I hope it won't be so long till I get back again.
Last week I took some time to go back to the ocean. It had been too long since I played in the salt water and listened to the sound of the waves breaking on shore. I've enjoyed our lakes here, but it's not the same. I was fortunate to get a very warm week so late in the season. The water was warm and so was the sun. Perfect! One day even had a storm roll in. I'm not sure my photos do it justice though. It's hard to capture the feeling of it - the clouds were large and crept in closer and closer, lower and lower, the wind blew hard and the sky and beach turned dark. Rain and lightening too. The next morning was a chance to walk the beach looking at what was washed ashore by the storm. I hope it won't be so long till I get back again. Textures of the Sea “The universe is created for motion.” ― Khalid Masood I'm not sure what had me thinking of motion this week. Maybe it was the dashing about getting ready for my upcoming vacation or maybe the back and forth of the change of seasons. Last week was cool, this week hot, but it's the last of the hot weather for us here in the north.
Whatever the reason I hope you enjoy the sketches of things in motion. It was a cool week. The first of many to come. It started out dark and rainy but ended sunny and warmer. The seasons are starting their slow change again. I took some time to visit the arboretum again. The ground was covered with these beautiful turkey feathers. The flock wasn't far away. Summer also showed off some interesting fruit. For the first time I can remember, I'm sorry to see summer go. I got out more this year. Walking in the woods, swimming in the lakes. Winter? I'll put that off for a while yet. Time to enjoy the oncoming fall.
It's been a week of contrasts. Since I've been walking more I've had time to notice the details of some of our city's buildings. Not rushing through traffic or peering out the window of a crowded bus. The time and space have revealed an interesting history. One when buildings were more exuberant. Intricate brick work and elaborate carvings. Yet when I get home I turn to drawing flowers. Hard stone and soft petals. Brick and bracts. Monochrome and the bright colors of feathers. Even personalities were juxtaposed this week. The curious and enthusiastic up against the weary and defeated. Kindness and cruelty. It's made for some interesting days and given me plenty to reflect on. Another inspiration that time and space of walking has produced is my interest in the sky and clouds. I'm hoping to find some time to sketch and paint some cloudscapes. You can't beat our blue skies here. Maybe I'll bring some to you soon.
I took a walk this weekend. After two days of rain we had a pleasant sunny day. Ideal for a walk in the woods. Governor Dodge State Park - Stephen's Falls/Lost Canyon Trail. Refreshing and inspiring. Here are a few of the lovely wild flowers I saw along the way.
For some time I've been in love with the vibrant colors of Wolf Khan. Here are a few examples of the extraordinary color that he can get from pastels. I'd love to be able to bring this intensity to my images. And it doesn't hurt that he seems to appreciate trees as much as I do. One of my earliest pieces was inspired by Wolf Khan. I continue to be intrigued.
This week was hectic, with a busy work schedule, a busy mind, and a long to do list. I didn't manage any of my long walks or slow bus rides to the office. I missed these breaks, my mini get-aways. I did manage some short walks on the path that winds through the hills behind the office, even catching sight of a deer. And I fit in a couple nice drawings. Simple ones that balanced out the week. I've tried adding a video. A little peek at a restful spot. Surely there is something in the unruffled calm of nature that overawes our little anxieties and doubts: the sight of the deep-blue sky, and the clustering stars above, seem to impart a quiet to the mind. - Jonathan Edwards Before the cold came again. Before the snow started to fly, I managed a day in the sun along with a few friends.
It seemed like three colors dominated my week. Black, green, and blue. It's funny how you start to see something everywhere after you decide to pay attention to it. Black - Night walks. Bright clear stars, trees lit by the occasional porch light, and relative quiet. Frogs, water lapping on shore, barking dogs. So restful. One tree branch, reaching high into the black sky ran just along the handle of one of the dipper handles trying to draw my attention back up to the sky. Green - Warm temperatures after several days of rain is turning everything green. The grass has greened, early crab apples are pushing leaves, willows are glowing green-gold. Even a bright green door standing guard along the street on my walk home. Blue - Picked up a blue pen to sketch with this week. Who knew it would be so fun to draw in a new color. Waiting downtown for the bus it seemed like a sea of blue clothes. Pants, shirts, ties and dresses. I'm sure they've always been there but the color jumped out at me this week. Along with our bright blue spring skies and deep blue lakes. Have you noticed any colors dominating your week? |
Beauty and InspirationThis blog is about my inspirations and my love of art. I welcome your reactions to my work. Archives
January 2017
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