watercolour – Page 34 – Africantapestry

Posted on May 23, 2007June 27, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Inspirations in color

I am in search of Inspiration. I find it in people. That does it for me. Creative people, people with strong character, the survivors, the gentle, caring ones, the courageous, daring ones…I have them all in my small circle of friends.
Voici two of them. Two wonderful inspirations. Very far away, so I had to rely on photo’s. I don’t mind that much.
I chose to do the following sketch, because I love the way this friend interacts. She is a beautiful woman, an extraordinary talented florist; you can give her a dry stick and she’ll turn it into a magical creation. And she can’t talk without her hands. I love that. When I dropped by her floral shop, she was busy with a romantic bouquet for Valentine’s day and we stood for about 30 minutes chatting, while she held this wonderful creation in the one hand and expressed herself with the other. She wears this delightful “apron” when she works, to protect her clothes. Being around her, is feeling the creative juices flow…it is inspiring.

This was supposed to be only watercolor on HP Arches paper. Then I had to “fix” it by adding pen! It seems I have to fix everything lately.

This friend is a lovely romantic, in heart and soul and in appearance. She carries a bit of yesteryear with her. With her angelic hair and fair skin and soft features, she posed many problems to paint. This is my fourth go at her and it still not what I’m after and this time pen wont’ fix it. I want nothing less than a soft, flowy watercolor painting. I’ll probably try again and again…Maybe its because I know that she isn’t ALL romantic – she can swim faster than anyone I know, she can climb a rock as fast as the young guys, she can paddle a kayak through some scary rapids and she’s not afraid of any marathon! She exudes a wonderful zest for life, nothing is too hard or too boring for her, she does everything that comes her way…it’s contagious. This is watercolor on Fabriano CP (extra white)

27 comments:

Stacy said…: Ronell, your friends sound lovely and look lovely too! I love how their personalities influenced you as much as their appearance did.; May 23, 2007 6:08 PM
Lin said…: STUNNINGLY GLORIOUS!!!; May 23, 2007 7:06 PM
Bonny said…: You have a wonderful talent, Ronell. Not only do you connect in a special way with people, but you portray them beautifully, too. Love the painting of your florist friend. She almost looks fey like a fairy princess. Gorgeous!; May 23, 2007 7:45 PM
Teri C said…: Beautiful paintings Ronell!! I love your commentary with all your art-they were made for each other.; May 23, 2007 8:17 PM
Dave said…: Well, you certainly fixed it well! Wonderful portraits, and what wonderful friends it sounds like you have.; May 23, 2007 8:39 PM
Anita said…: Oh Ronell I LOVE everything about this entry.; May 23, 2007 9:07 PM
Claudia said…: Ronell, w o n d e r f u l watercolours, especially the first one! It has something magic!; May 23, 2007 10:45 PM
Lindsay said…: What a sweet and beautiful post. A nice tribute to your friends too.; May 23, 2007 11:56 PM
martín said…: Beautiful portraits Ronell. The first one really talks. Your friend does it with her hands and you through your paintings.; May 24, 2007 12:31 AM
SCquiltaddict said…: fun wc…great stuff…gotta get my paint brushes back out! keep it up; May 24, 2007 2:04 AM
Jana Bouc said…: What a fabulous portrait–both in words and paint. I love the second one–it’s so loose and fresh and has a sweetness about it.; May 24, 2007 6:15 AM
Tonniece said…: Love this post Ronell
I’ts so great to have friends, good friends, and being able to capture their essence as you have here is a wonderful gift to them and all of us as well.; May 24, 2007 6:51 AM
Carole said…: I really love how you have composed and painted these to capture their character as well as their features. They are beautiful paintings and charming descriptions of your friends.; May 24, 2007 9:18 AM
suzanne said…: Wow Ronell….these are both breathtaking. Not only in the sense that they are technically outstanding, but also in the fact that you have captured the personalities of your inspirations so well. Not knowing them, I think I could have pretty much described their personalities in exactly the way you did, only by looking at your paintings.Your inspirations are inspirations to me.; May 24, 2007 4:39 PM
Arty Velarde said…: This is nice. I like the watery, “juiciness”!; May 24, 2007 6:47 PM
janey said…: These are very soft and pretty and I like the descriptions that go with them. It makes the paintings come alive even more.; May 25, 2007 1:33 AM
juj said…: Oh Ronell – These are lovely! I especially like the second one, so soft and loose – I love the expression on her face. And the deep red of the necklace is such a nice accent to the whole and balances her glasses perfectly. Your friends both sound wonderful. You must feel very fortunate to have them in your life.; May 25, 2007 3:45 PM
Nancy Van Blaricom said…: I simply love the stories that go along with your watercolors. The watercolors could stand alone with not comments, but you bring such life to them all….; May 26, 2007 3:37 PM
Robyn said…: Both friends are lovely – I love the mood as well in the first watercolour and the second is beautiful in the lightness of your touch.; May 26, 2007 7:07 PM
ksklein said…: I love the top pic. Very romantic. It reminds me of weddings, brides, valentines,…
I would have loved to nsee a little more of her face though.; May 27, 2007 8:58 PM
Emma Pod said…: These are both wonderful paintings of your friends. In the top one I can almost hear her talking…the hand gesture is so nice! Nice work!; May 29, 2007 5:35 AM
Regula Scheifele said…: Both your paintings and your descriptions are loving and beautiful – what a gift you have and how nice for your friends to have you paint them!; May 29, 2007 2:09 PM
Sandy said…: Ronell, these are beautiful and I loved reading how they inspire you..sandy; May 30, 2007 9:48 PM
platitudinal said…: Beautiful paintings of those you hold dear in your heart. 🙂; May 31, 2007 12:04 AM
Serena said…: Beautiful work, Ronell, and a very nice tribute to your friends. 🙂; May 31, 2007 12:30 PM
phthaloblu said…: These are both beautiful paintings, but I know how you feel when you’re trying for a certain result and you can’t get it. But, these are very beautiful. I think lots of us look to the people we know when we need inspiration. That’s how we re-energize. When we are feeling down, we gravitate toward someone who is immensely positive so we can feed off of that positiveness. Does that make sense? Anyway, it sounds like you have some wonderful friends to look to for your inspiration. Full of life and creativity.; June 1, 2007 5:27 PM
austin of sundrip said…: I’ve scrolled through your page here but I keep coming back to the girl with flowers, it catches my eye and won’t let it go. Awesome work, awesome.Austin of Sundrip

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 May 1, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

A handful of happiness

“Je porte bonheur”.. .says this little bunch of muguets(lily of the valley). A beautiful custom in France is to give a small bouquet of these to anyone and everyone you want to, on the 1st of May, that way, wishing good luck and happiness to all. Of course it is also a public holiday..worker’s day I think in English. Since I love the idea, I’m offering this bouquet of muguets to all EDM- friends – to those with special projects for May, like a drawing a day, to those who have a work on exhibit, to those who wish to exhibit, to those whom we’re voting for everyday, to those who are wonderful professional artists, to those who are doing art for the fun and joy it brings them, to those who started up this great site, to those who keep it up faithfully and in great spirit week after week, to those who add fun and joy , originality, spirit and character to this art site….to all who participate and bring beauty to look at, inspiring words to read, jokes to laugh at, advice to grow….to all at EDM; wishes of happiness to you all in this beautiful month of May!

35 comments:

น้ำธรรมดา said…: It’s very beautiful …
i like your work..
Don’t you mind if i add you to be my link.
Thank you 😉; May 1, 2007 11:30 AM
Kunya said…: Hi Ronell, thanks… I like this idea. We have this custom in Belgium too, although I do not see this as much anymore…maybe one reason is these little flowers are far to overpriced this day. I realy like this drawing.; May 1, 2007 11:39 AM
Laureline said…: Merci, Ronell! Et a vous, aussi, mes voeux de bonheur!; May 1, 2007 11:46 AM
Pequete said…: Thank you Ronell, I found you through EDM and I love your work – I actually identify a lot with it, since I also love working with watercolours and ink. I’ll be visiting you often!; May 1, 2007 12:21 PM
Lin said…: WOWZA!! What a wonderful tradition and even more glorious painting!!! THANK YOU!! You’ve begun the month in splendor!; May 1, 2007 12:31 PM
Tonniece said…: Hi Ronell
I love this tradition, I only wish they did that here in Canada. And to make it even more special My Birthday is this mo. so THANK YOU.
As always you painting is wonderful.; May 1, 2007 1:24 PM
Felicity said…: Beautiful painting as always Ronell, those tiny flowers look so cute! I’ve seen these lily of the valley all over the shops recently – is it the tradition to give only those? I would never have known if it wasn’t for your post, thank you. Hope you have a super day!; May 1, 2007 2:17 PM
jill said…: beautiful work. thank you for the great way to start “may day”!; May 1, 2007 4:10 PM
Bonny said…: Ronell, this tradition is also in parts of Italy. When my husband first began dating me, he looked through all the flower shops in the city to find me un petit bouquet de muguets. They are not usually sold in shops here in Canada. They are easier to find in the garden, but by now they are past their season here on the west coast. Thank you for such a lovely reminder of a very beautiful tradition.; May 1, 2007 4:40 PM
Sandy said…: Thank you Ronell – I picked a sprig of Lilly of the Valley on this morning’s walk. May 1 is my grandmother’s birthday (deceased) and I have very fond memories of picking bouquets of these tiny flowers from her huge patch in her back yard AND I intended to sketch them today in her honor!! What a coincidence! I love the holiday you have attached to them and ON this date. Merci!!; May 1, 2007 6:13 PM
Sarah said…: What a beautiful gesture – in every way!; May 1, 2007 6:15 PM
juj said…: What a wonderful tradition and such a fabulous painting. You’ve captured them perfectly. Thank you for sharing. Sadly, I’m afraid these are the only lily of the valley I will get to see this year as ours got snapped by a late frost. Would it be possible for you to send along a little of the sweet fragrance as well?? (grin); May 1, 2007 6:31 PM
Ujwala said…: good luck and happiness to you too! nice to learn about different traditions and customs. great ink ‘n wash.; May 1, 2007 6:31 PM
Deborah said…: Thank you very much! When I was a kid we always celebrated May Day, also the 1st, by picking our mothers roses and leaving flowers for all the neighbors inclucing mom of course!; May 1, 2007 6:40 PM
Genine said…: Ronell,Beautiful drawing and a big thank you for bringing this holiday to my attention. It has definitely brightened a gray day here. I think I’ll stop on my way home and pick some up.; May 1, 2007 7:12 PM
bec said…: Thank you Ronell!
Happy May day to you too! (that’s what we call it here in the US). Nobody gets a day off though. My lily- of-the-valley aren’t in bloom yet. They usually start blooming around mother’s day… May 13. another week or two. I always give a bouquet of them to my mother!
I like the transparent quality of your painting.Bec; May 1, 2007 7:37 PM
Robyn said…: Beautiful idea, beautiful brushwork. Thank goodness you have sent me these, because I didn’t get any others. What have I done?!;); May 1, 2007 8:22 PM
Dave said…: That’s a very generous sentiment, and a lovely painting. Thank you!; May 1, 2007 9:19 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thanks to everybody!
Ronell; May 1, 2007 9:27 PM
Carole said…: Thank you, Ronell! And a happy May Day to you too. This is a beautiful painting and a joyful sentiment which I most wholeheartedly echo.Now then – how did you manage to hold this and paint it at the same time? 🙂; May 1, 2007 10:15 PM
platitudinal said…: Thank you for the beautiful May Day posy, Ronell. And all the good hearted and gracious wishes that comes with it. Thank you 😉; May 2, 2007 12:01 AM
martín said…: Ronell, there’s not much to add. The others have already said it all for me. Beautiful drawing and WCs, as always, and a REALLY BIG THANK YOU for your sincere wishes! All the best to you too.; May 2, 2007 2:38 AM
Stacy said…: Ronell, what a lovely painting and a lovely sentiment! We don’t have this tradition in the United States. I wish we did!! I am glad I at least got to experience it here.; May 2, 2007 3:07 AM
Linda said…: Beautiful custom and beautiful painting! You have a great sense of color and value — you always get your darks just right. And in this piece, it makes the little flowers look all the sweeter. Again, beautiful!
🙂; May 2, 2007 4:00 AM
nik said…: Ronell, they are wonderful. We have some of them in the garden, but I did not manage to draw them. Perhaps today.; May 2, 2007 6:20 AM
mARTa said…: I smiled this morning when i read your post and saw the lovely lilies. It’s my 31st wedding anniversary today so I tucked the tiny flowers near my heart and thought of what happiness this life has brought me. thank you for the reminder:); May 2, 2007 7:46 AM
caseytoussaint said…: what a nice idea, and a beautiful painting.; May 2, 2007 12:42 PM
Ben said…: Merci beaucoup…c’est tres jolie…and thats all my five years of french have done for both of us:>; May 2, 2007 1:21 PM
mchunt@wctel.net said…: Merci beaucoup…c’est tres jolie…and thats all my five years of french have done for both of us:; May 2, 2007 1:28 PM
Lindsay said…: Aw,Ronell, what a lovely gift. THanks so much for the beautiful bouquet and words. Happy May 1!; May 2, 2007 3:59 PM
phthaloblu said…: What a beautiful custom and even more beautiful sentiments! Merci beaucoup! Forgive my rusty, stunted French.; May 2, 2007 5:40 PM
Emma Pod said…: This is a beautiful little sketch! Happy May to you and may you have a wonderful summer playing tennis!; May 2, 2007 11:43 PM
Mommy Bee said…: Ronell,Thank you so much. Your thoughtfulness, and beautiful bouquet really touched me.As a child growing up, my mom taught my brother and I to make “May Day” baskets. We would hand make a little basket out paper and put little wild flowers in them. Then we would go ding-dong-ditch the neighbors…Leaving behind only the flower loaded basket.Thank you for the memory, and sharing your custom. Not so different from mine ;-).; May 3, 2007 8:49 PM
suzanne said…: Thank you so much for such a beautiful sentiment! May you have a wonderful day as well.; May 4, 2007 3:08 AM
E-J said…: And we say “thank you for the muguet” 😀 This is a lovely post, Ronell, and a lovely sketch. I am reminded of the lily-of-the-valley perfume my grandmother used to wear … I haven’t thought of it for years … thank you.

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.

Posted on April 16, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Come on, just do it!

Five things from my bathroom. Carole said so. (http://www.carolekirk.com/ I could only get to four. I struggled almost the whole day, but I’ve done it and I feel good. Great they are not, but I’m happy. Wonderful feeling of achievement! It was so great having someone tell me: “This is what you need to do, do it” Not thinking or planning or finding something…I just did it. Next time it will be better. Thank you, Carole.

I dedicate this to all of you who were encouraging and supportive, may I do the same to you when you need it.

Pen and watercolor, Arches HP. Click on images to enlarge.

19 comments:

Dave said…: Good for you! There are some lovely touches in those sketches too. The shine on the pitcher, the shadow on the stand, etc. Enjoyed looking at them!; April 16, 2007 9:31 PM
Claudia said…: …I like the spontaneity and freshness of the sketches!-(I’m still working on that for myself…); April 16, 2007 9:51 PM
Sandy said…: Fabulous, I just Love your technic, so light and fresh but with great depth and personality – GREAT!; April 16, 2007 10:05 PM
Carole said…: Hey! Good work. I just love how you do those watercolour washes. You have such a light touch. The chair and bowl/pitcher is particularly nice. Looks like you’ve got a beautiful bathroom there!; April 16, 2007 10:37 PM
Teri C said…: Gosh, each one is a winner! Just wonderful!; April 17, 2007 3:36 AM
Brenda Y said…: Fantastic!! My fav is the chair with the pitcher and bowl and plant–what luscious lines and soft colors. By George, I do believe you’ve got your groove back!!; April 17, 2007 6:12 AM
Jana Bouc said…: These all have such elegance and beauty. It looks like you’ve found your inspiration again!; April 17, 2007 7:38 AM
MrsSnowy said…: What a spectacular comeback! My favourite is the chair with basin and pitcher. Goodness, if I tried to find inspiration in out bathroom it would spin me into instant depression – not the finest room in our house!; April 17, 2007 11:00 AM
platitudinal said…: Wow, these are beautiful sketches. If not for the toilet paper rolls and towels sketch, I will keep on forgetting that these are paintings of your bathroom!; April 17, 2007 2:51 PM
artnewbie said…: Lovely! What great style you have.; April 17, 2007 3:43 PM
Lin said…: YEAH!! AND WHAT A GLORIOUS JOB YOU DID!!!!! Hope it broke your uninspired spell and that Madam Muse is sitting on your shoulder!; April 17, 2007 5:10 PM
bec said…: I love the stuff in YOUR bathroom!; April 17, 2007 7:49 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for the comments…I am back to working, almost repeating everything twice in order to get something that is half decent, but that is OK.
Ronell; April 17, 2007 11:46 PM
Ujwala said…: i’m away on holiday and hadnt been to your blog in a while. lots of wonderful work since I last visited and these 3 from your bathroom are super too.; April 18, 2007 6:13 AM
E-J said…: Lovely little sketches. What an elegant bathroom you have, Ronell! Your watercolour style is very distinctive. And you’re so prolific!; April 18, 2007 12:48 PM
caseytoussaint said…: Ronell, these are beautiful! You’ve combined your wonderful drawing skills with your decorating talent and it’s a great combination.; April 18, 2007 6:19 PM
“Maggie” said…: Wow, the chandelier is lovely and the reflections really make this a great piece. I love all the intricate inked lines.; April 21, 2007 3:22 PM
Africantapestry said…: thanks!
Ronell; April 22, 2007 4:30 PM
phthaloblu said…: Once again, beautiful sketches! Love the light best of all.

Posted on April 10, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

The green corners of an April garden

April is gardening month. From middle March to middle April I have no nails, no soft hands, a broken back, tennis elbows in both arms, arthritis in my thumbs, I shuffle like an old woman and I smell of compost. All because of the love for a garden.

I have only white and blue/purple in my garden and of course green.Then I have one stubborn red tulip. For three years I’ve had that tulip showing up every April. For three years I’ve cut it off as soon as it flowered, put the flower in a vase, dug up the bulb and gave it to a friend. Just to repeat the process the following year. I’ve accepted the red tulip in my garden now. It is in a vase in my bedroom, I’ve dug up the bulb to give to a friend and I’ll wait for it next year.

I struggled with these sketches. I can’t get all these nuances of green down in a flattering manner. It all looks messy. Maybe it is too much green on one go…I do actually feel a little sick. SoI’ll take my leave now.

Pen and watercolor on Arches hp.
17 comments:

Kunya said…: Well, I realy like those drawings. You must have a wonderful garden…and to me it isn’t messy at all!; April 10, 2007 7:16 PM
shirley said…: These are really wonderful. I love the various items you have in your garden and the meticulous depiction of chicken wire!; April 10, 2007 8:01 PM
Sandy said…: Oh My Lord you made me laugh!!! I am right there with you girl. The sketches are lovely, light and luscious. Would love to see that rouge tulip too.
Perhaps a progression of sketches in the garden will follow?!; April 10, 2007 8:42 PM
caseytoussaint said…: These are beautiful sketches Ronell. And Sandy, I have to tell you, she does have a very beautiful garden!; April 10, 2007 8:47 PM
aPugsLife-laserone said…: Wow, really nice! I love the one w/ the face in the middle. That one gave me a double-take. Beautiful. 🙂; April 10, 2007 10:17 PM
Jan said…: I see you have a beautiful and interesting garden and a great blog. Thanks for visiting mine. What an interesting garden!; April 10, 2007 10:19 PM
Lin said…: WHAT UNUSUAL GARDEN PIECES!! BEAUTIFUL!!!! And that red tulip — what a hilarious story! Yep, we’d be in trouble together! Gardening and sketching!! GREAT JOB!; April 10, 2007 11:22 PM
Carole said…: There are so many wonderful watercolour effects here – I have no idea how you’ve done them, but I really like them. I also like the various little faces peeping out of these sketches.; April 10, 2007 11:31 PM
Karen said…: I know how you feel – I was pulling out old vines in my backyard today – oh my back!Very nice sketches, I’m sure they help bring some comfort!; April 11, 2007 10:12 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you everybody, I appreciate the time and effort put into leaving a comment..Sandy, I’ll probably do more sketches as the garden grows month by month…the summers provide so much fun subjects in and around our gardens!
Ronell; April 11, 2007 10:46 AM
platitudinal said…: I am already impressed by your artistic ability. And now, you further impressed me with your green thumb. Are these sketches from your garden? Oooohhh-aaaahhhh, so many lovelies to be found in your garden! I shouldn’t be surprised … you seem to exude beauty all around you.*Send that tulip my way, Ronell, I’m sure I can kill it in a second. My mom said that I’m the only person she knows who can kill a cactus!; April 11, 2007 12:33 PM
Laura said…: They say every room should have a touch of red, so maybe the same thing holds true for gardens! (Though I don’t remember seeing anything red in the white garden at Sissinghurst ;D.) Your cool and subtle palette works very well indoors and out!; April 11, 2007 2:12 PM
Brenda Y said…: WOW! I love your sketches – I do hope you do more of your garden!! I especially like the water feature, I can almost hear the tinkling of the water.
How hilarious about the tulip! After you dig up the bulb, someone must be sneaking a new bulb in the ground while you sleep – ha.; April 11, 2007 4:26 PM
phthaloblu said…: These are beautiful! I don’t think they are messy at all.; April 11, 2007 5:46 PM
ksklein said…: I hope I don`t offend you with my comment. But somehow your second pic reminds me of HULK. 🙂 Specially because I went to an exhibition tod;) and one of the artists topic was Hulk. Maybe I`m crazy! 😉; April 11, 2007 11:15 PM
Robin Neudorfer said…: What a lovely place to practice something that is enjoyable. There is nothing as special as honoring your riches. I love how you captured the water in your last painting, and the effect that you created on the front leaves. Continue doing what works and explore with what you want to improve. Seems like you are on the right path.; April 12, 2007 5:35 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thanks Robin….and ks klein, no I’m not in the least offended and yes, I can now also see how it might come from Hulk. To tell the truth, I felt a bit like the hulk after I’ve done all this green! Thanks for the comment.
Ronell

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