TY CATHERINE

 

I got a big surprise in the mail about a week ago.  It was a jacket that has some really wild prints on it, and it is reversible.  It was from my step-daughter Catherine Rondthaler who got it at "the bins."  We used to go to the bins together every so often.  The bins are Goodwill outlets and it is fun to find treasures--you pay by the pound!

This little thank you card is only a small fragment of the designs on the jacket. I can hardly wait until the weather cools down a little so I can wear it.

Catherine knows I love jackets and this one really will be fun to wear.

POSTCARDS FROM PROVENCE

 

Yesterday I got a chance to sketch in Provence.  Well, it was virtual.  It was a Smithsonian Associates Studio Art workshop with Cindy Briggs as the teacher.  I was the volunteer support.   It is fun volunteer work as I usually get to do the art as well as support the zoom session.  

In yesterday's class most of the students had not done watercolor before and yet everyone had success.  Because it was on zoom, students were from all over the states and the teacher was in Provo, Utah.  That is so different than when we do studio arts on the Washington Mall in the Ripley Center.  

We were working from photos, though it would have been nice to be in Provence.  Cindy encourages fast work and outlining in pen before applying the paint.  That was new for me, but it worked pretty well and is definitely something to try again.  

Even though it was a short class, we did two paintings.  Here is my second:

TY Jen

 

I got these amazing lilies and pink roses from Jen for my birthday.  So beautiful and fragrant.  There was a little bit of a mystery because there was no gift card, but Jen sent an email saying I should watch for something from her.  I asked if it was flowers...and it was!   I told her I had already received them.   What a treat!

More Mother's Day Gifts TY Max

Here's another Mother's Day thank you.  Max and his family sent me a beautiful orchid plant.  It is a white orchid and so it was a watercolor challenge!   I like the way the card turned out and the plant is still going strong.  It's  beautiful.   Thank you, Blum family!

 

Mother's Day 2021 TY Smiths

 

I had a great Mother's Day this year.  Here are some flowers from the Smiths.  They were especially fun because Sophia picked them out.  It was fun to make this painting and I deliberately left just a touch of a shadow.  

California Coast

 

This is one of my favorite places....Bodega Bay, California.  I have painted this scene many times and in a variety of mediums.   This one is watercolor on mineral paper.  It was a challenge, but I am happy with it.  

Snowflowers-Happiness

 

This is another painting on mineral paper.  It is mixed media--Caran d'Arche watersoluable wax pastels and watercolor.  It is at a local show--yes, an actual show where you can walk in and look at paintings!!!  Hooray!  The show is at Frame of Mine on 8th St in the Barrack's Row neighborhood of Capitol Hill.  The artists showing are members of Capitol Hill Art League and the theme is "Happiness."  We are happy to show our work!  The show is on display until June 19.