The not-so-lazy days of summer

I still have very fond memories of childhood summers.  Life seemed to pass in slow motion.  Our Whatcom County Library book mobile would park at the top of our driveway every other week and I can still remember the magical feeling I got inside that vehicle.  It was so quiet, the sun always seemed to stream down through the little sky light, and there were all those books to chose from.  Fast forward several decades...let's just say life is different.   

Faux Splash

With the arrival of my high school reunion and a high school classmate came the need to "feng shway" my house a bit, so that it looked merely lived-in, as opposed to ransacked.  I've always loved tile back splashes, but being too lazy to learn how to do tile work for myself, I've looked for more painterly ways to achieve the look of tile.  This is my latest attempt, which involved wood burning, acrylic paint on pine with a couple of real tiles rescued from a family member's remodel.... what's not to love about aqua tile?  The bathroom walls were painted bright-need-sunglasses white.  Periwinkle bath mat and towels.  Sort of Cape Cod-ish I think.  I'm thinking I should have company more often.

Reunion

I am so looking forward to being back at the Bellingham Farmer's Market again tomorrow, although I have to say that attending my high school reunion last weekend was well worth the absence.  It was wonderful to see all those faces (that once intimidated me) looking a lot like mine and most conversations were about grandchildren.  If I'd only known then what I know now about what is important in life...

This is a giclee print on canvas that will be going to market with me tomorrow.

June Art-Startz

The June Art-Startz session was a special time of artistic energy.  Whether it be a simple plate with a couple of strawberries or a garden gate, each of us brings a new perspective to the things that inspire us.  To watch a piece of white paper and some pigment become a new thing is magical.

Fate of the Forest

For most of my years, I have lived on family acreage backed by a stand of enormously tall evergreens.   Ravens, crows, eagles, and numerous smaller varieties of birds make their homes in those trees.  Deer, coyotes and rabbits make their homes among those trees.  I have the privilege of observing all of them from my kitchen window.  Those trees have just always been there and I can't imagine....I don't want to imagine.... the scenery out my back door any other way.  When I read the call for artists to submit artwork illustrative of the forest, my mind immediately went to work.  This is the painting that emerged.  Over 200 works of art have been received for the "Fate of the Forest" exhibit at the Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher and Old City Hall, June 17.  I don't want to miss it.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Nothing says “Pacific Northwest” quite like snow falling softly on tulip fields or artisans bundled up in gloves and scarves braving early spring elements to show their wares at the Tulip Festival street fair.  This year, I had the good fortune to visit with and purchase from one of my favorite artists, Jennifer Lommers.  A former Bellinghamster, Jennifer has relocated to Oregon, but ventures up north from time to time.  Check out her web site and blog where she generously shares the details of what it is like to live the artful life.

New creative energy

How time flies.  I never get used to how fast it passes.  Time to take stock of what has happened in the past 30-some days since I last posted.  Managed to create and ship the above acrylic painting in time to be included in the Northwest Watercolor Society signature members show being held at the Seattle Design Center in May.  I'm hoping for some double mileage out of that venue.  This painting is a result of numerous influences I've been pondering.....trying to reduce an image to succinct shapes in a large-for-me format.  I hope to explore compositions that have an iconic element, that shout from 10 feet away "Hey, I am really into the beach" or whatever.  Aside from that, it was therapeutic to set a creative goal, overcome the obstacles without cutting off an ear, and actually creating something I felt I could share.....with a couple days to spare.  Yeah me!

I will start the Bellingham Farmers Market next Saturday, April 30.  It's under the pavilion, away from the rain, for me this year.  Look for me along the wall with the windows. 

More creative stuff to write about later...hopefully not a month-from-now later.