tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33104723724069108062024-02-18T17:50:04.629-08:00ketchup-sketchupGillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-35006445514758913642009-03-28T08:07:00.001-07:002009-03-28T08:25:51.636-07:00Sandwiches Anyone?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUtrQoSq1ipQbHirgpvwWW_WnvejaM3vnpTMDJWqN4JR8S_Aav6aDaeod7F5mQ2x0BSN21RhqXhme5FyzUnvJ9gG_ECstC9N8vXHkkdJpBwzAa8jQqpVitlMhvDBkcnaVPDcPOKn6-v-f/s1600-h/IMG_2542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUtrQoSq1ipQbHirgpvwWW_WnvejaM3vnpTMDJWqN4JR8S_Aav6aDaeod7F5mQ2x0BSN21RhqXhme5FyzUnvJ9gG_ECstC9N8vXHkkdJpBwzAa8jQqpVitlMhvDBkcnaVPDcPOKn6-v-f/s320/IMG_2542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318255871925631474" border="0" /></a>My sister Vivienne knitted me this beautiful teacosy for my birthday! Sandwiches Anyone? It will certainly encourage me to use my Six Cuppa Teapot more often, instead of the single teabag placed directly in the mug - my usual habit! Knitting was always part of what our female family members did. (We did know one bloke who knitted, but he was not related to us.) My Mom, sisters and aunts knitted hundreds of jerseys (sweaters) and other items collectively. I started several jerseys and Mom usually finished them for me. It was the norm to go to the yarn section of a store and browse for 'wool' and a pattern to have something to work on as winter approached. None of us knit much anymore... It is cheaper and easier to buy ready-made jerseys now. So I appreciate my handknitted teacosy all the more, as this relaxing craft gets shoved to the back of the closet along with unused dress-lengths of fabric! Thank you, Vivienne, I love it!Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-19364469693732235982009-01-11T15:37:00.000-08:002009-01-12T06:19:24.480-08:00One Year Anniversary...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRv-7qFGG58KGDB1ej6MF9VyqcAOeX94uDhwK8k2mJV36UbOrec2uNb2lh7aj3pR4m5yGCV6HRL1Cf2qENFWxoZArm1WKrJUWc9Dbs7NZcdXvuGTsE84JuvIXmX1IF9doYD3QZie5tl5_/s1600-h/One+Year+Blog+Anniversary.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRv-7qFGG58KGDB1ej6MF9VyqcAOeX94uDhwK8k2mJV36UbOrec2uNb2lh7aj3pR4m5yGCV6HRL1Cf2qENFWxoZArm1WKrJUWc9Dbs7NZcdXvuGTsE84JuvIXmX1IF9doYD3QZie5tl5_/s320/One+Year+Blog+Anniversary.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290184618567693458" border="0" /></a><br />Glad to have this little blog. It has been the source of fellowship, creativity, joy and a fair amount of frustration and angst! It is fitting that I got out my box of Crayola to colour this celebratory cupcake - I still feel like such a beginner. And that wax crayon smell is so comforting! In my head I'm singing with Maria "<span style="font-style: italic;">Let's start at the very beginning... It's a very good place to start... When you read you begin with A B C..."</span>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-51503632461103743132008-12-24T05:41:00.000-08:002008-12-24T06:03:17.852-08:00MERRY CHRISTMAS!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkkfSbNLjWQbMIgqDp9rkX3NN68NLwnlOA2NLzFOcgvOyiR6CtkyaQhw0a44hM6FWYlntHLgT1z82GFJW1yQhiJg3KQLAJLs268dVoy_3Pc8h37XAX8dxD3o9UBGVHWb2_M3fdwGQbMST/s1600-h/flame+lilies+scanned+version.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkkfSbNLjWQbMIgqDp9rkX3NN68NLwnlOA2NLzFOcgvOyiR6CtkyaQhw0a44hM6FWYlntHLgT1z82GFJW1yQhiJg3KQLAJLs268dVoy_3Pc8h37XAX8dxD3o9UBGVHWb2_M3fdwGQbMST/s320/flame+lilies+scanned+version.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283355893863551042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"...Because of God's tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace."</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">John 1: 78, 79<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxgijPSQcpetr9bPbyNJIxXCzzxRAtXs8yNxVhOrPq1ENkqqgsMJOmYEGWsU3UX07IVwR-M8dWHeIF_6zxPkX2_F-sEmz1T-gPApzoO1rEzArIT3Yuhvwqfyrtlmn6FMOs49Ny7rdLPec/s1600-h/flame+lilies.jpg"><br /></a>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-40465621464984551642008-11-19T06:09:00.001-08:002008-12-24T05:41:10.036-08:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON!A wonderful tea party happened today in East London, South Africa. How I wish I could have been there. Best wishes to you Alison. My hurried water colour of flame lilies is proving how out of practice I am. But I LOVED doing this - so thank you, Joy, for prompting me to get out my paints and paper. Ali - I hope the Zimbabwean flame lilies help you know and remember how loved you are. I was reading up about the nature of this resilient plant, how they thrive in the tough climate of Africa, prefering heat and dry seasons - only to burst prolifically into flower in spring!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lamentations 3:22 - 23 </span>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-52081899459483754922008-11-04T17:59:00.001-08:002008-11-10T05:52:55.908-08:00I Voted!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiguLY3uwz8i7iGXabWFY3JBRTgZOUvNONN3H-JVPK5zGU4EYoEw69ViRodimyXtPh5yTUInOfKSvNH3KSTU5QMOSeUmyvfh-F93vlGgRG2s6OwYqOWv0RpOpf-nGUhjS568E3SwpbVqwe/s1600-h/I+voted.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiguLY3uwz8i7iGXabWFY3JBRTgZOUvNONN3H-JVPK5zGU4EYoEw69ViRodimyXtPh5yTUInOfKSvNH3KSTU5QMOSeUmyvfh-F93vlGgRG2s6OwYqOWv0RpOpf-nGUhjS568E3SwpbVqwe/s320/I+voted.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264987461306591074" border="0" /></a><br />I went shopping this afternoon for some dinner items and saw this delightful elderly lady all dolled up in red, white and blue, in honour of our Election Day here in the U.S. Much care had been taken, right down to her perfectly pedicured feet, bright red toenails in sparkly gold flip-flop style sandals. I felt the urge to draw her when I got home - a good thing... I haven't had the urge to draw for quite some time. As for our vote - I've learned we are a house divided... Some of us voted for McCain, some of us for Obama... heavy sigh. I think we epitomize many families this election. Whatever the outcome, I'm grateful to live in a country where the reins of leadership transition peacefully, even when the race to get there has been hard fought. I'm grateful my right to vote is strongly encouraged, respected and COUNTED! My heart goes out to the land of my birth, Zimbabwe, where power is gripped by a cruel dictator whose self-interest and ego pulse through his octogenarian veins extending a political life that should have ended many years ago.Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-85207077071014531032008-10-11T09:59:00.000-07:002008-10-11T10:22:45.030-07:00Martha & Mary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N_iSNLDQ5ykhi3inikfySr5WYbpdUXHMBRW2ACLCSh_WcEJgfkmVYiii58I_ZDfxsSptsZRIFRVT-fvPlfL7eFJBftCpwCoq8Al6auBIembu23yaL4_a15kB5p2ipruvVxw6N0pAzF7d/s1600-h/Mary+%26+Martha.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N_iSNLDQ5ykhi3inikfySr5WYbpdUXHMBRW2ACLCSh_WcEJgfkmVYiii58I_ZDfxsSptsZRIFRVT-fvPlfL7eFJBftCpwCoq8Al6auBIembu23yaL4_a15kB5p2ipruvVxw6N0pAzF7d/s320/Mary+%26+Martha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255942332689860610" border="0" /></a><br />I almost forgot how to post something - it's been so long... This is a doodle I did a couple of years ago. I had no idea what I was aiming for; I was simply enjoying the soft facial shapes in brush + ink. I look at it now and feel it tells a little story. Martha on the left looking into to the face of her family and duty to feed, nourish, clean and clothe... And Mary looking wistfully off into another direction! She looks a bit sad. This time of year brings on huge anxiety for me for some reason, I can't quite fathom. The holidays just around the corner - a time to spend with family and friends is something I look forward to. Along with it -the frantic busyness, all the - this and that - endless lists of <span style="font-style: italic;">must do</span> items and happenings... Maybe this financial rocking of the boat will help us all focus on a simpler, quieter time with our loved ones.Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-89121105172346831182008-09-16T11:49:00.001-07:002008-09-16T14:00:22.592-07:00Nostalgia and nasturtiums...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkA1aYBGxHdB7VqyyaUAhaVQWXyQgjSL5zO-zo3o5budozlTnvtqnVTKod7-9onW5N5l6S5izsHwNVPFkD6XHIxdgj5eFEPFEa0ANlrqsbss4yM1Guk4EUSoSSLLHcwlz_qzfq3lHeIU0/s1600-h/Gillian's+nasturtium+bowl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkA1aYBGxHdB7VqyyaUAhaVQWXyQgjSL5zO-zo3o5budozlTnvtqnVTKod7-9onW5N5l6S5izsHwNVPFkD6XHIxdgj5eFEPFEa0ANlrqsbss4yM1Guk4EUSoSSLLHcwlz_qzfq3lHeIU0/s320/Gillian's+nasturtium+bowl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246693360377220898" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.kitchentable-vivienne.blogspot.com/">My sister Vivienne has done some beautiful nasturtium watercolours, posted on her blog.</a><br />Since I've been neglecting mine - I thought I'd post this photo of my bowl I painted ten years ago, during my "painting pottery" phase. We were limited in the colours we could use. The little blue star flowers should be <span style="font-style: italic;">cornflower blue</span> - not royal. They grew on a weedy looking plant, but are edible and folk who had them growing in their gardens would often toss them into salads for a splash of colour and intrigue! I saw them growing in my mother-in-law's backyard in Oregon and brought a plant back to Texas with me, but the heat here killed it! Back to the pottery studio - it was in the private home of a friend, built onto the back of her garage. There was also a kiln, so she could fire our works of art right there. At 11 0'clock sharp she'd carry in a tray of mugs steaming with tea. It was winter and that little room was cold - and the hot tea so appreciated! Not to mention good times and good company and creative fun. Joy - if you're reading this - my bowl still reminds me of happy hours shared together! More nostalgia for East London, South Africa!Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-83511089332128006992008-08-20T06:49:00.000-07:002008-08-20T09:57:58.376-07:00Dogs, dogs, dogs...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9RZQv-OmEVXCqJZCaRvIHukccTkMt9p-Yyqq8AiH3BBWakD5IEZOKZIG4kOgR_Loc2s3mdaMzufKypCDTmrcVWX0zqPnvz6ZEg0iAUnm0zX2vq3LESXWWQs8UoOG4jUvBVQYu4YtYTtf/s1600-h/Olive+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9RZQv-OmEVXCqJZCaRvIHukccTkMt9p-Yyqq8AiH3BBWakD5IEZOKZIG4kOgR_Loc2s3mdaMzufKypCDTmrcVWX0zqPnvz6ZEg0iAUnm0zX2vq3LESXWWQs8UoOG4jUvBVQYu4YtYTtf/s320/Olive+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236602776846349314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh26CJuoL0zEyQje0U1kY3v5FnOFT_7MkpCbXdjifHEH5czzvM5Ci0bbB1SeFWnVhu9oIyAuhHlRjEiopD_3Mkp2_RIs6mAn2pvf_fea9WCoVpJVv0_jfVc32UhvMMjUjd7JSjzepkZHJ/s1600-h/Olive+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh26CJuoL0zEyQje0U1kY3v5FnOFT_7MkpCbXdjifHEH5czzvM5Ci0bbB1SeFWnVhu9oIyAuhHlRjEiopD_3Mkp2_RIs6mAn2pvf_fea9WCoVpJVv0_jfVc32UhvMMjUjd7JSjzepkZHJ/s320/Olive+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236602612776345426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iDksuhPvoiIlLBQXGvIveVeFITmSCs3ird_tQnUWhEeSQ2Gbu0gctxkQFIE9ex2nz4XN9hqnbPAwVUrXjATn5ZPJVRQwRFgCDbGfNzsyjLHNQafhRFqkVBRO9ncqxJvpvQMHWlgMC8ma/s1600-h/Olive+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iDksuhPvoiIlLBQXGvIveVeFITmSCs3ird_tQnUWhEeSQ2Gbu0gctxkQFIE9ex2nz4XN9hqnbPAwVUrXjATn5ZPJVRQwRFgCDbGfNzsyjLHNQafhRFqkVBRO9ncqxJvpvQMHWlgMC8ma/s320/Olive+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236602463602021826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NyibudnbMb4qxbln1PsLan8g5yzggyVKb3QK82GsEis8k3zgfpJWZxAZfEcDUY_Zm1M9bCeblntNbkTGLa3ZGZ2KkVuHu52iArjSjhnOIdo7xYEWk2l3E0Dn84W9-5giU-d2mdJrRnfe/s1600-h/Olive+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NyibudnbMb4qxbln1PsLan8g5yzggyVKb3QK82GsEis8k3zgfpJWZxAZfEcDUY_Zm1M9bCeblntNbkTGLa3ZGZ2KkVuHu52iArjSjhnOIdo7xYEWk2l3E0Dn84W9-5giU-d2mdJrRnfe/s320/Olive+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236602321862730178" border="0" /></a>It's been a month since I've posted anything (sounds like a confession!) My life has been hijacked by the needs of our dogs. About six weeks ago, we found a puppy in our neighbourhood. She was so obviously dumped here and we had every intention of leaving her at the shelter. We found her on a Saturday morning and the shelter was closed till Monday. In that time she successfully hijacked our HEARTS; long story short - we now own THREE dogs! She is some sort of terrier mix with short legs and a long body. Calvin and Pippa have cautiously accepted her into the pack, with a lot of filthy looks in the direction of us two legged verticals, as if to say<span style="font-style: italic;"> "What were you thinking...??!! </span>We've named her Olive. Shortly after that Calvin, our 12 year old, started ailing. We got him through a collapse of kidneys last week, but we're not sure how long this little period of reasonable stability will last. But here are a few sketches of OLIVE. She reminds us of a seal when she sleeps, her short legs often disappearing from view. I was going to add more shading in brush + ink - but thought I'd better just go ahead and post this before another month rolls away from me! My sister Hilary would have LOVED Olive!Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-23698337580618629902008-07-17T16:32:00.000-07:002008-07-28T05:57:30.602-07:00Home for the summer 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3_wxUApq_C0f5Z3V4vjwYuY2ZWT0BwxZuDGu41ZiOetPnLm_jK_t032aoz_qyqIMEKLHfYL7BZL6kcX9pf6Qs86a8v-i9rz5xD5gb5qYKtEcLBPtTgCE1NQz4b1kKl-JQ7U9EtFfX7GG/s1600-h/Stefan+Guitar+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3_wxUApq_C0f5Z3V4vjwYuY2ZWT0BwxZuDGu41ZiOetPnLm_jK_t032aoz_qyqIMEKLHfYL7BZL6kcX9pf6Qs86a8v-i9rz5xD5gb5qYKtEcLBPtTgCE1NQz4b1kKl-JQ7U9EtFfX7GG/s320/Stefan+Guitar+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224130114001268882" border="0" /></a><br />Stefan allowed me five minutes for this little sketch. He gave a quick look at my effort and said indignantly <span style="font-style: italic;">"What's with my MOUTH...?!?" </span> He has beautiful Mick Jagger'ish lips (which I think I've mentioned in a past post) and he does purse them when he's playing his guitar, like he's about to kiss someone. I as his mother, of course think its adorable. Clearly he's not amused by my rendering of the above. He has had his hair cut in a mohawk for the summer, and then requested the comb part to be dyed blond, which his sister willingly and happily did for him. In this sketch his mohawk has not been glued (and I do mean GLUED) into the upright position. Ah summer time - we spend a lot of time couped up in the house as here in Texas it is SO HOT outside. And we get on each others' nerves. But I know I'll look back on these years and ache for them, at some point!Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-33037751079089647762008-07-17T16:30:00.000-07:002008-07-17T18:49:03.346-07:00Home for the summer 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9HDSHwg536VvF2y9KdpkcEy5p3td51zwigmRQquTSvQtqsxWGfZUVI27xkXvpGaLV8r0W5Xd6S_bjhRzNnAC2e2aAJKYmuup1Of-uK8c-gmQVo2tCJod_1l2X-MjYOw4x39HQPiv6vaa/s1600-h/Vonnie+Earphones.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9HDSHwg536VvF2y9KdpkcEy5p3td51zwigmRQquTSvQtqsxWGfZUVI27xkXvpGaLV8r0W5Xd6S_bjhRzNnAC2e2aAJKYmuup1Of-uK8c-gmQVo2tCJod_1l2X-MjYOw4x39HQPiv6vaa/s320/Vonnie+Earphones.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224129666420444274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our daughter turns 21 tomorrow. I've been meaning to draw her for ages and finally made the time to do it. It's wonderful to have her home for a bit, even though at times she still seems "far away" as these sketches suggest. This age of amazing technology insulate our children in their own private worlds. (Great for when you want to sketch them!) I found the downward look of her eyes, as she focused on her "Apple" and "Blackberry" quite difficult to draw. None of my 3 sketches really look like her, but there are glimpses of familiarity in each.Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-7743372684707905742008-07-17T16:28:00.001-07:002008-07-17T20:19:26.625-07:00Home for the summer 2<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6X4AcrGNNaiCPTF0xGwlLfiFzgmtQMtfSQ2SATO5ZO1VcS3vQOC10OA75RibQKWOMWqo2W2BylzURP2UZC-wlKzAB-88GhyN_8VgqX2g8NnQnVQfxE9cdKUxvMqbxXy78Gymwl3eHbJ9M/s1600-h/Vonnie+Blackberry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6X4AcrGNNaiCPTF0xGwlLfiFzgmtQMtfSQ2SATO5ZO1VcS3vQOC10OA75RibQKWOMWqo2W2BylzURP2UZC-wlKzAB-88GhyN_8VgqX2g8NnQnVQfxE9cdKUxvMqbxXy78Gymwl3eHbJ9M/s320/Vonnie+Blackberry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224129050221186130" border="0" /></a><span id="en-NIV-19106" class="sup"></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is what the LORD says: </span></span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> "Stand at the crossroads and look; </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> ask for the ancient paths, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> ask where the good way is, and walk in it, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> and you will find rest for your souls. </span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeremiah 6:16<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">On a spiritual note, I read this scripture about a month ago and loved it. It struck a chord deep in my heart. Refreshing, like cold water splashed in the face. I have written it in a few recent graduation cards and made it a prayer for my own children. Then last Sunday we visited a church we are considering joining and the pastor spoke his sermon on <span style="font-style: italic;">this scripture!</span> He explained that he'd put a planned sermon (they were working their way through one of the N.T. books) on the back burner, because he felt led by the Lord to speak on Jeremiah 6:16. I was touched and delighted and hung on every spoken word. I love it when God does this for us!<br /></div>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-91003212315998598602008-07-17T16:25:00.001-07:002008-07-17T19:48:44.111-07:00Home for the summer 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TPKA3R794QgLPpH6VPNleKan_hZS3PSdK3hwXHnx9vaSI52HyPioi2Q04Ugh-2m_hCQ5OGRCgCLzwL32lIDJ46YwNixbgVh1VTmhbTW8z0n9PPZjPKgEiayfGixhA5JBK_ijweh9Rv6V/s1600-h/Vonnie+Apple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TPKA3R794QgLPpH6VPNleKan_hZS3PSdK3hwXHnx9vaSI52HyPioi2Q04Ugh-2m_hCQ5OGRCgCLzwL32lIDJ46YwNixbgVh1VTmhbTW8z0n9PPZjPKgEiayfGixhA5JBK_ijweh9Rv6V/s320/Vonnie+Apple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224128472012405346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You are the Apple of my Eye!<br /><br /><br /></span></span></div>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-37466943036629764302008-06-24T15:09:00.000-07:002008-06-25T05:19:40.922-07:00Maggie in a jar<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A9m9Q-QqZKVqECwR8By8Rk6iVPeEPK7blYPSU_Ij0zCrzJFqyICv4MOj8mlx1SstCN_GJDXVCumLxifuDwpMfKT33Hvec5FxAbfqKAxuJegy3EOawuaOZFjcrWY-Gv5_UdJ2JPe0Y74d/s1600-h/IMG_2262A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A9m9Q-QqZKVqECwR8By8Rk6iVPeEPK7blYPSU_Ij0zCrzJFqyICv4MOj8mlx1SstCN_GJDXVCumLxifuDwpMfKT33Hvec5FxAbfqKAxuJegy3EOawuaOZFjcrWY-Gv5_UdJ2JPe0Y74d/s320/IMG_2262A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215574062629917602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8CwvbaQLPwSz_Ok5bABFpMlwyPlL-KZu_hfYoqglxURFIFIXi0_FkqZVVa2RX3KLOzwJj8GRDGI6M70ur2g2a5nEfsx1nBY8UqXp-1am7RpkW2kosccN4T8V51aVJlkD6aaen-lBXvbf/s1600-h/IMG_2261A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8CwvbaQLPwSz_Ok5bABFpMlwyPlL-KZu_hfYoqglxURFIFIXi0_FkqZVVa2RX3KLOzwJj8GRDGI6M70ur2g2a5nEfsx1nBY8UqXp-1am7RpkW2kosccN4T8V51aVJlkD6aaen-lBXvbf/s320/IMG_2261A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215573936635663122" border="0" /></a>Here is my exhausting magnolia project... Learned lots of good lessons. And still more to learn about all that delicate shading of white petals... However, I don't think it looks as awful as I first thought it would. (My mood progressed from frustration and desperation to <span style="font-style: italic;">"...okay, this isn't so bad..." </span>The upper photo was taken inside under a yellow spot light. The below photo was taken outside in natural sunlight. Interesting how the colours change. Below is the more accurate colouring. I'm most encouraged by the 3 inner (smaller) petals, and I like how the loose leaves lying on the table turned out. I also enjoyed how the purply-greenish background took on a life of its own. Watching the watercolour bleed, merge and mingle on the paper was a pleasurable experience!Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-12702897299823710322008-06-16T11:00:00.001-07:002008-06-25T05:21:05.598-07:00Magnolia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqxZJjLEoNCodfbPFabxy3ejI31OJNgDH9jhUPGfb18L7dYmrHxoTLU5T-BH2QtCT3mILrY2uHYrWehIgfTGorGbuhiYIzPBsNxss5u2Cv9mbjyBjaLyLQbmDYrTQSEhJ082hsjfAc0io/s1600-h/magnolia+WC+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqxZJjLEoNCodfbPFabxy3ejI31OJNgDH9jhUPGfb18L7dYmrHxoTLU5T-BH2QtCT3mILrY2uHYrWehIgfTGorGbuhiYIzPBsNxss5u2Cv9mbjyBjaLyLQbmDYrTQSEhJ082hsjfAc0io/s320/magnolia+WC+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212540897438988130" border="0" /></a>Another favourite thing about living in the South are the magnolias that bloom in profusion every May - and still a few left in high up shady places - in the middle of our HOT June. I love seeing them lit up in sunlight - all luminous and glowing, casting delicate shadows within the rosy grouping of petals. I feel quite intimidated about painting a white flower... But hope to learn more about the use of soft colours to show the depth, design and richness of this fragrant blossom. Still more challenging are the very dark green shiny leaves...Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-26325842156349467962008-06-04T08:44:00.001-07:002008-06-04T09:11:35.054-07:00Quick sketch of Stefan<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJUQq5vEzc-CTXmiAAWMFw9RSBv2A8HNvpNSY9b0Rlb1VKGzTo_PfSki23TmEltV-69gqljhz9EhwCUuHnn1Z1G5Bz4DhtH9wb806abqBr9glTwhKIsMfhmmfFZBvNf58XEP_OUmkcbyK/s1600-h/Quick+sketch+Stefan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJUQq5vEzc-CTXmiAAWMFw9RSBv2A8HNvpNSY9b0Rlb1VKGzTo_PfSki23TmEltV-69gqljhz9EhwCUuHnn1Z1G5Bz4DhtH9wb806abqBr9glTwhKIsMfhmmfFZBvNf58XEP_OUmkcbyK/s320/Quick+sketch+Stefan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208052875139662370" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We spent the week-end in Savannah, Georgia for our son's graduation from Savannah College of Art and Design. A very happy occasion - but so rushed and exhausting. After our arrival, we dumped our week-end bags in the hotel and went for a walk along the old harbour, waterfront area. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It was warm and muggy, so while we stopped at a little pub for </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">something</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to drink, I tried a quick sketch of my son. As far as sketching goes, this little effort was </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">it!</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> The rest of our time was spent at the graduation ceremonies - happy but LONG! Then cleaning up and moving Chris out of his apartment. That was hard work! Then the L-O-N-G drive home again. There are so many lovely places in Savannah that beg to be drawn or painted. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Perhaps</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> another time... I'm grateful my son had four wonderful years there.</span></a><br /></div>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-68736447101859916212008-05-27T10:51:00.001-07:002008-06-16T12:33:39.977-07:00Painting Château Lanquais<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_-cH-9M2CEVbql8nEQbMFgkQB1BabM-xZkZ6Imt70NJMJtDR2rsIEpOWbXCfY5IpnTXSUOm5D1aiHUjlD5OJNz1qQmgW5kd1CELOuHmkyF8v75aSgFUeaGKrWzhZbxVtlHzMqITqVXdg/s1600-h/Painting+at+Chateau+Lanquais+%28scan%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_-cH-9M2CEVbql8nEQbMFgkQB1BabM-xZkZ6Imt70NJMJtDR2rsIEpOWbXCfY5IpnTXSUOm5D1aiHUjlD5OJNz1qQmgW5kd1CELOuHmkyF8v75aSgFUeaGKrWzhZbxVtlHzMqITqVXdg/s320/Painting+at+Chateau+Lanquais+%28scan%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212563994108874690" border="0" /></a>Hmmm - the scanned picture via photocopier and below, the digital with no flash. The colour contrast is quite interesting! I think I prefer the brighter - though it still isn't very accurate of the actual watercolour...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SIThKa275k3iX4YQUyQFzs3QIg1Ev14XUAIDs2dgn9roO25esbjj0AIbJsiDuCYbdzwcGLTOa4sW7_yyFH4a_mLsftSAtakIO6qFDLzaTC-4hsLFobxNvJv6cAewFDpwfjs6wwUgdIa2/s1600-h/IMG_2251A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SIThKa275k3iX4YQUyQFzs3QIg1Ev14XUAIDs2dgn9roO25esbjj0AIbJsiDuCYbdzwcGLTOa4sW7_yyFH4a_mLsftSAtakIO6qFDLzaTC-4hsLFobxNvJv6cAewFDpwfjs6wwUgdIa2/s320/IMG_2251A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212094117758632978" border="0" /></a>June 15, 2008 ~ So I finally "finished" this little watercolour! Broke all the rules in the process, overworked it, had a ball with my new toy - the masking fluid. But had a LOT of fun in the process and I believe I learned a thing or two - which is the whole point. Using watercolour is going to be a slow learning curve - but I'm willing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-iJ7b3qaO_BYvr0GYeiYZTdWqlNWCj6Yb_uRM7yFTDQowM8xJdv0BmuG1BdA13RADcHY7Jsk96R5yN87n5z32OBxgEcpsucW7KZhOL8N8nM1aUISR9bdUu0xAalf6qoT_do9vCiybKO1/s1600-h/Painting+at+Chateau+Lanquais.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-iJ7b3qaO_BYvr0GYeiYZTdWqlNWCj6Yb_uRM7yFTDQowM8xJdv0BmuG1BdA13RADcHY7Jsk96R5yN87n5z32OBxgEcpsucW7KZhOL8N8nM1aUISR9bdUu0xAalf6qoT_do9vCiybKO1/s320/Painting+at+Chateau+Lanquais.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205116998704874002" border="0" /></a>Memorial Day yesterday - and a few hours to try my inexperienced hand at watercolour again. I worked from a photo of my sister, Vivienne, painting the refectory at Château Lanquais (the Dordogne) during a painting holiday we (the three of us) took two years ago. I haven't finished this yet - sort of half-way... Not quite sure how to tackle the detail of that round grassy bush in the background. I was just about to ask Cathy for advice when I looked on her blog this morning and found the same subject on her most recent post!! If you are thinking of a painting holiday, read her blog... <a href="http://asketchintime.blogspot.com/2008/05/holiday-to-remember.html">A Holiday to remember</a> She painted this to contribute to Adam Cope's latest project, which I mentioned in my post Art Class at East London Tech (May 21.) Anyway - back to the painting holiday idea - we highly recommend the experience!Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-67798851486337890632008-05-25T19:01:00.000-07:002008-06-10T13:10:31.473-07:00Sketching in Bergerac<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEq_ajuiakZ5I_qIdaA0jaVUquHBqN1ccDMQqGk_oT2YwK72IIJtCFjurROzW7J4ik_mnnP7SQ1dhz2TSjLymWKY0fzHUs4rXB01wVWyFN3PMKhyphenhyphenowrvI2cvOjkLi-SgKeMznfnuONMi9/s1600-h/Sketching+in+Bergerac.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEq_ajuiakZ5I_qIdaA0jaVUquHBqN1ccDMQqGk_oT2YwK72IIJtCFjurROzW7J4ik_mnnP7SQ1dhz2TSjLymWKY0fzHUs4rXB01wVWyFN3PMKhyphenhyphenowrvI2cvOjkLi-SgKeMznfnuONMi9/s320/Sketching+in+Bergerac.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204501263603384834" border="0" /></a>This started as a doodle really, testing a new dipping pen I bought, designed for calligraphy, with various changeable nibs. (I think my son told me it was his favourite for his graphic novel work.) I really battled to get the ink to flow consistently through the nib and ended up being very frustrated. I used a photograph from a glorious hot day in Bergerac, France - almost two years ago. My sisters and I sat on this bench along the Dordogne River and had a go at a little sketching. I started with the face on the left, when my pen was performing at its worst. (I do blame the tool... Apologies to the model, CPG! You don't look anything like that!) My NEW pen should arrive in the mail soon, along with some other supplies.Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-10547684702516008272008-05-21T12:02:00.000-07:002008-05-25T05:40:40.923-07:00Art Class at East London Tech<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNcSgm8EhL2EJxxMcIs6yKW0fbB7NUl4d-hwJn7sG3SrPvsNfl8IigZDi4gWm15VwV3zY7fNfwPYdJDmEnZDawMqRZCPRYGM2SiZxOCs7kPjmYurYIphO53zpnFBBnpykvVDm_IpUIfwb/s1600-h/Art+class+at+EL+Tech2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNcSgm8EhL2EJxxMcIs6yKW0fbB7NUl4d-hwJn7sG3SrPvsNfl8IigZDi4gWm15VwV3zY7fNfwPYdJDmEnZDawMqRZCPRYGM2SiZxOCs7kPjmYurYIphO53zpnFBBnpykvVDm_IpUIfwb/s320/Art+class+at+EL+Tech2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204010198517596658" border="0" /></a><br />It's hard to believe I drew this 12 years ago. A simple rather immature ink drawing - but for me loaded with memories and nostalgia. We had recently moved to East London (South Africa) from Portland, Oregon and my sister Hilary encouraged me to sign up for this art class - very low key and non-threatening, taught by her friend Pam. It was a happy happy time of being HOME and having a few precious hours a week to focus completely on paper, pen and subject without the interruptions of my busy family life. The old lady in the middle (background) looked just like that, if I say so myself! In fact, a chap wanted to buy my drawing when he saw it at the Students' Exhibition because he recognized the people in it. (He also taught art there.) But he never showed up wiff da maanee, and I'm glad he didn't because I had no idea how much I would enjoy looking at this so many years later! I think I'll send it on to Adam for his <a href="http://adamcope.blogspot.com/2008/05/paintings-of-painters-painting-drawings.html">"Artists Drawing/Painting Artists"</a> project... It's not often that I happen to have the appropriate picture ready to go for such an event!Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-12871904100911474752008-05-10T16:29:00.000-07:002008-05-11T06:40:16.397-07:00HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKG7lGatlQNLC5vL0T_RCnFRpKR7D1PZkjNrCJSLCSA_Qlq0F0m_VAt4YiNnAo9gspcuwF-Zqy8zBhAfuMJOrV06Pq2bY8B1VXwluuhUv7j5m9iDFcYtoxcwYxpTe3NICrZiNyUOot_JL/s1600-h/Mom's+coral+tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKG7lGatlQNLC5vL0T_RCnFRpKR7D1PZkjNrCJSLCSA_Qlq0F0m_VAt4YiNnAo9gspcuwF-Zqy8zBhAfuMJOrV06Pq2bY8B1VXwluuhUv7j5m9iDFcYtoxcwYxpTe3NICrZiNyUOot_JL/s320/Mom's+coral+tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198895665795533490" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>To my sisters, and any other mothers who may visit here. This is the last watercolour I have of my Mom's. It is a coral tree that stood at the entrance of the driveway of our Uncle Gordon and Auntie Guenda's house in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Guenda gave it to me the last time we visited them. My husband asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day. I really couldn't think of anything... and then I remembered this painting. I'm going to get it framed! I'm so grateful for this internet invention that allows us to share such precious treasures.Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-18258630023131757132008-05-08T07:22:00.000-07:002008-05-10T16:43:08.639-07:00Mockingbirds #2<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbx8AABqTRQHk6J0d_zOzYTunvjI7sQlE4uxOphAE_Ec5nNaxfKU1HXmqe1Vn6xNvejR-t0wMzckAClnwsFS3q7nVHFbisZ1wNi5-muQfjdo-iF2wAxzhJE5xSOld_DFEwMd5KirKJ8QU/s1600-h/mockingbirds2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbx8AABqTRQHk6J0d_zOzYTunvjI7sQlE4uxOphAE_Ec5nNaxfKU1HXmqe1Vn6xNvejR-t0wMzckAClnwsFS3q7nVHFbisZ1wNi5-muQfjdo-iF2wAxzhJE5xSOld_DFEwMd5KirKJ8QU/s320/mockingbirds2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198012458463871570" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Have observed a few more photos and the real birds as they flash and dash in and out the tree tops. Still lots of room for improvement... The head on the right looks more like a dove. I framed this one not because I think its that great, but my friend asked me to contribute a framed picture for the house concert she and her husband hosted last week-end. A wonderful time was had by all as we listened to Nils on violin and Jenny on piano, play a beautiful selection of music, spring and love being the major themes. Araceli kindly brought a CD of the music over to me a couple of weeks ago, so I could listen to it and be inspired to paint something! Mockingbirds #2 was my contribution, along with some other artists who brought samples of their work to hang on the walls too.Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-53089703759358755412008-04-26T14:13:00.000-07:002008-05-10T16:53:57.332-07:00Mockingbirds<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVNnmmEVMgazE24UfzufMpEE_qLdrkhNKFdj9IA2qjo1HNnwzkbtAUvYAyJS8G4bnEBAF6crc9M1xqNJ5T-E0rDsUZRcYW3Y6IG30MDDoGPzf7XdA6mSEMd5gTMubovVMVHgi_MyrB2BK/s1600-h/IMG_2169.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVNnmmEVMgazE24UfzufMpEE_qLdrkhNKFdj9IA2qjo1HNnwzkbtAUvYAyJS8G4bnEBAF6crc9M1xqNJ5T-E0rDsUZRcYW3Y6IG30MDDoGPzf7XdA6mSEMd5gTMubovVMVHgi_MyrB2BK/s320/IMG_2169.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193665556133691106" border="0" /></a><br />When I first knew for sure that we were moving to Houston, I wept uncontrollably. It seemed such a strange place to me. Miles and miles of freeway snaking off in every direction carrying heavy traffic morning, noon and night. Black and grey glass buildings dotted along the freeways and never-ending construction of buildings, subdivisions and strip malls. It was such a contrast to sleepy little East London, South Africa where we'd lived for 3 years, and before that - the emerald green beauty of Portland, Oregon pleasantly interrupted by majestic Mt. Hood. My friend Jenny told me <span style="font-style: italic;">"Look for the "pockets" of beauty here, Gillian. You have to look for them!" </span>And so I have - and have found a few. Mockingbirds are one of my favourite things about living in the South-West. I love how they dip and dive and dance in circles especially this time of year, as they joyously seek a mate. I painted this picture from memory - and afterwards looked up some photos online... I see where I can make some improvements on their shape and distinctive feather features. I used Chinese calligraphy paper that I got at a garage sale - and a beautiful brush my sister gave me TWO YEARS ago. Thank you, Cath. I can see why you said its one of your favourites. I finally broke it in!<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-33283308822539363762008-04-16T11:31:00.000-07:002008-05-10T16:59:24.717-07:00Back garden azaleas<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV2VZ-YRNtQPFJbkWoTjci-XxjmnhY90CP163u-oOW9XyiTo9FIxeTKX1kvPnMADaVG5vxG0btOPZe5goVXelfI5PT5PBWHmquxh9jax9jKEMP88X0D6uXJeusrnDZnaG9E9tXjNTDQEB/s1600-h/Back+garden+azaleas+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV2VZ-YRNtQPFJbkWoTjci-XxjmnhY90CP163u-oOW9XyiTo9FIxeTKX1kvPnMADaVG5vxG0btOPZe5goVXelfI5PT5PBWHmquxh9jax9jKEMP88X0D6uXJeusrnDZnaG9E9tXjNTDQEB/s320/Back+garden+azaleas+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189912919177437602" border="0" /></a>I painted this last month - and did not finish it. I like the areas of remaining light in the picture - but realise I need to finish the left side in a minimalist sort of way. The shape of the pool is all wrong on the left, part of my frustration in not finishing it. The azaleas and bridal spirea do not bloom simultaneously - I took a bit of artistic license there!! Sisters - help! Your advice is needed.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-9008169028441154082008-04-05T16:33:00.001-07:002008-05-10T16:56:09.894-07:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALI!<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq41Q7OcbGeZ63EaKGnmGQT7KosTyR1AI1do9lomsgKXfrFEgYRqj8x-6SgNAdEOT0W9SPWwL9-MwuFKNIzEvLp0pD4VzEwUvxBJvIR4g_g_RmgstNSv9sheAaXjXqKaPWJ4xm1sEXjXV/s1600-h/HAPPY+BIRTHDAY+ALI%21.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq41Q7OcbGeZ63EaKGnmGQT7KosTyR1AI1do9lomsgKXfrFEgYRqj8x-6SgNAdEOT0W9SPWwL9-MwuFKNIzEvLp0pD4VzEwUvxBJvIR4g_g_RmgstNSv9sheAaXjXqKaPWJ4xm1sEXjXV/s320/HAPPY+BIRTHDAY+ALI%21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185908543840337154" border="0" /></a>It's still your birthday over here... Perhaps some day your Mom will do you real justice with an oil painting... But in the meantime, me and my colouring pencils got busy. Better not show Gucci this post - poor dog! I think I've got everything - pipe, goblet, velvet vest - and - oh yes, just had to throw in a little Texas here - those are COWBOY BOOTS! Hope you had a great day!!<br /><br /></div>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-15771393321603552122008-04-01T15:29:00.001-07:002008-05-10T16:56:54.413-07:00Wisteria and freesias<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5l3We9g7eteui1ESt3359h_snK_cCEvlf3o4XPeB5fbPCf4DzRGgYytPzHsgUHsmMwd3VPntcJG6S7rlFoVwbXRiNhZMuo4_KdExZK9mK34ii4kGeatL9DA0ZfhVKjgvlVG8dS3Ab-It/s1600-h/Wisteria+and+freesias.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5l3We9g7eteui1ESt3359h_snK_cCEvlf3o4XPeB5fbPCf4DzRGgYytPzHsgUHsmMwd3VPntcJG6S7rlFoVwbXRiNhZMuo4_KdExZK9mK34ii4kGeatL9DA0ZfhVKjgvlVG8dS3Ab-It/s320/Wisteria+and+freesias.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184407912331885810" border="0" /></a>Our back garden has been looking so pretty but I had to scramble to finish this as the wisteria started to fall apart. (There are little scraps of lilac petals on the ground now.) My purple is far too PURPLE - didn't quite get the lovely delicate colour and they look rather grape'ish! But I think I've made progress in a little more looseness with the use of my brush... The past few days have been warm, muggy and overcast with no shadows. My picture looked rather flat, so I had to fudge in a few shadows to add depth. Now and then the sun would break through enough for me to see real shadows for a few fleeting moments. The scent of both (wisteria and freesias) have been heavenly - very nostalgic of sunny childhood days in Newlands, Cape Town.<br /><br /></div>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310472372406910806.post-12384491450582393782008-03-18T13:20:00.001-07:002008-05-10T16:58:07.571-07:00Staircase and Old Singer<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtxXDGFAE42-2bxWGOsPKxuIoo4lczDM7IkltZ5DKSOzxKNfz4sqjLXclL_2R52qB78I_olSH01oB6Cmaeszx7Jg2hejvHS1ntMMexwVpyiRythHhjgHSgIOegNezIzNc8yZjYXaK_A3_/s1600-h/Staircase+and+Old+Singer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtxXDGFAE42-2bxWGOsPKxuIoo4lczDM7IkltZ5DKSOzxKNfz4sqjLXclL_2R52qB78I_olSH01oB6Cmaeszx7Jg2hejvHS1ntMMexwVpyiRythHhjgHSgIOegNezIzNc8yZjYXaK_A3_/s320/Staircase+and+Old+Singer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179179388092739714" border="0" /></a>I love our staircase. My industrious husband worked hard to change it from an eyesore of 'peach' pink carpeting stained with the footprints of a family of five. He put in treads of beautiful pecan wood. Then with the help of a welding friend cut out every second baluster and replaced it with a twirly whirly one, adding a little more visual interest. For my birthday this year we got the old Singer sewing machine. I've wanted one for yonks as my Mom had one and many childhood memories seem to be attached to it. Mine is a little more ornate than my Mom's one - but I'm very happy with it. About the sketching of all this... I've drawn this little slice of home several times - and battle with the gentle curve of the staircase, which throws all the lines off slightly. I will probably draw it over and over again, till the cows come home - and in doing so - will hopefully observe more and more carefully- the subtle changes of lines, curves, angles and shadows.<br /><br /></div>Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994846953739263248noreply@blogger.com3