Soon's Class in Watercolor Crystal

This was the painting I finished in Soon's class of painting crystal last month.  She is an amazing artist and excellent teacher for this process.  We used her composition from one of her earlier paintings.  Before the class, you are to do your drawing onto the Arches 140 lb. cold press paper (1/2 sheet) and apply masking fluid or frisket (like rubber cement to the areas that are to maintain white through the first washes).

 

This is actually my second version, done after I returned home.  At this point, there have been two layers:  the initial "wash" of yellow and red (you'll note I slapped it on and took off to other things, leaving myself an ugly little "bloom", where the water was collected around the edges and I didn't catch it; but, since I was going very dark, I didn't panic) and then a layer on the cherries and part of the bowl.  You can tell where the masking fluid is in the lightest areas.

 

Then it just becomes a process of adding layers...

And layers...

And layers...

And, layers... until you are ready to add your first wash of dark background... It starts to get scary at this point...  The further you go, the more time and energy you have invested and the thought of crossing the line to ruin becomes almost paralyzing...

Then, after the second layer of dark background (I used three in this one), you remove the masking fluid!!  It is really UGLY at this point... you feel a little crestfallen...

Then it is back to working out the details... more and more detailed little layers... you can see I was working on the bowl... then will come the stems and any other final detailing.  Finished painting HERE. 

 

You can see Soon Y. Warren's magnificent paintings on her website HERE.  I hate for you to... it will make mine look very crude!!  LOL!

 

Your Private Collection Art Gallery in Granbury has facilitated the three classes I have taken with Soon.  I am so thankful they do!  I'll be there the next time she's back!!

Tammy, hope this answered your question about how you get the bowl to look like this.  ;)

blessings  ~ tanna

Noni's Little Texas Bluebonnet

 

I had visions of a photo shoot in the bluebonnets... Alas, that, like so many best laid plans, never worked out...

So, here's a solitary Little Texas Bluebonnet.  Noni basked in time with the Little Lady this past weekend!  She is such an angel... Like all of Noni's Littles.

Pattern is Bitty Bump by Gina Bonomo, info here for you knitters.  Yarn is Malabrigo Rasta.  Worked on giant needles this is VERY quick. 

While my own dreams of white t-shirt, jeans and vest didn't work out, I was happy with Little Lady's project.

"No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer.  Your life, because of who you are, has meaning." 
 
~ Barbara De Angelis

Wishing you all a wonderful day!  blessings ~ tanna

Special Wishes... And Version 2.0 Painting...

"To My Dear Husband... Yours is the smile I look forward to each morning... and yours is the voice I love to hear throughout the day. 

Yours is the touch that can reach my heart and soul... and it is your understanding that so often calms my doubts and fears...

Yours are the plans and dreams that blend with mine, becoming ours... and yours is the love that means the world to me.

My life would be so different if you weren't a part of it, and that is why no one has more to celebrate today than I do...

Happy Birthday to my husband, my soul mate, my very best friend.  I love you."

Stolen straight from the American Greetings card I gave my Beloved this morning... He is my biggest fan... and I am his.  I thank God for His blessing in our lives and in our love.

This is Version 2.0 of the painting we did in Soon's class a couple of weeks ago.  I'll be sharing more about it and the Class Version later.  I did this one after getting back home and not being satisfied with my first one... well, you know... there are things about the first one I like better and things about the second one I like better... and, if I ever get one I am totally happy with, I am going to just stop! 

One of my dearest friends lost her Dad this week... My heart goes out to her and her family... We will be delaying birthday celebrations to spend time with them... It seems so many of my friends are losing their parents, aunts, uncles, friends... time marches on... It is good to know they are free of the cares, pains, and trials of this world... but, it doesn't stop you from missing them. 

Wishing a week filled with love and grace and comfort to all... blessings ~ tanna

Sad Story With a Very Happy Ending...

Last week I finished this little cardigan just in time to take it with me on my trip to the Soon Y. Warren watercolor class... Loved the yoke...  the sweet little crochet button holes (note Vicki, I did do a little crochet).... the luscious Madelinetosh Sock Yarn: Whitewash... the way the colors seemed so suited to the design and the name of the pattern:  Low Tide by Tin Can Knits.

I had great visions of wearing it with a white t-shirt and faded jeans (my favorite attire in the world)... Then I tried it on... All the hours of knitting were in vain... The thing came to my knees!!  I was crushed!  Dang these squatty little stubs I have for legs!

Finally, it did occur to me that I had tall, thin, beautiful friends at our LYS, Rose Path....

And, so in a matter of minutes, this Low Tide Cardigan found its rightful owner.  My friend, Laura, makes it look like I imagined it would on me.  ;)

Dog-gone-it seems like those long, skinny legs I've always hoped for may not make it in this lifetime...

But, HAPPY ending for me, Laura had just finished this Baktus scarf in a yarn that she and I had each LOVED... Sweet lady that she is... gave me the beautiful scarf that she made IN the beautiful yarn I had coveted.  Score!!  All those hours were very worth the while.   I'm a happy camper.

There has been very little knitting this week.... I am deep in the waters of repeating my painting from the class... I'm loving it so far. 

Wishing each of you a week with happy endings...

blessings ~ tanna

Marathoners, Melanoma, iPhone photos and Super Heroes

I saw this license plate three times over the course of one week... Every. single. time. my heart lurched just a bit.  Some of you know I've struggled to get past not being able to run anymore (knee).  When I would see this, I would think about how some people run and how some people are runners.  Letting go of the "I am a runner" part of my life has been hard... very hard.  Ultimately, seeing this X RUNR tag gave me an odd little sense of comfort... I am an ex-runner. 

The tragedy at the Boston Marathon this week is devastating.  I cannot begin to fathom the thinking that makes someone desire to hurt others like that.

I was asked if I thought people would run the Boston Marathon again.  My answer is a resounding, "Yes!"   While most marathons don't, Boston Marathon requires that you qualify by running a certain time for your age; I never ran that fast.  You can be sure that the people who do qualify are runners... to their very core.  They don't give in; they don't give up; they don't listen to the voice that says it would be easier to quit.  They are used to overcoming pain; to pushing past the wall; to thriving; to diving deep in their souls for the will to push on to the finish.  Those who can will be back.  They will not succumb to the darkness, to the evil.  They will carry the torch for those who can't.  I will carry it for them in my heart.

On the next subject, one year ago this week, I was about to have surgery on my leg for this melanoma.  If there is anything the combination of this memory and the events in Boston says, it is to enjoy each day.  We NEVER know how many days we have.  I was so very lucky that they could remove this entire thing and that it had not spread.  One of my favorite blog friends was not so fortunate; she passed away earlier this year.  Get your check-up.  The warning signs:

A: asymmetry.  One half unlike the other half.
B: border.  Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
C: color.  varied from one area to another.  shades of tan and brown, black: sometimes white, red or blue
D: diameter.  while melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
E: evolving.  a mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

Now, this... well, it just makes me smile... a texted photo of My Little Roo, usually in such a good humor; he dances along through life hearing his own sweet music.  But, he can throw himself down in a pure little hissy-fit when he feels it is required... with real, crocodile-size tears.  If you don't believe me, just deny him some M&Ms.  His Little Momma is so good... she doesn't give in to the tantrums.  Noni... well, I offer the M&Ms before he has to ask.  ;)

And, on another smiling note... we all need our Super  Heroes... these two caped crusaders just make my days.  I'm so thankful for the invention of texting photos! 

Enjoy every. single. breath... every. single. moment. with your loved ones... every. single. chance. you have to give thanks... These moments are precious.

blessings ~ tanna

Mermaid Murals and Midnight Roses...

Well, it's time for my once-a-year journey into watercolor... This weekend I'll be enjoying the teaching of Soon Y. Warren... really, the only person who ever inspires me to touch a brush. 

I was in a dark mood when I decided to push the paint around a bit in hopes of not feeling quite as awkward in the the upcoming class... but, time has been slim and practice time VERY limited.  So, I'll just be jumping in the deep... again. 

If you're familiar with watercolor, you can see several of the lessons I managed to remind myself NOT to do in this little exercise.  ;)  Still, I'm feeling a little excited... watercolor can do that to you.  It participates.  And, it is a worthy friend or foe.  Either way, I'll be taxing my brain for three days.  Wish me luck.

On, a lighter note... I enjoyed Mermaid Mural time with Karsyn this past week.  She was a very intense little Paintress!  And, did beautiful work!

Her sister, Little Lady was on Noni's hip and the saddest thing of the week is that I have no photos!  She was VERY busy trying to help Noni capture these few moments (there were dozens that were way too blurry to see!).  At seven months old now, she is a busy little bundle of PURE JOY!!

Sad. Sad. That I didn't get a final shot of Karsyn's masterpiece!  It was fantastic and great fun!! Thank you, Aunt Amanda, for the excellent idea.

If ever there was a moment that I might forget what a wonderful, kind, generous group of women I enjoy knowing through your blogging, you brought it sharply to my attention with all of your sweet words about Aunt Dot and Miss Ellen.   Thank you again and again.  I know so many of you are "Aunt Dots" in your own right... I am blessed to know all of my Ladies of Inspiration.  Thank you.

blessings ~ tanna

Early Morning Walk...

The night lights were still on this morning as I walked through our neighborhood.  I mused about the busy week of travel and fun and sorrow.   We enjoyed a  wonderful Easter visit with our Little Men & Co..  But, lost a most special Aunt on Easter Sunday, too.

After returning home Monday, I traveled to West Texas for her funeral Tuesday and home again yesterday.  There were a lot of miles to think.

Aunt Dot was one of two women who I most wanted "to be like when I grew up".  Miss Ellen, the second of the two, passed away last fall.  Both women were incredibly GRACIOUS.  They extended a warmth that made everyone they met feel special.  Highest of high or lowest of low.  They had a deep, gentle respect for all souls. 

They were smart.  And, wise.

They were STRONG women.  Fiercely loyal.  Fiercely loving.  You would not want to tangle with  either of them, especially over their families or their convictions.  They were spitfires. 

On the other hand, they exuded kindness and compassion.  Both worked as nurses.  Both raised families.  Neither was exempt from hardship, heartache or disappointment; yet, neither allowed those times to define them.  They faced troubles head-on and moved forward.

They were not frivolous or silly women; yet their laughs were easy, their smiles contagious and their eyes danced with love.  Love of life.  Of God.  Of family and friends.

They lived their lives with a strong sense of self and honor and integrity.  They were humble.  Both made you want to be a better person.  Because they were. 

They selflessly gave of themselves to others... always.  Yet, it was not in a martyr-like way or out of sense of obligation or duty... they gave from a place of strength and joy. 

I will never forget the first Thanksgiving morning I felt that joy...

I was the only one up in the dark, early morning hours washing the turkey to stuff and get cooking so that it would be ready at lunch... the house was quiet.  Now, there had been many times before when I would be up alone doing "work" for a day that I would have had a pity-party for myself.  Not this Thanksgiving morning... I felt such a sense of peace and such a flood of love and gratitude... a closeness to God... all pouring into the washing and preparing of that turkey for my family... The blessing was all mine.
I know now that was the way Aunt Dot did it... with love... and with joy.

I'm not always successful in remembering that moment or the way to serve with love; but, I am ever, ever grateful for knowing women who could.... who did... every. single. day.  They had a Gift and they shared it with all of us who were fortunate enough to be blessed by having them in our lives. 

I'm runnin' out of daylight to "be like them when I grow up"... I hope in some way they both know how deeply I admire and respect their strength and their graciousness...   And, how I know I'll never make it, but they still make me want to be better than I am...

Until later, Aunt Dot and Miss Ellen...

As Aunt Dot would say, "Just remember who you are."

blessings ~ tanna