". Arranged Words: The Art of Nature

7 Jun 2022

The Art of Nature

Hi Everyone,

It's been a while. I hope you are all doing well.

May was a busy and fun month for me, although not without a few bumps in the road.

Early in the month, I bought a point driver and set about learning how to frame a few of my paintings, complete with dust cover and bumpers. I did learn a thing or two. Such as: check the size of the screws, if too long they could puncture the frame. (Who would want to make that error.)  A faux pas for sure. (You've got to love the French. Somehow faux pas sounds so elevated—almost noble, in fact.) So much better than an epic blunder. I also found out that the mats in store-bought frames are generally for portrait mode and are 1/8-inch weigher on the bottom. Who knew?

Anyway, to shorten a long story, I did ruin a lovely frame. When I realized my mistake, I took a few deep breaths, strolled outside to admire the flowers, and, well, eventually carved out enough space to laugh at myself. I reckoned, that the blinding light of perfection touches just a few people. And perhaps those are angels.

The art exhibition that I attended in May was beautiful. There were many lovely, inspirational pieces of artwork to see. There was also a wonderful student section. Unfortunately, photos were off limits.

      
Harmony
   
                    Approximately 7.5 x 7.5 in. With frame approx. 16.5 x 13. 5 inches.


                                           Lakeside Reflections   

                   Approx. 9.5 x 7.5 in. with frame approx. 15.25 x 12.25  

                                                                        * * *

Weeping Willow Pond

At this time of year, here in Canada, the world dresses up in so many glorious shades of green; the colours make my heart sing.

If you've been reading here for a while, you will know that I wax on about the colour blue, but green does ring bells too. After all it is the colour of nature, and I love nothing better than to be outside soaking up all the world's beauty, especially in the freshness of spring.

  

Don't cha love how the light and shadows and reflections play on the water? I could sit here for hours, but..the mosquitoes love it too, so I had to move on. Luckily, for me, the frogs were busy catching lunch, so that helped a bit.

                         Spring flowers: Trout Lily, Bloodroot, and an early blooming of wild Honeysuckle.

 

 
I thought I'd share this gadget. A friend of mine told me about this sturdy little Foldable Bucket Brush Washer that clips firmly in place. It could also be used for beads as well, and who knows what else.
But it's also handy for watercolour or gauche paint. Once the Sennelier tube paints dry, I can 
use it on my desk to save space or toss it in my bag and go. So far, I love it.

I have a few new projects on the go. In late May, I planted 19 garden containers. Because it's been so warm, the Nasturtiums, Sweet Peas, and Morning Glories that I planted from seed are growing like weeds.  But Jack Frost can sprinkle his glitter about in June, so I am keeping a wary eye out. 

 I  also have two pastel paintings on the go, and I just started to knit a linen top. More about those next time.

Nasturtiums 



Flower doodles on a salted watercolour background.

                                               Cultivate Your Dreams.

                               Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. 

                                               Many thanks to the hosts!


43 comments:

Kim said...

I suppose "epic blunder" says it succinctly. =) Your two framed pastels are lovely, Dixie. The foldable wash/paint basket is a nifty thing.

Kim said...

......I forgot to say that spring is looking glorious in your part of the world. =)

Soma @ InkTorrents.com said...

When I make those mistakes I tell myself that's the cost of learning. Your paintings look beautiful framed. Well done! Lovely flower doodles and photos of the pond are painterly. I am so glad you are able to enjoy the outside again.

-Soma

Jeanie said...

Nineteen containers? They are going to be SO beautiful! I love your brush washer. I need to look out for one like that -- I suspect far better than Talenti jars! And your pastels are beautiful. You live in gorgeous walking territory -- isn't it nice to finally be June?!

Peabea Scribbles said...

Great photography. Thank you for sharing.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Lovely paintings and frames - looks beautiful!

Suzana said...

Beautiful paintings and images! The Spring flowers are always a magical source of inspiration.
Have a good and inspired Summer!

Anonymous said...

Your pastels are lovely.
Marilyn

Lillian "sognafaret" said...

Thank you for showing me

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

You are welcome, Lillian.
And thanks for visiting.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you, Marilyn.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you Suzana. I do love the wildflowers.
I hope you have a lovely summer too!

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you, Carol.
Nice of you to say.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you Peabea.
Enjoy the weekend

Gillena Cox said...

Your art on the salted water colour background is gorgeous. Thanks for linking to Art For Fun Friday.

"Somehow faux pas sounds so elevated—almost noble, in fact.) So much better than an epic blunder"
I agree😊

Enjoyed visiting your post

Muvh❤love

Nancy Chan said...

Beautiful paintings. We all learn through our mistakes. You paint very well. Very useful foldable bucket. Have a great weekend.

Christine said...

Lovely work!

riitta k said...

Beautiful paintings in beautiful frames! The frame is so important, but hard to choose a correct one. Indeed, the various shades of green in the early summer are so wonderful! In finland, around end of June everything will be the same shade of green. So, now it is the time to enjoy all this lush greenery.

Veronica Lee said...

Your framed pastels are beautiful, Dixie.

Have a great weekend!

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! ~ lovely paintings and photos and love the doodle ~ divine in its simplicity ~ Xo

Wishing you good health, laughter, and love in your days,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

My name is Erika. said...

Beautiful photos and watercolors. You really captured some wonderful moments, especially in those watercolors. hugs-Erika

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Dixie! I'm visiting from Rain's TAD. I enjoyed your framed watercolors and your pretty photographs. I don't know what a salted watercolor background is (I'll find out!), but I love the effect of your flower doodles on it. I was born in Nova Scotia too (Wolfville), but now I live in Colorado. I hope you are looking forward to a great week!

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

I think this is my first visit to your beautiful blog. Nature always inspires and your artwork and frames do it justice (no sign of your faux pas :) . Love your pond ... yes water in a wooded setting opens up the imagination. Everything here is wonderful including your words. So enjoyed my visit ...

Andrea @ From the Sol

Angie said...

Dixie - so pleased to have you return to Mosaic Monday! "Carving out space to laugh at myself" - wow! I have been working hard on my attitude when something doesn't go right for me - it is a tough mental struggle, but I think I am making progress. Just last night, I was sitting on our front porch after some rain, and everything looked so green and fresh. Massive, puffy clouds against a blue sky. I was so happy! Your spring blooms are lovely - many of my plants are right on the cusp and I am thrilled! Enjoy your week ahead!

Gillena Cox said...

Happy mosiac Monday. I am #16 on the linky

Much❤love

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Your framed art is beautiful. I learn things....and then forget by the time I need to bring the info back up again. But I know you'll be able to use your new skills and enjoy your paintings!

Sharon Wagner said...

Cultivate your dreams. I love that.

Rain said...

Dixie! I left my comment via your contact form by mistake! LOL Here it is in the proper place!!
Hi Dixie!! I think it's so cool that you are making frames, that's something I've been wanting to learn to do, but can't find the time! Spring and early summer in my area is VERY green and so SO beautiful! The art pieces you showed are beautiful!! ☺

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you, Sharon

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you. The same thing happens to me, but I make trusty notes. If only I could find them. 🤣

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

On my way to visit, Gillena.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Hi there,
You just sprinkle some salt in the wet watercolour and let it dry. It works for a bit of texture. Oh, a fellow Nova Scotian. How nice. I bet Colorado is lovely!
Thank you!

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you so much, Erica. Hugs to you too.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

A faux pas does sort of make you laugh and definitely lightens things up.
Thank you for hosting and for your lovely comments.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you, Nancy!

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Much appreciated, Christine.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Yes, I love the early spring greens. It really lights the spirit.
Thank you and many thanks for hosting, Riitta.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you, Veronica. And a great weekend to you too.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thank you, Carol. And an extra big thank you for the lovely wishes.
Best Wishes to you.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Hi Andrea,
I am so glad you enjoyed your visit. Thank you for your lovely comments!
Best Wishes...

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Easy to do, Rain. I received a few comments there. My fault I should have had it on the side bar. But of course, all contact is welcome. It makes the world go around. :)
Thank you so much.

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Always wonderful to visit your lovely blog, Angie.
Yes, it is sometimes hard to laugh at oneself. After this post, I received a very funny email about a tennis player who was messing up and he passed his racket to a girl. It really hit home and was so amusing.
I love the spring and summer. So lovely to sit and enjoy the beauty of the seasons.
Many thanks for hosting.
Best wishes...

dee Nambiar said...

Your artwork is so beautiful. :)