Nature in Watercolor

Garden Pots...

2012-01-25T19:13:00.000-08:00

I Finished 3 of the garden pots Theme...It is fun to do these small ones.. I can get one done in

One evening... ..These are my favorite birds, the common sparrow...

and the Carolina wren... I have them at my feeder everyday...

The sparrows were singing this morning.. they have such a lovely song...

Practice, Practice...

2012-01-24T17:39:00.001-08:00

Working on painting flowers again... so I practice on my sketch pad... over and over.. until I feel

comfortable with the process of painting a flower, after painting sheep for awhile.. it is a whole different feeling and use of the brush.. so I practice... over and over..

I am inspired by a lovely blog I found.. called Floret ... It is about an organic farmer that raises the most beautiful flowers I ever saw.. she is a floral designer and makes the most spectacular bouquets..... I just had to try painting some...

I am not satisfied with my work yet... so will continue until the brush says ... flower... in the best and most simple way..

but while I practice.. I am having the best time...

The daffies are up about 3 inches.. and Feb is not here yet...

the Flowers are coming silently

Time to paint again...

2012-01-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

Found some wonderful photos of sheep in the snow..and one of my favorite blogs..http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/ had a sweet picture of a new lamb... I just had to try and
paint it.. We finally got snow here... looks pretty.. like January.. ... We are talking about the garden.. what we want to plant for cutting garden..and veggies... how about you.. are thinking

gardening also?..... We have a pair of owls that hang out in our yard...mostly at night.. I read they make their nests and have their young in Feb.. or March.. so I am constantly looking up in the trees to find it... They sure love to talk at 4am in the morning... actually I love hearing them... It is a great horned owl.. they are magnificent...

Back to Painting every night....

2012-01-07T17:54:00.001-08:00

Now that the Christmas season is over... and work at the floral shop has slowed down....

There is time to think and paint... and let the creative juices flow out onto my brushes...

thoughts of spring creep into my mind... I know we have more months of cold...

just thinking about spring, helps to get through the cold and cloudy months.... we are making Valentine bows at work... it will be here before we know it... So I must get in some good painting

Time.... and it is fun... to relax with great music and a palette full of color...and brushes waiting to be swept across the page...

I hope you are enjoying some kind of creative activity this winter... it sure is a good use of your time ... inside... as we wait for those long days outside...

Did you see the moon tonight.. it is full.. and just gorgeous...

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T19:27:00.001-08:00

Christmas went by so fast....and between working and family events...no time to blog... it was a glorious time... full of great fellowship, food and fun... and beautiful music...much time to reflect on the matchless gift of Christ , His birth.. the wonder and glory of it all......... Now I must

write many thank you notes.. which I love to do... using my sketching journals.. I find just the right picture ....and fit it to a card stock..then pick a colorful envelope from my stash of recycled envelopes...and I am ready to write and thank so many friends and family that delighted me with wonderful creative gifts....

From hand made gorgeous , socks, new pj's, hand made boiled wool bag! candles, creams, books art supplies!!! hand knitted mittens... wow.. it was the best ever...

I am truly thankful for a wonderful family that loves to make their gifts...and share their talents...

Happy New Year blogger friends... I wish you a wonderful year of using your talents

to bless others....

Thinking Christmas.....

2011-11-27T18:28:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving ushered in the Advent season of Christmas..

I love this season...it is full of wonderful music... color... lights... the resting of nature in her winter clothing... It is a time to reflect on the wonder of Christ..... the Joy of knowing Him as Savior...

I love the season of giving, not just gifts...but giving of our hearts ... one to another

I hope you take time everyday... to open a little Christmas in your heart and

give it away ....

enjoy the season... !.

Little Things...

2011-11-10T07:28:00.001-08:00

I bought some watercolor pencils for my grandson..and had fun doing it with him.... so I got my own set...and find it fun to do little sketches.. when life is too busy to do a watercolor....

These are two watercolors I did for cards I am sending out... I just recently put my window feeder up...

and again enjoying the birds...my next picture is going to be an owl... hope I can get to it.....

We have a great horned owl in the back yard... been listening to him or her all fall...but recently they are quiet... I hope they have not left... but somewhere sitting high in a tree...

The Wrens are using the basket at the back door for their winter house... they love sitting on the dried flower wreath.. .... will have to paint that one also...

off to enjoy the outdoors...

Blessings to all of you...

Buried in leaves

2011-10-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks I have been too busy to do my blog...actually so busy I forgot I had a blog... ahahahah....but I will be back soon... hope you are enjoying the gorgeous fall leaves.. and colors.. Hope you have a blower..and not a rake..

See you again , when all is in purple and grey...

Flowers make us happy

2011-10-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

I have the joy of playing with flowers for a job... and yesterday afternoon while putting flowers in a vase..the sun hit the vase and I just had to take a picture.. the light was beautiful....

I remember reading somewhere.. this wonderful thought...that is so true.. God made flowers for us to make us happy.... I find that so true... because most of the people that buy the flowers are taking them to someone to make them happy..or to say... I love you....

There is an endless way to put them together..my job is never boring.. also full of beauty and wonderful fragrance....

Preparing for Winter

2011-10-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

Today was absolutely gorgeous.. went to the zoo with my grand daughter.. and we sketched animals... and just enjoyed watching them and the wonderful fall day.. the trees were all golden and the colors of orange and browns... I came home and had to paint something... Yes... we did see a lot of chipmunks running... and so because they fit so well in the fall colors , I decided to try one... I did it in my sketch book... I think it will do well on good watercolor paper , which I will try next...
I enjoyed painting this little guy.. remembered my class with Rob Odell... who paints trees and logs so spectacularly... ..
Now off to have some dinner myself...

First ATC ....

2011-10-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

I traded my first ATC .. that is Artist Trading Card..... Christy Pullium sent me her card from New York City. She paints in Central Park... how cool is that?... I was thrilled to get it.. and it hangs on my wall in back of my computer.. as you can see I have favorites on my wall... . I also got a pack of tiny watercolor paper, used specially for Trading Cards... so if any one out there wants one of my cards... just say so... :)

Sketches of Fall

2011-09-25T17:45:00.001-07:00

Yes... the first glow of red in the landscape came up this week.. and now it begins...the last glorious display of nature before she goes into her grey, purple and blues...

With not much time to paint wonderful landscapes out doors... I pick up treasures and sit in my Petite studio..to enjoy painting them.. found this green acorn hanging on a tree...and it just was so beautiful... so I had to paint it... I might add some colorful leaves later...

It is raining now... sounds wonderful... after such a long dry summer.... everything will be fresh and shiny tomorrow... will look for more treasures...

Fall beauty

2011-09-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

"Blessed are they that see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing", Camelle Pissaro 1893. I got the quote while reading a great watercolour book... Trevor Chamberlain... His watercolours are breathtaking.. and inspiring...

Here's another ......

In the end it is not technique that matters but the artists' personal vision...

Painting is all about loving something...a place an atmosphere..a mood .

Fall has captivated me again...

ATC cards.... ?

2011-09-10T17:40:00.001-07:00

OK.. I have been hearing about these ATC cards lately.. Artist Trading Cards, and thought it was a neat idea. For those of you that have not heard about them either.. they are miniature pieces of art just for fun, that Artists trade with each other. You can't sell them, just trade from artist to artist. I thought that was really neat....They are 2.5x3.5..or playing card size, no bigger...

I had visions of trading with artists from other states... countries... and how fun it would be to have them on my wall....On the back of each card you put your name, maybe your blog, the date and the name of your card....

I decided to try a few... so here are my first ATC cards... now I have to find someone to trade with...?..... got and ideas?

Do you have ATC cards?.... and if you do...

post them on your blog..

. I would love to see them .

Weather Change

2011-09-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Weather changed today.. we went from 98 to 62... in one day.. pretty drastic..but it sure is nice to have a cool breezy day. I spent the morning outside walking and looking for an owl..that seems to have taken up residence here at Glen boggle cottage (a nick name I have given this place)... I hear him every evening.. and have spotted him.. He is a great Horned owl..just magnificent... thinking of painting one.... well.. it sure feels like fall.. and my artist eye is now looking for different colors and textures....

The sunsets are beginning to be so lovely.. and the lighting becomes a glow at dusk... just enjoying the change of season.. I loved summer...but Fall has its mysterious beauty...

What are your seeing...and feeling now that the season is beginning to change?

Visiting Long Island

2011-09-05T14:14:00.001-07:00

Last week I went to Long Island and we were there during the Irene visit, which made for an exciting time... We did manage to have a few days on a lovely beach... got to paint..and then the waves rolled in the next 4 days...

I had looked at books about Landscaping painting on Long Island and loved the paintings... my favorite Long Island artist is , William Meret Chase.. He started the first American Plien Air Landscape classes on Long Island., Shinnicock Hills.

This is a Winslow Homer.. he and William painted out on Long Island in the late 1800's... just look at the clothes people wore on the beach back then... I love the haze in the picture... the umbrellas..

I took my mini watercolor set, Windsor and Newton , and was able to just have fun... but Irene took most of our time... she was forgiving to us, we did not loose power or get flooded, just lots of branches down and wind. ... The Earth Quake caught us on a dock.. thought it was just a wave coming by... but found out later... what it really was...

Glad to be back in the Mid West... but miss that ocean.

Catching the Light

2011-08-11T16:26:00.001-07:00

The other evening was so beautiful.. not only the temp was perfect... and the light as the sun went down was just marvelous... I got my camera out and took several pictures... and then

went right to the paint box... to try and capture the feeling... I was happy with what came out... since I have been working through a long painters block... I think seeing something that just captures your senses... helps to release the creativity within.. and there it is on canvas... It was fun... will have to try again... hope you are enjoying the cooler weather.. and the sunsets... just fantastic!

Sheep again

2011-08-11T16:13:00.001-07:00

Back to the sheep....my sheep pictures were getting low...and I had a request for one... and so I

had to send out my last picture. I decided to paint a few more... I love the Theme of sheep with lambs... and there are endless photos on the web to look at... I usually find one and then make up my own surrounding... wish I knew a sheep farmer in town to just go and sketch...

These are matted in 8x10 .. which is very easy to pop in a frame. I usually sell them just matted.

It felt good to accomplish something this week in watercolor... really enjoyed the study... will look for more...

Practice

2011-07-30T18:54:00.001-07:00

This is a practice watercolor.. of my favorite tea cup...

I haven't posted any paintings lately, I have been just playing around, practice , having fun...
Have not had time to work on a big painting..so just practice... and am reading some good books

about artists I like, right now I am interested in William Merrit Chase... He was from Indiana, then moved to NYC.. and became one of Americas famous Plien Air Painters....1800's.

He also did fabulous portraits, and still life. He worked in Oil, watercolor and Pastels.....

I will have to take some photos of his work, from the books I am reading and share them with you... my favorite landscapes he did, were of Long Island... ... on the beach...Long Island is where I grew up and much of my youth on the water... either sailing, fishing or just there... I miss it .

I am traveling to Long Island in a few weeks...and hope I can do some painting also..

and visit the Parish Museum...to see Chases paintings in person... .

Are you reading any good books?

Things I Do

2011-07-29T09:20:00.001-07:00

As I was reading this morning, I thought, here is another thing I do in my day .... I get up early... and read an hour before going to work... After getting dressed.. I make a lovely pot of tea..and carry it to my bedroom, where I can sit and look out the window... and in the quiet of the morning I feast my soul on beautiful words.....

I read the Psalms everyday...and pages from a favorite book..... A Blossom in the Desert...

Writings by Lilias Trotter, who was an incredible artist, that lived in the 1800's. She left her blossoming career as an artist to go to North Africa and be a missionary. Her biography is wonderful....but her watercolors of her experience there are precious...along with her writings...

I have tried to share some here...and sorry they are sideways... can't figure out how to change it... but you get the idea :).... I am also reading , The Life of David, by A. W. Pink.... excellent reading...

This is a very special time of my day... it fills me up...and refreshes my heart... so I am ready to meet the Chaotic day ahead.... the silence and communication with my Creator in the early morning is my most favorite thing I do....

Finally the Wedding

2011-07-26T17:16:00.001-07:00

Last Week was the hottest week ever ... and we had to do flowers for a wedding... It was amazing how everything finally came together...

Without the help of many friends... this flower project could not have worked .... I am deeply grateful for my daughters.. who helped and encouraged..and cheered us on.... and many friends that gave buckets, drove cars, and prayed us through...

Most people don't realize the amount of work to process flowers and then get them in arrangements and bouquets and looking good for that final moment... The Wedding... It took 3days for non stop work... and , yes it is hard...but a joy to do it for dear friends...

Flowers are the expressions of our happy souls... especially at events like Weddings... they add such beauty and joy... and that is why I like to do them

It was a beautiful wedding, we all had so much fun... I forgot to get pictures of bride with bouquets... but perhaps someone will have one.. I can get to have as a memory...

This picture was supposed to be first... these are the flowers in their buckets after we cut and processed them all... they are soaking overnight in their solution... the room smelled like a garden...

Just another thing that I do :)

Things I do

2011-07-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Another thing that I do and thought I would share with you... is making cards. I hardly ever buy a card, when I go to look at them and see the prices.. I jut say...," I will make one".

I have many watercolor journals where I practice and have fun... and so it is there that I go to get my cards... I just cut and paste,,, cropping the picture to fit the card stock. Sometimes I use very colorful card stock, like these here.... or I will get the earthy tones for fall and winter... I love matching the colors, or contrasting them.

And my big secret about my envelops is; .... that I get them from the card lady who restocks the card racks...where I work. I found her throwing them away one day...and nearly had a cow... .. I asked if I could have them... and ever since, she saves them for me... I get all colors..and all sizes...!

After Valentines day I get all red... :)...don't mind that , they are free..and get good use. We all like a red envelope in the mailbox!

After doing this many years... I am sure I have save a bundle... and often I find my cards framed on someones wall... :)...

I hope you try this... it really is rewarding and fun way to use your sketch book pieces... :)

Things I do

2011-07-05T17:48:00.001-07:00

Painting is my favorite thing I do...it is where I can express what is deepest within..there is nothing like getting some thought on paper in full color and texture....but I also do another fun thing.......

Wedding flowers.... now I only do them for special people, family and dear friends... cause it is a very specialized job...that takes time and much thought.. Many hours discussing what flowers, how many, where they will go, what colors... etc... .

Sometimes I do little watercolors just to see the colors..and how it might look... that is always fun, then I can keep a record.. I don't know how many I have done...but I started doing them when my daughters got married. I did their flowers. Now that was really intense, because I was

cutting flowers and tying bows, just before I had to be ushered in and sit down....but I love it, so I do it.... each wedding is different and so the flowers are all different, not one is alike... always to the brides liking...

This next wedding is in 3 weeks ... I have already ordered the flowers...and now collecting buckets, will be purchasing ribbon and supplies and getting the room set up . It has to be a cold room, somewhere air conditioned... sometimes we use the frig.to store the bouquets... ..which means all food goes into coolers...

It gets to be a real intense scene. flowers everywhere and all hands on deck to help..I will try to remember to take pictures of the process to show.you :) .... This wedding will be in shades of blues... looking forward to it....

Piping Plover and her eggs

2011-06-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

I finished the painting... put a brown matt on it..... I just love the way these little birds endure the open beach to have their young... such courage and determination... what do they do when it rains and blows?... I imagine they just sit there... amazing ..

I think I may do another shore bird...just which one?.. can't decide yet...

Piping Plover

2011-06-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

Back to one of my favorite birds.. the Piping Plover... she lays her eggs on the beach, above the tide line.. I love their nesting ideas... the male bird gathers stones and shells together to make a nest... and the female picks which one she likes... too cute...

I hope to paint a big picture of them...these are sketches.....

I am looking forward to going East.. this summer... I miss the salt water.. so it brings be joy to paint the shore birds... and study them...

Treasures

2011-06-08T19:21:00.001-07:00

Thinking about the ocean... used to live in walking distance to salt water..now I live in the Midwest... but have to get out my treasures each summer and just enjoy them... and so I decided to paint them .

The hummers are coming to the feeder now.. and they are such a delight....thought they would fit in this picture...

enjoy summer. and for those who live by the sea...enjoy it for me :)

Japanese Ink Painting

2011-05-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today I gave a short quick demonstration of Japanese ink painting to my grand kids... It was fun to see what they would do with it...

We got through the 4 gentlemen... Bamboo, wild orchid, Plum blossom, and Chrysanthemum

but they all loved the Panda bear...

James, who is 6, enjoyed it the most and was the last one to leave the table... I think he really enjoyed doing the Bamboo, and put his panda in the same picture...

wish I had taken more pictures... it was a fun day.

Thinking Green

2011-05-22T16:57:00.001-07:00

The greens are fully in now.. and I think that influenced me to do a green theme. ... I love using different greens in my floral designs.. and I thought the green apples went well... and then those gold finches landed on the branches...and they just fit... it was a challenge to do a large painting..

maybe the next painting will be blues... ?

The New Brush

2011-05-19T13:07:00.001-07:00

My Son in Law went to Japan in April... and I asked him to bring me a Japanese paint brush, well he did... and that opened a new world to me... I began to read about Japanese ink painting and

discovered such delightful things...and learning how to use the brush has enhanced my own brush work... So...if you are looking for a good way to practice and learn great brush technique , I highly recommend the Japanese style...or even Chinese.. very similar. You have to get their kind of brush....

The whole concept is simplicity of design and stroke of each mark... I found books in the library and even tutorials on line... even though I do not have the ink... I have been using my watercolor paints...and it works...

I hope to be teaching my grandchildren how to use their brushes.... they also received a Japanese brush .... can't wait to see what they will do.. I promise to post it..

Looking for an opportunity?

2011-05-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

Some dear friends of mine are taking on a new adventure and moving south... they are selling their home and asked me to post it on my blog......

It is a very special house with a great set up for a Bed and Breakfast .

This could be your opportunity to start something new and exciting...

Here is the web site where you can get all the info about this lovely home...

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/reo/2382663189.html

Flowers take over

2011-05-03T18:04:00.000-07:00

When I am not painting.. I am at the floral shop and these past weeks have been super busy , with Easter... and now Mother's day...

I have had no time to paint..or have felt like it, coming home exhausted... I can only dream of those paintings I want to do...

I have collected many ideas.. and soon I will be back in the pallet and brush...

Have a great Mother's day.. and remember to get your mother some flowers... :)

A Birthday

2011-04-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my littlest granddaughter turns One... and we are celebrating with great joy... She was born with a huge hole in her heart and other complications..So last November she had open heart surgery and has been recovering every since then.... She is doing well... and is a little girl full of Joy .

We celebrate with great thanksgiving to God and for the many people that prayed for her these last 6 mos...

This is the painting I did today for her room...

Flowers

2011-04-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

Painting everyday is the discipline , and the road to better painting.. I have my paints out on my desk... and I try to do something small everyday... I can paint while talking on the phone... or even answering messages on the computer.. I just try to keep the brush going everyday...

Even if I don't paint a winner..or a big one.. at least I fill my journal with ideas.. and exercises...

I also get books out of the Library on a regular bases, books on watercolor and technique in painting.... I found one this time that I really got so much from it.

Winning with Watercolour, by Trevor Waugh .. absolutely great! I love the way he uses the medium.. and his book is so helpful .... I love his flowers... this was a sketch done after reading how he does his roses...

He has a web site also.. just Google his name... you will enjoy his work!

Just Beeing

2011-04-05T17:46:00.001-07:00

Very Tired tonight, after watching the Basket Ball game last night, then getting up really early, and working all day... but wanted to pick up my brush and relax... so Bees was on my mind...

Thought I would bone up on Bees... getting ready to do some flower

paintings.. they should always include someone moving about, whether a bird, or a bee..

it was fun ...Just Beeing an artist tonight :)

Have a great day

Spring things

2011-03-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

I guess Spring has sprung in my heart.. and out my brush... I have been coming up with some new ideas for small paintings... and it is lots of fun...

They are quicker to do,...and easy to frame.. I might even do groupings... similar ones that you could hang in a group... I hope you are painting also... and letting the Change in season inspire you .

WE are still in the 40's here but things will pop soon...

I can't wait to see the red bud trees. ... the color pink, purple with the pale green is awesome..

Spring things

2011-03-26T18:40:00.001-07:00

Had off today ... so I decided to do some small , affordable art pieces.... . I got a calligraphy book from the Library and fell in love with the free form lettering.... so I gave it a try...

I picked some daffies from the garden and a few pansies..and they were my inspiration...

The Spring flowers are on their way..and the colors are wonderful against the new greens... so much to paint....

Spring is here

2011-03-19T18:23:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is the First day of Spring... We have long been waiting for it.. It is here.. the daffies are blooming.. crocus up..and today I was oooooing over the green , green grass.. So all of you up north.. it is on its way.

Out of the hard , frozen, crusty earth comes life... where there was death... comes life.

"Praise be to my rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!" "You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of Life.".. Ps 56:13

The Green is in

2011-03-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

It was the first really warm day here... the grass is greening up.. I got to plant pansies in the front door pots... and we planned a Lamb and cabbage meal to celebrate St. Pats day...

When I went to cut up the cabbage.. it was too beautiful .. so I took some pictures with the pot of shamrocks sitting on the counter... After eating our meal I decided to try and paint that cabbage.. here is my sketch... it was fun.. there are so many greens.. and I threw in some purple.. I love purple and green..

Hope you had a great St. Patrick's day.. now onto daffodils, crocus..and more greens... enjoy the Spring awakening

Painters Block

2011-03-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a great book on watercolor, "How to make a watercolor Paint Itself, by Nita Engle. She has some wonderful , and helpful advice for one who is stuck, and just can't pick up the brush. She says it often happens.. mainly because you have been too stressed out to produce, under pressure to paint.. perhaps that has been my dilemma.

Any way she says to just return to your passion.. play with your paints.. experiment!... have fun with your paints... splash on the color... So that is what I have been doing... lately... and just

surround yourself with beauty... the things you love.. The pressure of having to paint each week a good painting was just stifling me ..... so I have been just experimenting..and just playing with my paints... Some-days not even painting... Now that Spring is slowly rising out of the earth and singing its way into my heart.....I find ideas for

paintings forming in my mind.. and soon i will be busy again trying to express that on paper...

These are a few of my fun sketches... just playing around with the paints....

I just got my computer up graded and overhauled.. so it is working much faster...and there are a few new things added... actually when I got it back i lost my blog icon on my desktop..that made me sad.... I know i have not been regular with this ....but maybe now that my machine is up to date... it will be easier... Hope you are having fun painting... remember that is the key to a great painting!!!

sorry some of my pictures came out sideways.. and I don't know how to fix that... new computer.

Back to Flowers

2011-02-26T18:24:00.000-08:00

I finally got to the paints today.. after enjoying a morning with my daughter at the Farmer's market in the city. That was too fun... fresh greens, herbs, raw honey and hand made soaps.. and tons of other wonderful things to eat, taste and smell...

It was all so refreshing.. and it was crowded with people just enjoying shopping..and tasting... I am sorry I did not get pictures.. I just was so busy looking... I recommend it highly.. go on a Sat. morning and bring home a treasure... I bought some beautiful Feathers... :)

Well ... I painted this one tonight.. did not come out the way I planned it.. but I like it.. will call it "Courting"...I think that is what is going on around my bird feeder lately.. and sparrows are my favorite... This one came out darker than I wanted it... will try for another..

Spring in my heart.. Winter outside

2011-02-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

Today was a day of renewal, totally no agenda,,,, but to read, paint and think... enjoy the birds

Paint and maybe do some laundry.. It was a restorative day.... We need those . I began painting sheep and lambs... then on to flowers... Thinking up themes for spring paintings... Even though it is 28 degrees outside... and more snow this week... Spring is on my mind..and I love thinking of the colors... textures.....

the soft greens, pinks.. and sun blushed yellows... bending tulips and purple crocus. The turning of grey to pale yellow greens...

The birds are singing a new song... they are very noisy lately.. they know a new season is about to appear.... I love the change..

God says He will make all things new... He shows us this in His seasons...

Don't miss His beauty..

"Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted in the earth"

A Breath of Fresh Air...

2011-02-16T18:18:00.000-08:00

Wow today the Temp got up to over 60!!!! it was spectacular... the sunshine just lifted our spirits

the snow has melted... we can see the driveway... the birds are singing a new song... It was a gorgeous day.... I have posted some oldies... but just needed to see the color and think

spring...Time to get inspired to paint flowers, bees and birds again...

I know it will get cold again...but this was a real treat today.. and even the days are longer.. it won't be long till we see green again...

I hope you were able to get out and enjoy the sun today....

it sure was a fresh air day...

Love someone this week....

2011-02-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

Even though the weather has been really bad get your Valentines ready. and find someone special to give them to.. Make someone Happy

Buy Flowers... your local Marsh floral dept.. has the best selection at the right price :) And remember those wonderful yummy chocolates... the cherry ones coated with milk chocolate

then Find someone and watch their smile warm up your day..

Stormy weather

2011-02-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

Well.. I guess all of us in the Midwest are looking out to a winter world of ice, sleet and snow..

So.. I got to stay home today.. I tried chiseling my car, that was a lovely ice sculpture... but did not get very far... anyway it is now covered again.. I fed the birds and painted.. continuing my

Theme of Sheep...

It was a great day to make soup, and paint... and just look out the window...

one more month... then the thaw...

this painting is called , "Waiting for Spring"..

Stay warm...

Crafty Day

2011-01-29T16:53:00.001-08:00

Heather had a big table set up, and we proceeded to pile it with our projects, cutting up boiled wool sweaters that Heather had collected ..... it was fun to just create... we all got into it...

Christina put large felted flowers on her boiled wool jacket.. we all thought it was gorgeous...

Even lil Laura enjoyed all the company... she is always smiling for the camera...

A new way to color Heather's woolly zinnias... died in Kool aid... I knew kool-aid was good for something.

Heather shows us her project.. and looks like Lil Laura was helping...

Here is a fraction of our mess... of course there was a tea pot around...for lots of good tea...

and wow... was it good... it had real mint in it.. yum!!!!

This was my favorite piece... James, (6)... made this creation by himself... just a little help from Grandma , threading needles... isn't it the sweetest?

This is the start of my sweater, ... have not finished it yet...but when we finish our projects... we will post it ... Christina in her jacket and me in my sweater... and pillows from Heather...

It was a fun day... thanks girls...

Tweetie Tea and Crafty Day

2011-01-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

Went to Tea this week to my favorite Tea spot... my dear friend's Kitchen.. We try to get together to catch up on our lives, both of us are so busy ... with life.. sitting to have a cuppa is rare..and when it happens ... it is so delightful... especially during these long winter months when we are all stuck in the house... even this bird.... he sees only my friend for days... so He was excited to have someone else to talk to

Here is Tweetie...
While we were enjoying our tea and conversation... Tweetie kept up with his conversation and just got louder and louder... Like he had something to say also......

He finally joined the party... and flew over to be with us.... only he landed on my tea cup.... I wish I could have taken a picture of it...but you will have to be happy with my drawing..

There he sat... proud to be part of the group... never mind his toes were in my wonderful tasting Tea.... oh well ... how many times would a bird land on my tea cup... this was toooo precious...

Having Tea with the birds... is not all that bad... :)

Thanks dear friend for the great visit!!! and it was nice to have you join us Tweetie...

The Next day I went to my daughters house to have a craft day... We were to bring a sweater

or boiled wool jacket to embellish.... Heather would have all the stuff to do it with...

In the next blog... you will see some of that

fun day....

More Sheep

2011-01-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

I had this sheep painting sitting around... it wasn't snowing... they were just sitting under this tree... well. I decided it would make it more interesting if I threw a snowstorm in... It has raised many comments... This is what this winter has been for most of us...
I found this girl in a sheep book, she is a Sombrero, a Navajo-Churro ewe, and her wool has a red reddish brown color..... really colorful , lovely socks I suppose....

from birds to sheep... ?...

Back to Sheep

2011-01-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

Worked at the easel all day....had to work on illustrations for a book my daughter has written. It is a cute book about kids that visit a sheep farm..... well.. after all that drawing I had to paint another sheep picture... just for me.. .. finishes the day off well....

Tomorrow is babysitting.. and maybe painting with the grand kids... should be lots of fun.

Enjoy your day also... :)

Anyone for Knitting?

2011-01-15T17:59:00.001-08:00

While working on sheep , I found this photo of yarn in a basket...and tried it.. I think I like doing knitting yarn... I enjoy knitting..but it takes me too long to make a sweater now.. I like watching my daughters knit..and the things they knit , like warm socks and wonderful colored scarves. :)

Knitting has really taken off... and the wool that they die and spin is just gorgeous.. I may have to do some more paintings of just yarn... :)

Inspiration comes suddenly

2011-01-14T07:49:00.001-08:00

It is funny how nothing can make you paint.. and then you see something, a photo, a flower, someones face.. and you just have to paint it... I struggle with that problem, thinking I can

Paint anything at any time.. but when I find my best subjects ,it is when I get the" wow" feeling when I look at it.. and I must paint it... Have you had that experience? You have days when you just can't put color on the paper right.. you almost give up... I read once from a very famous artist.. my favorite one... Andrew Wyeth... He said the same thing.. there are days when he just

could not paint.....and then he would see something and ..... it would become his masterpiece...

well.. folks... I saw these geese in a book on flower arranging.. and had to try painting them.. these are sketches...but I am planning on a big one... maybe I am quacky....but it is fun trying

Be Inspired today.. if it doesn't come today...be sure it will... and then put it down for someone else to enjoy

Back to Sheep

2011-01-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

Haven't we all been enjoying the snow.. and it's beauty?.. I have had some more time off, a break between Christmas and Valentines Day. I work in a floral dept.... so right now we are slow. This

gives me more time to paint.. I have been studying and doing sheep.. have always loved sheep, maybe because we are called.... "the sheep of God's pasture"... anyway.. I put together some

small watercolors..and matted them.. and will take them to market.... In searching for photos of sheep.. I discovered there are so many kinds... with such different wool... fun to draw.. Just like us, we are all so different !!!

I should be painting the snow...hope some of you are... . I know my sister-in-law in Vermont is.. Karen Winslow... her work is fantastic.. Winslow art studio in Vt.... check it out!!!! you will love it

"Know that the LORD, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture."

Ps 100

Winter birds

2010-12-29T15:50:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a warm and special holiday. I hope you were with family and dear friends, and you enjoyed the best of food and wonderful music... I love Christmas. I will keep it in my heart all year...
Had to stay home today, sick with the stomach flu... but spent my time painting winter birds, and somehow it turned out to be a very good day... Can't eat yet...but maybe loose some Christmas fat...

I went to the Library to return books.. and on the Library Sale table was this huge book in the art section, I took it out.....and what a find. It was Wyeth at Kuerners, a spectacular book of all his sketches of the Kuerner's farm.. it is a gold mine!!! and it was so cheap....

My two Favorite artists are, Wyeth and Winslow Homer... you can learn so much from just studying their work!

I hope you are having a wonderful last week of the year...

Happy New Year...

Merry Christmas

2010-12-19T08:30:00.001-08:00

So.. 5 more shopping days till Christmas, this week will be packed with activities, cramming in everything in order to be ready for Christmas!....
But... the real Question is ..... are you ready for Christ...
for Christmas is the coming of Christ.

The Angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds...and the glory of the Lord shown around them. "Do not be afraid I bring you Good News of great Joy .... that will be for all people.....

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is

Christ the Lord.... Lk. 2:9-11.

Immanuel, God with us.....

Are you ready?... for this Good News...

Make room in your heart this Christmas for

God... and find the Peace He brings..In Christ.

Merry Christmas.!

Christmas Apples

2010-12-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Today was shopping with my youngest daughter, Emily, first an eggnog Latte, then to the stores we went. I had not been to the big Mall in almost a year.. so it was pretty exciting, I love the decorations , and the way the stores do their windows...

After Em's departure for work... I continued on and met number two daughter at another store, with lil John... of course we checked out the cool toys.. and found one we both liked... Then back to the house for some Christmas tea and sweets... and a little knitting.... very little...because it was more fun to play with lil John...

After a long day out.. I turned on some wonderful classical Christmas music and painted two small pictures... I think the day was inspiring...and fun... off to work tomorrow...

Decorating for Christmas

2010-12-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had off.. so we decorated the house... had lots of fun pulling out Christmas ornaments and things to dot the house with.. lots of snowmen, Santas and
Evergreens, Pine cones.. Handmade ornaments.. and really old ones with lots of history

I cut down armfuls of greens and placed them in baskets with red bows.. the smell was so good.

I dug out anything red and plaid and put it around... now I just need a good Christmas tea...

and some yummy shortbread...

Come for Christmas tea...

Winter Birds

2010-12-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

Latest Painting I have been working on ... I love baskets with berries and decided to paint
one... and the Chickadees fit well ... I just finished decorated for Christmas. I filled several baskets with fresh greens and tied red bows on them... and placed several red

table cloths around.. with pine cones scattered ...and felted birds.. It now looks very festive .

Just need to set my tea tray up for a Christmas Tea...

I hear it will snow tonight...

enjoy the beauty of the Christmas season...

It all starts within your heart...

A Tradition

2010-11-20T20:13:00.001-08:00

I Spent the last two weeks with my Grand children, 4 of them, ranging from 10 to 4 years of age. We had the best time together. One of our projects was to make an Advent Calendar.
So Each child made their own picture and then I cut out the windows and put a surprise picture behind it... That took me three evenings... .They are so excited now , but they have to wait till Dec. 1st to start opening their windows...

I thought they did a great job, so I wanted to share it with you all...

I made these Calendars for my girls when they were young, then they made their own...now my grand kids... I guess it is just a fun Tradition we have...

I am sure you have Traditions also that pop up this time of year.... Take time and enjoy them,

with someone.

I will always treasure the time with my grand kids... It is time well spent..!!!

Sparrows and Chips

2010-11-05T17:54:00.001-07:00

I love to put sparrows in my paintings... they are the common bird.... not so pretty... and so many of them... but I love their song...and their humbleness...
And the little chipmunk.. he is always so busy.. and brings a delightful animation to the garden.
You never know where you will find them. These little creatures crab my heart
and some how I want to catch them on paper...

Finished

2010-10-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

There is my nuthatch and his friend Mr. Sparrow... I thought they make a could pair for this gathering... I think I am finished... that was fun... have to try another...

It was a gorgeous Fall day today....hope you were out in it...and enjoyed the golden glow of the afternoon...

Thinking Ahead...

2010-10-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

Well.. Bloggers... I have to think ahead and do some winter-Christmasy things... seems like I skipped Fall... and did not paint a pumpkin... or leaves... Life seems to go by so fast..

I wish I could paint everyday...but that is not the case... So I am getting some Winter things ready for a show in Nov....

Hope you are enjoying the warm colors of Fall... it will soon be

all the cool colors of winter...

Notice.. I have not finished the bird... tomorrow night..:)... stayed tuned...

Autumn Glory

2010-10-15T19:04:00.001-07:00

Traditions of Autumn.. getting your own pumpkin... one that is just your size and shape...
I took my kids...and now I go with my grand kids... the wonder is the same... pumpkins in October... what else is there?... and the trees turn orange also..

they will all be chosen...and carried away as treasure...

Don't you love the change of seasons... each one has it's own glory...

Velveteen Rabbit and friend

2010-10-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking of my childhood lately.. I had a wonderful childhood...and had wonderful parents. I know many of you out there may not have and I am truly sorry.... yet.. now is not too late to enjoy childlike things.... like swishing through dried leaves in the fall...

Tracing your name on a wet window pane.... collecting acorns... licking your fingers after a good chocolate bar... Being childlike is a good thing.. especially when it comes to Trusting God... We are his children.. and He is our Father.. worthy of all our trust... The Bible says... we must be like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven...

I painted
these two paintings...and suddenly I thought of the Velveteen Rabbit...and Nutkin.. two stories I loved as a child... How about you ?.... did you have favorites also?....

Each of us has a child inside...

and that child is dearly loved by your Father in Heaven... :)

Apples #2

2010-10-07T18:31:00.001-07:00

Another quick one... I think it is a good exercise to do small quick studies... I find it relaxing after a very hectic day.. just to sit down and splash on some color...

So this will be my routine for a while... tomorrow we go to the apple orchard...

Maybe I will bring home some still life.

have a great day... do something creative..

Apple study

2010-10-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Back to apples... they are in now... and seems right to do some studies... we are hoping to go Apple picking on Friday... will get some good still life material...

enjoy a good apple :)

A Free Gift

2010-10-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

OK... blogger friends.. since many blogs do free give-aways... I decided to experiment and try one... so .. I am giving away a hand painted , signed watercolor card , with envelope to anyone who leaves a comment and picks a design they like

You will have to leave me your mailing address... or where ever you want it sent?

So hope to hear from you ...and maybe these paintings don't suit you... let me know what you would like

So... where ever you are...I will send you a freebie :)....

I will try to keep the paintings changing each week... that should be interesting...and fun

Having fun

2010-09-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

Still having fun with my new brushes... maybe someday I will get serious again..but exercises like these are good for brush stroke practice... In Watercolor it is all about the brush stroke...

I am going on a little journey... be back in a week ... enjoy the Fall change... and practice your craft... what ever it is.. see you when I get back..

Remember

Have

fun :)..

New Brushes

2010-09-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

Well...there is nothing like getting a new brush to get the creative juices going... I found these brushes on sale today...while roaming around in Michael's...
They were "buy one..get the next half off...and they were already cheap.... but I have found cheap brushes can sometimes be really great...
So I bought them... and they are so fun... ..

So... when stuck in a rut...go buy a new brush... :)... or new paper...or new color...

Then experiment and have fun... !

Waiting for Inspiration

2010-09-14T19:04:00.001-07:00

This was a journal sketch done a while ago... sorry friends... but I have not felt like painting in several weeks... I know it will come... it always does... but in the meantime.. we sketch and fiddle around... and try things...

We observe and watch and think... There is so much beauty around, but what do I want to say with it.... that is the thing....
Keep up the creative disciplines... and allow your self to just rest till the big one comes along... then paint your heart out!!!!
:) Fill up on the beauty around you .

Signs of Fall

2010-09-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

Yes... Fall is really here, the animals know.. the sounds are here... geese flying overhead, owls hooting at night, crackling leaves underfoot, things turning brown.... wind... and cooler mornings... it is all here.... Great tea weather,, and time for making soups... thinking about those holidays ahead... family gatherings... and wondering what the winter will be like....

Seasons change...and we must change with it... different clothes, different foods...different activities.. It is a rhythm we get caught up in... and somehow it is all so right and beautiful..

Fall is creeping in....

2010-09-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

I got up this morning and decided to work on it again... play around with texture.. and make it a fallish theme.. with the orange mat it looked finished...I think I will try another...

New Toy

2010-09-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

I was given a really nice stand for my painting board...and had to try it out tonight... I just did a fast sketch... very bad paper.. but went ahead anyway...

I I think I like this guy the best of the painting... and I think the new stand will work great

I will try another on better paper....
Hope you are having a great holiday weekend...

Apples

2010-08-21T19:40:00.001-07:00

working on Apple ideas... this one does not have bees... but will put them in later... I like the green and red mix... fun to use the colors... There are so many different kinds of Apples. My favorite is a Macintosh... but you have to get them fresh..and just the right time... my next favorite is Gala... what's yours..?....

Thinking Apples

2010-08-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

I want to do a fall painting...and I am thinking of apples... so this is my first idea... I think it must have bees... every September bees are everywhere in Indiana... especially when you eat outside... ... well.. I will be doing apples for a while until I get just the right idea :)...

Journal Sketch today

2010-08-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

The wonder of flight.... something that touches my soul....

furry friends

2010-08-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Some of my furry friends... funny at night I can hear scurrying around up above the ceiling in my room. I live in a very old house in the woods... and I imagine about who it is??... A raccoon family?

Or just some fat mice.... I keep a bird feeder on my window.. often my friendly cardinal comes and peeps softly... looking in at me...while he eats. I turn my head to watch him and we both look at each other and smile...Sometimes I can hear scurrying outside my window in the leaves... I get up and look ... a rabbit hopping from under the bushes out to explore...

I love the sounds of my furry friends... they are there and I am here and we get along ... lovely little creatures..
This was a hot week... so I did not do much painting...but thinking about the next one... waiting for the inspiration...

The American Oystercatcher

2010-08-10T17:34:00.001-07:00

Here we have another amazing large fellow who makes his nest on the open beaches of the Atlantic Coast... It's northern range is New Jersey shores... They are 2 and a half feet tall... with a wingspan of 32"..and lovely long pink legs... I like their colors.... pink... black , brown, and bright orange...
They use their long very strong peak to open the shells of clams and oysters... but they also eat a variety of sea food...like jelly fish, worms, crabs... They can be seen prancing along the shores at low tides collecting food...

They winter in Virginia and the Carolina's.... They live to be sometimes 40 yrs. old.... that is a lot of beach time...

August Beauty

2010-08-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

It was the Farmers market that inspired this painting... the sunflower bouquet...and my favorite basket...made a good combo... and of course our cheery yellow finches had to get into the picture... I think they like it... well... that was fun for a Friday evening...

have a good weekend...

Carolina Wren.... in progress

2010-08-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

I thought I would take pictures as I went along... with this painting... I had an overall color feeling that I wanted...very muted.. like an overcast day... I don't think I like the darkness of it...

but it was a fun try... I used miskit on the basket and bird while I painted the background... then I did the bird last... first time I tried that... watercolor is an adventure... it kind of paints itself...

Here is the finished...and then maybe tomorrow I might touch it again... and I might do another painting of this basket...

Piping Plover again

2010-07-27T17:03:00.001-07:00

Working on my painting of the Piping Plover... I just love this little bird that makes a depression in the sand and lays it's eggs... actually the male makes the nest and decorates it for his mate.She then picks out the best nest...:).. love it
In all the photos I have seen , each nest is different... so they have very creative plovers out there.... some use shells..others use seaweed... and others use just debris of all kinds..
They have no other protection..just out in the open.. no wonder they are on the endangered species list...

basket inspiration

2010-07-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

I got a basket from a dear friend for my birthday this week.. I just love it...and thought I would do a painting of it... this is my idea... and sketch... I thought a little wren would look good sitting on it.. I love the textures... you just never know what will inspire you to paint a picture... :)...

Bouquets of Life

2010-07-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

I love the farmer's market bouquets...and I so love to pick bouquets of Flowers, whether it be wild weeds by the roadside....or those special ones in the garden. I love to bring them inside and keep them where I can look at them ...they delight my heart...and fill my soul with beauty...

Just like today... I made a bouquet with the things I did and the people I saw. I got up early, had tea and read my Bible... the flowers of God's word delighted my soul. I then picked time to worship at church, singing songs of Christ. Then off to deliver a gift to a friend, meeting many friends on the way, each one a special flower in my bouquet. Returning home to listen to music and paint something that was on my mind and heart. That completed my bouquet for the day..I was satisfied.

Life has its bouquets everyday... they are there to be picked and enjoyed..
Pick a bouquet tomorrow and enjoy every moment.

Blogging

2010-07-15T18:53:00.001-07:00

This Blogging thing has become just an amazing sea of terrific creativity.. I just love looking at other people's Blogs... I find them while looking for birds, flowers...and cooking ... I only wish I could do a better job of designing mine. I find Blogs with music.and. with links that take you all around the world...

The photography is just beautiful..and the adventures, the things people do are just wonderful to discover... I just found out there is a blog Magazine.. wow was that cool... well... I have to work everyday...so I don't have time to spend here. I use it like a bulletin board... just stick up what I have done... and say a few words... my thoughts...and send it out... fun :)...

I had to make a card tonight... so I thought I would put it up here... I usually make all my cards... every time I look at the price of cards... I put it back...and say ... I will make one... I still like sending cards in the mail...

well.. all you bloggers out there....thanks for sharing your life..and your creative stuff... it sure brings joy to read them... and see your creative abilities..
keep up the good blogging...:)

Place cards

2010-07-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today I had off...so I worked on some place cards for a friend that is having a bridal shower. I thought I would do summer flowers... it was fun to do.. I was glad I was inside..outside was really hot and humid...

I invited myself over to my daughters... told her I would plant her rose bush... she was delighted..When I got there, I found a shelf full of gorgeous homemade jellies and jam.. it was such lovely colors... I had to take a few pictures... I even got to try the mint jelly , which is the green one :)

While out in the yard I had to take a picture of the sunflower blooming in the garden..it was just perfect... I think their leaves and flower heads are just wonderful ... I love to paint them.

We got the rose bush planted and snug in the ground... and I went home with a huge bag of Zucchini... it's that time of year when you just have too much Zucchini..

Thanks Heather... the meal was great, and the company always a terrific treat ... you are truly a Prov. 31 woman!!!

Good Book

2010-07-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a great book.... Refractions by Makoto Fujimura. He is a craftsman, an artist and a writer.. His book was so inspiring...I had to copy many quotes..and thoughts...and will get my own copy soon to write in it...Makoto lives in N.Y.C....and was honored for being World Magazine's Daniel of the Year in 2005. That should make you want to find out more about him....

These are some of the ideas I wrote down for myself... "creating art opens my heart to see and listen to the world around me"..... Consider the Nuances around you...my role as an artist begins by observing the details of life around me.."... this I find so true... I love to study the tiny things.. like how leaves are attached to the stem,... or the shape of clouds.. the texture of grass... etc...

"Beauty is in the brokenness ... Beauty is in the incomplete gestures..".. I find the lost and found edges are the most beautiful in a painting... now think about that idea in life itself... lost and found edges..

"To see the extraordinary in the ordinary"... this I what I look for... and have fun painting.. .. and this statement... " we must as artists somehow bring eternal grace into our art.. so others can experience it...
If you are an artist... this book will really encourage you and make you think deeply about how and why you create...let me know if you read it...

Pleinair today

2010-07-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Had off today...and it was a gorgeous bluesky, hot but a little breeze. I packed my watercolor bag, filled up some water bottles... sprayed on bug juice and headed for the back field....

I have to go through a wooded area..and through a fence... which opens up into a gorgeous field of golden grass, surrounded by trees... it was like going through the wardrobe in the Narnia books.... the field was so peaceful..only the sounds of birds, crickets...and wind.... oh... and I had the whole day to paint...

Even the smell was grass.. the Queen Anns lace was streching high... and the red wing black birds were entertaining me with songs...

The little shack I painted was a donkey shed once.. donkeys were kept in these fields long ago... now it is a sanctuary of peace... a lovely place...
I also took off to the art garden...but even though it was a lovely place... I did not find it as inspiring as the field....
I was glad to finally get out and paint... hope to do more this summer.... want to come with me?... it sure is relaxing!

Evening Out

2010-06-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect evening to paint outside...and since there is a gorgeous park just down my block.. I packed my small bag of paints... and off I went...

Hardly anyone was there.. I had the whole place almost to my self... except for the birds and frogs..and ducks...and a wedding reception not far away... it was a perfect evening... it would have been even better if someone else were along painting..so we could talk about the beauty...

There was a wedding reception going on over the hill.. and they were toasting the bride and groom... it was too cute... they must of been a really nice couple, cause they said such wonderful things about each one...they sure had the perfect night...

I must go back...and try some more... so much beauty out there...

Piping Plover Nest

2010-06-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

The Little Piping Plover makes the nest in the sand ,... with hardly any protection... and here she lays her eggs... how vulnerable can you get.....

Piping Plover

2010-06-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

This little birdie , the piping plover... only lives in North America in 3 different spots.... the Atlantic Coast, the Northern Great Plains, near rivers, and the Great Lakes. They are endangered species... that means there are a few left...
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They make their nests on the beach with no protection... just laying the eggs in a small indent in the sand... The Male makes the nest , they are called "scrapes", the female then picks the best nest and decorates it with shells and debris as camouflage... I think she is just creative :)...

Both male and female take their turns in incubating the eggs until they hatch, and together they will feed their young... all on an open beach....

You can just imagine how those little eggs get crushed...and dug up.... with all the vehicles, and recreation development going on... I decided to do some studies of them and paint a series... just because they are beautiful little birds with a need of respect...

Bouquet

2010-06-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the bouquet from the last blog... I was having tech difficulties.... artists are not techies....

Little Wren

2010-06-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today while I was working in the garden... I had a little Wren as company. They have the sweetest song... and she was busy in and Out of her little house...as I was busy planting begonias
So tonight I put her in my painting... Most of the week I work in a floral shop designing with flowers...so I guess it is easy for me to paint a bouguet... and fun.

bits of the weekend

2010-06-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Since I had Sat off this week..wow... it was like a mini holiday... I planned to check out the Farmers Market with my best friend... Oh it was wonderful to see all the fresh greens.... baked goodies... homemade pasta... country music... flowers... It was summer.

I also had the joy of seeing my grand kids.... the youngest one is just too cute.. she is only 6 weeks...and she really smiles.. have to catch that for you..

I was so inspired by the weekend... I had to try a painting.. just a fun one... it felt good to splash around in watercolor... it was a good weekend... have a great week... take time to enjoy the simple beauty around you.

back with the brush...

2010-05-23T19:11:00.001-07:00

Hello friends ...I was enjoying the east coast last week...and it was wonderful to be by the sea again...so different than Indiana...

I came back refreshed and took up the brush to paint...this chipmonk I have seen each morning...the geraniums are not that big yet..but hopefully soon... and the gold finches are back brightening up our gardens.... Finding time to paint... is hard when it is so nice out.... I guess I should paint outside...now that is a great idea...

Been Busy Lately

2010-05-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

It has been a gorgeous Spring...and the unfolding of the greens has been so inspiring but I have been too busy... enjoying my grandies...and rejoicing in a new one born this week... I so want to paint... my heart is full..the stuff outside is just a painting everywhere... I have only had moments to sketch.. working on an idea that includes a chipmonk....

We had gorgeous tulips and blooming trees... so I quickly painted the vase on cheap paper.. hoping someday I will do another...

I just had to say Hello to fellow bloggers... I am still here...just enjoying family... and work is really busy this month... hope you are all enjoying the spring and it's beauty... it is so fleeting...

Just like these little babies... they grow up so fast right before your eyes...

It was one of those perfect days

2010-04-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Same Day

2010-03-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

A Great Day

2010-03-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Grace and Peace to you from God our Father

2010-03-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

working on an old picture

2010-03-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

I found an old painting I did last summer...and decided to add to it..and play around.. nothing to loose... I added more greens.. and flowers in the vase.. a nest with 3 eggs. Then I changed it to two eggs... It was fun to do...and to use watercolor almost like oils... really push it..My teachers were purists..no permanent white or gouache... but I love the variety..and the effects...

Flowers Today

2010-03-13T12:26:00.001-08:00

It has rained all day..so nothing like painting flowers... these are sketches of some ideas I will work up to final painting....

I love white Gerbera daisies... they make a great contrast with the greens...

and I love to stick my favorite guy... the sparrow,.. in somewhere just because they bring another feeling into the picture...
birds and flowers.... such a gift from God....

it is still raining... but then that will make the flowers bloom.... :)

Do what you Love and Love what you do

2010-03-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

I am trully Blessed to do what I love and love what I do... I not only get to paint and sell my work...but I get to work in a floral shop and play with flowers. I thought you would enjoy seeing some of the flowers we offer... and the work we do...

The shop I work at is right inside a big supermarket... you walk in and you step into our flower dept... a real nice way to begin that weekly routine of food shopping

I love helping the customers pick out their flowers, especially those that take them to people who are sick in the hospital... knowing that these flowers will make someone happy makes the job even better....

I really need to sit and paint a few of these... the photos have inspired me...
There is just nothing like a bouquet of flowers to say ... "you are special to me"
take some flowers to someone... and watch their faces light up..
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