Autumn Has Arrived

Hi everyone,

 So far this year the autumn colours are not as intense as usual. Someone said it is because the summer was so hot. Still there are flashes of brightness here and there, and, perhaps, if the rain stays away, there's still time for the fall colours to put on a big show.

Temps are cool and the nights are, of course, closing in early. Time to cozy up with a throw and a good book in the evenings, or perhaps some knitting.

I've been busy farming pastel paintings for the juried art show in November.  I forgot to take a photo of them before framing. Now that they are behind glass it is not that easy to get a glare free photo. My son, at one time, had a small digital camera that had a function for taking photos behind glass. It worked so well.

 

          Probably no one wants to hear this, but since this is a diary of sorts, I can finally bring myself to say that my Mother (Celeste Mary) passed away in April. Mom was 99 years old, and she was exactly two months away from her 100th birthday. 

I know how fortunate we, as a family, were to have her with us for so long, but I do miss her so much.

                                           

                                            Have this photo on my list as a reference to paint from

                                                             I am thinking watercolour.

                                     

                                         I just love these ornamental cabbages. They've got style. 

                                                                   New England Asters.

                                                       Solomon Seal ~ Still pretty, I think.

                                                                     

                                                                     * * *

I recycled Pastelmat for this little painting. How? Well, you can actually wash off a painting that didn't work out, and begin again. Just rinse under water, and use some paper towel to remove more of the pastel and dry it off.  Then I usually place the Pastelmat inside paper towel and weight it down with books until it dries. Of course it doesn't come perfectly clean, and you can't add as many layers. Also, it is not as easy to paint on as the original paper, but it still works quite well.

'Til Next Time...

Enjoy Autumn or Spring wherever you may be.

Cultivate Your dreams

                                       Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. 

                                                   Thanks to all for hosting.  

 

The Beginning of Autumn

 

 Hi there,

       

Today, I am writing this post on my iPad. I had doubts about it ever happening. But Blogger, with its new interface, has finally plunged into the 21st century. 

     

Fall has arrived and everywhere you look you can catch a glimpse of gorgeous colours with hints of    more to come. It’s such a beautiful time a year. Certain garden flowers that have been bleached out by the hot summer sun, are also enjoying a vivid revival.

 I never long for fall, and often lament the passing of summer, but at this point in my life, I enjoy fall almost as much as I do spring. 

“Autumn, the year’s last

loveliest smile.”

William Cullen Bryant 

Reeds swaying in the wind.

Goldenrod and Asters

Awhile ago, someone ask me what I keep in my desk drawers. I admire curiosity. As far as I’m concerned it makes the world go round. Anyway, maybe one day I will shoot a video tour of my little corner studio, although I am not sure I could make it interesting. In the mean time, here's a sneak peek. In drawer number two: tubes of watercolour paint. The gorgeous bright pink: Opera Rose. Not a lightfast paint but oh so lovely.

                                                           Candy pink hydrangeas. 

Moms and Roses

On a walk, I noticed this feather. It looked like it was floating.

I added a few more watercolour leaves to this painting. As you can see, there are real leaves here too. 

                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                         

The art cards I ordered arrived, so I printed some greeting cards made from a larger Calla Lily painting that sold awhile ago. I really like the matte finish on these cards.

 When I cut these watercolour gift tags out of watercolour paper and add splashes of paint, I am in relaxation mode.  Although messy, adding texture with salt, alcohol, and cling wrap adds to the fun.

'Til Next Time

Cultivate Your Dreams.

Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. Ladies, many thanks for hosting. 

Landscapes and Greeting Cards

 September 8, 2020

 Hi there,

  Mostly a picture post today.  But I will say that the new Blogger interface makes it much easier to move pictures around. And I like the visible comment section that shows in the preview. A definite must!

  

To Bee

A few red leaves. It's happening slowly.

                                 I love ponds; they are always so peaceful. I sat on the bank and

                                           watched the fish jump in this pond for awhile. 

                            

                                                  Asters, Goldenrod, and Queen Anne's Lace.

                                              "I've looked at clouds from both sides now."
                                                                        Joni Mitchell

Print making on the go. I am making cards in both a gloss and matte finish.  Just now, I only have a few of the wildflower cards with a matte finish, but more matte cards are on the way.

Original Pastels ~ Taiga/Snow Forest. Better known as the Boreal Forest

and Autumn’s Glory.

Boreal Forest, Autumn’s Glory, Pink Bloodroot Wildflower.

After the storm. 

This wonderous double rainbow arched the whole way across the sky. I feel very lucky to have seen such awe inspiring beauty. 

'Til Next Time, Lovely People...

Cultivate Your Dreams

Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. Do drop in for a visit. Thank you ladies for hosting. 

Fall, Shawl Collared Cowl

September 6, 2016

Asters

Labour Day has come and gone and everyone's talking about fall, even though we are having wonderful summer weather, but I have noticed a change in the air, especially at night.  Still I've decided to stick with summer. Picnic anyone? After all, fall doesn't officially arrive until September 22nd.

Elderberries

I love these delicate blooms.  I  just googled and found out that they are called Peruvian lilies or Lily of the Incas.

 Looks like fall wear. And after that sweet talk about summer, but being prepared can't hurt.

 This Shawl Collared Cowl has been in the basket (dare I say) for almost two years. (I am so happy I can knit again!)  I really like this pattern. I've knit it for gifts and for myself.  Yes, I am one of those people, if I like something why not (sometimes) have two. :) I've knit two with Alpaca. It's soft and wonderful to wear, but it does stretch a lot, so, for this one, I added a lace weight mohair for support. Since mohair is suppose to be the warmest fiber, it should, coupled with the Alpaca, be lovely and warm, especially once the loft fluffs up.

A relatively fast knit, but I did spend too long in the fabric store staring at a wall of bland buttons. Nothing caught my eye, until, that is, I saw ice blue. 

 (Did I mention that I am so happy I can knit again!) 

Raverly info here.

Lily of the Incas, Hydrangea, Wax plant bloom.

The last two years I've only had one bloom on my wax plant. Maybe it needs a new owner. (I give it a good fertilizer and put it outside in the summer.)  Calling all gardeners...any ideas for more blooms?

'Til next time...Have a lovely week!