Celebrating Autumn

Hi Everyone,

 

In the wink of an eye, another month has flown by and autumn's beauty surrounds us. This year, with warmer temperatures, it took a while for the autumn colours to bloom, but bloom they have. Joyful and invigorating oranges, reds, golds and still bright greens are everywhere you look.

 

These trees over by the boat launch always put on a show. As you can see, they are especially celebratory this year.  In my books, they are as beautiful as fireworks. 

And what you see is what you get--no colour enhancement here, although a tone down of the sun drenched trees to the right might have proved useful.

                                                                 

                                                                       Light and shade.                                                                                    

 Beauty aloft too.

 

         
                                        

Winter will soon be hard on the heels of autumn, so these books are at hand to keep my head full of flowers. They are all great, but the top and bottom ones are especially good.

On the cup, Van Gogh's Wheat Field with Cypresses.  Wish I could paint a painting like that. Don't we all. 

 

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                                                                From The Little Sketchbook

                                                                              

Gouache and Watercolour

 

                                                                          Watercolour

My second annual pumpkin painting.

 

  “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

 

     L.M. Montgomery,  Anne of Green Gables

To one and all: Have a safe and Happy Hallowe'en!           

 

Cultivate Your Dreams!

 

Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. Do drop by the blogs for a visit; there’s much to see and admire.

  Thank you, ladies, for hosting.

            

"In the Air

    
 Hi Everyone,

     Spring appears to be in the air one day and gone the next. Fierce March winds have been blowing everything about. But I don't mind the wind. I love to hear it blow and it helps the snow disappear.

In March, long ago, skipping along as children we always said over and over, "March winds, April showers, bring forth May flowers."  In this ever changing world, I am glad to report that that still holds true.  

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."

Charles Dickens

I haven't seen a robin yet. Too early I suspect. I do open a window in the morning and listen for their songs. So far I've heard: Geese (love to hear  and see the geese flying over) and Crows and Starlings. Crows and Starlings are not the best singers, but a bird has to start somewhere.

           

                                                                  * * *

From the Easel and other Tall Tales.

                                                

          Pastel on dark maroon Pastelmat paper. I thought I had ordered all one colour. Surprises are good though. 

I've heard of the Sketchbook Project, and I was surprised to receive this in the mail. It's from Brooklyn Art Library in New York. Why am I surprised? Well, because I didn't order it. (Just to be sure, I checked my Visa.) I assume some lovely person had it sent to me. So whoever you are (I have my suspicions) I would like to thank you personally, so please let me know who you are. For now, I thank you so much!  And I appreciate your kindness.

Rules: Art must remain within the 5 x 7 inch parameters, no gesso, and you can opt to have it digitized.

The library also has a bookmobile and they drive across the country, now and then, with the collection. Mine's from Volume 18 and it must be sent in by August 31, 2021. I may fill it with flowers. Decisions, decisions.

Printing Cards       

          

I haven't printed cards for awhile, so it took some time. My notes are geared towards someone who knows exactly what they are doing, or wants to begin in the middle of things.  And sometimes you just need to go back to square one.

                                          

I hope you all have a very Happy Easter! 

                         'Til next time                                         

                                                Cultivate Your Dreams

 Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. Thank you, ladies, for hosting.

 

Here Comes the Sun

Hi there,

The sun has crossed the equator and we have theoretically marched into spring. (Being a daydreamer, I imagine the sun just might be a twinkle in God's eye.) 

Anyway...the birds love the sunlight too. They are chirping, singing, courting and spooning and planning where to build their nests. I haven't seen any robins yet but I know they are out there.

We have snow on the ground and in the forecast, yet soon the earth will clothe itself in different shades of lush greens and colourful blossoms. It's just a matter of time! The trees are springing to life too and, even with snow on the ground, their branches are full of buds.

                               

 Early March snowfall.

Remember the spring bulbs that I planted and put in a fridge for about 14-16 weeks? Well, I am delighted to report that most of the bulbs bloomed. Of course, I was especially hoping that the Snowdrops would bloom. But they were the only ones that didn't take root. However, being perennially optimistic, I haven't given up hope. On the warmer days outside they go...just in case. Who knows? They may respond to the warmer sunny days enough to root and bloom. (Fingers crossed.)            

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Please Click to Sing Along/ This Blog Also Encourages Dancing! 

Forgive the ad... 

Parrot tulips and Angelique tulips.  The Angelique tulips remind me of peonies.

Warning: Sun Catchers on duty. 💖

Parrot tulips open fast. I tied this one with thread so I could draw the closed flower.

In the fall, I brought my geranium inside. Ta Da!

 

Jesse brought me these lovely tulips. I'm pleased that the stems do not droop.

Obviously a new innovative hybrid.

Such beauty on the undersides of plants. I like to draw and photograph plants and flowers from different angles and perspectives.

Yes, even this angle. 

Below, a few sketches. Mostly, I draw on tracing paper to save steps, but now that I finally purchased a light box if I want to transfer a drawing for painting, it won't be a problem.

Moleskin cold press sketchbook.

Had an epiphany while using cold press paper. Although the paper doesn't fall under the rough category, it can expertly munch up a fine brush. The water brush below works well.

 

Stillman & Birn hot press sketchbook. Zeta series.

Trying Gouache in the Moleskin. An opaque medium much like acrylic, although it can be reactivated unless you buy it with an acrylic base. I love the bright colours. Verdict: continue experimenting. 

While waiting on the real Snowdrops that may or may not bloom, I've enjoyed painting and drawing more of these lovely flowers. Yes, I agree. I'm obsessed! I can't resist these delicate beauties.

I've listed this original watercolour painting in my shop.  Signed and available here.

                     Happy Spring! And for my friends down under Happy Fall!

'Til Next Time...

                                                      Cultivate Your Dreams.

Botanical Blues

Hi there,

Grape Hyacinths are one of my favourite spring flowers. As a child, I remember standing in a garden  completely captivated by these delicate little beauties. Perhaps this is the second time in my life that I've actually had these flowers inside. They are hard to come by unless, that is, you grow them from bulbs.

                                                           Gouache flower cutout.

Yes, I did go to the Art Store in Ottawa. And what wonderful place it is. From the easels to the pencils, it's all wonder.  I know I said I was going to pare down some items, (and I did jettisoned a few that I hope someone else will find useful) but these items are, I reckon, a necessity.

Winsor and Newton Opera Rose...much maligned because it doesn't appear to be light fast, but when you dry brush it over, certain flower paintings ( especially purple) it really does hide the flatness and adds warmth. Because I wanted sanded paper, I haven't tried my pastels yet, but, now, all systems are set to go.

Tip: When you buy new brushes, do throw away the protective plastic tip.  Many people try and put the tips back on. The fine hairs can catch and ruin the brush, and if there happens to be any water in the brush it can mildew.

Can't wait to read this book.

Since I've always been fascinated by the explorers, I was very pleased to find this book. Published in 2017. There is such a wide range of wonderful entries. 

After a 14 week cool down in a neighbor's fridge, I bought the tulips home and they are coming up. No Snowdrop sprouts yet, but, regardless, I will bring them home this weekend.
The trick will be to keep them cool. I have them against a cold window. Next week the temps
are suppose to climb to above zero so I will put them outside. That should help. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The Botanical Blue sketch.

 Apparently, this Micron pen isn't the same beautiful blue that I usually use, although it claims to be the same colour. I will go over the line drawing again and that should bring up the colour.
Hellebore, crocus, daffodils, pansies, tulips, a snowdrop, and, of course, a birdie.

'Til next time...


Cultivate Your Dreams!