nature

Haiku August 21, 2012 Plant a Seed

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From seed leaflets grow

Stalk rises up, new leaves sprout

A sunflower blooms!

Art Prescription:  The birds and squirrels share sunflower seeds in my garden. Fun to watch a new sprout grow about four feet tall and bloom a bright yellow sunflower. True to their name they do seem to be reaching for the sun. The real flowers are actually the tiny bits in the middle, and the yellow “petals,” are called rays. I did this plein air sketch in my garden. I’ve been taking an online class with Val Webb on watercolor lettering. A new tool for me is white ink!! So playing around I added some design in the background of my sketch. Try this in your sketchbook!

Haiku August 19, 2012 Walking in the Rain

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Iddy biddy frog

Rain chases from swollen stream

Jumps! into the grass!

Art Prescription:  I like walking in the rain, it’s peaceful. A long loop on an overcast, drizzly, Sunday suits me fine.  Our neighborhood path winds it’s way along the street, and because this land was once wetland we have a few easement ponds and streams. We have geese and ducks and turtles, herons, hawks, cattails. Along our way this morning we found a couple of – just from the tadpole stage – frogs. They are so cute!! Reminds me that nature always has a surprise!

Haiku August 18, 2012 Mason Farm

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A two mile farm walk

Plethora of wildflowers

Yellow Partridge Peas.

Art Prescription:   Today we walked our favorite nature preserve, Mason Farm. I’ve written several times about this magical place. You could visit once a week and see something brand new each time. There is such a variety of plant and animal life and habitats, from meadows to wetlands to hardwood and pine forest. Simply put it’s a spiritual sanctuary. On this walk we saw about five different kinds of  butterflies dancing from flower to flower. The meadows are glowing with yellow Partridge Peas and Wild Roses. Dragonflies, bumble bees, and birds dip past us as we make our way around the bend. Artists have long been lured by mystical grounds.

Haiku August 17, 2012 Playful

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Second childhood, play

A sense of humor each day

Laughter, amusement.

Art Prescription:  Going on twenty-one years of marriage my husband makes me laugh often.  Sleepy and heading for the coffee this morning I heard him say “I’ll feed the fowl.” Instead of a feeder which the squirrels destroy, we put food out on our deck for the birds (and squirrels) each day.  I said back,  “I’ll feed the yowl,” our three cats. Easily amused this started my day off with some humor!!

Haiku August 13, 2012 Summer Sounds

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Long August shadows

Cicadas play the wash-board

Fledglings beg for food.

Art Prescription:  It’s subtle, the light changing a minute a day. Days are getting shorter. Seems the cricket calls are different, hanging out in the late summer grasses. I welcome a change…change is good. I’m really enjoying my online class on watercolor hand-lettering with Val Webb.

Haiku August 11, 2012 French Roast

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Morning light pours in

Abundant day ahead, stretch…

French roast coffee brews.

Art Prescription:  What are your first thoughts in the morning? Be the observer…do you start of with “getting out of the wrong side of the bed?” Or do you stretch and think about all the possibilities a day might bring. Sam and I hiked in Umstead Forest today. A sandy, rocky, path along Crabtree Creek. A few wildflowers, but mostly shade plants like ferns. Saw a big beautiful black snake cooling him/her/self on the rocks of the old mill. From there we visited the Raleigh Farmer’s Market where we bought fresh peaches, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, onions, and some lovely organic soap with bergamot and oatmeal.

Haiku August 7, 2012 Life Paths

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Life is a long path

Times the woods are dark and deep

Times sun lights the way.

Art Prescription:  The long hot summer may be getting to me a bit. I miss being able to spend extended hours outside sketching. Between the heat and the mosquitoes, I feel a little isolated inside. I’d rather be outside in nature than anywhere!! My studio is nice and air-conditioned, but sketching from life gives me a sense of renewal and vigor. I’m looking forward to three upcoming Art Prescription workshops. The first one is August 25 at the UNC Wellness Center where we will play with pen and ink and expressive painting!! Next October 20 at the NC Botanical Gardens – Expressive painting fall trees. Hope you can make one!! Call me or email if you have any questions 919 608-0247 You don’t have to be a member at the Wellness Center to participate.