Hydrangea Whites and Upcycled Mason Jars

I love hydrangeas. My Mum called them snowballs. I also love the little Alfredo sauce mason jars the companies are currently using.

A collection of many different types of painting media, along with a stash of things I just can't seem to toss in the trash. I have been collecting, saving or hoarding these jars for over a year. Well, there was a wedding I mentioned in an earlier post, my daughter wanted the above look for her tables at the reception. We never found the time, we rented large vases.

Last month I took some gesso and painted a couple of jars and let them dry overnight. I painted them with pastel acrylics, some thick, some watered down. A light grade sandpaper to wipe away some of the paint around the lettering on the jars. An acrylic coat of varnish the next day. I painted the outside of the jar, so fresh flowers can be placed in them. Having a lot of left over flowers from the wedding they have a cute home now, but need a little weight in the jars.

I have done several paintings of these white hydrangeas in colorful vases. This one an 8 x 10 on a canvas panel, using acrylic paint. Waiting not so patiently for the real flowers to appear.

Friends Challenge

This weeks challenge was to paint your friend. I don't have any friends that are willing to pose, and I also would like to keep the friends that I have.....

I borrowed this photo that I saw recently, when I looked at it, I loved how the heads are gently resting on each other. Sweet little boys.

I know these twins will be friends for a lifetime.

The Earth Laughs In Flowers

9 by 12 inches. watercolor. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "The Earth Laughs in Flowers." However, when I ventured out my door today, I was buffetted by windy 30 degree weather, and biting rain. Mother Nature may indeed laugh in flowers, but right now she's crying in cold rain, and yelling in strong, angry wind gusts. 

I am determined to make the most of it. I stay inside today, and paint something cheerful and full-of-happy-spring-thinking. Flowers are such a joy to see at the beginning of spring, aren't they? Admit it: no matter how old you are, the first sight of green leaves poking out of the soil in early spring is a blissful moment. 

In spite of my cynical observation of today's weather, I thoroughly enjoy Emerson's quote. I'd like to think of earth sprinkling laughter here and there-- where it's needed. And how can you not smile, when you spy some new colorful flowers blooming in your garden, or receive a surprise gift from a loved one. 

Emerson also wrote this: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” What lies behind me was a winter of recordbreaking snowfall, what lies before me is an unseasonably cold, windy, and soaking wet day. Yet, within me right now is a bright-blue-sky, blindingly-sunny day, full of chatty birds and bright yellow flowers, just waiting behind the clouds. 

What's Cooking

I really enjoy watching the food network. I am amazed at the skill and the ease these chefs whip up the works of art they create. I can't get past the grocery shopping for these dishes.

I never got the cooking gene. At times I wished I had it, my sister is an amazing cook and baker. My Mum, her homemade bread and baking was and still is legend. She had a pumpkin pie recipe.....

I hate kitchen clean up......besides, food is much more fun to paint.

Farmers market Tulips

My second entry for the DailyPaintworks Farmers Market Challenge. We have not quite had the outdoor market weather, but I am longing for the color of Spring Flowers. My yellow tulips have been stopped in their tracks, had a lot of fun with these vibrant acrylic colors.

Painted with acrylic paints on an 8 x 10 inch canvas panel.

Rainy Day Comfort

Painted this one on a cold, dreary Erie, rainy day. Instead of grabbing comfort food....a warm room, blanket, comfy chair and a great book. Now, if only I had a few hours of quiet......

Location:Rainy Day Comfort

Flower Market Day

The current challenge for DPW was taken from a photo by Carol Marine of a flower market. I painted this on an 8 x 10 canvas panel using acrylics. I have always favored oils and watercolor and only recently began using acrylic. I like the texture you can achieve without all the time needed to dry. Makes you move it, think fast, paint fast. I am enjoying learning all the secrets of this medium.

What Spring is to Me

Spring is color. After a long, grey, cold winter in the North East, spring is color. The sky cerulean with bright white clouds. The greens are crisp, bright yellow green. The flowers adding the colorful highlights. On my street, the township planted dogwoods to line the streets. In a couple weeks they will be in full bloom, I can't wait. It always looks to me like a painter loaded the brush with white, pink and greens and splattered the landscape. Amazing.