Tulips - HAPPY EASTER!

Tulips - HAPPY EASTER!, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

Half Sheet - Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Tulips, symbol of spring and perfect love, are a perfect accompaniment to this Easter holy day. Eggs, chickens, new birth, hope, joy are all part of this special time ....

May your Easter be filled with blessings, joy, love and the many gifts of the season.

Thank you for your kind comments, invitations and visit!

Splashy Sunflowers

Splashy Sunflowers, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

With the rain and cold that has also blossomed with spring flowers, it felt like the right time to splash a bit of paint and create a flower abstraction. Though my bouquet of bright sunflowers is now becoming next year's compost, they inspired me to create a somewhat different view of them ... What I love about the creative aspect of splashing large amounts of paint colors, is the resultant 'Rorschach' test of 'finding' flowers' and using negative painting to 'carve' them out of the mass of color and shapeless paint. It's a meditative kind of approach that seems to quiet me while I also have a chance to delight in the possibilities before me. Fun.

Tomorrow is our 8-county area 'Senior Games' ... a time when we 'more mature' adults participate in different activities such as basketball, tennis, arts of all kinds and more. For my first entry into this annual event, I'll merely participate in the Opening Ceremonies and Senior Walk ... but it will be a real delight to see other mature adults taking an active role in their health and well being.

Hope the rest of your week is wonderful!


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Day's End

Day's End, a photo by linfrye .... on Flickr.

10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

There's something magical about the ending of the day - the way the light slants and gives everything in its path a radiance that speak to me in colors that stir my senses. There's that luminous light that remains after a work or activity-filled day - promising an evening of restoration - the glow of accomplishments lingering in the liquid light.

With spring ready to be embraced, it's views like this that will sustain me as the seasons of labor replace winter’s quiet.

Happy Weekend!

Poppies for The First Day of Spring

Poppies for The First Day of Spring, a photo by linfrye .... on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

JOYOUS SPRING!! It has arrived not only by the calendar but also in some places. However in terms of weather conditions: freezing temperatures, lack of sunshine -- and dare I say it, in another several feet of snow in some parts of the US --- spring seems months away.

Here in my part of North Carolina, Bradford pears are all abloom, daffodils and dandelions, Sweet Daphne (Daphne odora) are not only blooming, but the scent is truly heady, forsythia, saucer magnolia, plums, cherries and flowering quince ... yep, it's spring here - according to the flora.

But temperature wise -- no. Instead of those balmy days we had in January, we are getting JANUARY"S COLD !!! Apparently, the flowers and trees are going forward with the season despite the cold, rain and gray .... Go figure .. sigh ...

And at least we here can take pleasure in the marvelous colors that are bringing spring ... now ...

Have a great week!

PS This is the painting I'll teach for my Beginning Watercolor class.

Cone Flowers

Cone Flowers, a photo by linfrye .... on Flickr.

8" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

We had the grands this weekend and the weather cooperated beautifully. Yesterday was a balmy if not HOT day with temps reaching the low 70s. We spent several hours in the park riding bikes and scooters. As the kids raced around the pavilion, I took out a small pad and sketched my surroundings. Soon, the heat of the day tired them, and they too, took up pencils to sketch the park's outbuildings. We painted sunflowers earlier that morning, and it was really delightful to see their interest.

While we've had our 'blip' of summer weather, we'll be returning to rain and cooler temps for the rest of the week. Still, even where we live, a half zone north of most of our friends, our Bradford pears are beginning to bloom, daffodils are everywhere, and bluets are in my own grasses. I love seeing these bits of color, especially on so many gray, rainy days.

Hence, the dip into summertime flowers, and the Purple Cone Flowers that brighten my front flower beds. Already their leaves are bright green and lengthening by the day. The rain we're expecting today will help nourish them into bloom, and the warming sunshine bring them to full beauty.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!!!! Today, everyone is Irish -- Erin go Bragh!!

Oxford Barn from the Roadside

Oxford Barn from the Roadside, a photo by linfrye .... on Flickr.

12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

As I travel the countryside running my errands or heading to town, I pass rural scenes like this for miles and miles. So many old barns tucked in the far side of fields with woodlands in the distance and grassy fields spotted with shrubs.These views bring me a sense of peace and well-being.

Though at this point in the seasonal clock, the fields are just being turned and the annual rye has most other fields an emerald green, it won't be long before green leaves dress the just-budding trees and tan-brown weeds turn to gold.

Have a great day!

Sunflower - Not too long now!

Sunflower - Not too long now!, a photo by linfrye .... on Flickr.

8" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The weather, as well as the time, has really switched to spring. With temps yesterday reaching the low 70s and beautiful sunshine, I suppose I will have to give up my hope for one last snowfall and embrace the early season.

We've had company most of the weekend, been to a seasonal yoga class, enjoyed dinner with friends .... my sweet husband brought home some sunflowers that rivaled the glow of the weekend... and their cheery brightness inspired more sunflower paintings ...

This small one is the practice for a larger work ....

Hope your week is magnificent!

Dandelion Clocks

Dandelion Clocks, a photo by linfrye .... on Flickr.

8" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Though snow flew for 45 minutes the other day, the dandelions have begun making their annual appearance and in many sunny instances, have already set seed and begun their plentiful propagating ... sigh ...

But, there are more ways to conquer these prolific problem plants -- EAT 'EM!

And spring is the perfect time. These tender dandelion leaves are just perfect for preparing a spring tonic. Chickweed, henbit, bittercress, wild onions are all greening my property, and I'm thinking that along with changing the clocks this weekend to daylight savings time, a collection of these tasty ephemerals -- stewed with a bit of olive oil and a bit of red pepper or made into a savory omelet -- might just be what the doctor ordered to welcome the new season.

Care to join me?!

Poppy Field

Poppy Field, a photo by linfrye .... on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The cold has returned with rain and even snow flurries predicted for later this week, but my watercolor class prefers to think 'spring.' I've been teaching various approaches to watercolor flowers - from experimental to more traditional. This painting was done with a more traditional approach that includes layering and positive application of paint.

I begin a new set of weekly classes today and have to admit that I am really enjoying the participants as well as the teaching. Preparations keep me mindful of the importance of basic watercolor techniques and the students keep me on my toes to explain what and why I do what I do -- fun!!

I have to admit too that when I retired I thought I'd jump right back into gardening, but I'm dragging my feet. Certainly the weather hasn't been cooperative; nonetheless, I am enjoying slinging paint a bit more these days. Maybe that'll change when the weather does. But for now -- I'm keeping those brushes wet!

Have a great week!

Winter Pond

Winter Pond, a photo by linfrye .... on Flickr.

9" x 12" Watercolor
Arches 140# CP

The sun finally made an appearance this week bringing our temps to the high 50s and making the days REALLY feel like spring.

But the vacillating weather is not through with us. As warm and springlike as it's been, we are expecting more cold, rain and a small flurry this weekend. Morning fog and icy waters greet us every other day - and in between, we are in shirtsleeves. Quite difficult on the plants as well as on the body.

Still, the flower buds continue to expand, and here and there daffodils bloom along ponds that are iced over once again. Seems the weather is as contrary as politics these days ...

Stay well .....

Winter Bouquet

Winter Bouquet, a photo by linfrye .... on Flickr.

12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

With spring in the air -- it was in the 60sF yesterday - the winter remnants starkly contrast the greening earth. I do so love those tawny colors, the browns and tans, echrus and coffees, the sennas and umbers, auburns and russets. This delicate bouquet came from my own garden of ornamental grasses and surviving flower stalks ... some intact even after the birds have had their fill of seeds. These dried left-overs will remain for years, reminding me of a season of rest and its own quiet beauty.

Already the buds on trees, especially the maples and hickories, are coloring the gray woodlands with a 'spring hue' and after all the rain, the air is damp and fresh promising new life and a new season.

It's time to walk a bit, begin our goodbyes to the winter, and prepare for spring.

Hope your week is wonderful.

Moonlit Pond

Moonlit Pond, a photo by linfrye .... slowly returning after email crash on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP Watercolor

There's something marvelous about winter night skies - somehow they seem clearer, the stars brighter, the moon closer. On the ponds and waters, the light makes the water glisten and reflections are deeper. The light is brighter, the darks darker, and the cold of the winter even more bone-chilling. The night is a deeper quiet without the tiny sounds of busy nocturnals... and the daylight seems a long-time coming.

Still, we know that spring is merely a few weeks away and the busyness of that season will grab us all as we leave our nests of hibernation and emerge to turn the calendar once again.

But until then, the night rests, blue and indigo and ebony ....

And so should we.

Snow!!

Snow!! a video by linfrye .... computer working slowly on Flickr.

Taken yesterday morning from my front porch. You can almost hear me doing the "Happy Snow Dance" in that magical hush of snowfall ......

My Personal Winter Wonderland

My Personal Winter Wonderland, a photo by linfrye .... computer working slowly on Flickr.

View from my Upstairs Window toward our woodlands on a fast February snowfall.

We woke to a light rain that quickly turned to flakes and later turned to big, fat, flaky flakes and accumulated on the grasses, on the trees, on the shrubs, cars, yardart ... but not the roads. We received 2" by early afternoon. I was doing the "Happy Snow Dance" and taking a ton of photos.

By evening, the snow changed to rain with a mix of such light snow that it felt like a white mist, and, sadly to me, most of the snow was gone.

Still, I am so grateful for the technology of a camera so I could capture this 12-hour wonderland I've been so hoping to see once more before the spring sets in .

I am a grateful snow bunny ...

A Corner of my Front Property

A Corner of my Front Property, a photo by linfrye .... computer working slowly on Flickr.

The Dim Light of A Morning Snowfall

The Dim Light of A Morning Snowfall, a photo by linfrye .... computer working slowly on Flickr.

Two Pink Poppies - HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Two Pink Poppies - HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, a photo by linfrye .... having computer issues cant log in on Flickr.

7.5" x 11" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Wishing everyone love and blessings on this day set aside to remember those we love... May we each experience the joys of loving relationships - family, relatives, friends, teachers, husbands, wives, children, neighbors.

May we all bloom in the riches of affection and love!

THANK EACH OF YOU FOR YOUR LOVING KINDNESSES, CREATIVITY AND FRIENDSHIP!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Pond Reflections - Sharon

Pond Reflections - Sharon, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

It's been cold. The northeast has been hit with a whopper of a blizzard. And here in the sunny south, there are plum trees in bloom, a colorful haze of opening tree buds in the woodlands, and lawns greening up ... It's nutty weather.

I was going through some of my archived 'favorites' and ran across Sharon's incredible photo of this pond. I painted it before in the fall www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye/6922576182/ but wanted to warm my chilly bones and paint it again with the feeling of summertime. I wanted to enrich the reflections so I could include it in the Sertoma's Spring Show "Reflections." Please see Sharon's photo here www.flickr.com/photos/dubonnet/6228002665/ as well as her other wonderful, beautiful and moving work! Thank you Sharon for your gracious permission to use your image once more as an inspiration!

It's been an 'over-the-top' busy week ... finished teaching one set of classes near where I used to work, continued teaching classes near my home, met some friends for lunch, was out of town with a friend for a wonderful, 'simple pleasures' party of food tastings, and spent the last two days sitting myself down and finishing many needed chores like art submissions, class write-ups, preparing for an Herb talk due in 8 weeks (have more work to do on that - but my hand-outs are almost ready), preparing paintings for exhibits, etc, etc. I know, I know, those who told me it would be this way once I retired were certainly correct ... who'd have thought?! LOL

My prayers are with those in the eye of the storm; hope my thoughts and this image warms them a bit .. Have a super, safe, and warm weekend!

Winter Birch Waterscape

Winter Birch Waterscape, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

7.5" x 11" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP
Webbing Spray

With the prediction from Punxsutawney Phil for an early spring as well as spotting crocus ready to bloom, I'm scrambling to post a few more snow paintings as I am still hoping for one or two more 'flurries' before that seasons arrival.

This small painting was a practice piece for a larger work using white webbing from Krylon (www.krylon.com/products/webbing_spray/). I love the abstract surface it creates which challenges me to find ways to respond to its spontaneous patterns. Lots of fun, and something we'll be experimenting with this month in my classes.

We're expecting temps in the 40s and 50sF this week with little chance of the white stuff. Seems our winter this year has been more swift and schizophrenic with its frequently changing highs and low than the restive, quiet season it once was. I miss that.

Hope your week is terrific!

Sundown on the Lake - Thank you Brian!

Sundown on the Lake - Thank you Brian!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

My days have been busy, busier than I would have imagined as a 'retired' woman - filled with teaching and new friends, painting, exercising, family. With spring less than six weeks away, and the frenzy of reclaiming my garden, spring cleaning, painting and all the 'renewal' that that season requires, I am relishing those quiet, peaceful evenings when the momentum stills, the sky fills with color, and serenity surrounds my space.

So many flickr images remind me of these magical times, and many of those captures are done by my friend Brian www.flickr.com/photos/31996407@N05/ His photostream is a fabulous tribute to the morning and that incredible peace of the sun's rise as it brings light to us once more. With his gracious permission and the inspiration of one of his images, I painted this view, transforming his image of sunrise into sundown (a particular quiet time for me), and gave my painting the colors of that serenity. Thank you Brian, for your wonderfully inspiring work and for your kindness. Please stop by Brian's flickrstream to take a sip of serenity too.

It promises to be another busy weekend. My granddaughter has another birthday (whereever is the time going??? LOL), we'll be working a bit with my son, and there are bits and pieces of chores that can only be done on Saturdays and Sundays.

Still, the peacefulness of the morning and the serenity of the sundown will be there ... if we but
stop and cherish it.

Happy weekend my friends. And thank you again, Brian!