Fiona and I went to the coast for a few days to celebrate my birthday and life etc. Our unit had a deck that looked out across a river and the sea. When sitting out having dinner and/or a wine we enjoyed nightly moon shows. The photos in this blog are in a bit of a random order - though those from the last night tend to come first.
Photographing the moon with the telephoto lens of the iPhone can be a bit random - but what is not to love about moody photo of the moon?
We have been away for a couple of days; but it gave me the opportunity to amend a few photos that might become the subject of watercolours. I think the stone-thatched cottage above could be the next one to have a go at. Or maybe one of the following?
I have thrown into the mix a couple of birds and a highland coo.
And what about a grasshopper Fiona photographed on one of my bending leaf sculptures this afternoon.
All good fun.
Early this morning we were fortunate once again to have a gorgeous little wallaby visiting. As you can see from the photos this young female had a young one in the pouch - but still small and not showing its head to the world. The opening and following photos just celebrate the joy of having this animal nearby going quietly about its business. Third photo - munching on a stork of grass; and the last photo - having a bit of a scratch.
My floral photos today were limited to those standouts along the roadway. Even though it was early and a bit on the drizzle side, the bees were out checking the blossoms.
What a joyful start to the day. On reflection I notice that most of the blossoms are soft pink tones.
Some folk will know that when at the cottage in Scotland I try to do the odd watercolour of boats, ruined cottages, sheds and things.
I have used watercolour pencils in the past; but since arriving home I have committed myself to learning a few techniques in the use of watercolour pigment blocks. I hope to do weekly classes with a local artist and teacher Megan. An image of my work spot at Megan's is below.
In the first instance I also want to do watercolours of things where the background has been removed; and the object tends to float or be untethered. The first painting I wanted to have a go at was a boat that sits in the grass at Sandside Harbour - the altered is below.
The original photo follows.
And the watercolour I have done is shown in the opening and following image.
I completed the painting on our dining room table - very much like it will be in Scotland.
I think I will really enjoy the learning process.
This blog post really is in two parts: the first is simply some of the beauty, such as the above, seen on my walk this morning; and second part is having a bit of a play in the mould on G's orchid house before I got stuck into water blasting the mould off.
More fragments of beauty from this morning follow. As you know I love droplets after rain. Check out the tiny ant creeping over top of the lime blossom.
The mould, resulting from much rain and heat, was quite thick on the floor in G's orchid house - it just shouted - have a play before you get into the work.
Today we are having sunshine - great to have a break from the rain; and great to be able to get out and enjoy the beauty.