Word - Sunny

The word for this week is sunny.

Sunny is actually the adjective of sun.

The noun meaning of sun: the shining celestial body around which the earth and other planets revolve and from which they receive light and heat; sunshine.

It is cold, snow is melting and the weather is not extremely desirable in the Midwest so I wanted to share some happy photos that exude warmth and colors other than gray in any form. We have a very large magnolia tree in our yard, front and center, and it gives me such joy in any form whether budding, blooming or just forming leaves. Isn't the color combination something to marvel at? Mother Nature shines again!

Winter Blues

I awoke this morning to a blanket of white and the most beautiful blue I had seen in a while. Why is it that the snow doesn't seem so bad when you have this kind of view on top of it? It is melting quite quickly but I am very thankful for the wonderful sight today. Makes me remember that spring is coming, even if it is a couple months away.

Natural Beauty

Some Thesaurus words for "simplicity" - artlessness, chastity, clarity, classicality, clean lines, clearness, ease, elementariness, guilelessness, homogeneity, innocence, integrity, lack of adornment, modesty, monotony, naivete, naturalness, openness, purity, restraint, singleness, straightforwardness, unity.

When you think of simplicity what is the first thing to come to your mind? My reaction was of easy, relaxed, uncomplicated and of course the sewing pattern :) I wanted to choose a subject to challenge the word yet be the word all in one reference and I think this orchid is a perfect example to share. Not only is it beautiful and colorful but it has an intricateness yet unadorned look - perfect for the word simplicity I think! With all of its exoticness, how can this be simple you ask? Just the look of it - white, natural, straightforward, classical, pure - all words from above. Stretch your mind and let it wander, anything is possible when you let your creative side shine...

Word - Simplicity

The word for this week is simplicity.

Its noun meaning: lack of complication, clearness; candor, artlessness; plainness in manners or way of life; silliness, folly.

I chose these eggs to represent simplicity because of their simple shape yet colorful palette. I also loved the meaning of plainness in way of life. It makes me think of "little house on the prairie" days which seemed so much simpler than our world today. At least the tv version anyways :) Although I can't imagine having chickens or collecting eggs, I sure do appreciate their beauty.

Venus Again?

Venus is back in yet another photo - isn't it just beautiful? I was stopped in my tracks last week when I saw this scene in the yard. Not only is the white of the snow so blinding but the dark tree trunks really seem to push your attention to the wonderful statue. I loved the hint of pale blue grey coming though the tree tops, just reminding you that the sun is still there.

Although the snow is almost gone, winter is still here no matter what the warmer weather is suggesting. Even with the sun shining brightly throughout the day, I'm thinking there is still a couple more snow storms coming our way before springtime.

But the thought of spring does make me want to see the skinny vibrant green crocus leaves poking through the leaves of last fall. Ahhh, the glorious color outside the studio window once again, can't wait!

Happy Heart Day!

Made a special dinner for my special guy. The table was aglow with candlelight and a setting of heart plates and shaped butter, surprised him very much YEAH! Hope you did something wonderful today to show all those you love how great they are! Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

Robins in February?

While getting mail with the puppies I couldn't believe my eyes - a whole little flock of Robins sitting up in the crab apple tree. Wow, it is way to early to see them, it's only February. I chatted with them for a while telling them to keep warm that winter will be here a bit longer. Just so you know, they didn't seem to be worried, they have plenty to eat in our yard and seemed to be happy playing together in the snow. The robins wouldn't cooperate for the photo opportunity so I had to settle for this one. Not bad though, I especially love the shadow under the swing.

White, Really?

Some Thesaurus words for "white" - achromatic, alabaster, ashen, blanched, bleached, chalky, clear, fair, frosted, ghastly, ivory, light, milky, neutral, pallid, pasty, pearly, silver, snowy, transparent, wan.

I loved this teapot not only for its interesting shape and texture but because it is white and shiny. I wouldn't normally be drawn to that but the natural state is what captured the artistic spirit inside me. So, how many colors are you able to see in this white item? A lot, right? Now the next time you are rendering a white object, don't just basecoat it white and add some shades. Make sure to add all of those wonderfully dark colors to give your item depth and believability. The highlights should be white but nothing else, remember that. It is about learning to see and appreciate what is in front of you.

Word - White

The word for this week is white.

Its adjective meaning: free from color; of the color of new snow or mild; light or pallid in color; free from spot or blemish; pure, innocent; blank, consisting of a wide range of frequencies.

Its noun meaning: the color of minimal lightness that characterizes objects which both reflect and transmit light; the opposite of black.

I don't know about you but I see so much color in these little white cups that I just can't wait to do them in a piece of artwork. Can you see the blues, violets, greens and yellows? Squint your eyes, they are all there just waiting for you to discover them. The shadows are the richest allowing the blue and violet color intermingle with each other showing off all the subtle shape differences and reflective shadows. Oh yeah, this has got to be a colored pencil piece for sure. I'm off to the drawing board...

Purple Scilla

This is the last photo of my trip to Los Angeles sorry to say. The blooms will be replaced with snow scenes soon enough so I hope you have been enjoying them as much as I have. These purple scilla flowers were along the sidewalk down-town and I found their shape and color just striking against the bright greenery.
I even like the spent blooms hanging down creating yet another interesting something to look at. I have enjoyed the flora, the weather and the business promise, thank you LA!

Grand Entrance

I have finally made it home YIPPEE, YAHOO, YEAH! Traveling in the winter is no picnic when you live in the Midwest but I wouldn't trade it for anywhere else because I just love the four seasons. So, thought I would share the entrance of this hotel with you. Spot anything unusual here? Only in Hollywood can you have doors this large...

Kermit the Frog?

While admiring the Hollywood Walk of Fame I took a couple photos for family and friends but couldn't help getting this one for myself. Who knew Kermit the Frog was immortalized with a star? I didn't, that's for sure! The Walk of Fame was created in 1958 as a way to spruce up the city with 2500 stars waiting for names. There have been 4 stars stolen, can you imagine that? And each year at least 20 stars are added. Just a little bit of history I thought I'd share with you all, interesting isn't it?

LA Bus Tour

Since I was stranded in a beautiful warm place I decided to do what all tourists do - ride a bus and listen to a tour guide tell me about all the marvelous wonders of LA. I saw the downtown, learned about its history, then traveled to Hollywood to explore the Kodak and Grumman's Chinese theatre, the 2.5 mile walk of fame plus get a great view of the hollywood sign. Not only is each letter 45 feet tall, together 350 feet long and have starred in more than 25 movies. Not bad for inanimate letters? I agree. From there Rodeo Drive and to see some celebrity homes. Off to Universal Studio, the Farmers Market then back to the downtown. All in all a pretty informative tour that I would recommend.

Bright Spot

Flight cancelled again so off for a walk to see the downtown. Spotted a whole balcony full of these little white beauties - simply breathtaking! I am so ready for the early spring flowers, crocus, daffodils, tulips, lilacs and magnolias but have to get through the 2 feet of snow waiting for me at home first. It too, will be just beautiful I'm sure!

Sidewalk Art

Found this while strolling after the last day of the show, just what I needed to see. The artistic possibilities are now in my hands and I hope to continue with the rolling success of the trade show. Follow up and perseverance are now my tools to future creative endeavors - keep your fingers crossed, please!