Tag Archives: trees

Shohola Lake

Catching up in the new year

Although it’s been a while since you’ve seen a post from me, I have (really!) been busy making art.  Just haven’t made the time to share it.  So here’s some of my latest…

About a month ago, there was an art display in Narrowsburg, NY.  The requirement was the size could not be larger than 6”x6”.  There were so many entries, giving lots of inspiration!  I decided some of my hike sketches might work in that size, so I ordered several wood panels, and got to work.   A good way to present watercolors is to mount it to the board, then coat it with a wax resist. Now you have a piece that’s ready to hang, or just sit on a shelf.  

These first two are from Shohola Falls. It was a calm sunny day, and I had most of the place to myself to sit and sketch, or just enjoy the music of the falls. The small island in the lake needed to be sketched, as it was begging to be noticed. (It seems the waterfalls get all of the attention.)

Shohola falls

Shohola Lake
The next two are from Three Mountain Ponds hike near the Delaware Water Gap.  This is the “third” pond I guess, and what a treasure it is.  The first time I saw it, I fell in love with the simplicity and calm feeling of it. The other – bent tree is an example of “trees with character”.  Every tree has its own personality and this one says “Get out of my way, I’m growing!” 😉

Three Mountain Ponds

Three Mountain Ponds tree
It was fun to do this short video sharing music with these four. 🎶

Our local small (but growing!) artist group may be able to display some of our work in the spring.
Of course, I’ll let you know when!  Meanwhile, I have a few more getting ready to mount and will
be sharing them soon.  Stay warm!
Sketches in the Glen

A heart-shaped surprise

Walked the Glen today, 40°, the snow has started melting and last fall’s autumn leaves are peeking out.  I sketched quickly, adding color at home.   Check out my favorite tree on the right, just noticed the heart shape! 

That’s what sketching does – helps you notice details, things you’d otherwise miss. Sketches in the Glen

Here’s a screen shot from the Alltrails app of my typical Glen walk- 1.7 miles in 40 minutes. I’m not a speed walker! 😉. All Trails - Glen hike

Tao Te Ching Verse One

I just signed up for a free online course “Tao Te Ching Live Challenge” through zenlearning.org.
It’s a year long discussion of the tao te ching verses, with online discussions.
You may have noticed my tendency to skip around things and subjects, so we’ll see how long I last with this!

Snowy Easter - Tao Te Ching Verse One

Snowy Easter – Tao Te Ching Verse One

Part of verse one: “Mystery of mysteries, the door to all wonders.”
As I sit and watch the Easter snow softly falling, I think about the verse. I decide to sketch the large pine trees in my back yard.
What I got from this verse: “Chill out. (No, that’s not a pun on the snow!) Don’t define things as good or bad. Surrender and trust the mystery.”