sodden.
Take care of yourselves ....
Working a bit on drawing skills (still need a lot of practice there!) and textures .....
We're blanketed with rain and fog this morning and it's going to remain with us until Sunday. We've gotten most of the outdoor work completed so from now until then we'll be working in the greenhouse to ready for the plant sale. Temps are warm, but everything is sodden.
Take care of yourselves ....
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Quick Practice of What's in Front of Me
Daily Practice
I got home last night after 9 pm and an intense day. I didn't have time for any painting, but did manage to sketch a bit before turning off the light at 10. This simple watercolor was done a few weeks ago when I got to the B&B a bit earlier -- but still didn't have enough time for anything more elaborate.
Thank you again for your well wishes. I'm feeling much better -- and have to put a plug in for a product that seems to have helped me turn the corner -- Airborne (no paid sponsorship, I assure you! LOL). Somehow that herbal remedy has take the 'hack' out of the cough, the 'stuff' out of the stuffiness, and put the 'well' into wellbeing. I'm sure resting, lots of fluids, cough syrup and decongestants have contributed as well - but this stuff worked well for me and so I thought I'd pass that along.
We're making a dent in the preparations for our big event next week - the 'Prelude' to the next phase of the Arboretum. We'll be creating a 'southern' garden and the lecture I've written explains the heritage of these gardens and the cultures that have contributed to making them distinct. It'll be a mighty busy time, because immediately after that event, we'll be interviewing for two positions we urgently need to fill. Once all those obligations are met, we have a brief respite (24 hours, I think! LOL) before we ready for our largest fundraiser -- our plant sale. So, I'm stocking up on Airborne... lol
Stay well!
I got home last night after 9 pm and an intense day. I didn't have time for any painting, but did manage to sketch a bit before turning off the light at 10. This simple watercolor was done a few weeks ago when I got to the B&B a bit earlier -- but still didn't have enough time for anything more elaborate.
Thank you again for your well wishes. I'm feeling much better -- and have to put a plug in for a product that seems to have helped me turn the corner -- Airborne (no paid sponsorship, I assure you! LOL). Somehow that herbal remedy has take the 'hack' out of the cough, the 'stuff' out of the stuffiness, and put the 'well' into wellbeing. I'm sure resting, lots of fluids, cough syrup and decongestants have contributed as well - but this stuff worked well for me and so I thought I'd pass that along.
We're making a dent in the preparations for our big event next week - the 'Prelude' to the next phase of the Arboretum. We'll be creating a 'southern' garden and the lecture I've written explains the heritage of these gardens and the cultures that have contributed to making them distinct. It'll be a mighty busy time, because immediately after that event, we'll be interviewing for two positions we urgently need to fill. Once all those obligations are met, we have a brief respite (24 hours, I think! LOL) before we ready for our largest fundraiser -- our plant sale. So, I'm stocking up on Airborne... lol
Stay well!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Farmstead
Daily Practice
Thank you for your well wishes ... I got some much needed sleep last night, and the coughing is down to management proportions .. thank you!!
I had a hard time finding something to paint last night -- finally resorted to choosing one of the old photo references I carry in my travel kit for just such times so I could get my 'practice' in .... Though I don't think this is an image from North Carolina, it could have easily been. These rural barns and views are what I love about where I live.
Temps have fallen again and we're supposed to have four or five days of steady rain ... Good for the soil and plants .. but mercy.....I'm going to enjoy the sunshine while I can!
Thank you for your well wishes ... I got some much needed sleep last night, and the coughing is down to management proportions .. thank you!!
I had a hard time finding something to paint last night -- finally resorted to choosing one of the old photo references I carry in my travel kit for just such times so I could get my 'practice' in .... Though I don't think this is an image from North Carolina, it could have easily been. These rural barns and views are what I love about where I live.
Temps have fallen again and we're supposed to have four or five days of steady rain ... Good for the soil and plants .. but mercy.....I'm going to enjoy the sunshine while I can!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Our Blooming Peach Tree
Plein Air
Our Peach Tree - young and already looking gnarly... We found an old, dried up peach from last year still clinging to one branch ..
The weather yesterday was too beautiful to stay indoors -- warm, sunshiney -- so I just HAD to sit in the spring weather for just a bit of time.
Despite the dips we've had in temperature, our forsythia continues to bloom, as does our peach trees, flowering quince, and even our saucer magnolia. The red/green leaves of the crab apple are emerging, and there's new growth in the ornamental grasses and perennials herbs. In our walk around the neighborhood yesterday, we saw daffodils in the middle of now-woodlands - evidence of former dwellings and how the land and its use has changed over time.
I'm still coughing and congested -- seems there's a lot of that going around ... stay well! And have a great Monday
Our Peach Tree - young and already looking gnarly... We found an old, dried up peach from last year still clinging to one branch ..
The weather yesterday was too beautiful to stay indoors -- warm, sunshiney -- so I just HAD to sit in the spring weather for just a bit of time.
Despite the dips we've had in temperature, our forsythia continues to bloom, as does our peach trees, flowering quince, and even our saucer magnolia. The red/green leaves of the crab apple are emerging, and there's new growth in the ornamental grasses and perennials herbs. In our walk around the neighborhood yesterday, we saw daffodils in the middle of now-woodlands - evidence of former dwellings and how the land and its use has changed over time.
I'm still coughing and congested -- seems there's a lot of that going around ... stay well! And have a great Monday
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Tuscan Hill - loosely speaking
Daily Practice
I continue to practice various techniques seeing how some of them might help me through some challenges I continue to have with watercolors.
This scene, painted a while back, is one of my favorites of Tuscany. What I like most about it is the size of the building against the landscape -- and the huge sky. I wanted to practice blending more colors on the paper ... and so attempted another, looser rendition of this scene. I"m hoping to see more of this type of view when overseas ... those urban scenes challenge me a bit too much! LOL
The weather has been cool, though the sun has been brilliant. The grands left me with a bit of their 'colds' .. so though the sun tempts me out of doors, the colder temperatures are a bit too much for plein air work right now. It's supposed to be a bit warmer today ..so if I can get this cough under control, I may venture out for a short amount of time ..
Hope your Sunday is warm and wonderful!
I continue to practice various techniques seeing how some of them might help me through some challenges I continue to have with watercolors.
This scene, painted a while back, is one of my favorites of Tuscany. What I like most about it is the size of the building against the landscape -- and the huge sky. I wanted to practice blending more colors on the paper ... and so attempted another, looser rendition of this scene. I"m hoping to see more of this type of view when overseas ... those urban scenes challenge me a bit too much! LOL
The weather has been cool, though the sun has been brilliant. The grands left me with a bit of their 'colds' .. so though the sun tempts me out of doors, the colder temperatures are a bit too much for plein air work right now. It's supposed to be a bit warmer today ..so if I can get this cough under control, I may venture out for a short amount of time ..
Hope your Sunday is warm and wonderful!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Harbour Challenge
Another challenge from Bill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorus_maver/3353742355/) and this one completely out of my arena. Even though I lived in Charleston, SC for 25 years and grew up on the water, I was raised to be mighty wary of boats and the ocean -- and so I've been an advocate of 'terra firma' all my life ... Familiarity with harbors, boats, masts and the like is pretty foreign to me. The photo presented additional challenges ... composition especially, as well as elements of water, depth, architecture ... pretty complex. I have to be honest and say that I truly devoted a good amount of time just thinking about this image and how I could best portray it in my own terms.
I simplified the scene immensely ...had my dear husband help me with the perspective (still a challenge), and used quite a bit of artistic license to move boats around. I wanted some verticality so I added a sailboat from another image. I also wanted to focus just a bit more on that blue boat with the red stripe. I loved the yellow house so I wanted a bit more of that and the red building. I remembered some 'posts' from the Charleston harbor and so added those to an area of the painting that I thought needed something else. Lastly, I added a bit of humor since the white boat looked so 'naked.'
This was done on Arches #140cp, 9" x 12" -- a bit small for the scene I think .. but with the challenges I had -- large enough! LOL
I had a bit of trouble with the water, so if I'm going to be visiting Venice in May, I'd better spend some time practicing both boats AND water !!! LOL Truly this was a really good practice for that trip .... so THANk YOU once again, Bill ... for the stretch!
I simplified the scene immensely ...had my dear husband help me with the perspective (still a challenge), and used quite a bit of artistic license to move boats around. I wanted some verticality so I added a sailboat from another image. I also wanted to focus just a bit more on that blue boat with the red stripe. I loved the yellow house so I wanted a bit more of that and the red building. I remembered some 'posts' from the Charleston harbor and so added those to an area of the painting that I thought needed something else. Lastly, I added a bit of humor since the white boat looked so 'naked.'
This was done on Arches #140cp, 9" x 12" -- a bit small for the scene I think .. but with the challenges I had -- large enough! LOL
I had a bit of trouble with the water, so if I'm going to be visiting Venice in May, I'd better spend some time practicing both boats AND water !!! LOL Truly this was a really good practice for that trip .... so THANk YOU once again, Bill ... for the stretch!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Smithfield Plein Air - #1
Our first Johnston County Arts Council Plein Air went extraordinarily well! Thank you all for your well wishes!
The day couldn't have been more delightful -- a cool morning, sun warming us to the mid 70s ... sunshine, a glorious beaver pond, outbuildings, chickens, French hens, gardens, a beautiful home, vignettes both in front and behind the dwelling, wonderful and eager folks, and the deliciousness of time spent in the early spring outdoors! A gift indeed.
Sixteen artists arrived with sketchpads, oils and watercolors, and each found their 'niche' to memorialize. Some were first-timers, and were surprised at how much they enjoyed the experience. Four or five of those who had registered called to say their plans had changed, but they would make the next event.
Some friends from my 'home' plein air group came -- some as far as 2 1/2 hours away ... gifts upon gifts!
I knew that I'd be busy with coordinating the event, so my attempt to paint was limited to my 7" x 10" sketchbook ... and a good deal of artistic license. I did a LOT of clear-cutting to include only these few trees between my spot on the porch and the beaver pond -- and the forsythia and quince came from another part of the property -- but I suppose that is what painting is all about -- making the scene our own.
It was a most enjoyable day with many ideas for expanding our little group.
We meet next month during the Arboretum's plant sale .. and as coordinator of that event (helping customers, supervising students, helping other exhibitors), I sincerely doubt I'll do much more than have a moment to take photos ... but to see these incredible artists enjoying another gathering -- sheer poetry.
We've weather changes again -- rain and cold today, making yesterday even more special.
Enjoy the day!
The day couldn't have been more delightful -- a cool morning, sun warming us to the mid 70s ... sunshine, a glorious beaver pond, outbuildings, chickens, French hens, gardens, a beautiful home, vignettes both in front and behind the dwelling, wonderful and eager folks, and the deliciousness of time spent in the early spring outdoors! A gift indeed.
Sixteen artists arrived with sketchpads, oils and watercolors, and each found their 'niche' to memorialize. Some were first-timers, and were surprised at how much they enjoyed the experience. Four or five of those who had registered called to say their plans had changed, but they would make the next event.
Some friends from my 'home' plein air group came -- some as far as 2 1/2 hours away ... gifts upon gifts!
I knew that I'd be busy with coordinating the event, so my attempt to paint was limited to my 7" x 10" sketchbook ... and a good deal of artistic license. I did a LOT of clear-cutting to include only these few trees between my spot on the porch and the beaver pond -- and the forsythia and quince came from another part of the property -- but I suppose that is what painting is all about -- making the scene our own.
It was a most enjoyable day with many ideas for expanding our little group.
We meet next month during the Arboretum's plant sale .. and as coordinator of that event (helping customers, supervising students, helping other exhibitors), I sincerely doubt I'll do much more than have a moment to take photos ... but to see these incredible artists enjoying another gathering -- sheer poetry.
We've weather changes again -- rain and cold today, making yesterday even more special.
Enjoy the day!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Flowing Almond - a Gift from Rebecca
After a far-too long day, I returned to the B&B to find this tender gift from Rebecca -- a beautiful vase of just-opening flowering almond blossoms! I arrived too late in the evening to see the shrub in bloom, but these delightful pink flowers certainly cheered me! And so, of course, I had to paint them! Such a sweet surprise!
We're off today to meet area artists, and I hope to find a moment to paint. Fingers crossed ...!
Have a great day! It's supposed to be sunny and warm -- another gift ...!
We're off today to meet area artists, and I hope to find a moment to paint. Fingers crossed ...!
Have a great day! It's supposed to be sunny and warm -- another gift ...!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Fog
Daily Practice
Driving in to work on Mondy as well as this morning, the change from rain and cold to the predicted warm up and sunshine created a mighty dense fog. I decided to use these experiences and practice 'foggyness' again....
We're due for some sun, and I know there's a lot of us anxiously awaiting its return. We've standing water in the woodlands and around the school, and the dampness sure produces its share of joint aches ...
I'm coordinating our local Arts Council's first plein air paint-out tomorrow, so after a few minutes at the office, I'll be out all day. We're hoping the sun and warmer temps work with us as we gather local artists to paint together for the first time.
Meanwhile, it's a meeting-filled day ..
Hope the sun is shining where you are!
Driving in to work on Mondy as well as this morning, the change from rain and cold to the predicted warm up and sunshine created a mighty dense fog. I decided to use these experiences and practice 'foggyness' again....
We're due for some sun, and I know there's a lot of us anxiously awaiting its return. We've standing water in the woodlands and around the school, and the dampness sure produces its share of joint aches ...
I'm coordinating our local Arts Council's first plein air paint-out tomorrow, so after a few minutes at the office, I'll be out all day. We're hoping the sun and warmer temps work with us as we gather local artists to paint together for the first time.
Meanwhile, it's a meeting-filled day ..
Hope the sun is shining where you are!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
May the luck of the Irish be with you today!
In the greening of the landscape as in the celebration of today's holiday, I hope everyone's day is filled with the brightness of new growth and the colors of spring!
We're supposed to get sunshine today - and that will certainly brighten our landscape! Meantime, it's watching the unfolding of spring through the haze of rain and fog ... but the bright green spears of daffodils and tulips make our gardens a bit more 'Irish' today ....
Erin go Bragh!
In the greening of the landscape as in the celebration of today's holiday, I hope everyone's day is filled with the brightness of new growth and the colors of spring!
We're supposed to get sunshine today - and that will certainly brighten our landscape! Meantime, it's watching the unfolding of spring through the haze of rain and fog ... but the bright green spears of daffodils and tulips make our gardens a bit more 'Irish' today ....
Erin go Bragh!
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