Planning Ahead

I had some minor surgery this week, everything went really well, and while I won't say it was a breeze it was much easier than it would have been years ago.  I knew that I would not be chomping at the bit to get in my studio so I planned some things to work on that wouldn't take as much energy.

First and foremost was doing some leg work for a new web site.  My site is several years old and has been maintained by my son.  He lives on the West Coast and I live on the East Coast.  It's not been easy to get things done when needed.  I decided to bite the bullet and go with a pro web master.  I've been answering question so that she can get a good idea of what I want and need.  So that has been done this week and we are on our way.

I've also spend several hours de-stitching the whole background from a piece I quilted last week.  Not my favorite thing to do but I know I will be happier with a different design.

 In my past life I was a photographer.  I have always used my photographs for inspiration for my art work.  I had a darkroom and printed many black & white photos.  One of the things I always wanted to do was paint one of my photos.  I never got around to it.

Recently while looking through some photography books I got the urge again.  The difference this time is I'm using fabric instead of paper.

This marsh  is outside the backdoor of our good friends Ann and Tom's home on Harbor Island, SC.  They generously invite us to visit every year and I always come away with some beautiful photos.  I decided that I would paint the bottom or marsh part of the photo leaving the sky black & white. There were beautiful clouds that day and they showed up well without color.  I used Prisma Color Watercolor pencils.  I have another piece started and am using Shiva Sticks, will be interested in that outcome.  So far I have found the pencils to be easier to use on the fabric.

I'm hoping to be back in the studio next week.  The first thing on my list will be redoing the quilting I just took out.

Because I use nature as inspiration I'm posting some of the beauty in my garden. 

Enjoy!

I am joining www.ninamariesayre.blogspot.com
"Off the Wall Friday"