Monday, February 15, 2010

we have a winner!

Congrats to shedreamsbig.blogspot.com for winning my giveaway! It was really fun to play - I have made so many new blogging friends and look forward to participating again next year. Thank you to all who took the time to enter my giveaway. It has been such a great experience!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Curvy Calla Part Two


This watercolor batik class has two options. Students will choose "warm" or "cool" and use those colors to paint with. Here is my version of the "cool" palette. No, the photo isn't reversed - I turned the pattern over and deliberately painted it backward. Students will have choices to make this time - should be fun! Come join us if you are in the area!! Which one do you prefer?

Monday, February 8, 2010

Curvy Calla


One of my favorite flowers is the calla lilly. I love the way the petals delicately overlap at the base and then ever so gently flare into a gorgeous elongated bell that ends in a point, curling back under as the flower matures. How can a flower that is essentially a single petal be shaped into so many different configurations? Add in the variety in color and size, and you have endless possibilities. The simplicity of the flower's architecture also provides more of a painting challenge. There is nowhere to hide by tucking in an extra petal here or there.


I found a darling tiny pot of rosy callas at the market the other day. They came home to be inspiration for a new piece of art. This certainly won't be the last of the callas, though. They are still talking to me!
This is the next watercolor batik class I am teaching. Class if Feb 27. Let me know if you are interested!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Betty Ann's Flow Blue

Betty Ann (BA for short) inherited a very extensive set of flow blue china from her father. The china was given to him as a gift from his cousin. There was a time when his cousin couldn't pay the taxes on the homestead and BA's father paid them for the family. In return, the china was passed on to him as repayment of the taxes.

BA and I have always shared a love of antiques and I knew she had some really wonderful pieces, so I asked her if I could take a few photos. We spent a lovely afternoon just after Christmas creating all sorts of still life set-ups using her china. I brought along several bunches of flowers & a number of doilies & lace pieces to incorporate into the set-ups. From this afternoon, I have enough inspiration to last me quite some time.
And BA's birthday was just a few days following our afternoon of fun. I surprised her with this painting for a birthday present. Thanks for sharing, BA!!