Uploads from linfrye ...on vacation ..., tagged italy

On a Street in Tuscany

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:34:00 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

With so much tragedy lately, even the blossoms of spring seem a bit dulled by the shock and sadness of so much loss and concern.

Times like this, my thoughts return to happier moments. Here, I return to spring in Tuscany ... a quiet street, flowers in bloom, a remembered coffee and gelato, the sound of birds welcoming the season, the sun warm on my back as each doorway and ancient wall seems to glow in that incredible Italian sunlight.

For today, this dip into the past is enough to help recall the goodness in the world, the joy found in simple things, and people whose hearts are filled with love.

May there be peace ...

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Venice at Night - Thank you Antonello

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:03:00 -0800

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

10" x 13" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

There is something that just pulls me back to Italy time and time again. I can't seem to get enough of that incredible country! So flickr images of Italy really make me swoon, and the recent posting of Venice at night by Antonello Liguori really had me dizzy with joy! Antonello kindly granted me permission to paint from his masterful photo www.flickr.com/photos/antonelloliguori/8239170688/ -- THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! Please stop by his flickr stream fto see some incredible, GORGEOUS work!!!

Painting abstracts, using bolder colors, attempting more 'mood' scenes, working a bit on buildings are some painting projects I've been playing with these days. Painting this work allowed me to attempt many of these experiments in one painting. I've tried to keep this work loose and a bit sketchy. Not only was this a really terrific learning experience, but painting Venice also brought me back to a city I love. I am so ready to return to Italy!! Thank you once more, my friend, for also evoking fond, loving memories of my time in Venice!

My goal for 2013 is to continue working on many of these painting projects, approaches and techniques. It'll be an adventure!

What are YOUR goals for 2013?

Flowered Window In Civita, Tuscany

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:57:00 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

1/4 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Before my mom got sick (she's doing so much better now!!) I was scheduled to take another International watercolor class and trip with Karlyn Holman. When mom got so very sick, though, we were uncertain that an overseas travel would be wise not knowing if mom would get better. Judging the circumstances on the side of caution, I canceled the trip and rescheduled for 2013. This was the week I would have gone.

Feeling relieved that Mom is doing well but still missing Italy (which I do quite frequently), I took a mental trip down memory land and revisited some of the photos I took during my 2009 trip with Karlyn to Tuscany. I once again fell in love with this flowered window in Civita, and decided to paint it. You can see the original photo I uploaded here: www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye/3599626003/in/photostream/ .

I attempted to keep a simple, loose style for this painting...

And yes, I am always dreaming of Italy!

Sunflowers in Tuscany

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:12:31 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

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A field of sunflowers in brilliant yelllows and golds, Tuscan homes and terracotta roofs, hills and mountains, sunshine and leisurely days ... dreaming once again .

The cooler days will morph into spring and summerlike temperatures this weekend and I'm hoping that after such an intense week, we'll have a chance to get outdoors. I have another appointment with weed killer, and I'm expecting that some of my plants are about ready to bloom. I'll be able to do an inventory after the sun comes up this morning.

I hope you have a grand day!

Flowered Window in Civita - Redeaux

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 03:00:00 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Sometimes I just really fall in love with a view or scene and can't part with the painting. This painting of Civita combined various methods that I tried and loved and the view itself never fails to bring me back to that magical visit to Italy. So after my first painting of this window sold, I absolutely HAD to paint one for myself while the techniques were still fresh in my mind. This one hangs on my living room wall. There are a few subtle differences between the two paintings, however, but the emotional connection I feel to this particular window, hits me time and time again.

Do you ever do that? Return to a view to paint it again and again? So often when I am looking for 'inspiration' for another painting, I'll go through my image files and find that I am drawn again and again to the SAME photo or simliar types of photos that I've painted before. Though I often try new techniques or approaches or colors or composition, it's those same scenes that appeal to me time and time again.

The weather here has been influenced by a cold front that has brought us rain and gloomy clouds. I'm hoping that once this passes, the cold -- no warmer than high 50sF -- will inspire the trees to become more fallish in their coloring!!

Hope you have a grand week!

The Mood of Venice - Thank You - Fear Ciun!

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 06:00:00 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

10 1/4" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Inspired by a most moody and amazing photo by Fear Ciun
www.flickr.com/photos/36064280@N06/7777191068/

And with his kind permission to use his photo as a painting reference, Doris and I set out to paint. Despite our working together, we each approached the subject in our own unique way. For me, I tried to capture that watery, moody light of almost twilight, when the sun seems strongest before moving below the horizon. It's when Venice seems to show itself most mysteriously - when light and water combine to make, at least in my eyes, that terra cotta 'feel' of Italy most strongly.

Thank you Fear Ciun for the inspiration .... please drop by to see his incredible work! And thank you most for the inspiration your photo gave us!

Olives

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:17:59 -0800

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though I have been to Italy several times, I've never been there during the olive season. I have seen these incredible trees, old, gnarly and with the most challenging-to-paint leaf color - like a pale blue green. They're typically not too tall - maybe 10-15 feet - at least in the groves I've been to - and in the spring, their tiny white flowers are ever so fragrant. I've walked through the dappled sunlight under them, stumbled over their crawling roots - but have yet to see with my own eyes the turning of those wee flowers into the fruits that we love and the oil that we depend upon for our healthy cooking.

So each year, I return to painting olives ... symbol of peace, reminder of a country that has claimed my heart.

The weather has turned cold again, at least for today, with a warm up promised for the rest of the week. It'll be a week of planning for us with back to back workshops from February through May ...no restive winter for us. We'll be gearing up for gardening season!

BTW, we had a ball with the grands! I've never turned a pot on a wheel, before, but I could tell that my granddaughter is a natural. Her long fingers just gently molded that bit of play clay as easily as if she had been doing all her eight years of life. It'll be thoroughly dry when she returns and we can paint it. I'm so proud of her! And then both she and her brother and I made cupcakes, and finished the day with a tea party! Fun!

Hope your week is enjoyable too!

Colorful Tuscany

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 03:46:22 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I'm still working with many of the wonderful ideas presented in Virgil Carter's class .... here, a typical Tuscan farm or vineyard treated with colorful warm colors against a cool mountain range - Tuscany, Sicily, Italy - home of my dreams. I hope to return once more - until then, I visit through my paintings.

I'll be heading out of town for several days and will be off line. It'll be a mighty busy time and I won't have much time to paint or have access to a computer - I'll check in as I can - and paint as often as time permits.

I hang my 60+ paintings today for the exhibit. I'll have to enjoy this showing once I get back. But we've worked feverishly to frame, mat, create signs and explanations of each piece, organize, and today, finally place on walls. I'll take photos!

Thank you too for your continued support and votes for the orchard. We're mighty close - with only 20 days or so until the competition is over and the winners announced!

PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

I hope your weekend and week ahead are wonderful! And keep playing!

Italian Poppies

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Mon, 16 May 2011 02:28:04 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

How I longed to stop by the sides of the road last week when we traveled to the nursery! Mile after mile of poppies were in full bloom - all planted by the NC Department of Transportation as part of Lady Bird Johnson's beautification program. The sight of them took my breath -- and my mind went right back to Italy and the hillsides of poppies I saw there. This painting is merely a quick 'dreamscape' of what I remember from my trips to Italy - inspired by our own highway poppies. If the rain holds off any this week, I may just have to take some quick photos from my car along the highways ...

We've rain in store most of the week and a few trips too -- fingers crosed that the weather improves so we don't have to cancel these much anticipated events.

Have a super day -- and thanks too for your continued votes!

PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Remembering Italy

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:28:32 -0800

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though it's warm today and heading to the low 70s, the skies are grey and raining, and the wind blows with a ferocity that reminds us that tomorrow, our temps will merely be in the 40s ... a see-saw of a weather week. It is times like this, that my heart returns to Italy .... and the joy of its incredible light and landscapes ....!

Tonight we have a full house for our beginning gardening class. The 'green' movement, the emphasis on healthy foods, growing one's own produce, and return to simpler times fill the classes we offer -- and we're grateful. It makes for a long day, but a rewarding experience for all involved.

Tomorrow we return to the greenhouse to continue planting our crops for this spring's garden. Though so much of the US is in the throes of yet another snowfall ... the spring IS coming ....

Have a great day!

Dreaming of Tuscany

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 03:46:09 -0800

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

Quarter Sheet
Arches 140#CP

To continue working with the color and light lessons on Wet Canvas, I painted this view of Tuscany from a collection of various photos. I wanted to emphasize a pink glow and the bright light on those wonderful hilltop homes. I kept the suggestion of red poppies small (mere specks) since I wanted the eye to go to the houses and the mood undisturbed by the any flowers. I readjusted the color on this to get the upload a bit closer to what the painting looks like in real life.

No snow yet and the forecast for next week is uncertain just what kind of 'event' we'll have. My fingers are still crossed for another six inches ...! LOL

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Italian Door

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:20:27 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

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Oh, the gardens yesterday were magnificent! The weather was incredible, a bit cool, but perfect for walking - flowers, live oaks, history, meditative gardens, ponds, swans, a wondeful seafood lunch, a moment to view the Atlantic, happy participants ready to sign up for another trip -- it was just what the doctor ordered!

We filled two vans with Arboretum guests and spent the entire day driving across the state, visiting Airlie Gardens, and then returned to classes and greenhouse clean upin the evening --

Today, it'll be meetings, paperwork and more catchup ...

I painted this door this week (I've painted it before) attempting to capture it in a more impressionistic way. I can see where I could have suggested a bit more, but it has the overall 'feel' I was attempting.

Hope your day is terrific!

En Route to Venice with Karlyn

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:05:35 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

We awoke to much needed rain, and our newly planted trees and veggies are sure to appreciate the water!

This painting was inspired by examples in Karlyn's new book. The image was a from a photo I took en route to Venice while I was there with Karlyn a year ago. It's of a small hilltown somewhere between Tuscany and Venice, taken from the window of our van.

I loved Karlyn's suggestions for using Unryu paper to soak up th dark areas of watercolor, and the way she vignettes the masses of foliage. In my photo, the foreground was an orchard, but I decided to leave this suggestive. The dark lines on the buildings are bits of acryllic outlined using a Gutta bottle - the type of line making tool used by silkers. Karlyn introduced us to using acryllic and Gutta bottles during one of her Raleigh workshops. I thought I might have used this image previously, but I couldn't find it this morning.

I'm off to work and a thousand thank you notes to write!

Have a great day!

In Tuscany

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:27:52 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

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I thought I would return to Tuscany once more and try to apply some of the lessons I've been trying to learn. What I felt when I painted this was a bit more relaxed, a bit less concerned if washes bled, if the olive trees weren't exact and more, that I was getting a bit closer to suggesting things. Though this is not quite as loose as I wanted -- I'm certainly getting closer.

We're taking a group to the NC Tobacco Farm Life Museum for a dip into North Carolina agricultural history -- so I'll catch up with everyone tomorrow.

It's going to be a sunny 75F today-- so we should have a wonderful day to be outdoors ....

Have a great one!

Calla Lilies

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:40:12 -0800

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

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The wind blew hard yesterday and the sun shone, but the cold kept me indoors and dreaming of Italy. This painting was done from a photo I took of the calla lilies in the courtyard of a Tuscan gardener. I loved seeing them in their earthenware pot ... dark green leaves, bright white flowers ....and the memories of spring.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Umbrella Pines en route to Venice

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:32:06 -0800

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

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Funny thing about photographs. When I returned from Italy, I couldn't get enough of looking through, painting or reviewing my trip through the thousands of images I captured. After a while, I grew tired of painting from my own photos, and so put them away.

I was hunting for an image for Bill's next challenge and went through many of those same phoots -- and funny thing -- I saw NEW things in them I missed previously! Like this one!

I remember being utterly enchanted by those pine trees that looked like umbrellas ... I didn't get a chance to view them closely, but I remember snapping this one from the moving bus as we made our way to Venice. There's a small vineyard in front of the house, and those three 'umbrellas' as well as the traditional Tusan cedars ... so Italy!

It was a far better day yesterday than it has been the last few weeks, and I was able to get to my friend's before dark. We've a late workshop tonight and tomorrow night and I'm hoping the intensity of demands remains at the low end for the rest of the week. I"m still somewhat draggy -- this virus seems to linger forever! Sigh ...

Stay well ...

San Gimignano Italy

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:06:29 -0800

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

9" x 12"
Arches CP 140#

It was hard to get going yesterday, but thank heavens, it was somewhat quieter and the slower pace helped me rest from a long week.

I got home last night and spent some time on Google maps, dreaming as I often do, of Italy. I found this charming scene of San Gimignano and decided to paint it using the impressionistic style I've been learning from Allan Kirk. It was fun --!

I got a call very early this morning from my dear daughter.... her children are sick, her husband overseas, and she needs my help. I'll be heading to South Carolina early this morning to help her get the children to the doctor's as well as giving her some moral and physical support. I need to get there before their expected snowstorm.

I'll be offline until calm is restored for both our families....

In the meantime, have a great weekend and I'll catch up as soon as I can!

Olives

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:16:52 -0800

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

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Decided to do a bit of meditative painting last night and returned to a photo I've used before that reminds me of Italy every time I see it. This branch of olives brings me right back to that incredible grove of olive trees in Tuscany, walking under their gnarled branches, inhaling the sweet scent of early spring flowers that would, by fall, produce the fruits we all love.

It'll be another mad dash of meetings today with abrupt weather changes forecast. We're promised temps in the 60sF today with frigid temps to resume tomorrow and this weekend, and snow, ice, sleet and rain promised. North Carolina 'snows' often are the worst following days of warm weather. Again the old prediction of 'thunder in the winter means snow ten days later' seems to be holding true -- again.

In the meantime, I think I'll take a walk outdoors while I can ... and get to the grocery store before the crowds!

Take care!

Hotel in Marsala, Sicily, Italy

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:18:32 -0800

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The warming trend we're experiencing for the next few days, sandwiched between the blasts of bitter winds and cold, reminded me of our trip to Sicily almost five years ago. This view of our part of the original hotel was on the side of the newly built, far more modern structure, was in Marsala. We so much more preferred the older side of the hotel with its plantings of olive trees, geraniums, Bougainvillea, and other bright plants all scattered among the luffa stones ...

I so hope to return to Italy next year. My memories of warmth, incredible light, food and people, make me homesick to return!

But, for now, it's a return to work and an exceptionally busy week with formal classes, herbal soap crafting classes, and preparing for the Gardening 101 class we are offering. It seems there are a lot of 'new' gardeners in the area, and even more wishing to grow their own vegetables this year. It'll be fun to share some tips and experiences with them as we all begin the preparations of our spring gardens.

Have a great day!

A Loose Visit to LaRomita

nobody@flickr.com (linfrye ...on vacation ...) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:21:21 -0700

linfrye ...on vacation ... posted a photo:

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I'm trying to take what I am learning currently through painting landscapes in a way I like to other topics - like flowers, architecture, and the like. And I"m finding it mighty challenging! LOL

It rained yesterday - a bleek, cold, gray day. Though we were indoors for conference sessions, the long drive, the lack of sunshine, the cold temps had me dreaming of sunny Italy - despite the truly fabulous presentations and information. So when I got home, I had to paint something with sunshine and light and bright flowers ... and yet try to keep it somewhat loose .... my perspective is a bit wonky ... but I'll blame that on fatigue! LOL

The conference on Global Education was truly most rewarding and enlightening. I've been to one conference several years ago, but the topics and speakers this year seemed even more relevant and timely....I have much to assimilate and think about. But one point that really had me singing --- the emphasis emerging in educational studies --- we must give more time and credence to 'right-brained' thinking. The importance of CREATIVITY in today's world, economy and politics cannot be stressed enough. Since 'knowledge' is accessible so readily through so many sources, such as the internet, then we must turn now to conceptual thinking and learn how best to USE this knowledge in new and better ways -- thus creativity, play, innovation -- all essential aspects - MUST return to our educational systems. WOW!!! (But then didn't we, involved in the art world as we are, know this on some level?) -- Still is was so good to have that all confirmed! VIVA daily art practice!!! LOL

Thank you all for your overwhelming comments yesterday. I returned from the conference literally floored by your generous notes and invitations. Thank you -- most humbly.

I'm off again to another day at the conference. Temps are in the 40s -- MIGHTY cold for me - and more rain. The kitties have returned to their basket on the porch - sleeping in a huddle for warmth ....

Stay well! And PLAY today -- it's important!!!