Gnarled Old Tree Across the StreetAfter yesterday morning's class, I went over to paint with my friend Karen on her front porch. It was hot hot hot, and it was so pleasant on her porch. Many of you who have been in my summer classes know how beautiful Karen's garden is. So here I am painting this old gnarled tree across the street. It just called to me. It is all twisty turny and many shades of gray. I'll go back another day to paint some of the bright pots of flowers.
This week's classes met down by the river, near the spot where it dumps into the Bay. Sometimes I take all of this for granted. I mean, how many people actually live within walking distance to the place where a river dumps into a bay?! I need to remind myself now and then to pay attention. We all need to pay attention - where ever we live. There is beauty all around us if we look for it. I find that I look harder and with more appreciation when I have my sketchbook with me.
And this just happens to be the first entry in a new sketchbook.
6 comments:
I love that you painted that tree. I enjoy looking at it so much. It had a story to tell. You have already done the illustration. Karen
Catherine. Love this tree, and for that matter love all your work. Your sense of design and composition is great.
Catherine...I love the twisty turny tree! It has helped me with knowing how to do the tree in a pen/ink/watercolor memorial pictute for a treasured friend, (about her mother). May I use the idea of it?? I always enjoy the new things you put on... BJR
Thanks for posting out of your new book--show us the cover too :-)
Your illustrations make me anxious for our Sketchbook Journaling Class in August. I just recorded (painted) my wrenhouse in the Dogwood tree now that the Fledglings have been launched! They were fun to watch and listen to...
Karen - now I want to hear the story.
Marthann - thanks so much!
BJR - Sure, you may use it. Thanks for asking.
Marj - it is the blue journal posted back on March 23rd. The orange one is the one I just finished.
I love your wren house painting!
Looking forward to seeing you in August.
I love the creativity in this composition - just showing the lower portion of the tree (and not the top) and the interesting way that you have arranged the box of text. Very nice.
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