Where to begin. There are many things in progress here. After all, it’s July — the height of summer.
Our side yard with the succulent plantings is filling in nicely.
Here’s a close up of one panel
The male oriole and his entire family — 2 chicks this year! — visit our feeder regularly.
He is simply stunning from any view.
And I’m having more fun than I’m sure the law allows with the sketching and watercolor class. This page represents the last 2 weeks which covered 8 techniques.
Who knew that there was a graphite pencil that you could sketch with and then use your watercolor brush with just water to shade? Check out number 5 on the page. The tissue overlay exercise (#8) was fun — and a real learning experience. I put the adhesive on the back of the tissue and then struggled to apply it to the page. Naturally, I was supposed to apply the adhesive to the page and then lay the tissue over it. I’m learning. *sigh*
I’ve already begun my second page using these techniques. This time the theme is birds. Stay tuned.
Sherry Boram says
Big wow for the side yard, your gorgeous bird, and your class studies. I must tear myself away from these photos, but I’ll be back!
Franki Kohler says
I’m counting on it Sherry! Don’t work too hard.
jennyklyon says
I love it all-ain’t summer grand? There’s tough competition for beauty in your house between the succulents and your art!
Franki Kohler says
awwwww gee Jenny. You are too kind.
Franki M. says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the wall AND the bird “perched, so delicately” on the sheet music! The variety of colors on those hens & chicks is awesome & of course they filled in like a champ! How fun is that?!
Franki Kohler says
It just keeps getting to be more and more fun watching the succulents fill in on the cascading mini walls. We wish we had done this year ago!
Jini Coolen Briggs (AKA Jini Jones/Sullivan) says
LOVE LOVE IT and am “pea green with envy” (GWTW quote).. I also can sing along with the words on that sheet of music – because I am 81….lol… Thanks,,,Jini
Franki Kohler says
It was fun to find that music just at the right moment. I’m working on another page which will have a bit more serendipity you’ll enjoy. Stay tuned.
Dale says
I think you should seriously consider printing that sheet music (perfect choice, BTW) on fabric and quilting the birdie over it. It is such a perfect representation of who you are!
Franki Kohler says
How nice Dale! Indeed, I couldn’t resist the music. But are to trying to say I’m flighty? 🙂
Dale Robards says
You know better than that! But I do love how a quilt has the possibility of incorporating your love of birds, your talent for quilting, and your musical ability.
Franki Kohler says
Yes, yes and yes — all that. Heather is saying the same thing. I’ll have to keep it in mind. Meanwhile, back to the sketching.
379christy says
Reading your blog and seeing your work is like going into a very full clothing store for me. There are just so many ideas and inspirations that I become overwhelmed! All a good thing when it comes to your work. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!!!
Franki Kohler says
Thanks Christy. I still get a bit overwhelmed myself by the number of things that I want to be doing. *sigh* There are still only 24 hours in a day.
vivian helena Aumond-Capone says
Oh, were is the time,,,I want to play also!
Franki Kohler says
Ha! Now that you’re back from your road trip it’s time to seriously relax and get back into your studio.