tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10656341320194059292024-02-19T05:35:20.011-05:00Creative Everyday Life with Mary LemmenesA lively conversation about ways to add spice to everyday life including art, painting, travel, cooking, books, nature, and more. Love life, live it fully. Exploring, Learning, Savoring, Growing.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-19592611063856650882021-09-21T21:36:00.001-04:002021-09-21T21:36:58.188-04:00Index to Recipes A quick note regarding the pasta salad recipe and others. I have made an <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2013/09/recipe-index-for-this-blog-healthy.html">index to the recipes</a> on this blog with links to each one. Enjoy browsing some other delicious dishes.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-44117119457196552602021-09-21T14:56:00.001-04:002021-09-21T21:30:14.717-04:00Fresh Herb and Vegetable Pasta Salad<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyUHdqYQR119rZsM-4DmemZOK_2iddQ5dWGzo9BNQBZEA1eZUpWco6ti7Vt2OvqBC5f6jHpIqLvYB3657UTml2tYCoR58RP0wxMFSlTghfiNuJeyESpR9ihtVCWR8Kg3ikkZz5k1cQcI/s2048/IMG_0066.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyUHdqYQR119rZsM-4DmemZOK_2iddQ5dWGzo9BNQBZEA1eZUpWco6ti7Vt2OvqBC5f6jHpIqLvYB3657UTml2tYCoR58RP0wxMFSlTghfiNuJeyESpR9ihtVCWR8Kg3ikkZz5k1cQcI/w300-h400/IMG_0066.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Pasta salad ready to enjoy</td></tr></tbody></table> This refreshing salad is healthy and delicious--great in the summer or anytime. Since it uses no oil, it is low fat and keeps well. I think leftover salad would keep in the refrigerator for a week, although it doesn't normally last that long in our house.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> You can vary the vegetables and herbs to your family's taste. Dried herbs can work; just use half as much or less. The version here is my revision of a recipe I copied too long ago to remember the original source. I think it is from a cookbook I found at the library. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">See the notes after the recipe for original ingredients.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> The vegetable/herb/vinegar mixture needs to be made anywhere from 2 to 8 hours ahead, so this dish takes some planning. However, it can be handy if mealtime will be rushed or if you are one of those super organized people who rises early and does some cooking before work (Hats off to you go-getters! I've done that, but it doesn't come naturally to me.;>) The remaining preparation is simple, just the 15 minutes or so it takes to cook the pasta. I usually boil a pot of water ahead, cover it, turn off the heat, and let it stand. That way, when I want to get the meal on, the water boils almost right away.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Fresh Herb and Vegetable Pasta Salad </b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Step 1.</b> Combine in a large serving bowl:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> about 12 oz. tomatoes, chopped (I use kitchen scissors)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1/2 cup or more sweet or red onion, chopped</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHBCRHoaZHybQxY_FhhDRXOmzrSJ4aWcgcYKQqGUHPnAQqSNwmZjVT3XQAALn9kjTpvl302AJvoT4SgHLOI_OgWHVjj3cCiqs4IaSxvPN00OaLGcVnOOKNiOY9Vt00KS-FKG-Ey2Kadg/s2048/IMG_0061.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHBCRHoaZHybQxY_FhhDRXOmzrSJ4aWcgcYKQqGUHPnAQqSNwmZjVT3XQAALn9kjTpvl302AJvoT4SgHLOI_OgWHVjj3cCiqs4IaSxvPN00OaLGcVnOOKNiOY9Vt00KS-FKG-Ey2Kadg/s320/IMG_0061.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Step 1. Veg/herb mixture</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1/2 cup celery, chopped</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar or cider vinegar</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1 Tbsp. sugar</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> generous amount freshly ground pepper</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1/2 tsp. dried oregano</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> dash salt</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or for up to about 8 hours. An hour or so extra doesn't hurt.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Step 2.</b> Shortly before serving:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 8 ounces (about 3 cups dry) bite-size pasta twists or spirals such as rotini</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cook in 3 quarts boiling water (use a 5 or 6 quart pot) just until tender to the bite (12 to 15 minutes). </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Step 3.</b> 1 or 2 minutes before pasta is done, add:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2 cups frozen petite or baby peas </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Return pot to boil just until pasta is done. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain well again. Pour into the serving bowl with vegetable/herb mixture and mix gently, but well.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Step 4.</b> Add:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2 Tbsp. - 1/3 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Toss well again and serve with additional cheese to add to taste. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Makes 8 side dish servings</b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Notes</b>:<b> </b>The original recipe called for green bell pepper (I like more colors in the salad) and 1 cup diced zucchini rather than the peas. If you use the zucchini, add it with the other vegetables and herbs in step 1. This is a good alternative if you cannot find frozen petite peas; I don't think I'd like the salad as well with regular frozen peas. Be creative with the vegetables you like best or have on hand. I use shaved Parmesan cheese, which doesn't completely melt, probably because the vegetable mixture is cold. You could stir the cheese into the hot pasta before mixing everything together.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVCAbcpXMUs3IqygfWDlhvrhF0_JzqrRf_Ar3O45FaiYRt49c3m40iqDNrjkmTWaBUcYw-uouGCtY45V-L2EQIJ_gYNGvw_ZSsKCgKN0UCzbvDbsYOlU_z8ocQ5bkG2OJYSepXkQ9grs/s2048/IMG_0064.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVCAbcpXMUs3IqygfWDlhvrhF0_JzqrRf_Ar3O45FaiYRt49c3m40iqDNrjkmTWaBUcYw-uouGCtY45V-L2EQIJ_gYNGvw_ZSsKCgKN0UCzbvDbsYOlU_z8ocQ5bkG2OJYSepXkQ9grs/s320/IMG_0064.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of the completed salad</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Question of the day: What is your favorite hearty side salad?</b></span></p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-36125431377811101992020-07-30T21:08:00.000-04:002020-07-30T21:08:09.876-04:00Utter Frustration with Blogger! <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have worked a long time on a new post to show you another new hand-painted silk scarf. But Blogger has a new "interface" that does not work right. The new post keeps getting chopped off when I try to publish the post no matter how many times I have saved my work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Is anyone else having trouble getting a complete post to publish? Do you have any suggestions for me? I will probably not be able to work on the post again for a couple of weeks, but I hope to come through with something for you then.</span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-69778506070876520032020-07-30T20:58:00.000-04:002020-08-31T21:22:54.211-04:00Rose, Pink, and Grey Hand-Painted Silk Scarf Using Shibori Technique<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsXXz8Lb5JfN1AoBw5dtezQYZmK9NLvfLp8DcIjI5X8cFRwW8DNz4CpiXBlYE2axJTVUe6skj2f6g5lhDPa9KM0GMdokP3sz7DbZHsbsmZ038BM_iy2BPp8i-lbzhHdc-UPrm8ZGBfVo/s1600/IMG_1767.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsXXz8Lb5JfN1AoBw5dtezQYZmK9NLvfLp8DcIjI5X8cFRwW8DNz4CpiXBlYE2axJTVUe6skj2f6g5lhDPa9KM0GMdokP3sz7DbZHsbsmZ038BM_iy2BPp8i-lbzhHdc-UPrm8ZGBfVo/s400/IMG_1767.jpeg" width="400" /></a> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OK, things are working better, but I don't know why this post appears after my earlier frustration rant. Today's date is August 31, 2020, and I'm thrilled to be able to communicate with you again.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am enjoying some new French silk dye colors and chose this combination of colors--rose, pink, and grey--to see how the new pink works. As expected, the rose is powerful enough to partially invade areas I had planned to be pink, but overall, I am very pleased with the results. Given that I don't look great in strong rose tones, this is a scarf made for someone else. We'll see who that turns out to be.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsro_367awkYXv-Lk8vVv-1ElvTmG_bUnIZ95sUJAozbwJvPBREqXrcoEtrvChmZ61GuN2OcPIXfpZlEQ8R2XRk96QQes2aOsuktQMlhOYDjq8lIQM7GsCUMGKjHxkv_ZmvOaPu3Wxec/s1600/IMG_1769.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsro_367awkYXv-Lk8vVv-1ElvTmG_bUnIZ95sUJAozbwJvPBREqXrcoEtrvChmZ61GuN2OcPIXfpZlEQ8R2XRk96QQes2aOsuktQMlhOYDjq8lIQM7GsCUMGKjHxkv_ZmvOaPu3Wxec/s320/IMG_1769.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up detail near one end</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Japanese shibori techniques like this one require a fair amount of preparation; then the actual application of the dyes goes quite quickly. For this design, I press lengthwise accordion folds in the scarf--in this case dividing the 11" width into fourths. In <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2018/05/coral-and-rose-hand-dyed-silk-scarf.html">my first try</a>--very much a learning experience--with this particular shibori design, I divided the scarf width into sixths. Making four folds works much better for the 60" x 11" scarf. After the four long accordion folds, I made</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> angled folds in alternating directions and pressed them in.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVu3qXIyQKvGF-x2nc2YqPNrK4guni7joaDMr6TTjiRKBRI3VIjFwoVnaLxAO-Y0MzbNEm2FKy1e3y_fcLgzSA1YbYwWcUkXZjmvP3guIEeoB9E-hS9viZR6CRnRuNXr2LJjQ7hE_IgU/s1600/IMG_1770.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVu3qXIyQKvGF-x2nc2YqPNrK4guni7joaDMr6TTjiRKBRI3VIjFwoVnaLxAO-Y0MzbNEm2FKy1e3y_fcLgzSA1YbYwWcUkXZjmvP3guIEeoB9E-hS9viZR6CRnRuNXr2LJjQ7hE_IgU/s320/IMG_1770.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail near other end</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Finally, I soaked the folded strip with water to help disburse the dyes and applied my chosen colors with well-loaded brushes, pushing the dye into the folds. A more complete description of this particular shibori process to create a brown, rust, and beige scarf is in <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2018/09/brown-rust-and-beige-hand-painted-silk.html">a previous post</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNKf3wcduKNryFMB8YrUQnH5uA8OaKqi-Yr3Fe5j6JK2LVKCun54KOmPP2F6Pb0iEz9hNGw4jVrJ3scEE2CMbOOxQE9pcKnyDfM7JqzuHI1HA_wmaHXYUndhrHCkhoD2dc77z3dTp1bY/s1600/IMG_1775.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNKf3wcduKNryFMB8YrUQnH5uA8OaKqi-Yr3Fe5j6JK2LVKCun54KOmPP2F6Pb0iEz9hNGw4jVrJ3scEE2CMbOOxQE9pcKnyDfM7JqzuHI1HA_wmaHXYUndhrHCkhoD2dc77z3dTp1bY/s320/IMG_1775.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggcrm_5tC_STWnXAG55K4P_cs2pQpNfQ_BfWq_pF4hbJzAZJBAoQFnc0rz_Ae8WNQJ8qhY815hp4ct2iVaCkqXJfCTzZOZBWbOgAuIqSGWwhF8QtEvxRS796QKltVVHheI0UO9IUIFC0/s1600/IMG_1772.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggcrm_5tC_STWnXAG55K4P_cs2pQpNfQ_BfWq_pF4hbJzAZJBAoQFnc0rz_Ae8WNQJ8qhY815hp4ct2iVaCkqXJfCTzZOZBWbOgAuIqSGWwhF8QtEvxRS796QKltVVHheI0UO9IUIFC0/s320/IMG_1772.jpeg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> For my wonderful blog friend, fine artist, and creative woman with a super sense of fun, <a href="https://jocastilloartblog.blogspot.com/">Jo Castillo</a>, here are a couple photos of another scarf. Since I couldn't wait to post it, this <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/search?q=tropical+leaf+scarf">tropical leaf design scarf</a> appeared before the final processes were completed. Jo Castillo commented that she would like to see how it looked once the gutta resist outlines were soaked out. It is shown below, although the colors are a bit stronger than in these photos; they show up better in the older post. Thank you, readers, for your continued comments and interesting reflections.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the Day: What are your favorite wardrobe colors?</b></span></div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-40106905750073456042020-06-29T21:25:00.000-04:002020-06-29T21:25:30.600-04:00Orange, Red, and Gold Hand-Painted Silk Scarf Using a Shibori Technique<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EhdW1Hofm4T10LbELvU_RmiuwbLjhiXYC2p1R7kbPIqiD43LB13hbHA-6jEcztfN5uenWSgkS_ZQT1rRWSkOMfKznDrMQyerFz14At4krUxhQwe17SpBeJ20kbqhFnJmgi5mrpRWhS8/s1600/IMG_1756.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EhdW1Hofm4T10LbELvU_RmiuwbLjhiXYC2p1R7kbPIqiD43LB13hbHA-6jEcztfN5uenWSgkS_ZQT1rRWSkOMfKznDrMQyerFz14At4krUxhQwe17SpBeJ20kbqhFnJmgi5mrpRWhS8/s400/IMG_1756.jpeg" width="400" /></a> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If I had kept track of the time spent making this 60" x 11" scarf, you might be surprised. It was more complicated than you would guess. This is the first time I have made a scarf using the arashi shibori technique (arashi means "storm" in Japanese--maybe referring to the wavy patterns' resemblance to thin clouds). A library book called <u>Shibori</u> by Elfriede Moller was my guide, although I modified her technique some. <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/search?q=shibori">Here are a few scarves</a> I made with other kinds of shibori techniques.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Using a chunky foot-long piece of PVC pipe, I attached the 11" end of the blank white silk scarf near the top with masking tape. The two corners did not overlap; this allowed for just one layer of the scarf to wrap around the pipe. Then, with pale crochet cotton tied around the pipe and secured with tape (this can be done with thicker string or any thread as well), I wound the crochet thread around the scarf on the pipe many times in a random pattern. After a section was wound with thread, it was scrunched up and the next section wound--until the entire length of silk was tightly gathered on the pipe. The tape had to come off so that it did not block the dyes.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI78xwi6odTRzto_Bx1TjV9EdNW9bnW7u-DkQkSkcRMZbefggJhw23RjaLiCo3e__BLDTbjUi4UNzSq5QICPOhs8wf4fOVZviW3tcocKRIpYMgsdDAZ0ZXXxqyhQLIsIXHBW6QzHVHmGQ/s1600/IMG_1758.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI78xwi6odTRzto_Bx1TjV9EdNW9bnW7u-DkQkSkcRMZbefggJhw23RjaLiCo3e__BLDTbjUi4UNzSq5QICPOhs8wf4fOVZviW3tcocKRIpYMgsdDAZ0ZXXxqyhQLIsIXHBW6QzHVHmGQ/s320/IMG_1758.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up detail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Tying off the end of the thread, I then wet the silk well so that it was soaked through but not dripping wet. This helps the dye to spread, to blend, and to penetrate the folds. Then, with a dropper and sometimes a brush, I pushed a few colors of French silk dyes into the fabric. The technique allows for many variations; the internet has a number of examples if you'd like to see more. My goal was to color the entire scarf, but other artists leave white areas. The silk can also be folded and then wound onto the pipe. Depending on the pattern of the folding, the wavy stripes can run in more than one direction when the piece is completed (<a href="https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Arashi-Shibori/">here is one example</a>).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXIe14XxklsOW7YquZ0hzBWgKn5eCacZMfJK53GCkIE9MOKzxzuCuIuz54lVoZ6onoJJrlP7nx80rFijwmGuScD7Tp_BVYoJBHg1gsQUzzkulEwP_cZuqRjVJybUGu6uU7E-E7-A39DY/s1600/IMG_1759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXIe14XxklsOW7YquZ0hzBWgKn5eCacZMfJK53GCkIE9MOKzxzuCuIuz54lVoZ6onoJJrlP7nx80rFijwmGuScD7Tp_BVYoJBHg1gsQUzzkulEwP_cZuqRjVJybUGu6uU7E-E7-A39DY/s320/IMG_1759.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the other side</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Once the piece is dry (24 hours or more), you can snip the string or thread and enjoy the big reveal. I used four dye colors, but found that one dominated the resulting scarf. The colors are called grenat (a brownish red), ruby, orange (a blend I made of coral and a bit of yellow), and a sort of gold (a blend of yellow and a bit of rich sienna). As you can see, the coral blend took over many areas--not really surprising since it has proven to be quite strong other times I've used it. Yet, the result did surprise me. So this project was a learning experience and an adventure that will help guide the next time I use the arashi shibori technique.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: Do you enjoy experimenting with crafts or other projects--even when you don't know how they will turn out?</b></span></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-17497213440361966792020-05-12T11:56:00.002-04:002020-05-12T12:05:05.396-04:00Westward Ho! Yellowstone's Mammoth Hot Springs and Terraces<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_Q5IPgg68AE23lXBsUt3jfzO4GMBYu3_x5tmpaTSkseZRlomS34sj8q3vQ7sczlZN4su4t8BENhQ5pb1DQ_-VzOOw7_z1P_ON9VGQPorfR1Z3tFBprgrTzOe-ooADdSSWhdGBYBs_jA/s1600/IMG_1548.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_Q5IPgg68AE23lXBsUt3jfzO4GMBYu3_x5tmpaTSkseZRlomS34sj8q3vQ7sczlZN4su4t8BENhQ5pb1DQ_-VzOOw7_z1P_ON9VGQPorfR1Z3tFBprgrTzOe-ooADdSSWhdGBYBs_jA/s400/IMG_1548.jpeg" width="400" /></a> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A cabin at Mammoth Hot Springs was our second "home" in Yellowstone National Park. The cabins (and newly refurbished hotel) are part of a hub toward the northwest corner of this huge park. The hot springs and extensive natural travertine terraces formed from dissolved limestone are fascinating. Over a mile of boardwalks allow visitors to explore them safely. Our day for exploring them and other nearby thermal features was chilly, grey and sometimes forbidding looking, so my photos show a completely different reality from the gleaming, pearly look of the terraces in bright weather. Of course, you can click on any photo to enlarge it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3UuOPEiSYiiYibf3rWmEdi3YffAeAz8MViFq8LdJFdySf4XG0sSlMxZqcZmMPjk7zYlmK5MwYtgil_rIW_wy_p2zNmBdKpQ5wiJyCHcNaMfmF6QjY0-Tf9ysY0vTjsESRCsL7lcGuwI/s1600/IMG_1554.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3UuOPEiSYiiYibf3rWmEdi3YffAeAz8MViFq8LdJFdySf4XG0sSlMxZqcZmMPjk7zYlmK5MwYtgil_rIW_wy_p2zNmBdKpQ5wiJyCHcNaMfmF6QjY0-Tf9ysY0vTjsESRCsL7lcGuwI/s200/IMG_1554.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArSX08Lxf8srHYMZi15tTQYJHe81GShBLHU7dosUQiRXcvNK_iZy-v7sU9Lg-sVe7BYUp6tOGxnT7yBUoRf-bOYjF1cNn8Vuj_3Son7ry6BWJhyi6cwT8YsZmNbXGiEw1nqxV8fd2xp8/s1600/IMG_1534.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArSX08Lxf8srHYMZi15tTQYJHe81GShBLHU7dosUQiRXcvNK_iZy-v7sU9Lg-sVe7BYUp6tOGxnT7yBUoRf-bOYjF1cNn8Vuj_3Son7ry6BWJhyi6cwT8YsZmNbXGiEw1nqxV8fd2xp8/s200/IMG_1534.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhW7f-8mlCLVSkFk305lSCLpWbeoWZ8cjP96uRhJz9sPdNObS5bVKWPpW3HLb_9YY3WQqBPLL1f9BmS4xTf-Q8CdvqcsME6peUoXa2HLcuaHLcT-9yY0mu-bTmkLZnwVAkPVLjHVKHiM/s1600/IMG_1552.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhW7f-8mlCLVSkFk305lSCLpWbeoWZ8cjP96uRhJz9sPdNObS5bVKWPpW3HLb_9YY3WQqBPLL1f9BmS4xTf-Q8CdvqcsME6peUoXa2HLcuaHLcT-9yY0mu-bTmkLZnwVAkPVLjHVKHiM/s320/IMG_1552.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99JWTUbQ1y1kmf7x17hMg72eNH6N6TkAwJomnAXtlkqQpY1ud0CfXUtq5Ke-9VGWlODoeicREcqOg2UosuLOlUWl59HTQ8FnK2Fc9xcsDCj6P_PWNFOuRi83DSXKavkrm_A6Ngf3optY/s1600/IMG_1550.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99JWTUbQ1y1kmf7x17hMg72eNH6N6TkAwJomnAXtlkqQpY1ud0CfXUtq5Ke-9VGWlODoeicREcqOg2UosuLOlUWl59HTQ8FnK2Fc9xcsDCj6P_PWNFOuRi83DSXKavkrm_A6Ngf3optY/s320/IMG_1550.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1FRRHKuNCdH86fTOwCovM7x0Kop6dgS0xEinOVQoANy2wT-1-EVQex_7m0KfaYKKVLCt6DynNP0UiRkJyzkU2mSjXRHsGp7No7vne-8iyeAG-hSYO1wGPn8ufW2UY8u9mdtEVXavs6o/s1600/IMG_1518.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1FRRHKuNCdH86fTOwCovM7x0Kop6dgS0xEinOVQoANy2wT-1-EVQex_7m0KfaYKKVLCt6DynNP0UiRkJyzkU2mSjXRHsGp7No7vne-8iyeAG-hSYO1wGPn8ufW2UY8u9mdtEVXavs6o/s320/IMG_1518.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsXKagvSQJKTeVzgITGK9w2zsCziYkfazRSNC5R0yGMho_1MUncSrH9fJLzHrbPo9IoGE4slpJudYLm8Tmm8UPz5oj2CmQoZEDWceFSd2RAS6NVLrqmggaeKIFHa8Z0mz29OUlCm9hfU/s1600/IMG_1522.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsXKagvSQJKTeVzgITGK9w2zsCziYkfazRSNC5R0yGMho_1MUncSrH9fJLzHrbPo9IoGE4slpJudYLm8Tmm8UPz5oj2CmQoZEDWceFSd2RAS6NVLrqmggaeKIFHa8Z0mz29OUlCm9hfU/s200/IMG_1522.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The Mammoth region is home to some of the largest herds of elk in the park as well as a variety of other wildlife. We had seen a few female elk in meadows in other parts of the park, but we were not expecting the number of elk we could watch in Mammoth. Nor were we prepared for the degree to which we saw some of them "up close and personal". We had been as careful as possible to stay the recommended distance away from wildlife, but in our cluster of cabins, the elk came to within eight feet of us. Between six and eight does and yearlings regularly grazed on the green grass the cabins surrounded--guess it was sweeter than the sagebrush on the hills around us. A number of others settled in around the cabins--one large doe even blocking access to our rented vehicle for awhile one morning. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVsTHZUpEzhKXW6PQSc2ncfz2QaMDt1UyJ3_Dfr9ZvDfKzt04PSo-P7lHg4fqHDnKMo201P4qF0s6ZeZerz2G2UmXa3109Qo-2WWBRjEqJBy_Xwej8dggXcu6QuzEZKw8482sPwQCnPg/s1600/IMG_1567.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVsTHZUpEzhKXW6PQSc2ncfz2QaMDt1UyJ3_Dfr9ZvDfKzt04PSo-P7lHg4fqHDnKMo201P4qF0s6ZeZerz2G2UmXa3109Qo-2WWBRjEqJBy_Xwej8dggXcu6QuzEZKw8482sPwQCnPg/s320/IMG_1567.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Since we visited in elk rutting season, we could hear the bucks' eerie high-pitched bugling at night. Several bucks were gathering harems in the area--one group hanging out often in Mammoth Village (cluster of ranger station, camp store, hotel, restaurants, etc.). Cars stopped, and some people came much closer than was safe to get the perfect photo--a challenge for the rangers to manage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I have been puzzling over how to adequately express our awe and fascination with the natural wonders of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. We are thankful to have had the opportunity to spend some time there. Since we were already near the Northern edge of the park, I had arranged for us to fly out of Bozeman, MT rather than drive all the way back to Jackson, WY. Oh my, we wished we had had a few more days in Bozeman as well. It's a hip, cultured college town surrounded by breathtaking mountains. After a quick lunch and stroll in town, we visited the amazing Museum of the Rockies, arriving just in time for a visiting production of Mongolian music and dance in dazzling costumes. The accompanying extensive exhibit featuring Ghengis Khan was eye-opening. I had not known that the fierce, brutal warrior became a progressive (for that time) leader. The museum's permanent exhibits include a stunning variety of local dinosaur finds and Native American art.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Our itinerary worked well for us. We appreciated our time in Jackson, WY, and thrilled to the Grand Tetons. We were glad we had reserved rooms in two different corners of Yellowstone's expanse so that we could visit varied areas and features in a leisurely way without driving greater distances. You can view <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/search?q=westward">previous posts about our trip here</a>. I hope you have the same opportunity some day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: Can you sometimes recall particular travel moments and experiences as vividly as if they had happened that day?</b></span><br />
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-79866445866013124732020-03-07T13:11:00.000-05:002020-03-07T13:12:06.693-05:00Westward Ho! Part III. Yellowstone Thermal Feature Guided Tour<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKroeP9_ckywhOcHle9waVnkuJxkDkATqpvCQEaj8G7Rh0QfidgAA5KyKSLvbT0wYl3VYWmcppgs5IKFf-XN3jWgbrTkK_YY0fEzLGBPhQZ-nJ-kg47QHDPnCS_bTnlRbh2JAID_XhsoY/s1600/IMG_1491.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKroeP9_ckywhOcHle9waVnkuJxkDkATqpvCQEaj8G7Rh0QfidgAA5KyKSLvbT0wYl3VYWmcppgs5IKFf-XN3jWgbrTkK_YY0fEzLGBPhQZ-nJ-kg47QHDPnCS_bTnlRbh2JAID_XhsoY/s320/IMG_1491.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope, this is Fountain Geyser, which erupts on an irregular schedule</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwAI_pK_0xbsFnXeDxdTBPz_ut8KNRh2kaoLwn_KwJELQ-8YiY99EGnAXQhN92RlhP4AY3aLbOWkF7MTM0knqOs3tsMovxxEaENIpcIG67zFcIzUc-jvCHiiVOu84ZZ6kKQPIoZYqBnc/s1600/IMG_1487.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwAI_pK_0xbsFnXeDxdTBPz_ut8KNRh2kaoLwn_KwJELQ-8YiY99EGnAXQhN92RlhP4AY3aLbOWkF7MTM0knqOs3tsMovxxEaENIpcIG67zFcIzUc-jvCHiiVOu84ZZ6kKQPIoZYqBnc/s200/IMG_1487.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain Geyser and its small twin in back</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3pq69vayIH4zJLCqRH6izKNK61zyMpx1O7QZs_HMIOwwav_f3ClzRysC9Vd9CNH51A0aetaqjpyLhwqVA0EryzX6ZkGeGGVIaTksLjr34LWUAN-P3pZvNijDazjk3n8EiINScbhz4AY/s1600/IMG_1478.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3pq69vayIH4zJLCqRH6izKNK61zyMpx1O7QZs_HMIOwwav_f3ClzRysC9Vd9CNH51A0aetaqjpyLhwqVA0EryzX6ZkGeGGVIaTksLjr34LWUAN-P3pZvNijDazjk3n8EiINScbhz4AY/s200/IMG_1478.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were lucky to catch their eruption</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In Yellowstone National Park this past September, we were fortunate to get seats on the last Firehole Basin Tour of the season, which we had reserved in advance at a visitor center. On the way from Grant Lodge near Yellowstone Lake (<a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/search?q=yellowstone">see earlier posts</a>) to our cabin in Mammoth Hot Springs, we saw a late morning Old Faithful geyser eruption and then took the afternoon Firehole Basin guided tour of a number of other thermal features.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDQ1WkmUTMTNlo_aShtJtUWpzg6pIcML6nIPnqnPj4z-j2mqquiAL7HeHXgOB5BpnKGXFiaJUwrwWbRkgPN87e_-Bd6U2Xx4gaUeFjxdJRg65RhoE9M6BOYOnv7dGdxacMSKuslDBlSs/s1600/IMG_1421.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1600" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDQ1WkmUTMTNlo_aShtJtUWpzg6pIcML6nIPnqnPj4z-j2mqquiAL7HeHXgOB5BpnKGXFiaJUwrwWbRkgPN87e_-Bd6U2Xx4gaUeFjxdJRg65RhoE9M6BOYOnv7dGdxacMSKuslDBlSs/s200/IMG_1421.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart Spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9OC2adSd4_eaeYG09wnsop5y1mCoHy5Zi5XdyZX82vuDkVlLeGPHcy_tJEbVw2XFObujwvbwlpYYQa8lVVJnVLK8WNdEh8hyqYDaKqqTlKufzuMeGH6ON6sqoQyPCGd9ewh5jKVkqqE/s1600/IMG_1425.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9OC2adSd4_eaeYG09wnsop5y1mCoHy5Zi5XdyZX82vuDkVlLeGPHcy_tJEbVw2XFObujwvbwlpYYQa8lVVJnVLK8WNdEh8hyqYDaKqqTlKufzuMeGH6ON6sqoQyPCGd9ewh5jKVkqqE/s200/IMG_1425.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microbial mats make the colors on the ground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYVmwstEStCKWg_xt3k5uCNwEnQ5aZCvRafix9ef7Jt9GNIOQS3Y6xZ7Q_mOUP0NQ6p3jQbBpAEleFlMkZSumjhFg6TwW4E7j9WMGN84JY90zCX_IEL-GhwBT_mepeHZrwGinaIBvNMk/s1600/IMG_1458.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYVmwstEStCKWg_xt3k5uCNwEnQ5aZCvRafix9ef7Jt9GNIOQS3Y6xZ7Q_mOUP0NQ6p3jQbBpAEleFlMkZSumjhFg6TwW4E7j9WMGN84JY90zCX_IEL-GhwBT_mepeHZrwGinaIBvNMk/s200/IMG_1458.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mineral rich waters feed the microbes</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The tour was amazing, completely exceeding our expectations. Our guide shared his passion for Yellowstone's unique bubbling mud pots, geysers, hot springs, and steam vents, providing a wealth of fascinating information about the geology of the area. Driving our group in a restored 1938 yellow White Motor Co. bus, he answered a range of questions, provided bird and wildflower charts for those interested, and entertained us with stories of events from the amusing to the tragic that had occurred in this dangerous terrain. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPwj9aHKwt7zAikjgzKz5DpNYT0wQqSTKFHEqlBR64rfxu_gd_KgLJ87TGZNi0b-ChHDpU6ZAFqShLNhKKCMIu-x_Ctldk3_3gh1BDThDpC-zPOOzAoEb0sUK5SaO2oFMJ00u_9koWd0/s1600/IMG_1500.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPwj9aHKwt7zAikjgzKz5DpNYT0wQqSTKFHEqlBR64rfxu_gd_KgLJ87TGZNi0b-ChHDpU6ZAFqShLNhKKCMIu-x_Ctldk3_3gh1BDThDpC-zPOOzAoEb0sUK5SaO2oFMJ00u_9koWd0/s200/IMG_1500.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walls of the rapids came from lava flows</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDY2F4PfY9QMJYUXu5TtumGDmd34FQ1bQdQB6_VNPLDGujNnqt_kSC6LGsenE5DML2EXtAnNAKxgACFaafaN_KtYc0hqGZnSQyt9vDCjiV2bLb9e75SNA0bQKpFimiZeKCJo8InLeeX74/s1600/IMG_1453.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDY2F4PfY9QMJYUXu5TtumGDmd34FQ1bQdQB6_VNPLDGujNnqt_kSC6LGsenE5DML2EXtAnNAKxgACFaafaN_KtYc0hqGZnSQyt9vDCjiV2bLb9e75SNA0bQKpFimiZeKCJo8InLeeX74/s200/IMG_1453.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falls in Firehole Canyon</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Photos will show you a few of the wonders we saw, although photos do not capture the sulfur fumes, the odd sounds, or the weird activity of each feature. If I begin to describe all that we saw, this post would be waaaay too long, but I can't resist a bit of information. Yellowstone sits atop an active super-volcano which last erupted about 640,000 years ago. We are safe from another eruption for awhile because of these thermal features that literally let off steam from the huge 125 mile deep plume of molten rock. In many areas, the earth's crust is very thin, to the point that a person walking on it could break right through. The only safe access to many sights is on the extensive network of wooden walkways built above the ground.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VthHn0nLtEXBJBiv3_T355KrA__G55VdznMaWUqY2kBuNPEbNHWiINnDf6EMgmdUgW9Fhx4aLxKbMGG4IqmB0qqG3NlzbdHW7cihHwGYMBatMxQ_IBDAhNlCBcBiPdyE2IsOseWw9Zg/s1600/IMG_1496.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VthHn0nLtEXBJBiv3_T355KrA__G55VdznMaWUqY2kBuNPEbNHWiINnDf6EMgmdUgW9Fhx4aLxKbMGG4IqmB0qqG3NlzbdHW7cihHwGYMBatMxQ_IBDAhNlCBcBiPdyE2IsOseWw9Zg/s320/IMG_1496.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our funky bus, with hubby in the foreground</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Question of the Day: Are you interested in geological wonders?</span></b></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-18787882848920221102020-01-22T14:49:00.004-05:002020-01-22T14:54:07.711-05:00Two 4" x 5" Flower Paintings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5gt88ILq8s4CPC2ziQYenpzhEErk3sCnHZFlj451E7Yduggh4BMxkBax3-OIbqBCgh25RcYXQtc3xzRLloBmE8t3s8dPySHJD2xvQluF4UuLxoiG_kthzUUZOcSZJQOILhWJ7LoIPM0/s1600/IMG_1686.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5gt88ILq8s4CPC2ziQYenpzhEErk3sCnHZFlj451E7Yduggh4BMxkBax3-OIbqBCgh25RcYXQtc3xzRLloBmE8t3s8dPySHJD2xvQluF4UuLxoiG_kthzUUZOcSZJQOILhWJ7LoIPM0/s640/IMG_1686.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These small studies have served to give me a try at painting flowers. I started the 4" x 5" acrylic painting of fuchsia colored hibiscus flowers months ago, and recently pulled it out to finish. Thinking a pair of studies might be nice, I chose white astilbe for the second small piece, both for the way white contrasts with fuchsia and for the difference in shape. It has been a long time since I have attempted flower paintings; you can see a <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2009/09/learning-growing-purple-iris-floral.html">purple iris here</a> and <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2009/08/learning-growing-magnolia-floral.html">magnolia blossoms here. </a> Each of those sold somewhere along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Clearly, landscapes come more easily to me, but the learning involved in these studies was worth it. Flowers come out better, I think, when they are not over-worked--with just a few brush strokes in just the right colors. Highlights add depth, but multiple layers of acrylic paint do not necessarily add anything, rather seemed to detract. I'm sure there are countless gorgeous flower paintings by accomplished floral artists that would prove me wrong. So maybe what I should say is that in a small piece, what would work better at least for me would be surer quicker strokes than I used on the hibiscus. They say live and learn, but I often need to try something new, make various mistakes, and learn. Since no one is grading the efforts, it's fun and refreshing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The individual flowers that make up the astilbe plumes are too tiny to overwork, so that piece pleases me more. There is some layering, beginning with a slightly bluish white, finishing with slightly yellowed white (for the warmth) toward the tops of the plumes and some pure white highlights. I used a fan brush, pressed into the paint so that the bristles were nicely separated and dabbed away in a "plumey" pattern. For each piece, I had looked at photos in my husband's gardening and botanical reference books. We had a hibiscus in the back yard at the time I started that painting, so could use my own photos as well (the hibiscus was not blooming at the time, but I had studied them up close often enough to draw on memory too).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: What new thing have you tried lately and what did you learn doing it?</b> </span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-30715361556478381742019-12-29T15:24:00.000-05:002019-12-29T18:39:57.888-05:00Egg, Ham, and Red Pepper Brunch Casserole--Our Christmas Eve Day Family Celebration <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After searching in vain for an egg casserole recipe for our Christmas Eve Day brunch (I had certain flavors in mind), I decided to create my own. I relied on existing recipes for egg/milk proportions and included the ingredients that sounded good and that our family would like (I hoped--and they did!). Of course, you will vary the recipe below in any way that suits you and your family or guests. Our younger son would have liked it hotter; since he is alone in that, he'll need to use hot sauce on top. But you may want to use more cayenne pepper or to include chopped hot peppers. I think this casserole could take almost any cheese you like; this time we used Swiss cheese.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MNwt1wezNTh-fTQ1WsdqFsxS1clitv5nj-cCjwgSEKPzqssxtnzSp9MYlMzR-y7UL-WK2qrG-4bONih8nsyd5XdsiL_9PsCKPGnum97pMbEWEQm-I-8VNoJncc-CZ7CXqEPIfq0Ofy0/s1600/IMG_1681.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MNwt1wezNTh-fTQ1WsdqFsxS1clitv5nj-cCjwgSEKPzqssxtnzSp9MYlMzR-y7UL-WK2qrG-4bONih8nsyd5XdsiL_9PsCKPGnum97pMbEWEQm-I-8VNoJncc-CZ7CXqEPIfq0Ofy0/s400/IMG_1681.jpeg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I wish I had taken a photo of the whole brunch, but didn't. We also had Martha Stewart's buttermilk French toast, a rich tasting and yummy version with pancake syrup and blueberry syrup, bacon I made in the oven, and the fruit salad you see pictured (there were egg casserole and fruit leftovers available for their photo shoot another day). We did not have green salad for brunch; the photo shows my plate of leftover casserole for supper another day. I have been searching for the French toast recipe on-line and can't find it--sorry. I had hoped to provide you with a link. I probably have the title wrong on my recipe card, but it was definitely a Martha recipe, modified a little.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HI6NiXaKLdX9mJ1hhQvoa01bbf40fFusxoGqhdONfg4PczGiNxlBFTKCtDE0Dm565IG0k_QHYH1vvDtbn8cLNlHy5lzja7oxven_Se7C1R1MDZgUl_SmXCxy9q7SIInprRXes2YVB1U/s1600/IMG_1678.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HI6NiXaKLdX9mJ1hhQvoa01bbf40fFusxoGqhdONfg4PczGiNxlBFTKCtDE0Dm565IG0k_QHYH1vvDtbn8cLNlHy5lzja7oxven_Se7C1R1MDZgUl_SmXCxy9q7SIInprRXes2YVB1U/s320/IMG_1678.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The bacon left me wondering why I had waited so long to make it in the oven--fear of messy splatters, for one thing. It did not spatter at all, but baked up uniform and flat. My husband was kind enough to get the pans ready while I was doing other things. He placed the bacon strips on racks that were set in parchment paper-lined, rimmed baking sheets. It took 2 10" x 14" pans to bake a little over a pound of quality bacon (it's best if the strips don't overlap). The only caution is that it would be easy to burn it--it goes fast in the last couple of minutes. About 20 minutes at 400 degrees was perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The fruit salad was fresh pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and some fresh pomegranate seeds (which come all prepared in a plastic container from Pom Pom--saves lots of trouble wrestling with the whole fruit to get the seeds out). It was a delicious combination and looked festive in a cut glass bowl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> OK, the casserole recipe, made the day before serving:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Ham and Swiss Overnight Egg Casserole</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup chopped sweet onion</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup chopped red pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 cups cubed deli black forest ham from a thick slice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 4 oz. can chopped green chilies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 cups skimmed evaporated milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3/4 tsp. dry mustard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/4 tsp. black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">generous dash cayenne pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 cups shredded cheese (delicious with Swiss)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3 cups crusty bread (Cuban bread is yummy in this) torn or cut into about 1/2 inch pieces</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Saute onion and red pepper in about 2 tsp. butter; add ham and green chilies and saute 1 more minute. Let cool a little while making the egg mixture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Whisk eggs and skimmed evaporated milk together well; whisk in seasonings. Stir in about 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, the bread, and the ham mixture and mix well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Pour into a 9" x 13" buttered or sprayed casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese. Cover well with foil and refrigerate overnight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> In the morning, leave the foil on and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake about 15 minutes more until it is set (it will firm up a little more as it stands).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> A word about the skimmed evaporated milk: I have found it to be an excellent substitute for whole milk or even cream in many recipes. It lends richness and flavor to your dish with many fewer calories and less saturated fat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I have posted other recipes; you will find a listing at the r<a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2013/09/recipe-index-for-this-blog-healthy.html">ecipe index post</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the Day: This is a new tradition for us; the family has traditionally joined us for an appetizer supper on Christmas Eve Day. However, this year we needed a schedule that left time for our 2 1/2 year old granddaughter to have a nap before they attended the Children's Christmas Eve service. How have your family's holiday traditions changed over the years--or do some things stay the same for you?</b></span></div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-47372195645616876132019-11-24T18:15:00.002-05:002019-11-24T18:15:55.845-05:00Blue, Green, and Aqua Impressionistic Hand-painted Silk Scarf<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-ZoOJeo_SqN5TRSyhSyB02B6M5DRgpwmWy0fHkcNCIefzEUw4Sk4PhB7il86cTxnvjIG3y6nWFCEXq4RPoQiHZXk2Tq2GCeF1s2L1PYRPneRx-d_p4ox2kk2quCO17hqSnAsewSoh1Q/s1600/IMG_1270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-ZoOJeo_SqN5TRSyhSyB02B6M5DRgpwmWy0fHkcNCIefzEUw4Sk4PhB7il86cTxnvjIG3y6nWFCEXq4RPoQiHZXk2Tq2GCeF1s2L1PYRPneRx-d_p4ox2kk2quCO17hqSnAsewSoh1Q/s640/IMG_1270.jpg" width="476" /></a> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This impressionistic blue blend scarf is a new favorite--in fact, one I plan to keep for myself. It is especially pleasing that it is a rescue of a scarf that went wrong (<a href="http://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2019/03/when-art-projects-go-wrong-silk-scarf.html">see earlier post </a>about that mistake). The white and misty aqua background that was left after I removed the messed-up gutta seemed perfect to re-do in a scarf with a blue, green, and aqua swirling print.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HK0rndLN3q8B7rCo74KfRCupxAu4HvyX2nxzZRpD1kGq2lTmXOpU68t_D_wIgG4KYllxRBBp2kdYGYxfLI8riGc_MvFQsmFSsk-R8Wx1nPHVhAt9ZlQG74ubxfiLOlrz3RYHGFvUYQE/s1600/IMG_1259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HK0rndLN3q8B7rCo74KfRCupxAu4HvyX2nxzZRpD1kGq2lTmXOpU68t_D_wIgG4KYllxRBBp2kdYGYxfLI8riGc_MvFQsmFSsk-R8Wx1nPHVhAt9ZlQG74ubxfiLOlrz3RYHGFvUYQE/s320/IMG_1259.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of one end</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyn7UkVsjvmz2Hi9RtJ8wXyEwXHg5jiMqKDqWrwWpLrdEsrJi8dDMCAWXfyJz-gHg2cCZLA5N1neaJMk6X4MUJMH4f2ueIKITJQFbgImdzwynSI7FClWR1aJvvcCSlu_5GpT4UURV8-g/s1600/IMG_1260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyn7UkVsjvmz2Hi9RtJ8wXyEwXHg5jiMqKDqWrwWpLrdEsrJi8dDMCAWXfyJz-gHg2cCZLA5N1neaJMk6X4MUJMH4f2ueIKITJQFbgImdzwynSI7FClWR1aJvvcCSlu_5GpT4UURV8-g/s320/IMG_1260.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of other end</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> After choosing the palette and blending the colors I had tested and wanted to use, I wet the entire scarf well. Then, with a soft brush, I swirled the colors on in a sort of "planned random" way with a bit of unpainted area between many of the swirls so that the hues would flow together without too much mixing. I didn't want the colors to muddy each other or to blend too much. Once that looked satisfactory, I deepened some blue areas and quickly sprinkled kosher salt over while the areas were still quite wet. Using salt on wet French silk dyes works a kind of magic as the scarf dries, producing jagged lines, star burst effects, and concentrated darker spots. Sometimes, I do further modification of the colors or pattern after I see how the scarf looks dry. It would have been a mistake to tamper with these results; in my opinion, it is lovely just as it is. Now it's getting hard to wait to wear it; five newly hand-painted silk scarves are ready to be steam-set. One more, and I can load up the steamer and complete the finishing processes.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7i7lZA9liS4m-HUp4XlixYZmt4ldIQSAao5L0SoFTMzvRBCS0eRWw-jaaIz_RWAW5lkNb6UVlxRj2YxjBg7F_2qT_3RfV_AjQcxXlogN08HeJ9R5VVkceZvkQtryKm1DliZ6QmKrwKtU/s1600/IMG_1261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7i7lZA9liS4m-HUp4XlixYZmt4ldIQSAao5L0SoFTMzvRBCS0eRWw-jaaIz_RWAW5lkNb6UVlxRj2YxjBg7F_2qT_3RfV_AjQcxXlogN08HeJ9R5VVkceZvkQtryKm1DliZ6QmKrwKtU/s320/IMG_1261.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of center</td></tr>
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By the way, I will have one or two more posts about our trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, but took a break to show you this newly painted scarf.<br /><br />
<b>Question of the Day: Do you prefer defined patterns on silk, such as tulips or starfish, or a more abstract or impressionistic look?</b></span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-5761455679118741912019-10-30T21:20:00.000-04:002019-10-30T21:20:08.263-04:00Westward Ho! Part II. Exploring the Southern Half of Yellowstone National Park<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_92wblliOCLlR7meG1_dCCf78kLDmN-o0yF_L7CR9o_G0aKoOypWqaZbKZRO-Nez9l5-86FiuIwizvoRPzNUJDAe1sNwJJC5p3ISgIpdFRwbL-EJkl5uZYVAQwQsRSiZpHnchkYowIiU/s1600/IMG_1406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_92wblliOCLlR7meG1_dCCf78kLDmN-o0yF_L7CR9o_G0aKoOypWqaZbKZRO-Nez9l5-86FiuIwizvoRPzNUJDAe1sNwJJC5p3ISgIpdFRwbL-EJkl5uZYVAQwQsRSiZpHnchkYowIiU/s400/IMG_1406.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anticipating sunrise over Yellowstone Lake</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERqPy8g1SV3Htac1fEHORYwWjesL3XGOd68uw2j6bIq_vjNQ0iSmkJixS9m24hKlxM-D5yoY0iOBNlJS7hnsA6B1zcgTch4Ohqgw5Ia3M7OnU5nMfsyhG7tljj4rKlyRk4zaJ7RRYPtw/s1600/IMG_1345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERqPy8g1SV3Htac1fEHORYwWjesL3XGOd68uw2j6bIq_vjNQ0iSmkJixS9m24hKlxM-D5yoY0iOBNlJS7hnsA6B1zcgTch4Ohqgw5Ia3M7OnU5nMfsyhG7tljj4rKlyRk4zaJ7RRYPtw/s320/IMG_1345.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A doe elk spotted in a meadow at a scenic turnout</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Driving north from Jackson, WY and through the Grand Tetons again was as impressive as before. See my Part I post about our first travel days <a href="http://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2019/09/westward-ho-part-i-journey-to-grand.html">here</a>. Because of the vast size of Yellowstone National Park, we stayed at two different locations in the park. First, we stayed two nights by Yellowstone Lake in the south. The main road through the park forms a figure eight, and our location at one of the lodges in Grant Village was the perfect base for exploring the lower loop and for making one side trip. We settled in and walked along the beautiful lake side and into the lodge pole pine forests in the area.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeX_AjWt9QQzhuv97eIqWpja6eNDD0IA9bDMPbqoXQy3Dk3Uzw0NOXLmACkaGCgqNkZf4f2jLy1d_hQUpt_kb8wgJzkE6OvYj8HLfzRm6wlWVJwyVM1hapPws7v0QAvk3Oms_2emFGpk/s1600/IMG_1392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeX_AjWt9QQzhuv97eIqWpja6eNDD0IA9bDMPbqoXQy3Dk3Uzw0NOXLmACkaGCgqNkZf4f2jLy1d_hQUpt_kb8wgJzkE6OvYj8HLfzRm6wlWVJwyVM1hapPws7v0QAvk3Oms_2emFGpk/s320/IMG_1392.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One gathering of bison, part of a larger herd in Lamar Valley</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The next morning, we drove north on the loop and then east to the Lamar Valley and beyond--almost to the eastern edge of the park. The broad valley lived up to its reputation as the best location for watching large herds of bison and spotting other large mammals. We did not stop where a cluster of cars surrounded a bison on the shoulder; some people were much too close to the powerful animal. Further on, the valley gave way to towering peaks and rugged cliffs. Here, some kind Yellowstone enthusiasts invited us to look through their high-powered scopes at snowy white mountain goats, one almost skipping along where the rock face had only the narrowest possible ledges for its hooves. My husband also saw some pronghorns bounding from the grasslands into the trees, but they went by too fast on the wrong side of the road for me to see.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiqcmwu3_tGC3MBniPxyGw9QmTDw7sAwgegTQHZD942Wz0OdAAsdZAsYUoXor8u672R4WWep0AhFWURMX6U2Nky3WjKk4_TMAmIJ0BE76tnKF4T9pW_F49g_Px6wAQJBURyepvnsZ7eA/s1600/IMG_1352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiqcmwu3_tGC3MBniPxyGw9QmTDw7sAwgegTQHZD942Wz0OdAAsdZAsYUoXor8u672R4WWep0AhFWURMX6U2Nky3WjKk4_TMAmIJ0BE76tnKF4T9pW_F49g_Px6wAQJBURyepvnsZ7eA/s320/IMG_1352.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smell of sulphur and steam rising reveal a thermal feature</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> On the way back west, we stopped for food at the insanely busy Canyon Village (I was glad we had not chosen to stay at the lodge there). Then, we followed a couple of short trails to overlooks at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The Upper Falls area was closed to visitors that day, but we enjoyed seeing the more dramatic Lower Falls. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAq5sxEYq49g_YbSFyvsc_0haLlaP9iuw8lnFjmoIxOMBYcVVbTWuC0Lr8wqZS1IZIBBUlEtBwRFcWfOGHJZWOXptGybea_CPEshRUNGS5P9cL4oOa7kXCruwjie0trNowk0HfIaYuOI/s1600/IMG_1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAq5sxEYq49g_YbSFyvsc_0haLlaP9iuw8lnFjmoIxOMBYcVVbTWuC0Lr8wqZS1IZIBBUlEtBwRFcWfOGHJZWOXptGybea_CPEshRUNGS5P9cL4oOa7kXCruwjie0trNowk0HfIaYuOI/s320/IMG_1362.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boiling mud at Dragon's Mouth Spring</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I joined my early-bird husband for a walk before sunrise the next morning to watch the color change in the sky over Yellowstone Lake-- a gorgeous display, followed by a stunning sunrise. Then, a breakfast buffet at the Lake Restaurant overlooking the water before checking out on our way to our cabin on the north loop. Although we were not yet in the area with the most thermal features, we stopped at turnouts and parking areas to walk on the boardwalks over bubbling hot mud pits, hot springs, and steam vents called fumaroles. Dragon's Mouth Spring, pictured here, hissed and made thumping and crashing sounds as steam puffed out and mud at the entrance bubbled. It was easy to imagine a dragon inside that lair.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1yo05iqwsgcgCVzY_-StpB_WIQ1x4ZVNmfPk6HSNXMSqcFo2ycmqrb0GI_Bn1lHCVaFNqvk_XtkpyCBikn4MbNwRG4PSv-n7JJiKkodAHTKEMOfxmxgO5XAyD_trhrhC_09dVL4coN0/s1600/IMG_1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1262" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1yo05iqwsgcgCVzY_-StpB_WIQ1x4ZVNmfPk6HSNXMSqcFo2ycmqrb0GI_Bn1lHCVaFNqvk_XtkpyCBikn4MbNwRG4PSv-n7JJiKkodAHTKEMOfxmxgO5XAyD_trhrhC_09dVL4coN0/s400/IMG_1396.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Question of the Day: Have you been to Yellowstone National Park? If yes, what did you particularly enjoy there, or if no, what would you like to see?</span></b></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-66160180762648394802019-09-30T15:21:00.001-04:002019-09-30T15:29:53.675-04:00Westward Ho, Part I. Journey to the Grand Teton National Park<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ggRRaz-__cyszieAowUT33Z87AthTs0Q9EJjCBRWeMcsq2qbx8PoGZHrwaXJEmtexEMZ-VgtEIxC6NsQfM9SI7FQu35-jhKNw23_P1oFmRJVKrntdLR92hRVRJ2vloisbkZAJpTWsVI/s1600/IMG_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ggRRaz-__cyszieAowUT33Z87AthTs0Q9EJjCBRWeMcsq2qbx8PoGZHrwaXJEmtexEMZ-VgtEIxC6NsQfM9SI7FQu35-jhKNw23_P1oFmRJVKrntdLR92hRVRJ2vloisbkZAJpTWsVI/s320/IMG_1283.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Snake River, Grand Tetons in view</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We recently returned from a wonderful journey west to the Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. I have been planning for it for more than a year--especially once I learned (from kind travel bloggers) that lodges and cabins in Yellowstone needed to be reserved a full year ahead in most cases.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJG-cWv4ztxMAKO3f1F05u2QXD1w76wR4futGAaSwcYmVqTVljYrXlUtreTXVcqK4cQALB-BhdUAG2m7yLMz2O5X6uHomKwvBdpjGVcp-SmNBXhXpVqqmX_k0b7H0mFyznwRE7uyU2hHg/s1600/IMG_1286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJG-cWv4ztxMAKO3f1F05u2QXD1w76wR4futGAaSwcYmVqTVljYrXlUtreTXVcqK4cQALB-BhdUAG2m7yLMz2O5X6uHomKwvBdpjGVcp-SmNBXhXpVqqmX_k0b7H0mFyznwRE7uyU2hHg/s320/IMG_1286.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Traveling from flat, hot coastal North Florida to cool, dry mountains was a treat. We love our home, but a change of scenery and climate at the end of the summer was (immensely) refreshing. It is difficult to find words to describe these breath-taking national treasures, as you know if you have visited there. And photos cannot begin to convey the magnificence of the mountains, valleys, meadows, and animals we saw. However, I'll try to share some of what we experienced.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcP2F7Qi6zo6jmg_Sv0ez_QKLS4YGcxDP089XA4XMVAWME8HzszxmV6JY6NurUKDlSCRwa9Z5E4LqSdhYhgDJZRAgD1bLA4rChtT_v5-LYVCX70ZdlIn8SwusWUuKcbSOFzjVokN2BFA/s1600/IMG_1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcP2F7Qi6zo6jmg_Sv0ez_QKLS4YGcxDP089XA4XMVAWME8HzszxmV6JY6NurUKDlSCRwa9Z5E4LqSdhYhgDJZRAgD1bLA4rChtT_v5-LYVCX70ZdlIn8SwusWUuKcbSOFzjVokN2BFA/s320/IMG_1292.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We landed before noon in Jackson, WY on a chilly, rainy day, tired from getting up at 3 AM (1 AM mountain time!) for our flight. I had booked a room north of busy Jackson, but we first headed into town for lunch and exploration. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Extra-large crowds of people clogged the streets, partly because we happened on a major--and delightful--art fair, and partly because it was too nasty a day for most hikers and outdoor explorers, so they came to town. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAtr2Schoz8rxt5HOlaGIeDKPFVO31kxNiKspIGpzVF8ugLbitq8YYI37KScvxy0QdjS1gU2gnv2oqYv_nRu3eh4c2ZY_yw7fJj_pAX4p6tadLlakwFMbkZLfNMojMTqXKMWqJr3XPtU/s1600/IMG_1293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAtr2Schoz8rxt5HOlaGIeDKPFVO31kxNiKspIGpzVF8ugLbitq8YYI37KScvxy0QdjS1gU2gnv2oqYv_nRu3eh4c2ZY_yw7fJj_pAX4p6tadLlakwFMbkZLfNMojMTqXKMWqJr3XPtU/s320/IMG_1293.jpg" width="320" /></a> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Foggy, but gradually clearing weather cheered us in the morning, and we drove north on US 89 into the Grand Teton National Park. Low clouds hugged some of the highest peaks, while others stood proud in their jagged glory. For our first day, we drove north as far as Moran Junction, then west to the sparkling, bright blue Jackson Lake (I'll post photos of Jackson Lake in Part II), and south again along the lakeside, past Jenny Lake, and on back toward our Jackson room for one more night. We stopped whenever we wanted to at one of the many overlooks and just drank in the crisp, fresh air and awe-inspiring views.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwvfCNCNGNMUi-J3gR7Pmbuupf95JZAC_H2T4v7oyAjbqhocJlA6egvIJViD5Xgn1USjuLvgvzctCo05Wq5RsquNp6g2XeDjHMxw4K9wfwrbYdTRKIxIA4FlLsnMANesVVVsnKH_cu_A/s1600/IMG_1322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwvfCNCNGNMUi-J3gR7Pmbuupf95JZAC_H2T4v7oyAjbqhocJlA6egvIJViD5Xgn1USjuLvgvzctCo05Wq5RsquNp6g2XeDjHMxw4K9wfwrbYdTRKIxIA4FlLsnMANesVVVsnKH_cu_A/s320/IMG_1322.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5dH4FYfrfuIEXifcRX-gbYo_cbP7j0uA-acxt50_nHcDA4yACMLF34EommhP6wL31wpv_fI2j__5J4tCOFSoTcvKV_joq9DA1tfoY2mppx4kFYC_f99yO6MH9ztUCnSIHWJ1s4gOyhU/s1600/IMG_1300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5dH4FYfrfuIEXifcRX-gbYo_cbP7j0uA-acxt50_nHcDA4yACMLF34EommhP6wL31wpv_fI2j__5J4tCOFSoTcvKV_joq9DA1tfoY2mppx4kFYC_f99yO6MH9ztUCnSIHWJ1s4gOyhU/s320/IMG_1300.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Finally, we stopped at a trail head to do some hiking. Our <u>Lonely Planet</u> guide included the distance for each trail, and sometimes the elevation change. The trail we chose was fairly challenging, and we found exertion at that altitude exhilarating, but tiring. I loved using my <a href="http://pacerpole.com/">Pacer Poles</a> for walking--very helpful for my back problems--and was able to walk further than I would have without them. The trail wound through meadows, forest, along and over a rocky, bubbling stream, past a park horse and mule corral, and up some steep rises. It was all too lovely for words. The first full day of our adventure was simply amazing. Stay tuned for more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the Day: What journeys have taken you to a very different place from home?</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-82166847251941917722019-08-30T09:04:00.002-04:002019-08-30T09:04:07.381-04:00"Castaway Island Afternoon", an Acrylic Landscape Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zr5RIxPTxLaXFLY8RJbe6U5XKYg6iVwCq4WJdkXWySyz85SNt6ibxl1Mjm-p5oD4IoqDjDf42gIKGAjcjsr7xzN7eYzi2CegEQNrBQktyxvIGCp2diixZf4w_En23guts2OUf9gB78E/s1600/IMG_1260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zr5RIxPTxLaXFLY8RJbe6U5XKYg6iVwCq4WJdkXWySyz85SNt6ibxl1Mjm-p5oD4IoqDjDf42gIKGAjcjsr7xzN7eYzi2CegEQNrBQktyxvIGCp2diixZf4w_En23guts2OUf9gB78E/s400/IMG_1260.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the many preserves in our coastal North Florida area is relatively small, but is a favorite of mine. <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2012/05/castaway-island-preserve-another.html">Castaway Island Preserve</a> is on the Intracoastal Waterway with residential neighborhoods on both sides. It's an easy drive from our home and has yielded lots of painting reference photos over several visits. Part of the preserve is salt marsh with raised walkways that allow visitors to access the wetlands. I love it there and have made several paintings from Castaway scenes; I'm sure there will be more to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> "Castaway Island Afternoon" is a 24" x 18" acrylic on <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2010/06/quick-hello-and-answer-to-painting.html">gallery wrapped canvas</a>, designed to be hung as is or to be framed--either way looks great. Apparently my camera was tipped a bit when I took the photos (the reason the cedars look as though they are slightly leaning toward each other). Whoops. Since I have now signed the piece and given it a protective coating (for which I use a combination of matte and gloss acrylic medium), it is more difficult to take a good photo. Now it shows a bit of a sheen in photos, so I'll be content with the one I have.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> There is more than a little artistic license taken here. The hues are punched up from the actual scene, and, as usual, I had to clear out lots of vegetation and plant debris from the exuberant growth we see in coastal North Florida. So, the initial planning of the composition was crucial and involved several tonal sketches (using a range of artist's grey-scale markers) and various arrangements of the elements in the scene. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I also experimented with a few possible palettes and finally chose: cerulean blue, ultramarine blue, Paynes grey, lemon yellow, yellow oxide, Indian yellow, burnt sienna, burnt umber, buff (unbleached titanium ecru), and titanium white. The result is lighter and brighter than some of my <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-second-new-salt-marsh-painting.html">other Castaway Island paintings</a>, such as "Castaway Island Cedars" and "Castaway Island Palms". A side note on those two: although I used the same palette and canvas size so that they could be hung as companion pieces, they have ended up apart--which is just fine, too. The smaller cedars piece turned out to be a personal favorite and hangs in our home, while the palms piece was a perfect fit for the home of our older son and his interior designer wife. I was honored when she requested the painting and happily made a gift of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the Day: Do you have favorite places in nature that you revisit to recharge or for creative or spiritual renewal?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-89922662763616561052019-07-30T20:05:00.001-04:002019-08-01T10:18:27.806-04:00Hand-painted Tropical Leaf Silk Scarf with Varied Greens on Blue Background<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1eb4mb2nBY5AO-zZU3afBnkUWY8qBhq0l44BRFocVaLcioPvoaWuAjsLDKeF0j48Sg9bj5pnonm87JOESXMVAv5uJiz8SRn114dtlTFBWKr6rurEKxDBajqkuVcCvl22gmqh3HCWKJQ/s1600/IMG_1113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1eb4mb2nBY5AO-zZU3afBnkUWY8qBhq0l44BRFocVaLcioPvoaWuAjsLDKeF0j48Sg9bj5pnonm87JOESXMVAv5uJiz8SRn114dtlTFBWKr6rurEKxDBajqkuVcCvl22gmqh3HCWKJQ/s400/IMG_1113.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical Leaf Silk Scarf in Varied Greens on Blue Background</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The idea of painting a design of tropical leaves on a silk scarf has been in the back of my mind for awhile. Recently, I completed this 60" x 11" scarf in blue and varied green hues after a number of sketches finally resulted in a design I liked. I blended several shades and hues of green for the leaves, because I wanted to make the scarf more useful, more likely to look nice with different outfits. The leaf designs were inspired by photos of plants in some of my husband's botanical books and from direct observation of plants in our coastal north Florida neighborhoods.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgbEQdYMZo-91D5NvITCaQBbX-ap2RB9H_ZqLqy7B9rfCPNmr3WK2v5qyjuDsyEQ4ip4G1jkJOb9tHRshi92OpzbYvKwo9RuvrXNcSD1yb5t7m2gKe3LHtBgPVbJS0iyjT7MdEUYqt4k/s1600/IMG_1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgbEQdYMZo-91D5NvITCaQBbX-ap2RB9H_ZqLqy7B9rfCPNmr3WK2v5qyjuDsyEQ4ip4G1jkJOb9tHRshi92OpzbYvKwo9RuvrXNcSD1yb5t7m2gKe3LHtBgPVbJS0iyjT7MdEUYqt4k/s400/IMG_1114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One end of tropical leaf scarf</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I don't know why I draped the scarf on this old couch for its photos, but have decided it doesn't look too bad there. The final steps to finish the work-- steam-setting the dyes, removing the gutta outlines in a naphtha soak, washing and pressing--are not yet done. However, I thought you might like a look at it anyway.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13gdOthYpBjlZ1L2jedEcr-jMzXIVHhIqgs5XwRczOLM3HZHFKnnsG6bx6H7RawRgTVrMIGdtHFdLdc0FJtV-BrL1zPMcsl59SKEqYYswvlL3wxlGisGygus9pSUBb9uwyv6fWrdFgaY/s1600/IMG_1116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13gdOthYpBjlZ1L2jedEcr-jMzXIVHhIqgs5XwRczOLM3HZHFKnnsG6bx6H7RawRgTVrMIGdtHFdLdc0FJtV-BrL1zPMcsl59SKEqYYswvlL3wxlGisGygus9pSUBb9uwyv6fWrdFgaY/s400/IMG_1116.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other end of tropical leaf scarf</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> All the colors, including the blue background, are blends of liquid French silk dyes. I love experimenting with colors and color combinations and am rarely disappointed with the results of the blends I've planned--although it can take some "tinkering" to get the shade where I want it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I painted a very light, watered-down blue on the entire white scarf blank first, then outlined all the leaves and stems with gutta resist (more information on using gutta in the third paragraph of <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2019/03/when-art-projects-go-wrong-silk-scarf.html">this post</a>). That way, the outlines have some color, rather than just being white. The lighter leaves are a pale green painted over with yellow (which tends to push other colors away and creates a nice variegation in hues). The large philodendron leaf is several layers of olive. The smaller vine leaves are a blend of greens, again layered until the depth of color seemed right. The heart-shaped larger vine leaves are a blend of green and blue. I gave each of the leaves one coat before "drawing" the veins with gutta resist; that way the veins would have more color, rather than just retaining the light blue of the first coat of the background. Last, I finished the final coat or two of the blue background, randomly stroking a true blue over aqua, then blending them for a watery, varied appearance. Now this will join a couple of other scarves in the studio closet until I have enough for a steamer batch to set the dyes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the Day: What sort of scarf design would you like me to try next?</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-71694603259642843292019-06-30T14:04:00.002-04:002019-06-30T16:15:10.800-04:00How to Create Depth in Landscape Paintings, Part III--Perspective in Skies<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQ6ozWmTAUZJecGFnF7UMjQq5-TObR4m0F-IS2XhVMC3M9Qe7dyy2YYlC_JXdCeEIHtgINlByoVk1uAF9tllpr01bt71mhEwrxcmNWBAgM8IV5-OMG2FWM2dS-5waz1TcZi4HC-CuwQE/s1600/IMG_1075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQ6ozWmTAUZJecGFnF7UMjQq5-TObR4m0F-IS2XhVMC3M9Qe7dyy2YYlC_JXdCeEIHtgINlByoVk1uAF9tllpr01bt71mhEwrxcmNWBAgM8IV5-OMG2FWM2dS-5waz1TcZi4HC-CuwQE/s400/IMG_1075.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Clouds Moving In", 14" x 11" acrylic painting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vqwA-XYzb0J6Wzp3p-LRhYgCucq88KdEqIkuhlSpRFvXGksC50pfQkXrOdcV8M_hrieoPN9Q0TNadpb1UJp7YZqG07iJHL1ASPMjvwzMCW_5NN47mGGgEQOUR25FMIkmftnmG_hu-WM/s1600/IMG_1150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vqwA-XYzb0J6Wzp3p-LRhYgCucq88KdEqIkuhlSpRFvXGksC50pfQkXrOdcV8M_hrieoPN9Q0TNadpb1UJp7YZqG07iJHL1ASPMjvwzMCW_5NN47mGGgEQOUR25FMIkmftnmG_hu-WM/s320/IMG_1150.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my worksheets for "Clouds Moving In"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For Part III in this little series of posts about perspective, we will consider sky (especially clouds). Obviously, the painting of a large field with various trees both near and far, for example, will demand careful creation of depth in the ways we have discussed in <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2019/04/how-to-create-depth-in-landscape.html">Part I</a> and <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2019/05/how-to-create-depth-in-landscape.html">Part II</a>. But what about the sky in that painting? I do know that skies seldom appear just one monotone hue from the horizon on up and so often shade my painted sky from cobalt, ultramarine, or even slightly purplish blue at the top of the canvas to a slightly more aqua and lighter tone toward the horizon. This suggests distance in the sky.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> But I hadn't considered cloud perspective much until my painting mentor, <a href="https://lindablondheim.com/">Linda Blondheim</a>, was providing feedback on a work in progress. She pointed out that clouds usually appear larger when they are closer and are smaller (and often flatter) in appearance toward the horizon. Linda encouraged me to make a grid with a vanishing point at the horizon to refer to as I painted a cloudy sky. Sounds obvious, I guess, but I was not observing the principle consistently in my work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I used that tip in the 14" x 11" acrylic piece, "Clouds Moving In", pictured above. I wanted to show clouds building over the Atlantic from the Northeast, as they often do here in coastal north Florida. So, the vanishing point is left of center (north) in the reference grid at the top of my worksheet (pictured above, left).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgSj7okXVLSv31ZwcFXyGA7CcyNuEwHPhw-uCkyOQ6JHLKCdtY9pDNEX-lJTLtyUrYAw0PfRZqfVt1uy397qObd5xevw4078XlMyAl2f3wD_pOBlgEmHtLtVkM6aiqj_V3N6-bGEvGEs/s1600/IMG_3293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgSj7okXVLSv31ZwcFXyGA7CcyNuEwHPhw-uCkyOQ6JHLKCdtY9pDNEX-lJTLtyUrYAw0PfRZqfVt1uy397qObd5xevw4078XlMyAl2f3wD_pOBlgEmHtLtVkM6aiqj_V3N6-bGEvGEs/s320/IMG_3293.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Spring Breeze", 24" x 18" acrylic painting </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32D9RUY6ObZIbPnHeWZT_EelsRD4kvmYUliIS31x4XUJMLPLC2B1lqifhiCVCs4-9MMk1GF5TQLGicejcxOHQjTyjTAtBRa6Qgf5Sq_5n7Pn1xITzn1zoi6hKyUIl3BhUdgK9EIF_XUI/s1600/IMG_4836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32D9RUY6ObZIbPnHeWZT_EelsRD4kvmYUliIS31x4XUJMLPLC2B1lqifhiCVCs4-9MMk1GF5TQLGicejcxOHQjTyjTAtBRa6Qgf5Sq_5n7Pn1xITzn1zoi6hKyUIl3BhUdgK9EIF_XUI/s200/IMG_4836.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sea Oats", 16" x 12" acrylic painting</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Of course, real clouds are various sizes at various distances, but I have realized that my painted skies are most convincing looking when I follow some logical perspective rules for clouds. The 24" x 18" piece, "Spring Breeze" illustrates the principle as does the 16" x 12" painting, "Sea Oats".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Rather than more words today, I will simply share some of my photos that include clouds. Some are from my home area, some were taken for painting reference (not necessarily because they are stunning subjects in their own right), and some are from places we have traveled. Of course, you can click on any photo to enlarge it. You can draw your own conclusions about perspective in actual skies and how to create realistic depth in paintings that include clouds.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqF-sHvtZ0nnvF3aUvGMHIfB5_AjUELaf9BTd4Dkar1PzTlQEZ3Vnsgp7EmnCYKYGN19iZIyDmH1e1azgiU1xDEv8g7S8kccXj7r6neWocd2PtdkfNi6mij3wuKa-6261_AcpkAJ08qc/s1600/IMG_0908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqF-sHvtZ0nnvF3aUvGMHIfB5_AjUELaf9BTd4Dkar1PzTlQEZ3Vnsgp7EmnCYKYGN19iZIyDmH1e1azgiU1xDEv8g7S8kccXj7r6neWocd2PtdkfNi6mij3wuKa-6261_AcpkAJ08qc/s200/IMG_0908.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacksonville Beach, FL photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJxY9RBy8_Vg3BMLMYm7U_FkeC-qQAfNEi0iIluzXkrjDWcqOQS_wlUq_P4qsGW-bAw6y56HLyOilWyWSSTka1e642JRzSf52hRot2g8gnnhqjWowgG6TS_kawe5Cy9rj0jq8X5Nrn74/s1600/IMG_0826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJxY9RBy8_Vg3BMLMYm7U_FkeC-qQAfNEi0iIluzXkrjDWcqOQS_wlUq_P4qsGW-bAw6y56HLyOilWyWSSTka1e642JRzSf52hRot2g8gnnhqjWowgG6TS_kawe5Cy9rj0jq8X5Nrn74/s200/IMG_0826.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanna Park, Jacksonville, FL photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j1djNvaSJvqESjMEACjP7cmZ2NPN5gasqs4jKa8gLBcOxWWa9h0mvi4qwgCmR5jch1VXKqjiJ0wW4PCX1Zcm9dRHSBVD7XiK2XJqc404IgYF2xK3cm6juZ5Gtlt7bImcpDPuKJrftHo/s1600/IMG_0145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j1djNvaSJvqESjMEACjP7cmZ2NPN5gasqs4jKa8gLBcOxWWa9h0mvi4qwgCmR5jch1VXKqjiJ0wW4PCX1Zcm9dRHSBVD7XiK2XJqc404IgYF2xK3cm6juZ5Gtlt7bImcpDPuKJrftHo/s200/IMG_0145.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John C. Campbell Folk School, NC photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQmsr1XhRXwcV8hBxHrNahy8PTAIWOKq3L0kT-fmB2jf3OJgRoRfv6wge6z7472ZJK0jCmYAnp7HLfV89DNo2zRsfRYfwiDJ6vML4IaN83MFaceb_UH14G-IhiZu1uhUmHbU1RIe9Yz0/s1600/IMG_5214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1600" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQmsr1XhRXwcV8hBxHrNahy8PTAIWOKq3L0kT-fmB2jf3OJgRoRfv6wge6z7472ZJK0jCmYAnp7HLfV89DNo2zRsfRYfwiDJ6vML4IaN83MFaceb_UH14G-IhiZu1uhUmHbU1RIe9Yz0/s200/IMG_5214.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nova Scotia, Canada photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TVhN1u0YVsuGsy47t4D5Mbgl7QPgYYFfewzHKZpqbB7uSIxvB-o7wYNyE0wLIma13rnC3K5lPwbc6Aj2ogyWPgsNcE4e4sIc9kCD-SV6ffcIVSr-9dtf35gK4_fIa833ALtWztiLZlM/s1600/IMG_5184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TVhN1u0YVsuGsy47t4D5Mbgl7QPgYYFfewzHKZpqbB7uSIxvB-o7wYNyE0wLIma13rnC3K5lPwbc6Aj2ogyWPgsNcE4e4sIc9kCD-SV6ffcIVSr-9dtf35gK4_fIa833ALtWztiLZlM/s200/IMG_5184.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nova Scotia, Canada photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7OugKxc2ZiJIhFcAAVqh5If6KNBDqYugP_Zfnbo-E_LaS3o3-oaAb1DzCyJDSEPbMHKERyrxtg0lQjxHeZS-90EkXQAckyW3YI-Y0UpFb0Xc2Tu8vCFuAVhKeXal_0ZO0KV1bNUaFxY/s1600/IMG_5759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7OugKxc2ZiJIhFcAAVqh5If6KNBDqYugP_Zfnbo-E_LaS3o3-oaAb1DzCyJDSEPbMHKERyrxtg0lQjxHeZS-90EkXQAckyW3YI-Y0UpFb0Xc2Tu8vCFuAVhKeXal_0ZO0KV1bNUaFxY/s320/IMG_5759.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Region of Tuscany, Italy photo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <b>Question of the Day: Have you ever thought about how clouds</b> <b>appear as they recede into the distance?</b></span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-39056816452627983162019-05-31T20:44:00.002-04:002019-05-31T21:09:02.407-04:00How to Create Depth in Landscape Paintings, Part II--Tips and Techniques<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFB_EoXmZJTxXNoTdXluN_kNMn3YsamRKbnHXAP56KqgyfWdf9aSAt9pDfqVgThY47sPRIdc6F7_jHljyRElHNZ1Few0ditp665T7mct6cYhBp0u-rVDLR_VYtW0R0AQbPDLKXhd5aAk/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1600" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFB_EoXmZJTxXNoTdXluN_kNMn3YsamRKbnHXAP56KqgyfWdf9aSAt9pDfqVgThY47sPRIdc6F7_jHljyRElHNZ1Few0ditp665T7mct6cYhBp0u-rVDLR_VYtW0R0AQbPDLKXhd5aAk/s400/IMG_0019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Summer Reflections"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our previous post discussed some principles of atmospheric perspective. This time, a few tips about achieving it in a landscape painting and other techniques for creating the appearance of depth. You may be surprised by the degree to which careful planning and analysis can be involved in painting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> One technique I learned from my painting mentor <a href="https://lindablondheim.com/">Linda Blondheim</a> is the use of glazes. I think glazes are particularly useful in acrylic painting because acrylic hues are usually quite sharp and clear. Distant elements in a scene should look hazy, a bit "fuzzy", and have a pale, cool hue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Although I try to begin with appropriate soft tones in the background, they often need to be pushed further back visually. Acrylic glazing liquid is useful for this. Depending on the size of the area that needs to be modified, mix a puddle of acrylic glazing liquid with just a touch of blue, purple, or even soft aqua paint. After mixing it well, use a soft brush to stroke it across the area that needs softening, blending out the edges a bit so as to avoid an obvious line. Don't worry if it looks too muted or cloudy; it will usually be fine when dry. Let the area dry well (this will take somewhat longer than normal acrylic paint drying time). You can repeat the process with another layer or two until you are satisfied with the result. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The far background of the painting " Summer Reflections" was treated this way, and the tree just to the left of the center was also pushed back, but less dramatically (just one layer was enough to help that tree recede). The painting I showed you last time, "Look to the Hills" was painted before I knew about glazes. I remember finding it difficult to handle the distant hills, probably scrubbing on bluish purple mixed with lots of titanium white to produce that hazy appearance of distance. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXy1uZpNxbNAbEteQQbXow_bK7B3pcxnB6s-T6tKmNwbgm-nxmYq_dwK8AT8AQPNwK_BOhzwtwRtPwm8bYwkP-CNRJV-V4hyphenhyphencRy78qTl5449kVj4yuq8WTywxZxVwA9fGlmnO2v44n5w/s1600/IMG_1773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXy1uZpNxbNAbEteQQbXow_bK7B3pcxnB6s-T6tKmNwbgm-nxmYq_dwK8AT8AQPNwK_BOhzwtwRtPwm8bYwkP-CNRJV-V4hyphenhyphencRy78qTl5449kVj4yuq8WTywxZxVwA9fGlmnO2v44n5w/s320/IMG_1773.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A study of a marsh scene</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The relative size of objects in a scene also helps define distance. Your eye may be better than mine, but I have discovered that I sometimes tend to make far away objects larger on canvas than they should be. Since I work from reference photos, I sometimes actually measure something on the photo, then use a proportion (oh no! math!) to translate that to my canvas. For example, if the photo is 4" vertically, and my canvas is 16" vertically, a far line of trees that is about 1/4" tall on the photo would only be about 1" tall on the canvas if I wanted to keep precisely the same proportions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Of course, I do not duplicate the reference photo and am not bound by precise numbers and proportions. The exercise of measuring simply serves as an aid and a suggestion as I work, which is open to change if the result doesn't look right. A study of a marsh (pictured here) which I painted early in my art journey was a combination of a little measuring and lots of free-styling. Artistic license is alive and well in my studio--alongside some analytic thinking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: Do you think that planning, analyzing, and measuring are compatible with creativity?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-76449588353167769052019-04-29T20:14:00.000-04:002019-04-29T20:14:52.489-04:00How to Create Depth in Landscape Painting, Part I--Atmospheric Perspective<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvc3OBQTFgFVvHS_gZj5gxAEkGhzlYYwKiYfW4LcXXwuyY1Q3yNsSmqtHV7GExHDn7ioJlbNGU92X4wMI2aFg2H5Z8ka4BYoY_5v9EUbkQ-isdSfzXKVZkk38tCTTUv1_a-_XWjp1eso/s1600/IMG_2525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvc3OBQTFgFVvHS_gZj5gxAEkGhzlYYwKiYfW4LcXXwuyY1Q3yNsSmqtHV7GExHDn7ioJlbNGU92X4wMI2aFg2H5Z8ka4BYoY_5v9EUbkQ-isdSfzXKVZkk38tCTTUv1_a-_XWjp1eso/s640/IMG_2525.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Look to the Hills", demonstrating atmospheric perspective</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Atmospheric perspective in landscape painting is one tool artists have to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface. Using this tool well requires careful observation of subtle differences in color, contrast, and sharpness of objects as we see through the atmosphere from near to far. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No, it is not really complicated. Think about a time you could see a great distance into a scene with hills or mountains. The furthest ridges appeared bluer (or maybe a bluish purple) compared to near ridges as well as having softer edges (looking "fuzzier"). In general, colors become cooler as distance from the viewer increases, dark/light contrast lessens, and edges soften. A landscape artist needs to consider all these qualities carefully.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I almost always paint from my own photos (as well as using field notes and sketches), but I have discovered that photos seldom show atmospheric perspective well. It is up to me to create that perspective as I paint. Merely copying a photo is unlikely to be effective in creating depth.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhF7wiMwaBCyLgD1-ZevwOodKTcesxDAHxNM79AgvKffM1kSFY5uszlqUOWRumdm_D7hlsCzMy0t0rcGMfvDqlUCzF039d3I13F_BmpWB9veXV89FnhCykQqa0xBIXP1kXunW_zfPelw/s1600/IMG_0935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1292" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhF7wiMwaBCyLgD1-ZevwOodKTcesxDAHxNM79AgvKffM1kSFY5uszlqUOWRumdm_D7hlsCzMy0t0rcGMfvDqlUCzF039d3I13F_BmpWB9veXV89FnhCykQqa0xBIXP1kXunW_zfPelw/s400/IMG_0935.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"On the Jones Creek Trail"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Also called aerial perspective (although it has to do with looking through the air and whatever is in it, not at all with a bird's eye view), atmospheric perspective rendered well will make a stunning difference in your work. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">To create realistic looking depth, artists often exaggerate these effects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I am absolutely not an expert, but will show you a few paintings to illustrate my efforts at creating depth. "Look to the Hills", shown top right, pictures a favorite place near Warwick, New York with a long view into the distance. Notice that even though the distant foothills are heavily wooded, they don't look very green. Rather, they are a neutral sort of bluish shade with minimal appearance of contrast. Also, the far side of the valley is blurred and muted in color and tone, becoming a bit brighter and more defined nearer to the viewer. The trees, chair, and grasses closest to the viewer have sharper edges, more intense color, and greater light/dark contrast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> "On the Jones Creek Trail" presents a different sort of challenge; the viewer cannot see very far because of heavy foliage. Here, you can see that I have definitely exaggerated the effects of atmospheric perspective to create several visual planes and to avoid a flat look. In my next post, I will describe some specific techniques I use with acrylics to paint landscapes with the appearance of depth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: Are you interested in descriptions of artists' techniques? What else would you like to hear about perspective?</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-29940113409979602332019-03-30T21:49:00.004-04:002019-03-30T21:49:57.943-04:00When Art Projects Go Wrong--Silk Scarf Mistake<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Recently, a silk scarf I was working on took a bad turn. All artists (I imagine) experience this on occasion with a project. Sometimes, there is a way to fix the situation and move on; sometimes it cannot be saved. In this case, I could not fix the mistake, but was able to make the not-quite-ruined scarf reusable.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTh-NpMWLTkWZyBEtVXCvbaBQssHhc8fePKk1lLGC4drP-TEpsaVVunQKXLqYrBdtmyPPbq6ngX449MSBkJehUpnYgzrvmruy63WS9xIEX-vyalgH37FOx-ENYPbJiyBpi00SbZZE6MpY/s1600/IMG_1033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTh-NpMWLTkWZyBEtVXCvbaBQssHhc8fePKk1lLGC4drP-TEpsaVVunQKXLqYrBdtmyPPbq6ngX449MSBkJehUpnYgzrvmruy63WS9xIEX-vyalgH37FOx-ENYPbJiyBpi00SbZZE6MpY/s400/IMG_1033.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First stage--the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEWtA6WWzmk_E4ND-fCj3RkSSJlkrP66oDEGz4UAgpXSHTgKlD2usdGol7uGIqCj35cixggNUF9qtKyQCiRM109ltnwEd5-o3NvVIpepm7xhmetYLp1c-2GzkkFGVXTplvelbJ3QEM3M/s1600/IMG_1035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEWtA6WWzmk_E4ND-fCj3RkSSJlkrP66oDEGz4UAgpXSHTgKlD2usdGol7uGIqCj35cixggNUF9qtKyQCiRM109ltnwEd5-o3NvVIpepm7xhmetYLp1c-2GzkkFGVXTplvelbJ3QEM3M/s320/IMG_1035.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Background from the other end</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The two photos of a scarf on a stretcher show the intended background for the piece. Painting wet-on-wet on a blank white scarf, I had made a shadowed pale aqua and blue ground on which I planned to paint large tropical leaves</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in various green hues. M</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">y original patterns--see photo of the design for one end of the scarf--were already sketched on heavy paper. The next step was to "draw" the design outlines on the scarf with gutta, a rubber-based resist. That's when it went wrong.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQPC9mdXbX_CgrfrY7cX-0btqxIHGEQw8kDOlqxo4E3zSpSS1ahM5amzKJi2VDUJEDmHcMkTr_-6lxD2NIdDAMKOULjVFfcG3dvf3bNqvZyRKmmc88J5HJfwYmpOzmj-DtxLrto8Eecc/s1600/IMG_1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQPC9mdXbX_CgrfrY7cX-0btqxIHGEQw8kDOlqxo4E3zSpSS1ahM5amzKJi2VDUJEDmHcMkTr_-6lxD2NIdDAMKOULjVFfcG3dvf3bNqvZyRKmmc88J5HJfwYmpOzmj-DtxLrto8Eecc/s320/IMG_1049.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design outline for one end of the scarf</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4q4pQXE4R88brO20QOVazocCDLUQEYpWIe_my2e8qJdaKB6GuX5xvwwNyD9Zf3u9VDRjCojUh1b6_0lwppBs7CDMEGJlnmBa1WdC-Jl7hyJfqDbwnYb2nBzpMrt0CGVgRVYb4KfoBv0/s1600/IMG_1066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4q4pQXE4R88brO20QOVazocCDLUQEYpWIe_my2e8qJdaKB6GuX5xvwwNyD9Zf3u9VDRjCojUh1b6_0lwppBs7CDMEGJlnmBa1WdC-Jl7hyJfqDbwnYb2nBzpMrt0CGVgRVYb4KfoBv0/s320/IMG_1066.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gutta and applicator </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The gutta is applied with a small squeeze bottle through a metal tip with a small opening (see photo). The metal tips come in various sizes, and I think my mistake was using one with a medium opening at the top (it's still really tiny). The gutta flowed too fast and puddled, covering areas I intended to leave open. Every area covered with gutta would resist the French silk dyes and remain the background color. Using the metal tip with the smallest opening would have produced a thinner line of gutta and may have prevented the mess I ended up with. In some designs, this would not have mattered much; the design simply would have looked a bit different from what I'd intended. In this case, the leafy fronds on the left would have had undesirable aqua patches.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3G02j0nJvnoRvLm4w4Ga-CgIbKUDSSmxSLOGZMs1BZd4YaUHixSBpXiUxfVkFZh78x-TS6YqxEGCiWu9pUtPJQoX4aU3Qjjv3nIc5aKxMgRhedNuMsN-NtANWM1A9jN-d_5tKjH0qoA/s1600/IMG_1056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3G02j0nJvnoRvLm4w4Ga-CgIbKUDSSmxSLOGZMs1BZd4YaUHixSBpXiUxfVkFZh78x-TS6YqxEGCiWu9pUtPJQoX4aU3Qjjv3nIc5aKxMgRhedNuMsN-NtANWM1A9jN-d_5tKjH0qoA/s320/IMG_1056.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gutta outlines, with messy overflow</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Even when the gutta is still wet, it cannot be </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">wiped off</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">, so I let the piece dry. What to do? I decided to start over and used the same dye blends in the same concentration as in the first scarf (glad I keep notes on my colors). Making no effort to duplicate the original background, I painted on the pale aqua and swirled in some blue. If all goes well this time, I hope to post the new, corrected version in the future.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4LE5E2DhMdkQhl4PleugMKft12ev4D94TGFwJhLBk67MFUMhbiWv6-dELXxLkrlV4ZpqKmst9IW1I2709r9udnopaEJa8i_WG86YYkc7L6wMoGzU41A_1tC3by3DMV8gTsCQjy25CoQ/s1600/IMG_1060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4LE5E2DhMdkQhl4PleugMKft12ev4D94TGFwJhLBk67MFUMhbiWv6-dELXxLkrlV4ZpqKmst9IW1I2709r9udnopaEJa8i_WG86YYkc7L6wMoGzU41A_1tC3by3DMV8gTsCQjy25CoQ/s320/IMG_1060.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the messiest area</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Once all dye has been painted on, the finishing steps for a scarf (when using French silk dyes) are: steam setting the piece for an hour or more (I do several at once), soaking any scarves with gutta in naphtha to remove the resist (dry cleaning also works), then washing and pressing the scarves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> As an experiment, I soaked the original scarf in naphtha even though the dyes were not set. What's the worst that can happen?, I thought--the color will wash out or drastically fade, but the scarf might be reusable for another project. To my surprise, the color faded much less than expected. Now, I have two versions of an aqua/blue medley background to work with. Stay tuned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: Along with success stories, isn't it sometimes helpful to hear about a day that things went wrong for someone else?</b><br />
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-56423793025703656182019-02-28T21:39:00.003-05:002019-04-19T21:40:20.583-04:00How I Prepared for the Holiday Pop Up Shop for Art and More<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_h0qaymJBgE0F-6ld2iD7rgMpWDCBdsIXIOqcRRnXn_xAS7wwe_qGm8Nwg4NaerK7nbL9FED26Z0gbqR1CqGeR5ltmOY8ZkGYPFtGv-DS2RRZulgvjR0ekdhgb6DbWmdHHIbHmswNRY/s1600/IMG_1165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_h0qaymJBgE0F-6ld2iD7rgMpWDCBdsIXIOqcRRnXn_xAS7wwe_qGm8Nwg4NaerK7nbL9FED26Z0gbqR1CqGeR5ltmOY8ZkGYPFtGv-DS2RRZulgvjR0ekdhgb6DbWmdHHIbHmswNRY/s640/IMG_1165.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand-painted silk scarves on display</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Preparing for our Holiday Pop-up Shop was simpler than preparing for my own in-home studio open houses </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">had been </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(</span><a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2017/09/open-studio-reception-posts-index.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">index of those posts here</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">), but it still required advance work and lots of lists. As I mentioned in </span><a href="http://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2019/01/in-home-holiday-pop-up-shop-for-art-and.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">my previous post</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, my neighbor initiated the pop-up shop and hosted it in her home this past November. We talked several times on the phone and in person a couple of months ahead and did some of the planning together, but she did the heavy lifting of clearing space in her spacious living/dining room and the attached office/studio, setting up tables for our displays, and purchasing nice cheeses, crackers, and fruit.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8CvuvIQHW76wf8aTBdAUU-xCqDJ1hEh9doOZA4Lg6DmpOLUQEyr4JxAZTmoRe0PhH_4XQbncuu741BtuGxRwPM9wGLmjy78U-aomZt-p7CRqK49NMhKFz2ybmkGtlgEW4Nlo7PBgDQc/s1600/IMG_1159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8CvuvIQHW76wf8aTBdAUU-xCqDJ1hEh9doOZA4Lg6DmpOLUQEyr4JxAZTmoRe0PhH_4XQbncuu741BtuGxRwPM9wGLmjy78U-aomZt-p7CRqK49NMhKFz2ybmkGtlgEW4Nlo7PBgDQc/s320/IMG_1159.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paintings on the mantel</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> My display space in her office/studio was well-lit and pleasant--as were the areas for her own art and the wares of other sellers participating in the larger living area. I brought my own tablecloth as a softer background for my hand-painted silk scarves and some smaller acrylic landscapes. There was room on a mantel behind me for a few larger paintings. So, how did I prepare for this event?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIGRJ-UbqbDUiDqEM-CwFQlnQDAq9T6M0KSmXcYabhZ8z9XL1rBp-_xLhop0HmxNiwFfBuGRoAZx_YeOAgYZWV4yIX_QjwjGUormeogTqrBevkmu5aBoITRAV_zrD-zXqx0FKmfLZFCw/s1600/IMG_1169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIGRJ-UbqbDUiDqEM-CwFQlnQDAq9T6M0KSmXcYabhZ8z9XL1rBp-_xLhop0HmxNiwFfBuGRoAZx_YeOAgYZWV4yIX_QjwjGUormeogTqrBevkmu5aBoITRAV_zrD-zXqx0FKmfLZFCw/s320/IMG_1169.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smaller paintings on the display table</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>INVITATIONS:</b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6j2dOx8FJqOJ6J2j8PFsvmzSNqozDEKcRCh5LClcOwrkRsQSdnsS4GMFU_d0ygKuW_m9Hy_hgBaqJp4sAN1OVzAfJGQP7dr4PcBELxpOiMRwfMBu7e913_IUGLIYaIdYKl-T2tF6ElGg/s1600/IMG_1205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6j2dOx8FJqOJ6J2j8PFsvmzSNqozDEKcRCh5LClcOwrkRsQSdnsS4GMFU_d0ygKuW_m9Hy_hgBaqJp4sAN1OVzAfJGQP7dr4PcBELxpOiMRwfMBu7e913_IUGLIYaIdYKl-T2tF6ElGg/s320/IMG_1205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the supplies for the Pop-up Shop</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> For my solo open studio receptions in the past, I had special invitation postcards printed and mailed them about 3 1/2 weeks before the event (<span id="goog_1568256020"></span><a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2009/10/growing-exhibiting-paintings-your.html">one example</a><span id="goog_1568256021"></span>; <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2011/10/open-studio-reception-coming-soon.html">another example</a>). For the Pop-up Shop, our host had requested us to limit our invitations to about 20 apiece so that her home was not overwhelmed--also so that she could post a general invitation at our neighborhood bulletin board and put up signs inviting passers-by to stop in. So, I purchased standard invitations to send, making sure that the information I wrote inside was complete and likely to attract interest in attending our event. The invitations were designed to arrive about 2 weeks before the event (Given the timing, I didn't want to go earlier and compete with Halloween for any one's attention).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>OTHER PREPARATION DETAILS:</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwGXVI8TXxKKAK1VHx_rbuFWXVcFmhcNN3kfFb4Cz40d9LZkG93L3JVkTN2Hoyq0rGa7D1by_S0b2ub3chaUTDP4-Ij1q39aGoAnDmyGFhf04RRdJ_i1Cgx4OFDNopk-a5Qbjdd4_BPU/s1600/IMG_1208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwGXVI8TXxKKAK1VHx_rbuFWXVcFmhcNN3kfFb4Cz40d9LZkG93L3JVkTN2Hoyq0rGa7D1by_S0b2ub3chaUTDP4-Ij1q39aGoAnDmyGFhf04RRdJ_i1Cgx4OFDNopk-a5Qbjdd4_BPU/s320/IMG_1208.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of a painting's price tag</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Rather than plain price tags, I found pretty gift tags with room for the titles and sizes of paintings or the specifics of each scarf. It's surprising how much time it takes to do something as simple as to write out and attach price tags. The scarves were all freshly pressed, and the paintings wiped clean of any dust. I also had enough small bills to make change for cash customers and my receipt book ready. Small peach-colored gift bags with bright white tissue paper would hold purchased scarves and a roll of brown paper would wrap paintings to go home with customers. I used a pottery business card holder (visible in the photo of paintings on the table) and had flyers about my journey into making art ready to offer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>SET-UP:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Beginning set-up about an hour before our opening gave me plenty of time to</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> take a few photos of my display and to </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">meet the other sellers, who were each delightful and creative. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although I ended up wishing I had started a few of the prep tasks a day or two earlier (which seems to be typical for me :), my lists and the advance work I did paid off and all went smoothly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: Are you typically well-prepared for things ahead of time, or are you a last-minute person? Or, like me, a bit of both that somehow works out?</b></span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-5580918484727139702019-01-21T13:42:00.001-05:002019-03-01T09:57:54.551-05:00In-home Holiday Pop-up Shop For Art and More<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hHCSBuw0OQPqwumWqNx4s8JFM37jnYkmM6cxeRpvYy7d6_koBsYyL7nMPGH3X9ZcYCA6OkCyhpn6bMua4xz-4TX_D4HhHcfKXCpWckLih3Irv485G2q11HrZPnu41171wYFxhG5i0Cg/s1600/IMG_1168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hHCSBuw0OQPqwumWqNx4s8JFM37jnYkmM6cxeRpvYy7d6_koBsYyL7nMPGH3X9ZcYCA6OkCyhpn6bMua4xz-4TX_D4HhHcfKXCpWckLih3Irv485G2q11HrZPnu41171wYFxhG5i0Cg/s640/IMG_1168.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My display at the Holiday Pop-up Shop at a neighbor's home</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In early November, I participated in a Holiday Pop-up Shop at a neighbor's home. I offered landscape and seascape paintings and hand-painted silk scarves for sale. The event was my neighbor, Cheryl's, idea, and she had invited me some weeks before to join her and other sellers she knew for the one day event in her home. Although the price point of my paintings made selling them in that setting unlikely, I thought it would be a way to connect with some new people. Since my scarves are in the $60 - $70 range, I thought a sale was possible, but was quite ready to make the effort and to enjoy the experience--sales or no sales.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Your response to <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2017/09/open-studio-reception-posts-index.html">previous posts about Open Studio Receptions</a> I have held at our home (those posts are perennial favorites for visits) means I expect many readers to be interested in the planning, process, and set-up of the Pop-up Shop. Cheryl, our host, who has begun creating lovely watercolor/calligraphy greeting cards and other items recently, said that remembering those receptions at our house was one of the sparks for her pop-up shop idea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> With all the information I could cover, I'll write more than one post about our Holiday Pop-up Shop. Today, I'll begin at the event itself and back up to the details of preparation(<a href="http://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2019/02/how-i-prepared-for-holiday-pop-up-shop.html">that post here</a>) at another time. Besides Cheryl and me with our art works, the sellers were a portrait and family photographer, a Younique makeup representative, and a woman who sells Paparazzi jewelry. The group provided a nice variety of offerings, and our guests/customers very much enjoyed the event. Many of them spent a fair amount of time circulating, chatting, and enjoying water or coffee with cheese, crackers, and grapes as well as shopping. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8BtlCXfMomR71BdLTHEfvKuGYriMWoTxUo6jKnO0miqoxUnSUKcTBxN2SONyhrQhbFD-uCuZBOtGRSocqdlBWK1ytDpnmFrPtf1O4EIj43u8cW0faTpAbqEFZ5Xyv-E1J4FT3pHOQWo/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8BtlCXfMomR71BdLTHEfvKuGYriMWoTxUo6jKnO0miqoxUnSUKcTBxN2SONyhrQhbFD-uCuZBOtGRSocqdlBWK1ytDpnmFrPtf1O4EIj43u8cW0faTpAbqEFZ5Xyv-E1J4FT3pHOQWo/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A guest asking about my painting process</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The photo above shows my area, with a table provided by Cheryl, my own tablecloth and some paintings displayed on a mantel behind me. Oh, and by the way, I did sell a few scarves. More important, I think, is that I met wonderful people. Cheryl had encouraged us before we opened to focus on people and on our interactions with them more than on sales. She was right; we and our guests had a very enjoyable few hours, and sales did flow for each of us. Also, many people who spent time with me took my card and may contact me for paintings or scarves in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: Aside from on-line purchasing, what is one in-person holiday shopping experience that you especially enjoyed or gift purchase that felt extra satisfying?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-46397235678308217752018-12-23T15:59:00.000-05:002018-12-23T15:59:11.967-05:00"Spring Breeze"--Ocean Beach Painting is a Christmas Gift<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdRy0nfgi8Ah-AY8aW7jqQQmQJfHFPjvsZ9Kmz_CnMwy0BBC0pBg1mvmQzGv07kwWnmPniGm99yC3ztCciktYUi-ffyiGQM0VBQ_JfEJOGGftRoCPDy9uEUQqwuM3IGy4Q9sG848BK7U/s1600/IMG_3293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdRy0nfgi8Ah-AY8aW7jqQQmQJfHFPjvsZ9Kmz_CnMwy0BBC0pBg1mvmQzGv07kwWnmPniGm99yC3ztCciktYUi-ffyiGQM0VBQ_JfEJOGGftRoCPDy9uEUQqwuM3IGy4Q9sG848BK7U/s400/IMG_3293.jpg" width="400" /></a> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Spring Breeze", an 18" x 24" acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas, has now been adopted. My sister and her husband had a spot in their new Maryland home that they hoped I could fill with an Atlantic Ocean beach painting. I was thrilled to send them images of 5 available pieces in various sizes and palettes (some in shops and one still in our home). They chose "Spring Breeze", a scene at Jacksonville Beach, Florida about 14 miles from our home. The <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2010/09/learning-and-growing-painting-process.html">difficulties involved</a> in satisfactorily completing <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-encouragement-of-past-achievements.html">this piece</a> have made it more precious to me, and I'm thrilled that they will enjoy it and that it will stay in the family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I am delighted when family members or special friends accept the gift of a painting (or a hand-painted silk scarf--see <a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2018/06/hand-painted-silk-scarf-gifts-learning.html">earlier post</a> about that). Although I would not take a chance on presenting someone with a painting they may not have chosen for themselves or which may not fit in their home, it is a true joy to give a painting away when I know the recipients like and want it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I hope you and yours have a meaningful and merry holiday season and that the joy of giving remains central in your lives. All of you who are faithful readers of this blog are a gift to me. Thank you for providing me the opportunity to share photos and thoughts with you, and a special shout-out to those of you who kindly share your own thoughts in response.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: What is a gift you have received that seemed particularly precious or meaningful?</b></span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-39804162305259936162018-11-30T21:52:00.001-05:002018-11-30T21:55:28.405-05:00Deep Rose and Grey Hand-Painted Silk Scarf--Where Design Ideas Come From<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uBprA7ImKLVZXW4VGhzllFBvuvrds_5shs2P6A_BwUICbz42eWM6SW5OXgyKWJpjqkJPQEf5lYTGsE5TyHi7uMpBKjNCUtlQCf8pu9N47LI2Iksr-Qz8LWgxhJIvFvQrmyRB9HLnnjo/s1600/IMG_0888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uBprA7ImKLVZXW4VGhzllFBvuvrds_5shs2P6A_BwUICbz42eWM6SW5OXgyKWJpjqkJPQEf5lYTGsE5TyHi7uMpBKjNCUtlQCf8pu9N47LI2Iksr-Qz8LWgxhJIvFvQrmyRB9HLnnjo/s640/IMG_0888.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep Rose and Grey Scarf before steam setting or removal of the gutta resist</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> This 11" x 60" hand-painted silk scarf in deep rose and grey with white outline flower design sold so quickly after I completed the final finishing steps that I only have mid-stage photos. I think that's a happy reason for the lack of a better picture to show you! When the piece was completely finished, the colors were more intense, and the white outlines purer and brighter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I'm often asked where I get ideas for my landscape paintings or hand-painted silk scarves. So, here is the story of the genesis of this scarf design. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Each of the scarves I make is a one-of-a-kind original. Although I sometimes adapt a previous design in a new color combination or use a motif from a previous scarf in a new way, there are never two scarves exactly alike. In fact, the nature of the hand-painting process makes creating duplicates impossible. The dye flows or blends differently each time; my free-hand sketching with the gutta resist turns out differently; etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> For scarf ideas, I keep a file of pages torn from magazines, catalogs, and other sources to page through to get my creative juices flowing. Sometimes, an unusual leaf or flower in nature or something in one of my own photos sparks a design element idea. I also have notebooks with rough sketches or descriptions of ideas that cross my mind. For this rose and grey scarf design, the initial source was a catalog picture of a black knit top with a large white abstract snowflake outlined on the front. Usually I outline motifs in gutta and fill in with a different color or colors than the background. This is the first time I have "drawn" with gutta resist on the blank white scarf but did not fill in the design to contrast with the background. Instead, the white outline stands out against a solid two-color scarf.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The grey dye used had recently arrived from my supplier, Dharma Trading Company, with a couple of other new colors I'd ordered, and I was eager to try them. Rather than a single background color like the knit top in the catalog had, I thought I'd make a few bands of grey alternating with cranberry or burgundy. Another new color in my order was a darker burgundy with more of a brown undertone than I had expected. So, as I experimented on scrap white silk, I added enough light rose to the burgundy to make a color I liked with the grey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> So, a new, one-of-a-kind scarf was born. I'll definitely use elements of this design again in other colors, with other motifs, or maybe similar motifs in different sizes or a different layout. Stay tuned. There are always more ideas in my inspiration file and design doodle and thoughts notebooks than there will ever be time to make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: Do you sometimes wonder how ideas for some of your favorite art pieces came about?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-43397565482840336922018-10-31T12:38:00.000-04:002018-10-31T12:42:06.389-04:00Two Beach Paintings--Two Different Palettes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UHW4eU8xbkI21CqF2bssu8xJUDTLq-FY0mK-3C0cnCTJKWzToTP3l8SGIYCxO-fbqYR5pXSfWztTGxvhcl8pJgOHSRzqwZNWSM_9TxT3vaSXHmU4EDrihgZMN_pwMIl0tAiyFVl0_Cc/s1600/IMG_1772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UHW4eU8xbkI21CqF2bssu8xJUDTLq-FY0mK-3C0cnCTJKWzToTP3l8SGIYCxO-fbqYR5pXSfWztTGxvhcl8pJgOHSRzqwZNWSM_9TxT3vaSXHmU4EDrihgZMN_pwMIl0tAiyFVl0_Cc/s400/IMG_1772.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Early Spring Dune"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Artist's c</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hoice of color, color temperature, and palette are significant factors in the mood and overall impression of a painting on the viewer. These two acrylic beach paintings are both based on observation and reference photos from Jacksonville Beach on the Atlantic in Northeast Florida. Yet, they evoke different feelings, at least partly because of different color palettes. My style, an interpretive realism, does not attempt to copy what I see, but to represent my feeling and impression of the natural scene, so I sometimes modify colors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> When I first began painting, I tested colors and color combinations but did not restrict the palette for a given work. I chose tube colors and various blends of those colors according to the scene and my inclination. Later, when I learned to limit the palette for each work, the results were much more unified, cohesive, and pleasing (at least to me).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The first painting, "Early Spring Dune" with a view outside the white wall of an oceanfront home and yard, has stronger, clearer, warmer hues, as well as sharper edges than the second. The palette included: Cerulean blue, Paynes grey (which is bluish), Sap green, cadmium red deep, burnt sienna, Naples yellow, buff, white, and a touch of black in a few shadow mixes.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d9r8tHe6hDlTEHD31cmy2A6gh_gqqAylYNTkB9DfH2oujTk8goZNv1NBHe_jU-ECSrWb1hZJVqe7jZS2hNb0U642Es9yMbF5NmssWfiFyhUCEBZwQ1o6mUoArZXcpVDxV-pqFtl8RU8/s1600/IMG_4836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d9r8tHe6hDlTEHD31cmy2A6gh_gqqAylYNTkB9DfH2oujTk8goZNv1NBHe_jU-ECSrWb1hZJVqe7jZS2hNb0U642Es9yMbF5NmssWfiFyhUCEBZwQ1o6mUoArZXcpVDxV-pqFtl8RU8/s400/IMG_4836.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sea Oats"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> In the second piece, "Sea Oats", a softer light glows from a partly cloudy sky </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">later in the day</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Considerable artistic license inspired this palette because the reference photo was taken on such a grey day that it almost looks like a black and white print. Memories of mature sea oats at different times of outdoor study informed my color choices. The palette for this work included: cobalt blue, Paynes grey, permanent rose, yellow ochre, burnt umber, buff, white, and a bit of black. The hues were softened by blending some with their complements or with gentle neutrals. You may notice that the blue and yellow chosen are cooler than those for "Early Spring Dun</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e". Using permanent rose was a mistake for this piece, by the way; although a lovely shade, it is strong and can be difficult to handle. Regarding the choice as a learning opportunity, I blended the rose into submission, practicing on heavy art paper until the result worked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Same off-shore island, different paintings. You may prefer one or the other, but I enjoy exploring a range of palettes and always keep a record of each painting's palette in the file with my reference photos, sketches, and a photo of the completed painting. Those files have sparked many new adaptations of previously used palettes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: What differences do you notice in your response to the two paintings?</b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-59665103127515578052018-09-16T21:34:00.001-04:002018-09-16T21:38:36.618-04:00Brown, Rust, and Beige Hand-painted Silk Scarf Using Shibori Technique<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrNItsD0M_TtpbbE_kvzZbfbtVbwM2SyWaEujX_0DlNXZzMsDKrqEN1NpDDA68p74M9xyET22eUsjRaGoWR1Cqt1gx4RC92phmJrSnxVSdCYHEiUGGON3fQjDoEO7oonx6FbnJVaMH3c/s1600/IMG_0902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrNItsD0M_TtpbbE_kvzZbfbtVbwM2SyWaEujX_0DlNXZzMsDKrqEN1NpDDA68p74M9xyET22eUsjRaGoWR1Cqt1gx4RC92phmJrSnxVSdCYHEiUGGON3fQjDoEO7oonx6FbnJVaMH3c/s400/IMG_0902.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Using two new dye colors from a recent order as well as a deep brown already in my stock, I experimented with another Shibori technique somewhat similar to the <a href="http://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2018/05/coral-and-rose-hand-dyed-silk-scarf.html">flag fold technique I used for a coral toned scar</a>f. I was delighted with the results--once again a complete surprise for me as a newbie to this style of silk dyeing. In fact, I couldn't wait to show this scarf to you. The dyes still need to be steam set, which will make the colors even richer. Then the scarf will be ready for its first thorough washing and careful pressing. Here, it still sports its Shibori folds.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HNFkCl_MQYFfaFpy62ZHKslfZQlZZ9e6QGBtWIARVS4Ukl5gSIjDhsgf5U7ivG8Dlx2wmr_SK_KChaAmu5kOexsHqBb8EEIUm2Nokcd3IhLD6a1o9GGEPP0tFTiwwgVltLgYCSrMZEg/s1600/IMG_0904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HNFkCl_MQYFfaFpy62ZHKslfZQlZZ9e6QGBtWIARVS4Ukl5gSIjDhsgf5U7ivG8Dlx2wmr_SK_KChaAmu5kOexsHqBb8EEIUm2Nokcd3IhLD6a1o9GGEPP0tFTiwwgVltLgYCSrMZEg/s320/IMG_0904.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">center section detail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The scarf's rich tones resulted from two factors. One is the inherent beauty of these French silk dye colors. The other was my concern that the dyes were not penetrating deeply enough into the folds, leading me to soak certain areas with additional dye. For this scarf, I was trying to color it all, not to leave any spots white.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> These techniques are wonderful and sort of magical. The dye flow follows the folds and settles more heavily on the edges of the folds as the silk dries. I do not think that even an experienced Shibori artist could control or predict the exact design results. With less color saturation, this particular folding pattern produces a simpler chevron design. Obviously, my heavier use of dye resulted in a more complex final pattern.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawAwMZ6kS7Qh4qk-2qbs8XbpsrF6rJesBoQUqpGklajUmjt0ehJ_VJs4AtvnKrRnIWegiu3gZOFKwz17wSKvWRiTOTs2RwmhRcGESPW4aICnZ5Xu3Rxd2MRxqXM5SZSIN-BKSSXEB9vw/s1600/IMG_0909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawAwMZ6kS7Qh4qk-2qbs8XbpsrF6rJesBoQUqpGklajUmjt0ehJ_VJs4AtvnKrRnIWegiu3gZOFKwz17wSKvWRiTOTs2RwmhRcGESPW4aICnZ5Xu3Rxd2MRxqXM5SZSIN-BKSSXEB9vw/s320/IMG_0909.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">detail from one end</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMEKg8k2tfYd-7InsUKWVuxYP_bVychrgVSKA-fkB3m-AdlfzdICrwYTok8E61BBzGXT1JL5_oWs-Sb3IfuMy8CqO6_mKpMjp8EbvD4tixgrQaImNiaGOtvoi1PVWgn7wTqqLVeTJ2fA/s1600/IMG_0907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMEKg8k2tfYd-7InsUKWVuxYP_bVychrgVSKA-fkB3m-AdlfzdICrwYTok8E61BBzGXT1JL5_oWs-Sb3IfuMy8CqO6_mKpMjp8EbvD4tixgrQaImNiaGOtvoi1PVWgn7wTqqLVeTJ2fA/s320/IMG_0907.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">detail from the other end</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> A few more details for those of you who are interested in my process: I folded this 11" x 60" silk scarf lengthwise just four times rather than the six times used on the coral scarf. Then, the diagonal folds were made in a back and forth triangular pattern rather than the flag fold used on the ends of the coral scarf. Each fold was pressed as I worked. The result was a long folded strip rather than the triangular packet of the flag fold technique. I folded the strip in half</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">lengthwise</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, soaked it with water, and placed it in a large aluminum foil pan to dye. Soaking a brush (about 3/4" wide) in one color after another, I saturated various areas, some larger than others. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The scarf air-dried for more than 24 hours. When I unfolded it, </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>magic!</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>There is a link to an earlier post about the flag folded coral scarf above. One other Shibori inspired scarf using a twisting method stars in <a href="http://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2018/03/coral-and-olive-twist-hand-dyed-silk.html">another previous post</a>. Both posts credit the author and book that guided my experimentation; this brown, rust, and beige scarf also followed directions from that wonderful book, adapted my own way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Question of the day: My landscape painting and silk scarf dyeing and painting give me a variety of creative experiences, some mostly under my control and some free form and surprising like Shibori dyed scarves. Do you prefer one kind of creativity over the other--loose or controlled? I thrive on both.</b></span><br />
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<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065634132019405929.post-19774689563439230942018-07-19T14:14:00.001-04:002018-07-29T21:18:18.207-04:00A Favorite Painting Technique Book <style type="text/css">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5XsUbFLsI8VJ8Ta1XNDFAMuGpXwEOIxTQ-nhB8CHfTtSFr3F_I8fbCYOvU86Si8Nj0HmjmaNfPsQ6mP9OH4Buy84OOPvRhlck-1R1dOlEksmjUQrtdsXJnMHRoI28apXJFcJlIheuIk/s1600/Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="244" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5XsUbFLsI8VJ8Ta1XNDFAMuGpXwEOIxTQ-nhB8CHfTtSFr3F_I8fbCYOvU86Si8Nj0HmjmaNfPsQ6mP9OH4Buy84OOPvRhlck-1R1dOlEksmjUQrtdsXJnMHRoI28apXJFcJlIheuIk/s320/Unknown.jpg" width="244" /></a><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <u>The Simple Secret to Better Painting</u></span></span><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> by Greg Albert inspires and teaches me something every time I pick it up. This book comes home from the public library every now and then so that I can find a new idea in it--or remind myself of helpful ideas that are easy to forget as I paint. </span></span><br />
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Today's post is rewritten from an entry I made in 2013. This super book came to mind today as I drove to the library, so I picked it up while I was there and decided to post about its wisdom again for new readers--and longtime readers as well.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Greg Albert's "simple secret" is the wonderful lesson of <b>variety within</b> <b>balance</b>, which I consider a metaphor for a meaningful life as well as a basic principle for painting and other visual arts. His simple secret, which he calls the one central rule for design is: <b>"Never make any two intervals the same."</b> There is a wealth of valuable information contained in his applications of this rule. If you have any interest in the visual arts or in any facet of design, this book is worth reading and rereading.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJO20R50wqZzxlsGy67rY7fpus3Hj5HA1TfrJgqj7x-FjevEqypX70tOQbrjEKerSfdTDsuqOHCpZOMead6pPC8aoT5GZ7Lsd52IseAdS_hzTwwidMsG-L8u_p3IkcoI5vmFp-NqdcJA/s1600/IMG_4832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="400" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJO20R50wqZzxlsGy67rY7fpus3Hj5HA1TfrJgqj7x-FjevEqypX70tOQbrjEKerSfdTDsuqOHCpZOMead6pPC8aoT5GZ7Lsd52IseAdS_hzTwwidMsG-L8u_p3IkcoI5vmFp-NqdcJA/s320/IMG_4832.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sea Oats"</td></tr>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
Mr. Albert uses painting examples to expand his simple rule to intervals of distance, shape, tonal value, color, and more--no sort of interval should be the same, he maintains. This advice is helpful at all stages of a creative process. Here's an example. One of my recurring mistakes is to paint too much in mid-tone values--without fully realizing it along the way--rather than to include enough areas of more intense dark and very light values to balance the mid-tones. </span></span><br />
<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> In my more recent paintings, I started with a tonal value sketch, but sometimes still ended up with insufficient contrast. During my revision process, the value range often has needed to be extended. Mr. Albert's rule is a reminder to include a broader value range as well as to make sure that the areas (or "intervals") of dark, light, and mid-tone should not be the same in overall size. <span class="s3"><a href="https://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/search?q=hanna+park+heron">A previous post</a></span> about a painting called "Sea Oats" shows one example of revision that included adding some very light clouds and brightening light areas on a dune as well as deepening just a few very dark highlights.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWTP6fAZhZp9Lt9IaAYHFiRICSolmJXy_-mVBBB4mcuGJ4R87_NnLUaPWJP7BI0LkvZv32ncV4LRchzTcDaR9r5h1qzb_VjXd07RONoD8QY0aOTjVdMxZI26ewW4SpYxak6rU3g3t4Wc/s1600/Heron+in+Hanna+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="400" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWTP6fAZhZp9Lt9IaAYHFiRICSolmJXy_-mVBBB4mcuGJ4R87_NnLUaPWJP7BI0LkvZv32ncV4LRchzTcDaR9r5h1qzb_VjXd07RONoD8QY0aOTjVdMxZI26ewW4SpYxak6rU3g3t4Wc/s200/Heron+in+Hanna+Park.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanna Park reference photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5paVnEEtRnGNLiwnH0b9t74qXu70rkDQKR5Npu_WtYZU7nMKNhzMSHt4v7NxlxgpBdJMUBgOzdjj2VWzAkrAMDmSaAowYv_0djzfjLrLD4JNnB_xLolXKNXdlO2eK4Yl3On328riNuw/s1600/IMG_2092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="400" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5paVnEEtRnGNLiwnH0b9t74qXu70rkDQKR5Npu_WtYZU7nMKNhzMSHt4v7NxlxgpBdJMUBgOzdjj2VWzAkrAMDmSaAowYv_0djzfjLrLD4JNnB_xLolXKNXdlO2eK4Yl3On328riNuw/s320/IMG_2092.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hanna Park Heron"</td></tr>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
Another painting that required some added interval variety was "Hanna Park Heron" (the colors in the photo of the painting are less intense than in the actual painting), shown here with the original reference photo (more about this painting was <a href="http://creativeeverydaylife.blogspot.com/2010/05/exploring-and-learning-landscape.html"><span class="s3">posted earlier</span></a> also). Notice how the reference photo's background vegetation repeats types of plants, shapes, colors, and sizes equally--not ideal for artistic composition. Then, notice the additions of the two light grey dead trees to change that sameness and to provide strong verticals across from the large palm trunk. You will be able to spot other changes from the reference photo and to consider my possible reasons for them.<br />
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>
Question of the day: What does an idea like "variety in balance" bring to mind for you?</b></span></span></div>
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<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588695586677501283noreply@blogger.com2