If you saw me in the back of a police car...

My friend Connie sent me an email with the question " What would you think if you saw me in the back of a police car?" The rules are to send your first idea to the sender, then send it to your friends to see what they'd say about you. I did and I'm still laughing, so here's the top 10 [No names of my dear friends and family and no consternation]:
10. I was accused of accidentally poisoning a family member with essential oils.
9. Trespassing to get to a good painting spot.
8. Some sort of drug possession.
7. Either participated in a peace March to Washington or grew a suspiicious herb in my garden.
6. Stealing chocolate cookies.
5. Stealing a neighbor's prized heirloom tomatoes.
4. Tresspassing at a demonstration, nonviolent of course.
3. Seen in the back of a police car on the 6 o'clock news because I was protecting trees in defiance of court orders.
2. I sweet talked my way into getting a free ride.
1. Arrested for taking a framed painting apart to see if it was a print [not an actual painting]

Snow? in California?

We have had some unusual weather. It is not unusual to have temperatures drop into the 20's in late fall and winter. We usually have snow down to the 1500 foot level at least once in the season. Due to a very cold storm, we had snow in the area, even in interior valleys.
The picture with the truck was taken on 12-6, a chilly day even in the sun. You can see our Bradford Pears are in full color. Then you see the next morning [truck gone].
The third is a view of Mt Diablo. Very beautiful, but heartfelt appreciation goes to the veterans who went up there the night of 12-07 as they do every year to shine a powerful beacon to commemorate those who fought and those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. Most of the veterans who were at Pearl Harbor have died or are too old to participate so fellow veterans who are younger have continued this tribute.
To all who follow their hearts and stand for freedom and democracy,
Thank you.
We are Blessed

November Sunshine

We are blessed with warm sunny days. Tomatoes keep ripening ,although the recent rain and cool nights make them crack. The cosmos and zinnias just don't want to stop blooming. I harvested several pounds of Jerusalem Artichokes. Want any? The pineapple sage with its lipstick flowers is attracting audacious hummingbirds who hover next to me when I sit under it to meditate. The most fun, however is the stevia plant. I harvested enough for sweetening tea over the winter and spring but left several branches to flower. The bees alight on the flowers at the tips and the bouncing begins. The whole plant appears to be moving. Who knew that bees carried such weight!
Thank you mother nature for your abundance and beauty.

When does daylight saving time change in 2009?

When does daylight saving time change in 2009?

Crissy Field I
21" x 34"
Watercolor on Arches

I was at Crissy Field in San Francisco last spring. It was one of those amazing days when the sun was out early and so was everyone. I really was trying to look somewhat touristy as I shot images of people out and about on the promenade. Even from a distance, they seemed to know what I was up to.
I liked the way the shadows linked a somewhat disparate grouping of people. Each so individual yet with a common intent, to enjoy the beautiful morning.
One of the things I love about San Francisco is that when the sun shines, and it does, the overall light is a soft, shimmering blue. It doesn't matter where you are, either. What a beautiful place.

This is St. Raphael's near Koloa, Kauai. The old rectory was still standing on the grounds of the modern church. There are plants growing out of the walls. In time, the jungle will consume it. It is a very peaceful, captivating place. I like the strong shadows from the sun overhead and the sense tht by going through doorways, one can step through time.
Watercolor on Arches, 21" x 29"

The Kilauea lighthouse on Kauai stands 52 feet tall and was constructed in 1913. The lens is the largest of its type ever made-I believe it was crafted in France. It is located at the northernmost tip of the Hawaiian Islands. It's beam once reached 90 miles out to sea.
Lighthouses are a popular subject for painters. To avoid 'just another lighthouse', I got down on my knees in front of it and captured photographs that had a totally different perspective. I often paint from my digital photos. I found this image to be strong and protective.

Watercolor on Arches 18" x 29"

Creativity Journey: MINNESOTA "VARIATIONS" WORKSHOP DAY 1: SHAPE AND VALUE DRAWINGS

Creativity Journey: MINNESOTA "VARIATIONS" WORKSHOP DAY 1: SHAPE AND VALUE DRAWINGS

Tomatoes!

This is what summer means to me. Luscious tomatoes. Lots of them. All colors, all sizes. The best way to eat them is standing there in the garden. When they are warm from the summer heat and bursting with juicy flavor. I understand why I struggle with weather, clay soil and predtory animals. The best summer gardens are so abundant that I can share with others.
Nom!
From an artists point of view, this basket is very paintable. I like the looks of yellow and orange tomatoes but find they just don't have the flavor of red ones. A friend of mine says her mind doesn't register "ripe"with colors other than red. So I have more than one failed tomato still life because I stubbornly only wanted to paint the ones that tasted good.This year's plants aren't that big ~12" but are sturdy and budding out. Hope springs eternal!
Blessings,
Maggie

Zebra 2

This watercolor painting was accepted into the California Watercolor Association's 40th National Exhibition held at the historic San Francisco Presidio Officers' Club. It was a great honor, made even more so because it was selected as one of the graphics used to promote the show. It was exciting to see it on a banner hanging from lightposts or as a poster around the park. My fifteen minutes of "frame"?
I photographed these two playful zebras at the San Diego Zoo. They formed a square shape hence the title "Zebra 2" [squared].
Blessings,
Maggie

Gordon

This is Gordon, a guide dog in training I met at a guide dogs for the blind event. I have painted several guide dogs. Perhaps they are easy subjects because they are so disciplined. All except their facial expressions. This 11 x 15 watercolor was juried into the California Watercolor Association member show to be held at the Dick Blick art supply store in Berkeley, CA for the month of June. Blick is very supportive of CWA events.
Blessings,
Maggie

Memorial Day 2009

The cold wind that blew hard all weekend has abated. In spite of that I managed to clear more weeds and plant a few more seeds and plants. There is a point where one can say "The garden is in". It is usually the plants dearest to me--tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans and cucumbers. The earth is warm and pleasant to dig in. Years of adding compost has softened the clay soil. The drip lines are in place as are the gopher cages. My next garden will have raised beds lined with hardware cloth. For now, though, I'm enjoying the sweet peas. Blessings.

Welcome to my Garten

Welcome to my garten where my passion for art and gardening flourish. I will be posting my thoughts and images on a regular basis. Like watercolor and gardening, I look forward to what happens!
We are blessed!
Maggie