Here and There-This and That

July 23rd, 2024

Been a busy year so far. Little bit of traveling. In March we saw my brother,Curt in VA and then spent a few days in VA Beach – got to the ocean and time for a bit of sketching. Really enjoyed how the grass was blowing in the wind.

Image of Sand and Ocean. Beach Grass studies
Sketching on a windy day

Then in April we had a long weekend in Chincoteague. Often had driven past the turn off to Chincoteague when going down the Delmarva peninsula to visit my Mom and I always wanted to see the ponies. April turned out to be a perfect time. Not so hot and buggy, few tourists but things were slowly opening up so there were restaurants etc. to enjoy. Stayed in a small cottage right on the water facing Assateague island. Large, screened room – so peaceful – I could sit all day looking out watching the birds and forgetting the world for a bit. …and we saw the ponies!

Image View from our Porch.
View from our Porch

Image of Marsh. Chincoteague Ponies
Almost Primeval

I finished a painting commission which involved a trip to ME to deliver. Quick trip up and back but got to visit my cousin and eat lobster – saw old friends and saw the ocean.

And I’m excited to have had work included in a juried exhibition at the Galleries at Moore College of Art. One of a mixed media series with printing, acetate and stitching titled “…even after the storm passes…”.

Image of Mixed Media Art
My entry

Maine Sketches

February 27th, 2024

I realize my last post was about our trip to Maine in a hurricane but I never showed any of my sketches. Our cabin faced the water with small islands leading to the Atlantic. Steps lead down to a small cove with a beach. So even in the hurricane I could still sketch. Many days were foggy, some were wild and stormy, and some mornings were breathtaking.

Image of Maine Fog. Maine Island Sketch
Fog came and went

Image of Maine Evening Sketch. Maine Sunrise Sketch
Weather Changes

Image of Maine Morning Sketch. Maine Bright Sketch
Maine Mornings

Maine 2023

October 1st, 2023

We went to Maine this September – Down East – about a mile down a dirt road and over a small bridge, the Atlantic straight ahead. It was wonderful!

Image of Sunset.
View from our Deck

We walked the sandy beach, clambered over stones with their glacier markings, loved the wrack weed, and wonderful sea drawings left when the tides recedes. We woke to the sound of lobster boats checking their traps.

Image of Jorden Cove. Image of Wrack Weed Image of Sand Drawings
Jordens Cove, Wrack Weed and Sand Drawings

We sketched and photographed, relaxed and just were. The skies were wonderful.
And then there was fog. Islands came and went, a misty magic descended on the world

Image of Fog. Image of Boat in fog
Fog

However, we were right where hurricane Lee/Tropical Storm was expected to hit. Not as bad as it could have been but still lots and lots of rain and wind – main damage trees down!. The ocean turned a peachy tan color .

Image Peach Colored Ocean.
Peachy Sea

We had a cozy cottage, good food and wine, had our art/photography supplies, so we were happy. But the plan had been to work outside most of the time.

Plan B… enjoy the adventure!
We did get a day at Quoddy Head to sketch and one down to Schoodic to see crazy waves.

Image of Fog. Image of Waves
Quoddy Head Point and Waves at Scoodic

Between rainy spells we could get through the woods, down steps the sandy cove to work.
The last evening skies began to clear and in the morning the view from our window was beautiful.

Image of Evening. Image of Sunrise
Things Clear up as we leave

We woke up to the sound of chain saws clearing the road so we could get out. We had breakfast, walked on the beach, then headed south.

We also got to visit friends and family and a visit to the Farnsworth! So now home and time to work with my sketches, photographs, and memories!!!

Third Planet

September 29th, 2023

I entered my painting “Third Planet” in Imperfect Gallery’s current exhibition, “The Eleventh Annual Germantown Show”, titled “WTF – what’s going on in the world today?”. “Third Planet” refers to the fact that we only have this one beautiful world, and what are we doing to it?

Image of Oil Painting.
“Third Planet”

I love this local gallery. They support local artists and I like to support them.

More Sketching

June 8th, 2023

Getting back to my sketching. Working with a variety of media.

Image of Mixed Media Sketch.
Mixed Media Sketch

The one below added ink with one of my home made brushes. I like it but think I get a bit carried away with the ink. Having too much fun!

Image of Mixed Media Sketch.
Need to not to get so excited about my media!

Garden Book-Sketching

June 5th, 2023

Well, my leg is healed – PT almost over, so all that’s good – Days have been warm and sunny. Sometimes it’s just wonderful to sit outside and enjoy the garden, the birds, and the sun.

Image of Garden book opened.
Opened traditionally

I’ve working on this project – on and off for a good while – sketching in the garden in a simple book that looks more complicated than it is. It’s all made from one sheet of paper, cut and folded. I love the way I can fold and arrange it in different ways so different pages appear next to each and how it can be opened in different ways. Fun to play with.

Image of Garden book.
Playing with folds
Image of Garden Book
Closeup of pages

I started by dying sections with tea and rusty objects-one of my quick and easy way to mark things up. Very serendipitous. Never sure of the result. Then the sketching began using pen and ink. Pages run into one and other. One day I might start a new area and another I’ll work back into a page. Our garden is very organic, and I wanted this book to convey that feeling. It’s nearing the end and I will have to deal with a cover – I have some ideas but it will probably tell me once it’s finished.

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