Daily Practice
Journal
The last day of 2009 --- sunset on a challenging and most difficult year for so many people - our family included. I'd like to think of the year as a river - wonderful areas of growth and joy, areas of turbulence and challenge, and yet on the last day, bid it a beautiful sunset as we sail forth toward 2010.
This painting was done from a photograph by Aquagloria (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aquagloriacouture/) a member of a new group ASPR (Artists Sharing Photo References http://www.flickr.com/groups/aspr/). This group shares various photos for other artists to use in their artwork .... thank you, Aquagloria --- and thank you, Janis, for starting the group. I thought the image fitting for the last day of the year.
May today be a day of reflection - of looking back as well as looking forward. I LOVE the last day tradition I read so long ago in my anthropology studies of how some cultures would thoroughly clean their homes and each member of the community place a coal from their fires into one large commual fire.....On New Year's Day, coals from THAT fire would be shared with one another to begin the new year - each member participating in the ending -- and the beginning -- of the new year.
In my mind, each of you have contributed your 'coal' to the communal fire called FLICKR (mercy, now THAT's fitting! LOL) --and each of us have grown and benefitted by this sharing. I sincerely thank YOU for that ... and so let us continue through 2010 to contribute our 'coals,' take from the fire, and continue to keep the communal AND home fires burning.
Goodbye 2009 -- Welcome 2010 -- May it be a joyous, prosperous, creative, love- and peace-filled year for all of us ...!
We're keeping warm, indeed! Thank you for keeping our -- and my -- 'fires' burning!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Old Tree
Daily Practice
Journal
We've enjoyed the bright sunshine this week, but its warmth has not been able to penetrate the mighty cold that covers us in morning and evening ice crystals. The kitties huddle in their basket overnight, warmed a bit by two heat lamps that send a glow across the porch through the deepest part of the night. Though we know the days are growing shorter, somehow the darkness seems LONGER before the sun rises again.
This old craggy tree sits on my neighbors' property about 500 feet from the road. Its age shows in the twists and turns of the branches and must have been on the property when it was first farmed. When I drive home from town, I pass it, as it stands out among the tawny, cold grasses, spurring memories of a way of life now passed.
I went to see the grands yesterday, and caught up with their photo albums for this year. It took hours to choose photos for each grandchild, fix the contrast, resize, and then print them all. Then place them in individual albums and write a bit about their story. It's a project of love that I couldn't get to at all this year .. so catching up on FOUR albums was a milestone -- yahoo! Now, back to the bookcases!
The year is winding down and each evening the news channels cover highlights of the last year as well as this decade. As I watch each momentus aspect, I think of the changes we've seen and the passing of time. These last days of 2009 make me remember, put on another pot for hot tea, and offer thanksgiving for all our blessings ...
It's supposed to grow even colder later this week .. stay warm and safe....
Journal
We've enjoyed the bright sunshine this week, but its warmth has not been able to penetrate the mighty cold that covers us in morning and evening ice crystals. The kitties huddle in their basket overnight, warmed a bit by two heat lamps that send a glow across the porch through the deepest part of the night. Though we know the days are growing shorter, somehow the darkness seems LONGER before the sun rises again.
This old craggy tree sits on my neighbors' property about 500 feet from the road. Its age shows in the twists and turns of the branches and must have been on the property when it was first farmed. When I drive home from town, I pass it, as it stands out among the tawny, cold grasses, spurring memories of a way of life now passed.
I went to see the grands yesterday, and caught up with their photo albums for this year. It took hours to choose photos for each grandchild, fix the contrast, resize, and then print them all. Then place them in individual albums and write a bit about their story. It's a project of love that I couldn't get to at all this year .. so catching up on FOUR albums was a milestone -- yahoo! Now, back to the bookcases!
The year is winding down and each evening the news channels cover highlights of the last year as well as this decade. As I watch each momentus aspect, I think of the changes we've seen and the passing of time. These last days of 2009 make me remember, put on another pot for hot tea, and offer thanksgiving for all our blessings ...
It's supposed to grow even colder later this week .. stay warm and safe....
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Caramel Woodlands
Daily Practice
Journal
My computer desk sits across the window with a view of my back woodlands. The sun rises to the far left of this view and as it makes its way across the sky, it beams its rays right into the window as it climbs over the treeline. In the evening, about an hour before it sets, the sun's rays shine through the woods highlighting bits of the tree boles - turning the entire scene into a pot of caramel and butter. What a golden, buttery glow!
I took several photos of this through my window ... the light changing with every second ... and that glow lasting mere minutes. It was a challenge to capture it in paint too .. but fun! It's amazing to me to watch the play of light across a particular location - morning through evening, season through season. The beech leaves are still holding as well as some of the burnt sienna oak leaves throughout these acres.
It's also been a sublime joy to have that elusive TIME to rest, to do those chores it's hard to find time to do ... and most of all ... to paint .. especially more complex scenes like this.
Today it's errand running and more organizing. Yep, it sure feels like I'm moving things from one corner of my house to the other with little 'change.' Oh well, I suppose the exercise is good after the holidays! LOL
Have a great one!
Journal
My computer desk sits across the window with a view of my back woodlands. The sun rises to the far left of this view and as it makes its way across the sky, it beams its rays right into the window as it climbs over the treeline. In the evening, about an hour before it sets, the sun's rays shine through the woods highlighting bits of the tree boles - turning the entire scene into a pot of caramel and butter. What a golden, buttery glow!
I took several photos of this through my window ... the light changing with every second ... and that glow lasting mere minutes. It was a challenge to capture it in paint too .. but fun! It's amazing to me to watch the play of light across a particular location - morning through evening, season through season. The beech leaves are still holding as well as some of the burnt sienna oak leaves throughout these acres.
It's also been a sublime joy to have that elusive TIME to rest, to do those chores it's hard to find time to do ... and most of all ... to paint .. especially more complex scenes like this.
Today it's errand running and more organizing. Yep, it sure feels like I'm moving things from one corner of my house to the other with little 'change.' Oh well, I suppose the exercise is good after the holidays! LOL
Have a great one!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunrise on the Islands
Daily Practice
Journal
20 Min.
Last year, Wetcanvas offered a class on Easy Wash Techniques (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=475094) and with a bit of time this holiday, I thought I'd finally play with some of the ideas presented.
The paper is wet thoroughly, and rich, deep pigment is added horizontally on the paper. The paper is then moved so that the paint flows -- and then left to 'do its thing' and dry. After drying, you are encouraged to use the 'background' in some way related to the results you achieved. This was one of my results. I added the rocks on the left and right, and in the creation of the rocks on the right, it looked like tiny hotels .. reminding me of Italy or Greece. I added the reflections and left it as it was .... a bit abstract, a bit like the islands off Italy and Greece ... a bit sky and that wonderful terra cotta color.
The exercise was fun and encouraged 'going with the flow' ....
Give it a try ...!
Journal
20 Min.
Last year, Wetcanvas offered a class on Easy Wash Techniques (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=475094) and with a bit of time this holiday, I thought I'd finally play with some of the ideas presented.
The paper is wet thoroughly, and rich, deep pigment is added horizontally on the paper. The paper is then moved so that the paint flows -- and then left to 'do its thing' and dry. After drying, you are encouraged to use the 'background' in some way related to the results you achieved. This was one of my results. I added the rocks on the left and right, and in the creation of the rocks on the right, it looked like tiny hotels .. reminding me of Italy or Greece. I added the reflections and left it as it was .... a bit abstract, a bit like the islands off Italy and Greece ... a bit sky and that wonderful terra cotta color.
The exercise was fun and encouraged 'going with the flow' ....
Give it a try ...!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Northern Lights
Daily Practice
Journal
I've never had the pleasure to see the Northern Lights, but photos of them intrigue me ....
We're not long past the story of the Star of Bethlehem, so I thought the Northern Lights, with the challenge of darks and contrasts, wet in wet and flecks of white for stars would be a good challenge. It was!
I posted a cropped version, which I think is a bit more dramatic ....but am uncertain which I prefer.
The sun didn't show itself much yesterday, but it warmed up sufficiently to plant five chestnut trees. I hope we're still around by the time those wee things bear fruit!
Journal
I've never had the pleasure to see the Northern Lights, but photos of them intrigue me ....
We're not long past the story of the Star of Bethlehem, so I thought the Northern Lights, with the challenge of darks and contrasts, wet in wet and flecks of white for stars would be a good challenge. It was!
I posted a cropped version, which I think is a bit more dramatic ....but am uncertain which I prefer.
The sun didn't show itself much yesterday, but it warmed up sufficiently to plant five chestnut trees. I hope we're still around by the time those wee things bear fruit!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Rain for Christmas
Daily Practice
Journal
Though the day outside was bleak with rain, grey skies, rain, cold, RAIN, RAIN and even more rain, indoors was cozy, warm and restive. We were fortunate to not have to travel, and so Christmas day was celebrated with the peacefulness of being 'tucked inside' without any urgent obligations to pull us from the house. The kitties stayed on the porch out of the wet, telephone calls were exchanged, and the quietness of the day was truly appreciated.
We awoke this morning to more rain and more grey skies ... we heard a bit of thunder yesterday which typically predicts a snowstorm in about 10 days -- we'll see. The same thing happened prior to our snow last week ...
Today we do have a few things to get accomplished, so we'll have to don the boots and umbrellas and brave the weather. I sincerely hope those in the midlands and New Englad got through the blizzards safely.
Have a great day, everyone!
Journal
Though the day outside was bleak with rain, grey skies, rain, cold, RAIN, RAIN and even more rain, indoors was cozy, warm and restive. We were fortunate to not have to travel, and so Christmas day was celebrated with the peacefulness of being 'tucked inside' without any urgent obligations to pull us from the house. The kitties stayed on the porch out of the wet, telephone calls were exchanged, and the quietness of the day was truly appreciated.
We awoke this morning to more rain and more grey skies ... we heard a bit of thunder yesterday which typically predicts a snowstorm in about 10 days -- we'll see. The same thing happened prior to our snow last week ...
Today we do have a few things to get accomplished, so we'll have to don the boots and umbrellas and brave the weather. I sincerely hope those in the midlands and New Englad got through the blizzards safely.
Have a great day, everyone!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Winter Hayfields - MERRY CHRISTMAS
From our home to yours -- may this Christmas be filled with all the peace, love and joy one's heart can hold. May those traveling be safe in their journeys. May those seeking employment find a job they love. May those who are lonely, cold, frightened or sad find the solace and warmth and safety they seek. And may those of us who are fortunate to have all we need ... find a way to share with those who may not.
While the child-focused celebration of Christmas Eve is almost behind us, today we settle into the tranquility and serenity of the holiday. The house is quiet, the rain patters the roof, the cats are fed, and the 'new' cat who has been begging for food and company, has finally been accepted by those cats who 'think' they live here. Like the couple long along ago who found shelter in a stable, our own mini drama has played out similarly ... and the new grey cat has found refuge, warmth and food.
May this Christmas be a safe, warm and joyous one for you and yours. And may your hearts and homes be open to those, on two legs or more, who may seek a part of the love that glows within .....
Merry, Merry Christmas!
While the child-focused celebration of Christmas Eve is almost behind us, today we settle into the tranquility and serenity of the holiday. The house is quiet, the rain patters the roof, the cats are fed, and the 'new' cat who has been begging for food and company, has finally been accepted by those cats who 'think' they live here. Like the couple long along ago who found shelter in a stable, our own mini drama has played out similarly ... and the new grey cat has found refuge, warmth and food.
May this Christmas be a safe, warm and joyous one for you and yours. And may your hearts and homes be open to those, on two legs or more, who may seek a part of the love that glows within .....
Merry, Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Poinsettia - MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Christmas Eve - in our family, today - or rather tonight - is the time we celebrate this most holy and wondrous of holidays. The cooking is basically done, the gifts are wrapped and awaiting anxious fingers, the camera has new batteries, and even the table is set with fresh linens and polished forks.
I wish you - my Flickr family and cherished friends, a most joyous and wonderous Merry Christmas! May the peace of the season fill your hearts and joy abound!
I thank you, as always, for your encouragment and support - for sharing this awesome journey we call life - through words, through art - through your kindness. May you know how much your friendship is a blessing for those with whom you spend time, thoughts, friendship and love.
Be safe on your travels, be warm wherever you go, and know you are appreciated and loved.
Merry, Merry Christmas!
I wish you - my Flickr family and cherished friends, a most joyous and wonderous Merry Christmas! May the peace of the season fill your hearts and joy abound!
I thank you, as always, for your encouragment and support - for sharing this awesome journey we call life - through words, through art - through your kindness. May you know how much your friendship is a blessing for those with whom you spend time, thoughts, friendship and love.
Be safe on your travels, be warm wherever you go, and know you are appreciated and loved.
Merry, Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Snow Glow
Daily Practice
Journal
Ever notice a pink glow to an evening ... and wherever you look - trees, fence, weeds, sky, snow --- there's a crimson cast over it all .... This painting is to honor that pink state ... the rosyness of the sunset lingering in the blush of nightfall ...
We had a wonderful time ... my son and I ... a good lunch, a quiet time of shared talk and lives suspected from obligations to simple 'be' in the company of someone we love. It's been a rough year for this young man and so spending a bit of quiet time to simply relax was an absolute gift.
I got home in time to fry some of our traditional 'snowflakes' (rosettes), and today I bake our family's version of cheesecake. A few more packages to wrap and we'll be ready for our celebration tomorrow.
It's been a quiet kind of getting ready for the season this year ... and I'm eternally grateful for that. Frenzy seems to be the password for life lately, and this slowing down for a while has been a blessing.
Stay warm ... and may your last days of preparation be slow enough to savor.
Journal
Ever notice a pink glow to an evening ... and wherever you look - trees, fence, weeds, sky, snow --- there's a crimson cast over it all .... This painting is to honor that pink state ... the rosyness of the sunset lingering in the blush of nightfall ...
We had a wonderful time ... my son and I ... a good lunch, a quiet time of shared talk and lives suspected from obligations to simple 'be' in the company of someone we love. It's been a rough year for this young man and so spending a bit of quiet time to simply relax was an absolute gift.
I got home in time to fry some of our traditional 'snowflakes' (rosettes), and today I bake our family's version of cheesecake. A few more packages to wrap and we'll be ready for our celebration tomorrow.
It's been a quiet kind of getting ready for the season this year ... and I'm eternally grateful for that. Frenzy seems to be the password for life lately, and this slowing down for a while has been a blessing.
Stay warm ... and may your last days of preparation be slow enough to savor.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Snow's Corner
Daily Practice
Journal
Snow -- I'm afraid it's not hard to see how much I'm enjoying this wee snowfall! LOL Somehow it puts me in the mood for the holidays, fires my inspiration and apparently I enjoy painting it! LOL So I have to apologize for the same subject day after day ....! LOL It's almost gone from my property, though. Still it lingers as ice on my front steps, under the trees, over some tractor implements. As temps reach mid 40sF today, I'm afraid more snow will be gone, until by Christmas, it will all turn into the wet, rain event we're promised. Sigh.
My son and I have a date today - after my check-up, we'll have a leisurely lunch and do a bit of last minute holiday shopping. Our one- on-one lunches are as prized and infrequent these days as the snow. Work, children, obligations keep us from doing this more often -- but not today!
I can't think of a more wonderful and cherished gift than knowing our children as adults - when we change our predominent role as their 'parents' and become more of their 'friend' -- adult to adult. Talking, laughing, remembering ... that sense of a shared history ... all rolled into time spent together ... a blessing, a grace. It's been years since my daughter, 300 miles away, and I could do the same ... but perhaps next year ... we'll find a day when we can postpone obligations long enough to suspend ourselves in a few magic moments....
May you be safe today ... and may you too create a few minutes of grace with one you love ....
Journal
Snow -- I'm afraid it's not hard to see how much I'm enjoying this wee snowfall! LOL Somehow it puts me in the mood for the holidays, fires my inspiration and apparently I enjoy painting it! LOL So I have to apologize for the same subject day after day ....! LOL It's almost gone from my property, though. Still it lingers as ice on my front steps, under the trees, over some tractor implements. As temps reach mid 40sF today, I'm afraid more snow will be gone, until by Christmas, it will all turn into the wet, rain event we're promised. Sigh.
My son and I have a date today - after my check-up, we'll have a leisurely lunch and do a bit of last minute holiday shopping. Our one- on-one lunches are as prized and infrequent these days as the snow. Work, children, obligations keep us from doing this more often -- but not today!
I can't think of a more wonderful and cherished gift than knowing our children as adults - when we change our predominent role as their 'parents' and become more of their 'friend' -- adult to adult. Talking, laughing, remembering ... that sense of a shared history ... all rolled into time spent together ... a blessing, a grace. It's been years since my daughter, 300 miles away, and I could do the same ... but perhaps next year ... we'll find a day when we can postpone obligations long enough to suspend ourselves in a few magic moments....
May you be safe today ... and may you too create a few minutes of grace with one you love ....
Monday, December 21, 2009
A Light for the Solstice
Daily Practice
Journal
Today marks the Winter Solstice - the longest night of the year. It's only fitting that we as humans light a candle against the intense darkness that will seem to last forever. The snow still blankets the ground here, and the intense cold gives the remaining snowpiles a distinctive CRUNCH. The temps will rise as the solstice ends, and minute by minute daylight will lengthen as we move toward the spring.
It will be a week of holiday preparations as I begin the holiday cooking this morning. A few traditional dishes, our annual cheesecake, last minute errands, and a few more shelves tidied and organized (this chore will last throughout spring too I'm afraid! LOL). Our celebrations will be modified this year - the reality of the recession, family distances and circumstances being what they are. And yet, the solemnity and joy of the occasion remain.
It's Christmas ....a holy time.
Journal
Today marks the Winter Solstice - the longest night of the year. It's only fitting that we as humans light a candle against the intense darkness that will seem to last forever. The snow still blankets the ground here, and the intense cold gives the remaining snowpiles a distinctive CRUNCH. The temps will rise as the solstice ends, and minute by minute daylight will lengthen as we move toward the spring.
It will be a week of holiday preparations as I begin the holiday cooking this morning. A few traditional dishes, our annual cheesecake, last minute errands, and a few more shelves tidied and organized (this chore will last throughout spring too I'm afraid! LOL). Our celebrations will be modified this year - the reality of the recession, family distances and circumstances being what they are. And yet, the solemnity and joy of the occasion remain.
It's Christmas ....a holy time.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Snow's Hush
Daily Practice
Journal
I love the sound snow makes when it is falling .... the quietness, the hush of this soft blanket transforms the world it touches. The light alters, the ground softens, and the trees and shrubs, cars and fixtures all take on a mysterious shape.
This is a portion of of my woodlands during the early evening of our snowfall. My feet barely made a sound as they broke through the layers of flakes to catch this sight. The beech still clings to its leaves while the oaks and maples, tulip poplars and gum are bare. The rest of the woodlands form a haze in the background, and the beech seems to take center stage in the evening's fading light.
We had a bit more flurries yesterday and our four inches seem meager compared to the storm that pelted the northeast. Still, in my little corner of the world, this winter white is a bit of heaven ...
Stay safe and warm.
Journal
I love the sound snow makes when it is falling .... the quietness, the hush of this soft blanket transforms the world it touches. The light alters, the ground softens, and the trees and shrubs, cars and fixtures all take on a mysterious shape.
This is a portion of of my woodlands during the early evening of our snowfall. My feet barely made a sound as they broke through the layers of flakes to catch this sight. The beech still clings to its leaves while the oaks and maples, tulip poplars and gum are bare. The rest of the woodlands form a haze in the background, and the beech seems to take center stage in the evening's fading light.
We had a bit more flurries yesterday and our four inches seem meager compared to the storm that pelted the northeast. Still, in my little corner of the world, this winter white is a bit of heaven ...
Stay safe and warm.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Morning Snow
Daily Practice
Journal
There's a hush that falls along with the snow ... a soft blanketing of the sounds that we often take for granted in our busy days, but which snow seems to muffle into a silence I've rarely 'heard' any other time.
I sat awaiting our 'snow event' ... this painting done more from anticipation than from my window....
But she came ... snow from the south is a different snow most often than when our snow arrives from the north. Big flakes, feather soft - but cold, dropping slowly at first, and then engulfing us in a winter white. The scene outside my door was magical. Snow in our part of North Carolina is infrequent .. so its anticipation is eager for most of us .. but schools and businesses closed early since we deal with snow or ice poorly. But oh, to be home and warm and cozied inside with snow on the ground -- it's a blessed event!
I did manage to get one room organized. I had to laugh at Dee's comment yesterday. She said organizing was like losing the last five pounds ... you just keep doing it over and over! LOL So right -- DEE!! I thought about that all afternoon as I moved things from one spot to another, one box to a different one ... sigh ... endless ... like chasing dust. Still, the tops of my workspaces are clean enough to find my paint brushes!
It's sleeting this morning ... the sound of mini ice specks hitting the skylights isn't as nice as listening to the snow's silence and the ice on the steps and drive will need care to maneuver around .. and yet, that winter whiteness is still on the trees and ground, and I'm loving it!
Journal
There's a hush that falls along with the snow ... a soft blanketing of the sounds that we often take for granted in our busy days, but which snow seems to muffle into a silence I've rarely 'heard' any other time.
I sat awaiting our 'snow event' ... this painting done more from anticipation than from my window....
But she came ... snow from the south is a different snow most often than when our snow arrives from the north. Big flakes, feather soft - but cold, dropping slowly at first, and then engulfing us in a winter white. The scene outside my door was magical. Snow in our part of North Carolina is infrequent .. so its anticipation is eager for most of us .. but schools and businesses closed early since we deal with snow or ice poorly. But oh, to be home and warm and cozied inside with snow on the ground -- it's a blessed event!
I did manage to get one room organized. I had to laugh at Dee's comment yesterday. She said organizing was like losing the last five pounds ... you just keep doing it over and over! LOL So right -- DEE!! I thought about that all afternoon as I moved things from one spot to another, one box to a different one ... sigh ... endless ... like chasing dust. Still, the tops of my workspaces are clean enough to find my paint brushes!
It's sleeting this morning ... the sound of mini ice specks hitting the skylights isn't as nice as listening to the snow's silence and the ice on the steps and drive will need care to maneuver around .. and yet, that winter whiteness is still on the trees and ground, and I'm loving it!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Sunrise over the Old Barn
Daily Practice
Journal
THE SUN!!! THE SUN! As I sat at my computer the other morning, I was thrilled to see the inky tones of the sky begin to change. Sipping my coffee, I watched the darkness lighten, minute by minute, into streaks of ultramarine, turquoise, red, pink, orange, yellow -- until finally, El Sol made his longed-for appearance over my woodlands. I stood in front of my window in jaw-dropped awe as that brilliant light made the world golden once more. It was a Hallelujah moment!
Short lived, I'm afraid. We're expecting several days of rain with the chance of snow and ice accumulation. OK, if it's going to be grey, LET IT SNOW! LOL
I simply HAD to paint the sunrise, but instead of paining my woodlands yet again, I added the sunrise to one of the old barns C discovered last week. There's been a lot of property clearing in the neighborhood, and this structure was revealed after one such cleaning. I too removed much of undergrowth and fallen trees that surrounded the barn and brought the two events together in this painting.
Plans have changed for my family this weekend, and so I'm thinking it's time to begin my own 'cleaning and organizing.' There's much to find new homes for - books, craft supplies, etc. and even more to straighten out ...I think I'll need some more coffee for fortification!
Stay warm!
Journal
THE SUN!!! THE SUN! As I sat at my computer the other morning, I was thrilled to see the inky tones of the sky begin to change. Sipping my coffee, I watched the darkness lighten, minute by minute, into streaks of ultramarine, turquoise, red, pink, orange, yellow -- until finally, El Sol made his longed-for appearance over my woodlands. I stood in front of my window in jaw-dropped awe as that brilliant light made the world golden once more. It was a Hallelujah moment!
Short lived, I'm afraid. We're expecting several days of rain with the chance of snow and ice accumulation. OK, if it's going to be grey, LET IT SNOW! LOL
I simply HAD to paint the sunrise, but instead of paining my woodlands yet again, I added the sunrise to one of the old barns C discovered last week. There's been a lot of property clearing in the neighborhood, and this structure was revealed after one such cleaning. I too removed much of undergrowth and fallen trees that surrounded the barn and brought the two events together in this painting.
Plans have changed for my family this weekend, and so I'm thinking it's time to begin my own 'cleaning and organizing.' There's much to find new homes for - books, craft supplies, etc. and even more to straighten out ...I think I'll need some more coffee for fortification!
Stay warm!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Soft Roses
Daily Practice
Journal
The sun finally cleared the weeklong grey and rain .... and temps rose to almost 40F! I took advantage of this seemingly rare event and walked outdoors, getting my vitamin D from the sunshine instead of a tablet! I also ran some errands and spent a bit of time among the store's display of roses - pink, yellow, melon, red ... the scent was almost intoxicating!
I came home and pulled out an old 'loose watercolor' lesson from Wet Canvas... and painted these from memory using that 'swirling' approach.
I've been attempting different approaches to flower painting these last weeks - not very successful to be honest - but studying alternative methods to rendering some of their softness and ephemeral qualities that make flowers such an attractive subject. I tend to favor the expressive qualities I see in others' work...and yet, when I pick up a brush, the botanist in me seems to automatically take over and it's a petal-by-petal result. I'm hoping that with sufficient practice in other approaches to flowers that my own work will bear a bit of a change I'm longing for ... at least I'm hoping .... meantime, I'm enjoying the playtime ...
A few more errands and I think we'll be ready for my daughter's visit this weekend. We're celebrating an early Christmas with her family ... then another celebration next week with my son ...Makes me think of the 12 days of Christmas .....
Stay warm! We're expecting a bit of snow tomorrow .... woooo hoooo!
Journal
The sun finally cleared the weeklong grey and rain .... and temps rose to almost 40F! I took advantage of this seemingly rare event and walked outdoors, getting my vitamin D from the sunshine instead of a tablet! I also ran some errands and spent a bit of time among the store's display of roses - pink, yellow, melon, red ... the scent was almost intoxicating!
I came home and pulled out an old 'loose watercolor' lesson from Wet Canvas... and painted these from memory using that 'swirling' approach.
I've been attempting different approaches to flower painting these last weeks - not very successful to be honest - but studying alternative methods to rendering some of their softness and ephemeral qualities that make flowers such an attractive subject. I tend to favor the expressive qualities I see in others' work...and yet, when I pick up a brush, the botanist in me seems to automatically take over and it's a petal-by-petal result. I'm hoping that with sufficient practice in other approaches to flowers that my own work will bear a bit of a change I'm longing for ... at least I'm hoping .... meantime, I'm enjoying the playtime ...
A few more errands and I think we'll be ready for my daughter's visit this weekend. We're celebrating an early Christmas with her family ... then another celebration next week with my son ...Makes me think of the 12 days of Christmas .....
Stay warm! We're expecting a bit of snow tomorrow .... woooo hoooo!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tueday Morning Fog
Daily Practice
Journal
This is my view this week as I step out of my home and into the dense, grey fog. A few trees show bits of sienna-tawny leaf remains, the ornamental grasses, heavy with dew and/or rain, show thick in the scant early light, and my woodlands, those bits that can been seen in the early morning, show bits of green and blue. Monday's fog was so dense that I was tempted to upload a grey sheet of paper ! I could hardly make my way through it enough to see the road!
We're promised a bit of sun today, though colder temperatures. I'm hungering for color and brightness - and since the conference is now over, perhaps I can find a bit of time to visit the flower shop. The college is on 'optional' work days this week, holiday time next, and additional 'optional' time before New Year's. I've opted to take the time and catch up on some house organizing and resting. These last few months have been pretty demanding, and our spring obligations are a bit more so. And though I'm home, I'm missing our greenhouses - the warmth, the color, the scent of growing things. I think it's time to start the holiday baking ...if I can't have flowers, let me have cookies! LOL
More errands to run today ... and my fingers are crossed the weather predictions are right. I'd love to see El Sol!
Take care.
Journal
This is my view this week as I step out of my home and into the dense, grey fog. A few trees show bits of sienna-tawny leaf remains, the ornamental grasses, heavy with dew and/or rain, show thick in the scant early light, and my woodlands, those bits that can been seen in the early morning, show bits of green and blue. Monday's fog was so dense that I was tempted to upload a grey sheet of paper ! I could hardly make my way through it enough to see the road!
We're promised a bit of sun today, though colder temperatures. I'm hungering for color and brightness - and since the conference is now over, perhaps I can find a bit of time to visit the flower shop. The college is on 'optional' work days this week, holiday time next, and additional 'optional' time before New Year's. I've opted to take the time and catch up on some house organizing and resting. These last few months have been pretty demanding, and our spring obligations are a bit more so. And though I'm home, I'm missing our greenhouses - the warmth, the color, the scent of growing things. I think it's time to start the holiday baking ...if I can't have flowers, let me have cookies! LOL
More errands to run today ... and my fingers are crossed the weather predictions are right. I'd love to see El Sol!
Take care.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Mushrooms in the Forest
Daily Practice
Journal
It was a long day of sitting yesterday. Good conference, but sitting that long, even in a bright room with windows, tends to dull the senses and numb the body. By the time I got home, had dinner, fed the cats, my mind was as numb as I felt and painting was a struggle. I did this simple scene 3 times and still find it a bit too dark for my liking ...but I do love the fairytale quality of the mushrooms .... with the rains we've had and more in the forecast, I'm beginning to see so many of these pop up throughout my property.
Back to the conference today. The density of yesterday's fog will be repeated this morning. I tried to photograph a bit of the morning's fog before I left the driveway -- the only thing I captured was deep, wet mist! LOL
Hope your day is grand!
Journal
It was a long day of sitting yesterday. Good conference, but sitting that long, even in a bright room with windows, tends to dull the senses and numb the body. By the time I got home, had dinner, fed the cats, my mind was as numb as I felt and painting was a struggle. I did this simple scene 3 times and still find it a bit too dark for my liking ...but I do love the fairytale quality of the mushrooms .... with the rains we've had and more in the forecast, I'm beginning to see so many of these pop up throughout my property.
Back to the conference today. The density of yesterday's fog will be repeated this morning. I tried to photograph a bit of the morning's fog before I left the driveway -- the only thing I captured was deep, wet mist! LOL
Hope your day is grand!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Solitary Tree
Daily Practice
Journal
Ever find yourself unable to paint anything else but what is right before you? The weather apparently has gotten into my bones and eyes this weekend, and rain, cold, and fog seem to flow from my paintbrush despite other attempts. This started out as a landscape in fog, our weather this morning, and before long turned into rain ...the weather of the day. Ah well ... I may have to find a way to spend some time at a florist so I can find pink and green again on my pallet! LOL
This 'painting that comes from somewhere else' is new to me -- though I've often experienced it when I write ... very interesting ...
Things are progressing for Mike and he sounded better yesterday, though still uncomfortable. C's jam went well, and he was surprised at the crowd that showed up -- some of his friends he hadn't seen for a while due to their other obligations ... what a merry sound they made ... the house was dancing!
I'm off to a two-day conference today in preparation of a grant we hope to write ....it's icy and very foggy outside so it'll be a slow go ....
Stay well!
Journal
Ever find yourself unable to paint anything else but what is right before you? The weather apparently has gotten into my bones and eyes this weekend, and rain, cold, and fog seem to flow from my paintbrush despite other attempts. This started out as a landscape in fog, our weather this morning, and before long turned into rain ...the weather of the day. Ah well ... I may have to find a way to spend some time at a florist so I can find pink and green again on my pallet! LOL
This 'painting that comes from somewhere else' is new to me -- though I've often experienced it when I write ... very interesting ...
Things are progressing for Mike and he sounded better yesterday, though still uncomfortable. C's jam went well, and he was surprised at the crowd that showed up -- some of his friends he hadn't seen for a while due to their other obligations ... what a merry sound they made ... the house was dancing!
I'm off to a two-day conference today in preparation of a grant we hope to write ....it's icy and very foggy outside so it'll be a slow go ....
Stay well!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunset Walk Along the Water
Daily Practice
Journal
MIKE'S HOME!! YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And though he's in pain as he continues the healing process without the strong pain meds he was receiving in the hospital, his COMFORT level for being at home is enormous! He left the hospital early afternoon yesterday. C and I did some holiday and grocery shopping for ourselves and for Mike, and by late last night, we had his cupboards filled. His girlfriend picked up his meds, and though he was struggling with aches and pains, he was feeling very relieved to be home.
This painting was inspired by all the freezing cold we've been having. I don't do well in the cold and tend to hibernate as much as I can. We were out in the bustle and freezing temps yesterday, and I longed so much to be warm again without down jackets, gloves, car heaters and all that STUFF! LOL
I awoke to rain this morning, so I'm grateful we did get so much done yesterday. C's friends come for dinner and a jam session ... and with Mike at home resting, C playing music, and one more day home before a two day conference, I think I'm going to find a corner of the upstairs to rest, paint, and maybe nap. It's been a looonnnnggg number of weeks!
Have a restive one!
Journal
MIKE'S HOME!! YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And though he's in pain as he continues the healing process without the strong pain meds he was receiving in the hospital, his COMFORT level for being at home is enormous! He left the hospital early afternoon yesterday. C and I did some holiday and grocery shopping for ourselves and for Mike, and by late last night, we had his cupboards filled. His girlfriend picked up his meds, and though he was struggling with aches and pains, he was feeling very relieved to be home.
This painting was inspired by all the freezing cold we've been having. I don't do well in the cold and tend to hibernate as much as I can. We were out in the bustle and freezing temps yesterday, and I longed so much to be warm again without down jackets, gloves, car heaters and all that STUFF! LOL
I awoke to rain this morning, so I'm grateful we did get so much done yesterday. C's friends come for dinner and a jam session ... and with Mike at home resting, C playing music, and one more day home before a two day conference, I think I'm going to find a corner of the upstairs to rest, paint, and maybe nap. It's been a looonnnnggg number of weeks!
Have a restive one!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)