Teri's Painted Daisies

Hats Ahoy Tangle

2012-03-02T09:12:00.001-06:00

I got a new sketchbook for Christmas, 'Strathmore Bristol-Vellum' and the pages are wonderfully thick and seemed perfect for ink.

While I was creating this zen I realized there was a hat or two in there so I emphasized it and left it black, which I rarely do.

However, I looked at it after a few days and decided I just had to try some color.

Which one do you like better?

Happy almost weekend.

Bird Of Paradise

2012-03-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

When we were in San Diego I found a lot of 'Bird of Paradise' blooms and took lots of photos. They are so beautiful.

I just love trying to capture their beauty.

Happy First Day of March!

Big Blue Ape

2012-02-29T07:00:00.001-06:00

We were driving down the road and saw this big (blow-up balloon) ape on top of a building and I mean big! Soooooo, when we came to a stop sign I quickly took a picture with my camera (that is also always in my purse) and painted it later. It is some kind of ad for cars.

I had to crop it out of my journal page and you can see I had some poor planning as his hand is holding up the barrel sink.

The funny part of this whole thing is Mim had snapped a similar photo of the same ape in her town back east.

Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

Happy February 29th also. A date we don't see too often.

Wild African Daisies

2012-02-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

On my walks I have been noticing these African Daisies growing where ever they can. Some people pull them out (gasp!) because when they are done blooming they look like weeds.

So I painted them in my daily journal but they looked boring so I threw some paint at them and now they looks lots better. These daisies grow very thick so it looks more normal.

The little sketch at the top right just happened to need painting also. They are appearing along the roadsides now.

Happy Blooming Tuesday

Cactus Monday - Blooming Agave

2012-02-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

A few years back our neighbor had a blooming agave and it was fun to watch the bloom stem grow and blossom. This plant is about 12 feet tall and I used a 4" x 10" paper to help capture that tallness.
The desert has so many wonderful surprises to share.

Happy Cactus Monday.

Packer Backers In Church

2012-02-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

These two ladies sat in front of us and when they turned around to introduce themselves, imagine our surprise when they said they were from Green Bay, Wis. and then continued on, "you know, where the Packers are!"

Really?!

You know we had fun with that one.

New mandala here with a poem and topic called 'Muse'.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

And In That Same Restaurant...

2012-02-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

In the same restaurant as the 'barrel sink in the men's room', the wood-paneled walls are decorated with ties that are cut off men who dare to wear them in there. Those ties are on the walls, hanging from the rafters and just everywhere.

Well, you know I couldn't' resist a quick sketch even though I had done one in 2008 (below).

Happy Saturday!

Rest Room Sketching Again

2012-02-24T09:11:00.001-06:00

We were at a restaurant for supper and DH came back from the rest room and insisted I come take a look at it. Of course I am imagining it being full of men, but it was empty and he guarded the door while I went in to see this 'barrel sink'. He said he built one like it years ago and wanted me to see it.

I immediately whipped out my camera, took a photo and ran out.

I painted it yesterday still giggling about it being in the men's room.

I got my barrel all wonky but it just adds to the fun. I used (Daniel Smith) quinacridone gold on the barrel and it is such a beautiful color. I want to use it more.

Oh, and I prepainted the journal page with coffee! It really turns it a beautiful color but now I have to see how the reds, yellow, blues look on it.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Finished Journal Page

2012-02-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks for following along with my journal page. I finished it with a personal challenge. When we went to San Diego I bought a box of individual packets of oatmeal for the ease of using it in our room. As it turned out we went out for breakfast everyday so I have been using it at home. When I opened the last packet I discovered that the 'Quaker' guy was purposely cut almost in half on the packaging so I decided to paste it to my journal page to try and complete the image and color. The background color was the most difficult part. I may be trying this challenge again.

I like how this page turned out.

Happy Thursday

Golden Girls Checking In

2012-02-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

The Golden Girls haven't visited in awhile so they wanted to stop by and woof a "hi, what's up?"

They love playing in the snow but there hasn't been too much this winter.

Notice how Mickey is totally ignoring Macy's barking about the chewy on the floor. Macy is yelling because she knows if she tries to get it Mickey will put up a fight.

Those girls!

"Ahhh, this is the life. Hey, could someone pull that blanket over me?"

Any pillow will do for a head rest.

Just hanging out together. Love the leg look.

Mickey loves playing with tennis balls and now Macy has found one that loves to chase after and retrieve.

I miss all their antics and love.

Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

Ice Age Daisy

2012-02-21T07:00:00.001-06:00

While watching the news last night I learned that Russia had found "an Ice Age squirrel's treasure chamber, a burrow containing fruit and seeds that had been stuck in the Siberian permafrost for over 30,000 years. From the fruit tissues, a team of Russian scientists managed to resurrect an entire plant in a pioneering experiment that paves the way for the revival of other species.

The Silene stenophylla is the oldest plant ever to be regenerated, the researchers said, and it is fertile, producing white flowers and viable seeds." (AP article)

Looks like a beautiful daisy to me! (of course) So I just had to sketch it.

Happy Blooming Tuesday!

Sketched with white ink, green colored pencil on 6x6 inch black paper.

Cactus Monday Succulent

2012-02-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

As I was looking through my cacti photos I found this succulent and realized I tend to forget that succulents are also part of Cactus Monday. I loved the color and the white edges which may be the way the sun was hitting it so I used my artist license to make that light more prominent. Then I just took the same colors and splashed them on the wet background.

Unfortunately I don't know the name of this plant.

Happy Cactus/Succulent Monday

Sunday's Fashion Lady

2012-02-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

I know I have painted this lady at once before but she always wears the most interesting clothes that my interest is always raised when she walks in. I have never talked to her but I'll bet she is as interesting in conversation as she is in looks.

And Then There Were Wine Corks

2012-02-18T09:50:00.000-06:00

When we opened a bottle of wine, the cork looked interesting with the dragonfly on it, so I painted it. Then the Beringer wine cork also begged to be painted, so I did. Corks can be so interesting with their labeling.

My journal page is growing with room for one more sketch.

Hope you are having a wonderful Saturday.

Growing Journal Page

2012-02-17T09:05:00.000-06:00

I added leaves to the feathers on my growing journal page. Nothing special about them but grabbing my interest.

BTW, a few people suggested that the red feather came from some manmade item like a hat and I am beginning to think that may be what it is. It is such a beautiful red and I have never seen anything like it in nature even from a cardinal. If it's true it sure made for a fun painting and conversation.

Have a great day everyone.

Feathers

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

I found these feathers when I was walking so I brought them home to paint. The one on the left was on the island at the lake so I'm guessing it belongs to a duck.

I found the reddish one hanging on a bush and have no idea where it came from. The shaft was broken so I'm not even sure how long it was.

Feathers are always fun to paint.

I left the whole journal page on the scan so you could see how I pre-paint my pages. Then I fill them up. I will post as it fills up.

A close up.

Plein Aire Painting

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

I sat on the island in our retirement park and looked across our little lake to the clubhouse and decided to paint it. We have a lot of ducks on the lake so they fit in to establish a bit of distance.

And those ducks are my contribution for Animal Wednesday as well.

I really got in the habit of painting on the spot from our trip to San Diego. I so enjoy it.

Happy Animal Wednesday

Snowing On Valentine's Day In Arizona

2012-02-14T14:54:00.002-06:00

We went out for lunch on the northwest side of Tucson and.....it was snowing. You can't see it on here but it was.

Snow on the Catalina Mountains. View from the same parking lot as above.

High peak on the Tucson Mountains with very low cloud bank.

The good news is, there are blue skies coming.

So time to sit down with a hot latte, Valentine Ziggies, and daisies.

What a way to celebrate a centennial!

Happy Valentine's Day from Arizona.

Arizona's 100 Year Anniversary

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Today Arizona is celebrating 100 years as a state.

I created this in honor or it.

It surprised me that not much is happening in the state to celebrate this occasion. I remember when Wisconsin celebrated 150 years as a state and it was a BIG hoopla.

Happy Anniversary Arizona!!!

And Happy Valentine's Day also!

Cactus Monday - Valentine Cactus

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is Cactus Monday and almost Valentine's Day so I decided to paint a quick heart-shaped cactus (there really are heart shapes in the prickly pears). The yellow bloom just popped in to add another valentine note.

Happy Cactus Monday

and

Happy Valentine's Day

Red In Church

2012-02-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

I haven't seen this lady in church for quite awhile. Last I saw her she had severe head tremors from Parkinsons. I am so happy to see that her medications are now working as she had only slight shaking.

And I loved her red sweater and purposely left the other people as ink only.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Del Coronado Roof

2012-02-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

On the day that we were at the Del Coronado we sat on the boardwalk and I sketched that distinctive red roof and the lower part of the building. The lower part turned out so bad I thought it was a good place to do some collaging. The napkin on the left was from a restaurant where we ate. The piece on the right was from an advertisement that I saved and it was perfect for that spot. There is always a way to hide a bad painting. :)

Happy Saturday

Illustration Friday - 'Popularity'

2012-02-10T09:33:00.001-06:00

The prompt at Illustration Friday this week is 'Popularity'.

I always knew that daisies were loved by many people but the popularity of 'painted daisies' surprised me last week.

Let me explain: a few days ago I received an email from a company requesting credit information! So I sent them a "what the hell are you talking about" email and they were very nice and investigated the issue. Turns out there is a company called "Painted Daisies" in the midwest that did buy something from the first company. The first company made the mistake of assuming an email address and it was not the right one and thats how I got involved. Thank goodness it was an honest company that got to the bottom of the issue and apologized.

I have used this image in the past when I could 'flip' an image from light to dark, can't do that anymore.

Happy Illustration Friday!

Seagulls, Water and Sand

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

This was our last day in San Diego. DH wanted to stay back and watch golf (read he was tired from the zoo the day before) so he stayed home and I went back to the beach at the Naval base to do some quick sketches.

At the top is another pretty shell and next to that was a cloth bracelet that was buried in the sand so I painted them both.

I found a ramada to sit under and do some sketches of people and places around me. Lots of seagulls all around.

To answer Robin's earlier question, yes, I started to get sunburn so tried to stay out of the sun. I am fair so I burn easy and had no sun bloc. Who knew I would need it! Not me.

I still have one page to show you. I really got the sketching in!

And Even More Zoo Animals

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

I took one of the many maps we picked up in San Diego and painted some zoo animals, sea gull and sail boat on it. The elephant is done with water-soluble ink.

I haven't done any map painting for a awhile so this was fun.

For those of you wondering I painted thinned gesso on the map so the watercolor would not soak through and still leave the map visible.

Happy Animal Wednesday

"Gabby, A Story of Courage and Hope"

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading "Gabby", written by Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly. I wanted to share what a wonderful story this is. Gabby is the Congresswoman who was shot in the head while meeting with the public about their concerns. Six people died and thirteen were wounded.

It is wonderfully written about a woman with more courage than most of us can even imagine. Mark Kelly did the writing and was assisted by Jeffrey Zaslow. Gabby dictated the last chapter and reviewed all the content.

Mark writes of both of their early lives to explain why they are the way they are; (both wonderful people). He also talks about the early days after she was shot in the head where he immediately took charge of her care so that she received the best. And she did, both in Tucson, AZ and in Texas. During her recovery he went on to command the last space flight where he and his crew did a flawless job. He has since retired and devotes all his time to Gabby and her recovery.

He gives some insight into life as an astronaut and what life was like for his wife as a politician. The emotional impact on both of them was tremendous; they both worked hard on her recovery and rehab and the results showed and now they have shared everything with the public.

I highly recommend this book. It is now one of my favs.

Cactus Monday - Little Prickly Pear

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

While on a road trip near Tucson, we turned off looking for a horse riding ranch, got lost, stopped to ask directions. That's when I saw this old sign. I did a quick sketch in my small Moleskine but forgot to write down all the words on the sign so I just wrote in "Old Vail Village" because that was the name of the place.
The cactus was what got my attention in the first place. It's not unusual to see prickly pear pop up just about anywhere in the desert.

Happy Cactus Monday

Sunday's Sketch...In The Ladies Room

2012-02-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Normally you will see people in my Sunday sketches but since we went to church Saturday eve (and were late) we went to the golf course Sunday morning so he could hit some golf balls (no openings to golf on the course).

When I went in the ladies' room I saw this pretty fake plant and stopped to do a quick sketch that I painted later. I think this is the first time I have sketched in a rest room. Geesh, there is no end to my silliness!

Happy Sunday

A Day At The Beach

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

Have you been in suspense?

This is the full journal page of the cropped piece yesterday. We spent an afternoon at the beach on the naval base so we pretty much had the whole beach to ourselves.

The top is looking toward the main island and the tiny red roof is the Del Cornado hotel that we ate breakfast at.

This is the boardwalk we sat on so I could sketch and paint the view at the top of the page.

Busy painting.

Here is that 6-year-old who was picking up seashells when the ocean waves quickly rolled in and caught me even though I had my pants rolled up. DH came running out because he thought I was going to get washed away in the undertow and he also got wet. Okay, so, I do have a history with undertow as the grands can tell you when we were on Kauai. lol

The cropped part of the painting from yesterday was my concept of my wet pants and toes in the sand. Robin was exactly right when she said, "*Someones* toes dug into the sand at the beach...and by the look of the jeans....the Pacific Ocean already *introduced* herself!!

This view was so pretty with the sun reflecting off the water that I had to share it. Notice the little sandpiper hunting on the beach. He didn't care if his toes got wet.

You can see the shells I found and painted on the journal page. They were really pretty and worth getting wet for.

Sunshine wanted us to know she was there also.

Great day on the beach. I have another beach journal page but will wait till next week to show you.

Illustration Friday - 'Suspense'

2012-02-03T09:06:00.001-06:00

The prompt at Illustration Friday this week is "Suspense".

I cropped this snippet of painting from my journal. Can you guess what it indicates or will I keep you in suspense.

Check back tomorrow to see the whole page and find how what happened here.

Happy Illustration Friday

Journal - Zoo, Page Two

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is my second journal page at the zoo. The two cable cars at the top of the page were part of our day pass and went over the top of the whole zoo. You need to know I am scared of heights but I wanted to experience the whole day so I went on them and about squeezed my husband's leg off. We were sitting below the cars when I sketched them.

The panda was on one of the brochures and I elected to just paint the ears, eyes, nose and mouth to see how it looked and I really didn't need anymore than that to know it was a panda.

The flamingo and monkey were on the back of our day passes and fit great in-between the two giraffes.

As I said before one day is not nearly enough to see everything in the zoo. I'm happy I did all these small sketches as it really made the zoo personal and memorable.

Journal Page At The Zoo

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is one of the pages where I was sketching as fast as I could as we moved around. After I had all the sketches on here I decided that a vine would be good to separate each vignette as the zoo grounds were lush with vegetation. Oh, I had to paint the guy because he and DH were talking about the 'old days' and it took awhile so I sketched his friend. No, he didn't see it. All these sketches were done so fast but full of memories. Notice that I even found a small prickly pear cactus.

There were lots of flamingos. I love their brilliant color.

Just me posing with an elephant statue. It was very warm that day and I probably should have had shorts on.

Some baby giraffes with the big ones.

I have another page of sketches but have to paint them yet.

All day at the zoo was VERY tiring! Slow walking and looking will do it every time. So much to see.

The zoo is the largest in the US and covers 115 acres. There were 12,000 people there that day, but one driver told us that on their busiest day there were 28,000 visitors! You really need more than one day to see everything.

How's this for an 'Animal Wednesday"!

And a happy February 1st also.

San Diego Trip

2012-01-30T19:44:00.000-06:00

This is the first page in my journal. Notice how mountains always find their way into my journal? I love spreading them across the whole page because that's how I see them in front of us while driving.

That drive into California was something. Went from sea level to 4000 ft on winding, twisting roads from El Campo into San Diego (I-8 for those that might know this route). Once in San Diego, it was all the California traffic that I have heard stories about. What a nightmare! 6 lanes of cars and trucks going as fast as they can. Yikes! But I did it.

We stayed at the Naval Air Station because DH was a Marine at this base on North Island when the Marines controlled it. Now the Navy is in charge.

Let me just say that this base is 5x4 mile maze, but we finally found our way around.

We all told him he probably would not recognize anything from those days....and he didn't, it was all completely different.

One of the things he wanted to see was the Del Cornado Hotel (in the background) because there were military meetings there at one time. It is a huge beautiful place on the ocean and really the centerpiece of the island.

The concierge was so nice; she opened the Crown room so he could see it and walk through it. He said the ceiling used to be draped in red velvet. This is the building you see in the photo above with the big red roof.

You can see why it is called the crown room.

We had the breakfast buffet on Friday and the bottom half of my sketch (above) was in there. I used the kalanchoe plant on our table with the background looking out the windows to the ocean. I took my sketchbook with me everywhere and tried to squeeze in as many sketches as I could.

We spent three hours walking around there enjoying everything there was to see. I did manage to find some daisies growing on the grounds (bottom right corner of journal page).

It's going to take me a few days to show you everything. Such an interesting town.

Church Hat

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is very unusual to see anyone wearing hats in church any more. Remember when all the females did?

I love her dark purple shirt with the lacey red blouse peeking out.

Happy Sunday

Saturday's Zen

2012-01-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

This zen is very different for me. Don't know where the idea came from but it was sure fun to do. ATC size.

Happy Saturday.

Wind Chimes In Ink

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

Another sketch from our trip to Phoenix. One quiet morning I was sitting on her patio studying my Bridge game when these wind chimes called me so I did my first sketch on the back of my book, then went from there to my daily journal. And added a few daises. So funny how daisies keep cropping up in my journal.

This is the whole page where you will recognize a few other sketches. Everything seems to end up crooked because I must be sketching on a slant. But it's my work book so I don't care. Well, I don't care until I try to straighten it out for posting.

Today we are leaving for San Diego for a few days. DH wants to reminisce about his Marine basic training days. I have a few things pre-posted for my Blog and you know I have my art supplies packed.

Duck Decoy

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is a well-weathered wood decoy that was on the deck when DH went on his glider ride. I worked from a photo and put the plane in the background to mark the day and place.

I used Ann's method of using water-soluble ink and watercolor. I have done this before but she reminded me how fun it is from "Twenty Minute Challenge" where she posted hers. Ann also has beautiful paintings on her Blog.

This was also another bird that happened on that day.

Happy Animal Wednesday!

Road Trip Sketch

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

When I am not driving I like to sketch scenes along the road.

I love painting mountains and there are plenty between here and Phoenix. Only problem is the road was quite bumpy making my paint hit the wrong areas.

It is only a two hour trip but at least I got my mountains done.

Have a great day.

Cactus Monday

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

While we were in Phoenix I took a walk to see if there were any interesting cacti and found this one, probably a night blooming cereus. What made it interesting were the seed pods hanging on the branches.

Cropped out of my daily journal.

Happy Cactus Monday everyone

Another Church Couple

2012-01-22T11:12:00.003-06:00

Another interesting couple that sat in front of us in church. She had such interesting hair and I admit I wanted to reach over and straighten his collar. lol

Have a great Sunday!

White Birds

2012-01-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

I am getting used to seeing white birds of some sort every time we go somewhere as a reminder that Sunshine is watching over us.

For starters, on the way to Phoenix we crossed a road called 'Sunshine Blvd'.

When we walked into a restaurant we were greeted by a painting with two white birds in it.

I had to take two pix; one close-up and one to show the whole painting.

When we got to the glider airfield we were greeted with a 'hello' from a white cockatoo.

She sits under the overhang and you can see where she is chewing the wood. That hello was so fun to hear.

Yes, now I expect to see white birds where ever we go.

DH Goes Gliding and Another Surprise

2012-01-20T12:24:00.001-06:00

DH received a glider ride certificate last summer as a birthday gift from two of his daughters. We tried to get it in last month but the weather did not cooperate.

This week both daughters, SIL and grandson were visiting from Wisconsin so it was the perfect time to go gliding.

Here is DH getting into the glider with the help of his grandson.

The pilot sits in the back of the glider so he is explaining DH's responsibility in hooking and unhooking the tow rope.

Here is his plane going down the runway pulled by the tow plane.

Gliding through the air after being released at 5000 feet.

They flew out over Lake Pleasant and we lost sight of them for awhile. The whole ride took about 50 minutes as there were not too many updrafts but he said the sights below were awesome.

Here the plane is on the ground and his grandson helped him out. Interesting how grandchildren grow up into such nice people.

DH and the pilot.

Best part is the pilot was running a video camera and he will send us a DVD of that film.

The pilot is handing him his flight log book while the family helped celebrate.

Deb and Gail are the daughters that gave him the gift.

He had a GREAT time and loved every minute of it.

I am afraid to guess what they may do next year to top this!

AND......Margaret of 'Water Blossoms' and her husband came for the show. Here we are with a glider plane and airfield behind us. Lots of hugging and talking and sharing a look at our art. Margaret is an awesome artist and 'Queen of Zentangles'. To see her beautiful work in person was such a treat. And she is as marvelous as her work is: friendly, vivacious and just a wonderful person. I am so glad we finally met after a few years of planning to meet that something always interfered with. We did not have time to sketch together but that is going to happen in the future...we promised.

The whole family loved her and oohed and ahhhed over her art also.

As if it wasn't enough to finally meet her, she came bearing gifts.

Beautifully packaged.

These are notecards from her friend in Illinois, CJ Brown.

A package of ATC cards, stamps designed by Margaret and sold through Zazzle, a tree ornament with Margaret's design on it, also sold through Zazzle, 2 zentangle pencils (see close view below) and a pitt pen in an extra small size. I am getting the hint here that I need to decorate one of those ATC cards. lol

Thank you SO MUCH Margaret for these thoughtful and beautiful gifts.

And we WILL get together for a sketching good time.

What a fab day this was!!

ps Robin, come tomorrow to see how many times Sunshine showed up in one form or another.!

A Cup Of Tea

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

I discovered a new tea; Bigelow's green tea with lemon. It's so good.

This is a journal page that kind of developed on its own. First I pasted the outside package in because it just looked interesting. Then I thought it would be fun to paint a used tea bag.

Very fun idea.

Want to join me in a cup?

Gentoo Penguin

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

While I was visiting during Christmas I watched "Mr Popper's Penguins" with the grands. What a cute movie!

I just wanted to paint a penguin to remember the fun we had watching it. And it was fun to paint.

Happy Animal Wednesday

Cloudy, Cold And Rainy

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Two things I learned on this painting:

while I love my little watercolor Moleskine, it does not take a lot of washes, and second, this painting idea was great, but the execution failed. However, I am posting it anyway so you get the idea of the crummy day we had on Monday. On the other hand, rain in Arizona is always a good thing. This happy yellow umbrella sits next to the pool with the mountains in the background. Great idea for a painting, bad idea to paint it.

Today will be the sunny day I am used to here in Arizona.

Cactus Monday - Freeze Damaged Saguaro

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last winter in Arizona/Tucson there were several days of freezing weather, 19 degrees F. Some of the tall old Saguaros suffered a lot of damage and are in the process of dying.

I decided to sketch a study of the damage.

First the summer fruit production is drastically reduced. Then the outer shell starts peeling away, the arms fall off or leave remnants of the inner structure. The inner ribs are bare sticks. The holes that the birds make for nests create a 'boot' inside the cactus and when the outer cactus layers peel away the boot is left hanging.

So sad to see these old giants dying.

This is a colored pencil sketch I did in 2006 of a dead Saguaro 'skeleton' or inner structure. It shows what it looks like when the entire exterior is gone.

Life and death in the desert.

Happy Cactus Monday

Sunday's Plaid

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

This young couple were new to me and how fun that they sat right in front of us. Loved making that plaid shirt.

Happy Sunday!

Learning To Play Bridge

2012-01-14T11:00:00.000-06:00

I am learning how to play bridge but no one told me I had to be a 'math major'! Lots of rules and card counting...makes my head spin, thus my silly sketch.

But it's fun. And keeps my brain active...or nuts, not sure which.

Do you know how to play bridge?

Illustration Friday - 'Prepare'

2012-01-13T12:07:00.001-06:00

The prompt at Illustration Friday this week is 'Prepare' so I sat down and sketched my coffee cup, wrote a haiku and here it is. Now that it is posted I can see a few spots I missed and some crookedness. Oh well, I guess it will be that kind of day.

Happy Illustration Friday everyone.

Morning Glory

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

We stop at Jerry-Bobs for breakfast every Sunday after church. Last Sunday this pretty little vase was on the table. So springy I couldn't resist.
I cut the words, 'morning glory' out of the little 'Coffee News' flyer that we get there.

A Visit With The Golden Girls

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite pics of them from Christmas.

Dad just got back from snowmobiling and Macy thought his hat was pretty interesting so he put it on her head...

and Mickey came along and told her it didn't fit so she would take it away for safe keeping.

Here they are playing bookends.

Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

Wheat Bellys

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

When I was home for Christmas my daughter's friend introduced us to the concept of going wheat free. We all bought the book and made the decision to at least try it for a few months.

I am such a breadaholic that I thought I couldn't do it but once I started going wheat free I haven't even missed bread, bagels, wheat cereal, etc. And I feel very good. I can't wait to see what my cholesterol and blood pressure are when I go for my physical in April.

The book is on my sidebar and here is the Amazon link if you are interested.

I really didn't look for these subjects but maybe I am more conscious of 'wheat bellys' now. We spent an afternoon at Applybe's watching a Packer game and when this guy walked in, I pulled out my small watercolor Moleskine. He was huge!

On a different day DH had to go to the VA and this guy was sitting in the chair begging to be sketched. So I did. Now THIS is what I call a wheat belly!

And that is my sermon for the day. lol

Cactus Monday - Quilted Cactus

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

First of all let me say, I don't know where this stuff comes from. Quilted cactus? The idea just popped in my head and I ran with it. Of course I had to add a haiku.
Can you see who else popped in to say hi? She has been on my mind so that is not a surprise.

Happy Cactus Monday!

Tucson Remembers

2012-01-08T20:13:00.001-06:00

One year ago on 1/8/11, nineteen people were shot, six were killed. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and survived. She continues to recuperate and thrive.

Today there was a gathering of Tucsonans to honor the spirit of Tucson.

Here is a news release of this evening.

Sunday Sketching

2012-01-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday was a good day for sketching. I started with this lady in front of us but since the sermon went on a whole lot longer I also got the priest sketched.

The message: "Lord, hear us in your love."

Have a great day!

How About a Haircut

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure why I happened to be with DH when he got a haircut but since I was there.....why not do a quick sketch.

Illustration Friday - 'Grounded'

2012-01-06T08:31:00.001-06:00

The prompt at Illustration Friday this week is 'Grounded'.

Sitting in an airport means I was 'grounded' and what better way to pass the time but sketching people around me.

Everyone seems to be playing on an iPod or iPhone, well, except those that are sleeping. Or sketching.

McDonald's is my least places to eat but even an egg mcmuffin tastes good when starving.

Happy Illustration Friday everyone.

Artist's At Work

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Theresa also received some art supplies for Christmas: sketchbook, Pitt pens and a Zentangle pattern book.

So we each did a zentangle while Christina worked on a portrait.

I had to use a camera for Theresa's zentange so the color is not the best but she did a great job on it.

Angie had to come up and put a zentangle in my sketchbook too.

This one is hers.

The girls love to have me tell them stories of my past life and this day we got onto some nursing adventures I had.

And this is my zentangle.

We had such a great time.

Silly Giraffe

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

While I was at my daughter's this Christmas I went with them for one of the girls orthodontist appointment. This silly giraffe statue was in the waiting room so I sketched it. When I got home I painted it and threw some green paint on it for interest.

Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

My Youngest Artist

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Christina hit the art jackpot this Christmas. She got an easel, palette, pens and acrylic paints and got right to work the day after. She has started reindeer here. Don't you love how correctly she holds the palette?!

Here are the reindeer flying with Santa in front of the moon.

This is her painted Nutcracker with the border.

Then she started painting a portrait of everyone. I was the first to sit for her and didn't she do a great job!

She had so much fun with those acrylics.......I bought some when I got back home so I can play with them also. Hey, you never know where inspiration will come from and she inspired me.

I will show you some photos of my 'other' artists on Thursday and a fun animal painting tomorrow.

Cactus Bunny

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

When I went for a walk the other day I saw this bunny hiding behind some prickly pear cactus and he looked so cute that I went home and painted him in my daily journal. Then I cropped it for today's cactus.
Yes, I have started journaling again.

Happy Cactus Monday

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-01-01T01:30:00.000-06:00

I thought I would start the new year with a nebula, symbolic of new beginnings.

Thank you all for your friendship in 2011.

And thank you all for your support, hugs and love when we lost Sunshine. She left a big hole in our lives that is slowly healing.

You probably didn't notice but I have been unable to do much art since then, been bluffing my way through with photos. My trip home for Christmas went a long way to heal my heart and I want to make 2012 a new beginning.

I like to use one word as a resolution for my artistic new year and this year I chose "Open". I am going to be 'open' to new possibilities, experiences and inspirations. And 'open' to my muse to lead me.

May your year be filled with happiness and love.

Technique: watercolor and salt

The 2011 Santas

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

Christina and I did a few more Santas again this year.

The top two are mine and the bottom is hers. No surprise that she picked the Golden Girls ornament to paint.

We do a few pages every year.

Happy almost New Year.

Illustration Friday - "Highlight"

2011-12-30T13:26:00.003-06:00

Right now the highlight is on 2012.

And that is the prompt at Illustration Friday. Great prompt at that.

Happy Illustration Friday everyone.

The Dancing Grands

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

I am rather embarrassed to say that I took this video. Need I say I rarely use the video part of my camera?

The girls were practicing this new step they just learned and I love how it looks. Christina, the youngest, learned it from her sisters in about 2 minutes.

I decided to try the video so they dressed for the part. We had so much fun doing this.

The music is from Swan Lake, 'the four swans'.

The last part of the video is Christina doing a dance that she saw the older girls doing in the studio and decided to teach herself how to do it. It is amazing how fast the girls learn new routines.

Just one of the happy times we had this Christmas.

A Few Golden Girl Photos

2011-12-28T11:38:00.000-06:00

This is the greeting I get from the Golden Girls every time I walk in the door!

Macy is the youngest of the golden girls and the most laid back dog I have ever seen. She is wearing Christina's jacket here..."whatever".

Here is Macy (type B) in the back seat on the way to my other daughters while

Mickey is the co-pilot (type A), so typical of her.

I got home late last night with no airline problems except for the run down the entire concourse in Denver from one plane to the next one. I got on in time. Phew, I was very worried because we left Milwaukee 30 minutes late and I only had 30 minutes between flights.

More on the wonderful time I had with my family in future posts.

Heading Back Home

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

I am flying back home today and will get there late. Again I have to change planes in Denver. I hope it is as easy as last time.

The Golden Girls will be featured tomorrow but it may be late as I hope to sleep in from a late night.

I miss not having my computer with me. I love my iPad but there are some things I just can't do with it, like creating a post.

It was an ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS Christmas with my family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cactus Monday - Sassy Succulent

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

I painted this succulent when I was in the same crazy mood as the

Cheshire Cat.

Happy Cactus Monday!

Have a Wonderful Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

☆MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS☆

Advent

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

I did this sketch in church during the Advent season and painted it at home.

Advent is the preparation for the birth of Christ which happens tomorrow.

May your season be full of joy and happiness.

Santa Sketchbook

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last year I started a 'Santa Sketchbook' of paintings of Santas.

When I went back home last year for Christmas Christina and I painted a few Santas of my daughter big collection. However, Christmas was over and I never showed what we did.

Christina painted the first two and wrote the haiku and the last one is mine.

Perhaps this year we can paint some more.

Crazy Christmas Cheshire Cat

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

I painted this last week and got a little wild with the paint...and it was fun.

Yes, I know I misspelled Cheshire. lol And me the best speller.

Happy Christmas Animal Wednesday.

The 'Real' Nutcracker

2011-12-20T07:17:00.000-06:00

My dancers in the Nutcracker: (left) my daughter Cari, Christina, Eddie Bray, (the teacher, choreographer and the Nutcracker), Theresa and Angie.

Flash camers were not allowed but a friend got this pic without a flash.
It is the walz of the flowers that Theresa and Angie danced in. Angie is third from the left and Theresa is last on the right. The Sugar Plum fairy is in the center.

My grands: left to right, Angie, Theresa and Sarah (here from Germany) and Christina in the front.

I got to see the performance twice and it was awesome! So professional, beautiful and perfect.

Cactus Monday With Santa Hat

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Many people in Arizona decorate their Saguaro like this: put a Santa hat on the top and lights around the cactus.

Happy Cactus Monday

The Nutcracker

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am attending the Nutcracker production that my grands and daughter danced in.
It used to be a tradition in our family to go see the production of the Nutcracker every year, now they are dancing in it.
Priceless!!

Heading Home

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

And yet another and last card from Laure's class. You can see that 'peace, Love and Joy' was the theme throughout all my cards.

I know all these things will be waiting for me when I get home for Christmas.

Leaving at 7:30am today. Changing planes in Denver.....keep your fingers crossed!

I have pre-posted some things but if you don't hear from me not to worry. I am only taking my iPad with me and it does not support Blogger.

Have just wonderful holidays!!!

Illustration Friday - "Sink"

2011-12-16T08:31:00.000-06:00

Remember when my 'Brigade' of eggs first arrived on the scene for Illustration Friday?

Then they became 'Separated" for the next Illustration friday?

Well now they went for a swim in the 'Sink' and one of them went right to the bottom while the others stayed afloat!

Happy Illustration Friday with the prompt of "Sink".

Messing Around Zen

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have been watching a watercolor instructional DVD and haven't got past wet-in-wet back grounds so I inked a zen for this one.

These kind of backgrounds always turn out so interesting, never quite know what will happen. This time a cat, dog and turtle came to play. Maybe one of these days I could actually do a real painting.

Have a wonderful day.

Two Beautiful Gifts Of Sunshine

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

This BEAUTIFUL painting of Sunshine flew into our mailbox from Elva. She is the most wonderful artist and nature story teller.

Don't you just love the way Sunshine is holding our heart.

Makes me cry every time I look at it.

As Elva said, "Sunshine was such a joy in your life and fun for many of us. It takes awhile, but the joy hangs on and the ache eases." I'm still working through that ache.

Elva and I first met online and then discovered she was originally from Wisconsin only about 20-30 miles from where we now live.

You must visit her Blog for a delightful tour.

And this is the adorable card that came with it, drawn and designed by her. So perfect.

Elva is so wonderful and thoughtful and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
This one is going in a frame!

************
And as if that wasn't enough...
This poem was written by my neighbor's daughter, the one that has Yoyo. She also knew Sunshine and knew how much we loved her.

Get the kleenex.

"She was a little bit of fluff

Didn't weigh a thing

Chirped and sang her stuff

The sweetest thing with wings

She came out of the blue

Right straight into our heart

Gd sent her it is true

Loved her from the start

She taught us all she knew

Family is more than right

It's a very special glue

never et her out of sight

She made our lives shine

Went everywhere with us

She traveled just fine

Everyone made a fuss

She prepared her nest

Laid her little eggs there

We were so very blest

They were her gift to share

Though she filled our days

One night while we slept

Took her flight on God's highway

Angels guided while we slept

Ripped our hearts in two

Grief has left us torn

Nothing anyone can do

But give us time to mourn"

Thank you Anita for your kindness, you so wonderfully expressed exactly how we feel.

I am so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people!

Another Christmas Card

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is another card I made in Laure Ferlita's class.

I like the way this one turned out.

I am leaving Saturday for the land where this tree full of snow is the norm. Sarah will also be flying in from Germany and the other three grands are dancing in The Nutcracker. Even my daughter is one of the adults dancing at the party in the production. How perfect are those plans?!! Just being with my family is enough.

Cactus Monday - Prickly Pear

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

We were at DH son's house to check things while they are absent. I sat outside and sketched and painted these prickly pear cacti, trying to get back into daily sketching. The sun was behind them and casting great shadows.

I cropped it from the journal page that I was working on. The page already had some pre-washes on it so I wasn't sure how it would turn out but the washes were light enough to not cause any problems.

Happy Cactus Monday

Sunday Couple

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

I think this may be the first decent sketch I have done since Sunshine. And what better place than in church. Done last Sunday.

Happy Sunday to all

Fishy Fun

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Zens are good for relaxing and getting back into daily sketching.

This fish swam in almost immediately.

Happy Saturday

Illustration Friday - "Separated"

2011-12-09T08:17:00.001-06:00

Remember last week when I showed you the egg 'brigade' ?

Well this week three of them became 'separated' in accordance with the Illustration prompt of 'separated'.

Happy Illustration Friday

Zen On 'Coffee News'

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

These 'Coffee News papers' from the restaurant keep coming home with me. :)

I wondered how a zen would work and the paper is thick enough to make it easy.

Have a good Thursday.

Animal Wednesday - Christmas Puppy

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is another image I painted for Laure's 'Christmas Card' class.

I used a photo of Macy (golden girls) to create this card and words.

While I loved the idea, again, I didn't like the way it turned out.

Happy Animal Wednesday

St Nick's Day

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

I took a "Christmas Card" online class from Laure Ferlita this summer before my eye surgery. One of the lessons involving using animals on a card so I painted this one of Sunshine.

I don't like the way I painted it; always have trouble painting white, but I love the words:

"What?

These cookies are for Santa?

Oops"

It was so her.

I won't use it for a card and I probably would not even have shown it but it seemed perfect for the day.

Happy St. Nick's Day

Cactus Monday - Winter Cactus

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is an old painting but so appropriate for the crummy weather we have been having this weekend: rain, wind, cold and snow in the mountains.

At least there is no snow down here in the valley.

Even the cactus are shivering.

Happy Cactus Monday

Church a Few Weeks Ago

2011-12-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

I found another sketch from a few weeks ago.

Isn't it interesting what I wrote then and so meaningful now.

I am having a hard time getting back to painting but am trying to work through it. I need to paint Sunshine again before I can move on.

I put a "Sunshine" slideshow together for my husband and he has looked at it twice. Now I wish I had taken more photos. How smart we get after a loss.

Friday's Bad Weather

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Bad weather makes interesting photos.

The only thing showing on our mountains is the very top, the rest is shrouded in heavy dark clouds.
The whole weekend is going to look like this.

Winter weather in the desert.

Illustration Friday - "Brigade"

2011-12-02T11:12:00.001-06:00

The prompt at Illustration Friday this week is 'Brigade".

This 'brigade" of eggs have lost more than half their members already.

Time for more recruits.

Happy Illustration Friday.

DH Is Flying Today and...

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

My husband received a birthday gift this summer that he is going to 'collect' today; a glider ride. The place we go is northwest (I think) of Phoenix. Margaret lives very close to where the airport is so.....we are planning to meet there, taik, eat lunch and hopefully sketch.

However, the weather just may not cooperate: prediction of high winds, cold and rain. We'll see.

I really need a change of scenery so DH thought this would be a good time to do it. Margaret is the frosting on the cake.

And no I am NOT going up in the air with him.

I did this piece of art before my world fell apart. It is on a flyer called "Coffee News" and is found in a lot of small restaurants. I used diluted gesso and painted the cup and wrote the words. Curious how important those words are now.

I am editing this to say that the glider place just called and said they were canceling flights today because it was too dark and windy. So we will do it another day.
I did talk to Margaret, well, for quite awhile. We had lots to talk about.
When the weather is better we are still going to meet when he goes on the glider. I am looking forward to that.
She pointed something out to me that gave me the chills. Here is the website for the glider. Take a look at the banner, Sunshine is on the right corner. She will always be with us.

Sunshine Last Journey

2011-11-30T11:23:00.001-06:00

Isn't this just our Sunshine?!

First, I want to thank everyone for their comments and notes. They were beautiful and heartfelt and I cried over each one. She was known and loved across the world.

As to what happened, we first thought she got stuck under the chair but after researching what could have happened, we think she got egg-bound. Since we got to Arizona she laid 5 infertile eggs. A few days before she died she laid three under my husband's chair. Advice from friends said to leave her there to sit on the eggs so we did. She was practicing to be a good mama.

The evening before Thanksgiving she was under there for a few hours and when I looked at 9pm I found her dead.

Cockatiels and other small birds are know to have the problem of becoming egg-bound and dying from it.

We are slowly working our way through our grief. Someone suggested using my art to help cope and this is the result.

It's time to move forward but Sunshine will always be in my heart.

Thank you all for being such good friends.

Sunshine

2011-11-24T18:20:00.001-06:00

2009 - 2011

My best bud is gone due to a freaky accident.

I am editing this to say thank you all so much for the hugs and caring.
She flew into all of our lives and shared a lot of love and fun.

I am going to take a few days off from blogging to try and heal the hole in my heart.

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

I am giving thanks for all the good things in my life
Family
Friends
Health
and
Art

I hope your day is full of happiness.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

The Golden Girls Dress Up...

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

It all started with Macy showing off her headband...

then added glasses to get the complete look.

While Mickey is looking at her wondering if Macy knows what a fool she looks like.

(that's my daughter having a laughing jag over the whole thing)

This is what happens when the three girls in the family meet the two girl dogs.....dress-up time.

It also shows you how laid back and easy going Macy is while Mickey would have been eating the headband and glasses by now. Hard to believe they are half-sisters.

Are you all ready for Thanksgiving?

A Day At Agua Caliente Park..With Sketchbook

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Daily journal page cropped.

DH and I went to Agua Caliente park last Friday. It is a naturalist dream park; lake, birds, wild animals, ducks, fish, cacti, etc.

While I sat on this bench sketching the ducks, he went for a walk and came back with something for me to sketch. It fell on his head lol.

Daily journal page

At the very top of this page you will see a 'osage orange' and a leaf from the bush. No one was sure what it was so I asked the park naturalist and she said it was an 'osage orange' that normally grows in Oklahoma & Texas. She had no idea who brought it here and planted it.

Squirrels love it but no other animal really likes it according to her.

It is rather soft so it didn't hurt his head.

Picture of the lake.

The surrounding grounds have everything from palm trees to Cacti.

I took this photo from the bridge overlooking the lake. It is also where I did that quick sketch of the turtles on a log.

I love this park.

So much to enjoy.

Cactus Monday Before Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is Cactus Monday before Thanksgiving and this prickly pear is providing help to the turkey. :)

"Don't tell anyone

Thanksgiving is getting near

I am hiding out"

Happy Cactus Monday everyone.

Sketching In Church for Sunday Sketches

2011-11-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Isn't this a great design?! As soon as I saw her I was immediately looking for my sketchbook. I am always intrigued when I see a great design.

To answer a few previous questions; I use my small Moleskine which lives in my purse, hold it in my lap for the quick ink sketch, then finish it at home. So no one really sees me doing these. And no, I have never shown the subject what I did.

I am linking this to Sophia's Sunday Sketches and also posting it in Sketching In Church. Both are great places to visit.

Saturday's Tangle

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is a zen that became a 'what if'. I tried different things like using my fountain pen (really didn't get dark enough), using outside lines and then watercolor on this slick paper.

I really don't like it.

Maybe next time.

lol

Happy Saturday!