Memorial Day

 

More Blooms

 

How lucky am I that my neighbors have this gorgeous "old-fashioned rose" bush -- well, essentially, it's a shrub -- that annually produces an abundance of blooms.  And, I jokingly say that they planted it just for my viewing pleasure as anytime I look out a window on the northside of the house, it's easily visible.  It's spectacularly beautiful and exquisite with a lingering familiar scent.  At this time each year it is the main event of the neighborhood, and I'm grateful for such a gift.

"A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand 

that gives you roses."

                                                                                                       --Chinese Proverb

More Tangling Opportunities

 

Interested in using repetitive patterns to create something beautiful?  If so, join me for a virtual introductory class that will cover the basics of the Zentangle® Art Method.  Starting Thursday, June 10th, this is a virtual 6-week course that meets Thursday evenings from 6 - 7:30 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  https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/introduction-zentangler-ages-16-0

And, if your creative juices are already flowing and you're looking for more than the basics, I'm also offering this course:  ZENTANGLE® BEYOND THE BASICS: BLACK, WHITE & RENAISSANCE.

This class also is a 6-week virtual event meeting Thursdays from 4 - 5:30 pm.  The supply list is included on the following website.  Give it a try!  https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/zentanglerbeyond-basics-black-white-renaissance-ages-16

Emerging

 

This image of beautiful variegated iris bundles popping through the soil and back into life seems like the perfect metaphor for my life after receiving the COVID vaccine.  Although my second vaccination was in late March, my re-entry in the world outside my door has been unhurried and often calculated with one positive experience providing confidence and courage to venture out again.  Following nature's lead seems perfect for me -- slow and steady with no pressure.  This picture also speaks to me in how we progress in stages as we are ready for them.  For this plant, the same is true as now the soil and stalks are clearly visible and the roots provide a foundation.  In time mulch will be added, intricate colorful blooms will appear and little attention will be given to the supports underground.  The message for me and re-emerging is simple and parallels the lesson I observed in this perennial.  Thank you, Mother Nature.

“Adopt the pace of nature. 

Her secret is patience.”

                                                                                     – Ralph Waldo Emerson

No Mistakes

 

If you are familiar with this blog it's likely that you also know of my love for the Zentangle art method and the founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.  Recently I've been attending virtual classes taught by them and others on their wonderful staff.  A well-known Zentangle principle is that there are no mistakes but rather only opportunities.  Rick and Maria are quick to point out that life also doesn't come with an eraser and we must adapt and make choices in how we respond and move forward.....yep, this resonates with me.  And, this particular image is of a piece that we were asked to do during one of the classes and then to tear off a piece of the original paper tile and do something more with it after mounting it on the black paper tile.  In doing so, I used a white marker along with a white charcoal pencil and came up with this unique piece that is worth sharing.  No mistake here!

Colors of Spring

 

Ahhh....  Just outside my door I find many blooming things in all sorts of colors.  These wispy rhododendron petals in purple along with the blue, green and white found in the sky, cloud, and spruce, pine and magnolia trees delight my senses.  Spring is a gorgeous mosaic created by the earth's rebirth.

"The beautiful spring came;

and when nature resumes her loveliness,

the human soul is apt to revive also."

                                                                                                   --Harriet Ann Jacobs

A Tangled Bouquet

 

This is an original creation in which I upcycled cardboard and scrap paper and embellished the canvas with tangles (repetitive patterns).  In a recent post I noted that cardboard is a smooth surface and offers lots of options for adding color.  And, it's fun to repurpose something that was en route to the recycling bin and display it on an easel.  Finally, this beautiful bouquet is my gift to all the mothers as just yesterday in the USA we honored them.

"You can't use up creativity.  The more you use, the more you have."

                                                                                                                                                                                --Maya Angelou

More Tulips

 

 

Recently, have you seen a variety of tulips?  For me that is true.  A neighbor has some that are round and plump with wispy feathered edges that are the size of small peonies.  Also, I've noticed several in purple tones.  All are so refreshing and hold my gaze.  In the spring early bloomers inspire me just like the colorful autumn leaves that paint the forest.  

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'"

                                                                                                                                                       --Robin Williams

Flower Tangle

 

Currently I'm teaching a virtual class about how to use repetitive patterns to create beautiful pieces of art.  Yes, this is known as the Zentangle art method that started a few years back by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts.  Recently in class I introduced this tangle called "Anooka", by Smita Toke.  And because of my fascination with flowers, this is one of my favorites.  Anyway, may you find flowers wherever you look or use this tangle to make some of your own.  Look below for step-by-step details.

Grab some paper and a pen and follow the steps below.  Embellish as you'd like.  Inhale.  Exhale.  Relax.