garden – Page 10 – Africantapestry

Posted on June 20, 2007August 22, 2007 by Myfrenchkitchen

Touches of yellow

I have nothing yellow in my garden. But I have white flowers with touches of yellow.
Two vignettes from the garden done in their setting, in bright sunlight.
A white Hemerocallis, the only one in flower.
Done in WC in moleskine.

I also have Feverfew(Chrysantemum parthenium), a small camomile-like white daisy with bright yellow centre. They make a wonderful display in the herb garden, and work wonders on a migraine, they self sow profusely and look beautiful picked by the armsful.

My goal with both these paintings was to keep them light and fresh by incorporating the white paper as part of the composition. With the feverfew, I used more “dabbing” of color, since that is how I perceive them in the garden.

Done in WC in moleskine. Posted by Africantapestry at 6:39 PM

Sharon said…: These are gorgeous! I really love the loose, simple style and colors mixed on the paper.; June 20, 2007 7:20 PM
Kunya said…: Wow, what abeautiful work. I just bought some books about the work of Charles Reid. This paintings, especialy the first one, reminds me of the book. Great work.; June 20, 2007 7:21 PM
Lynn said…: Oh my, these are lovely! I really like the fresh, spontaneous feel of these paintings. The feverfew are gorgeous.; June 20, 2007 8:21 PM
Teri C said…: Definitly spontaneous, definitly loose and defintly WONDERFUL!!!; June 20, 2007 9:01 PM
Jenny said…: My favorite is the first one though both a lovely, loose, and colorful.; June 20, 2007 10:11 PM
Dave said…: Superb. The colours are lovely!; June 20, 2007 10:46 PM
Lin said…: Ronnell — fresh, lively, colorful, glorious — all of this and more!! Your daylily is absolutely breathtaking!! I AM IN LOVE with the various hues within it — and I too grow feverfew — but never again — I find it takes over too MUCH of the garden! GRAND JOB!!!!!!; June 21, 2007 2:23 AM
bec said…: oooh! I love these drawings…. I have lilies and feverfew also. I’ve got big bouquets all over the house. Question: how do you USE the feverfew for a migraine? make a tea and drink it? sniff the leaves? I’m interested in knowing…Thanks!
BEC; June 21, 2007 4:11 AM
biteyourowntail said…: Lovely – I particularly like the way that blue makes the yellow sing in the second painting – makes me think of late summer, and lazy afternoons in the shade.; June 21, 2007 10:18 AM
caseytoussaint said…: These are just wonderful – fresh and lively and full of color. I definitely see a resemblance to the lovely, loose florals of Charles Reid, although they are your own personal style. How do you find the time to et all this done? You’ve been so productive lately.; June 21, 2007 11:23 AM
Regula Scheifele said…: lovely loose dreamy vibrant lively fresh…
WOW; June 21, 2007 12:30 PM
andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…: Oh my gosh!!! These are BEAUTIFUL Ronell.; June 21, 2007 3:08 PM
Robyn said…: Beautiful dancing lines, sparkling white and a fairytale touch with the colours, Ronell. I long to paint so instinctively.; June 21, 2007 5:20 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for all the inpspiring comments..
Bec – I take infusions. Normally it is advised to dry the leaves, but I forget, so I just take two or three leaves and let them infuse for a thirty minutes. It is best to take the infusion regularly. You can chew the leaves, but apparently they easily cause mouth sores, so I have never tried that…
Robyn – you are a poet.
Ronell; June 21, 2007 5:35 PM
Deborah said…: Ohh, these are so fresh and light! I love the techniques you used here. You must have a great garden.; June 21, 2007 7:31 PM
Serena said…: Both are beautiful in their own right, Ronell. I love the loose, airy feel you have achieved and the splashes of colour are divine!; June 21, 2007 10:29 PM
Lindsay said…: These last few sketches are so beau;tiful and fresh. They truley capture summer!; June 22, 2007 2:37 AM
Sandy said…: I looked at them enlarged and they are so free flowing. So gorgeous. I would love to walk through your garden some day.wow.. Ronell, thanks for all your comments…they are appreciated… I just love coming here to see what you’ve been up to, when I’m out sweating in the dirt in my garden. haha. I keep thinking I want to go outside and paint but somehow it never works. How do you do it??; June 22, 2007 5:15 AM
Tea & Margaritas in My Garden said…: Just lovely! Sure wish I had your talent.tea
xo; June 22, 2007 10:38 AM
Pequete said…: These are lovely, Africantapestry! I love your loose style and I wish I could paint as freely as you.; June 22, 2007 11:58 AM
hfm said…: Great!; June 22, 2007 11:20 PM
Tonniece said…: beautifully done Ronell. Light and fresh, very summery; June 23, 2007 3:03 AM
phthaloblu said…: Simply gorgeous! All those colors and shadows and details. Well done!; June 23, 2007 11:19 PM
Laureline said…: Happy, happy, loose and lively work! I LOVE them! You’re so in your element!; June 23, 2007 11:46 PM
Carole said…: Lovely colours, Ronell, particularly in the feverfew. I have tried chewing the leaves for a headache, but they tasted so rotten I think I preferred the headache.; June 24, 2007 1:45 PM
janey said…: These are lovely sketches. So colorful and full of summer.; June 25, 2007 6:48 PM
Fanta said…: Lovely, cheerful and extremely fresh! So well done.; June 26, 2007 10:29 PM
luci said…: The flowers are lovely, Ronell. Chrysanthemum is my favorite flower. The florist wasn’t too happy when I insisted on chrysanthemums only bouquet for my wedding. It bothered his artistic taste, I think. I remembered he used variety of chrysanthemums, and feverfew was one of them. I’m happy to see the beautiful feverfew you painted.

Posted on June 17, 2007August 22, 2007 by Myfrenchkitchen

Bells in watercolor

A glass bell in the garden

Watercolor on Fabriano HP

A glass bell in the kitchen.

Watercolor on Fabriano HP

21 comments:

caseytoussaint said…: These are just gorgeous, Ronell, sparkling with light and color. I wish real life were like your paintings…; June 17, 2007 3:33 PM
alteredtome said…: I so enjoy the way you place your color on the paper. Your work is so fresh and inspiring.Chris; June 17, 2007 4:15 PM
Lin said…: ABSOLUTELY GLORIOUSO!! THE COLORS, THE VARIETY OF COLORS, SHAPE … I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS!!!!!!; June 17, 2007 4:30 PM
Teri C said…: Your use of color and reflections is just spectacular! Love them both.; June 17, 2007 4:57 PM
Karen Winters said…: Great transparency in this Ronell; June 17, 2007 5:10 PM
Anita said…: You have such a unique and wonderful way with colour Ronell. Fabulous!; June 17, 2007 5:39 PM
mrana said…: I love your style, such great loose strokes and colour!; June 17, 2007 6:37 PM
Joan Yoshioka said…: Oh wow! I love the colors in your paintings! It’s a freedom in painting that I really envy. Thanks for sharing and for giving me something to aspire to.; June 17, 2007 8:56 PM
mARTa said…: the one in the garden does it for me! Beautiful!; June 17, 2007 11:29 PM
Christeen said…: This is just perfectly fresh and zingy- great freshness and life to these 🙂; June 18, 2007 1:06 AM
juj said…: Beautiful bells – such gorgeous loose drippy color. and those cantelope are the epitome of summer.; June 18, 2007 4:21 AM
Sandy said…: What a great subject and beautiful work! I get so inspired when I come here. Thanks for sharing Ronell. sandy; June 18, 2007 7:36 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thanks for all your comments…it is inspiring and it encourages me to continue, experiment AND enjoy it!
Ronell; June 18, 2007 8:32 AM
Dave said…: These are stunning. The colours are wonderful.; June 18, 2007 3:20 PM
Sandy said…: Oh WOW Ronell these are simply STUNNING!!!!!; June 18, 2007 3:59 PM
Robyn said…: Beautiful transparency, colour and style, Ronell. I can’t choose between them.; June 18, 2007 5:40 PM
SCquiltaddict said…: Yummmy colors …these are wonderful….; June 18, 2007 6:38 PM
Tonniece said…: I really enjoy you watercolors, they are so animated even in your still lifes.; June 18, 2007 10:19 PM
Carole said…: GORGEOUS, Ronell! I love the idea, and the colourful execution of it.; June 19, 2007 2:33 PM
phthaloblu said…: Just gorgeous! Those loose washes that you do so well really being out the sparkle of the glass. Very well done.; June 19, 2007 5:22 PM
🙂 Silvia said…: How did you do those terrific washes? Especially the melons, they just look so good, so yummy :))

Posted on June 13, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen · 2 Comments

Summer guests

Every summer our Bed and Breakfast is fully booked. Mostly by regulars who visit year after year, finding our meals unsurpassed, our hospitality most gracious and our facilities nothing but quality; in short, five star accommodation at a reasonable price.
Mr Frog arrived later than usual this year and is still awaiting the lady of this affair to arrive. Every evening he protests his discontentment at her not being here yet, in his distinguished baritone voice. I hope she arrives soon, I don’t like seeing my guests unhappy.

Once again we had the honor of assisting in the arrival of Mr and Mr Swallow’s young ones. What a lovely couple they are, so caring and loving and protective of the live they have created. the happy event happened only 5 days ago and it was a grand event here. We opened up a bottle of bubbly and all the guests attended to celebrate the wonder of new life and admire the 5 adorable infants.

Miss White butterfly brought many more of her friends along this year and I really had to be inventive to accommodate all these teenagers. But I love every minute of their delightful company! We have come into the habit of sharing an hour or so together every afternoon, where I learn from them all about being a delicate and beautiful and delightful adolescent again. Along with the ever roaming dark and handsome bees, they enjoy energetic parties until late night, Fortunately the neighbors haven’t complained yet. I suspect they know and understand all about the habits of these young people.

We are also very honored to accommodate very well-known international models in our B&B every year, miss Dragonfly and company. They keep mostly to themselves, are very discreet and love their privacy. But when the moment shows itself, I’ll stare at them shamelessly, wishing I had their elegance and beauty Soon they will all be moving on to make room for the next half of the summer guests, leaving me just enough time to tidy up, restock the pantry and put out fresh flowers. The arrival of our summer guests, is a highlight in the season, something we look forward to year after year.
All these sketches were done in pen and WC in moleskine.

30 comments:

Tonniece said…: It sounds so super there, with all the guests, the night sounds, and the beginnings of new life.
Wonderful wc’s depicting all that activity.; June 13, 2007 11:17 PM
Jenny said…: You have such beautiful, interesting guests! Seems they give you infinite pleasure in return for your excellent accommodations. You are wise to appreciate your exciting life.; June 13, 2007 11:30 PM
Lin said…: RONELL!!THIS IS ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL! HUMOROUS, FUN, INGENEOUS, ENTERTAINING, AND SO BEAUTIFULLY PAINTED!! WHAT A DELIGHT!MOVE OVER WEE GUESTS, I, TOO, WANT A ROOM!BRAVA, CARA .. THIS IS FANTASTIC!!; June 13, 2007 11:34 PM
Andrew said…: too much fun…couldnt wait to see what you were terming your summer guests…lol; June 14, 2007 12:00 AM
Anonymous said…: Love this B&B!hfm
http://tcores.blogspot.com; June 14, 2007 12:48 AM
juj said…: Your sketches are – as always – simply wonderful, but I especially enjoyed the story. I have a much nicer perspective on the wildlife in my yard now. Thanks for the much needed break in my day.; June 14, 2007 12:54 AM
Brenda Y said…: You had me going!! I was thinking, “hmm, I didn’t know Ronell ran a B & B,” only to discover very shortly the true identity of your “guests!” Outstanding story and FABULOUS sketches!! Loved every word and brush stroke.; June 14, 2007 1:21 AM
bec said…: you had me going too! so cool, I thought….she runs a b&b! HA! You’ve brought your guests to life for me with your beautiful watercolors! Thank you!; June 14, 2007 2:22 AM
mARTa said…: Well, it’s not going to take much more than this to convince me that I MUST come for a night and see what all this magic is about! I’ll have to email you soon so we can work out some dates! Will the dragonfly models be gone by October…so sad that I might miss them! What a midsummer night’s dream you live!; June 14, 2007 4:01 AM
Nancy said…: I love it when I click on my digest e-mail and find that you have posted new sketches. It makes my day!; June 14, 2007 4:03 AM
good with color said…: These are some of the nicet summer drawings/paintings I have seen in a long time. They will be great to look back to when cold weather returns with its different visitors. Your accompanying notes are a joy to read.
csqwbm; June 14, 2007 5:48 AM
caseytoussaint said…: What a treat! These are just delightful, Ronell. It’s so much fun to see all your ‘guests’ close up. I feel honored to have heard Mr. Frog complaining in person. You’ve brightened up this grey day for me – thank you!; June 14, 2007 11:32 AM
Ujwala said…: i love all of them! very very nice. i hope mr frog finds his companion soon.; June 14, 2007 1:18 PM
Lindsay said…: Ronell! I did not know you ran a B and B for such elegant visitors. I’m very impressed. My compliments to the gardner!This post is the essance of summer!; June 14, 2007 3:17 PM
Sandy said…: Love your B&B post with the description of its’ guests. This was so fun Ronell. Paintings are beautiful and delicate as usual. Don’t let those teenagers wear ya out okay…I’m having the same problem with mine…very energetic and raucous…I must subscribe to your emails..I always come late to the party.sandy; June 14, 2007 5:07 PM
Christeen said…: What a charming narrative- I felt like I was there, marveling at your guests in person 🙂
Your paintings are beautiful!; June 14, 2007 5:14 PM
Sandy said…: Ronell, you are just a blast – Lovely work as always! What a treat to be your Guest!!; June 14, 2007 5:15 PM
Diahn said…: How lovely! If you ever start accepting human guests, I believe I’ll have to make a flight over and stay a while – such fabulous and interesting company it would be!!; June 14, 2007 6:02 PM
Carole said…: Your blog is just a delight to read and look at! You’ve managed to make me smile on a cold, wet day here – thank you.; June 14, 2007 6:19 PM
Robyn said…: They are beautiful guests, Ronell, the very best kind, I think. I would adore to have Swallows born in my garden and a cloud of butterflies in the lavender was one of my most magical early memories of a European summer.
Now I’m going to subscribe to your blog so I don’t arrive last with my praise!; June 14, 2007 7:40 PM
Lynn said…: What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing this part of your life. I love your sketches.; June 14, 2007 9:47 PM
Dave said…: You make it look and sound idyllic! Wonderful post.; June 15, 2007 12:03 AM
martha said…: Wonderful nature sketches – so loose and colorful!; June 15, 2007 12:54 AM
phthaloblu said…: What wonderful sketches and I just love the way you write! It’s what makes your blog so interesting.; June 15, 2007 1:40 AM
Nancy Van Blaricom said…: Ok Ronell, here’s the deal. You have a contest offering the winner a weeks all expenses paid vacation to your b & b, then you pretend to honestly pick the winner… but all along it will be me that gets to come. Oh what fun it will be.Oh the other hand…. have you ever given thought of writing an illistrated book of a summer or fall etc in the life of Ronell? I think it would be wonderful to read and look at. You have such a way with words and paints…….. Give it some thought, for us, your fans.; June 15, 2007 5:16 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for all the kind comments.
You made an interesting point there, Sandy and Robyn…subscribing to a blog? I don’t know how that works and thought that was for “professional bloggers”…I would also like to subscribe to some work, because I also arrive late with comments…tell me too how to do it!
Ronell; June 15, 2007 6:28 PM
Desiree said…: OH what fun you are! I loved the story and was ready to sign up to visit your B&B, maybe you should think about writing ads for peoples business’! Great work.; June 15, 2007 7:21 PM
Sandy said…: oh boy…how to have a subscribe button..I would go to the dashboard and read up from there. Maybe it will talk about it. If not just google how to put email subscription on blog, that ought to do it..but I would definitely sign up. I wanna be in line FIRST…its’ all about me, don’t ya know..hahaha.; June 16, 2007 7:30 PM
Jana Bouc said…: This was such a delight to read and see. I’m awed by your creativeness, sense of humor and talent. A little butterfly landed on my knee the other day in my backyard and I got to study it for a quite awhile. It reminded me of how my mother used to give me “butterfly kisses” with her eyelashes as it was so delicate and gentle.; June 17, 2007 8:08 AM
luci said…: Love, *love*, the story, Ronell. And of course the beautiful pictures that illustrate it all. Your garden is as magical as the one in Secret Garden. 🙂

Posted on June 7, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

From shade to shade in summer

In summer we travel from shade to shade.

Early mornings, cup of coffee in hand, are spent on the terrace, sitting on a rock at the entrance to one of our caves and contemplating. The shade of the huge cliff at your back is a welcome relief after a hot night’s suffering. These stairs, leading up to the terrace, were done in pen and watercolor, on Fabriano WC paperHP(extra white).

After all that meditating and musing, while watching the sun brightening the skies, it is time to move out of the shade and into the working shoes, which are ready on the go at the kitchen door. These are actually the working boots of Hartman, mine wasn’t to be found, but they aren’t as characterful as his anyway. But, pretending they are mine, they will prune and dig and weed and water, while the sun still has a gentle caress. This was done in pen and watercolor on Fabriano CP paper.

All the prunings and snippings of early morning will go into some vase somewhere in the house as well as an empty container in the garden in a shady spot, like the mint in this old kettle on a crooked, rusty chair. This corner was sketched in pen and watercolor on Fabriano HP(extra white)

Finally the day will end in the welcoming shade of our summer kitchen right at the back of the garden, where we enjoy the most wonderful alfresco meals, prepared by Hartman. (The door right at the back goes into a cave, which accounts for the wonderful coolness in summer)This is his kingdom, where he cooks and fries and experiments and flips and flops, with me in the role of sous-chef and lighting candles and lanterns, picking herbs, fiddling here and meddling there. We play guitar and sing and eat and while away the beautiful summer evenings, ending it all with some more contemplating and musing. Tomorrow we’ll start the day again, moving from shade tot shade. This was done in watercolor on Fabriano HP.

29 comments:

Christeen said…: Wow- what a great entry! Thanks for sharing this illustrated peek into a summer day for you and Hartman… gorgeous stuff!; June 7, 2007 6:13 PM
Sandy said…: So lovely Ronell and restful and light – makes me yearn to get out into my garden.; June 7, 2007 6:22 PM
Dave said…: Lovely to hear about your summer days and to see your illustrations of it!; June 7, 2007 7:56 PM
Robyn said…: I love them all but the mint in the kettle is my favourite. Delightful post as usual, Ronell and I learn for the first time that Hartman likes to cook. We are so lucky to have such men! Your garden, with all its special nooks, looks like paradise; June 7, 2007 8:03 PM
Claudia said…: I enjoyed v e r y much reading your blog entry and seeing the wonderful, loose sketches!!! Keep up the good work!!!; June 7, 2007 9:15 PM
Bonny said…: Ronell, you have been busy doing these lovely paintings! They are all fabulous! My favourite one is of the teapot and the mint growing in it. The ‘cave’ is fascinating because of the perspective and the story behind it.
Thanks for sharing!; June 7, 2007 9:59 PM
Anonymous said…: Gorgeous work! I love the shoes.hfm
http://tcores.blogspot.com; June 7, 2007 10:50 PM
mARTa said…: oh, I am envious of you as well! These are all so lovely and inviting! I am already in a mental travel mode and anticipating my trip this fall. I am so excited about meeting you, Casey and Robyn! My day was spent having my nails done, a pedicure and out for sushi with my husband and then an art show this evening. Maybe tomorrow I should play in the garden!; June 8, 2007 12:23 AM
Susan Hosken said…: Yours is the first shade challenge response I’ve seen. I can’t think of what to do so was pleased to see your response.
Lots of love from Susan in Australia; June 8, 2007 12:46 AM
Lin said…: WOWOW!!! What a way to live a life .. what spectacular sketching and painting!! I am awed!; June 8, 2007 1:16 AM
Brenda Y said…: If there were “best blog entry” awards–you would get it!! What a fascinating narative of a day in the life of. . . The drawings and loose watercolor technique is absolutely FANTASTIC! My favorite is your summer kitchen/cave entrance–OHMYGOSH I would absolutely LOVE to cook in that kitchen!!! What a wonderful life and so happy you share it with us-THANKS!!; June 8, 2007 2:11 AM
Lindsay said…: I love your “day in the life of”.
Lovely sketches. The stairs are so lyrical!! Thanks for sharing a slice of your day.; June 8, 2007 2:56 AM
Ujwala said…: sketches are lovely and the post well written. i especially like the first one because you’ve tackled perspective which is one of my stumbling blocks.; June 8, 2007 5:44 AM
caseytoussaint said…: What a beautiful, poetic rendering of you private world, there behind the big old wooden gate. Those cars buzzing past have no idea what a paradise you’re hiding!; June 8, 2007 9:00 AM
Stacy said…: Lovely story, beautiful paintings and the perfect way to spend a summer day! Thanks for sharing!; June 8, 2007 2:58 PM
Carole said…: What an idyllic way to spend the day – thanks for sharing! Beautiful paintings, as always. I don’t know how you manage to keep them so loose and casual looking, and yet have such accuracy in things like the chair, steps and perspective. You talented lady!; June 8, 2007 4:32 PM
Nancy Van Blaricom said…: What a wonderful story teller… I could read a whole book with you as the author … bravo!I can’t pick a favorite of your watercolors….. I want them all. Beautiful colors depicting a summer day.; June 8, 2007 4:43 PM
SCquiltaddict said…: lovely as usual…what time is dinner???:> and whats hartmann cooking?!; June 8, 2007 5:31 PM
Anonymous said…: Hi RonellI frequently visit you block to check on latest post and commentaries. Normally I refrain from commenting but this time around I can not resist. Maybe I was compelled by the fact that I was implicated so much this time around.Being true to your philosophy of telling stories with painting I could read much more in your carefully constricted associated text. Of course I have an additional advantage above your normal critiques by the fact that I know these place so well myself. But what the heck something must compensate for my lack of artistic expertise.For instance I could feel the shade and almost smell the associated odor of the moss on the wall while looking at the painting of the stairs. I could sense the relive of the end of the days work in the garden associated in the pair of shoes hinting to fact that they have been taken off only moments ago. The mint in the cattle spoke of you and the combination of your love for the garden and antiques. I could not help to immediately visualize many moments of joy in the garden or “brocante” after an unusual find.However what struck me most was the emotions and many memories of good times that were evoked by looking at the painting of summer kitchen.I believe that artist are feeling good if the can touch people and their emotions with their art. If they can get people to act or react they are in euphoria. Well…. This time around you can reach euphoria because looking at all of this it moves me to stop working immediately……. make may my way home…… to our summer kitchen…. to start a fire …… so I can be KING..Well done RonellHartman; June 8, 2007 5:32 PM
Teri C said…: STUNNING!!! The art and the commentary!! As the paintings downloaded I loved the next one and then the next one. Just stunning!!!; June 8, 2007 6:01 PM
Robyn said…: Okay – that’s done it! Now I’m in love with Hartman!; June 8, 2007 7:28 PM
Sandy said…: I’m ready to move.. Can I catch a plane tomorrow. Will you meet me at the airport. Can I eat with you. Can I sit in the shade with Hartman. Wonderful wonderful post and paintings…sandy; June 8, 2007 7:59 PM
Lynn said…: Absolutely wonderful! What a fabulous life you live. You are an inspiration.; June 8, 2007 10:21 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you so much for all your kind and encouraging comments and a special thanks to Hartman for his appreciation…for having had me sitting and crying here…because I’m happy.
Hie hie Robyn, you make me laugh…you and your husband should hop on the plane and come visit…them men can cook and we can…well..do what we do best?
And that goes for you too Sandy, come and cook and eat!
Thanks everybody!
Ronell; June 8, 2007 11:18 PM
bec said…: wish I had a summer kitchen… is it really in a cave? lovely paintings!; June 8, 2007 11:19 PM
mARTa said…: ah ronelle…is that invite still open to me next fall? LOL…I’m in love with Hartman now too!; June 9, 2007 6:43 AM
Tea & Margaritas in My Garden said…: What wonderful art and words!tea
xo; June 9, 2007 5:01 PM
Robyn said…: Oh Ronell, we’d so love to come but our dogs have shocking table manners!; June 9, 2007 11:23 PM
phthaloblu said…: These are beautiful paintings and great commentary.

Posted on May 12, 2007June 27, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Barefoot and happy

A handful of years ago, we packed our two small girls and with a suitcase and a chair or two we headed for the unknown. In this case it happened to be Suffolk, England. We arrived in February, stayed in the Orwell hotel in Felixstowe for some weeks while in search for a haven to unpack our lives.
Two days ago Hartman called me from Felixstowe, where he was working for three days. While he was walking by the sea, eating fish and chips, visiting all the places we lived, buying Fox’s crunch creams, we remembered. We remembered how young our girls were. We remembered how cold it was, how wet, how grey, how exciting, how awful, how lonely. This led to many memories old and dear. It took me far back to our homeland, before we packed up, to days of golden sun, warm cuddling friendships, lazy beach days, back breaking work sessions, hat wearing sports events… all of which happened barefoot.
We learnt in England to wear shoes, after the girls have been frowned upon for running at school events barefoot, for running barefoot through the lobby of the hotel to quickly pick up Dad from work(truth be told, it was February…), I have learnt to keep shoes close by for when the doorbell rang and I learnt not to kick out my shoes when arriving at a friends house.
It has been a long time since I’ve had to remove some thorns from my feet. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt mud squishing up between my toes, or heated up my feet in a warm puddle of cow dung,….disgusting maybe, but those who grew up on a farm, will know what I’m talking about. They’re quite beautiful now, my feet, very soft and supple, lovely pedicured and all, which is something to be grateful for I suppose. But when the chance for being barefoot shows up at our door, we still happily kick off those shoes and dash across the lobby.

In the light of my melancholy, I did 3 quick sketches with some pen and watercolor on Fabriano HP paper….and even trampled some mud…

40 comments:

Ujwala said…: nice 😀 i wish i could draw my feet with as much ease. i do know about running around barefoot though 😀 pretty common growing up in India. Took to wearing slippers when i discovered that not doing so was one of the triggers for an allergy attack .; May 12, 2007 5:28 PM
Kunya said…: Gorgeous & sensual. Love to look at these.; May 12, 2007 7:34 PM
Renate said…: Not only are you beautiful with pen and brush, I’m also very touched by your words. A poet, for sure …; May 12, 2007 7:52 PM
Bill said…: Beautiful thoughts and paintings.; May 12, 2007 8:07 PM
Lin said…: Ronell — OH WHAT WONDERFUL FEET!!!! And memories and thoughts! I used to run around NY sidewalks and mud with barefeet .. grew many a callouses .. and sure do miss those days …!; May 12, 2007 8:35 PM
shirley said…: I LOVE your paintings and your use of shadows.; May 12, 2007 10:51 PM
Fanta said…: Wonderful tale, gorgeaus feet sketches (not to forget the gorgeous feet:)). My absolute fav. has to be the first one, I just love its vibrant colours and the dramatic treatment of the shadows.
I can’t wait to get back to China where I can have my weekly reflexology sessions for the fracture of the European price… I love to have my feet pampered. I can imagine cow dung can be very pleasant too, but never tried it. Well, not yet.; May 12, 2007 11:27 PM
Robyn said…: I don’t think I can remember running through cow dung – but I still wince at the memory of chicken poo. Vivid, entertaining writing, as ever, Ronell and sweet feet!; May 12, 2007 11:37 PM
Susan Hosken said…: To celebrate your blog entry I’m going to go paddling down at the beach and feel sand between my toes. What a treat.
Enjoy the journey
Lots of love from Susan in Australia; May 12, 2007 11:55 PM
Serena said…: I loved reading this post, Ronell. It brought back memories of our trip to England to visit with family back when I was fourteen. Granny was shocked that my siblings and I were barefoot a lot of the time. Once, when my sister and I walked down the street to the corner shop barefoot, people would actually stop and stare at us like we were freaks. LOL Being barefoot was so much the norm back then in Australia. Nowadays, we tend to go barefoot only in our homes, yards and, of course, at the beach. Sorry for digressing….LOVED your sketches….great feet!!; May 13, 2007 12:11 AM
Arty Velarde said…: Very, very cool.
paintings and story that is!; May 13, 2007 2:46 AM
Anita said…: Beautiful post and fabulous sketches Ronell.
Living in the Fens, in England, I can happily report that my children are rarely seen wearing shoes of any kind. My youngest walks upon the shingle, thistles, stinging nettles…barefoot. My eldest feeds the animals and dashes over to my parents opposite the yard…Barefoot.
Me…Well let’s just say my feet are anything but beautiful. Tough, mostly naked and always looking a little grubby which is fine until I need to wear evening shoes!
It’s good to feel the earth you walk upon, freeing!
I also have it on good authority that it is very good for you to walk upon the early morning dew barefooted, especially women. I often do this and, damp footed, I breath in the virgin fenland air at the start of a new day…It’s a very calming way to start the day and allows me time & peace to appreciate all I have.; May 13, 2007 3:11 AM
mARTa said…: lovely paintings and wonderful memories. I am fortunate enough to live in a climate where I run around barefoot ALWAYS at home. We do kick off our shoes when we come indoors or visit! And it’s sandle time so time for toe rings and ankle bracelets!; May 13, 2007 7:05 AM
Jana Bouc said…: These are wonderful Ronell. I grew up barefoot too, in San Diego, California. I never wore shoes (except to school or jobs) and my feet were so tough I could walk on the hot beach sand or the hot sidewalk with no problem. When I took my drivers license test the examiner tried to tell me I had to wear shoes but I told him there was no law that said so and he gave in. It wasn’t until I moved to New York City when I was 19 that I stopped going barefoot. My first walk down the street I stepped in glass, spit, etc. and that was the end of that. I still go barefoot at home and around the yard though. I actually liked the way it sounds to warm ones feet in a squishy cow pie. I bet it felt better than mud!; May 13, 2007 7:32 AM
Emma Pod said…: Wonderful feet and good colors too! I got “tagged” to tell 7 things about myself on my blog and then tag 7 others. I tagged you as one of my 7 (if you haven’t done it already) on my post tonight.take care! Mary; May 13, 2007 8:19 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for the comments- I loved all your stories about your barefoot days…wonderful to hear that it is a freedom still loved by many. It is so true what Anita says…to feel the raw earth beneath your feet, is to feel something freeing your soul.
Thanks
Ronell; May 13, 2007 9:18 AM
Tonniece said…: What a wonderful story Ronell. I have never liked being barefoot in my entire life, till that is, I got to that magical age all we women must endure. I now find the floors so soothing and (cooling). As for the great outdoors and bare feet I’ve never done that, but you make it sound so relaxing and fun. As summer is fighting to stay here in Canada, I just might give it a try.
Love the sketches. (being barefoot dosn’t seem to have done them any harm).; May 13, 2007 9:35 AM
Lindsay said…: Ronell, I loved this sweet and sentimental post. The paintings and your nostalgia are a lovely combination. Japan might be a great home for your feet!!; May 13, 2007 3:30 PM
SCquiltaddict said…: great story about your feet…and going barefooted…too bad you were not in the south…you could have gone barefooted here!; May 13, 2007 3:51 PM
andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…: These are really great. All of them. I love your approach Roneel. It makes me quite envious!; May 13, 2007 6:06 PM
Nancy Van Blaricom said…: Wonderful post. (I love reading your story’s)Wonderful memories for you.Wonderful sketches.Happy Mother’s Day to you.; May 13, 2007 6:35 PM
Natalie Ford said…: That reminds me of this – done years ago!; May 13, 2007 6:48 PM
Sarah said…: This time I hope it gets posted … enjoyed your post and the paintings are lovely – particularly the middle one. Reading about being barefoot made my toes curl in delight – I love the feel of dew-wet grass.And strangely enough, I live in Ipswich – and am regularly in Felixstow as it’s my nearest coastal town and I miss living by the sea. Small world!; May 13, 2007 7:31 PM
Robyn said…: Ronell – Just wanted to let you know, since I so enjoy your blog, I’ve tagged you. Just follow the link to my post http://havedogswilltravel.blogspot.com/2007/05/tagged.html; May 13, 2007 7:45 PM
E-J said…: As a three-year-old, I was evidently known as “the little girl with green feet” because going barefoot was seen as such an oddity! My father was originally South African, though … perhaps that’s the connection …Suffolk!! It’s so close to where I am now.Love your sketches, and your words.; May 13, 2007 11:20 PM
Silvia said…: Wonderful story and paintings. I can only agree with all that has been said before.; May 14, 2007 12:25 AM
bec said…: ahhh ! barefoot. I’ve enjoyed going barefoot since I was a child too… now I find it so freeing especially when I play music-I’m a violinist- it always goes better when I’m barefoot! I always enjoy your free and happy sketches.; May 14, 2007 3:46 AM
wagonized said…: They are beautiful feet! Not just the way you painted them, but simply them, their shape!; May 14, 2007 4:01 AM
aPugsLife-laserone said…: Wow, what a fantastic post. I love hearing about people’s lives through their posts and their art. I am very… I am not sure of the word. I tend to think about the past a lot. I moved around A LOT growing up and so I think about towns and houses I used to live in growing up. I miss some of them. Some I do NOT miss but still think about or dream about in my sleep. 🙂; May 14, 2007 7:48 AM
caseytoussaint said…: What a great post, Ronell! I also went barefoot all the time when I was a kid, even in New Jersey – and sometimes I forget and answer the door here in France with bare feet. The looks I get are terrifying!; May 14, 2007 8:39 AM
Carole said…: I get such a sense of freedom from your description of enjoying your barefootedness! And the paintings seem to communicate that revelling in such simple freedom. Lovely post!
By the way, I’ve tagged you – but just realised reading through your comments that I’m not the first. Sorry!; May 14, 2007 12:12 PM
Alison said…: Beautiful – I used to stub my toes so often as a child as I went barefoot all summer.; May 14, 2007 2:02 PM
Jan said…: Great feet Ronell. And I’ve tagged you too! Seems someone else got here before me, but it’s too late to change. I’ve got you up on my blog. So come on over and check the details!; May 14, 2007 2:15 PM
ksklein said…: Hi there, You have been tagged. To check it out have a look at my blog!I like the first feet pic.; May 14, 2007 4:27 PM
Sandy said…: What fun, both story and sketches, Both show so much of who you are and it is simply GREAT. For someone melancholy you ROCK!; May 14, 2007 4:28 PM
Teri C said…: What fun!!! I especially love the one with mud between the toes, that’s about as free as you can get!!; May 14, 2007 5:09 PM
Biby Cletus said…: Cool blog, i just randomly surfed in, but it sure was worth my time, will be backDeep Regards from the other side of the MoonBiby Cletus; May 14, 2007 9:15 PM
Stacy said…: Ronell, it seems your foot post was a hit! I enjoyed it too! I always liked being barefoot as a child and found that I haven’t yet outgrown it. Shoes suffocate my feet. My kids are taking after me and take off their shoes as soon as they get home. In warm weather we often wear flip flops when we need to go out because they are the most minimal shoes allowed.; May 15, 2007 6:04 PM
platitudinal said…: Melancholia may be a fleeting moment, but it certainly knows how to make its presence known. Hope you are feeling better. Love the bare feet sketches. I have a bit of a hard time imagining the delight of squishing around the cow dung, but was tickled by the idea that some people do not mind 🙂; May 16, 2007 1:44 PM
phthaloblu said…: Oh my! I grew up barefoot. The bottoms of my feet were as hard as leather from going everywhere barefoot. My husband hated that (he’s from New Jersey) and wouldn’t let our kids go barefoot. I told him, sorry, you married a hillbilly! lol! Anyway, he hates it when I get back from girl weekend, especially if we’ve been in the mountains because the first thing I do is ditch the shoes. Thanks for bringing back some memories.; May 16, 2007 5:13 PM

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Posted on April 24, 2007June 27, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Watering cans and dainty shoes

In art class this afternoon, Casey set up a still life outside…after we enjoyed a delicious lunch of Courgette soup with sesame seeds, followed by a wonderful tomato, coriander and pine nut quiche and ended with strawberries and blood orange dessert and madeleines…I hope you are all drooling now..

It was tough getting into drawing afterwards, but we did the best we could. We had a friend there whose shoes we all admired, so she unceremoniously stacked her shoes as part of the still life….

I wanted to try a different medium today. The first one is done in a walnut stain wash and then finished off with pen and conte in different colors on Arches HP. Although not the right medium for those dainty shoes, I did it nonetheless, since I haven’t worked with it before. I do like the medium and will definitely experiment more.

I thought I owed it to those shoes to make them look kind of pretty, so the second is done in pen and watercolor on Arches HP. The composition is a bit off in both cases, among other things, but let’s say I felt like watching the world go by rather than joining it. (See what Judi says about this “watching the world buzz by”… http://everythingiscontextual.blogspot.com/2007/04/work-is-for-birds.html

Teri C said…: Well first, I am drooling reading about that wonderful lunch. Then I went right into amazement over that new paint and then into awe over those shoes!! Yo all have so much fun on your art dates!! Wish I could join you.; April 24, 2007 9:23 PM
Lin said…: What a juxtaposition of materials –!! And yet all treated beautifully by your hand!! LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY!; April 24, 2007 9:30 PM
Dave said…: ovely work, and what amazing shoes! That must have been a fun day.; April 24, 2007 9:44 PM
caseytoussaint said…: Wow, that was fast! These look great. I’m really impressed with what you did with the ‘brou de noix’ I’m going to have to try that.; April 24, 2007 9:55 PM
Lynn said…: Whoa, those shoes rock! What a happy, quirky composition this turned out to be. You did an outstanding job on both paintings.; April 24, 2007 11:50 PM
janey said…: I like this both very much. Same scene but so different because of the color and medium. And what a neat idea to add shoes to the still life.; April 25, 2007 12:10 AM
Lindsay said…: I like them both but I like the walnut wash one best! Gives it an air of Morrocan Mystery. And btw, you guys are having entirely TOO much fun! What foodies you are!!! Yes, I am drooling and I even just finished dinner.; April 25, 2007 1:55 AM
Brenda Y said…: What a fabulous lunch and an even more fantastic art session. I love both of these and can’t say which I like best. I DO like the dainty shoes thrown in, they are unexpected as if they were kicked off in favor of gardening.; April 25, 2007 2:54 AM
Nancy Van Blaricom said…: This is my first time visiting your blog and web-site and what joy it’s been. I love your watercolors and the way you use color … what a delightful touch your drawing and paintings have.; April 25, 2007 2:56 AM
mARTa said…: well, first of all….I love the one in brou de noix best…it’s mysterious. Second…..I am thrilled that I’ll be able to share one of those wonderful meals with both of you in just a few months!; April 25, 2007 4:42 AM
soulcomfort said…: Just wandered through your blog and love your work!! I aspire…. 🙂; April 25, 2007 5:45 AM
platitudinal said…: I like the monochromatic look of the first painting with walnut stain. Each object seems to compliment each other and no one competes for the sole attention — even those pretty shoes in the middle. It gives a feeling of harmony.On the second painting, there’s no doubt who is the star of the picture … before I read your writing, I thought those were the sandals you use when you’re gardening. Fancy Ronell! Hehe. Bzzzzzzzz …; April 25, 2007 12:44 PM
E-J said…: Great juxtaposition. Imagine gardening in those shoes! 🙂 Each of these is lovely in its own, quite different, way. Forgive my ignorance, but what is a walnut stain wash?; April 25, 2007 3:26 PM
artnewbie said…: Thanks for stopping by my blog, and for your kind comments. Well, I just love these pictures, especially the dark stain one – exotic, and such fun! Diane.; April 25, 2007 7:08 PM
suzanne said…: These are both gorgeous. I’m particularly drawn to the first one. Though the walnut wash isn’t necessarily “dainty” it realy allows the shoes to shine. You do a wonderful job of adding highlights which helps a whole lot. Oh, and your meal sounds wonderful as well…sure beats my subway sandwich!; April 25, 2007 7:51 PM
Robyn said…: Is walnut stain what I think it is? Something one rubs into one’s skirting board! Whatever it is, is is so effective and I adore the shoes. It must be the French influence to wear such shoes to art class!; April 26, 2007 7:56 PM
andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…: osh this whole post is just fantastic. I love the top picture Ronell – but then I am always taken by anything in sepia tones. Really stunning.; April 27, 2007 1:45 AM
Diahn said…: Wonderful – I have to echo the others’ love of the juxtaposition of the items in the still life – and I have to envy those SHOES!!! :DIsn’t it grand to have an art buddy? Lucky you!; April 27, 2007 4:45 AM
aPugsLife-laserone said…: REALLY beautiful pieces! I’m amazed that you used a walnut stain, it turned out incredible! 🙂; April 27, 2007 9:07 AM
Sarah said…: i love the contrast between the delicate beaded shoes, and the watering can. This is a great image, beautifully executed. Like the sepia version too; April 27, 2007 2:52 PM
phthaloblu said…: Those shoes are so very dainty and pretty! Nice job on both of these sketches. Thanks alot for the food cravings!; April 27, 2007 3:41 PM
Jana Bouc said…: Wow! These are both fabulous. I love your work and woke up this morning thinking about and picturing your menu paintings from the last time I visited.

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