Showing posts with label pond. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pond. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Pondering on a Pond

"Pondering a Pond", 12x24" oil on canvas
There are always flowers for those who want to see them.
— Henri Matisse
I literally pause and let out an aah every time I pass by this watery oasis, which sits juxtaposed at the intersection of a major highway and a clover leaf exit off of a farm road, sandwiched between a business and railroad tracks. I've been driving past it for years, trying in vain to figure a way to gain access into this private sanctuary to paint it.

Swearing profusely that she never saw the "No Trespassing" sign until she was leaving, my friend Angela blatantly hopped a fence onto the property to photograph it after I casually mentioned my dilemma. A friend indeed, and to my total delight, the next thing I know she is sending me inside and close up photos of my masked refuge. This shot was earlier in the spring as the morning fog still blanketed the dried lingering remains of last years reeds and the barely visible new growth of water grasses softly emerging from its murky depths. 

How I wish I could live in a little cabin on the banks of this tiny haven and paint her ever-changing mirrored portrait over and over, day after day. I love the way the reeds, slumping over like exhausted guards, delineate the pond into channels of watery reflections of surrounding forest, sky and clouds. What a hidden gem coexisting side by side in the mundane of our busy lives...aah! 

Thanks for viewing my secret botanical garden. 
nancy 

 To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery •  Fine Art America

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Iris Eyes Are Smiling

"Iris Eyes Are Smiling" 6x6" oil on canvas panel 

When Iris eyes are smiling,
Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring....

When Iris hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
 

Sorry, I just couldn't resist the play on words here. This stunning iris—found resting in the early morning shade beside still waters—was painted from another inspiring photo by eagle-eye Angela. 

Symbolically the iris is associated with faith, wisdom, cherished friendship, hope, valor, my compliments, promise in love and wisdom. Irises were used in Mary gardens as the blade-shaped foliage denotes the sorrows which pierced her heart.

The color purple is a perfect balance of warm red and the calm of blue. In fact, my very astute little niece recently told her mom that "purple was hot and cold." Pretty insightful for a three year old. 

According to squidoo.com, purple embodies a sense of mystic and royal qualities, often well liked by very creative or eccentric types, and the favorite color of adolescent girls. Mentally and physically, purple is uplifting, calming to mind and nerves, offers a sense of spirituality and encourages creativity. So do you think if people thew away their antidepressants and started wearing purple they'd be smarter, feel better, start attending church on a regular basis, and want to paint or take up piano? Hmmm...sounds like a great Jr. high science fair project.

Thanks for strolling into the garden today!

nancy

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Pond-ering Thoreau

"Pond-ering Thoreau" 8x10" Oil on gessobord




"A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature." - 9. The Ponds, Walden, Henry David Thoreau

Did you think you were looking at this upside down? This abstract landscape was painted from another one of my friend Angela's inspiring photos, capturing looking glass reflections of aqua sky and surrounding forest. Sparkling on the silent stillness of another "Walden's" pond, the aqueous pool was dotted with a flotilla of lily pads, all set a sail in the early morning chill. A bare low-lying branch with willowy outstretched arms, hovers just above half submerged logs breaking the water's surface, and forming bridges for sun loving turtles.

And where was Monet for all this?

Thanks for pausing and reflecting on my work today.
nancy

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net