What to do on the First Day of School...

More socks on the needles

Well, today was the first day of school for a little boy in our house but - our daughter is still at home with me :) After much excitement of getting dressed, making lunch, taking all the school supplies in the car... we were off to school! There were several kids having anxiety and sobbing in the kindergarten classroom but this time, it was not my son. He was happily waiting in his seat, teddy bear at hand, ready to 'get his day started.'

So, now... us girls are getting a new routine started as well. I predict lots of tea parties, knitting, stroller rides and art making in the coming weeks... whoooopieeeee!

A Quilt and a Nap

I'm starting to incorporate my woodblock prints on linen in this velveteen and linen quilt. Love a checkerboard pattern... very simple and classic! As usual, it's all unplugged - sewn in the garden and on the deck :) This summer has been pretty crazy, harried and full of upheaval. We've had a full house of kids... quilting and knitting seems to be all I've been able to summon up creatively. Mostly, these arts are a comfort and really good therapy. Someday, the tired little girl in her daddy's arms will be sleeping under this quilt!

A Walk Through the Garden

A few scenes from our front garden. I love summer flowers, especially the perennials. They're like old friends returning for a relaxed visit. I've been working on some abstract drawings (abstracted from the garden!) and will maybe take a few further with paint and canvas. But, for now it's just experimental.... no commitments - I always like that feeling while making art.

Beach Foxglove

After a long day at the beach... I escaped for a while to walk through town and discover all the galleries, shops, flowers and shingled shacks. I love the foxglove flower (digitalis). It's used to make the medication, Digoxin for the heart. Anyway, with a family full of medical people, I've been convinced I shouldn't grow it in my garden since it's a danger to children. Guess we'll have to wait til they're older but for now, I can enjoy it in someone else's 'adult garden' :)

Golfe Juan Beach

An ink and gouache drawing of a trip to Provence. This was one of many beach clubs you can see from the boardwalk on the edge of the Cote d'Azur. We were heading towards a beach town called Juan les Pins. I was fascinated by the rows of brightly colored umbrellas... a different color for each little club. It wouldn't be mine if it wasn't unfinished, right?! Trying to get these all completed and put 'em in the etsy shop. (PS I'm having a sale on all the paintings on wood right now... check it out here!)

Lazy Susan's Cafe

Another India Ink drawing on Reeves BFK paper (I heart that stuff... and Arches Cover paper even more!) Naturally, it is unfinished but close. Just a few more details. Memories of a sunny walk through town after day on the beach. I can't believe school is starting September 1st. Where did the summer go?? I'm secretly looking forward to autumn but dreading winter.

Just Opening Up...

A lovely sunflower about to open... still need to finish the leaves. More fresh drawings to come in the next few days!