Just for Spring

 

Recently a calligraphy expert shared a card that she'd prepared to honor the change of seasons.  It included her beautiful script along with embellishments.  She went on to encourage those of us in the (virtual) audience to do something similar.  Of course, I welcomed that suggestion and immediately got out the green markers to combine some calligraphy and tangles.  After the initial drawing, I then used colored pencils to further enhance the white background.  Lastly, I edited the photo to give it an overall texture and frame.  These shades of green and hints of yellow along with the leaves, flowers, vines and flowing patterns quickly poured out of me and onto the paper as they all reflect what's currently coming to life just outside our doors.  

Renewed Optimism

 

Although there was mist in the air while taking these photos, that didn't deter me.  Honestly, at this point when I'm so eager to see green and blooms emerging from the soil, slightly wet conditions cannot stop me from photographing flowers.  And, this spring not only marks a new growing season with more daylight and warmer temperatures but also includes more optimism for human interactions as vaccines are now more widely available to help combat the pandemic.  Ahhhhhh..... 

Interestingly, I found it to be a beautiful coincidence that on the vernal equinox (first day of spring in the northern hemisphere) I also received my second vaccination.  Ahhhhhh.....

"Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?"

                                                                                                               --Neltje Blanchan

Laundry Day

A few days ago, while the late-winter sky was gray and temperatures hovered just above freezing, I encountered this scene.  Yes, as you may have suspected, this is an Amish homestead in eastern Iowa.  Immediately I felt grateful for having the modern conveniences that make laundry and so many other tasks relatively easy.  Moreover, I wanted to capture this image as it speaks of imagination, ingenuity, traditions and a slice of rural America.  Besides the ultra-long clothesline stretching from house to windmill, take a look at other items in the background that are staples in this community.

Want to Tangle?

 

Want to use repetitive patterns to create something beautiful?  If so, join me as I teach a virtual introductory class that will cover the basics of the Zentangle® Art Method.  Starting April 8th, this is an 8-week course that meets Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8 pm.  Only a few basic supplies are necessary, and it's likely that you already have most.  To read more, look at the supply list and register, use the following link https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/introduction-zentangler-ages-16  

This offering is made possible by the Evanston (Illinois) Art Center (EAC).  To view additional EAC online courses, visit https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/search/department/online-classes-235

Leprechaun Returns

 

"Luck is believing you're lucky"

                                                                                          --Tennessee Williams

Back at the Beach

Ahhhh.  With this gorgeous image of the Caribbean off the coast of Cancun, I can instantly be at the beach.  What a treat to be able to instantly escape to this gorgeous setting and stay there as long as I'd like...no travel required, no expenses, no Covid concerns...just delight, calm, beauty and feeling refreshed.  Inhale.  Exhale.  Enjoy.  Repeat as often as desired.

"I followed my heart and it led me to the beach."

                                                                                                               --Unknown

"Bearly" a Surprise

 

Recently, as an assignment for a virtual art class, I drew these patterns to fill the inside of a bear.  We were asked to use some inspiration from various Native American artwork that included the pathways running throughout the piece.  That's easily visible.   

Of course, it's no surprise that I love nature and tangling so this task was delightful.  At the time I made this it was near Valentine's Day; hence, I had hearts on my mind and decided to include one in this critter -- a sweet touch that I'm fond of.  Anyway, aside from the heart, notice the piano keys across the spine and below the crescent moon tangle gives a 3-D impression of the inner workings of this wild creature.

From the website YourTrueNature.com I found the following:

Advice from a Bear

Live large.

When life gets hairy, grin and bear it.

Live with the seasons.

Take a good long nap.

Look after your honey! 

The above image is small but it contains a sampling of some of my recent creations combining calligraphy and tangling.  Currently I'm taking a virtual calligraphy class for beginners.  Certainly I'm a novice in the practice but I do know I've loved the artform since I was a youngster.  For years I would purchase various calligraphy markers and play around with some techniques and let it go at that.  Then the pandemic forced us all to do some things differently and that included giving me access and the time to take online art classes, including calligraphy.  For that I'm grateful.

At the moment March is bringing warmer temperatures and sunny skies to Iowa -- how refreshing!  When I look out the window or go for a walk, it feels like a rebirth with the snow rapidly receding and birds chirping.  Ahhhh.  More green will soon appear on the landscape; however, with St Patrick's Day just ahead, I envision more green in the images on this blog, including that particular leprechaun who always makes an appearance.   As for the image below, it's a peace lily that's in our home -- more green, cleans the air and is beautiful.

Jack Frost

 

Recently I was outside in time to watch the sunrise -- it was beautiful and energizing; however, it took me a few minutes to notice another wonderful surprise.  Obviously "Jack Frost" had visited the neighborhood, and everything was flocked in white crystals.  Almost instantly so many items that I typically overlook, including the plexiglass in the garage door, black sunflower seeds on the platform feeder and the remains of last summer's coreopsis blooms had become amazing ice sculptures adorning the landscape.  Mother Nature curated a magical art installation that I was fortunate to find.

"Winter blows a frosty coat that caps the barren land."

                                                                                                                   --Lucille Younger