As usual, Ruthie gave me all sorts of fun challenges for the 30 days in January 15 minutes a day drawing challenge, but this one was my favorite. I had to depict my pet in a famous painting. So I chose Enza, who is 18 and always posing for me.
It is with great joy that I can announce that two of the trees we planted at Wing Luke School have been deemed “exceptional” and will be saved from demolition when they build the new school. Here they are in the last stages of losing their leaves on a brilliantly sunny autumn day. This painting is for sale. It measures 10″ x 14″
This has been a spectacular autumn for me; since there hasn’t been much rain (but enough) the leaves are still on the trees, and the ones that have fallen are dry enough to walk through. I have always loved kicking through the leaves, it brings me right back to my childhood. But two mornings ago, we awakened to fog, which is very special when the trees are all brilliant jewels. This is 8″ x 11″ for sale, all proceeds go to Endangered species education and conservation.
Just a little painting, about 5″ x 5″ but I’m trying out some blue paper, so started small. I tried to catch the intensity of the light that we are experiencing every day this autumn. Perfect day for a bike ride!
I have lived next to Wing Luke Elementary school for over 30 years now. We cut through its fields, we make snowmen there when it snows. It is a part of our life. Twenty five years ago, I was awarded a grant for improvements and planted a variety of additional trees on the grounds. Today, all of the trees are mature and beautiful and they provide me with much material for paintings. Painting this scene today brings back memories of a poem Donald wrote six years ago.
Afternoon Recess – by Donald Boothby
The air is warm
Neighborhood sounds drift about the quiet house.
The bell rings.
Slowly at first, then increasing rapidly, the sounds of children fills the air.
Girls screaming in delight
Balls bouncing against the building
Swings squeaking in offset rhythms.
Boys yelling out their adventures.
The sounds run together into a sweet autumn melody.
School is back.
The children are back.
I lie here in the solace of my home, surrounded by a lifetime of memories.
As I listen, my mind drifts back to those days so long ago.
I smile and let the children’s song carry me into my dreams.
Again, the bell rings.
Slowly at first, then increasing rapidly, the sound of the children fades to silence.
An airplane flies overhead.
A bird sings.
A gentle breeze drifts through the house, and the wind chimes bring me back to now.
My heart is full.
9 September 2011
This painting, on fine Arches paper and painted with Daniel Smith watercolors measures 15″ X 22″ and is for sale. I’m asking $350.00 and all proceeds for this painting will go to Endangered species conservation and study.