Tuesday, My 59th Birthday!

Marking Time

Fifty-nine candles
Require strong lungs to blow out.
I hope for sixty.


It semed breezy enough to fly my kite today; but only marginally so.

Wind Ho!

The kite luffs and then

the taut string lifts it upwards

pulling hand and arm

I sat on the Heritage Center's back patio and enjoyed my morning coffee.

Percolator

The aroma is bold,
awakening first thoughts:
my morning coffee.


Pablo Picasso said, "Painting is just another way of keeping a diary." I guess both my art and this blog serve as such.

Then and Now

From fingerpainting
and Crayolas to today,
I remain inspired.

I have recently become fascinated watching Bob Ross' painting show on PBS Television. I am amazed at his skill and speed -- and his even demeanor. One of his great quotes is, "There are no mistakes -- only 'Happy Accidents.'" Even though his medium is oil paint, some of the skills tranlslate: imagination, color, shadow, composition.

PBS Painter

“Happy Accidents”
Bob Ross makes it look easy:
Deceitfully so.


Selecting a Subject

Color and shadow,
visual inspiration,
mimicking nature.


I set up my easel here in the shade of the porch.


Artistic images always interest me; but I find myself more impressed with the "Why?" What was the inspiration or reason for that particular image. Art should not just be about images. It should also be about storytelling. My story today: I want to improve my skill at painting flowers.

This was my first flower.

It looked better after I cropped it.

This was my second flower. Some background landscape seems to "anchor" the flowers better.

Have I told you that I have never taken any lessons? 20 years ago I bought a paperback "How To" book on watercolors. I'm certain that some formal instruction would more rapidly advance my skill than solitary practice. Some day I will find time for that. Honestly, I am not looking to impress anyone with my art. I paint for myself -- and so far, I am enjoying myself.


I next wanted to paint a Kildeer (bird). I started this sketch, but the proportions seemed "off," so I decided to try again with fresh eyes tomorrow.


June Weddings

For better or worse,
through fair weather and storms,
vows are realized.


Tomorrow is the Summer Solstice: the longest day of the year. 

Anti-Equinoxical

The summer solstice:
Earths’s North pole tips to the sun;

Long days and short nights.


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