In the Late Afternoon Light. . .

December is nearly upon us.  The low afternoon light of late autumn is spectacular.... so much moreso than is conveyed here.  But at least I rushed out to see it ....and be in it.

Have a wonderful day!

:)

"From Orchards, Fields, and Gardens"....A "Must Read" by Kerstin Svendsen

Book, edited by Kerstin Svendsen, on "thrifted", factory-made, machine-stitched quilt.

(Thank you to the quilt's maker!)

Today in America, we are pausing to gather with our loved ones to give thanks with grateful hearts for that  which is good in our lives.  This morning, I am counting my blessings and am full of gratitude for a loving family, good health, warm and safe shelter, good food, and friends---the basics of "richness" that I would wish for every person on earth.   And this minute, I am grateful for the flock of red-headed finch outside my window that are feasting on the hips of the rugosa roses that my husband planted to "ring" our kitchen garden.  And this year, I have something new to be grateful for: the experience of blogging, which I took up in earnest last January.  I am grateful for the friendship and artistic support and camaraderie of fellow artists, artisans and crafters from around the world.  I am so appreciative that they have allowed me to see into their world and learn of new wonders and beauty through the process.  And I am grateful that through the "habit" of blogging, and specifically, photographing, and viewing others' photographs, I have become more attentive to my natural surroundings and the rhythms of the earth.

And recently, I am grateful for "From Orchards, Fields and Gardens," an anthology of beautiful prose, poems, and art that captures the essence of living close to the land, and instills a desire to do so.  I am grateful for Kerstin Svendsen, the editor, for having had the vision for this project and seeing it through, and to the  individuals--many of them fellow bloggers that you will know--who have made, and will continue to make a positive difference in the world through their contribution to this project. One thousand copies were printed in the first run.  I hope it was the first of many runs; hope the book finds its way into the hands of young people in high schools and colleges so that the grassroot "new agrarian" movement builds strength. The book is compelling in all of its simplicity. I hope you will have a chance to read it.

Mushrooms gathered from the field. 

(Many mushrooms are deadly poisonous.  Don't gather them for

consumption unless you know without a doubt that they are edible.)

The trusty garden "companion"

A late bloomer.  White because of the lateness?

Blueberry bushes that my husband and his father planted years ago.

Happy "Day of Thanksgiving" (today and every day).

Gloria

Multiples in Adobe Illustrator

  Prismacolor and graphite sketch

repeated in Adobe Illustrator

Mixed media

Digitally altered in HP Image Zone

 and repeated in Adobe Illustrator

Looking forward to a very productive "catch-up" day, (domestically speaking).  Found the above while in the process of the never-ending artworks "shuffle-and-sort" task.   Thought you might enjoy the digital alterations of the second piece.  The original piece (in its autumn palette) is featured here, along with a link to a previous post about Diane Ellison Stroud's beautiful gameboards.

Have a wonderful day and thanks so much for stopping by.

:)

Waiting to Work.....

Monotype

8 1/2" x 11 1/2 "

Detail

Monotype

7" x 9"

I wish I could say these prints are "hot off the press."  Regrettably, they aren't.  And furthermore, I won't be doing any printmaking on real presses anytime soon.  But it's fun to dream of a time in the future when hours and days stretch on end and printing presses are nearby.  In the meantime, when a few hours present themselves, there's always the possibility of printing by means of the back of a spoon or by using a barren.  :) 

Cheers!!

Logs and Luck and Golly Bard

Alder log

I love the ends of logs; whole or split, wet or dry, with either growth rings or sawmarks showing.  Well, it so happens that Holly Ward Bimba, a.k.a. Golly Bard does, too.  At least I'm guessing she does, because she's been working on a series of log watercolors for some time now.  I featured Holly's work awhile back, and I've been a huge fan since I discovered her.  She's looks for, and finds, the most interesting bits of natural history.  And she translates what she sees into the most carefully and precisely rendered watercolors.  Her recently completed pheasants, both now in her shop, are masterful renderings of fowl and vegetation, and for the life of me, I cannot figure out how she has the patience and the steadiness of hand to create such beautiful work. 

Ring Necked Pheasant no. 1

by Holly Ward Bimba

18" x 24"

Ring Necked Pheasant no. 2

by Holly Ward Bimba

18" x 24"

But getting back to the logs, if you follow Golly Bard, you know that Holly periodically offers giveaways.  And it just so happens, that she was recently giving away one of her original log paintings, and... that being the case, I decided to throw my name in the hat.  And.....it just so happens that luck was with me in a big way and I am now the very happy beneficiary of Holly's generosity, having won her lovely watercolor painting that arrived in an equally lovely package!  

"Log no.32"

Original watercolor by Holly Ward Bimba

Thank you Holly!!

If you're not already following Holly's blog, get on board so that you can catch a glimpse of the world as she sees it.  You'll love what she discovers!  :)

Flora.... and Little Winter A Handmade Market

The "Survivor" :)

Relief print on hand-painted paper

18" x 24"

Our little pumpkin made it through Halloween unscathed and, therefore, able to cheerily see us through the Thanksgiving holiday!   (I can't believe the holidays are now just around the corner...time to take action! )

Today, I'm heading into downtown Portland to spend  some quality time at flora, a most lovely --and very artful--gift store and gallery.  Jenna Robertson's wonderfully graphic nest "collages," made from recycled sweaters and wool are featured there, and I was only able to take a quick look at them when I breezed through the store on Friday.  Among several other artists, my friend, Hadley Hutton, is also showing at flora, and if for some reason, you're not yet familiar with Hadley's work and you're not able to make it to this show, I highly recommend taking a peek at her various online venues.

 

flora's announcement

But the fun and enjoyment will not end at flora, because from there, I'll be heading around the corner to The Cleaners, the old laundry that's been remodeled and has become quite the pop-up store venue. Abby Powell Thompson, of Abby Try Again and Chelsea Fuss, of Frolic, have put together a stellar cast of local and distant artists and crafters for Little Winter A Handmade Market.  Many of them are Etsy sellers and I'm really looking forward to meeting them and seeing all of their goods. Then, it's off to Portland's own Art Media, to have some custom mats cut for a few little items I'm planning to add to my Etsy shop. 

And when I return??  Well.... there does happen to be one 36" x 36" painting that's got me a just a little bit stumped!! 

It's an absolutely gorgeous morning in Portland, after a night of torrential rain.  The sky is a brilliant blue with white and grey billowy clouds.  The light is variable, and the fall foliage is resplendent!!  Can't wait to head out!!

Have a wonderful day and thanks so much for visiting!