In my current study of painting in acrylics, I'm finding the many options possible with this paint to be daunting! I've been working for a year, and nearly every day since November, and have so much yet to explore! One thing I've been thinking about is the beautiful transparency of certain colors (thalo blue, yum!).…
1. June Lake No.1 This past weekend I went in search of a natural swimming hole & came upon the Quemahoning reservoir. Such stunning landscape! After a deeply satisfying ( and chilly!) swim, I set out to paint in a new direction. I’ve heard variations on this suggestion from several sources. Basically: “Let go of…
After success with the “blob painting” technique I wanted to go a step further. The delight of blob painting is what shows up, like images in the clouds. Starting a larger piece on better paper, my initial blobs were without intent, just color and movement. I don’t have a photo of that stage, but you…
I've been slurping up the "best trash cans of 2017" stories that most media organs pump out this time of year. Why? So I can muse about 2017 without thinking too much about reality in America. You haven't seen "Greatest Hits of the 115th Congress," have you? As indulgent as they may seem, this NYT…
Enjoy this 360° video from the NYT that takes you to the Michoacan forest in Mexico: Basking in Butterflies Check out this wonderful 360° video of the Michoacan forests, destination of the migrating Monarchs. (sorry I wasn't able to embed.) Every year, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate from eastern Canada to Michoacan, Mexico. Step inside a…
Farewell my Princess I wish this awesome girl hero had come along when I was even younger- but even in college years she was inspiring. When did we ever see such a kick ass heroine in space? Leia opened the door for Ellen Ripley of Aliens, Captain Janeway, even Buffy. [BREAKING NEWS: DEBBIE REYNOLDS DIES, 1 DAY…
Dear readers: last night Stephen Colbert reminded me that all the beauty OF the world is still right here IN the world. In that spirit I'm re-blogging my neighbor's beautiful post from today's morning walk: Earthy Blessings: What a Buck in the Marsh Taught Me about RESPECT on the Morning After the Election I am fortunate…
My neighbor, naturalist Patrice Gribble-Fetter, was on TV this week, sharing about the Monarch research and support going on at Old Maryland Farm. The farm grows milkweed expressly for the Monarchs. See how they tag the butterflies, and also film clips of the huge migrations to Mexico. https://youtu.be/-Jc028u-uSY I also learned about the Baltimore…
The iconic Monarch butterfly certainly made an impression on my young self. Late in August we'd be out floating on the pristine marsh rivers of Ontario, picnicking after a swim, and in the balmy afternoon breeze a flutter of orange would catch my eye, brilliant against the teal green water. In those days I didn't realize the Monarchs traveled…
This is a reblog from the NewYorker.com. Please follow the link to read the complete article. Who knew fig reproduction was so unusual? Bite a fig in half and you’ll discover a core of tiny blossoms. All kinds of critters, not only humans, frequent fig trees, but the plants owe their existence to what may…
