Inspiration: Nature

These impressions left on the concrete from fallen leaves
have the quality of japanese sumi paintings.

Long walk today through a local golf course where someone I know was playing. Of course I did watch some golf but this old birch caught my eye:) Looking a lot in general at the shapes of trees.....tomorrow I'll bring sketch pad...
Love these portraits by British illustrator Matthew Hollings here
Also, if you like making paper, June Tyler of Pondside Pulp and Paper in Norwich, NY, has updated her blog "...There is one spot left in the first session of "Papermaking in the Country," July 1 and 2 spaces left in "Handmade Paper and Printmaking, session one," beginning July 7, as of June 20, 2009."

Inspiration: Stony Hill Greenhouses

Dana Keiser and Zeke of Stony Hill Greenhouses: Rare and unusual ( and usual) plants.

Out and About

*A day in the country, Brackney PA
*Sea Hag Soaps and Art Mercantile (postage stamp quilt)
*Visit to Art Gallery (Betty Bryden's Bird Collages) in Montrose, PA. Tom Canouse and Betty are owners of The Butternut Gallery and Second Story Books at 42 Church Street in Montrose. The gallery is open year round.
*Lunch at Summerhouse Grill featuring all local fresh food.

Robin's Egg

Found this little gem in the garden this morning. How it survived a fall from the tree is a mystery. From what I can surmise, the advice is to leave it where you find it....slim chances of survival being raised by humans even if the chick did survive the fall. How about that blue though? amazing...

Patterns in Nature: California Academy of Sciences

Nature is amazing.
Here are some more photos from the CAS.The California Academy of Sciences includes a Natural History Museum, Morrison Planetarium and Steinhart Aquarium all in one location. The back of this turtle is exquisitely patterned. The black widow spider is near the top of the jar (just threw this in for the "ick" factor). Watching the penguins swim in the water with all the light and shadow explains much of their hi contrast patterning. Dappled spots and stripes mimicking the shadows of tall grasses and trees is so clever. I wonder if Buckminster Fuller ever stared at a turtle shell like this and imagined his geodesic dome?

Inspiration in Nature

I find a lot of inspiration in nature. This tree with visiting crows may figure into a future drawing or print. And some bird tracks....they seem like big feet to me...maybe a mourning dove? definitely not a junco or chickadee. I heard there is a big Noreaster brewing up for next Tuesday...Road trip to Ithaca tomorrow for my birthday. Working on a pastel illustration to post sometime soon.... Loved reading this interview on DesignSponge with Maria Vettese who does letterpress and started The Card Society ( I gave a subscription as a Christmas present to a good friend...) Have a beautiful weekend!

Blue Delphinium

Clear skies today. The color of blue delphinium, - such a clear blue. This paper I made has embedded blue delphinium petals (that I save from summer and press in a book) with single petals, stem and butterfly wing attached along the bottom. I like how the blue peeks out of the paper like patches of blue sky on a cloudy day. Click on the image to see it closer.
I guess it is a small homage to nature.