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! 

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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.

Natural Magic

 Hi there,

Thank you for the lovely comments on my last post. I was excited to have a painting chosen for the juried art show. From the vernissage, to the day I hosted along with another lady, it was fun and I learned a lot. The best, of course, was chatting with people and admiring the wonderful paintings that covered the walls at the show.
 

My framed entry. Snowdrops--a slight obsession of mine.

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The crab apple trees and lilac trees are in bloom. And the newly hatched, fresh-faced leaves are waving in the breeze.  When I look out the window, there are so many lovely hues of green--rich, deep, subtle, and, well, the whole landscape looks gorgeous. All those spring greens do animate the spirit.

The birds woke me up at 4:45 this morning. They were singing their hearts out. How industrious and celebratory they are. After opening the window, I crawled back into bed and found myself imagining spending an afternoon under a fragrant crab apple tree, drinking tea, knitting and/or sketching. I even  fancied I could feel a lovely soft breeze blowing in from the river. (Time to make that reverie a reality, I reckon. Even an hour would be lovely.)

Wild honeysuckle.

Yes, Emerson. "The earth [ really does] laugh (s) in flowers."

 Ms. Squirrel dressed to the nines.  Hurrah! She made it through a hard winter and is in fine form.  I think I have mentioned before that it takes about 3000 trips for this little one to fill her pantry with enough seeds to get her through the winter. She's an independent wonder.

  I am contemplating painting a bearded iris. Just look at the colours...as rich as a fine tapestry.

It was raining the day I was out taking these pics. It's still raining and that's okay. Blossoms need moisture. I'd like to get a few closes ups with my big camera; I hope to go tomorrow rain or shine.

A red-winged blackbird searches the area for a mate. (I love to hear his discordant melodies.) Since it's breeding season, the red bands on his wings are brilliant. What a charmer. I hope he soon finds his lady love.

Speaking of charmers/charming, how about that royal wedding? I loved it. Wouldn't it have been grand to be a butterfly on the wall at the receptions at Windsor castle and Frogmore house?

'Til next time...

Cultivate your dreams.

A Path to Meander Down

Hi there,

Sharing a few lovely spring pictures today along with some good news, which I will leave to the end. Hang on your hats...here we go. :) 

Waking up the senses with fresh greenery and bird song.

There's something marvelous about a meandering path in the woods. On a lovely spring day, I could keep walking forever. 

White Trillium

Because of the warm days, most of the early wildflowers have come and gone. I've caught them in my mind's eye because I often leave the camera at home.  

I adore the red trillium, but they are in another area. I hope to go there soon.

Darling violets in the leaf litter. We are blessed a bumper crop this year.

I only noticed a few little yellow violets.

Caught in the act...sunbathing. I think she said, " Ahhh. This feels so good." :)

The very rare bell flower.

Solomon's Seal

And who can forget the ferns?

Finally, the good news. My little botanical snowdrop illustration was chosen for the art exhibition to be held in the mall. The vernissage is Friday night. 

I don't have a picture of it framed yet.  And that's another story...I had to have a mat cut twice. The first mat was cut crooked, but, luckily, a lovely lady at a framing shop in town fixed it for me, and I was able to pass it in an hour before the deadline.

Cultivate your dreams...

They do come true!