Hope Valley Light

Hope Valley light in the snow.  Walking in the cold and taking in the brisk mountain air, and then just around the bend, there it is- a special late autumn light setting a lone tree aglow against the dark green of the pine trees surrounding it.  These are the moments that I cherish and make me want to go out again hoping to eventually see that unplanned discovery of light that can only be revealed outdoors and capture that moment in a sketch or a painting.  This watercolor was of such a discovery during last year's late autumn in the Hope Valley area of the Sierra mountains.  Wanted to share with you and wish you a warm holiday season.

Harvest

Harvest season- A time to "bring in," to harvest what was planted and explored in Spring and Summer.  This fall I had a painting (inspired by these Spring and Summer painting experiences)  shown here, "Phoenix Vernal Pools" that was shown at the Splash Education Center juried exhibit located near Sacramento.  I enjoyed exploring and painting these vernal pools which only appear in the Spring and learning about the Splash Education Center that offers science education programs to elementary school students in the Sacramento Valley.  This education center, I learned this Spring and summer,  provides students opportunities  to explore the Mather vernal pools, wetlands and prairie landscapes located in western Sacramento County, while learning how to observe, analyze and make comparisons.  

I also have another painting, "Road to Kisi Farm" in another current exhibit this fall at the Gallery 625 in Woodland, CA.  The proceeds of this exhibit and art auction benefit Yolo Arts, and the Yolo Land Trust that both provide opportunities for classes and experiences for art students of all ages and their programs also highlight and support the important work of the Yolo farming and ranching community.  My painting and all of the other art entries, including my husband's  photography, can be seen at www.yoloarts.org/programs-and-services/exhibitions

Through the above experiences this Spring and Summer, I have gained knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the agricultural community and the biologists at the Splash Education Center, who are not only working and preserving the landscape but also have developed programs to educate students on the valuable work they do and the importance of sustaining the landscape.

Wishing you a warm harvest this autumn!



 

Thoughts from the pond

 

This time of year, June and July, the dragonflies are very present in and around our garden koi pond.  The dragonfly has always been a special symbol for me  of transformation from cocoon to dragonfly in flight.  As I continue to develop new skill and insight in drawing and painting, I feel the slow transformation that a dragonfly-to-be must feel.

 

There have been new beginnings or re-beginnings in other areas also this summer.  Our venture into gardening this season has produced a small yield so far; however, what a delight it has been to harvest a zucchini or a few tomatoes in the garden and I am beginning to learn what to do next year differently in planting. 

 

Also, this last winter and Spring I worked on and completed a large painting of the Carson River (this river is located in Hope Valley in the Sierra), which as of this month is now being displayed at Folsom City Hall in Folsom, CA.  And, after a fifteen year hiatus, my husband has returned to Sierra fishing and we hope to visit our old favorite fishing spots this summer and I hope for new sketches and paintings to share with you.

 

Also, a new beginning this Spring, involved creating a new website (www.marytheresestudio.com)

I welcome your feedback on this  site.

 

Summer, I am finding out, can be a time of transformation and renewal to prepare for the harvest in the fall and the holiday season.  Wishing you gentle transformation and renewal in whatever area that you want to explore.  Wishing you a happy and fruitful summer.



River in the Valley

This Spring I took walks along the American River Parkway and explored the walking paths at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center.  From my river walks, I prepared  a painting to enter in the 4^th annual “Painting Where the Wild Things Are” art show, auction and gala.  This is an annual fundraiser for the E.Yeaw Nature Center, a non-profit environmental educational and visitor center operated by the American River Natural History Assn. (ARNHA). I was honored to have one of my paintings juried into this show.

The 77-acre nature preserve (www.sacnaturecenter.com) has interpretive trails that run along the American River.  On my walks I saw deer, egrets, rabbits and wild turkeys.  The center’s educational programs introduce  the local community and visitors to the wonder of this very special river parkway.

Beginnings of Early Spring

Here in northern California, winter is slowly leaving us and the early signs of Spring are beginning.  The air is a little warmer in the early morning hours.  The daffodils are in full bloom in the garden now.  The bluejay are flying around and perching in the backyard trees, the squirrels are scurrying around.  The weeds are sprouting and growing too well.

Time to start weeding.  I'm looking forward to fertilizing the roses this month, looking forward to new rose blooms, new discoveries, in and out of the garden.

Wishing you some newness in your March and subtle anticipation of what is to be discovered in this new year still unfolding.

A New Year

In January each year, I look back to look forward.  Last fall, my husband and I found ourselves back in Hope Valley near Lake Tahoe to take in the brilliant autumn golds shining against the dense, dark green pine trees and not too far away to take in the blue depths of Lake Tahoe.  I started this watercolor in the fall and finished it this week in the new year.

In the current January issue of Sunset magazine, there is a quote by Kaui Hart Hemmings (author of the book, "The Descendants"), "We are known for slack key guitar, which is appropriate." "Hennings writes of the spirit of aloha." "It means to loosen the key and that is what we are able to do while maintaining busy, productive lives."

Maybe this is the way to start the year, as I begin my renewed resolutions, begin them with new energy but maybe in a more relaxed way, also. Kitty Morgan, Sunset Magazine's editor-in-chief stated in this month's issue of Sunset- about her new year's resolution, "To loosen the key.  To enjoy the every day miracles around me."

I hope to explore and paint the natural world around me more this year.  And, also, this week I began a new experience by joining a great group of artists at the Sutter Street Artists Gallery in historic Folsom, CA.  I hope to learn from and share new experiences with this artist group  as we all begin this new season (www.sutterstreetartists.com).

Wishing you health and happiness in this new year.