"Radicchio. Veg-A-Sketch"

What a colorful vegetable. I just had to do a painting of one. 

 

Confession: I got the image of the camera and the background off the interwebs. I think it looks pretty natural. And what an unusual camera, I must say! 

 

"Barn No. 1018"

 

While in Amish Country, I noticed most of the barns were white. However I spotted this gem while driving around. Like most barns in the area, it was perfectly maintained. What beautiful country! 

"Farm. Field. Fog."

Went out for a hike in Amish Country early one morning. It was a warm and foggy day and the countryside was absolutely gorgeous. What a peaceful and meditative walk. When you live in the city, you really appreciate how healing and meditative a country stroll can be. 

 

Maybe my last actual vegetable veg-a-sketch. Time to move on . 

 

"Cattail Trail"

 

A cold-chilly day on Belle Isle. The sun kept trying to break through. We started hiking from the nature center, but the trail was so boggy we had to give up after about a hundred yards in. But I did manage to grab a quick snap, which led to this painting. 

"Wards"

 

It seems like just ab out every company in the country got into making cameras at one point or another. This camera from the 60's is probably from Montgomery-Wards. Not sure, but that's my guess. It was a pretty basic, no-frills camera. 

"Barn No. 118"

 

Found this old gem just outside Oakwoods Metropark. It looked like it was in pretty rough shape so who knows how long it'll be around? And it was a picture perfect day, over 70 degrees on a mid-November afternoon. Who could ask for anything more? 

"Ansco Color Clipper"

 

I bought this camera because it had such a clunky, industrial, almost Soviet-era feel too it. A total no-nonsense camera. The colors were a subtle green and silver and I looked around the house for some material to use as a background. Then I figured out my plaid pajamas might work. And I think they do. 

"ShadowLog"

 

It's was an incredible Fall day in Michigan as we hiked through Oakwoods Metropark. 70 degrees on a November afternoon is definitely something to relish and take advantage of. The sun kept going behind the clouds, but I happened to catch it just right, with the long shadows crossing the path of this huge old log. Voila! Here's the end result. 

"Leaf Study No. 7"

Here it is. The last Leaf Study! I'm looking for ideas for another series. I'm thinking wild mushrooms. And I'm open to suggestions. If you have any ideas, please feel free to email me. 

 

"Detrola"

 

Interesting camera, the Detrola was made in Detroit. Who knew we built more than just cars? The company also made radios and record players. In fact, my younger daughter has a newer record player by the Detrola Company! 

"Leaf Study No. 6"

Next one. 

 

"Leaf Study No. 5"

 

'Nother one.

"Leaf Study No. 4"

 

And another one!

"Leaf Study No. 3"

 

Another one

"Leaf Study No.2"

 

Next in the series.

"Leaf Study No. 1"

 

While out on a walk, I picked up some interesting leaves which I decided to do quick sketch/painting of. It turned out okay, so I decided to do a whole series of these Leaf Studies, as I'm calling them. 

"Alizarin & White Orchid"

 

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Longwood Gardens. While the gardens themselves we're largely don, the greenhouses were nothing short of overwhelming. It was room after room of absolutely spectacular displays of flowers. The orchid room was no exception. Here is just one of the many varieties I photographed. 

"Chanterelles"

 

Mushrooms make a most interesting subject. Especially when you consider just how many varieties there are. My daughter gave me these chanterelles to paint and to cook with. I'm happy to say, I enjoyed both of the results! Need to head down to the market and buy some more exotic varieties. 

"Barnstorming-Lancaster County"

 

It was a dark and stormy afternoon in Amish Country. Then the sky broke and lit up this field and the fam in the distance. Talk about a dramatic scene! Lovely part of the country. So much beauty to paint. 

"Gourds N' Stuff"

 

I thought I'd try my hand at a fall-themed painting. So I got a few interesting gourds, a couple of colorful squashes, and a vase with some mums in it. Then I used a leaf-laced tablecloth for a backdrop. I think it turned out okay except it sort of looks like the leaves are falling instead of being on the actual cloth. Hmmm...maybe I'll get it right next time.