I was shooting the wild roses that frame the entrance to one of the paths and this happened.
Magic.
We had our second cup of coffee out in the Secret Garden. With all of the wild roses and wild phlox blooming, the birds singing, and the relative quiet on a Sunday morning, we felt very blessed indeed.
Oh, and The Dude:
He hangs out at the end of this little group of stepping stones, directly under the crabapple.
An homage to The Big Lebowski, a movie that Don loves. I love this little guy (he’s very heavy!) and he is the perfect addition to this little area of the Secret Garden. Don found him at our neighbor’s yard sale, which he only happened upon because he was coming back from a morning walk. Fate. And only ten bucks.
I like the idea that he used to live just a few doors down.
Okay. This next painting has stunned me. I can’t believe I painted this, that I got it right. I had an idea to paint one of my Roseville vases. I painted the background a few days ago and let it dry. Then I decided to jump in yesterday and see if I came up with anything remotely like the actual vase. It took a couple of hours, but here it is:
I can’t believe I did it!
I was very relaxed, in a kind of zone, if you will, and this was the end result. I sat with it for a while and then I called upstairs to Don and asked him if he could come downstairs and look at something.
He was stunned. He kept saying “How did you do that? How did you DO that?”
The answer: “I don’t know.”
I am so proud of this. I mean, I’ve only been dabbing in this for a few weeks and I don’t paint every day. Painting an actual object seemed quite daunting, something I did not have in my skill set. I sketched the flowers on a piece of paper a few days ago, but the actual painting was done freehand, without any guiding lines.
This vase is in the Magnolia pattern, and it’s one of the first vases I purchased. It’s always been a favorite of mine. Now I’m thinking, maybe a series of Roseville paintings?
My friends: I never thought I could draw a straight line, let alone paint something. I knew I was blessed with other talents, but not this kind of thing – not at all. Nevertheless, I kept having this thought about painting over the past two years. An urging. I noted it, but moved on. One day I stopped and considered this strange idea. I believe that kind of consistent urge is guidance from a Higher Power. It just took me a while to acknowledge it, then confide it to Don, and you, and finally, to take action.
I’m not saying I’m the next big artist. Far from it. But, my goodness, I never thought I could paint a vase that actually looked like a vase, one with flowers and texture. Not possible.
I was on a high the rest of the day yesterday and it continues today. I’m so grateful for the prompting that led me to embark on a new adventure.
Is it okay to say “I’m proud of me?”
Because I am.
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday.
Hi,
I love the garden gnome. He is different from any I have seen . He looks like a very wise fellow who is a deep thinker.
Your painting is wonderful..you have talent. A lot of talent.
Take Care,
Kaye
Park City, UT
Thank you so much, Kaye.
Stay safe.
You are right to be proud. Most of us, at least women (it seem to me) are always quick to say “oh it’s nothing” or “it’s no that much”; when it is! We should take pride in our accomplishments. I am trying to work on that myself. Anyway it’s a beautiful painting. Please keep it up and keep us included in your journey. Kudos as always to Don for being so supportive of all your endeavors. Much love and many blessings.
Thank you for your kind words, Melissa.
Stay safe.
Be Proud! Hell, I’m proud for you! That painting is wonderful.
The Dude looks perfectly at home there. Big Lebowski is a Fred favorite, too. Good find, Don, and aptly named!
High praise from you, Shanna!
Thank you.
Stay safe.
You are amazing! Your dad is smiling down at you!
Eileen
Thank you so much, dear cousin!
Dad adored you. I think he’s happy about this.
Much love to you, Eileen.
Stay safe.
Lovely painting. What size is it?
It’s about 9 x 6 inches.
Thank you, Petra.
Stay safe.
WOW! Your painting is beautiful/perfect. You have every right to feel very proud of this one. Your hidden talent has been unleashed. Keep it going!
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Thank you so much, Cathy!
Stay safe!
Love The Dude! And love, love, love your painting. And you are younger than Grandma Moses when she started painting. Time moves on and so should we. Can’t wait to see more.
Thank you, Tana!
I appreciate your kind words.
Stay safe.
I love the Dude! He looks perfect in the secret garden. It’s where I would expect a gnome would hang out.
I agree, the painting is excellent. You should definitely be proud.
And then there is the magic photo…
Could it be that the gnome brought a bit of magic with him?
Stay safe
He very well might have!
Thanks, Marilyn.
Stay safe.
Great job! You are making the most out of your new hobby. Glad you are getting so much joy from it!
Thank you, Ellen!
Stay safe.
Beautiful! Kudos to you, Claudia!
Thank you, Betsy!
Stay safe.
Claudia — painting is lovely — thankyou for sharing all of your efforts, good/bad. this is certainly in the Good category!! hope you can continue w/this work. sorry re:robins, they certainly can be aggressive, hope offspring are safe. you/Don stay safe, healthy
I’ve only had one frustrating experience and I talked about it on the blog, but didn’t share the actual painting. Every other painting has been good. Of course, I have my favorites.
Thank you, Linda.
Stay safe!
Lol…..of course you can say you are proud of yourself. You have talent…keep painting and exploring that talent.
Love The Dude. He’s perfect…and I think you’ve found the perfect location. Can you see him from the Secret Garden?
It’s very hot here today…windy and sunny with no rain. So we’ve had to pull out the sprinklers for the trees and evergreens. We may or may not get rain this week….so not depending on Mother Nature to come through for us.
Enjoy your day! ;)
Yes, he’s actually in the Secret Garden, just on the far edge.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
It’s 92 here. I understand. I feel like my brain is mush.
Stay safe, Donna.
Well done for the vase painting, Claudia! We never know what we’re capable of until we try! The proportions are right and it has depth with its shading.
I confess to having quite a few gnomes in my garden, I know some folk think they’re kitsch but I don’t care. I have the Disney Seven Dwarves but they are made of resin and I also have a mountaineer gnome who looks like he could be the same material as The Dude and I think it’s concrete because of the weight. I’ve never seen one like The Dude before, he’s great.
Happy Sunday
Love the Dude! You have outdone yourself Claudia! Your painting is gorgeous and spot on. Keep at it and you’ll get better and better. You have every right to feel proud! xo
Thank you so much, April.
Stay safe.
Well, The Dude is a gnome, but more than that. He’s The Dude!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Dee Dee.
Stay safe.
The Dude, indeed!! I wish one day he would begin speaking his deep thoughts. Then you must share!
The picture is beautiful. I am in awe. When I say I would barely be able to paint a straight line, it is the honest truth. You can dig deep inside and do this…..
So hot here. As Donnamae said, we, too will set up sprinklers in a bit. Too early for this heat. Take care.
We’ll have to see what he shares with us.
Thanks so much, Chris.
It’s 92 here at the moment. And humid. I am not a happy camper.
Stay safe.
I totally agree with Melissa that we don’t take enough credit fir our accomplishments. Crow; be proud. It’s something very few can do! And of course The Dude is perfect!
Thanks so much, my friend!
Much love to you.
Stay safe.
I just love your Dude. A bit of the unexpected.
I am proud of you for trying to paint and obviously you have talent. Great job. Background color is unusual but perfect. Wow!
I love both Dudes. :-) And you should be proud of your painting and happy.
Thank you, Regula. I am proud.
Stay safe!
It’s more than alright to be proud of your painting, it’s great. Absolutely love the dude.
Thank you so much, Fiona.
Stay safe!
A magical post–from the light flares to the Dude to your nailing the Roseville piece! You captured the look and feel of Roseville in your painting. What a great post to start the week–thanks!
You’re most welcome!
And thank you for your kind words.
Stay safe, Roxie.
What a great little painting. If you ever feel moved to sell your work let me know. I am in awe of your hidden talent that you have unleashed!
Love the dude also. Good eye, Don!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Connie.
They mean a lot.
Stay safe!
You bet that you can be proud of yourself! That painting is amazing! I am very impressed!
Oh, and The Dude? What a personality!
Thank you, Melanie!
The Dude kind of reminds me of that Burt Reynolds centerfold in Cosmopolitan way back when!
Stay safe.
The Dude looks like he’ll be at home anywhere!!
Lovely painting, Claudia. Keep it up…you’re obviously enjoying it and it’s a big ego boost (and that’s not a bad thing!). Have you thought of expanding into other media?
This is enough for me right now. I’m still working on the dollhouses, as well.
Thanks so much, Wendy.
Stay safe.
That relaxed dude gave me a chuckle! Love it and perfect location for it! Congratulations on discovering a new talent, your vase and your landscapes are lovely, can’t wait to see where you will go with it!
Thank you so much, Marlene!
I really appreciate it.
Stay safe.
You have every reason to be proud of yourself, your painting is beautiful and your
talent is awe inspiring.
Love the Dude, not into gnomes either but definitely would have bought him. It’s
his take me or leave me attitude I like.
Thank you for your kind words, Lea.
Stay safe!
It’s unbelievable HOW GOOD YOU ARE at oil painting when you’ve only just begun; however, you’re artistic with photography and doll house creation and everything else, so why am I surprised; but, bravo Claudia, the Roseville vase is perfect.
As is the gnome; I’ve never seen one with quite that pose.
As to your Sunday post, I needed something pleasant. Thank you. Amazing first photo.
Cousin died Friday night of Covid complications. Just in his 50s. He did have a few underlying medical issues but the problem was that he adamantly/knowingly/belligerently refused to get vaccinated; so, in my mind, he died unnecessarily. And he’s a new grandfather whose grandchild will now never know his grandaddy. It’s so tragic because this was avoidable; he didn’t have to die, not yet anyway. Not of THIS. (And I don’t understand it because he was a businessman and an intelligent person. His wife is a doctor and his sister is a university professor. It’s not like he’s been living in a cave with no understanding or knowledge of the dangers of the coronavirus.)
I clearly feel anger, grief, confusion.
The virus quickly got to his lungs with pneumonia, and then destroyed his liver and kidneys. They took him off the ventilator and he died within one hour.
Let others be forewarned: Covid isn’t done with us yet. It’s out there. Use caution. GET VACCINATED. If for some reason medically you can’t get the vaccine, still be very careful in public or in indoor settings if you’re not sure who’s been vaccinated or not (wear your mask!). I ‘preach’ because I don’t want to hear about anybody else dying from this horrible virus.
hej, vicki …
condolences on the passing of your cousin. sad, in part for seemingly preventable.
i saw some news earlier this weekend that echoes your warning to still take precautions, take this awful pandemic seriously. :(
hope you are comfy and safe.
kathy in iowa
… thank you for your kind thoughts, kathy-friend …
I’m so sorry, Vicki. You’re right. Needless. It didn’t have to happen. People who believe all the anti-vax drivel are gambling with their lives and your cousin, sadly, lost the gamble. Very, very sad.
Sending you love.
xo
… thanks, Claudia … I’ve never been off the phone or email since this happened; all of the relatives are SO upset … the situation is exhausting and troubling and, no other word for it, needlessly tragic …
xoxo
Me either. Burt Reynolds in Cosmo? That’s what he reminds me of.
Thank you for your kind words, Vicki.
Stay safe!
I am very proud of you! I know i’m not a great painter but I do find a peace when I paint with watercolors. Soothing if you will, yes in a zone. Its an awesome painting and I think it’s lovely to find new talents in ourselves. Love the Dude! Just makes me smile. Hugs!
Thank you, dear Linda.
I never imagined myself painting. Just goes to show you, you never know!
Stay safe.
beautiful photo, a very aptly named gnome and that wonderful painting! all great, but my favorite part of this post has to be your owning how wonderful your painting is, that you have talent in that way, too. :) and i am sure that your father is proud of you, too.
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy!
I appreciate your kind words.
Stay safe!
I love the painting! I also love “The Dude”, he looks perfectly at home.
Thank you, Deanna!
Stay safe.
You are so talented. Amazing. Happy for you. Prayers
Thank you so much, Brenda.
Stay safe.
Beautiful painting! It is hard to believe that you are a newbie.Wish I had the courage to try painting. Love the”dude”. One of my all time favorite movies.
hej, annette …
i paint with watercolors (and sometimes acrylics) and love it for several reasons. painting in general and watercolor especially has, for me, this alchemic quality … it’s both ethereal and grounding, makes time disappear and gets me out of my head. it is one of very few things in this life that is freeing to me (and i am grateful for that). also, it’s just plain fun playing with colors and sometimes seeing what i can do.
you may have different reasons or hopes for painting. whatever, i hope you will paint and surprise yourself.
take care.
kathy in iowa
Just go for it. That’s what I did. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. But, who knows? You might find something new and wonderful in your life.
Stay safe, Annette.
jane-in-tx
Proud you should be! I think it’s wonderful!!
Thank you, Jane!
Stay safe.
Well done, Claudia. SO very well done. And oh, the story that goes with it is just as divine as the painting itself. Sometimes things just present themselves at the right time for whatever reason. Call it divine intervention, undiscovered talent, the will to succeed, Prof. Harold Hill’s “think” system. Whatever it is, you found it and I’m thrilled you are delighting in it as well!
Thank you, Jeanie! I’m tickled pink about it! And excited to keep on exploring.
Stay safe.
Thank you,kathy. You are encouraging.
You should be proud of yourself Claudia….the painting is awesome! I love the idea of doing a series of Roseville. I look forward to you sharing them with us! As for the Dude…..his attitude is just wonderful! The love that you and Don share just comes bouncing off both of you and to all of us……thank you for that!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Donna!
Stay safe.
Behind with my blog reading and so catching up. Wow!!! You did that without sketching it first?! Speaking as someone who has loved creating art (or co-creating really) for the past 10 or so years, this is amazing!!!
Thank you so much, Leanne!
Stay safe!