The Adventures of a Gardening Artist

Two Twig Apples

2011-11-13T17:49:00.001-08:00

Two Twig Apples, a photo by Judybec on Flickr.

Finished the 2nd version of the twig apple sculpture. I wove the leaf with basket making materials.

It's an Apple!

2011-11-01T19:18:00.001-07:00

It's an Apple!, a photo by Judybec on Flickr.

My current project....

Tribute to Steve Jobs? Well no, but that's an idea.

I've been asked to create an 'apple' out of twigs. I've spent quite a bit of time on this--- from collecting the vines to wrestling them into shape. (I've got the scratches to prove it!)

Now, I'm thinking that this may have gotten too large.... it's about 24 inches across.

So, I've begun a smaller one. I'll post photos of the smaller one soon....as things develop.

October

2011-10-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

A sweet little kitten has been living in my garden for the past month. I've named it "October" because of it's coloring and the month.

October is such a playful kitten -- if anyone out there is looking for a friend please let me know.

I put this box on the patio and look who I found in it this morning.

There's no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that has a cat. ~Wesley Bates

The Little Hummingbird

2011-09-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

"Hummingbird on the Japanese Maple", Photo by Judy Beck Lobos

I've kept my camera on the windowsill in my kitchen hoping to catch a photo of this little hummingbird who visits my garden. He's usually here and gone before I can turn on my camera, but, today I was able to catch him sitting down. He, or maybe I should say she(?), sat for quite a while.

"A flash of harmless lightning, A mist of rainbow dyes, The burnished sunbeams brightening From flower to flower he flies." - John Banister Tabb

"Hummingbird Drinking" Photo by Judy Beck Lobos

"Hummingbirds have forgotten the words.." - Graffiti at Adelaide, SA

Sumie scrolls at my exhibit

2011-07-14T14:11:00.001-07:00

That's me!, a photo by Judybec on Flickr.

I'm currently exhibiting my artwork in downtown Lancaster, PA. Click on the photo for more photos from the exhibit.

The Bluebird and the Dragonfly

2011-05-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

The Bluebird and the Dragonfly
8 x 10 Watercolor on Arches

The birds this time of year bring such vitality my yard. And, I saw my first dragonfly of the year this week. A flickr friend suggested this title would make a good story for a children's book. Think there's a story here?

Asparagus on my Favorite Plate

2011-05-05T04:44:00.001-07:00

Asparagus on my Favorite Plate, a photo by Judybec on Flickr.

I'm playing with my acrylic paints again today.

Also will be setting up to exhibit my art at the Herb and Garden Faire at Landis Valley. The Faire runs Tomorrow and Saturday. Please stop by if your in the neighborhood! 9 to 5 both days.

Daffodils in the Rain

2011-05-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

Daffodils in the rain, a photo by Judybec on Flickr.

Spring has been beautiful here.
I've been practicing loose and quick with acrylic paint on 9 x 12 canvas board.
Click on the painting for more at my flickr site.

Student Paintings from an April Landscape Class

2011-04-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

We painted from a reference photo from the Grumbacher Paint Co. of an oak tree in a landscape -- class was only 2 hours long so it moved along quickly. Everyone ended up with a finished painting to take home.

I think they ALL did a wonderful job!

The next class will be on Saturday, May 28th from 10am to noon and we'll be painting an Hawaiian Landscape with palm trees. Hope it get us in the mood for some tropical weather -- Summer is coming!

Fun quote by Howard Ikemoto:

"When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work. I told her I worked at the college - that my job was to teach people how to draw. She stared at me, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?"

Rediscover YOUR inner child and join us for a painting session...

details here.

Below are paintings by my students.

"Yellow Lily" Painting Class

2011-03-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

I'm teaching acrylic painting classes and really loving it--painting should be fun!

These are student paintings from my "Yellow Lily" Grumbacher acrylic painting class at Michael's Art and Craft Store in Lancaster, PA.

Everyone did a wonderful job and should be very proud of their paintings! The class is only 2 hours long so we worked quickly. These were painted from a photograph. Some upcoming classes will be from real life and others from photographs.
Upcoming classes here.

If you are interested in having FUN painting, please come and join us. Classes are open to beginners to try their hand at painting, or for the veteran looking to brush up on their skills.
All ages are welcome.

"Who sees the world correctly? The photographer, the mirror or the painter?" quote by Pablo Picasso

Sumie Landscapes

2011-03-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

"Sumie Landscape 1"
8x10 watercolor on arches

I've been putting the cold weather to good use.
These experimental landscapes are taking advantage of the sub zero temperatures we've had here in Pennsylvania this winter.

Here's how it works:
I first wet the paper thoroughly and then add the paint. The paintings are placed outside in a protected area on my deck to dry. The best days are extra cold and dry. As the painting dries, ice crystals form on the paper. It doesn't always work, but when it does, the crystal patterns are so exciting! I'll then decide what to keep and what to paint over.

A reason to love winter!

"The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination." ~Quote by Terri Guillemets

The people of "TinyTown" are lining up for my art classes!

2011-02-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

Looking for a fun activity?

If you live close to Lancaster, PA...

I'm teaching painting classes at the Michael's Art and Craft Store in the Lancaster Shopping Center.

If you would be interested, the details are here at my website:

http://judybecklobos.com/classes/

Hope you can come and join in the fun! All ages and skill levels are welcome.

All the best,

Judy

6 yellow apples

2011-02-08T12:55:00.001-08:00

6 yellow apples
acrylic on 9x12 canvas board
Originally uploaded by Judybec

Here's my attempt at the Daily Paintworks challenge.--fun website by Carol Marine -- here's the link:
www.dailypaintworks.com
The challenge this week is to divide the canvas into blocks and paint the same subject in each block. You set a timer and work only 10 minutes on each block.
With only 10 minutes on each apple I wasn't overworking anything. I thoroughly enjoyed doing this-- Thanks Carol!

My Life in Pummelvision

2011-01-25T16:25:00.000-08:00

I just discovered Pummelvision and made one of my artwork and photos!

Pictures from my Exhibition

2010-12-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

That's me with my "Twig Tea Pot and Cup" at my first gallery show.
Could my grin be any bigger?

Below: "Tumblewood" in the window

In addition to the twig sculpture, I'm exhibiting painted Japanese scrolls and framed watercolor sumie paintings. Please stop by if you're in downtown Lancaster. My exhibit will be up through January.
New Beginning Gallery at Hager, 25 W. King St. Lancaster, PA.

"Plum Blossom Scroll" by Judy Beck Lobos

It's been fun to see my work in a gallery. Some things I'd change and some I'm really happy with. I've got ideas for future work, even though I haven't picked up a brush since setting up this show. I've heard it's good to take a break now and then. I'll plan to be more disiplined after the holidays.

Happy Holiday wishes to all my internet friends!

“The real essence of art turned out to be not something high up

and far off - it was right inside my ordinary daily self ."

Shinichi Suzuki

Sumie & Twigs

2010-11-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

I'm busy getting ready for my upcoming art exhibit at a local gallery-- it's opening on Friday, November 26th. I'll be exhibiting my Japanese inspired sumie watercolors and some of my large twig creations, including "TUMBLEWOOD" (pictured below) & my large "TWIG TEA POT AND CUP"

The Exhibit will continue through December and January.

Put on your kimono and come enjoy wine and cheese at the

First Friday, December 3rd reception from 6 to 8pm.

Impressionist Landscapes

2010-09-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

Sumie ink and watercolor
Playing with the paint.... it's fun -- I put this in the shower to get some of these effects.

Landscape #30

2010-09-04T14:05:00.001-07:00

Landscape #30
Originally uploaded by Judybec

Painted en plein air at the farm
Sep. 4
I'm plodding along with this 100 Landscape project : )

I've got 70 more landscapes to go....
wow and I was feeling really good about getting to 30.
But, when I think of how many more I've got to do .....70 sounds huge!

At the Farm

2010-08-20T17:22:00.001-07:00

At the Farm
Originally uploaded by Judybec

"Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration." ~Lou Erickson

At this farm I don't have to do any of the work!
It's a local CSA and we pay to join and reap the harvest every week. What could be better! I love to go each week to see the wonderful food all ready for pick up.

Yesterday, I finally had some time so, I took my sketchbook and paint with me and relaxed on a bench in the shade. This was painted in front of a pick-your-own field --Zinna, Celosia, HOT peppers, sungold tomatoes-- we're eating good this time of the year!

I'm going to count this one toward my goal of 100 landscapes. This makes 28!

Free Tomatoes!

2010-08-16T13:38:00.001-07:00

Free Tomatoes!
Originally uploaded by Judybec

Who can resist free tomatoes?
I happened to be driving past a house with a pile of huge beautiful red tomatoes and a sign that read "free!" Of course I stopped !!
-- I can always eat more tomatos.
--had to promise myself to paint it first though.
5x7 watercolor on Arches

Birds on a branch

2010-08-15T12:17:00.001-07:00

Birds on a branch
Originally uploaded by Judybec

more sumi-e practice.
This was inspired by watching the cardinals come into my grapevine. We have a family of them hoping around the neighborhood.
At this point you can hardly tell the adults from the young.

"I think we consider too much the good luck of the early bird and not enough the bad luck of the early worm."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Lititz Art Show

2010-08-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

The weather for the Lititz Art show was absolutely gorgeous! It was a busy day with lots of visitors and some big sales for me.

Above is a photo of my booth and a close up of a Japanese silk scroll that I painted recently-- sumi-e "Birds on a Branch."

These photos were taken with my Dad's camera. Can you believe I remembered to bring my camera but forgot it's battery. It's amazing just how many things you have to remember to bring with you to do a show. Ah well -- at least the rest of the day went well.

Sumi-e practice

2010-07-29T11:06:00.001-07:00

Sumi-e practice
Originally uploaded by Judybec

I painted this with ink and watercolor on a piece of 9 x 11 paper I made at a paper-making workshop several years ago. Yes, I actually painted the painting AND made the paper! I really like how the wet media looks on this paper. It has no sizing in it so the paint and ink absorb differently.

I'll be exhibiting my work at the Lititz Art Show in the park, Lititz PA this Saturday.
I've been busy getting everything ready -- please stop by if you"re in the area!

My favorite summertime drink

2010-07-21T15:57:00.001-07:00

My favorite summertime drink
Originally uploaded by Judybec

It's been so hot here that's why I haven't posted in a while.
--it's my excuse anyway.

Brewed ice tea over a variety of frozen fruit is my favorite hot weather drink. Blueberries, mango, pineapple, peaches and strawberries all frozen solid before they are put in the glass.

It's REALLY good! : )

Apricots from the market

2010-06-14T18:09:00.001-07:00

Apricots from the market
Originally uploaded by Judybec

The color of these apricots really appealed to me.
I may try this again varying some of the colors...

“A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy.”
Albert Einstein

golden bird

2010-06-01T11:08:00.001-07:00

golden bird
watercolor on Arches
Originally uploaded by Judybec

Painted in the Japanese style of Sumi-e.
The goal is not simply to reproduce the appearance of the subject, but to capture its soul.

I just finished teaching a 4 week sumie class at Grebinger Gallery in May. There are more classes scheduled for June and July --and even a summer art camp for children! I've found teaching to be great fun -- I'm continually inspired by my students.

Classes are held at Grebinger Gallery in Neffsville, PA http://www.grebingergallery.com/index.php/workshops/

getting back to the 100 landscapes...

2010-05-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

This would be number 21.
Doing this project has made an impression on me-- now I know just how many 100 is! .... and miles to go before I sleep.... : )

Painting was done at a park in Millersville, PA that adjoins farm fields .

Please visit the 100 Landscape blog to see more -- lovely landscape paintings from Casey, an artist in France, Debbie an artist from Hawaii and CaptElaine with paintings from South Carolina.

The Herb and Garden Faire

2010-05-09T18:59:00.001-07:00

Wild Twig Teapot!
Originally uploaded by Judybec

I took some of my wild twig creations and paintings to the Landis Valley Museum's Herb and Garden Faire this past weekend.
Two beautiful days of plants and art at the farm museum. I shared a booth with 2 friends -- we had a great time and met so many wonderful people. Can you believe I forgot to take my sketchbook?? -- what was I thinking. I had so much crammed into my car it was difficult to see out the windows.
We plan on exhibiting there again next year!

"Tumblewood" get's bigger!!

2010-04-19T08:36:00.001-07:00

Tumblewood grows....
Originally uploaded by Judybec

When I'm not painting ... I'm trimming my trees.
I'm adding my trimmings to "Tumblewood" --my round stick sculpture.
It's about 40 inches across so far... I'm going to need a larger yard pretty soon. I need a big meadow to let it roll around in!
Click on the photo to see more of my stick creations.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now. ~Chinese Proverb

Painting for fun...

2010-04-13T10:37:00.001-07:00

floral 3
Originally uploaded by Judybec

Today, I felt like playing with color and flower motifs.

This poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge got me started.....

"What if you slept?
And what if,
In your sleep
You dreamed?
And what if,
In your dream,
You went to Heaven
And there plucked
A strange and
Beautiful flower?
And what if,
When you awoke,
You had the flower
In your hand?
Ah, what then?"

Grapevine nest

2010-04-08T11:44:00.001-07:00

grapevine nest
Originally uploaded by Judybec

Finally, it's springtime in my corner of the world!

Although it's been so hot these last few days that it feels like summer -- temps are in the high 80's -- very unusual -- we're breaking record highs from the 1940's.

April 1st is the date I aim for to prune my grapevine.

Here it is all trimmed with a "nest" I made of the branches. I'm thinking of filling it with plants. I can't seem to stop working in the garden this time of the year. good thing, I suppose, cause there's too much to do!

Happy Spring!

#18 pf 100 landscapes

2010-04-08T05:59:00.001-07:00

#18 pf 100 landscapes
Originally uploaded by Judybec

Dashed this one off and then kept working and fiddling with it....
Ah well.
Spring and my gardening continue to "call me away" from painting. I just can't seem to keep my fingers from digging in the dirt, moving plants, and making sculptures with the trimmings. I'll post pictures of them as so as I get them photographed.

17 of 100

2010-04-01T05:25:00.001-07:00

17 of 100
Originally uploaded by Judybec

Still grinding through this project of 100 landscapes. Life sometimes gets in the way but I'm moving along.... slowly.
This is another one from the book "Let the Medium Do It" . -- I'm learning to do things in layers -- which seems to work for me -- I'm really happy with the sense of distance here and I used my exacto knife to scrap in some texture on the rocks.

15 of 100

2010-03-17T08:57:00.001-07:00

15 of 100
Originally uploaded by Judybec

I've been doing variations of "Creek Reflections" the Monthly Painting Challenge.
Pam Van Londen posts a photo on the blog and invites everyone to paint it.
I'm finding that it helps to do the same scene over and over again.
And, it's great fun to see what different artists come up with-- here's the link:
http://paintingchallenge.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/challenge-3-creek-reflections/

10 of 100

2010-03-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

This is a view of our Lancaster County Art Association building.
I sat in the car and painted since it's still very cold outside.
This painting is # 10 of 100!!!!
-- and miles to go before I sleep : ) -- that's the way it feels anyway.
I'm not showing them all here but you can click on my flickr 100 Landscapes set or go to the 100 Landscape group blog to keep up to date on everyone's progress.

Bird story

2010-03-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

I had my 1st sighting of a Pileated woodpecker (they're as large as a crow but with white and black feathers)
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pileated_Woodpecker/lifehistory
and it was right in my neighborhood!

I was excited until....
I took a walk the next day. I noticed this pine tree (drawn above) with a pile of white feathers covering the entire space under and around the tree.

I knew a hawk had captured a bird of some kind but I couldn't fiqure out what bird in our area would have so many white feathers. (maybe a pigeon?)

About 20 minutes later I found out, discovering on the snow, what I'm pretty sure was the rib cage and shoulder feathers of "my" Pileated woodpecker.

maaaaan -- I guess we all have to eat --

7 of 100

2010-03-05T14:04:00.001-08:00

7 of 100
Originally uploaded by Judybec

Onward toward 100.... I'm just going to keep going. :-))
With this one, I applied some color -left it blend and dabbed some off with paper towel then left it to my imagination to add some buildings and trees.
This was done in the studio but, I want to develop my plein air skills -- so that's next.

(Click on the painting to see 6 of 100)

5 of 100

2010-03-03T12:58:00.001-08:00

5 of 100
Originally uploaded by Judybec

This is an exercise from a book called "Watercolor-Let the medium do it" (don't you love that title!) by Valfred thelin with Patricia Burlin.
It's called "the controlled drip"
-- you just let the paint run for the background.
I found the book at our local art association library a month ago and I've just gotten around to working with it. I've got to return it soon so I'll quickly try some of the exercises.
Click on the painting to see #4 of 100 -- it's another version of this exercise.

2 and 3 of 100

2010-03-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

Scenes from the neighborhood
7"x10" watercolor in my sketchbook

I jumped in the car this morning and after exercising parked the car at the end of the road. These were painted while sitting in the car, over-looking Crossgates golf course. We still have lots of snow on the ground. (We broke the Lancaster PA record for the most snow in a season this year-- and there is still time for more!)
I used my travel kit of Koi watercolors with a brush pen and was having major trouble painting in the tree branches. I just couldn't get a very fine line --so I used pencil. I tried to scrape some branches in to the one on the bottom but only had my fingernails to use and that didn't work well.
Tomorrow is another day...

A new challenge

2010-02-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

1 of 100 7"x8" Markers in my sketchbook

100 Landscapes?

Do you think I can do it?

When I saw Casey’s project and read about her ideas and goals — I was impressed. 100 landscapes sure sounds like quite a commitment.
I’ve been kind of wishy-washy lately — doing many things but not going or getting anywhere in particular. So, when she invited anyone to participate with her, I knew I had to go for it.
Here I am with my first of 100 posts “warts and all” as Casey says, and VERY determined to see this project to completion. A BIG thank you to Casey for the invitation!

Visit Casey's 100 landscapes here or on her blog...
She is working in oils -- her art will not disappoint!

School-o-meter

2010-02-25T08:46:00.001-08:00

School-o-meter
Originally uploaded by Judybec

My 14 yr old son loves to experiment with electronics.

He created this "School-o-meter" to show whether he has a delay /cancellation due to snow.
The School-o-meter" communicates with the school's website and when a delay or cancellation is posted, the paperclip pointer moves to the 1hr delay, 2hr delay, or no school position.

Now, he doesn't have to get out of bed to find out if school is canceled!

He explains it on his blog:
blog.4ndr3w.me/

Please visit and leave a comment!! : )

Frozen

2010-02-10T15:03:00.001-08:00

Frozen
Originally uploaded by Judybec

I experimented with the frozen watercolor technique I saw on Laura's flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/laurelines/4248218503/

So interesting how the ice crystals form and dry in the paint.

Here's something else to try:
SNOW ICE CREAM!!!?

Ingredients

* 1 gallon snow
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups milk

Directions

1. When it starts to snow, place a large, clean bowl outside to collect the flakes. When full, stir in sugar and vanilla to taste, then stir in just enough milk for the desired consistency. Serve at once.

I haven't tried this-- let me know if you do!

Still snowing...

2010-02-10T14:42:00.001-08:00

Still snowing
Originally uploaded by Judybec

I can hardly believe we are getting this much snow!
The roads, businesses and schools are closed.
It's a good day for art!

Wow-what a snow!

2010-02-06T13:37:00.000-08:00

Snow on my "Tumblewood" twig sculpture

Snow in my yard -- 24 inches

Snow on the grapevine

"Where does the white go when the snow melts?" anonymous quote

I'm teaching a class!

2010-02-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

"Birds and Bamboo" by Judy Beck Lobos
22.5" x 15" watercolor on Arches

NEW!!! Sumi-e Watercolor classes!

Here's the information about the classes taken from the gallery website:

Grebinger Gallery in Lancaster, PA is very excited to offer (for the first time ever) classes where students can learn the Asian art of Sumi-e painting. Sumi-e, literally "ink painting" originated in China is described best as an art form that strives to capture the essence of an object or scene in the fewest possible strokes.

Our four week class will begin with studying and practicing the brush strokes necessary for creating a "bamboo" painting. "Bamboo" being the first of four traditional sumi-e techniques called the the "Four gentlemen." Students will complete several compositions in the four week class.

Class will be held four consecutive Tuesday morning beginning 3/2 thru 3/23 from 10:00-12:00 or four consecutive Monday evenings, 3/1 thru 3/22, from 7- 9pm. You choose! Class fee is $125.00 for the four weeks, with an additional materials fee of $45.00 per student.

Instructor for sumi-e class is Judy Beck Lobos, Lancaster Watercolor and Sumi-e Artist.

Class sizes will be limited to 4-6 students. Call us at (717) 569-9335 with any questions or to register.

Also, if you do have questions, please feel free to email me directly (beclobo@comcast.net) or leave a message here on this post.

I'm excited about this opportunity!
I'll plan to keep you all updated on the classes and hopefully post some photos too.

Still-life

2010-01-16T08:54:00.001-08:00

Macintosh, 5"x7" watercolor
An apple a day....

Bosc pears with Macintosh, 5"x8" watercolor

I've been continuing my interest in painting fruit.
I found the pears an interesting contrast to the shiny apple above.

Below are apples and pine painted over the holidays.
"Apples with pine", 5"x8" watercolor

"Don't be afraid to go out on a limb, it's where all the fruit is." Shirley MacLaine

Mural painting

2010-01-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

I just finished this mural project and thought I'd post my process.

Several months ago, I'd been asked to paint the inside of a display cabinet at a local nature center.
The Boettcher House Nature Center

The cabinet displays a sampling of stuffed local birds... Blue Jay, Cardinal, Chickadee, Kingfisher, Red Crowned Kinglet, etc.

Tree close-up

It was so much fun to paint at this beautiful place-- large windows on every wall let in abundant light. Although, it wasn't easy to take photos with all the glare and strong shadows. The house was a former residence surrounded by beautiful gardens and woods which are now open to the public.

Beginnings
and finally
here's the cabinet before painting was started.

Meet the snow people

2009-12-28T07:36:00.001-08:00

meet the snow people
Originally uploaded by Judybec

I caught them having a party in our backyard.
Click on the photo for more pics....

“Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled”

Sketching the cats

2009-12-18T12:28:00.001-08:00

graphite in my sketchbook

I spent some time following the cats around today.

Above and below is Musky looking out the window -- he's watching the birds at the feeder.
graphite in my sketchbook

This one is Missy lounging....
watercolor pencil in my sketchbook

.... and watching the birds.
graphite and watercolor in my sketchbook

"There's no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that has a cat. " ~Wesley Bates

Apples and (missing) Oranges

2009-12-15T11:09:00.001-08:00

Bowl of Mackintosh
watercolor in my sketchbook
--they looked so shiny and holiday-ish

--that's the missing orange below-
what can I say- I got hungry and ate it before I could get a sketch finished.
watercolor in my sketchbook

Happy Holidays to all!

Tangerine sketches

2009-12-07T06:31:00.000-08:00

"Bowl of Tangerines"
7" x 10" Watercolor on Arches

It took a week to eat them and now they are gone.
I worked on "roundness" last week while sketching tangerines.

"Two Left"
11" x 14" Watercolor on drawing paper

"Tea and Fruit"
11" x 14" Watercolor on drawing paper

"The last Tangerine"
7" x 10" watercolor on Arches

"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana." Groucho Marx

Cardinal and the garden ball

2009-12-05T07:31:00.001-08:00

Cardinal and the garden ball
Originally uploaded by Judybec

This Cardinal has been looking into and pecking at my garden ball every morning for the last several days. He's there for hours!

I think he sees his reflection and thinks it's another bird :)

Art in the Garden Interview!

2009-12-03T07:32:00.001-08:00

Photo taken at the Brandywine River Museum, Chadds Ford, PA
Copyright Judy Beck Lobos 2009

I'm featured in an "Artists in the Garden" interview series on a wonderful blog called "My Mother's Garden"
Please check it out if you have time.
Here's the link:
http://www.mymothersgardens.blogspot.com/

Simply Delicious!

2009-11-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

I want to show you this wonderful cookbook.
3 of my paintings are included on the cover, along with a lovely mosaic of mouth-watering photos.

Can you find mine?
hint:
"Blue Teapot" top left
"Mini-teapot" 3rd row down, 4th across
"floral teacup" 4th row down, 3rd across

It was written and compiled by Lisa Ebbert, a Registered Dietitian with a masters in Nutrition. Lisa says, "this book is about sharing recipes that our family has come to love. Every recipe in this book is great! "

The design of the cover is in memory of Thelma Grace Nickles, Lisa's grandmother, who painted with watercolor. I'm so honored to be included!

There are a ton of recipes here-- whole chapters for Breakfast, Beverages, Appetizers, Salads, Seafood, Sauces, Cakes..... I could go on and on. There's even one for "Puppy Chow".

Here's one that sounds like fun...
--------------------------------
Mom's Christmas Cookie Dough
--------------------------------
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup margarine
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract or amaretto
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tarter
1/2 tsp baking powder

Combine into dough. chill. use cookie cutters to make different shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
---------------------------------

sounds yummy--
--think I'll make some tea and get cookin!

7"x10" ink and watercolor on Arches
by Judy Beck Lobos © 2009

If you'd like to order a cookbook, here's a link to Lisa's etsy store

Fall to winter

2009-11-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

7"x9" Strathmore watercolor field sketchbook

A Japanese Maple lives outside our kitchen window. I've watched it turn flaming colors.

It was planted when my son was 3 years old. At the time it was about as tall as he was. Now it’s about 7 feet and he’s close to my height- 5′7″.
I’ve been watching the leaves fall and thinking how amazingly quick time passes.
Winter is on the way.

Above is my loose sketch and
Below is my tighter version
I did the tighter one first and thought it needed to loosen up a bit.
7"x9" Strathmore watercolor field sketchbook

7"x9" in my Strathmore watercolor field sketchbook

I think I like this 3rd version above the best.

And finally, now the leaves are mostly gone.
7"x9" in my Strathmore watercolor field sketchbook

"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show. "
quote by ~Andrew Wyeth

My morning habit

2009-11-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

5x7 watercolor and pencil on Arches

Last week I began painting first thing in the morning right after breakfast -- with tea of course!
5x7 watercolor and pencil on Arches

I'm trying to make this a habit.
5x7 watercolor and pencil on Arches

These are some of my "sky paintings" from last week.
5x7 watercolor and pencil on Arches

It was pretty overcast and rainy much of the time....
5x7 watercolor and pencil on Arches

"The sky is darkening like a stain; Something is going to fall like rain, And it won't be flowers"-Auden,W(ystan) H(ugh)
'The Witness'.

Screamin Sea Gulls

2009-10-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

"Screamin Gull" after seeing Jamie Wyeth's "Seven Deadly Sins" exhibit
5x7 Watercolor by Judy Beck Lobos

I visited the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford PA last Saturday.

It's the home to a large collection of Wyeth paintings -- N.C. (Newell Convers 1882-1945), the father of Andrew and Grandfather of Jamie and also illustrations by Howard Pyle who taught N.C. among others. Check out "The Painter's Keys" -- this week Robert Glenn writes about N.C. Wyeth -- titled "What happens?"

Currently, Jamie Wyeth has an exhibit of paintings with Gulls titled "The Seven Deadly Sins". It's a fascinating exhibit -- go if you can!!!

This huge scull painting by Jamie Wyeth hangs in the lobby -it's painted on un-stretched canvas and it's at least 10 feet high. I was allowed to take photos in the lobby but not in the galleries.

Here's the entrance to the museum all decorated for Halloween. The Brandywine River Museum is in a converted Civil-war era gristmill. Cool bead strings hanging from the trees for the evening's Halloween party.
We had the opportunity to take the N.C. Wyeth (that's Andrew's father) house and studio tour. His home and studio are within a mile of the museum.
Below is a photo of his daily commute.... the path between his home and his studio. (looking toward home)

Andrew Wyeth's Granddaughter, Victoria took us though a gallery of Andrew's paintings and shared her experiences of her Grandfather including his thought's behind some of his paintings. She's quite a personality-- I highly recommend her tour!

It was a wonderful way to spend a rainy day.
Here's the gang of friends who went.... that's me, 2nd from the right!
Photo taken by "Possum Patty"
Check out the link -- she's done a sketch of the Brandywine River.

The color version

2009-10-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

I've added color to the sketch of my garden.

I used watercolor and just a bit of watercolor pencil.... the paper I sketched this on is standard drawing paper so it didn't take water well and got kind of wrinkly.
That big mass of green on the left side is the grapevine that climbs up to the 2nd floor deck.... not to sure I've illustrated that terribly well ----But, anyway it's a start. I'm thinking of doing more sketches of my garden as the seasons change.

Here's another project I'm working on.

This is a sketch for a mural for a local nature center. It's for the inside of a cabinet displaying local birds.... stuffed.
2 more sketches with lines marking the cabinet doors...
I'll post more as work progresses....

Rainy day sketching

2009-10-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of my view out the window on this rainy day. I've got places to go and things to do but the car is at the garage...... again.

Below is my sketch of the same scene
11 x 14 graphite sketch
I took the photograph after doing my drawing. It's a challenge simplifying -- there's so much out there!
thought I'd focus on the gate and fence. I'll probably add a color wash later.... might as well make it wet, everything else is.

"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain" Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Bluebirds

2009-10-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

More birds.....

I'm hooked.....what more can I say?

Birds are the most vivid expression of life
- epitaph Roger Tory Peterson chose for his tombstone.

Red Birds

2009-09-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

5x7 watercolor on Arches
I've posted several "Red Birds" that I'll be taking to the Landis Woods Outdoor Art Show this weekend.
8x10 watercolor on Arches

Notice the word "Outdoor" .

I've been checking the extended weather reports and
.......up until today they've been reporting sunny weather.

5x7 watercolor on Arches

Well......
today when I checked there was that dreaded word in the forecast for Saturday!
"RAIN"!
5x7 watercolor on Arches

I sure am hoping for sun! .... how about you?
15x22 watercolor on Arches

"You can always find the sun within yourself if you will only search. " Maxwell Maltz

Birds and Bamboo

2009-09-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek at some of the "Birds and Bamboo" sketches I plan to show at the Landis Woods Art Show on Saturday, Sept. 26th. These are so much fun to paint -- and they've become a wonderful way to loosen up and get the paint and ideas flowing.
Landis Woods is an outdoor art show so I'm hoping for lots of sunshine. Join me, if you're in the area! Over 30 local artists will be there from 9am till 5pm.
Landis Woods, Route 501, turn at Meadow Lane in Neffsville, PA.
" The taller the bamboo grows, the lower it bends" Chinese proverb

3 more

2009-09-04T15:14:00.001-07:00

3 more
Originally uploaded by Judybec

I can't seem to get away from painting tomatoes -- they just appeal to me right now. So, I'm sticking with this subject and experimenting with it.
Click on the image to see more on my flickr!

"A world without tomatoes is like a string quartet without violins."
Laurie Colwin, Home Cooking

Who knew?

2009-08-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

I was trimming some old grapevine .....and
when I looked on the ground there was a pile of letters!

I found this wonderful root.... and propped it up in front of a pot.
When my artist friends came to draw, "he" weaseled his way into the artwork...

Check out Possum Patty's fabulous drawing and story.
possumpatty.blogspot.com/2009/08/watercolor-sketchbook-ii...

Can you find the "crepuscular creature"?

"All work and no play makes Judy a dull girl."

Homegrown Tomatoes!

2009-08-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

We've got tomatoes coming out our ears!
So, I thought I'd paint some...
One of our plants has these funny yellow pear shaped cherry tomatoes
Eat your tomatoes .... they're high in vitamin C !
"Home grown tomatoes, Home grown tomatoes,
What'd life be without homegrown tomatoes,
There's only two things that money can't buy,
That's true love and home grown tomatoes"
Song by Guy Clark

a nite visitor

2009-08-11T07:07:00.001-07:00

a nite visitor
Originally uploaded by Judybec

We looked out on our deck last evening and found this little fellow. Looks like he's waiting for tea?! : )

We tried to scare him off but he wouldn't move off the chair. It looks like a youngish possum to me... do they usually act like this? anyone know?

I have a grape vine with lots of juicy grapes waiting for me to pick them..... it winds up to our 2nd floor deck. I'm guessing that's how he got there. Do possum eat grapes?

At the concert

2009-08-05T10:31:00.001-07:00

At the concert
Originally uploaded by Judybec

We went to a concert at Longs Park here in Lancaster this weekend.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band played -- They were fun to hear! ...every Sunday evening we have free concerts at the amphitheater. Just bring your chairs or blanket and plop yourself down!

I spent some time sketching the people around us -- always interesting : )

One sweet little bird

2009-07-27T16:45:00.001-07:00

One sweet little bird
Originally uploaded by Judybec

I finally got a photo of a hummingbird -- they usually never sit for long and when they do I never have my camera. BUT, this time I DID!!!

Tumblewood at the museum!

2009-07-26T12:50:00.001-07:00

Tumblewood at the museum!
Originally uploaded by Judybec

Here's my "Tumblewood" on display at the Lancaster Art Association National Juried Exhibition.
I did a series of 6 - all different sizes. The largest is 36 inches in diameter.
It was quite a thrill to win first place in the sculpture division and it's so fun to see them in a gallery setting.
They will go back into my garden when the show is over -- the birds are missing them!

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

2009-07-19T18:56:00.001-07:00

The Kruger Brothers
Originally uploaded by Judybec

We just returned from camping at a bluegrass festival in the Hudson Valley of New York.
Beautiful scenery, some beautiful weather, and some rain Friday night that made Sat. morning extremely muddy.

We came home early because of some drunk noisy men who camped behind us -- every other word out of their mouths had four letters - even when they weren't drinking ... really, I'm not kidding They were up till 5 am singing drunken sailor songs and threatening the neighboring tent campers with bodily harm if they were asked to quiet down. Sorry....probably more that you wanted to hear.... It was exhausting. I AM SO HAPPY TO BE HOME sweet home!!!!!

I did get to an excellent fiddle workshop given by Megan Lynch. fiddlestar.com
She was great-- I really enjoyed her style-- maybe this one will help me do the fiddle thing!!??

Please click here for more sketches from the festival!

Miss Molly

2009-07-12T11:38:00.001-07:00

"Miss Molly" acrylic on 12" x 12" canvas

This is a portrait of a dear little dog named Molly.

It's my good friend Stacie's birthday today and I painted her dog Molly as a gift. I haven't painted animal portraits before so I wasn't sure how things would turn out. I'm thinking this captures the spirit of Miss Molly pretty well -- hope Stacie likes it.

Molly was ALWAYS smiling. I'm saying was because Molly is no longer with us. She ended up falling ill about a month or so ago at the grand old age of 18-- a good old age for a small breed.

Stacie found Molly as a puppy, chasing cars on a busy road. Ever since, Molly had the best of everything. She was truly a pampered pup.

"Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really." ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull

Trip to Colorado

2009-07-06T10:54:00.001-07:00

View of the sunset from the plane

I didn't have much time to sketch on our trip to Denver, Colorado. We were there for my son's National TSA competition. He did well and placed 9th in the nation for Electrical Applications- middle school.
Can you tell, he didn't want me to take this photo?
I'm so proud!
Colorado Convention Center --
Big Blue Bear! He leans on the window looking in....
that's me at his feet!

Quick sketch at a music store we visited in Denver...

hotel lobby
Originally uploaded by Judybec

and here's one of the hotel lobby.

Sleeping Cats, farm scenes and more birds

2009-06-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

How do they sleep soooo much???

: "Life is something to do when you can't get to sleep" Fran Lebowitz

Above, sketched in my moleskin -- waiting for my son and husband while they shopped in the local hobby shop for rockets. It's the hot topic right now-- my son is on his school's "rocket team" and they placed 14th in the nation this year!
zoom - boom -- to the moon....

More birds and bamboo practice below....
We're off to Colorado soon.... hope to have some travel sketches when we return!

Sketches from the deck

2009-06-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

I had a bit of time to sketch while sitting on our deck. Missy the cat, always joins me wherever I am -- that's her sitting on the foot stool above.

I didn't think I'd have the chance to draw people but our neighbor came out on his deck to clean his grill -- so I quickly sketched him before he realized I was there.

My plants are doing well so far this year.... I've got lettuce in the boxes and an assortment of indoor house plants summering themselves outside.

This butterfly was buzzing around my grapevine-- it has really defined white polka-dots on it's wings... really striking.... and just a touch of orange fur on it's legs.... I researched it and found it to be a "Forrester Moth". I just love those white dots on black wings!
"Butterflies are self propelled flowers. " ~R.H. Heinlein

Garden Tour May 2009

2009-06-04T07:12:00.001-07:00

Garden Tour May 2009
Originally uploaded by Judybec

I've been out "digging in the dirt" so I thought I'd give you a tour of my garden!

Birds and wisteria

2009-05-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

The wisteria is blooming everywhere right now and it's gorgeous!
I saw my first humming bird of the season today too!
I only saw one .....
even though I painted three.

"Use the talents you possess -- for the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except for the best." Unknown

On Mother's Day...

2009-05-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

"Happy Mother's Day" watercolor 12x16 on Arches ©2009

Happy Mother's day to all the mother's out there but especially to my mother!
She's the best!!

"Plum Branch with blue bird" watercolor 12x16 on Arches ©2009

I'm giving an "Artist Talk" on Mother's day this year.... Sunday, May 10 at a local nature center...
The Boettcher House at Landis Woods Park.

I'll be talking about sketching,
handmade sketchbooks,
watercolor and sumi-e painting,
and my painted acrylic tapestries.
Holy Cow!! that's a lot...but don't worry -- I talk fast -- and, you can ask questions!

"Blue Birds and Bamboo" watercolor 12x16 on Arches © 2009

Please come -- I'd love to see you!

More sketches from Austria

2009-05-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

"At the breakfast table" above.....

Photo of the juice bar below..... fresh oranges and a juicer to do it yourself!

The Breakfast room at our hotel was wonderful, a real sketcher's bonanza!

....a great view of the square, old furniture, plants, paintings, heavy chandeliers and great food. I liked how the heavy mirrors were hung -- tilted toward the floor and held by a heavy chain.

watercolor and pencil sketch
... and there was an amazing collection of colored glass-- vases , bowls, etc. grouped by color throughout the room.

watercolor sketch
Pencil sketch

"Life.... is like a grapefruit. It's orange and squishy, and has a few pips in it, and some folks have half a one for breakfast." Douglas Adams

Sketches from Austria

2009-04-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

"Room key and tassel" watercolor and pencil on 90lb Strathmore

We stayed at the Wolfinger at Hauptplaz -- a beautiful hotel on a large old square in Linz, Austria. I sketched our room key... #14 because it had such a rich, heavy tassel attached to it. (So wonderfully different than the plastic cards I've been given here in the states.)

Our room had a lovely chandelier hanging from the ceiling with two matching sconces on either side of the bed.
"Chandelier Room #14" watercolor and pencil on 90lb Strathmore

Tea and fruit in the afternoon....

"Tea Time" watercolor and pencil on 90lb Strathmore

Below is a sketch of the headboard on our bed..... beautiful wood with crystal sconces that matched the chandelier on either side.

"Wolfinger Headboard" watercolor and pencil on 90lb Strathmore

"Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." quote by Miriam Beard

Trees, brushes and a surprise!

2009-04-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

5 1/2" x 3 1/2" tree sketch with marker done in my "waiting" sketchbook

The tree above was drawn while waiting for the "Rocket team" --that's their launch site-- off in the distance, down by the tent.

5 1/2" x 3 1/2" watercolor in my moleskin "waiting" sketchbook

The tree above is in the parking lot of the North Museum in Lancaster. It's an ancient sycamore--the bark is so interesting with smooth wrinkles that resemble elephant's skin.

Here's a photo of an interesting specimen -- a very old trumpet vine - I think? Taken at the Landis Valley Farm Museum in Lancaster -- they've got a nice collection of old buildings and farm history.

I also wanted to show you what I just bought.....

Isn't it EXCITING!!!!!
it's a big, beautiful silk box filled with Chinese brushes! There are 18 different sizes and they came with the wooden stand--isn't that the coolest!!

And... the best part.... IT WAS FREE!!!! I bought it with my art show money!
I was surprised to win third place at the Garden Show at the Lancaster County Art Association with my "Birds having a Party".

"Birds having a party" watercolor by Judy Beck Lobos

Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come.
- Chinese proverb

Garden Sculpture

2009-04-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

TUMBLEWOOD THREE...
I've been working out in our garden .... making these.

It has become a great way for me to recycle the branches from my grapevine, golden willow and red-twig dogwood. And, the colors look so wonderful together.

I take the colorful branches from these trees in our backyard.
The "Golden Willow" tree. It turns this beautiful golden color in late winter.
And, this is the Red Twig Dogwood with it's lovely red tones.
I think there's a nest under here.... rabbit maybe?
I found it in my yucca bed. All the yucca leaves have been eaten at the root.... what would do that?

Waiting and waiting....

2009-03-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

marker sketch in my moleskin 3 1/2 x 6"

These sketches are from my "Waiting sketchbook", I keep it with me in my purse. It's a small 3 1/2" x 6" moleskin.
Marker sketch in my moleskin

I call it my "waiting sketchbook" because I draw in it when I'm waiting...
Pencil sketch 3 1/2" x 6"

We live in a rural / farming area and most of these scenes are from the park beside the middle school. I do a lot of waiting at the school....

Pencil sketch 3 1/2" x 6" moleskin

The sketch below was from my time spent at the garage waiting for my car.

It's amazing and wonderful how quickly time passes when I'm sketching.

"Who would have guessed it possible that waiting is sustainable. A place with it's own harvest." Kay Ryan

"I've noticed that the people who are late are often so much jollier than the people who have to wait for them." E. V. Lucas

View from the dentist's chair

2009-03-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

11" x 15" watercolor

I was just at the dentist this week
and had the most wonderful view out the window.... if there CAN be a wonderful view from the dentist chair!

There is a steep hill outside that is filled with forsythia that was in full bloom. In front of that was a freshly dug ground hog hole with bright green shoots of day lilies coming up around it.

They say the ground hog has been there for about 5 years and last year they saw two. Maybe this year there will be more? The dental office is in a high traffic area of town with a busy shopping center across the street.

Fun to see wild creatures thriving in such an unlikely place!
"Birds at the suet" 15 x 10" watercolor

"Seeing wildlife is like seeing celebrities, only better." Tanja Andrews, Freshtopia

Oh, and by the way, in case you didn't notice,
I'm experimenting with my blog name and header. Just thought I'd warn you-- I may be changing it again.....and again..... guess it's "spring fever"!

Photos from the show

2009-03-15T16:14:00.001-07:00

It was such a fun evening!
I had a wonderful turnout--lots of friends and family!

Cygnet Studios is in an old house with wonderful woodwork. I displayed my work in the original "dining room" and hung my painted tapestry below the plate rail and set my watercolors above on the plate rail.

String Quartet minus me = TRIO!!
They played as a Trio for my reception and it sounded so great! Very exciting for me just to be able to listen and enjoy.
hmmmm....... just looking.
So great to see so many of my good friends....

(that's me second from the right-- I tried to dress like one of my paintings : )

Please come!

2009-03-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

My art show:
"Secret Gardens - Watercolors and Wall Hangings" is in place for the month of March. You're all invited to come to the reception at Cygnet Studios on Friday the 13th. ( I've heard it's good luck to drink coffee and look at art on Friday the 13th! : ))))
I'll take photos at the reception and post them here!

"Serenade" a trio (the string quartet without me) will be playing : ))))

Sketches from Linz, Austria

2009-03-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful trip we had to Linz.
Above is a sketch of the view of the town square from our hotel window. It's one of the largest medieval squares in Europe.

Watercolor sketch of the City Parish Church tower.
The colors of the buildings were so pretty.

Photo view of the City Parish church tower below....
we could see it from our hotel. Every evening at 6pm a trumpeter would play for about 10 minutes. It was a reenactment of days gone by when a trumpet would sound from the tower to announce an important visitor to town. It's happening this year because Linz is the 2009 Capital of Culture.
Pencil sketch of the same scene.

The Old Cathedral photo

My sketch of the Old Cathedral
Above is a photo of downtown Linz... either snow or drizzly rain fell almost every day so we did a lot of riding on the tram (pictured above), buses and the train.

Below is a sketch of whimsical window trim I saw on a house while traveling on a bus.

Our hotel-- in spring, summer and fall, this area is filled with tables and tourists. Everyone was so friendly and helpful and there was usually someone nearby that spoke "a little" english.
guten Abend!

I feel like I'm still moving....

2009-03-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

Survived the long flight and we're back from our marvelous journey to Austria.
The view outside the airplane's window was enchanting.....
the space inside however was cramped, the BIG man in front of me kept his seat waaaaay back --ugh! kind of cramped my space-- which was minimal to begin with!
We had a 6 hour layover at the Frankfurt "Flughafen" (German for "airport") --Hey! I'm learning German!

I had plenty of time to sketch!

More later.....

Red bird of Joy!

2009-02-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

"Red Bird of Joy" Watercolor 3"x5" ©2009

I'm zipping around trying to get ready for my show. It's amazing all the work that goes into an art show. Guess I should have realized that. Anyway, I'll be glad when things are all together and ready to go.

"Yellow bellied black wing" watercolor 3"x5" ©2009
"The flock that matched the sunset" : ) 9"x12" watercolor ©2009

We've been having the most beautiful sunsets.....

News, news and more news...

2009-02-08T16:07:00.000-08:00

It's Show time!
I've got an art show coming up during the month of March. The reception is on Friday the 13th. ( I've heard it's good luck to look at art and drink coffee on Friday the 13th ; ) It's my first solo show : ) so, if you are in the area please stop by! Cygnet Studios.com

More news....
I'm going to Austria!!!!!!!
We will be accompanying my husband who is headed there on business. We'll be staying in Linz, Austria so if you know any unique places we should visit, please let me know!

Other than that.....
I keep gravitating towards sketching these Asian birds in watercolor...
"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven."
--Emily Dickinson

Sketches from the week

2009-01-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

"Tea in the dining room" approx. 5"x7" done with marker

I've been doing more composition study sketching.
"Musky cat snoozing in a box" approx. 5x7

It's new for me to draw with the large markers -- I'm using 5 shades of black marker -- 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and total black 100%. It's getting me to think more in terms of large areas of tone-- and thinking more about lights and darks.
"Tea in the kitchen" approx. 5x7

I like the cozy feel of the one below-- something about being in a nice warm house when it's 8 degrees and windy outside.
"Looking out the living room window" approx. 7x7
Keep warm!

"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Mark Twain

Here's another project

2009-01-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

watercolor
My friend Casey, on her blog, "rue Manuel bis" suggested this challenge.

" The project is to draw or paint a series of still lifes (not from photos) with two objects in them. So, the first painting with any two random objects, then one of those objects is replaced by another one in the next painting. 2 lemons, lemon and salt shaker, salt shaker and clock. And so on. The rules of the project say that I can only change one of those objects for the next one. "

I thought I'd give it a try.
This is my first duo done in watercolor. The foreground area seems a bit bright to me so I may change that. For the next one I think I'll replace the vase with a teacup maybe? Come and join the fun!

My latest project

2009-01-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

I'm reading a book called "Mastering Composition". In it, the author, Ian Roberts suggests getting 3 markers ( one each of light, medium and dark values) and doing sketches to lay in large areas of value.

I did these while sitting on the couch in our living room during the last week of December. Winter is a wonderful time to sit on the couch in a warm house!
In the book, Ian Roberts suggests doing a composition a day for a year to develop the skill of seeing strong value masses rather than subjects.

"Of course, every representational painting has a subject, but if you let the subject matter rather than the large value masses carry the painting, you'll lack drama and probably get buried in details."
So, what do you think of these compositions?

Please feel free to comment. It'd be a good learning experience to hear your point of view. (You won't hurt my feelings-- I did these really quickly without too much thinking and I'll be doing more so I plan to improve!)

Odds and ends

2008-12-26T17:23:00.000-08:00

From my sketchbook:
A pencil sketch of Missy the cat --sleeping--sometimes cats sleep in the oddest positions.

9x11 watercolor ---- flowers?

And....
the birds.... I just love painting these Asian brushwork birds.

“Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.” Victor Hugo

Happy holidays everyone!

Trees

2008-12-12T15:24:00.000-08:00

9x12 watercolor on Arches cold press

I'm having fun splashing around in the paint!

9x12 watercolor on Arches cold press

I started with a light wash over all the paper -- then I put in the darker colors keeping the trunks light.
9x12 watercolor on Arches cold press

This exercise was taken from John Blockley's book "Getting Started in Watercolor".

"The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the second best time is now"
African proverb

Beginnings

2008-12-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

I've been playing with paint.
John Blockley in his book "Getting started in Watercolor" recommends doing these. He calls them "Beginnings- "a mixture of letting my hair down, having fun and practicing my scales."
It's sort of a doodle --with possibilities.
I'm working toward free myself up to see what develops .........
and hoping I notice it!

Brushwork

2008-11-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

11x17 watercolor
I've been having some fun with my brush work lately. I love doing these free flowing birds and frogs. The one on top I call "Birds having a party".
11x17 watercolor
These green frogs were first painted and left to dry -- then I added the pink and peach tones over top. It just kind of happened -- I really don't enjoy planning. I know I need to plan sometimes but it's just not as much fun!
"Bird on a branch" 11x17 watercolor
"Birds on bamboo" 11x17 watercolor

"A lot of it’s experimental, spontaneous. It's about knocking about in the studio and bumping into things." Richard Prince

Trees

2008-11-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

Color pencil sketch in my 5"x8" brown paper sketchbook

I did these sketches while waiting for my son this past Saturday. We were on the Franklin and Marshall College campus where there are quite a variety of trees. The brown paper above is really fun to sketch on-- I liked adding the light area with the white pencil. The one above was done from the 2nd floor of the campus coffee shop and the one below was done from the parking lot of the North Museum.

watercolor of a Sycamore Tree
7"x 22" Arches handmade accordion fold sketchbook

Pumpkin and Eggplant re-visited

2008-11-13T10:57:00.000-08:00

watercolor on 11x17 arches

I've revisited this pumpkin and eggplant still life that I did a week or two ago. I've darkened the eggplant and better defined the pumpkin. The foreground is troublesome.... I'm deciding whether to go over it with white gouche and re-do it or just move on and call it a day.

....I think I'll move on and call it a day.

"My instinct about painting says, 'if you don't think about it, it's right.' As soon as you have to decide and choose, it's wrong. And the more you decide about, the more wrong it gets"
Andy Warhol

View from the pro shop

2008-11-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

This is near where I live.
We live in an area with gently rolling river hills . I did these sketches while waiting for my son during his golf lesson. The one above is done in ink and the one below is done with pencil. The weather is unseasonably nice and warm and I got some walking in today too!

"Don't criticize anyone until you've walked a mile in their shoes.... then you'll be a mile away and you'll have their shoes." anonymous

Sunflowers!

2008-10-28T17:28:00.001-07:00

I just got John Blockley's book "Watercolor Impressions" and used his painting of sunflowers as my inspiration for this series. It's a wonderful book and I can't wait to dig into it! These are postcard size so I plan to send one of them to Sherrie for the postcard swap I'm doing. She's got such wonderful photos of flowers on her site!