Sun Print Botanicals

 

Cyanotype on 140 lb. hot press watercolour paper. 

Hi everyone,

Cyanotypes or the blueprint process has been around since 1842, but, somehow, I am just catching up with it. One look at Cyanotype prints and I felt inspired enough to give it a go. It has taken me away from painting for a while, but I've had fun messing around with different leaves, compositions etc. 

A couple of years ago, I also tried eco-printing. Many people use the stove top method. i.e. A big pot, filled with water with several rusty nails thrown in. The 

leaves and flowers are rolled in paper or material and then tied together and simmered for one to two hours. Since I didn't have any old pots or rusty nails, (can do without the nails) or, the other method, a heat press, I used alum (mordant) and vinegar, and I steamed ironed the material between two Teflon sheets. Initial blog post here.

                                                          Eco-printing/Botanical Prints

 

         Interesting to see what colours arrive on the paper and what flowers and leaves print the best.

                              The heat press or stove top method would enhance the colour.

        

      This print was very light, so I used  watercolour and pastels to pump up the colour.

A while ago I bought a beautiful, vibrant eco printed bunting from an Etsy shop. I think the seller uses a heat press to make her prints. That beautiful bunting rang my botanical printing inspiration bells again. So, who knows, maybe this fall, (never say never) I may try the stove top method. Also, I recently found out that steaming for about 15 minutes will work well for fabric, especially if iron mordant is used. (More research needed.)

In the meantime, I will continue to experiment with the beautiful blue Cyanotypes. The possibilities seem endless.

   Image made from Buttercups, Solomon Seal berries and a feather.

                            

This print was made on bought prepared paper. I do love the light blue colour. It reminds me of the old airmail paper that I loved so much. I tried a few more with that paper and most are too light. Since the exposure time was the same, perhaps the paper didn't receive an equal amount of liquid. 

A mixture I used on rough watercolour paper. There's a bit of texture.

                                                       Taken along the Parkway on an idyllic day.

Just had to try printing photo negatives too. I love this print! It looks mysterious. The clouds are amazing even though the negative slipped in the frame and lost the top of a few trees. "The process of making is a learning tool." Not sure where I read that quote, but how true it is.

Also thinking of printing a portrait of my grandmother. In the future, I hope to print on fabric too. At this point, I have a particular item in mind.

                                               On hot press watercolour paper. 

                      I added an ounce of three volume peroxide to the water to deepen the blue, but that wasn't necessary.  Looking ahead, I would like to add more depth and texture to the blueprints as well.

After 5 minutes in the sun, but before the water bath.

Bookmarks

The Cyanotype or the blueprint process has an interesting history. It was invented by John Herschel in 1842. You can read about it here.

       I am happy to say that I was out walking twice last week. What a relief! 😌 After a year, my foot is much better but still not 100%. A word to the wise: pamper your tootsies lovely people.

"Til next time...Cultivate Your Dreams!

 Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. 

                                                  Many thanks to the hosts!

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!

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

Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. 

The parties cover most of the globe; there’s much to see and admire, so do stop in for a few visits. 

                                          Special thanks to the hosts.

                    

                         

Spring Light

 

Hi Everyone,

What a difference a week makes. Only patches of snow left now. I've been listening but haven't heard the robins sing yet. Since the lawns are free of snow, I am sure that will happen soon. It always makes me happy to hear the birds sing.

My new computer lost a RAM card, so with only 4 gigs of RAM I hope to be able to finish this post. Sometimes it works okay and at other times it fails. 

The company wants the RAM back so they can check the card. I expected them to send me another card while waiting. However, all my protesting fell on deaf ears. ("The lady doth protest too much." Shakespeare) The old card will be off to Toronto today via snail mail. Not the best service in the land. But all will, no doubt, work out well in the end.     

Ice to the left. 

 After a long winter, it's more than wonderful--celebratory, in fact, to feel and see the strong light of the sun.

             Many years ago, I started to notice a fish on certain church steeples. I was intrigued. Finally, it dawned on me. Must have been all those Sunday school lessons. I thought of Jesus as the fisher of men.

But I did find this too: When Jesus was waking by the sea of Galilee he saw Simon and Andrew casting nets. He said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:18-19.

                           

                                       Beautiful blue                                        

           Making more watercolour backgrounds to draw on. Using salt to add texture.

Pastel on Pastel mat paper. Apparently, velour paper works best for fine detail.

 Anyway, it was a fun project. (I could not blend her hair. Who knows maybe patchy hair will become fashionable. :) 

I will, at some point, give this painting a go on velour paper.

The reddish brown in her hair is from the pastel bits I've been saving and grounded down, added a bit of water to and formed into a new pastel stick. I was expecting a neutral colour, but I guess there was a lot of orange in the mix.

Until next time…

Cultivate Your Dreams

Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. 

The parties cover most of the globe; there’s much to see and admire, so do stop in for a few visits. 

                                          Sending my special thanks to the hosts.

                                                             

Splashes of Colour

 

Hi Everyone,

We are still in the white world of winter. But the robins, who herald spring in this part of the world, have arrived early--some on the second of March. There are a few berries left on the trees, and with a helping hand raisins should help feed them until the snow melts and the lawns have, once again, become good worm hunting ground.

Impossible to write a post without acknowledging Ukraine and its courageous people and their fearless leader, Zelensky. What a heartbreaking, senseless tragedy. Call me naive but, like many people, I had hoped that war would be a thing of the past in this century, but, alas, when empire building and greed are involved it's not to be. 

Recently, there was a post on Instagram about a young woman who, trying to escape the war, walked for 27K with what looked like a heavy bag of essentials and her old German Shepherd dog draped over her shoulder. I assume he was too old to walk, and she said she wasn't going to leave him behind. Now that's love and determination. What a powerful combination. I believe that's what Ukrainians carry in their hearts: love and determination for their people and their country. 

Words can't express the sorrow I feel for the people of Ukraine. And also for the young Russian soldiers who were surprised and scared to find themselves in the throes of war. Also there are many Russian citizens who do not want this war, citizens, who have the courage to protest no matter what the cost. Like countless others, I am hoping and praying this horrific war will end soon. And that peace, love and justice will prevail.

National Flower of Ukraine

                     Along the river taken earlier this year. Most of the river has frozen over. I've never seen that happen so far down the river before.                       

 

 

   Inside gardening, with the wee gardening kit I received for Christmas. The lettuce was tasty, but I didn't have any luck with the Bok Choy. As you can see, the leaves are yellowing. 

In the back soaking up the excess light a fern and a Shamrock.

                            

                                                      A Primrose helps brightens up the place.

    

 

 

With the world still draped in white, I find I long for colour. It can be found. 

 

The clocks went ahead an hour on Sunday, so more daylight hours should soon make short work of the snow.

 * * * 

Off the easel:

                                                  Lone Pine. Pastel on paper. Approx. 10" x 13.5"       

                                                        

                             Lately, I've been experimenting with acrylics. Fun to paint flowers in acrylic on                                                               wee 4" x 4" canvases.

                                                                Cultivate Your Dreams                                                           

                                        Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. 

The parties cover most of the globe; there’s much to see and admire, so do stop in for a few visits. 

                                                        Sending my special thanks to the hosts.

Watercolour

Hi everyone,

Happy February! 

The days grow longer, and we are slowly coasting ever closer to spring. In the true north, after a long cold siege, I think the whole population looks forward to spring. But winter does have its charms, and it works out to be an excellent time to recharge one's batteries. In the long, dark evenings there's time to reflect, paint, knit, draw, and curl up with a good book. Years ago, the native people wisely used the time for spiritual renewal, storytelling, and art.  

Speaking of art…

                              Watercolour paint by Jane Davenport. Small leaf card to the top right                     painted with Winsor and Newton watercolours.

                                                   

 The metal tin to the right has been painted with watercolour too. To prepare the tin I sanded the surface with sandpaper; unfortunately, I only had a very rough sandpaper on hand, so the surface is a little too rough. Then I used Daniel Smith's transparent watercolour ground --2 coats applied 24 hours apart. It seems strange to paint on metal and the paint pooled a bit, and it was difficult to lay the paint down smoothly, but nevertheless I enjoyed the process. (The paint lifts easily too.)  

(Clear glass Christmas ornaments would be fun to paint on as well. Next year, perhaps.)

         

                    Materials: Fabriano Artistico mold made watercolour paper. (I wish they still made it.) Watercolour, Micron ink pen, and I also used a Jelly Roll white pen. Watercolour is fun to play around with it. It moves in its own direction.

                     For some texture, I dropped salt and alcohol into the wet watercolour. 

Watercolour bookmarks 

Left:  The wildflower Bloodroot card available in my Etsy shop.

And a recent sketchbook watercolour painting.

The painting to the left is gouache on illustration board. I will try it again on watercolour paper.

 I hope you all have a lovely week.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Cultivate Your Dreams

                                            Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. 

The parties cover most of the globe; there’s much to see and admire, so do stop in for a few visits. 

                                                         Special thanks to the hosts.

Second Thoughts

 

Hi Everyone, 

I hope you all doing well and I also hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.

Over this way, we are still deep in the throes of a quiet winter. To pass the time, I've been watching gardening videos, cruising seed catalogues, painting, reading, and mostly staying at home tucked in warmth and comfort. For that, and many more things, I am truly grateful.

Since we are in lock down, and unable to meet, the art group will be exchanging post cards complete with up lifting messages soon. I am looking forward to receiving one and it was fun to participate even from afar. 

A lot of cloud cover equals warmer temperatures.

 In case you are are looking forward to a change in seasons.  A little birdie told me there are only 8 more Mondays until spring!

 

Also, I recently happened upon this magazine which is right up my alley. I love art studios--all types of studios. It might have something to do with the fact that I don't have one, but, then again, any small area will do. One of the best studios I've seen, well not personally, was the one in the movie Nights in Rodanthe. In a studio, the air always seems charged with creative thought and ideas. They are places were I always feel at welcome. (I've been lucky enough to visit a few wonderful ones in this area.)

Once  a year there used to be a  blog hop that featured studios. I can't find it now, but it anyone knows of studio blog hops, please let me know.

 

                                                                         Pastel on Paper

 As you may have noticed, I love mountains, hills, fossils, rocks and even a mounts of gravel. :) After finishing this painting, I decided to try another with different values and hues. Always fun to experiment.

 

 Decided to raise the chroma (intensity) with second thoughts. There are areas I like in both. Perhaps I will give it another go sometime.

Cheerful Amaryllis, Primrose and Hibiscus. Very proud of the fact that I've been able to keep the Hibiscus alive for about four years and every winter one miraculous, magical bloom appears to light up the world. 
                                                              'Til next time...

                                                         Cultivate your dreams

                                    Linking to Link Parties via my link party page. 

The parties cover most of the the globe; there’s much to see and admire, so do stop in for a few visits. 

                                                         Many thanks to the hosts.