Nature – Page 21 – Africantapestry

Posted on January 8, 2008January 8, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen · 23 Comments

Sketching a cave in Montlouis sur Loire

I am trying my best to get my life organized. There is a lot going on now and it seems there isn’t enough time-slots to fit it all into. It is exciting. One of the most exciting events waiting, is my trip to South Africa in February. And then a big excitement…my watercolour palette is in the mail(just in time for my trip), which I’ve been waiting for since last year October!! I will show and tell all about it when it arrives. Along with that, I am busy making my own watercolour sketchbooks, with Marta‘s help by email! Since the first brushstroke I gave in her handmade sketchbook last year, I knew I wouldn’t experience that contentment in a bought sketchbook again. In the meantime I have studied and read a lot, ordered all my bookmaking stuff and I’m ready. First I dreaded it and now that I know a little more, I’m looking forward to it. I will post that as well as soon as my first book is done. And I then also have an appointment to discuss exhibition(a tiny little one♥♥…), which has my knees all jello, partly because of excitement, but mostly it is because of fear and self doubt!

In the meantime, I had a cancelled trip today and I sat in the sitting roomwith a coffee earlier, looking at our cliff at the back and thought the cave could be an interesting sketch. This is typical of our region, la Touraine… a lot of caves which the winemakers use for winemaking and cellars and people literally still live in the caves. Parts of their houses go into the mountaincliffs. Troglodytes (cave-dwellers, says the dictionary) They are well-lit, dehumidified, heated and very interesting! All along the Loire, you will see these Caves, (winecellars) and the houses attached to the cliffs. It makes for very interesting and different scenery and a sketcher’s dream I should think, which makes me wonder why I haven’t sketched it yet? Rochecorbon, Vouvray, Vernou, Montlouis sur Loire(my town) – it is on my list for when the weather allows….and my sketchbook is done! There is nothing going on in this cave of ours. It is deep and dark and narrow, swerving all the way into the moutain and joins up with our neighbour’s, winding further and then stops somewhere. Rotring pen(.25) and watercolour in moleskine.

Posted on December 12, 2007December 12, 2007 by Myfrenchkitchen · 32 Comments

Trees in ink

Yesterday was a lovely sunny day, so I took a walk along the Loire. I thought of Robyn, who did a watercolor painting and an ink drawing with a beautiful tree in her scene. I remember thinking that I’d like to take on trees, so, I took out my unipen and looked for trees to draw.

I’m afraid of trees, so this was really getting me out of my comfort zone. I find them complicated and I never know where to begin, what to put in and how to depict those intricate branches, not to mention the odd dry leaf still hanging for life, the magnitude of dead twigs intertwined like spiderwebs, the stunning moss growing on the shady sides, the windswept bending to nature’s unforgiving blows. I just find it hard.

I did four and then realized I need to do many more tree sketches to really grab hold of the character of a tree. In fact, next year one of my goals will be to take on plein air, piece by piece, studying trees and rocks, foliage, texture in nature. These are actually my first ever trees and now the ice is broken and the work awaits!

A tree standing in the water. Done on site in unipen and afterwards washed with indian ink and “petit gris” brush. Moleskine

A crab apple tree next to the Loire. Done in unipen and some inksplatterings at home to depict the gravel alongside the tree. Moleskine

An old split-open tree with a lot of spiderweb twigs hanging , which I tried to depict by a fine spray of black and silver ink at home. Moleskine.

This is my favourite tree, the Tilleul(along with the oak). I just love their statuesque shapes that change from season to season. In late winter we just simply call them knot-trees, because they are pruned back to the thick knots, which some people find grotesque, but I think it’s beautiful. Some day I’ll do this tree again and hopefully do justice to it! Done in brushpen and I splotched some brushpen sprayes on the thick trunk to depict the beautiful moss. Moleskine.

Posted on November 1, 2007November 3, 2007 by Myfrenchkitchen · 26 Comments

Meeting Marta in Paris

Casey and I met Marta in Paris for a one day adventure….it turned out somewhat of a “death march”. We met early morning at a cafe at the hotel de ville, had a coffee, and admired our beautiful little gifts, handmade by Marta. Marta is as graceful and loving, vibrant and radiant as she comes across on her blog and she is never without her wide, beautiful smile! See some photos.

We then took to the streets. Dropped in at Shakespeare and Company. I cheated here…sketched them from a photo later at home…it is far too small inside and I had far too few hands and far too many books to browse.

Stopped at Sennelier art shop and stepped out just before they locked up for lunch, which put us on the hunt for dejeuner as well. Found a bistrot, took off the scarfs and the gloves, almost started ordering the wine, had a change of mind, put the gloves and scarves back on and continued the hunt. After what seemed an eternity, passing the same shop quite a few times, we ended up at the little resto Bergamote, next to the marché of St-Germain. Warm and cosy, with the best traditional baked baguette, great food, friendly service and a very complicated ladies room, where washing hands rested on the per-chance discovery of a well disguised little knob…

The sunny afternoon brought us to the Jardin du Luxembourg just around the corner, and as we found a spot to do at least a sketch or two, a dark grey cloud was moving in fast. Without warning, the rain came cascading down unforgivingly and had people stampeding for the nearest shelter, trying to keep their dignity intact. Our California girl calmly took out her umbrella and offered us two “Frenchies” generously a dry spot…

The rain stopped as suddenly as it showed up and the sun took us further on our march, into Le cimetière du Montparnasse. By now, the sun had made way for the approaching evening and it was time for a body warming chocolat chaud. For me, this is the finest hour to be in Paris on a cold, wet winter’s day; the bars are filled with atmosphere, warmth and people meeting up to warm their hands around a hot chocolat chaud, the coats and scarves wrapped around chairs, the garcons serving up drinks in a chatty mood, the lights outside are playing on the wet streets, people are heading home from work with baguettes under the arms, pinching off a piece of crust every now and then.

The end of a long awaited day. Crossing Paris on foot, experiencing both bright sunlight and pouring rain, enjoying wine and food and song, sharing stories, painting and writing some memories, saying warm hearted goodbyes with promises for futures that may just happen…Life is a gift.

Sketches done in moleskine with pen and WC.

An urn overflowing with autumn chrysanthemum in Jardin du Luxembourg.

La reine Clotilde, resting on a pillar – Jardin du Luxembourg

Another statue, then the rain came pouring down…

Posted on August 24, 2007January 2, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

View on the lake

This is a view from our balcony on the lake.
This was done in pen and watercolor on Fabriano HP.

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

Enthrallments

I have to share with you all these fascinations I found here in SC.

First thing I saw was these magnificent, frightening spiderwebs in the trees. They cover whole branches, sometimes even whole small trees. I tried to do a search on the internet for the type of spider, but couldn’t stand looking at all these spider photos coming up on my screen. So I still don’t know….they captivate me completely, scare me and fascinate me at the same time.

I am also fascinated by the hundreds of car dealers on every which road out there, with their hundreds of cars in every color, parked in neat rows, almost measured distances next to each other, the angles perfect and decorated with colorful flags and balloons…how can you not stop and buy a car? They have turned car sales into an art! I get a kick from these scenes every time I’m on the road and find those without this flair very boring

I also have to mention the kudzu, which took my breath away. I have had nightmares where I stand still for just a moment too long and I’m being taken over by these vigorous growers! Once again, an exhilirating sight where they form thick carpets in the valleys, growing up trees and wires and poles, everything and anything that can be a host…magnificent and scary…

There are many more of these enthrallments I find on my daily outings, but I’ll leave them for next time.

All done in moleskine with pen and watercolor.

17 comments:

Cathy (Kate) Johnson said…: Hi Ronell (and happy birthday!)I’m betting they are worms of some sort, not spiders–they turn into moths, but they do make these amazing webs, so not to worry–it’s not good for the tree, but nothing to be afraid of.Glad you’re back posting!; August 21, 2007 12:51 AM
Sharon said…: I hope kudzu,car dealerships and bugs aren’t really the most captivating things about Keowee Key, SC, Ronell…or you may be in for a very long three months!(In response to your note – For a variety of reasons, my old website-Present Tense -is gone.); August 21, 2007 1:18 AM
Diahn said…: You know – kudzu is the bane of the southeast, but I’ve always loved it anyway. When I was a kid I would imagine kudzu shapes instead of cloud shapes – they make fantastic dinosaurs growing up telephone poles and lines…I love car lots, too…I think they are full of bluster and wind and untold treasures. :-DLet me know if you decide to head north, and we’ll arrange a meeting! I’m going to be on the Cherokee, NC side of the Smokies over Labor Day Weekend.; August 21, 2007 1:48 AM
shirley said…: Terrific sketches – especially the car dealership! I think your big spiderwebs were made by what we called in Texas – TENT CATERPILLARS. They totally destroy trees unless kept under control.; August 21, 2007 4:08 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for telling me Cathy! I went to look it up and you’re right…it is the Eastern tent caterpillar…it is incredible!
ronell; August 21, 2007 4:10 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thanks Shirley…your message came in just as I posted my message…I saw an air photo of a forest infested with these caterpillars and I first thought it was trees covered in white blossoms…
Ronell; August 21, 2007 4:17 AM
ujwala said…: it’s nice to hear these kind of details about a place. looking forward to more. thank you.; August 21, 2007 5:47 AM
mARTa said…: lions and tigers and bears…oh my! I’m thanking my lucky stars I’m a california girl! I had never heard of kudzu so did a google search…scarry! and those giant webs!!!!! yikes…your sketches both educational and beautiful!!! Come to California!!!!! no bugs or plants that will eat you up!; August 21, 2007 6:02 AM
gabi campanario said…: hi ronell, I just read that you traded the Peugeout for a few months? Get a Mustang indeed, a convertible one! now seriously, hope your stay on this side of the ocean is great, can’t wait to read more of your impressions and see more of your beautiful sketches.; August 21, 2007 8:31 AM
Tonniece said…: I see that those caterpillars are a pest there too. We get them just outside of the city on all the trees. Gives me the willies.
I did a google on the Kudzu, and am totally intrigued. what is truley amazing is the growth and it’s ability to create so many different shapes.
As for the car dealerships, they are on almost every corner here in Canada also, all decked out as if there’s a grand gala going on inside.
Great sketches of all three Ronell.
So good to have you back posting again.; August 21, 2007 1:24 PM
Lin said…: Ronell: I find it fascinating to see SC thru your eyes — yes car dealers, churches, gas stations on every corner .. and that indominable kudzu .. and yes, it WILL cover you if you keep still … it’s redeeming qualities, though, the flour made from the rhizome is a staple in Asian countries, the flower makes an decent jelly … and there are so many kudzu festivals featuring baskets made from the vines, foods, etc…..Your sketches, as always are so painterly and beautiful!!!!; August 21, 2007 1:57 PM
Carole said…: Oh my goodness, I wouldn’t want to see those spiders!The perspective on your last painting (of the poles with stuff growing up them) is really well done. Using grey creates a sense of huge depth and distance.Love the other paintings too, and your descriptions.; August 21, 2007 3:32 PM
Teri C said…: How fun to see your sketches of SC. Only you could get away with painting a car dealer! 🙂; August 21, 2007 4:26 PM
bec said…: I’m enjoying your views of SC. Bugs are a BIG deal there-they’re everywhere… have you seen any of the beautiful moths flying around at night?
love your artwork –especially the kudzu; August 21, 2007 6:20 PM
uj said…: I love watching your discoveries – seeing things that we all take for granted, fresh eyes reminding us of the beauty in the everyday around us. Thank you Ronell – your excitement is infectious.; August 21, 2007 8:06 PM
Ruela said…: your artwork is cool; August 21, 2007 8:22 PM
Robyn said…: I think we have something similar here that attacks the umbrella pines. I could never paint a web like that at a distance and have it look like a web. Well done. Love the car yard too, very pretty composition with the bunting.

Posted on July 17, 2007August 23, 2007 by Myfrenchkitchen

Chanel, and a river runs through it

While I was still acting out as Forest Gump on the run a while ago, I also made a quick stop by the perfume shop while speeding along to who knows where. That is of course the day Hartman left on his business trip. Normally it doesn’t bother me and I use the time for some good old fashioned selfish indulgence into whatever takes my fancy. This time though, caught my mood off guard and drove me to extremes. I sought solace in the arms of Coco Chanel and Hermes no less. On top of my sadness and depression I had now successfully added the load of guilt. I picked up speed

For the week I was alone, I struggled with my conscience, having spent this obscene amount on perfume and tried my best to blame it on my impulsive nature, which is true after all…still, it doesn’t justify an excuse. So, being born both impulsive and ingenious, I arrived at a solution to the problem. The problem of my guilt that is.

On Hartman’s arrival back in Paris, we had this glorious magical summer’s day. I sent him a message telling him to be home at 18:00. We have a date. He was not to be late. Now, send a man a message like that and see what happens…?

Oh, you want to know about the date? Well, imagine this…I have a basket at the ready, filled with his favorite goodies like peaches wrapped in prosciutto, scallops with orange and a saffron mayonnaise, a cold champagne, a baguette to dip into rich seductive olive oil and fleur de sel…I have ordered and received my golden exuberant sunshine. The river Loire is 2 minutes walking from our front door, the water rushing by, heightening the sensation of summer madness, sun, and bare skin…..and me, enveloped in Coco Chanel.

I am home. I have no guilt. I love my Chanel. I have a happy husband. And through it all runs a river.

All the sketches were done where we lounged by the Loire(except for Chanel)..in watercolor, pen or pencil on Fabriano sketchpads. (I apologize for the off-perspective of Chanel..it was done in the speediest of time, I didn’t check!)

36 comments:

Lin said…: RONNELL!! WHAT A PERFECTLY FANTASTICALLY DESIGNED DAY – SPIRIT – SKETCHES — THE WORKS! Your writing has me mesmerized, dreamy, liquid with ideas, inspiration, visions!! BRAVA, mia cara!! BRAVA! for the soul behind all of this .. and so much more!!; July 17, 2007 6:05 PM
Sandy said…: Ronell..I just shake my head and wonder how you merge both a wonderfully exciting story with your beautiful paintings. YOu can see me but I’m applauding. I’ve missed your posts!!!YOu know how it is when you happen upon a great book and it is so wonderful, you put it down and sigh..you don’t want to continue…because you don’t want it to end. I just got that feeling reading/looking at this…My goal is someday to be able to do what you do!!! wow..p.s. thanks for your comment and I do hope you join in show and tell. It is easy, no theme. Just go and leave a comment with your link on my show and tell for the day and I’ll pick up that link and put it on the front page right in my post…; July 17, 2007 6:22 PM
Deborah said…: Fabulous! Fantastic! and on so Fun! A great adventure at home. I will be in Paris for 2 days at the very end of Sept. and then 2 days in mid Oct. I would love if we could meet!; July 17, 2007 6:57 PM
Teri C said…: More fabuous paintings. You are such an inspiration to us all. How did we ever survive during your absence!You REALLY made a perfect day for us also by sharing the wonder of it all! Thanks.; July 17, 2007 7:05 PM
Sandy said…: Oh Ronell, You are BACK BABY – Lordy I feel like I have had a mini vacation (shopping and all) through your account and the lovely watercolors, sing with life!! Simply Glorious! Your Chanel was a gift for Hubby!!; July 17, 2007 7:35 PM
Bonny said…: What a fabulously romantic date to have with your husband!!! And right there on the Loire! Can you say ‘green’ with envy??? That’s me, I’m green from head to toe.I’m glad you’re back too, and you made such an entrance with afantastic post and wonderful sketches!Big hug from Canada,
Bonny; July 17, 2007 8:32 PM
Claudia said…: So good that you’re back again creating and painting things!! And so well done!! I enjoyed both the story and the paintings! (And the sketch of the flowers in the “thank-you”-post is marvellous, too!); July 17, 2007 9:52 PM
Emma Pod said…: Beautiful drawings/paintings! I’m glad you’ve had some time to just
“be”. Enjoy that expensive perfume and the rest of summer!; July 17, 2007 9:56 PM
Regula Scheifele said…: Wonderful story, wonderful paintings… I LOVE the Chanel bottle!
Good to have you back!; July 17, 2007 11:32 PM
shirley said…: Everyone spectacular! So glad to see your wonderful paintings. I LOVE the bright colors and crave your loose style! Thanks for sharing all of it!; July 17, 2007 11:51 PM
Tami said…: Gosh, I love visiting your blog!!! Not only is your artwork stunning, your self disclosure is just too real! One would be inclined to say, “shame on you!” but you are just too brilliant and funny!!!; July 18, 2007 1:04 AM
martha said…: Fantabulous! Story and sketches, all divine.; July 18, 2007 2:54 AM
Nancy Van Blaricom said…: Way to go … you seduce Hartman with your lovely new fragrance and delicious goodies from your basket… why feel guilty, it’s a win win situation!Your paintings are lovely. I was really inpressed with your basket and the perfume … excellent. Also, I think the flowers from the last post are awesome. You have such a nice touch with your watercolors.Soooo happy to see you back posting again …; July 18, 2007 3:41 AM
Jana Bouc said…: Wow, what glorious, sensual paintings and writing! I like all the pics but especially the last picture with the softly oozly watercolors. Gorgeous! When my (now ex-) husband went away I always ended up buying kitchen appliances. Maybe that’s why we’re divorced and you’re still married–you buy perfume and make aphrodesiacal foods and I buy a new blender?; July 18, 2007 6:10 AM
Irene said…: You are an inspiration. Glad you are back; July 18, 2007 7:28 AM
mARTa said…: Decadent! You are like a good novel with pictures! I’m wearing my Coco Chanel tomorrow in your honor!; July 18, 2007 7:34 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for all the enthusiastic comments….it is good to be back!I missed it all – everybody’s work, the comments, the humor…I’ve come to recognize everyone by his/her own style of commenting…that’s so great!
Deborah: I would love to meet…let me know your dates and Casey and me can meet you in Paris and spend some time, or if you want to see our area, you are of course more than welcome!
Thanks
Ronell; July 18, 2007 8:46 AM
caseytoussaint said…: Ronell – wow – once the dam is broken it all comes flooding out! It looks like you’ve been storing up all this poetry and color for a few weeks – these just shimmer with light. It looks like the good weather is here now – let’s hope it holds!; July 18, 2007 9:28 AM
andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…: Where to start??!
I LOVE this post. The words and pictures. Brilliant. Your story was wonderful. And boy, these drawings tell me your on a roll again (no pressure though!). My faves? Wel I just can’t decide…maybe the perfume…maybe the basket (such great composition on that one BTW…nope I love them all! GREAT work Ronell.; July 18, 2007 11:41 AM
Laureline said…: Oh, how charming!! I love the story and the paintings and I love perfume, too! Maybe we can check out a perfume boutique or two in Paris–if not in September, then in November!
So glad you’re feelig better.; July 18, 2007 2:50 PM
juj said…: Oh Ronell – it’s SO great to have you back. I’ve missed your loose carefree paintings, filled with color and life. And your words. Your sometimes wry, sometimes funny, always honest words.; July 18, 2007 3:33 PM
suzanne said…: Wowee…great post! Here’s to self-idulgence. I’m glad you bought the perfume…I’m sure it made your evening that much more magical.; July 18, 2007 5:37 PM
Robyn said…: What brilliant, gorgeous form you are in Ronell. The paintings are wonderful – perfect illustrations of your delightful confessions. I’m wondering if I walk through a cloud of Coco, I too could come out the other side of this summer slump – not to mention giving HWEM shock of his life 😉 Brava!; July 18, 2007 5:44 PM
Lynn said…: Thanks, Ronell, for showing us how to live the good life. I love the paintings.; July 18, 2007 8:28 PM
Carole said…: Ooh, it’s good to see you painting again! What a wonderful way to assuage your guilt. Sounds idyllic!; July 18, 2007 9:45 PM
Jenny said…: All of this from a perfume purchase?! Maybe it would help if I started sniffing from the pretty bottles on my dresser. *lol*Love your artwork and your guilt-ridden tale. All wonderful.; July 18, 2007 10:19 PM
gabi campanario said…: hi ronell, you manage to marry words and pictures in a beautiful way. i’m so envious! thanks for telling us about this wonderful day; July 18, 2007 10:42 PM
altWhat a wonderful way to welcome your husband home. I plan on trying your fun and romantic ideas. Now, I have never tried Coco Chanel but i am going to check it out too.: Your sketches are lovely, free, fresh and delight. They must be a reflection of your personality.; July 18, 2007 11:40 PM
Serena said…: What a wonderful day and beautifully illustrated also. I can’t pick a favourite out of the sketches. Great to see you back and great post, Ronell ~; July 19, 2007 8:55 AM
jen said…: lovely lovely bright colours, my favourite is the basket so full of life!; July 19, 2007 12:35 PM
hfm said…: The Loire, the Channel, your husband, your humour and your watercolours – gorgeous!; July 19, 2007 3:03 PM
Brenda Y said…: You ARE back and with a HUGE flourish!! Love the art – so free and fresh and the story is absolutely wonderful. I’ll have to keep it in mind the next time I go on a “splurge.” 🙂; July 19, 2007 3:59 PM
Lindsay said…: What a great idea!!!!!!!!!Makes me want to do a picnic in the bed room too!!!ehehehe
Lovely sketches Ronell! I’d say you were unstuck!; July 19, 2007 10:20 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for all your deligtful comments!
Ronell; July 19, 2007 11:20 PM
Tonniece said…: Welcome back Ronell. As you see you were greatly missed.
Love your musings and art.; July 21, 2007 7:31 PM
phthaloblu said…: Oh my, you are creative in just about everything, aren’t you? lol! I’m sure it made your husband happy! I just love your paintings, so loose and colorful. And don’t feel guilty about Chanel. There is something about real perfume… I think it’s that musky fragrance… sooooo much better than cologne. Indulge and be happy!

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

17 comments:

Share this:

36 comments:

Share this: