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Posted on June 27, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

If all else fails, try vegetables

I’ve seen a few people on EDM struggling with being in a slump. I guess it is my turn. I can’t seem to get a hold on inspiration.
There is a whole wide world out there to paint, to draw and I can’t find anything. I have the pencil and brush in my hand, like a knife and fork, waiting for the perfect meal to come from the kitchen. Unfortunately I am the “cook” in the kitchen….so I literally took my pencil and brush to the kitchen and tried to cook up something…I painted the first things my eyes fell on. Just earlier today I bought fresh produce which were on the table and so here are my carrots and aubergines…interestingly, the striped one is called a Graffiti. I struggled through 6 sketches, going from bad to worse. So I threw away the rest and kept the first attempts.
Both these sketches were done in WC on Fabriano HP.

Posted by Africantapestry at 5:01 PM

alteredtome said…: I just love your painterly style! So direct and fresh.; June 27, 2007 5:39 PM
Betty said…: aahhhhhhh! I am very envious of your slump 🙂 This is so lovely, as always.; June 27, 2007 5:46 PM
hfm said…: And they are so fresh and natural!; June 27, 2007 6:36 PM
martín said…: Wow! These are so well done. The combination of colours and the touches with the brush on the paper. Two masterpieces!; June 27, 2007 6:41 PM
mARTa said…: Ronell my favorite is the second one. Upon close inspection (hehehe)I have found numerous ‘jewels’ in this lively watercolor. I have several ‘favorite’ areas…the white veggie has lovely colour in it and a great blend of hard and soft edges. The contrast between the deep purple and blue is electrifying and the splashes of colour in the shadow areas keep the watercolor from vibrating too much. This is by far a most successful painting and the slump is offically over. have a great kitchen and painting day!!!; June 27, 2007 6:41 PM
caseytoussaint said…: These are just beautiful!; June 27, 2007 7:03 PM
juj said…: I never get tired of your style Ronell. LOVE those carrots.; June 27, 2007 7:29 PM
Robyn said…: What Marta said followed by what Casey said. And I bet you cooked them as beautifully as you painted them!; June 27, 2007 7:48 PM
Lin said…: GORGEOUS!! SO JUICY AND PAINTERLY!!!!; June 27, 2007 8:22 PM
brian nelson said…: Very nice, indeed!; June 27, 2007 10:40 PM
Dave said…: Wonderful; I love to see watercolours that look like watercolours! They are both lovely, the carrots are very striking, and the second one has some great touches, like the purple reflection in the blue one.; June 27, 2007 11:45 PM
mARTa said…: Now my critic of the carrots. I do think this one was successful as well but i have one area that bothers me. The dark shadow under the leaves just stares at me. I think I am entranced by the subtle colour in the other shadow areas but don’t see any here. The variation of the red/orange color of the carrots has my eyes traveling and so it carries me throughout the sketch. Both of these are successful also in that you’ve allowed the colors to mix themselves on the paper and for me that is always so hard to do!; June 28, 2007 12:57 AM
Teri C said…: These look good enough to eat. Except they are too beautifully colored-so fresh and bright.; June 28, 2007 1:41 AM
Deborah said…: Ohhhh, these make me want to eat some veggies. Beautiful!; June 28, 2007 2:19 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for all the comments..I appreciate them.
Yes Marta, you’re spot on with the carrots. My shading is not at all successfull…under the leaves it looks like something standing on it’s own and it really does hurt the eye. I also threw in unnecessary shadings under the tips of the carrots, which does the same thing…and that v-shaped shadow which is supposed to follow the little tie around the carrots.. This is of course due to my uncontrollable habit of not leaving things alone! I had finished and then I thought I could maybe have them look a bit better and so the fiddling started! Thank you for noticing it and saying it…I really appreciate it….without positive critique I can’t grow!!
Ronell; June 28, 2007 8:26 AM
biteyourowntail said…: Lush aubergines Ronell – I’m in love with those colours.I actually like to draw and paint veg – they’re such satisfying shapes – not to mention colours.; June 28, 2007 10:46 AM
Carole said…: Well done for clambering out of your slump and painting. I love both of these.Rather than throw away the ones you are less happy with, you could cut out the bits that do work (there are usually bits that do) and collage them, just for fun.; June 28, 2007 11:38 AM
Regula Scheifele said…: Slump? – if you say so… though the paintings surely don’t show it.
I love the second one, the colour of the aubergines is perfect (I’ve tried painting aubergines as well, didn’t really get the colour the way I wanted it….).
Beautiful!; June 28, 2007 12:02 PM
andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…: Ronell I couldn’t agre more. These are brilliant brilliant brilliant.; June 28, 2007 1:57 PM
Lindsay said…: Ronell, I’ve been there! Slumps can feel really aweful. The last time I was in one, I took myself on a date to and did some really relaxing and beautiful things. Sometimes, all you need are a few naps and a couple of low pressure outings for just yourself.
The carots are lovely!Take good care!; June 28, 2007 3:20 PM
Cathy (Kate) Johnson said…: Gorgeous, Ronell! I love the fresh, splashy look…; June 28, 2007 3:54 PM
Irene said…: Very nice. Fresh and watery (is that a word?); June 28, 2007 4:18 PM
Sandy said…: Oh My God, there is nothing left to say – I love every bit of them!!! I may hate you 😉; June 28, 2007 4:50 PM
Sandy said…: I like both of the pictures. So glad you updated. I come here almost every day just waiting, LOL..silently waiting…these are gorgeous Ronell.sandy; June 28, 2007 9:27 PM
Emma Pod said…: Hi Ronell, these are beautiful vegetables! Great colors. I also like your frog from an earlier post!; June 28, 2007 9:49 PM
Linda said…: bsolutely gorgeous! The carrots, especially, are just so ALIVE.; June 29, 2007 1:30 AM
good with color said…: “sigh”Your paintings are so beautiful, it makes me feel happy and relaxed to look at them. especially those eggplants. I bought some today, to make ratatouille (sp?) but yours are so much nicer! Bunnies everywhere are longing for your carrots, I’ll bet.; June 29, 2007 6:57 AM
laserone said…: Hey, that’s really good work for somebody who is uninspired! I especially love the aubergines, I just love blues and purples. 🙂; June 29, 2007 7:07 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thanks for the comments, they are all so inspiring.
I alos found Diahn’s article on Wet canvas, very inspiring – makes me want to just get back into doing “small things”, but things that give pleasure. See Diahn at http://artbydiahn.blogspot.com/
Thanks again to everybody.; June 29, 2007 9:14 AM
platitudinal said…: Ronell, I love how you described holding the pencil and the brush in your hands like eating utensils, and you were waiting for the “perfect meal.”The vegetables looked so beautiful. I love the carrots (even though I don’t really like eating carrots). The orange and the yellow compliment each other so nicely, they’re such a delight to the eyes.; June 29, 2007 11:55 AM
Claudia said…: W o n d e r f u l colours, Ronell! Keep up the good work! I always love to see more of it!
…And thank you for your nice words “whatever you chose to do, do it to the fullest!”
Kind regards from
Claudia; June 29, 2007 8:09 PM
Tonniece said…: I enjoy your art so much Ronell, whether in a slump or in perfect form, you always get it right.; June 29, 2007 8:26 PM
Laureline said…: Wow!!!!!!!!Just amazingly gorgeous, Ronell!!! They’re so loose and colorful and watery—PERFECT!!; June 29, 2007 8:45 PM
Anita said…: Ronell you turn everything into an uplifting rainbow, these are beautiful!!!; July 1, 2007 2:15 AM
Sandy said…: just waving hello…looking for updates..no pressure…but looking for updates..LOL…gosh everytime I come here I get inspired…I love your stuff. By the way you have great links too…; July 1, 2007 6:26 PM
Pequete said…: Well, if this is a slump… I just wish I had some of these myself! Both sketches are lovely, but I especially like the carrots one, so painterly and light.; July 2, 2007 11:32 AM
wagonized said…: What a great approach. When i hit a drawing funk, even my favorite subjects are uninviting — that’s probably because i am less willing to “surprise” myself. These are gorgeous — just what you managed to do by pushing yourself into the kitchen is amazing. And i love the fact you chose to juxtapose the orange of the carrots with the purple underneath. Excellent.; July 5, 2007 8:23 PM
phthaloblu said…: These are great sketches. Sorry to hear about your slump. Just keep ‘doing’ and hopefully you won’t be slumping for long. Your work is beautiful and so loose and I love looking at it. Good thought for you!; July 7, 2007 9:36 PM
Bill said…: hy an I always hungry after visiting your blog?Beautiful!; July 15, 2007 9:14 PM
CrumpledPaperbirds said…: These are gorgeous!!!
Lovely colors, and love the two pics next to each other…food for eyes.; July 16, 2007 1:50 PM

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 9, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Urns and tennis

I have a passion for urns…Medici, cast iron, soapstone, old stone…I love their shape and touch and smell, their poise and nobility. While I watched the tennis today, my hands looked for something to do. Since I’ve been longing to do a few urns for some time now, I thought I should start right away with the first one, an old French cast iron urn. The first painting is oil on linen which I did a few years ago.It is close to my heart.

This next one is one of three watercolors I did while watching the ladies final at Roland Garos this afternoon. I wanted to go for the same composition as the oil just for comparison. This was the last of my attempts and probably the one closest to what I intended. Maybe because by this time the tennis result was a clear cut thing, no doubt who the winner would be, so my attention was mostly on the paper.The shape is awkward though, but that doesn’t bother me too much. I’m never too fixed on realism. My watercolors are a bit sloppy lately, but my goal is to bring more expressionism into them, to accentuate color more and the big one …to fiddle less

This sketch comes in second. I’m not happy with it, although there is something that makes me look at it again. It is very wild and uncontrolled, dark a with lot of confusing leaves….that actually sounds very much like my mind…. or it could be the tennis. By this stage in the match, it was a very one-sided gameAnd finally, my first attempt right at the beginning of the match, when I still thought it was going to be a tough battle and my attention was eagerly turned more to the game.

There is really no interest in this one, very flat and floating with no excitement. After these attempts I had enough of this urn, however much I love it. I’ll try some others for next time

22 comments:

Dave said…: Interesting exercise to paint the same thing three times. I like all of them, but I think I agree with your order of preference. The oil is outstanding!; June 9, 2007 7:43 PM
Renate said…: I’m in love with the oil painting. There is something very intriguing in it. Maybe the way you get the light … Don’t know. But it’s great!; June 9, 2007 7:59 PM
Sandy said…: Love the oil painting too and of the three, my favorite is the bottom one…just gorgeous. But…I’m still thinking about that outdoor kithen and alfresco cooking…yum…I’m hungry..; June 9, 2007 9:35 PM
🙂 Silvia said…: All of the paintings are great, but the first one is really outstanding :)!! It’s understandable that you are very fond of it.; June 9, 2007 11:18 PM
Robyn said…: The urn was the winner on the day. Beautiful all ways. I love the oil – awesome, but my favourite of your ‘tennis’ paintings is the first one. Smashing!; June 9, 2007 11:18 PM
janey said…: Yes the oil is excellent but actually my favorite is the last one. I like the freedom and the colors.; June 10, 2007 12:43 AM
Jenny said…: I like them all, and there’s no reason for me to pick one over the others. :)Sports on television cannot hold my attention and something else to do must me found. Needlework is my usual choice if it’s at an uncomplicated point.; June 10, 2007 2:07 AM
caseytoussaint said…: Ronell, whenever I stop paying attention I miss another fabulous post! this is great, I’ve always loved that oil, and it looks wonderful here – I think my favorite of the watercolors is the last one – it looks like you’re sure of your subject and know where you wanted to go with it, maybe because the composition is a bit simpler. Delightful.; June 10, 2007 4:56 PM
Lindsay said…: Wow! You have an amazing eye for detail! Great wc sketches too.; June 10, 2007 4:58 PM
Jana Bouc said…: hese are all amazing and I’m so envious of your oil technique. I think my favorite images of the urn though are the first one (the oil) and the last one. The surface of the urn in the oil is perfect and it looks so weighty and substantial. The values in the last watercolor image are just right and it really stands out.; June 11, 2007 6:45 AM
hfm said…: Love your persistency… and for me they are good and transparent as I like them.; June 11, 2007 10:40 AM
Anita said…: Oh Ronell, we share a passion. I can’t pass an urn or a column or ballistrade without running my hands along it’s curves…Which can be rather embarassing for those who are with me at times. LOL!
Your paintings are beautiful. The oil is exceptional and the watercolours show your personality, knowledge of subject and love of colour.
Truly gorgeous!; June 11, 2007 12:40 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for your commenst…I rellay apprecieate it.
Ronell; June 11, 2007 4:09 PM
Bonny said…: Fabulous, Ronell! To me, all the urn sketches are interesting for their own sake. I don’t think I’ve ever concentrated on drawing one thing several times to compare the results. Neat idea!; June 11, 2007 4:21 PM
Laureline said…: Hey, I love that last one—so what am I, chopped liver?? The whole group is such fun to see and, as always, your narrative is charming and compelling, too.; June 11, 2007 8:10 PM
Sandy said…: Each rendition is wonderful in it’s own – I cannot sit still to do the same subject repeatedly but this shows how much variety can be achieved – Great work as always.; June 11, 2007 8:17 PM
wagonized said…: Such an intricate shape to draw / paint. The first one blows me away, quite simply. I think oil is very appropriate for the weight of the urn.; June 12, 2007 5:22 AM
Carole said…: How do you find the patience to paint the same thing three times! You must learn a lot from doing so. I love the differences in these three paintings, and they all have characteristics that I like. I like the loose expressive style and think you’ve achieved it well. My favourite is, of course, the oil painting. It’s simply stunning.; June 12, 2007 6:31 PM
Tonniece said…: As always lovely pieces. The oil painting is wonderful Ronell.; June 13, 2007 11:13 PM
Andrew said…: wowoowwww these are just awesome…so did you watch much of the match:>; June 14, 2007 12:01 AM
Serena said…: WOW! I’m flat out painting something once let alone four times. The oil is my absolute favourite but the other’s are vibrant with colour and flair. Well done, Ronell ~; June 20, 2007 6:20 AM
platitudinal said…: I love how your paintings give us hints of your self, Ronell. Today we learn that you have a passion for urns and the reason behind it.Your talent never ceases to amaze me.

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 30, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Two cars

Two cars…Only for the show.
They serve their purpose well in adding a quirky touch to a corner in the house somewhere…on a pile of antique books, under a cloche, on a dinner table, on a stack of DVD’s..I bought the chevy( right?)when we lived in South Carolina, at a stop next to the highway.
The “coccinelle” is a lovely reminder of my own I once dashed around in.
Watercolor and ink on Arches HP paper

Sandy said…

I adore these cars and the amusing still lifes you created, Bravo; May 30, 2007 6:17 PM
Carole said…: These are both great paintings. I love the quirky things you find to paint, and the colours you choose to use. The little green car is really cute – I’d love one of those!; May 30, 2007 7:18 PM
brian nelson said…: Great job on the cars! Great paintings.; May 30, 2007 8:26 PM
Lin said…: FANTASTIC WORK!!! Love the wee things!; May 30, 2007 8:57 PM
Dave said…: Lovely work! And such interesting subjects.; May 30, 2007 10:14 PM
platitudinal said…: And the doors open too. Wow!
Great illustrations on the theme, Ronell! And, another glimpse to your life or in this case, your house 🙂; May 31, 2007 12:06 AM
Lynn said…: I love both these compositions. They are exquisite!; May 31, 2007 12:07 AM
Lindsay said…: Very cute cars. Love the shading on them.; May 31, 2007 7:56 AM
Robyn said…: Lovely whimsical still lifes, Ronell. There seem to be quite a few women painting cars lately. It must be evolution 🙂; May 31, 2007 10:20 AM
Tonniece said…: So detailed, I love the the colors, the moveing parts, and the fact that you actually own miniature cars, how cool.; May 31, 2007 1:31 PM
juj said…: I’ve never noticed how little pen you use to make your wonderful sketches until I looked at the VW Bug large, and I don’t know why it facinates me so much but it’s amazing and makes me love your paintings even more. Great work on both these sketches. LOVE the colors – especially those spots on the cds.; May 31, 2007 2:28 PM
suzanne said…: Such a smart way to illustrate cars! I love the fact that you like to have quirky touches around your house. Me too!; May 31, 2007 3:22 PM
Teri C said…: Great cars!!! That top one is a ’56 Chevy I think. They both are so neat and what a great subject!; June 1, 2007 4:05 AM
Viv King said…: Hi Ronell – your site is SO COOL- it is so accessible and you can see changes all the time – you must be one hard-working chick!! Thanks for the comment on my “portrait” – it is nice to get some recognition at last after so many years of trying – did you ever have anything to do with the SASA while you were in Stellies – I find them to be quite a “cliquey” bunch!! Keep in touch, hey ou skat!

Posted on May 17, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Some odd sketches

Today is an odd day. The weather is odd. I feel odd. I had two odd migraine attacks in a week, normally I’ll have two in a year. In an odd way I don’t feel like doing any art. So I just chose some odd subjects. I did these all in my moleskine, which felt odd after a long time of not using it. And I used odd colors. Ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, raw umber and payne’s grey. For no specific reason, my eyes just fell on them. In order to do some of these subjects, I had to twist my body oddly to see them, since I refused to get out of my “comfort zone”…

Ten to twelve…it’s an odd clock, it can’t be trusted.

An old pitcher with an old, hand crocheted “doily” from my mom’s kitchen, frequently used to keep out the odd insect.

An old candy bowl, now used to hold old porcelain pieces I pick up everywhere. Many of them were dug up when we established our garden. It’s a habit I learnt from a good friend in SA many years ago and we both still do. I miss her on this odd day. There is always a piece of old porcelain lying around on the ground, telling a story of times long past.

Ostrich eggs, straight from the farm. Odd bird, the ostrich; quick and vicious despite its calm looks.

Just a lamp, nothing odd about it.

25 comments:

Dave said…: You set yourself an interesting challenge! I think my favourite is the lamp, though they’re all good.; May 17, 2007 6:25 PM
mARTa said…: ah Ronelle, oddly beautiful…all of them! I suffer from migraines as well…about 4 to 8 a month…I understand the odd.; May 17, 2007 6:53 PM
Robyn said…: Odd is nice – very Alice in Wonderland. I like this odd palette. Lovely sketches, the milk jug cover with the beads took me back to my grandmother. She had crochet with beads over everything, even dangling lamp shades. To me it was like Aladdin’s Cave.; May 17, 2007 6:57 PM
Lin said…: Ronell — I LOVE your limited palette use – it looks great!! And even feeling odd-your work is still divine!!!; May 17, 2007 7:50 PM
Tonniece said…: Migraine, and not in a mood to do any art………and still here are five great sketches. Although they are all super I like the eggs and the lamp.; May 17, 2007 7:55 PM
Teri C said…: You even manage to have great stuff when having an odd day! Maybe odd is good. Hope those migraines go somewhere else.; May 17, 2007 7:56 PM
Nancy Van Blaricom said…: Great work all of them, but I’m sold on “ten to twelve”. I love the composition and the colors… and the line… Great work.; May 17, 2007 8:40 PM
Jeanette said…: Wow! So beautiful…I will definitely come back! Soon!; May 17, 2007 9:21 PM
Sandy said…: Oh how I love your loose, light touch – Just Great , all of them!; May 17, 2007 9:56 PM
Stacy said…: I really like your “odd” sketches and how the palette ties them all together in a set. My favorite is the lamp, something in the way the paint flowed. Odd explaination, I know. Your description of how each item was odd was much better. 🙂; May 17, 2007 11:20 PM
shirley said…: These are lovely – so many wonderful reflections.; May 18, 2007 12:53 AM
Lindsay said…: Odd how I just happened to drop by! I, for one am really glad you shared your odd day. These are poinent (sp) and sweet.; May 18, 2007 6:14 AM
Brenda Y said…: They may be odd to you, but to me they are exquisite!! You have such a wonderfully loose and fluid style and the limited palette is fantastic (something I’ve been working on lately too!) I love the idea of collecting odd pieces of porcelain and putting them in a jar. I do hope you get over your odd feeling and your migraines.; May 18, 2007 7:21 AM
caseytoussaint said…: Ronell, these are wonderful – I really love the clock and candlesticks, and as Brenda says, the limited palette works beautifully. I hope you feel better, I’ve been worried about you….; May 18, 2007 10:21 AM
Rebel Alliance said…: nice drawings… congratulations!; May 18, 2007 3:26 PM
platitudinal said…: These sketches are lovely. They truly capture the beauty of every day. There’s peace and serenity in them. I hope those elements color your days, and less odd days frequent your doorstep.; May 18, 2007 9:12 PM
Carole said…: I do love the way you turn your everyday life into these quirky writings and beautiful moody sketches. I like that colour palette and the slightly out of focus look about the sketches.I hope you are feeling better.; May 19, 2007 11:00 PM
martha said…: These are fantastic! I can only aspire to such looseness and juicy color.; May 20, 2007 8:36 PM
ksklein said…: actually all the odd stuff turned out to be really good.; May 21, 2007 1:29 PM
Emma Pod said…: These are all beautiful odd things! You did an especially nice job on the glass objects. I hope you are feeling better!; May 21, 2007 7:49 PM
Africantapestry said…: thanks for commenting, I appreciate it!
ronell; May 22, 2007 8:08 AM
Laureline said…: Wonderful collection of oddments! It’s really fun to see your mind working, the way you string together your sketch vignettes!; May 22, 2007 9:23 PM
Fanta said…: The eggs are just wonderful. But so are the glass containers. How on Earth can you make them look so lively, shiny, airy and beautiful???? You have a real talent there.; May 23, 2007 9:48 PM
Jana Bouc said…: What a feast for the eyes! I like the candlesticks and eggs the best.; May 24, 2007 6:16 AM
austin said…: I’m drawn to burnt sienna and clocks so this painting is one I would love to posses. The colour combo is very calming so I use these as often as possible in my home. I find them soothing. Your “odd sketches” are moving.

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