Making Marks

Inspiration from Nature

Did you notice I was gone for a couple of weeks? Maybe not! I figured out how to post and have them publish on certain days. I felt very clever about that : )

We went to Hawaii over Christmastime. I do enjoy a change of scenery and love the tropical flora. I took 175 pictures, mostly of flowers, leaves and trees. When I was taking this picture of a bird of paradise-type flower, my sweetheart husband pointed out the gecko. I was so focused on getting a good image of the flower that I missed the little guy at first.

This is a common occurrence: Michael sees things that I miss all the time. I really appreciate his talents for finding natural wonders and sharing them with me!

Sashiko Leaf Note card

Inspired by my favorite tree, I made a three screen Gocco print. The leaf prints are mounted onto mellow orange note cards. I wasn't sure about the ochre background at first, but I think it all works together.

You can see the similarity to the Dragonfly note cards since I used the same technique with blending sashiko patterns in the background.  The leaves are printed on a separate screen, and the veins are yet another screen.

Figuring out the layers and steps using the Gocco has been a fun challenge. The last printmaking class I remember taking was in high school. I used a traditional silk screen process and printed a t-shirt or two.  I find the Gocco system to be much more fun and love the results. For example, in the leaf card, I got a rough texture in the sashiko lines by using a crayon for the design. I'm not sure how I'd do something similar with cutting traditional silk screen.

I have one more sashiko-inspired design in the works. You'll be able to find them all in my ETSY shop. I'm charging $3.50 per card or 3 for $10.

My Favorite Tree

Since we've been walking Scooter, I've gotten a new perspective on our neighborhood and decided this is my favorite tree. I tried to take a shot of it from a distance, but I saw that it's really no beauty from that angle. It's loveliness is in the branches and in the leaves. I think it's some sort of maple, but the leaves are rounded and compact compared to many maples I've seen.

What really captures my attention, though, are the colors of the leaves in the fall. This tree drops leaves that are everything from a deep crimson, to a buttery orange to a bright yellow. Since the leaves are so distinctive, I'm sure they are all from this tree.

The leaves inspired a Gocco print, similar to the dragonfly design. I'll post it here soon.

Signs of Autumn

These lovelies are along my daily walk with Scooter. When they first started out of the ground, they looked alien. I thought they would make interesting cone shapes for abstract paintings. All of the sudden there were not just one or two flowers but lots of  crocus flowers all along this property. What a great way to celebrate autumn!

Sometimes my mind works like this, too. Once I have one germ of an idea, it can multiply. All of the sudden I am almost overwhelmed with inspiration and it's difficult to know where to start.

Crab Shell Patterns

After discovering patterns in seaweed during our trip to Canada, I've been more observant when we walk along the beach. Of course there are often linear patterns in the sand, but I didn't expect to see these designs on a crab shell! Most dungeness crab shells that I have seen on the Oregon coast have small dots. This shell was so odd that I carefully picked it up and gently carried it home to photograph.

I've noticed the phenomenon in the past . . . once I learn something new or see something different, I see it all over the place. In this case, it's linear designs occurring in nature. Earlier in the spring, I learned about Umbrian brown. Then I noticed some cosmetic in my cabinet has Umbrian clay in it. Then I found out my parents are going to take a painting workshop in the Umbrian region of Italy.

What have you noticed lately?

Seaweed patterns

In a previous post, I wrote about patterns in seaweed I saw on the beach. Here's one of the pictures I took which shows the patterns, how they are accentuated by sand, and how they they are obscured by sand.

In my next paintings, one of my goals is to work specifically on texture. I adore texture and fear that in the past, I've sometimes added it for superfluous or even detrimental effects. I understand that contrasting texture can add interest, but now I want to make sure textures are more integrated and make sense in the context of the whole work.

Acrylic Revolution has an excellent example of texture that supports the theme and texture that contrasts the theme of acrylic paintings.

Back from Vacation

I love where the ocean meets the shore. I adore beaches in Hawaii, Australia, and Oregon. The sea splashing against rocky crags in California, Alaska and BC also gets my heart pumping. Like many people, I find the rhythmic sound and sight of the waves soothing. So, this trip to Tofino, British Columbia, was a real treat. The photo here is a view from our room!

Our luck with the weather was terrific. We had a couple of days of misty rain and several days of brilliant sun. I liked the mystery of a few clouds or fog the best.

Along with the magnificent views, I was enchanted by seaweed. Upon close inspection, one side of seaweed has amazing designs and patterns. I may be starting a series of paintings in response to the linear layers in the landscape and patterns in seaweed I saw on this trip.

Here's an alternate view from the room. This one looks out the window from our huge soaking tub. What luxury!

Evidence of Spring

Over the last few weeks I've tried to capture a quintessential image of spring, but I had to settle for a group. The early spring flowers are in bloom and most trees are now sporting their spring foliage. There was a time when I thought flowering trees such as dogwood were too showy, but now I will find a parking space near one to take a look or even a photo. I've truly enjoyed the little digital camera I take along in my purse. It seems like I'm looking at things differently as I try to capture delights with the lens. Next I'm looking forward to the iris blooming. Cooley's Gardens purports to be the world's largest iris grower and is located in Silverton. I love seeing the rows and rows of iris along the road. (And then I search for my antihistamine!)