watercolor and pen in Arches Travel Book
The apple blossoms pop each year just like popcorn from little pink kernels to white blossoms. And each year I feel a bit of panic at the thought of how quickly this extravagence passes through. I rush out and sketch this very same tree behind my studio in a futile effort to freeze it. Actually perhaps it’s not so futile. Isn’t it that sense of wanting to fully possess the moment that ushers us into the most impassioned art making, connecting us for all time with that moment in time? I mean even if I lose the sketch, the memory trace of it lives on.
It’s been a busy past 10 days, with boys home for Spring break and a visit from my 89 year old mother to celebrate her birthday. Today I’m turning my attention back to the routine I love so much – the art, the garden, the (7)chickens, who rewarded me with 6 eggs today, filling the one little nest which they take turns laying in! I visited my friend Carole, owner of the Rose and Thorn, my very favorite country gift shop and garden, last week. Her chickens are sooooo gorgeous that I get chicken envy every time I go. I mean she’s got such an assortment of designer chickens. . .and goats too. And the chickens live in “Cluckingham Palace” and “The Joy Cluck Club”. So I’ll be taking the sketchbooking class there April 13 , (unless it’s raining). Rose and Thorn
Sometimes, of course, it’s not possible to finish these little sketches in the time you have when you’re grabbing a few minutes here and there to do art. This one I did while waiting in my car for Rose and Thorn to open. And I’m going to leave it this way, maybe write something in the white space. Some of them are better not finished anyway.
Gosh Susan, this tree is is absolutely gorgeously painted!!! Love the house too but the tree has captured me.
Fresh and beautiful colors. I really like the loose style. Beautiful.
I always love your sketches but these two just blew me away! Beautiful, beautiful!
Oh how I love both of these sketches, they are everything I LOVE about water color journals. Gorgeous, and I agree, leaving white for journaling is KEY. Lovely style!
Susan, these are stunning as they are, especially the apple tree. Looking at your work, I can see a fear of play and use of color in mine. Funny how we learn. Love the name of the chicken & goat dwellings!
Tami, You know when I try to do “serious” paintings and stop playing I always get in trouble, so I know what you mean.
You’ve captured that blossom perfectly. Now I will always look at blossom and think of popcorn. Did you know in Japan the monitor the oncoming of spring by the opening of blossom on particular trees in temple gardens. How fantastic is that!
Susan, these are just beautiful! They’re so soulful, but then your work often is.
Oh, Susan, I want to just lie down under your tree and breathe in the beauty of your property. . . and your art. Who but you could make such a perfect apple tree?!