Greenery December 16, 2016

A holiday wreath

Holly, mistletoe berries

Winter greenery.

Art Prescription:  All of our holiday rituals are steeped in deep seasonal patterns and historical roots. Hundreds of years ago people collected greenery in December and made them into decor to lighten the winter home. Wreaths have multiple meanings as we complete a full calendar year…a circle.

Watercolor pencils on index card:

Holiday Wreath.jpeg

Modern Horsewomen December 15, 2016

Modern horsewomen

Give themselves away, first glance

All with their aura.

Art Prescription:  So I recently went with a friend of mine to a psychic camp-fire. It was interesting. Before I went I was talking with a friend and told him I would not mention anything about horses. He said, “She will know.”

Playfully I got to thinking what is it that might give us modern horsewomen away?

  1. We will ruin a manicure in a minute
  2. Our toes always look good for yoga
  3. We do shave our legs, mostly, especially if we also swim
  4. We talk about sheaths; we clean sheaths
  5. We buy sunscreen year round
  6. We like hats
  7. We go grocery shopping in riding pants, heck we do everything in riding pants
  8. We have a chiropractor and a massage therapist on speed-dial, especially for our horses
  9. We have strong arms and legs
  10. We pay more for our horse’s shoes than our own
  11. We own multiple pairs of boots: muck, paddock, riding
  12. We have a therapist, but rarely need them
  13. We know that a trip to the barn is a cure for just about everything
  14. We have partners who support our passion
  15. We are totally, wholly, big-time, real and authentic!!!

I would love you to add to my list! Even if your passion is something other than horses. Please add what you find so joyful this holiday season!!

Cheers,

bev

Modern Horsewomen.jpeg

Bare Branches December 9, 2016

Fall color has left

Winter grey and bare branches

Line the wooded fields.

Art Prescription:  And I find them beautiful and soft and quiet. Winter is the Yin season. Time to go within and seek fulfillment of the heart. What is your heart asking of you? Are you listening…

Watercolor

Trees winter.jpeg

Do Over II December 7, 2016

Flamingoes came back

A second studio stroll

Dancing on water.

Art Prescription:  I returned to my flamingoes again this morning. This time I planned my compositions for a paired painting. I started with a sketch to make sure I liked my placement of each bird, then did a very watery background. I took my time building up color on each bird, and finally added watery reflections. I’m happy with these paintings!!

Sunset Flamingoes I 72.jpgSunset Flamingoes II 72.jpg

Do Over December 6, 2016

When flamingoes play

You have a great idea! And

It’s a DO OVER!!

Art Prescription:  Busy days lead to hurried and unplanned paintings. Sometimes slapping paint on paper works, and other times it doesn’t. So I’m just going to call this a sketch for a larger work and learn from my mistakes:

-no clear focal point

-too much the same color and value

-poor depth perception

-who’s in front and who’s behind (value and saturation)

-incorrect anatomical drawing

Chime in if you have a suggestion. I plan to try again today…stay tuned!

Sunset Palms II 1.jpeg