Monday, December 26, 2011

Memories of 2011

Going to mountains with my painting buddies,
Wading by streams with our shoes nice and muddy,
Whether in Fall or in Winter or Spring,
These are a few of my favorite things...



As you can see, we never go into the wild without plenty of provisions. This is the trip that recharges our batteries every year, and this year there will be a Spring trip too, thanks to our new friend Mary Jo in South Carolina.

posted by Carmen

Thursday, December 22, 2011


Merry Christmas to all of you who follow our blog!

Every year I paint a picture for our Christmas card,
and my husband makes the cards for me to write and
mail. This year's card is inspired by my favorite
carol, and the beauty of the North Carolina mountains.

May all of you find the Joy of this special season.

Mary

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Sometimes just for fun is the best

I have just returned from a family Thanksgiving in New England. This is the first time that both of my children, their spouses and all the grandchildren have been together for a holiday, and it was wonderful. I am lucky enough to have grown grandchildren, teenagers and toddlers so it made for a lot of fun, a lot of rowdiness and a lot of girlie stuff.
While I was with my oldest granddaughter she showed me where she had hung a fun little piece I did for her last year. I remember seeing this technique in a magazine by an artist named Vanessa Valencia. For some reason I immediately thought of my granddaughter, so of course I had to try it and of course I had to expand on it.
After collaging a support with quotes and sayings relevant to her, I used a wash and tissue to tone it down. I copied a photo, cut it out, glued it to cardstock, then added her dress using shredded sheet music. She always loved butterflies so I gave her one as a "Fascinator".
Seeing how much she treasured this made me realize that there are many ways to express yourself and sometimes just for fun is the best.


Ballard Park, Original Oil on Canvas

  I had not painted outside in two years, so this was quite a challenge. It was one of those paintings I had to improve upon in the studio. ...