My challenge this week (and always) are those various greens ... there are SO many greens in NC and everywhere I look! I continue to practice and practice so that eventually I won't have to 'think' so much about mixing and blending.
This view, from a photo I shot at Montrose Gardens, shows an ornate garden seat nestled among a blanket of yellow poppies and a bright yellow shrub (name unknown) and framed by irises and evergreen trees and more shrubs. Yep -- A LOT OF GREEN!!! LOL
I'm not at all sure I captured this as I wanted to -- but it's close to the view I saw ... and it DEFINITELY challenged me with all those greens!
Yesterday was mighty busy with tasks -- from errands around town, jam making (finally), and baking some incredible lavender shortbread for the Arboretum tea, paying bills, laundry and the like, I'm a bit tired today. Nonetheless, I'm heading out for a paint-out with a new group at an Arboretum I'm familiar with. We're expecting storms this afternoon, so it'll be a short adventure.
Have a good Saturday!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Poppy Field
Driving along the highway from my office to the B&B, I noticed a field of bright, red poppies! I was mesmerized! And instantly thought of Italy!! LOL The NC Highway Department plants some fields of California poppies (the red, short ones) and so certain stretches of our highways also showcased this 'red vision' I loved.
One evening two weeks ago, I left the highway in search of the red poppy field I kept seeing. Not only did I find ONE poppy field, I found TWO of them! I pulled off the twisty, farm road, grabbed my camera, and shot a number of photos.
I started this sketch about a week ago (time really IS my nemesis!!! LOL), but I left it unfinished -- not very happy with my work -- I KNEW something was missing and I couldn't figure it out.
The other day, I was watching a live broadcast from The Painting and Drawing Channel (http://www.thepaintinganddrawingchannel.co.uk/) and whatever I was watching seemed to spark in me the missing pieces --!
Anyway, I worked to complete this last night. Though I see where I'd do some things differently, I like it far better now than I did two weeks ago! LOL
One evening two weeks ago, I left the highway in search of the red poppy field I kept seeing. Not only did I find ONE poppy field, I found TWO of them! I pulled off the twisty, farm road, grabbed my camera, and shot a number of photos.
I started this sketch about a week ago (time really IS my nemesis!!! LOL), but I left it unfinished -- not very happy with my work -- I KNEW something was missing and I couldn't figure it out.
The other day, I was watching a live broadcast from The Painting and Drawing Channel (http://www.thepaintinganddrawingchannel.co.uk/) and whatever I was watching seemed to spark in me the missing pieces --!
Anyway, I worked to complete this last night. Though I see where I'd do some things differently, I like it far better now than I did two weeks ago! LOL
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Rebecca's Limoges Vase and Roses
Sitting at Rebecca's kitchen table one evening, I noticed a new vase she had been given. She told me it was a gift from her son, a Limoges Vase from France ... She had it filled with roses from her garden, and I thought I'd sketch the pretties ...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Landscape Practice
Daily Practice
I've been so involved with painting gardens, that I thought I'd return to practicing landscapes as the season for plein air activities begins....
I'm always in conflict as to how much to put in and how much to leave out -- I opted for simplicity for this practice sketch ....
I've been so involved with painting gardens, that I thought I'd return to practicing landscapes as the season for plein air activities begins....
I'm always in conflict as to how much to put in and how much to leave out -- I opted for simplicity for this practice sketch ....
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Oxford Hayfield
Summer has arrived! And with it, the wonderful colors of ripening hay -- in the fields and in bales. It seems everywhere I drive in my rural North Carolina, hay fields are being plowed and rolled into bales ....
This is the field across from our home that was owned by two brothers -- now gone. I met them years ago when I first came to Oxford and when I was first learning to garden. They were so helpful to us with invaluable suggestions when we found our vegetables being enjoyed by almost every form of wildlife ...! They shared their incredible fields and trees of fruit with us, and we shared many meals with them.
Their way of life is changing so fast, it seems ....many large, family-run farms are disappearing --- but there seems to be a counter movement with many females entering the industry with niche farms. I see this echoed in my classes too with an increasing number of females taking horticulture classes .... and I'm really thrilled to see it happen -- just as it delights me to see hay being baled ...
This is the field across from our home that was owned by two brothers -- now gone. I met them years ago when I first came to Oxford and when I was first learning to garden. They were so helpful to us with invaluable suggestions when we found our vegetables being enjoyed by almost every form of wildlife ...! They shared their incredible fields and trees of fruit with us, and we shared many meals with them.
Their way of life is changing so fast, it seems ....many large, family-run farms are disappearing --- but there seems to be a counter movement with many females entering the industry with niche farms. I see this echoed in my classes too with an increasing number of females taking horticulture classes .... and I'm really thrilled to see it happen -- just as it delights me to see hay being baled ...
Monday, May 26, 2008
Strawberries - Loosely Speaking
Though Poppies are the traditional Memorial Day icon, I thought I'd share a bit of "Red White and Blue" with a loose rendering of some of the strawberries we picked this weekend.
Painting loosely is a 'challenge' for me -- the need for 'detail' is ever strong (the botanist maybe???), and so it took a couple of attempts to apply paint fast and wet and then leave it alone after it was done ... the painting is loose (for me), but not as 'abstract' as I had seen in my head ...! LOL I suppose each of us has our own 'style' that comes thru no matter what other style we admire, love or try ... and we spent a long time learning that! LOL
Today, we'll do the typical outdoor grilling as our office 'opening of Summer," and I'll continue working with strawberries.
I made some wonderful strawberry tea bread for our special 'tea' at the Arboretum next week, dried several trays, and have turned a bit 'red' from eating so many.
I think I may have a date with my jam making equipment ....
Painting loosely is a 'challenge' for me -- the need for 'detail' is ever strong (the botanist maybe???), and so it took a couple of attempts to apply paint fast and wet and then leave it alone after it was done ... the painting is loose (for me), but not as 'abstract' as I had seen in my head ...! LOL I suppose each of us has our own 'style' that comes thru no matter what other style we admire, love or try ... and we spent a long time learning that! LOL
Today, we'll do the typical outdoor grilling as our office 'opening of Summer," and I'll continue working with strawberries.
I made some wonderful strawberry tea bread for our special 'tea' at the Arboretum next week, dried several trays, and have turned a bit 'red' from eating so many.
I think I may have a date with my jam making equipment ....
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Lavenders and Birdbath
We had a great time with the grands yesterday --! Finally went strawberry picking at an incredible farm - Christmas Tree Farm -- not only were the strawberries incredibly sweet, but they also had cliimbing and swinging and sliding toys for the children, goats and horses for them to see, sandboxes filled with toys, picnic tables, and wonderful views! Emily and Nick really did a great job choosing the reddest (and largest) of the berries -- though their stamina for bending over and hunting through the strawberry leaves didn't last a full bucket's worth -- but they enjoyed themselves!
When we had collected our three buckets, we spent some time on the grounds so the grands could play a while, then drove to town for lunch. Naturally, they wanted to continue their climbing and sliding, so we stopped at a McDonald's for them to enjoy the jungle gym.
Got the berries home (my task today is to freeze, dry, and perhaps make jam from them), and then went to the town's park and, you guessed it, yet another large area of climbing, swinging and sliding toys! I can say one thing -- they were so tired -- that Nick asked to leave the park!!! And it was he who fell fast asleep in the car! LOL
When I got home, I too was a bit tired (LOL) and began on the berries. I didn't have the energy to sketch those, but did manage a fast sketch of Sunshine Lavender Farm -- which we'll be visiting in a couple of weeks for their lavender harvest festival. I wanted to practice those soft mounds of greens and lavenders before we spend a day painting there. I find that keeping these plants 'soft' while being careful not to add the lavender at the right time (and make mud) a bit challenging -- so I was very glad for the practice.
We're expecting another beautiful, sunny day .... hope to get enough of the berries done to sit outside and paint! But I have to admit, the pollen from SOMETHING this year is giving me a fit!
When we had collected our three buckets, we spent some time on the grounds so the grands could play a while, then drove to town for lunch. Naturally, they wanted to continue their climbing and sliding, so we stopped at a McDonald's for them to enjoy the jungle gym.
Got the berries home (my task today is to freeze, dry, and perhaps make jam from them), and then went to the town's park and, you guessed it, yet another large area of climbing, swinging and sliding toys! I can say one thing -- they were so tired -- that Nick asked to leave the park!!! And it was he who fell fast asleep in the car! LOL
When I got home, I too was a bit tired (LOL) and began on the berries. I didn't have the energy to sketch those, but did manage a fast sketch of Sunshine Lavender Farm -- which we'll be visiting in a couple of weeks for their lavender harvest festival. I wanted to practice those soft mounds of greens and lavenders before we spend a day painting there. I find that keeping these plants 'soft' while being careful not to add the lavender at the right time (and make mud) a bit challenging -- so I was very glad for the practice.
We're expecting another beautiful, sunny day .... hope to get enough of the berries done to sit outside and paint! But I have to admit, the pollen from SOMETHING this year is giving me a fit!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Thyme in my Garden
We have the grands for a few days, so things are pretty busy!
I spent a short amount of time sketching the flowering thyme that sits in an octagonal bed by our kitchen door. I see this each time I leave the house. The other leaves are waiting for the flowers of gladioli and mums.s
(The scan is far darker than the real sketch, by the way...)
I spent a short amount of time sketching the flowering thyme that sits in an octagonal bed by our kitchen door. I see this each time I leave the house. The other leaves are waiting for the flowers of gladioli and mums.s
(The scan is far darker than the real sketch, by the way...)
Friday, May 23, 2008
Montrose Gardens
Last Tuesday as part of the Arboretum's Lecture Series, we brought a group of 15 to a 60 acre (45 developed) private garden in Hillsborough, NC -- Montrose Gardens. What a GLORIOUS place!!!! From huge trees, to evergreens, to shade gardens, to native plants to HUGE poppies that danced and bobbed in the gentle wind, to sunlit fowered cutting gardens -- this place was absolutely MAGICAL!!!!
Here is one view of the gardens -- lots of pink poppies, some euphorbias (yellow/green) and purple verbena ...
We had such a grand time, we're planning for another garden tour VERY SOON! What a delight!
Here is one view of the gardens -- lots of pink poppies, some euphorbias (yellow/green) and purple verbena ...
We had such a grand time, we're planning for another garden tour VERY SOON! What a delight!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Charleston Windowbox
Windows, doors, arches, and of course, flowers, are some of the things I just love .... My photos of Charleston containers and window boxes always thrills me ... and so I continue to try to capture the magic I saw there ...
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Purple Coneflowers - Arboretum
Everywhere I look at the Arboretum, our purple coneflowers are in full bloom. I snipped a few from the outdoor gardens to bedeck my desk and sketch them in my journal ...
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sicilian Wildflowers
Walking around our neighborhood this weekend, I was drawn, as I usually am, to wonderful array of wildflowers growing in the ditches. Later that morning, the screen saver on my computer showed photo of a field of wildflowers I had taken while in Sicily a few years ago ...I just HAD to paint it!
I remember standing above this long hill and vista, overlooking the hotel of Casalicchio --- and seeing these wonderful pink/purple flowers mixed with yellow wildflowers and wheat and mixed grasses .....
This image, and painting, returned me to my beloved Italy ...
I remember standing above this long hill and vista, overlooking the hotel of Casalicchio --- and seeing these wonderful pink/purple flowers mixed with yellow wildflowers and wheat and mixed grasses .....
This image, and painting, returned me to my beloved Italy ...
Monday, May 19, 2008
Egret At Magnolia Gardens
While walking through Magnolia Gardens a number of weeks, ago, we spied this glorious egret getting ready to pounce on a bit of dinner. We quietly snapped photographs and thought what a neat painting it would make.
I took most of the day yesterday to give this a try. I had masked the egret and the grasses wonderfully -- and had painted almost everything. When I uncovered the egret, the masking turned the paper yellow (Arches 140 cp/masquepen) .... I tried to scrub out the yellow -- but it didn't work. Talk about being crestfallen!! So I painted the egret in watercolors, and then added a bit of gouache for the highlights.
It's back to work again -- another busy week -- first day of summer session, a tour with 15 folks to a distant garden, dinner with a friend I hadn't seen in a while, and those ever-present reports!
Have a great week!
(Done on a quarte sheet Arches #140cp)
PS -- The foliage colors are those you suggested, Keith!
I took most of the day yesterday to give this a try. I had masked the egret and the grasses wonderfully -- and had painted almost everything. When I uncovered the egret, the masking turned the paper yellow (Arches 140 cp/masquepen) .... I tried to scrub out the yellow -- but it didn't work. Talk about being crestfallen!! So I painted the egret in watercolors, and then added a bit of gouache for the highlights.
It's back to work again -- another busy week -- first day of summer session, a tour with 15 folks to a distant garden, dinner with a friend I hadn't seen in a while, and those ever-present reports!
Have a great week!
(Done on a quarte sheet Arches #140cp)
PS -- The foliage colors are those you suggested, Keith!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The Oak in the Cemetery
After sitting so long listening to music, we decided to walk a bit -- our walk took us to this charming cemetery next to where the bands were performing. I fell in love with the huge oak tree that bordered the cemetery and the performance site, and so sat under the shade of a magnolia tree and sketched the quiet scene while still being able to listen to the bands.
Quite a peaceful, terrific day!
Quite a peaceful, terrific day!
Boys from Carolina Band
The Blue Grass Festival was fun!!! It was a small event, a fund-raiser for a local Ruritan Club where my husband sings each month -- so the crowd was small -- which to me, was rather nice! The weather couldn't have been better ... warm, sunny, a good breeze. I sat in the sun (even got a bit of pink to my winter skin) -- and attempted to sketch the musicians.
Here's the group "Boys from Carolina" - fabulous voices and great music. Again, these sketches point out how much work I must do to include people in my landscapes!
We ate at the festival, chatted with some folks -- and thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Here's the group "Boys from Carolina" - fabulous voices and great music. Again, these sketches point out how much work I must do to include people in my landscapes!
We ate at the festival, chatted with some folks -- and thoroughly enjoyed the day.
The Wells Family Band
This group of talented family members -- three female children, mom and dad, had the most incredible voice range and talent and instrument playing!!! They were incredible!!! Their acapella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that closed the show brought everyone to his feet and tears to our eyes.
I haven't practiced sketching people this year (one of my goals I've let go) -- and this attempt shows me I must make it a priority soon!!!
I haven't practiced sketching people this year (one of my goals I've let go) -- and this attempt shows me I must make it a priority soon!!!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Daisies by the Shed
After a brief rain yesterday, the sun returned, though it played "peek-a-boo" with the clouds ...
As I walked around the property checking to see what was blooming, this cluster of daisies (I should have drawn them larger!!) caught my attention as they danced alongside my planting shed. I grabbed my stool and sat ouside to capture a bit of the light and those cheerful flowers.
Today we're off to a Blue Grass Festival ...
As I walked around the property checking to see what was blooming, this cluster of daisies (I should have drawn them larger!!) caught my attention as they danced alongside my planting shed. I grabbed my stool and sat ouside to capture a bit of the light and those cheerful flowers.
Today we're off to a Blue Grass Festival ...
Friday, May 16, 2008
Charleston Container
There were so many container gardens in Charleston -- and each of them so beautifully, artfully, and creatively put together.
But one flower seemed to dominate them all -- and it surprised us -- the snapdragon! We found them, as in here, in a yellow, pink, orange combination. In other containers -- white, red, yellow ... they seemed to be EVERYWHERE! And far taller than the varieites we've grown at the Arboretum.
With our recent drought and with the emphasis lately on conservation, we brought back many ideas for containers that we'll be considering for our own gardens!
But one flower seemed to dominate them all -- and it surprised us -- the snapdragon! We found them, as in here, in a yellow, pink, orange combination. In other containers -- white, red, yellow ... they seemed to be EVERYWHERE! And far taller than the varieites we've grown at the Arboretum.
With our recent drought and with the emphasis lately on conservation, we brought back many ideas for containers that we'll be considering for our own gardens!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Early Olives
Earlier this week, Mike (http://www.flickr.com/photos/artist_naturalist/) suggested I try to blend some of my foreground into the background.
I also wanted to create a 'soft' image -- I'm finding lately that with all the greens around me, I have a tendency to paint darker and darker and sometimes, in my opinion, I can easily get a bit carried away.
So here's my attempt at a soft, blurry kind of a treatment for this olive branch. It's a bit early in the development stage of the olives -- they're en route to maturing to the black olives I love.
I'm thinking there are enough value changes here -- that the 'darks' are dark enough .... you think?
I also wanted to create a 'soft' image -- I'm finding lately that with all the greens around me, I have a tendency to paint darker and darker and sometimes, in my opinion, I can easily get a bit carried away.
So here's my attempt at a soft, blurry kind of a treatment for this olive branch. It's a bit early in the development stage of the olives -- they're en route to maturing to the black olives I love.
I'm thinking there are enough value changes here -- that the 'darks' are dark enough .... you think?
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
IOP Dunes and Sundrops
While visiting Charleston, we had an opportunity to visit the exquisite beach area of the Isle of Palms. I raised my children there many many years ago, and walking the white sands, listening to the seagulls, splashing a bit in the Atlantic was almost a 'homecoming' for me.
In the dunes, a cluster of Sundrops was in full glory, and I captured it on film to paint.
I brought home a few seashells, all the while remembering Ann Morrow Lindberg's treasure of a book "Gift from the Sea" and feeling very much like she must have when she wrote it ....
In the dunes, a cluster of Sundrops was in full glory, and I captured it on film to paint.
I brought home a few seashells, all the while remembering Ann Morrow Lindberg's treasure of a book "Gift from the Sea" and feeling very much like she must have when she wrote it ....
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mother's Day Lilies
It's no secret that I just LOVE flowers -- and so when my dear husband gave these to me for Mother's Day -- I was delighted.
What was even more endearing was his statement -- "I had to choose those flowers, not only that you'd like, but those that had 'SKETCH POTENTIAL"!!
You've got to love someone who really understands you!!! LOL
What was even more endearing was his statement -- "I had to choose those flowers, not only that you'd like, but those that had 'SKETCH POTENTIAL"!!
You've got to love someone who really understands you!!! LOL
Monday, May 12, 2008
Charleston Yellow House with Window Box
When I saw this house in Charleston last week, my jaw absolutely dropped!!! Those geranium-filled windowboxes SO reminded me of Italy -- I snapped half a dozen photos so I could capture the magnificence I saw there ... here's my attempt!
It's off to work again -- another busy week - graduation, final reports, registration for summer.
Mother's Day was absolutely DELIGHTFUL and DELICIOUS! My dear husband cooked ALL DAY yesterday -- a special lunch for me -- pork with lemon and pasta (I LOVE both lemon AND pasta)! and then when my son came with the grands - venison steak and mashed potatoes (a favorite of his!). I talked to my daughter -- her husband is now home for 30 days and they were delirious with joy! And my mom went out to dinner with her friends. I got to paint most of the weekend -- all in all - a most blessed, blessed time!
It's off to work again -- another busy week - graduation, final reports, registration for summer.
Mother's Day was absolutely DELIGHTFUL and DELICIOUS! My dear husband cooked ALL DAY yesterday -- a special lunch for me -- pork with lemon and pasta (I LOVE both lemon AND pasta)! and then when my son came with the grands - venison steak and mashed potatoes (a favorite of his!). I talked to my daughter -- her husband is now home for 30 days and they were delirious with joy! And my mom went out to dinner with her friends. I got to paint most of the weekend -- all in all - a most blessed, blessed time!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
To my mom in Florida and to all the moms the world over!
May it be filled with sunshine and the sweetness of life!!!
(I painted these oranges months and months ago -- but felt the time was right today to post them. My mom is 85, living in Florida, loves fruit, and is as vibrant, thank heavens, as the color of these oranges!)
May all moms, children of moms, in-laws, friends and others -- remember the gifts mothers have given us all ....
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
To my mom in Florida and to all the moms the world over!
May it be filled with sunshine and the sweetness of life!!!
(I painted these oranges months and months ago -- but felt the time was right today to post them. My mom is 85, living in Florida, loves fruit, and is as vibrant, thank heavens, as the color of these oranges!)
May all moms, children of moms, in-laws, friends and others -- remember the gifts mothers have given us all ....
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Live Oak, Charleston, SC
I've been in love with these trees since I lived in Charleston almost 20 years ago ... I even wrote my Masters Thesis about these inspirational trees -- trees so rich with culture, economic importance and more ....
They grow along the US maritime forests -- from mid- North Carolina to Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Texas, and along the California coast. Native Americans used their annual production of acorns for food (very sweet, if smaller than other acorns); it's an EVERGREEN oak, keeping its leaves all year, and the wood was highly prized for its use for Naval ships. Along the coastline, it grows more horizontal than vertical due to the sheering of salty winds. They'll grow here in Piedmont NC, but will achieve a more 'vertical' stature. The most famous SC live oak, "The Angel Oak" has a canopy that spreads over a full acre! And I was involved with electing some of these trees as "Constitution Trees" in 1989 --- those trees over 200 years old.
Each live oak has a story behind it -- and they even have their own 'Live Oak Society." These stories are often culturally based and rich with memory and meaning ...
My dear daughter and several friends have graced me with photographs and engravings of this tree -- but I'd like to paint a few others and some time frame one of my own! LOL
They grow along the US maritime forests -- from mid- North Carolina to Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Texas, and along the California coast. Native Americans used their annual production of acorns for food (very sweet, if smaller than other acorns); it's an EVERGREEN oak, keeping its leaves all year, and the wood was highly prized for its use for Naval ships. Along the coastline, it grows more horizontal than vertical due to the sheering of salty winds. They'll grow here in Piedmont NC, but will achieve a more 'vertical' stature. The most famous SC live oak, "The Angel Oak" has a canopy that spreads over a full acre! And I was involved with electing some of these trees as "Constitution Trees" in 1989 --- those trees over 200 years old.
Each live oak has a story behind it -- and they even have their own 'Live Oak Society." These stories are often culturally based and rich with memory and meaning ...
My dear daughter and several friends have graced me with photographs and engravings of this tree -- but I'd like to paint a few others and some time frame one of my own! LOL
Friday, May 09, 2008
Motel Pool
After walking miles and miles around Magnolia and Middleton Gardens and then throughout downtown Charleston, our feet were SWOLLEN! So when we returned to the motel, the lights were still on the outdoor pool, so we ate our cheese and crackers (dinner) while we soaked our poor feet and discussed the things we saw as they related to our budding Arboretum.
It was so much fun -- so much to see -- such exquisite beauty!
It was so much fun -- so much to see -- such exquisite beauty!
Palmetto from our window
With all the traveling we did for the research project, there was scarcely time to paint ... but one morning as everyone was getting dressed, I sketched this palmetto that lived outside our motel window ...
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Mobile Unit Front Beds
What a phenomenal day!!! I think we've walked four dozen miles -- at least it feels like it!
We visited two huge gardens in Charleston, SC - Magnolia and Middleton Plantations, then went downtown Charleston to photograph and study the plantings there. TONS upon TONS of hidden gardens, and the most glorious and creatively planted window and sidewalk boxes. All of our photo cards are FULL, so I'm anxious to download them all (4 cameras worth!!! LOL) when we get back to the office today.
But our own gardens, especially as we (my coworkers and I) discussed the differences in plantings, design, style ...are similiar in many ways. We've used many of the same plants -- like the red knock-out rose that is in full glory in front of the Arboretum Mobile Unit and the red Japanese maple, and the viburnums. I think we (as above) had planted more bulbs -- at least ours are still evident in the flowerless leaves and Charleson's azalea and peak bloom season for spring plantings was at least 2-3 weeks ago ...
It's been a full, informative, and dazzling trip -- so much beauty!!!!!!
When we got back to the motel last night, our feet were so swollen, hot and sore -- but the night was still magically balmy, and we sat by the pool and discussed our findings. I sketched a bit but I haven't had a moment to paint ... later this week, I hope.
Meanwhile, it's another long drive back to work and NC ....
We visited two huge gardens in Charleston, SC - Magnolia and Middleton Plantations, then went downtown Charleston to photograph and study the plantings there. TONS upon TONS of hidden gardens, and the most glorious and creatively planted window and sidewalk boxes. All of our photo cards are FULL, so I'm anxious to download them all (4 cameras worth!!! LOL) when we get back to the office today.
But our own gardens, especially as we (my coworkers and I) discussed the differences in plantings, design, style ...are similiar in many ways. We've used many of the same plants -- like the red knock-out rose that is in full glory in front of the Arboretum Mobile Unit and the red Japanese maple, and the viburnums. I think we (as above) had planted more bulbs -- at least ours are still evident in the flowerless leaves and Charleson's azalea and peak bloom season for spring plantings was at least 2-3 weeks ago ...
It's been a full, informative, and dazzling trip -- so much beauty!!!!!!
When we got back to the motel last night, our feet were so swollen, hot and sore -- but the night was still magically balmy, and we sat by the pool and discussed our findings. I sketched a bit but I haven't had a moment to paint ... later this week, I hope.
Meanwhile, it's another long drive back to work and NC ....
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Girl on Stool - corner of Garden
This past weekend was busy, but I spent a lot of time outdoors enjoyinig the incredible weather - warm, balmy, sunny!
But as much as I tried, I just could paint the way I wanted -- but I thought I'd post some of my 'opps' and 'tries' to encourage myself to keep trying!!! SIGH!
This is a corner of my entry garden -- a wee statue of a girl reading, my snowball viburnum and Homestead Verbena.
We arrived in Charleston yesterday after a long drive -- weather and traffic were good. Checked into our motel and then headed to the beach for a long, long walk to unwind from the trip.
The Atlantic was warmish to our feet, and folks, a small crowd even at 4:30 pm, were enjoying the water and the weather. We walked for miles it seemed and the salt air, breeze, cries of the gulls and crash of the waves, laughter and warmth seemed so restorative!
We had dinner overlooking the marsh and waterway ... lovely, lovely, lovely -- but no time to sketch.
Today we head to a full-day of gardens -- photos, research, interviews. I hope for a few minutes to sketch ... if not, I'll have a lot of photos and even more memories ...
But as much as I tried, I just could paint the way I wanted -- but I thought I'd post some of my 'opps' and 'tries' to encourage myself to keep trying!!! SIGH!
This is a corner of my entry garden -- a wee statue of a girl reading, my snowball viburnum and Homestead Verbena.
We arrived in Charleston yesterday after a long drive -- weather and traffic were good. Checked into our motel and then headed to the beach for a long, long walk to unwind from the trip.
The Atlantic was warmish to our feet, and folks, a small crowd even at 4:30 pm, were enjoying the water and the weather. We walked for miles it seemed and the salt air, breeze, cries of the gulls and crash of the waves, laughter and warmth seemed so restorative!
We had dinner overlooking the marsh and waterway ... lovely, lovely, lovely -- but no time to sketch.
Today we head to a full-day of gardens -- photos, research, interviews. I hope for a few minutes to sketch ... if not, I'll have a lot of photos and even more memories ...
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Waterfall with Flowers
This is another waterfall from the Bahamas .... I tried to capture the splashy water and those red, red rocks ... What I loved about this view were those incredible tropical flowers!We're heading out of town again until Friday ... we're off to study some of the regions gardens for the Southern Garden Grant as we begin to coordinate the research as well as the many different applications of the term "Southern Garden."
We're heading out of town again until Friday ... we're off to study some of the regions gardens for the Southern Garden Grant as we begin to coordinate the research as well as the many different applications of the term "Southern Garden.
"Have a great week!!
We're heading out of town again until Friday ... we're off to study some of the regions gardens for the Southern Garden Grant as we begin to coordinate the research as well as the many different applications of the term "Southern Garden.
"Have a great week!!
Monday, May 05, 2008
View from the Porch
It's been a mighty busy weekend!
It seems this wonderful weather we're having as well as the time of year has opened the gate on festivals and art shows! We took off early Saturday for a festival in the town where my husband works -- and found that the crowds had swelled to double the attendance from last year! Children, dogs, people, vendors -- all in an explosion of color, music, creative wares! FUN!!! The crowds made walking and perusal a bit difficult, but we rested in a wonderful Sician Restaurant for lunch while enjoying passersby.
We continued the festive atmosphere by visiting three art galleries and the opening of my plein air friend Brenda Behr's exhibit (http://data.fineartstudioonline.com/dataviewer.asp?keyvalue=7433) ... if you remember, she painted my husband playing his mandolin last year at one of our plein air events.
Then it was grocery shopping, a few chores ... and home to collapse!!!
Yesterday, C hosted a 'jam' at the house and guitars, mandolins, dulcimers and more joined the birdsong ... and I got in a quick trip to see the grands!
WHEW!
So it was a bit of a 'sketching' kind of a weekend -- doing more plein air work around my property. I'm trying desperately to learn to 'see' various 'close at hand views' that might be made 'paint-worthy' -- as I continue to struggle with composition, simplification and working outdoors.
This is a view from our porch over the many ornamental grasses, across a bit of the drive and past the Lady Banks roses (from a couple of weeks ago).
It looks a bit busy to me as a painting... ... but I really simplified it a lot from what's there! LOL
It's going to be a busy week at work as well ....Must be spring! LOL
It seems this wonderful weather we're having as well as the time of year has opened the gate on festivals and art shows! We took off early Saturday for a festival in the town where my husband works -- and found that the crowds had swelled to double the attendance from last year! Children, dogs, people, vendors -- all in an explosion of color, music, creative wares! FUN!!! The crowds made walking and perusal a bit difficult, but we rested in a wonderful Sician Restaurant for lunch while enjoying passersby.
We continued the festive atmosphere by visiting three art galleries and the opening of my plein air friend Brenda Behr's exhibit (http://data.fineartstudioonline.com/dataviewer.asp?keyvalue=7433) ... if you remember, she painted my husband playing his mandolin last year at one of our plein air events.
Then it was grocery shopping, a few chores ... and home to collapse!!!
Yesterday, C hosted a 'jam' at the house and guitars, mandolins, dulcimers and more joined the birdsong ... and I got in a quick trip to see the grands!
WHEW!
So it was a bit of a 'sketching' kind of a weekend -- doing more plein air work around my property. I'm trying desperately to learn to 'see' various 'close at hand views' that might be made 'paint-worthy' -- as I continue to struggle with composition, simplification and working outdoors.
This is a view from our porch over the many ornamental grasses, across a bit of the drive and past the Lady Banks roses (from a couple of weeks ago).
It looks a bit busy to me as a painting... ... but I really simplified it a lot from what's there! LOL
It's going to be a busy week at work as well ....Must be spring! LOL
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Watching Nature
Daily Practice - Journal Entry
Yesterday was a busy one for us -- lots of visiting art galleries, openings, festivals -- more about that tomorrow....
But Friday -- such a splendid, quiet evening watching Nature ....
After dinner (Earthen Beef Roast from the annual fund-raiser of one of our town's many clubs), the evening was so delightfully warm and balmy, that C sat on the swing practicing his guitar, and I sat in the middle of the woodlands on the bridge he built me years ago. I sketched the scene before me - a portion of our raised bed gardens - the snowball viburnum hanging over and shading the bench we never use since we're WORKING in the garden!! LOL, the Indian Hawthorn I trimmed up to be a tree last year, and the holly that has grown so large that it almost obscures our small greenhouse.
As I sketched, I gave thanks again for Joey's return ... and in my musings, heard a commotion in the trees .....
I stopped what I was doing, and C and I drew closer to the trees to find the bluebird parents coaxing out their young to fledge the nest ....
We watch as two babies take wing, and a third misses his flight and plops to the ground. The parents remain with this young one, twitering and warbling and coaxing it in 'bluebird talk' to fly. I get close enough for a photo.... and then finally -- OFF he takes! Meanwhile, the other two hatchlings (there were five eggs) must have taken off without the parents seeing, because the parents continued to squawk at the now empty bluebird box ....
Still, what a thrill -- to watch three of the five bluebirds take wing!
What a day!
Yesterday was a busy one for us -- lots of visiting art galleries, openings, festivals -- more about that tomorrow....
But Friday -- such a splendid, quiet evening watching Nature ....
After dinner (Earthen Beef Roast from the annual fund-raiser of one of our town's many clubs), the evening was so delightfully warm and balmy, that C sat on the swing practicing his guitar, and I sat in the middle of the woodlands on the bridge he built me years ago. I sketched the scene before me - a portion of our raised bed gardens - the snowball viburnum hanging over and shading the bench we never use since we're WORKING in the garden!! LOL, the Indian Hawthorn I trimmed up to be a tree last year, and the holly that has grown so large that it almost obscures our small greenhouse.
As I sketched, I gave thanks again for Joey's return ... and in my musings, heard a commotion in the trees .....
I stopped what I was doing, and C and I drew closer to the trees to find the bluebird parents coaxing out their young to fledge the nest ....
We watch as two babies take wing, and a third misses his flight and plops to the ground. The parents remain with this young one, twitering and warbling and coaxing it in 'bluebird talk' to fly. I get close enough for a photo.... and then finally -- OFF he takes! Meanwhile, the other two hatchlings (there were five eggs) must have taken off without the parents seeing, because the parents continued to squawk at the now empty bluebird box ....
Still, what a thrill -- to watch three of the five bluebirds take wing!
What a day!
Watching Nature
Daily Practice - Journal Entry
Yesterday was a busy one for us -- lots of visiting art galleries, openings, festivals -- more about that tomorrow....
But Friday -- such a splendid, quiet evening watching Nature ....
After dinner (Earthen Beef Roast from the annual fund-raiser of one of our town's many clubs), the evening was so delightfully warm and balmy, that C sat on the swing practicing his guitar, and I sat in the middle of the woodlands on the bridge he built me years ago. I sketched the scene before me - a portion of our raised bed gardens - the snowball viburnum hanging over and shading the bench we never use since we're WORKING in the garden!! LOL, the Indian Hawthorn I trimmed up to be a tree last year, and the holly that has grown so large that it almost obscures our small greenhouse.
As I sketched, I gave thanks again for Joey's return ... and in my musings, heard a commotion in the trees .....
I stopped what I was doing, and C and I drew closer to the trees to find the bluebird parents coaxing out their young to fledge the nest ....
We watch as two babies take wing, and a third misses his flight and plops to the ground. The parents remain with this young one, twitering and warbling and coaxing it in 'bluebird talk' to fly. I get close enough for a photo.... and then finally -- OFF he takes! Meanwhile, the other two hatchlings (there were five eggs) must have taken off without the parents seeing, because the parents continued to squawk at the now empty bluebird box ....
Still, what a thrill -- to watch three of the five bluebirds take wing!
What a day!
Yesterday was a busy one for us -- lots of visiting art galleries, openings, festivals -- more about that tomorrow....
But Friday -- such a splendid, quiet evening watching Nature ....
After dinner (Earthen Beef Roast from the annual fund-raiser of one of our town's many clubs), the evening was so delightfully warm and balmy, that C sat on the swing practicing his guitar, and I sat in the middle of the woodlands on the bridge he built me years ago. I sketched the scene before me - a portion of our raised bed gardens - the snowball viburnum hanging over and shading the bench we never use since we're WORKING in the garden!! LOL, the Indian Hawthorn I trimmed up to be a tree last year, and the holly that has grown so large that it almost obscures our small greenhouse.
As I sketched, I gave thanks again for Joey's return ... and in my musings, heard a commotion in the trees .....
I stopped what I was doing, and C and I drew closer to the trees to find the bluebird parents coaxing out their young to fledge the nest ....
We watch as two babies take wing, and a third misses his flight and plops to the ground. The parents remain with this young one, twitering and warbling and coaxing it in 'bluebird talk' to fly. I get close enough for a photo.... and then finally -- OFF he takes! Meanwhile, the other two hatchlings (there were five eggs) must have taken off without the parents seeing, because the parents continued to squawk at the now empty bluebird box ....
Still, what a thrill -- to watch three of the five bluebirds take wing!
What a day!
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Thank you, Dear Friends
For all your support and kindness, and especially in sharing the joy of Joey's return.
This colorful Iris was in a vase on Rebecca's table this week, but its symbolism matches perfectly my sentiments for you today ....
Many many thanks!
This colorful Iris was in a vase on Rebecca's table this week, but its symbolism matches perfectly my sentiments for you today ....
Many many thanks!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Joey's Home!
My son-in-law is home from Afgainstan and is in the company of his wife, my daughter, and their daughter as I type between tears@
HE'S HOME SAFELY!!!!! I AM CRYING WITH THANKSGIVING!!!!!
And sending prayers for those remaining in harm's way.
Thank you! Thank you!! for keeping my son-in-law in your prayers ...!!!!!
Love
Lin
HE'S HOME SAFELY!!!!! I AM CRYING WITH THANKSGIVING!!!!!
And sending prayers for those remaining in harm's way.
Thank you! Thank you!! for keeping my son-in-law in your prayers ...!!!!!
Love
Lin
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