Rain, rain and more rain! It’s dreadfully dreary here today, but I must note that it’s getting greener and greener out here. And when it’s darkish and rainy, the green is more intense. More and more trees are leafing out.
And I just saw one of the wrens going inside the birdhouse.
A little porch update: more green in the background, some pots filled with flowers, and you can see the stone doves on the bench. I haven’t been able to sit out there very much. Soon.
We did some work outside yesterday, putting up the new chicken wire for the chicken wire fence garden. I also did a lot of pruning around the property (there’s so much more to do) and I’m starting to cut back the big spirea bush that borders the Annabelle hydrangea on the far side of the porch – right next to the glider. Both bushes look as if they had some damage over the winter, especially the spirea. It was almost flat on the ground in some places, which makes me think that it was flattened by snow for too long a time. That’s the first time that’s ever happened. So I’m cutting large portions of it back. It was overgrown anyway. And then I’ll try to find a way to make it look more attractive there. Mulch will be added to the bare ground. Maybe another small bush? I’ll have to see what seems indicated.
Today is too wet and rainy to do anything outside. Tomorrow will be better. The grass is really long – it grows so quickly at this time of year – and it’s too wet to mow. So that will have to wait until tomorrow or Friday.
I have to say it’s so nice to finally see green everywhere!
I’ve been gathering some supplies to start in on something I’ve been thinking about for a long time: oil painting. When an idea keeps haunting me, I know it’s time to act. Now, I have always thought of myself as the one family member that didn’t get that kind of artistic talent. (I know, I have many other talents, and I’m grateful.) My dad was an oil painter and a strong memory of my childhood is my dad standing at his easel in the middle of the living room. We lived in a very small house, so there was not room for a den or a studio space, so Dad’s studio was the living room. He was quite talented. I don’t remember what inspired him to paint, though he always sketched a bit. He had a natural talent. The smell of oil paints is a big part of my childhood sense memory. It’s comforting. I’ve been following along with several people on IG who paint in oils and many of them started painting during lockdown. I now realize there’s no right or wrong way to do it, so I’ve purchased a few tubes of paint and some canvas panels and some brushes. A great help: the tutorials posted by Miss Mustard Seed on her blog. Now, I just have to throw caution to the wind and start.
When my father died, Meredith and I cleaned out my parents’ condo. I know my father’s wooden paint box was there, but I have no idea what happened to it. I think we threw it out and now, of course, I could just kick myself for doing that. It would be so lovely to have it.
But I’m getting way ahead of myself. Let’s see if this new thing sticks.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
Paint! You can do it!
The smell of oil paints reminds me of my childhood, too. My mom painted and also did the photograph coloring with transparent oils for lots of local photographers. I tried oils at first, in high school, but never warmed to all of the brush cleaning and turpentine. I just found watercolor, ink, pencil, gouache, and acrylics to be my jam. And I’m sure the water cleanup had something to do with it. Those were the tools of the “Commercial Artist”…back in dinosaur days, when that’s what we were called! (LOL. Later, we were called “Graphic artists”.)
I’ve always loved the look of spring trees, in the rain, when the leaves are small and tender and the trunks and branches are saturated and black. I think it’s the contrast that’s so pretty.
Your porch looks very peaceful. The perfect place to read a book or sit with a cup of coffee in the morning.
Have fun with painting. You may be better at it than you think.
Thanks, Marilyn! Fingers crossed.
Stay safe.
Well, you’re a true artist, Shanna with years of experience!
I am just a humble explorer at this point!
Stay safe.
We all were, at some point! Just remember, it’s the eye, not the hand. And you have that in spades!
xoxo
Ah, what a shame about your Dad’s painting box . I love oils and acrylics myself, started with oils in high school, seascapes mostly were my jam. I still love painting, and now I do mixed medium as well. Did several oil / acrylic abstracts for my nephew’s apartment, several for my parents (requests they made thru the years when they would change up decor) and many more as gifts. I love crafting / art work. I used to do a lot of calligraphy back in the day too with watercolor artwork but haven’t done so in years. Used to do a lot of needle art too but again not for many years. I go in waves, when I want to do something I do it A LOT and then I let it drop for several years.
You’re a painter, Dawn! I’m just exploring.
I’m the same way; I did needlepoint, then years of quilting, knitting and crocheting – and I got tired of them.
Stay safe!
I’m so excited to hear you are going to paint! There are so many styles from Rockwell-realistic to super abstract and you will find the one that works for you. The first part is just giving it a go and see what comes out when you pick up the brush and then go from there! Although oil isn’t my media (I started with it but haven’t used it in decades) it is so beautiful and so rich!
I’m sorry for the damage of the spirea and others. Yes, probably time to prune. You have a lot of property and work hard on it. I hope you have a chance to relax and read on that porch, and soon!
I’ll get back to pruning when this rain finally ends. I gave in to a little scream today! We’re over it.
Thanks so much, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
Awww wish you had your dad’s paint box but you can do a new one for you.
I recently gave my writing box to my daughter. Her dad bought it for me at an antique store in the 1970’s.
She remembers seeing me with it on my lap writing letters. I still write letters and send tons of cards and notes. However I wanted her to have it. My son remembers me sitting at the secretary their dad for me. He has it but is letting me use it one Florida. Memories.. Mynfive grands paint and draw and are fantastic. I am
Not
Lovely to pass that box on to your daughter, Brenda.
Stay safe!
I think that trying out oil painting for yourself is a dynamite idea; go for it, Claudia!
I will. I have no idea what will happen, but I’m going for it.
Stay safe, Vicki!
It’s so fun to try out new things…I bet you’ll be good at oil painting. You have a natural artistic eye I’ve noticed.
The porch looks so inviting. All you need is a dry day or two, and a coffee. Enjoy! ;)
Please, we are yearning for a dry day! This rain has been endless! Hopefully, tomorrow.
Stay safe, Donna.
I think Covid has left us bored with our normal pursuits and so it is good to change things up and try something new. Good luck!
Thank you so much, Ellen!
Stay safe.
Isn’t that strange? Same with me! I remember the Terpentine smell from the oil paints of my father very early in my life and I love it till today. I got the wooden case of the tubes and and brushes and the palette of my father and I still use them from time to time. My father used the finest colours of Schmincke Mussini and they are still usable and very easy to paint. I painted a lot early in this Millenium till 2010, then I discovered my addiction for miniatures. Maybe miniature painting would be the solution?
Stay safe
Helga
I don’t think so, I think I need to stick to real life size!
Stay safe, Helga!
I am probably the world’s worst artist but I love working in oils. So thick, sensual and gorgeous. Enjoy!
I hope to!
Stay safe, Denise.
Hello!
I’m sure you have shared before but… what kind of trees do you have on your property? They look lovely in your porch photo. Each Spring I anticipate and am so pleased when our trees start to leaf out. This year I was soooo impatient. Love the Spring Green! Thank you for sharing your yard progress. I have always loved gardening but this year it became an obsession It kept us busy, moving, and creative. Like Don, my husband did a bit of rock work.
Thank you,
Lani.
Lani
Most of the trees in the photo are on my neighbor’s property. But we have maples, oaks, elms, catalpas, black walnuts and crabapples. I’m probably leaving something out.
Thanks, Lani!
Stay safe.
i am sorry that you don’t have your father’s paint box, but yay to you painting! i hope you will enjoy the process as much as your (future) paintings! and that you’ll show them to us!
i’ve never tried oils, but love love love painting with watercolors and acrylics! it’s not the same as running (sob) has been for me, but when i paint, i feel kind of free. it holds my attention like little else so worries get set aside and i am having fun.
good luck with the rain. i’d take it!
long day here so i am going to get an english muffin and hot chocolate, maybe watch tv. or paint!
hope you’re all having a nice night and stay safe.
kathy in iowa
I hope it will be a source of calm and freedom. I’m looking forward to starting a painting this weekend.
And English muffin and hot chocolate sounds lovely!
Stay safe, Kathy.
Yes! to Marian’s tutorials. I love her painting style even if oils are not my thing. (I found my niche in watercolor.)
Some people are born with a natural talent for art; others are not–just as some children find math or reading easy while others labor at it. I just think art is so very important in our lives and am saddened by folks who seem to think they can’t be an artist because they lack natural talent, when I believe that what they really are missing is instruction. Have fun on your journey into Art!
I like instruction but also – I just have to do it. Find my style, etc.
But Marian is great, isn’t she?
Thanks so much, Roxie.
Stay safe.