Sketchbooks...and Time Management

Time is the enemy of many artists....creativity simply cannot be turned on and off like a faucet.  Each day, every day, my schedule is designed to provide a large chunk of time for painting.  When traveling, I have found that bringing along art supplies not only makes the trip more cumbersome, but interferes with the experiences that are ripe for the happening.  My sketchbook is my friend in these situations.  Most of these sketches were made during restful moments during a visit to North Carolina to visit family.  Situations present themselves, all of which provide further lessons for study and for contemplation.  Sketchbook sketches are so sweet to me....more spontaneous, less staged.  Foreshortening provided further and further observation and some surprises as well..all for the simple cost of a sketchbook and some pencils. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Memory(K and S)   oil on canvas   9 x 12

The demands of parenthood are great, to be sure.  In between all of the tasks, all of the responsibilities, there are little gems of complete joy.  What seems to go on forever is over in a flash and those little gems form sparkling yet incomplete memories.

Happy Mother's Day, K!

Clay Pots

Clay Pots   watercolor   19.5 x 11

are truly a sign of the season.  There are glazed pots, hand-painted pots, and  plastic pots (yuck). Clay pots and their patinas of absorbed minerals, water lines, irregularities, chips and fractures hold the most interest for me.  From the earth.  Sublime beauty that allows the plants within to take center stage.  This time of year, true gardeners (not myself) line up to purchase the most beautiful, rarest and healthiest varieties of plants.  Recently, I have even heard of minor scuffles over the highly-desired varieties, from gardeners who must must must have that particular plant....mine, mine, mine....all mine. 

Clay Pots was painted in transparent watercolor.  The background was painted with a gouache and watercolor mix.  I love the juxtaposition of transparency:  opacity.  I also love stacks of things.

Clay Pots celebrates the glory of early summer and the inherent promise of beauty within.

Fill.  Nurture.  Watch expectantly.  Enjoy.