Friday, May 13, 2011

Blooming Flowers Inside And Out


Lately I've sold a few things on ebay and Etsy.... which has allowed me to do a little spending on some "happys" for myself.    One of which, is this sweet painting by Kathryn Glover. I've admired Kathryn's work ever since I found her blog some months back.  She has opened two Etsy stores.  One with great vintage items, and the other with her paintings.  I purchased this charming floral.


I'm really drawn to the colors, subject matter, and Kathryn's painting style.  Take some time to check out her blog and see the wide variety of work she has posted.  I'm keeping this one on my mantel for now where I can see it best and most often.  Kathryn has become an inspiration to me to keep working on my drawings and pastels daily.... I can't report that I've been very good about daily work, but I work off and on throughout the week.

Our peonies are fabulously in bloom right now.  Lots of bouquets all over the house, and the smell is heavenly.  This seemed to be a nice opportunity to do a bright pastel, so I picked a few and put them in an old McCoy vase.   I decided to use colors I love and just kept laying lots of pastel down on the paper.  I took this shot before I'd finished.


And the following in my studio today.  Messy, but fun!


You may be wondering if I"m still rug hooking.... and the answer is yes, but something small and simple for now.  Below is a bit of a new little clutch I'm doing.  Lots of roses, with this luscious pink wool for background.

Our pond  seems to have exploded with growing plants and growing fish overnight!  Yesterday my husband counted 17 water lilies.  These hardy peach lilies have taken over and rooted themselves outside of their pots, and into the mud on the bottom of the pond.  Our pond is man-made, but it's not your typical crystal clear clean pool.  It's sort of taken on a life of it's own.... as has much of our outdoor space.  It's rather wild and natural at this point, but the plants and fish are doing great.  We just let nature it do it's own thing.



The yellow water iris has rooted itself outside of the pond into the ground all around it.  All the little white petals have blown off three large white oaks that you can't see in this photo.

And last, a shot of my Summer Jewels rug minus the kitty from my last post.


Hope your weekend is happy and restful.
xo
dulcy

17 comments:

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Love the painting. I really admire you for learning pastels. My mother is a very accomplished artist and she likes pastels quite a bit. They result in some beautiful work...and peonies are my favorite! Nice job!
Your pond is intriguing...I love how it's growing.
So many fun things that you're doing...can't wait to see the roses finished!
Courtney

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Love you painting! I agree that Kathryn's works are very lucious.
wonderful fireplace, and so is the sweet rug in front of it. And one last word, that pond of yours is like its own little world. What a haven you have there.
xx
julie

Mary Welsh Hubbard said...

Your pond looks great! Every time we put fish in ours the Blue Heron eats them all within two days!

Julia said...

Wow, you've been busy creating beautiful things. First, I think that you did a great choice in buying Kathryn Glover's painting. She's very talented. I don't know about art but I know that she's talented.

I love your Pastel peonies painting. It looks like quite a challenge to draw peonies.

I think that your little rose clutch is going to be just adorable. It looks so feminine. Come to think of it, I think that the lilly pond is a nice place for inspiration for another clutch.
Your place looks so serene with the fish pond. JB

Michele said...

Such loveliness all around you. It's nice that you can channel it into your works.

Kathryn Glover said...

Dulcy, Thank you for writing such kind words about my work. Your pond I am fascinated by. Beautiful lilies and colorful fishies. I could sit there and stare at the pond for hours. Your entire yard, your little slice of heaven, has some beautiful things going on. I'm ready to organize a bus tour to your place. Thanks so much for sharing.

Tammy Burks said...

I love seeing all the new things you are working on! The pastel is so YOU!!!! Peonies are blooming like crazy and we've started bringing them in the house.....such a girly flower....I love them!

susan jenkins said...

Oh I so love your lily pond! It is just beautiful! Wouldn't a lily pond rug would be lovely! I look forward to seeing your clutch done, I know it will be just wonderful!

Great job with the pastels!! Loved your post and yes, Katherine's work is just terrific!! A sweet bit of Julie Whitmore there too!! Oh and your fire place,soooo love it!!
xx Susan

Jennifer Richardson said...

The bounty and beauty
of you
is breathtaking:)
Really, I just love peering
into your world!
-Jennifer

Pixie said...

Hi Dulcy.
I am loving all the little roses that you have made can't wait to see the finished piece, and lovely pastel also, stunning colours.
Your home looks so tranquil and calm, and all those lovley fishes, beautiful.
Pixie x
p.s love the julie whitmore cup, thats something thats on my list of wants. x

Alice ~ Folk Art Primitives said...

I love it when you post! Love your pastel of the peonies ~ love your newly acquire painting and how the artist made the bottle see-thru just like a real bottle ~ love your new little rose clutch in the making ~ and love your garden pix. Our fish didn't make it this winter ~ they made it thru 4 other winters but sadly, this spring ~ no fish!! Maybe we'll start anew!! Thanks, Dulcy, for a fun and informative blog post!!

Miccosukee said...

Dulcy,

Looking at your painting and then your rug, i also remember some great knitting you did.

What can't you do when you put your hands to it?

Keep up the posting. This is such a great place to have your senses opened up.

Trisha

Pixie said...

Hi Dulcy, me again, i have just been wandering through your flickr pages for the first time and all your creations are just so divine, do you think you may have some more rugs up for sale in the not too distant future ? Pixie xx
p.s do you do commisions ;)

Kathryn Glover said...

When and where does the bus tour begin? I'm ready to meet you and visit your world of beautiful color!

Nancy said...

Dulcy,
Your blog is a breathe of fresh air....so colorful and beautiful.......thanks for letting us peak into your world......

Relyn Lawson said...

I haven't seen your enchanted cottage in ages. These peeks made me happy today.

Hey, did I tell you I am teaching summer school this year? What was I thinking??

Lorraine Young Pottery said...

:) I really enjoyed reading your blog I went back quite a few pages. I think it's wonderful that you are embracing your age and using every minute to celebrate the now and enjoy and explore your passions. I am doing the same and it feels wonderful! Your painting has lots of love and life in it :) also of course I love your photos and the messy studio - I like messy studio's!


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