Norfolk Botanical Garden Exhibit - Flights of Fancy

Our exhibit at the garden has finally arrived! It's hanging there until the end of August. They are works with birds, butterflies and other insects. Peggy is a mixed media artist and of course, I'm a printmaker and painter. We wanted it to be there during the 2017 Butterfly Festival which is turning out to be a very popular event!

The garden's Baker Hall, where art is shown

Great Horned Owl linocut

I wanted to make another linocut the same size as the one with the 3 crows. I used the same three pieces to layer the background and cut out the owl to be printed on top. These owls used to nest behind my house but now the crows won't allow it. They don't have a chance!

5" x 10"

Demo Woodblock Print

I made this woodblock print for my demonstration at the Chrysler Museum which was this past Saturday. My influence was Toulouse Lautrec's "Le Chat Noir" I wanted it to be something that could go along with the show there. He did lithographs but liked Japanese woodblock prints. I don't do Japanese prints but I can do regular woodblock prints, so there you have it! If you are confused, so be it! I was a bit nervous at first but my demo went well especially once I was able to shed the microphone. I know printmaking very well so I had a lot to talk about!

Bienvenue from the Chrysler Museum!

In my collection of small linocuts  I have a few with French words. The museum shop at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia thought they would be a good addition to their French themed table. The museum is having several exhibits of famous French artists' works this year so their shop has a collection of related items. It's fun to see them there! One way to remember French words - make lots of handmade prints!

Strawberries

I always look forward to this time of the year because it's time to pick strawberries! We have several farms in the area where you can do just that and if you go early enough in the season, you can go back for more. It's easy to be greedy! These were organic and so sweet. Another favorite, asparagus, was available at the farm stand and local too. Oh no, now I'm hungry.

Some strawberries from  the past!

Planting Day

Yesterday I was able to take a break from my busy schedule to plant flowers. It was a very warm sunny day but there was a perfect breeze, making it a very pleasant planting afternoon. I could hear the birds busy in conversation, especially the chickadees and cardinals, with the crows much engaged in what seemed some sort of game. I think they're very good at amusing each other! The pots are all ready to be sprinkled about the patio and yard...mostly in the shade of course since sunny spots are rare. To bypass all of the sun-loving flowers at the nursery takes will power!

plant nursery