When life gives you lemons, draw them, 11 x 14 inches dry pastels, graphite on paper

"When life gives you lemons, draw them." (Nikki)

"Color! What a deep and mysterious language." (Paul Gauguin)

Archive for March, 2008

Bright spot in the garden

Monday, March 31st, 2008


 
Iris, a bright spot on a gray day.
It’s mostly overcast today, but the Blue Flag Iris is a bright spot in the garden.

Bluebonnet Season

Sunday, March 30th, 2008


 

Bluebonnets Abstract 36H x 24W acrylics on canvas wrapped sides painted, narrow frame

Bluebonnets Abstract, 36H x 24W acrylics on canvas, wrapped sides painted, narrow frame.

It’s Bluebonnet Season in Texas again! The Bluebonnets Abstract is not typical of my work, but when studying any subject, it’s liberating and enlightening to try painting it from different perspectives and try many styles.

Eastern Redbuds

Saturday, March 29th, 2008


 

Eastern Redbuds, Coppell, Texas USA 22H x 26 inches soft pastels on paper, framed
Eastern Redbuds, Coppell, Texas USA, 14 x 11 inches soft pastels on paper.

Showcased in Artjury.com’s 2007 Spring/Summer Online Exhibition.

Emerge

Monday, March 24th, 2008


 
Emerging Myrtle leaves, early Spring

Above: this morning’s emerging Myrtle leaves, an addition to the Heart Shapes in Nature series.

Upcoming exhibitions:

1. Polypore Fungi is on exhibit at the VAST 40th Annual Spring Exhibition in Denton, Texas April 10 through May 29, 2008. Opening Reception Thursday, April 10th 6:00 – 8:p.m. at the Meadows Gallery 400 E. Hickory, Denton.

2. Firewheels, 18 x 24 x 2 inches Acrylics – Texas and Neighbors Regional Art Exhibition at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, Texas April 26 through May 24th, 2008. Opening Reception Sunday, April 27th 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

 

More garden whimsy

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008


 
The Twins - garden sculptures of upside-down root systems

Adding to the whimsical garden sculptures of root systems, here are The Twins.

Beauty and the beast

Saturday, March 15th, 2008


 
Calla Lily

I couldn’t resist buying a deep-yellow Calla Lily at the local nursery, then while out pulling weeds and transplanting it, a large slow-moving beetle called for a portrait.

Beetle with a body about 1.5 inches long

Mockingbird ritual

Thursday, March 6th, 2008


Mockingbird mating flight ritual - 10 x 10 inches study in graphite, eraser, paper

Mockingbird mating flight ritual – 10 x 10 inches study in graphite, eraser, paper

Last night it was especially noticeable that the Mockingbirds have started their mating season. Pronouncing himself at the highest peak on a rooftop, the male mocks other birds’ calls, repeating each 3-4 times before changing to another call. Then in a ritual flight dance he flies up a short distance and does graceful flip in the air, flashing the white wing stripes, back to the perch and repeats the pattern over and over.

After listening to them quite a bit, there are some that have a larger repertoire of calls and a louder, determined, clearer song…I’m guessing that those are the most mature and attractive.

Snow

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008


 
March snow melting in the rising sun - Lewisville, TX

75*F a couple of days ago, and snow last night. Spring temps here in northern Texas go from one extreme to the other.

Grape Hyacinth, March snowfall

Great White Egret and Mayfly

Saturday, March 1st, 2008


Great White Egret and Mayfly in Coppell, Texas

Great White Egret at Andy Brown Jr. Park, Coppell, Texas. Early morning melting frost, still slightly foggy, enough sun to make the water and dew in the grass sparkle, with a Mayfly appearing at exactly the right moment!
The photo was digitally changed to black and white and the contrast was clarified.