Sauna heat rises
I begin meditation
Some guy smacks on gum!
Art Prescription: Sometimes it’s hard to tune others out. As I sat there though, eventually the popping and clicking faded away as I tried to focus on my breath. Working on several different mock-ups for a new collection…have not named it yet…what would you call it? Here is the pillow!
September roses
Late blooms announce season end
Time to rest, renew.
Art Prescription: Here in NC roses bloom sometimes into October. I know, we are lucky. I don’t have the heart to do the prescribed cut when my roses still have buds. But it is necessary. Parallel to life there is a time to grow and a time to rest. Fall signals nature to begin the journey to rest. We all need rest to renew…
Jet black Sumi-ink
Brush strokes capture the essence
Moment on paper.
Art Prescription: I went to a Chinese Brush Stroke class today at the NC Botanical Garden taught by Alice, her American name. With a gentle demeanor she demonstrates the ancient art of brush painting. She teaches us it’s not about the accuracy of the painting, but the feeling…the Chi, and make sure to leave room in your painting for movement of energy. We worked on herons today. And swallows!
Butterflies, skippers
Flicker flower to flower
Sweet September treat.
Art Prescription: Another astonishing North Carolina day! I packed up my “art wagon,” and headed over to the NC Botanical Garden to watercolor sketch. It’s really my garden wagon, but works perfect for field-sketching. My paint, paper, pens, water, water holder, snack, and bug spray all fit neatly, then the handle folds back to create the perfect flower-level seat. This is the second piece of work in a new collection I’m calling “Watercolor Fresh.” Each piece starts as a watercolor sketch, expressive. Then I let the random shapes suggest detail with pen and ink. It’s very relaxing because there is no right or wrong, I’m just working (as I tell my workshop participants) with what is happening on the paper!! Try it!!
Quiet day in thought
Back porch geraniums glow
Catch September light.
Art Prescription: As much as I love fall and the cooler weather, I will miss my colorful blooming garden. So I spent today capturing my back-porch geraniums with watercolor and ink. This technique allows for expressive brush work. I use a brush designed for Chinese brush painting, just one brush. I stroke in impressionistic shapes, let that dry, and then go back in with pen and ink for a hint of detail. I think this is my favorite way to paint!!
Persevere, go on
Keep at it, no doubt here friend
Falter? Lose your dream?
Art Prescription: No matter what…you must answer to your own heart.
Little green tree frog
Naps in cool shade, long leaf fronds
Waits for buggy night!
Art Prescription: Animal medicine this weekend has been frogs. From “Medicine Cards: The discovery of power through the ways of animals,” by Jamie Sams and David Carson, illustrated by Angela C. Werneke:
“Frog speaks of new life and harmony through its rain song. The deep tones of Frog’s ‘ribet’ are said to be a call to the Thunder Beings: thunder, lightning, and rain. The ‘ribet’ is the heartbeat that comes into harmony with Father Sky and calls for the replenishment needed. Call to Frog and find peace in the joy of taking time to give to yourself. A part of this giving is cleansing yourself of any person, place, or thing that does not contribute to your new state of serenity and replenishment.”
Trust your gifted dreams
A spiral, pure energy
Same, same, make it true.
Art Prescription: Making a dream come true is hard! To trust that where we are is where we are meant to be is hard too!
Bottom line is we just have to trust…have a little faith!!
Outdoor theater
Puppets tell a story, sing
Kids of all ages!
Art Prescription: Just got back from a wonderful puppet show at the Forest Theater, an outdoor amphitheater in Chapel Hill. One is never to old to see a puppet show!
Path to my spirit
Hand laid stones to studio
Lead way to color.
Art Prescription: As I come and go from my nursing job, I look longingly at my studio behind my house. It’s adorable!! My husband hand-laid the stone path that cuts through our backyard to my magical play-house. I think one of the most important parts of living a creative life is to have a space to call your own. A place where you can come and go and leave your art supplies out, even messy. If you are short on time, being able to go to your magic spot and add a little here, a little there, art journal, dream… a space that encourages creativity, paint that waits for your brush, then you can jump right in!
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