kitchen – Page 2 – Africantapestry

Posted on November 9, 2007November 10, 2007 by Myfrenchkitchen · 22 Comments

Sketching with a coffee and a good friend.

A good day is when you get that unexpected call from a very good friend from far away. And after a long conversation, without “pretense and expectation”(quoting her words), you can put down the phone, feel inspired, have a wonderful cup of coffee and draw closer the sketching tools.

Colette and I have shared many coffees over many years. We have shared abundance and empty purses, shopped on impulse as well as on budget. We rode challenging waves and sailed calm waters, we ate fish and chips at three in the morning and elegant strawberries at midday, we wore hats and bought hats and laughed at our own reflections, we drank champagne in strangers’ empty homes and dug up kitchen floors in search of gold. We shared freshly caught lobster on the beach and we licked our fingers from barbecues under the African moon. And we talked. Listened. We still talk and we still listen.

This is for you, Colette. Thank you for lifting my spirits this morning; for having me cry my heart out and for leaving me with joy.

While enjoying my coffee this morning after the call, I felt The Urge. It has been a long time since I felt The Urge. You can also call it that hit of inspiration, working of the muse, the bulb moment, the end of the tunnel, the light in the distance….You can even call it panick attack; for feverishly grabbing the paper and pencil and water and brushes, before it leaves! So I did actually produce four sketches. None of them turned out as I planned which I accept, seeing how few things in life do turn out according to plan.

I have about 3 cups of coffee a day. Starting off in the morning with a big bowl of coffee in which I can dip a chunk of bread or a biscotti as we bake them in South Africa…called beskuit(rusks). Pen and WC in moleskine.

Then moving through the day I’ll have a cuppacino in just a mug.. Pen and WC-pencils in moleskine.

Maybe enjoying sitting back after dinner with a small espresso… Pen and WC in moleskine

Leaving just enough room for that extra special cup around a fire, when the coffee is no good, but the atmosphere and stories fill the enamel mug with bursting aroma and flavour, making it the best cup of the day. Pencil and WC in moleskine.

Posted on October 13, 2007October 13, 2007 by Myfrenchkitchen · 25 Comments

Copper and quince to feed the soul

I haven’t been doing much of anything lately. Here are two somewhat messy paintings. But that’s OK. Life does get a little messy sometimes. Out of that will come the order.

Copper pots and some quinces. There is one lost pomegranate which doesn’t really look like one. It is. I only treated it badly.

The rest of the quinces are waiting to be cleaned and sliced and slowly baked in a little water and sugar until beautiful dark red with a lovely thick syrup. Then put into sterilized can fruit bottles and savoured as accompaniments to meat or on their own with a dollop of crème fraîche. That(the cream version) will typically happen on days like I’m experiencing lately; feed my soul some goodness and lots of it…open up a jar of dark, red quinces in a comforting red sweet juice, bring out the crème fraîche, a spoon, get in front of the tv with the cats, lots of throws and a few very soppy, teary dvd’s….”Message in a bottle”…or the likes; I will definitely want to cry. Then I’ll just succumb and dig in.

WC on Fabriano HP and some pen lines on the bowl with fruit. (30,5 x 23cm)

Posted on July 9, 2007August 22, 2007 by Myfrenchkitchen

Time out

It has been a while now that I’ve been struggling to get anything on paper and I was getting just more stressed by the day. Lindsay mentioned that when she gets this slump, she does nice things, naps, fun outings…. So I decided on some time out.
I put away all art, all stress, all guilt, all expectations. I went shopping(mostly window shopping) and I fiddled in the garden. I played piano and even wrote a song. You will never hear it. I concocted new recipes and did some cooking classes. I stole some mirabelles off someone’s tree and got chased by the dog with the pink bow. I moved the furniture around and changed the kitchen. I took down wall paper and started painting the living room. I played and slept with my cats. I ate too much and excercised too little. I’m blaming it on the weather. I watched Wimbledon and cried because it’s over.
I baked a cake for a friend’s birthday, decided at midnight I’ll do another one in the morning and helped myself to many slices. I sat in the rain and ate ice cream. Now I’m taking double dose vitamin c, because my throat is on fire. I went “brocante hunting” with a friend and bought other people’s junk. I sold a couch and bought a bed.
I never switched on the computer. That makes me feel bad because I didn’t visit any blogs. I dropped Hartman off at the station to go the States. I was so sad so I drove to the perfume shop and bought a bottle of Coco Chanel and a bottle of Hermes, now I don’t feel sad anymore…just guilty.
So I did indeed take time out…..no more stress, no more guilt, maybe more inspired…? Don’t know, time will tell. In the meantime, I have a living room to finish painting, I will be back next week, catching up on everybody’s work.
In fear of being completely forgotten, I thougth I’d post some of my finds at the brocante, while I’m waiting for the undercoat on the walls to dry.
An old dilapidated little car, while waiting for the brocante to open after lunch and then some old silver and pewter finds and lastly the old daybed(lit ancien as it is simply called), which is to replace the couch I sold, but only after some restoration. I just did some quick sketches in my moleskine with pencil, pen and a wash…all wonky still, which means I probably still need some time out.

Lin said…: Ah, Cara .. I’m sorry this slump still haunts you — but I think your time ‘unstressed’ is well spent. As someone told me when I complained of the same ailment “consider it pondering time’ … that special time you need to incubate ideas, desires, dreams, creations … so incubate, cara … and spend some time resting .. It will help — it really will.Huge HUGS!; July 9, 2007 5:51 PM
Robyn said…: I’ve always wanted such a day bed – now I have no room for one. The pewter plates are lovely.
Enjoy your time out, everyone will still be here when you feel like it again. I’ve been cooking all day myself – it’s fun sometimes to return to old loves and to do it without guilt.; July 9, 2007 6:39 PM
Lynn said…: I’m sorry you’ve been in a slump, but it sounds like you had some fun recharging your batteries. I like that sketch of the daybed. I hope you feel rejuvenated soon.; July 9, 2007 7:31 PM
Bonny said…: Hi Ronell;You know taking time out is good, not just for doing art. Sometimes doing other things, even unexpected things gives us a new focus on our art and on life. Take your time, and don’t feel guilty about taking time off. It’s summer, you’re SUPPOSED to to take time off from life!!!
We’ll still be here for you whenever you feel like talking or coming back!Hugs,Bonny; July 9, 2007 7:50 PM
Sandy said…: Yes I have missed you (forget you – Never!) Your time off sounds Glorious to me and I would like to join you (especially the cake and ice cream parts!). You will be inspired and come back gang-busters and I am Ready!! (ps – wish you had come to NY for our crawl and I LOVE the bed you purchased!); July 9, 2007 8:46 PM
Emma Pod said…: Hi Ronell, enjoy your time off. Have some fun. Relax. Goof off. Finish your projects. Sometimes it’s just good to change gears and do something different. And the whole point of art and blogging is for pleasure…not when it feels like “work”. I’ve been doing very little drawing this summer – there are so many other nice things to do. (thanks for helping us all not feel guilty!); July 9, 2007 9:51 PM
Jana Bouc said…: That’s a brilliant idea of how to get through a slump–enforced non-arting and non-blogging. Maybe it’s like what sex therapists advise when couples are having problems–they tell them to NOT have sex (which gives them time to pay attention to caring for one another and make the desire grow?). That would certainly apply to art–give you time to care for yourself, find your muse and allow it to seduce you back into the arms of art? I hope I’ll remember this next time I’m in a slump and badgering myself to produce!; July 9, 2007 10:28 PM
hfm said…: Have a good time we will wait here for you.; July 9, 2007 10:38 PM
Sharon said…: Slump or not…your fans are always happy to hear from you..and sending good thoughts your way!; July 9, 2007 10:58 PM
Regula Scheifele said…: was wondering what you’re doing. Your time-out sounds like the best idea, sometimes window shopping is the best kind of ‘therapy’ 😉
I love the little car you have found… but then I’ve got that thing for cute little cars anyway…
Looking forward to read your next post – whatever you have to share.; July 10, 2007 12:11 AM
uj said…: I am heartily applauding you Ronell. Good for you! Good for you!; July 10, 2007 3:03 AM
Sandy said…: Well…first off..no way would I forget this blog. I check every day. We all go through these times..you’ll get inspired again but heck, look at all you are getting done!!! I will keep checking back every day because I wouldn’t want to miss a new piece of art…or anything you post. sandy; July 10, 2007 8:17 AM
Nancy Van Blaricom said…: Whew ! There… finally a word from Ronell. Yes, we’ve missed you and your wonderful prose and art … But indeed your time away sounds like something needed. Possibly it’s the season, or just time for enjoying where you are. Come back when you are ready.; July 10, 2007 3:28 PM
Carole said…: I was just about to check that you were OK, and there you are! Good to hear from you. I’m glad you are allowing yourself off the hook and enjoying some other projects. Meanwhile you haven’t lost your touch with these little sketches. I love the daybed – that’s going to look gorgeous once you’ve restored it.Keep playing, and enjoy the summer! Look forward to reading more when (and only when) you are ready.; July 10, 2007 6:11 PM
Linda said…: Not to worry — you’re not forgotten! ;-D I remember a friend once saying that a field MUST lie fallow for a spell if it is going to yield a good crop. So, relax, enjoy, de-stress!
🙂; July 11, 2007 12:22 AM
Tami said…: Wow! Looks like you are doing a lot of fun, creative things with your time out! Enjoy youself, we have enough things that make us feel guilty, art, doing or not doing, shouldn’t be one; it’s for relaxation remember? I LOVE your art and hope to see more soon! In the meantime, I’ll entertain myself looking over your previous posts and any new “stuff” you are doing…; July 11, 2007 5:21 PM
Nancy said…: Keep up the adventurous days! Slumps can be great – get a “floaty pool” and float!; July 12, 2007 5:37 AM
bec said…: I’m all for that. gooooooo swimming and
relaxxxxxx.; July 12, 2007 8:11 PM
biteyourowntail said…: I think everyone needs time to rekindle the fire every now and again. And I think you do right not to fight it. There is a book, Women who run with the wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes – not about creativity per se, but she does discuss these issues. It’s a wonderful book that I think every woman should have by her bedside. Beautifully written, drawing on Jungian archetypes and traditional fairytales to chart women’s journey through life.; July 13, 2007 6:55 PM
caseytoussaint said…: Hi Ronell – I haven’t been able to comment in a while, but I enjoyed hearing about what you’ve been up to while I was in the US.. The sketches are great, and it sound like you’ve been having fun. Sometimes we just need a change….; July 13, 2007 11:10 PM
martín said…: I just came to see what you were up to, since I haven’t heard of you for some time, and wow, you’ve been having a lot of fun! you’ve gone through every possible emotion, hahaha. I think you did great, it’s a vacation, an arts vacation you took. Well done. Sometimes we need a change like Casey says. Take care. M; July 14, 2007 1:41 AM
Anita said…: At last!!!…I’ve been worried about you!
🙂; July 14, 2007 4:14 AM
soulcomfort said…: You may have felt in an art slump–but in didn’t sound like you were in an everything else slump. Having fun and relaxing is good for the soul. 🙂 Just needed a break–we all do sometimes. Looks like you are right back in the swing of things again–nice work, as usual! 🙂
Always, Rita; July 14, 2007 4:27 AM
Lindsay said…: So sorry you are having a hard time. I hope it will pass in time….be gentle with yourself! And thanks for mentining me!; July 14, 2007 5:01 AM
Arty Velarde said…: I really like these sketches. They have a lot of character.!
I hope you are doing ok.
Lydia; July 15, 2007 4:15 PM
mARTa said…: ok, so I’m missing you but glad you are just enjoying life right now…the creativity will burst forth soon I’m sure!; July 16, 2007 6:49 AM
Pequete said…: Well, one thing I am sure of: no matter how long your slumps may last, you will never be forgotten! I’m sure that with all that activity, your inspiration will come back soon. If not, try reading “Living Out Loud” by Ker Smith. I’m reading it right now and it has really great stuff!; July 17, 2007 3:10 PM
Felicity said…: I had no idea you were in a slump. My goodness, your art is so amazing, so briming with vitality and I’d just die to be able to paint like you – so I guess it never occured to me this could happen. So sorry, I hope you are finding your way out of it.; July 17, 2007 4:16 PM
Laureline said…: I’m very late to add my encouragement, but here it is, nevertheless. You’re a wonderful painter and writer, too. I hope you figure out a way to minimize the slump time, but we all have them, don’t we? Take good care and enjoy yourself and try not to have unrealistic expectations about production and perfection.
Xoxo,
L; July 17, 2007 4:44 PM
Serena said…: I haven’t been online much over the past couple of weeks due to my upcoming house move but I’m sorry to read that you’ve been in a bit of a slump, Ronell. I must admit I was a little envious reading all the things you have been doing though……relaxing and taking time out for yourself is nourishing to the soul so try not to be too hard on yourself. Your blog is one of my favourite blogs to visit as I find such inspiration here and I love the way you write about things. I appreciate too that you also take time to visit my blog and leave such beautiful comments….it really means a lot to me. Btw, I love your painting style and these sketches are wonderful ~; July 19, 2007 8:49 AM
phthaloblu said…: I am so sorry that you are having to experience this slump. I was in one for many years, but I think you are doing the right thing. Doing something else and taking a break. Don’t pressure yourself. These sketches are lovely and quick and I’m glad you did them even if you didn’t feel too much like it. I really love your work. Have a lovely little break and we’ll see you back soon.

Posted on May 18, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Bon voyage to Casey!

Bon voyage to Casey.! May she have fun in Hong Kong, may they be kept safe and may she come back with great sketches!

Lin said…: DITTO DITTO DITTO!! GREAT BOWL, TOO!; May 18, 2007 5:17 PM
Teri C said…: Wonderful tribute to Casey. What a good friend you are. Great bowl!!; May 18, 2007 7:16 PM
platitudinal said…: Love the bowl and the chopsticks to illustrate the trip to the Orient.; May 18, 2007 9:13 PM
bec said…: Oooh Hong Kong… I’ve never been there. It will be interesting to see Casey’s sketches. I like the colors and subject of your painting !; May 19, 2007 3:32 AM
caseytoussaint said…: Wow – thanks Ronell! I’m not sure I’ll be able to reach this standard, but I’ll do my best.; May 19, 2007 10:17 AM
Robyn said…: Such a pretty bowl! Reminds me how much I miss Chinese food. I lived in HK for a couple of years so really envy Casey.; May 19, 2007 2:26 PM
Claudia said…: The sketch looks so real!!Well done!; May 19, 2007 8:13 PM
mARTa said…: love chinese food! I have a bowl similar to your although I prefer to eat out! Love your wc sketch! I must try hot press paper!; May 20, 2007 4:17 AM
Brenda Y said…: What a clever idea to paint a chinese bowl and chopsticks!! I LOVE it!!! And oh yes, we will look forward to seeing what Casey brings back.; May 20, 2007 5:50 AM
Anna said…: Beautiful colors!; May 22, 2007 11:28 PM
Ben said…: what a sweet thing to do…and its lovely…; May 23, 2007 2:36 AM
Fanta said…: What a wonderful job. The perfect colur combination , perfectly balanced. It’s such a warm painting.
And yes, I also hope Casey will surprise us with lots of stuff. I bet she is sketching right now as I type. I really can’t wait!; May 23, 2007 9:44 PM
wagonized said…: Holy crap. I love how you handled the colors.; May 24, 2007 3:17 AM
laserone said…: omg i JUST love this. The colors are GORGEOUS. I have an almost identical bowl, but without the design on the bottom. Wow, this is really nice. 🙂; May 30, 2007 6:08 AM
Serena said…: Fabulous work, Ronell! I gave an oriental bowl and chopstick set to my daughter last year…same colours too. LOVE this!; May 31, 2007 12:28 PM
andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…: Absolutely STUNNING.

Posted on March 25, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Spot the differences

Play along and spot the differences between the two pictures.

Stand on your head to read the answer at the bottom.

casey said…: My, you are productive! I really like this one too. I’m running out of adjectives here!; March 25, 2007 5:43 PM
Teri C said…: Good thing I have a laptop:) because the only difference I see is the lighter one on the bottom.Wonderful painting!!; March 25, 2007 7:18 PM
Lin said…: I must be blind but I don’t see a difference — but I LOVE the sketch!!!; March 25, 2007 8:03 PM
aPugsLife-laserone said…: I can’t see any differences, but I’m not awake, LOL! But I do love the painting! 🙂; March 25, 2007 9:04 PM
🙂 Silvia said…: There are 7 differences??? My oh my… and I am only able to spot 2 of them…
What a creative idea :)!; March 25, 2007 9:41 PM
Ujwala said…: Spotted 2 too and if you’re counting the colour difference then one more 😀 neat idea for the ilo.; March 26, 2007 6:01 AM
Africantapestry said…: Hi everybody…thanks for the comments and playing along…there are really 7 differences(lines), maybe a bit more subtle than expected..it is actually hard to see on the small image and not easy to flick between the two images..but thanks, it is more about the idea anyway.
ronell; March 26, 2007 8:20 AM
phthaloblu said…: This is such a cool idea. And the paintings are wonderful even tho I can’t see the differences.; March 26, 2007 2:45 PM
Fanta said…: I only spotted three differences.
Thanks for commenting on my blog, your works are wonderful, and so glad I found you through Casey’s blog.; March 28, 2007 11:40 PM
MrsSnowy said…: Wow – there is so much that pleases me here. First of all, I love the simple but so effective style of this sketch – now I’m going to bookmark your blog and enjoy it when I’ve done some housework! ciao Robyn; March 29, 2007 1:16 PM
Carole said…: Well, I found 3 plus the colour difference! Lovely paintings. I like your pen and wash of the fisherman too.; March 29, 2007 7:49 PM
Africantapestry said…: Again, thank you for the wonderful words, everybody, I really apprecite it!
Ronell; March 30, 2007 12:37 AM
Marilyn said…: really don’t see any differences. See, we always see our own “differences” and think everyone else sees them.
I love your blog. You’ve done some mighty fine art.

Posted on March 19, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

A bowl is a bowl…is a bowl

According to most dictionaries a bowl is a round container, wider than it is deep and holds foods or fluids….That is apart from all the other meanings…shapes, sports, etc. So I took to searching my house for bowls. There are many. But then I also found other “containers” which I find have no boundaries in terms of their function.
I often use this big platter for meat dishes, salads, but I have also used it as a bowl, since it is just deep enough to prevent sauces from dripping over the sides…platter…or bowl?

Next I thought of, was my mother’s silver sugar container, I now use as a spoonholder. Since I grew up never asking :” Please pass the sugarpot/caddy/bowl”, but simply: “Pass the sugar”, I still don’t know what it really is, and should I now maybe ask to be passed the spoonbowl?

The third find in my home was the bird bath. Although it is frequented now by the birds for bathing and our cats for drinking, it did in its newly bought years serve us humans of the house well as a fruit bowl al fresco style.

Birdbath, spoonholder, platter, bowl…it is all in the eye of the beholder.

17 comments:

karen said…: Very nice line and wash, Ronell!; March 19, 2007 10:10 PM
phthaloblu said…: These are really nice! Great job!; March 19, 2007 10:15 PM
Teri C said…: Really nice bowls! You did a great on all the bowls.; March 19, 2007 11:04 PM
Linda said…: Great, great, and great! Wonderful highlights, which makes them just zing! 🙂; March 20, 2007 1:02 AM
andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…: osh these are good but I especially love the top one. It’s funny how you can see the skill involved more clearly in the most simple of images. Gorgeous. What medium did you use?; March 20, 2007 2:30 AM
SCquiltaddict said…: Very nice work…love the wash; March 20, 2007 3:00 AM
Christeen said…: These are so beautiful- nice work!; March 20, 2007 5:07 AM
Sydney Harper said…: Nicely done! They are all lovely but my favorite is the third one.; March 20, 2007 5:32 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for all the wonderful comments..
Andrea, my mediums were pen and just plain old black watercolor.
Ronell; March 20, 2007 8:33 AM
caseytoussaint said…: wow, you’ve been busy! I love these ink and wash drawings you’ve been doing – I agree with Andrea – they’re all really good, but the first one is a stunner!; March 20, 2007 8:58 AM
Emma Pod said…: These are all beautiful! It’s amazing what can be done with variations of just one color.; March 20, 2007 7:43 PM
Lin said…: GORGEOUS! Those washes are just scrumptiously done!! BRAVA!; March 20, 2007 9:52 PM
aPugsLife-laserone said…: Beautiful Bowls! There’s just something about the first one, the simple one, that I really like. 🙂; March 20, 2007 10:30 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thanks again for the encouraging comments…they really inspire me to keep working at it!
Ronell; March 20, 2007 11:08 PM
Deb Salter said…: Your use of wash is just magical!; March 21, 2007 5:28 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you, Deb…”magical” does make my heart go completely wild!
Ronell; March 21, 2007 8:36 PM
“Maggie” said…: I just love this sketch of the spoon bowl-beautiful. I have one too sitting on my table filled with silver spoons we use every day.

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