Wintering in Colour

Hi everyone,

I hope you all had lovely, happy holidays!

Of late, over this way, I've been puttering about, enjoying painting and experimenting with different mediums. An overall quiet time--winter works for cocooning in place with good books, paints, yarn and, of course, tea. Where would the world be without tea?

This year, February barged in with a bang. The earth moved!

 We have had two small earthquakes over the years. The first one was more severe. The noise was unbelievable with the loudest cracking sound I ever heard. It reverberated for  a minute or two. Your mind turns--where to run to--what to do. Thankfully, it stopped. Always good to have a plan or two in place.

Did you watch the Superbowl? Is that even an admissible question? Fair weather fan here. Enjoyed chicken chili, and watched the half time show. 

Pastel on pastel mat paper.

             
 Thanking Jesse for these beautiful blue pastels.
 Watercolours-Sennelier and three Daniel Smith's. Always fun to mix greens, but Daniel Smith's sap green works well with a hint of red mixed in to tone it down.               

           

                                                  

 The three colours in the last row are Daniel Smith's.  Love the Opera Rose, although it is a fugitive colour.

                                 

A little grocery store bought colour oasis.

Scraps of paper will do when you don't have a lot of time, or you may want to paint quick daily paintings.  As you can see, the painting on the right is halved because I put the lane almost in the middle. A definite no no. (She lives and sometimes learns.) 

* * *

Books:

What an amazing book this is. Not hard to know why it won the Pulitzer.  In a you tube interview with Richard Powers, he said he researched the book for six years. And while it's a work of fiction with a cast of human characters, trees are, in my opinion, the main characters. 

I've always loved trees; was surrounded by them in my childhood, and if you been reading here awhile you will know that I love to be in the woods. It's difficult not to feel sad when watching land being cleared. Now more than ever because there aren't that many tracks of treed land left. 

  

In case you are interested, besides this book, a couple of recommendations are: The Wild Trees by Richard Preston published in 2008, and more recently The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohellben. 

Netflix has bought the rights to The Overstory, so we can expect an adaptation sometime-- can't locate a time line just yet.

After reading these books, I could go on and one. But I will say there's no doubt in my mind that we walk among miracles. Trees are a community.  They help each other out. They are so remarkable it's mind boggling. 

Definitely a crime to cut old growth forests, especially the giant red woods; as you probably know, they can be 20 or 30 stories high and they have likely graced us with their presence since say 786 or longer! 

Speaking of miracles, my Echeveria elegans is blooming. 

Enjoy the week

And Happy Valentine's Day!

Cultivate Your Dreams

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Fire in the Sky

                                                               

 Hi everyone,

     

Sometimes getting up early really pays. So happy to see this lovely sunrise recently. Definitely "Fire in the Sky."

 Google tells me Smoke on the Water--a song with the words fire in the sky in it was written by Deep Purple.

* * *           

Looks like Blogger is having issues. A few people have told me that they can't leave a message here, or that they had a very difficult time in doing so.

I have also tried to visit a few blogs and received a message that said something like this blog is open to invited readers only. The blogs were listed in a blog hop, so I'm sure visitors are welcome. 

I return visits so I hope they get it fixed soon! Also, if you can't leave a message and  wish to leave a comment, there is a contact form on the sidebar here.  (Hope it works.)

Started a Commonplace Book.  Not a journal per se, but a place for quotes, notes and whatever you like to write in it that you find interesting and that strikes your fancy.  So far, I have started a list of the books I would like to read this year, and also started a section for quotes. 

I do write things down in my journal, but that doesn't always make for easy access, especially if it is quite full.  ( i.e. Oh where, oh where did I write that?) 

This book is ruled and the spaces are rather large between the ruled lines. Could be smaller. But, then again, any note book will do.

 

               Assortment of dried flowers and leaves that I picked last summer. And a Primrose drawing--looking down on the potted plant.

I save the bits and dust from my pastels and then grind them down and add a bit of water to make a stick.

With no mortar and pestle, it's difficult to get a powder form, but I don't mind a few raised bits for texture and a bit of rogue colour.

  Not everyone does this, but, hey,

depending on the brands sold, one pastel stick can cost $7 to $9. 

Good pastels are made by hand.  Just pure pigment with a little binder mixed in and then hand rolled.

 

 Roche pastels from France are very expensive.  $20 euros for one in open stock. 

Cheapest listed $16.00 euros.

 Roche pastels were used by Degas. 

They are so rich and beautiful. I know this from pictures only.

They must have many secret recipes.

* * *

Meet Strawberry. She belongs to a friend of mine who owns a strawberry farm. Hence the name. I call her Miss Berry. What a darling kitty. It was love at first sight.

Birdie bookmark. 

* * *

                                     

                                          Second time reading this book. It's excellent.

                                      You can have a look at several pages here. 

Cultivate Your Dreams

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An Ode to Summer

 Hi everyone,

Depending on your location, I hope you all had a lovely summer or winter and are looking forward to a change in season.

Our summer was hot one with a few extremes. For example, one day the temperatures reached 100.8 F/38.22 C, and the next day it was 64.4 F/18C. First time, I've experienced 100F heat here in this part of the world.

                                  

Here, just now, gold, red, and orange colours are busy painting the treetops.

                                                                * * *

Time to say a few words about the Queen Elizabeth II. She has been a constant in the world for such a long time. I am grateful that she was with us for so long, and that she left us at this time and not in 2020 when she would not have had a proper send off. What a remarkable lady she was. And she certainly kept her promise to serve whether her life was long or short. RIP beautiful Queen Elizabeth. You will be sorely missed.

                                                       

                                                             Wonderful cloud formations. 

                       Pictures taken in Brockville in the 1000 Islands, along the St. Lawrence River.

Tall Ships Landing.

                                                                    Tall Ships Landing

 I think you can buy a condo there for a cool million or more. 

Unfortunately, hurricane Fiona has wreaked havoc the whole way along its track and has also decimated parts of the Maritimes. My relatives live in different parts of Nova Scotia. The storm brought heavy rain and 150K winds to Nova Scotia, but it swerved into a different track, and they were spared the brunt of it. But a state of emergency has been declared for other parts of the Maritimes, and the military has been sent to access the situation. The Maritimes have ridden out many a hurricane, but nothing of this magnitude has been seen for several generations. 

In Newfoundland several homes were washed way, and there's widespread damage throughout Cape Breton and PEI. There are hundreds of thousands of people without power; hard working crews have been working fast in N.S. and half of 500,000 customers without power are, as I type, back online. 

My thoughts and prayers and with the people.

Also praying for the people of Puerto Rico and other areas that were devastated along the storm's tract.

* * *

                                           

                                                     Pastels on Pastelmat Archival Paper

                                                            

Unison's Botanical Set.

     

My birthday was in August, and so I was gifted these lovely pastels. Because pastels are so pretty, it takes time for me to remove the wrappers, snap them in half and begin a painting. 

 A swatch of eighteen beautiful Botanicals and the three extra colours I received for good measure.

Abstract acrylics

                                    Sun print/Cyanotype, Watercolour/mixed media, and Sunflowers.

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                                  Until next time...Stay safe and sound and

       Cultivate Your Dreams

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.

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You Never Know

Hi everyone,

By the time tulips have reached this stage, it's generally time toss them out. Because of the beautiful colour, I left them until the petals began to drop. 

Snow drifted down last night. I do like a surprise though, and a white world this late in the spring fills that category.  Needless to say, this spring has been a cool one. (You never know there could be snow.)

Yesterday I just had to go to the woods. Since I injured my foot last June, I haven't been going too far. I finished physiotherapy last week, and it still hasn't healed. So, the physiotherapist recommended shockwave therapy even though she said she couldn't endure it. That did make me laugh because, really, what a recommendation! I will ruminate on that one. To me, it doesn't seem wise to shock an injury, although the idea of it is to reduce scar tissue. The other and last option besides a brace I've ordered to wear at night is a cortisone shot.

Below, the tiny green sprouts of the Trout Lilies. When they bloom a wonderful carpet of yellow will fill the undergrowth. Although they are the first flowers that bloom, in the woods, in spring, they can be quite tender. Fingers crossed that the snow is kind to them. 

In May there will be an art exhibition at the mall. Three entries are allowed. I have a few paintings in mind but, besides the one below, I will likely paint two new paintings. I will frame the painting below as soon as my point driver arrives. Not something I've done before, and pastels have to be framed so that the painting doesn't touch the mat or dust may fall on the mat. Spacers are used, but I haven't been able to find any, but I can use acid free foam core. Are you with me lady luck?

                

                                                           

                                                  Pastel on Pastel mat paper 8 x 10 inches.

                    

                                          A few new soft pastels from Great American. 

                                                        

                                             Pastel on pastel mat Approximately 13 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches

If you've been reading here awhile, you may remember this painting. I kept wanting to add a boat to it, and finally figured out how.

             I am happy to report that my computer problems are all sorted thanks to my son, Jesse. 

Have a lovely day... 'Til next time...

Cultivate Your Dreams

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Good Cheer

Hi Everyone,

Are you busy preparing for the holidays?

Over here, things are shaping up; lights, tinsel, and glass bubbles have enveloped the tree, compliments of my son, Jesse, and an Elf. Touches of greenery peek out from almost every corner. Plans for what goodies to bake are nearly solid. The Christmas cards are signed, sealed, and stamped and will soon be winging their way to, I hope, add a splash of good cheer to family and friends.

The sun breaks through the dark clouds at dawn.

 

                     My cobbled painting path, has become a bit uneven, but I tell myself there's nothing to worry about because taking a break also plays an important role in the creative process.  Well, that’s my story…

Watercolours

 

 

 

 

 

I added a white board next to my desk to post some watercolours on. (Motivation required.) I wanted to buy a cork board, but why not use what is at hand. I only had to purchase a few magnets. (Besides, should a magnet hit the floor and roll to parts unseen/unknown, until, that is, the inevitable happens, they are easier on the feet than push tacks.)

 

 Preparing for a colossal art re-entry ;^)  in the New Year, a small pastel order, plus some paper arrived. Two of the names to the right made me laugh, especially Burnt Reynolds. The pretty yellow pastel: Goldenrod. These pastels are from Great American Artworks. (Not sponsored, but I girl can hope.) They are very soft and creamy, so they will add a flourish near the finish. If used at the beginning of a painting, they could quickly fill the tooth of the paper, I reckon. (Experimentation required before firm results can be chiselled in granite.)

 

    

On the needles...

                                   Swallow Tail Lace Shawl by Evelyn Clark. Also a free pattern.

 

                                                                  Nativity

Below, a very short story that I may have touched on before. 

If you have read it before, dear hearts, do forgive me because I am growing old and stories, containing certain words in just the right order sometimes forget that I may have written them down or told them before. 

Meant to Be

Long ago, in a far away land, high above the Arctic Circle, where winter plunges the land into darkness for more than forty-five days a year, where mysterious wailing winds whip the snow into eddies that either skirt the ground or whirl up a whiteout, where, in the frigid, dry air, footfalls can be heard from a mile away—there in the midst of this new to me land, with little money on hand, I put down my hard earned cash for what would be, although there were more figurines to acquire, the last two nativity figurines that I would ever purchase from Avon. (I am searching for the three wisemen.)

Yes, it had taken awhile to acquire enough figurines to make the scene. (I think, they were sold at the time without a base. But I might be mistaken because, although the news will shock you,  I confess that I have been mistaken, in my life time, at least once or twice before.)

So...I pondered and thought and pondered and thought; and I hoped and I wished. And then it came to me in a flash: Surely cotton batten would make a nice base? I sprinted upstairs to the cupboard. No way--it was just too lofty--not right.

Being quick on the uptake, as luck would have it, other appropriate materials slowly came to mind. But in such a remote place, at such a time, where one couldn’t distinguish daylight from dark, I couldn’t think of one store in Edmonton where I might purchase the necessary items. (Remember it was the dark ages and yellow pages for Edmonton were as rare as sunlight.) 

To place an order just wasn’t feasible. So I reluctantly banished the thought.

Time crept by; the winter winds continued to howl. Then on one rare, quiet, dark, auspicious indigo day a couple of weeks before Christmas, a parcel that I'd long sense given up on  arrived. When I opened the box, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Straw covered the contents. The very thing, besides an open stable, that I’d been hoping for! I can't remember what else was in that box. But don’t you agree that somethings are just meant to be? 

(To date, lovely readers, that was the only time in my life that I ever received a parcel packed in straw.)

 

It’s time for me to go,  but before I do I would like to say:  Many thanks to everyone who visited my blog this year. I thank you for kind support, readership, friendship, and lovely comments.

  ❤️

          Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

And if you do not celebrate Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and to yours!

Cultivate Your Dreams!

Best Wishes,

Dixie

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