Sunday, March 30, 2014

A Valuable Lesson!


These two shared a valuable lesson with me today.  Even though the calendar says spring we are still receiving snow.  Sarge and Shelby showed me that instead of moping around one needs to enjoy it.
Too often one can allow certain circumstances to steal the joy of the moment.   So glad my two friends did not.
Hope you too savored the day in spite of the weather.   Have a great week!  

 "The Lord has done it...let us rejoice today and be glad."  Psalm 118:24 (NIV)

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Busy Painting

Dear friends I am busy painting.  Unfortunately not artsy things.
There are ceilings, walls, closet interiors that have been clamoring for a coat of paint.  

May be away for a few days taking care of spring projects and such.    In the meantime all of you have a great week!

See ya soon!

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Rest


 
      "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.












   
    Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,













for I am gentle and humble in heart,















and you will find rest for your souls."
Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)





                                    

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Warblers and Such


  Last spring we entertained for a short while a little bird that I came to identify as a warbler.   In searching through some of my reference books found there are several types that visit us in Ohio.

They have a lovely song that lets you know they are close by.  Resembles the female finch a bit but smaller and more rotund.  Looking forward to their return.   Hope it won't be long.


Speaking of spring at last the snowdrops are starting to bloom.


The colder temperatures have kept them sleeping a bit longer than normal.


What a welcome sight...a promise that warmer weather will soon be arriving.




In the meantime will stay busy in the studio painting a few of my favorite things.

Would love to hear what you are doing while waiting for spring's arrival.

WIP



 Hope you have a wonderful end to the week.

Take care and God Bless!

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Sunday's Pleasures



Warm golden cornbread topped with a bit of honey...








Pussy Willows beginning to open up...















 a creative endeavor...














and to finish...

   a spine chilling thriller with sassafras tea on the side.


Hope your Sunday had some pleasures too.


Take care and God Bless!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Positive & Negative Shapes

My focus these past few days has been on studying positive and negative shapes.













Stephen Quiller's book "Watermedia Painting" includes a special exercise to help teach one to see more abstractly.   He  suggests painting 1/2 hr. each day for two weeks the shapes that surround common objects found in your home.   For example chairs, teapots, plants, etc.   It is a way to show how these spaces are important in defining the positive ones.  

As I worked on teaching my eyes to see those odd shapes that surround an object I found myself correlating it to a page of life.   Often times we believe that the not so good situations or the unexciting ones keep us from reaching our dreams.    When we take time to look we come to see those quiet  days, weeks and even years were formulating a lovely backdrop.  They were necessary for what was truly meaningful.   It is as if what we considered negative was busy creating something positive.   Seems like it takes both to make a great painting and also a great life.

May all of you find those negative shapes forming positives in your art and in your lives.   God Bless!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."   Romans 8:28 (NIV)    


Saturday, March 8, 2014

New Every Morning!

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail.   They are new every morning..."   Lamentations 3:22-23a  (NIV)

Hope all of you have a blessed Sunday.  

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

A Favorite Winter Spot

Samson
 This has become Samson's favorite winter spot.   The extreme cold has kept him indoors.     He sits here and watches the birds through the glass panes.  It is the perfect place for dozing too.

I haven't caught him reading.  Maybe he does when no one is around.



Pen & Ink Sketch with Watercolor Wash






Did a quick sunflower sketch today.   These cheery flowers always make me think of sunshine and bees buzzing about.  












Well it looks like you know who is getting ready for an afternoon nap.

 So glad you took a moment to visit with us.  Hope all of you are enjoying a favorite winter spot.







Sunday, March 2, 2014

Colors of Spring

Pen and Ink with Watercolor Wash
Aureolin yellow, Rose Madder Genuine, and Cobalt blue are what I consider the colors of spring.   They are also my favorites.

Their properties seem to blend and glaze well making them wonderful neighbors.  A certain softness gives them a gentle glow.

One doesn't get a rich dark when using these three.   They remain light or in the mid-tone range making them a great trio for those early blooms.



Watercolor with ink embellishment

March's entrance may have brought another arctic blast but there are signs of spring.   The robins, blue birds and starlings have returned.   Soon the flowers will start to bloom.   Warmer weather will come.   In the meantime I will put another log on the fire, sip a cup of tea and dream of soft yellows, pinks and blues.   Thank you for stopping by.   Please have a wonderful week.   God Bless!

Sow

 It is the time of the year when I begin to sow seeds for the coming season.  Discovered a different method on You Tube...they call it "...