It's Spring and I am at a loss for words

How can I be at a loss for words when all around me is inexpressible beauty?

Just when I thought the harsh winter would never ever end. Just when there was finally one day of 78 glorious degrees in April, followed by a snow flurry and icy conditions two days later. Out of firewood, studio too cold to work in, floor boards creaking and breaking. Cats burrowing in their hay boxes, wondering why the heck we ever moved out of Florida.

All of a sudden those hidden treasures from under the surface have begun their triumphant emergence through the soil. The birds are resuming their harmonious melodies. The front porch is again stretching out its arms for us to come, sit, drink our white wine, enjoy the star studded night sky without having to wear a parka and wool socks.

"So then the year is repeating its old story again. We are come once more, thank God! to its most charming chapter. The violets and the May flowers are as its inscriptions or vignettes. It always makes a pleasant impression on us, when we open again at these pages of the book of life." Goethe

So yes, I am at a loss for words.

One of the great Pantone colors for spring is called Freesia. It's yellow, it's right out of the garden, and we are seeing a lot of it this season.

Freesia brooch upycled artist palette

Freesia dangle earrings

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January Line-up

Look what's coming up in the new year! First up: Artful Journaling. Guests will receive a blank journal of watercolor paper, access to all kinds of art supplies, with limited instruction and demos. Snacks, coffee and lots of laughter will be provided. Next up: Relax, Unwind & Refresh. Great way to start off the new year! Guests will be making a frameable art piece at the table with friends. Wine, sparkling cider and charcuterie board will be provided. Also this month: Art Class, every Thursday afternoon from 1-3 PM. Bring your own artwork in progress or join in the group project. Coffee and snacks, limited instruction and plenty of camaraderie will be provided. Register here for any classes or events. See you soon!

August Happenings at the Art Dept!

Grab a seat at the table for any or all upcoming workshops! Every Tuesday morning, we're inviting home school groups for a morning of art-making. Wednesday evening is time for adult painting sessions. Bring your own project or follow along with Sandy. Thursday morning is Java & Journal, where we spend time with illustrated art journaling while drinking yummy coffee. First timers will receive a fresh new watercolor journal. Friday 3-6 is the $5 art class at the Alexandria Farmers & Artists Market. Different make & take project weekly. No reservation required. Saturday the 8th will be a Mixed Media Collage Workshop all afternoon. Saturday the 22nd will be Paint in the Park. Click to Reserve your seat here:

Harmonious Blends and other musings

So what makes it a harmonious blend? Harmony is a combination of units which are similar in one or more respects. Units are harmonious when one or more of their elements or qualities, such as shape, size, or color, are alike. In this sketch, done by my husband in preparation for a painting commission of a Chilean vineyard, I am struck by the harmonious blend of the directional lines that lead the eye through the painting. Design in art is not random, it is planned by the use of the elements of design, such as line tone, color and form. In this drawing, the lines of the vineyard rows lead the eye of the viewer toward the distance and then back toward the front. Harmony is achieved by the variegated, yet similar, lines that form the rows of planted vines. In 2019, I am going to explore all aspects of visual harmony. Whether it is fashion, art jewelry design, mixed media, or just different asp...

The Art Dept

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