Ghosts of Yesterday

Part of the old log farm buildings are collapsing, but the logs seem resolute to continue. Gratitude and appreciation to the past, joy and welcome to the new. Happy New Year!

1867

1867 or so, to now, ending 2009. And here the past sits, silenced, alone but not forgotten.....nice to visit but not dwell in for long.

A Walk in the Park

Actually it was in the middle of 400 acres of forest. After the ice storm, we went skiing along the logging trails to take in the frozen splendour . Fresh deer tracks were everywhere.

Last Autumn Leaves

This scene is at the edge of our lawn in the backyard. It is a bit like entering into another reality. The little tree full with leaves was to be the focal point, but the eye is pulled into the forest.

The Driveway in Spring

This series has been a delight to paint, and I couldn't wait to paint spring. Even though the trees are still just a shimmer, the trilliums are blooming. I plan to paint it again when the leaves are out. The canvas had been primed with a peachy ground, and that is giving it a very pastoral evening feel - not so evident in the photograph.

Following your own Rhythm

Woody Woodpecker zoomed past the window in a moment when I was thinking about what to paint next, maybe even going outside but feeling the weight of choosing a "correct" composition. I had just read the many responses to Robert Genn's request for an online critique of his painting http://clicks.robertgenn.com/your-opinion.php. Everyone has an opinion, often a different one. So in the end, follow your own rhythm.

A pair of pileated woodpeckers live in our forest and poke around the trees. Seeing him whiz by just fueled a desire to paint that moment...and for now, not worry about the composition. It will serve as my reminder to follow my own unique rhythm and flight.

And on that topic, it is worth watching this 20 minute video of a talk given by Elizabeth Gilbert on A Different Way to Think about Creative Genius http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

Clay Vase

This clay vase has a very rough outside texture. I was not pleased with the painted results so tried the palette knife and quite enjoyed that process. I think it looks more like the real thing.

Ode to the Orchid

Last summer, I put my orchids outside and forgot them - and of course, they were not happy and within one day, got a sunburn and went limp. I felt guilty and tried to nurture them back to health to no avail. So this week, I bought new ones, and with great reverance to this delicate flower, painted them. Their stems are longer but I thought the leaves balance out the empty corner.

Brilliant Spring Vines in the Vaucluse

Hard to believe that vines can be that limey, but they were in May in the Vaucluse in Provence. We were working on composition au plein air. I was hoping that the eye is lead into and around the painting, but those vivid yellow-green grape vines really dominate the whole scene. The photo seems even more intense than the actual painting. I need a better set up for photographing the paintings....any tips?