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Author: Kathy

February 9, 2012
Kathy
2 Comments

More Signs of Spring

Posted in Reference Photos

Over the weekend, we found some more signs of Spring. As I am writing this, it is snowing. : )   All the more reason to enjoy the peek of Spring that is on it's way!

Daffodil shoots

The daffodils on the left were sheltered by an overgrown decorative grass. The shoots on the right  were not sheltered.    What a  the difference!

The always hardy butterfly bush

You can't keep the Butterfly Bush down even in the winter.  This hardy guy is busy putting out new leaves in spite of the calendar that says February.   I heavily prune the Butterfly bushes this time of year. However, I think I will leave this free thinking one alone and let it do it's thing. Wonder if it will flower early too….?

Snow drop

We almost missed this little three inch Snow Drop. Luckily it didn't get stepped on and I got a photo of the first spring flower in the yard!

February 1, 2012
Kathy
2 Comments

New Painting: Part 1

Posted in Art Work, and Peeking Behind the Easel

I am almost  finished another painting in my series of fruits and vegetable kitchen art. This new one features strawberries. I used photos I took of strawberries on my counter this past summer. 

reference photos and sketches sibstudio dot com

Sometimes I use tracing paper to sketch out the drawing so I can get the shapes and composition precisely  how I want it. In this case I knew exactly how I wanted the composition and there wasn't much room for error on this smaller  6 x 6 inch canvas. After chalking the back of the drawing and tracing my drawing on to the canvas, I got to work painting.  Here is the work in progress:

Unfinished painting of strawberries

This is what i call the ugly stage.  Not anything to call home about….yet.  : )  The strawberries are based with the midtones, with some shadows and highlights.  The leaves need tweaking because the shape of the leaves is off. The strawberry caps need to be painted and the highlights/shadows adjusted.  Stop by tomorrow and see the finished painting.  It looks a lot better than this!

January 29, 2012
Kathy
One Comment

Signs of Spring

Posted in Reference Photos

Every few years we get a break and have a winter without a lot of snow.  We had one big blast of snow this past October and a little bit last weekend. I'm hoping it stays mild the rest of the season.  In the meantime, we're enjoying the early signs of spring showing up around us.

Skunk cabbage SibStudio dot com

During a walk today, we found some new skunk cabbage sprouts. The water was so clear  you can see the roots and leaves as well as the reflections of the sky and trees above.  The water has an abstract look to it.

Ferns SibStudio dot com

And tucked in a sheltered, sunny corner we found some ferns already unfurled, peaking up from the leaves.  The ferns in our yard are still not visible. More photos to come this week as well as a new painting. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

January 20, 2012
Kathy
3 Comments

New Painting: Peas

Posted in Art Work

This is my newest painting completed this week

Original painting of Peas by Kathy Sibley

It is one of a series of paintings of fruits and vegetables that I am working on. In our garden, we create a teepee of  poles, tied at the top for the peas to climb up. I love watching the vines of the pea plants reaching and pulling the plants up and up the poles.  I think peas are the best when they are picked  from the garden and cooked right away.  This painting celebrates freshly picked peas.

This painting and the first two of the series  [ radishes and garlic] would look great in the kitchen or dining room. You can find them in my Etsy shop.