Friday, October 28, 2011

Gone Fishing

I have never been fishing. I live in an area of the country where it is a very popular pastime. When I see the fishermen out and about, Otis Reddings, Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, gets into that area of the brain and stays. I like the idea of sitting with a good friend, companion, or young person by the water, no phones, Internet or distractions. Coffee in a thermos and good conversation, no one can find me. Later!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Sweet Memories

I really don't want to mention how many years ago I received this artwork. It has been a few...
It was given to my first child by his Godmother, Teri. The needlework in this piece still amazes me to this day! Fiber Artists are a dedicated, patient, group. I can only dream of such craftsmanship. I kept this and it eventually hung in all my children's nurseries. Can you imagine the feeling it evokes.

The next generation is about to have this passed along. I don't like to think of how many years have passed since I first saw this and the bemusement that comes with trying to wrap my head around where the years went and the memories of those years. I can only say it was a flash!

I hope this is well loved for years and generations to come.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Chicken Time

Yes, the sun is out today. Remarkable how one's mood improves on a sunny day after six grey days.

I am glad the DPW challenge this week is the 10 minute challenge. This was the first challenge I did, but never submitted. I did apples and oranges before, they were easy and fun. For this one I did my chicken timer. I like him, don't like the cooking thing, but I like my timer friend. Painting this chicken in 10 minutes for each view, not as easy as apples and oranges.

A fun paint!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Every Mother Counts

A fascinating challenge this week for the DPW site. A painting for a charity that targets the maternal care in other countries. See the link to the site in this blog to learn more about this charitable organization. A very worthwhile endeavor.

This challenge was difficult creatively. Paint something of motherhood, it could be a favorite item of your Mother, her favorite flower, perfume, dessert, etc. Very difficult, when your Mom is gone.

I picked this after an entire week of thought...

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Fields of Gold

One of my favorite artists, Sting, just celebrated his 60th birthday. This painting reminded me of one of his best songs, the sun bright and warm, the leaves changing, everything seemed a warm gold hue. I think there is a parallel in our lives, when we are in the Autumn of our years. The change is warm, beautiful and I'll leave (no pun intended) the thoughts on this to you.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Volant Mills, Pennsylvania

Autumn is the Season to take a road trip to destinations unknown. Last week I went with my Sister-in-laws to photograph, eat and shop. We found this quaint town near the famous outlet mall on the interstate. What a treasure finding this tiny community. This is the view from the parking lot. Behind us, was a collection of colorful railroad cars and the Red Caboose. I hope this painting captured the warm glow of that sunny day. I have several paintings to share from our October road trip, this is the first. I titled this Volant Mills Barn in October.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Composition Challenge

Painted on a 8 x 10 canvas panel. This oil painting was done for the weekly challenge. Shadows, lights and darks, trying to make the best composition from a photograph.

Monday, October 3, 2011

I Love You

We use a lot of sign language in my home. This is my favorite sign. Came in very handy, at Graduations, school plays and events. Very personal and private message to someone, expressed visually when speaking was not possible at that moment. So when the DPW challenge of the week was announced, Paint Your Hand, I thought of all that the hand and fingers can do. Hands can indicate affection, anxiety, anger, security and love. A nice thought for the day. Hope you have someone special to "touch" today.

This is a watercolor, approximately 6.5 x 4.5.