Thursday, December 15, 2011

Rogue Heron Flies to the Desert

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This week I got the news that Rogue Heron has been accepted into the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies 37th Annual Exhibit 2012. 100 paintings were selected from 1034 submitted with 479 artists participating. Eleven states are represented in this organization.

I've got to say that I feel pretty happy to have a painting accepted in such a steep competition. I also have to say to my friends who didn't get in that, as we all know from experience, it's only one juror's opinion.

The hosting state this year is Nevada, so I'll have to think about traveling to Las Vegas in April to see the show.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Cross Section: Deep in the Rogue River Canyon

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Cross Section: Deep in the Rogue River Canyon
22 x 18
Mixed Media


Although it is harder and harder during the holiday season to get out to the studio, I do not want to lose the momentum I've experienced as I work on this current series. I am so enjoying finding different ways to express my experiences and feelings about rivers.

In this one, I wanted to emphasize the depth of the river canyon, so using a cross section for the river portion helped convey that. The heron in this one is a symbolic sentinel of this timeless place. This is inspired by the fall mornings on the river when the sun rises after the raft has been launched, and its warmth is hungrily anticipated.

Don't forget, it's not too late to give the gift of art! 


Saturday, December 3, 2011

The Passing of the Seasons

It was only a couple of weeks ago that I took this photo of a dogwood in its full fall colors, and now it stands leafless. Fall has passed and winter is moving in with bare branches, frosty mornings, and thoughts of Christmas.

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Our November was full of activity, ending with having grandchildren Noah and Marin visit us for the days before Thanksgiving.

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Mike and I were the ultimate grandparents for those few days, as the kids baked cookies...

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made Christmas ornaments...

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rode Little Bit...

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gave the swing a workout...

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and slowed down every once in awhile for some loving.

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Then we were off to the coast for a gathering of our kids and their families. Our oldest granddaughter, Kelly, drove over for one overnight. It's great to have all five grandchildren in one space.

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Kelly at a lighthouse

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Kelly and Marin baking

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Angelica and Noah engrossed in an electronic game

So what comes after turkey day? Well, yesterday, I officially moved into the Christmas season and decorated our front doorway.

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