FULL BLOOM

I've been tending to my Etsy shop, Gillyflower Cottage, after finding that many of my items had to be reactivated and updated.  I've also been doing a fair amount of watercolor journaling and painting.  So much, in fact, that I had to listen to my last book group selection on audio.com, while I finished a painting for a friend.  Not a bad way to multitask!

So, there's a new, sweet little painting in Gillyflower Cottage.  This is a 6 x 6 inch oil on gessorbord panel called, "Full Bloom".   Check it out here.  I've been practicing the technique I learned while attending a Dreama Tolle Perry workshop in March.  Lots of color and a very painterly style - fresh, loose, visible brush strokes.  It's been very fun and challenging.

"Full Bloom" 

6 x 6 inch oil on museum quality gessobord

Thanks for checking in!

IN THE MOOD TO PAINT

After dipping a brush in the paint can for awhile yesterday (while painting my cupboard), I got in the mood to work on a painting for the living room. 

I LOVE GETTING THIS STUFF OUT!!!  

LOVE IT!

I know it's going to be a great day ahead when my paints, brushes, and a fresh canvas are sitting there, waiting.

Anyway.

Once the old cupboard left the room, I rearranged things a bit, and there was the perfect spot for a new painting.   I wanted to do a painting in the style of a French painter I like.   That style is very free-form, flowing, and impressionistic, with just the suggestion of flowers.  Mine is set against a meadowy and blue sky background, with pink and white flowers.  

First some close-ups of different sections of the painting, because you can't see the good stuff unless you get close!

 I used a palette knife for the majority of the painting.  I love the nubby texture here and there, and the faint whisks the palette knife leaves behind when you adjust the pressure.

And here it is, right where it belongs!  

Such a relaxing way to spend these beautiful, autumn afternoons!  A little music, some open windows, cool breezes, and my paints and brushes.  

PURE BLISS!

THE PROMISED "FAIL".

Okay, last week I listed 5 projects in the making.  A couple days ago I showed you the clay and paper projects.  Well, here's the twig project.  I've made these before and they turned out great - but it just wasn't working this time. 

Below you see what it was supposed to look like!

And . . . this is what they turned out to be!  

There are six of these beauties.  They were supposed to be centerpieces for an outdoor party we're having in a week.  Those of you who have been following my blog for a bit, may remember my speaking about my 32 year old son going through treatment for testicular cancer.  Well, he's all finished with chemo, his hair has grown back, and he's out riding the highways and byways of Minnesota and beyond.  (185 miles in one day a few weeks ago)  He takes his biking seriously.  

Now, he is officially in remission and we're so thankful!  The whole time he was going through chemo, he worked on fundraising for the LIVESTRONG foundation, riding a trainer bike in his basement.  To date, he has earned almost $30,000 and the opportunity to ride with Lance Armstrong in Austin, Texas this fall in the Livestrong Challenge.  We'll be there to see him cross the finish line.

ANDY AND KATE ON THEIR WEDDING DAY TWO YEARS AGO

Anyway, we're going to celebrate his recovery with family and friends . . . and the tables need centerpieces.  These seemed appropriate - kind of "Survivor" type-looking-things.  But they're a little too rugged for me and we're going with something else.  But . . . since I said I'd show the 5 projects, I'm going to show ALL 5 projects!  So, here it is!  Live and learn . . .

And now to try to retrieve a better reputation - it's a good time to throw in some pictures from the garden - since that's where the party will be.  This is the first chance I've had to get outside in a few days - we've been getting some much needed rain.  

Coneflowers - a Wisconsin Native

 Zinnias

 Some pink hydrangeas

Another pink hydrangea nestled into some Lamb's Ears -

 And one of my husband's favorites - the tall Nicotiana.

Jan and I always overestimate how much we'll be able to get done.  So two of the five projects are still in the making . . . coming soon . . . as promised . . . 

birds and furniture!

JUNE FLOWERS

It's June 25th.

Twenty-two years ago today, I married my best friend, and the most wonderful, kind, and generous man a girl could ever hope for.  Anniversaries remind us of weddings, and weddings remind us of white,  lace, and FLOWERS.  So, here are some flowers from my June garden to celebrate 22 wonderful years!

 Snapdragons

 The promise of lilies . . .

 Lemon Drops

 My favorite new flower . . . the Orange Cone Flower

Veronica

 Fairy Candles . . . gaining speed!  It won't be long.

 Honeysuckle Vine

 . . . and Climbing Hydrangeas

Also, in case you didn't know, it's National Iced Tea Month!  

 Enjoy one in the garden!

-Nan