August gardens

now is the time for me to collect the iris leaves to make paper. The tall leaves from my yellow pond iris make great paper.

-- Post From My iPhone

Painting exercise

I can't wait to try to paint this African violet.



-- Post From My iPhone

Spring flowers bring color....

Daffodils are the forerunners of sunny days and more Spring flowers to come. I also notice that they tell us a lot about the climate in my yard. I love to grow the flowers I paint. Each Spring I start looking on the South side of my house for the early bloomers. It is amazing how it takes several weeks for the bulbs in other parts of the yard to start blooming. I don't complain because I then have more time to enjoy their company in my artroom. I did the daffodils last year. This year I am going to try snowdrops and crocus. So keep checking back.
This serigraph is an edition of 100. I then take the black/white print and handcolor the flower. Each print is unique because my palette constantly changes with my different choice of colors. I like to frame them in a tradition gold frame with a simple matting. But framing is a personal choice when you need to fit it into your home.

Love can be whimsical

Valentine can be fun for a whimsical person. I painted this painting sometime before Valentine's Day shortly after I did a similar card for my husband. I had fun thinking up all of the graffitti on the walls.

What is fine art?

When I talk to folks in art shows, people ask what I consider fine art. This is a unique presentation that more or less defines the concept of fine art.

An exciting project....

Over the Summer I spent some time and pulled together many of the books I have made over the past few years. They range from whimsical to radically using a band saw to cut up books to make another book. Enjoy looking at it.
It was produced by Blurb.com and is available at:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/79247

Summer Treats

When the hot days of Summer roll around, I start to think about the delicious treats that will be bountiful in the markets and roadside stands. One of my favorites is the blueberry. I have many a memory of picking them in my own backyard and in the poconos. Picking is slow going if you take the time to weed out the twigs and other tag alongs. It gives me plenty of time to study the plant leaves and bushes as well as the berries themselves. Of course I can't study those that go quickly onto my mouth.
I have created an etching of blueberries in a limited edition. When the etchings have been pulled, I then get out my watercolors and hand color each print. Many people comment that this technique looks similar to the old fashioned etchings found in old books and parlors.