Keep Memories Alive in a Visual Journal

 

Blog 7

 

My July was very productive even though I didn’t create anything in the three days between my return to Canada and my trip to our family vacation. I was too busy catching up with medical appointments, household chores, unpacking and packing again.

During my time at the cottage, I usually finish a couple of paintings. However, this time, I had forgotten my watercolour paints. Luckily, I had my watercolour pencils, brushes and pads with me to create a painting of a summer flower bouquet and my daily sketches to keep my memories fresh long after the time has passed.


I also captured a daily sketch and used watercolour pencils for most images because I love colour. I created two drawings because I took a breathtaking canoe trip with my husband and dog on the last day. In the evening light, I sat on the rocks at the edge of the Ottawa River, capturing the rocks, moss and bushes in front of me. 

The canoe ride was the most magical I have ever experienced because the water was smooth like a mirror, and the evening light turned the whole landscape into a magical place. I am always mesmerized by the deep reflection of the trees in the water. Maybe I will take one of my big canvases to attempt to capture this sight in a painting this winter. It would certainly be a challenge. 

 

 

My latest needle-felted painting is of a Bird of Paradise plant, which is progressing nicely.

Bird of Paradise, wool, unfinished

Enjoy the collages of my July art!


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A Joyful Heart Brimming with Memories

Pink Hibiscus, watercolour, 5.8" x 8.3"

Blog 6


My heart and mind are brimming with joyful impressions from my trip to Germany. Not only did I spend unforgettable hours with family and friends, but I also saw many beautiful sights which will continue to provide new inspirations for my art. Many times, I wished that I could spend time with my painting buddies to capture the scene.


One of the highlights was my dad's 90th birthday with family and my parents' circle of friends. I am thankful for the chance to celebrate my dad's fulfilled life. 

For the rest of the time, my daughter and I combined meeting with my friends with visits to cultural sites. We went to the Palm Gardens in Frankfurt at the time of the rose festival and strolled through the gardens of the Schwetzingen Palace. 

We also spent two days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a romantic Bavarian town with many half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. We walked on the Medieval town wall, from which we had breathtaking bird's-eye views of the old town.

For the first time, we saw Chagall's windows in the Saint Stephan’s Church in Mainz. We were lucky to receive an introduction to the history of the breathtaking windows. Chagall, a Jew, was initially reluctant to create any art for a German church but changed his mind after he developed a friendship with the pastor. You can find more information here.


During an outing to Mainz-Laubenheim, we walked in the vineyards with a breathtaking panorama view of the surrounding cities, the Rhine River and the Taunus. We could even see the skyscrapers of Frankfurt.

I love getting inspired by the creativity all around me. It brought me great joy to admire the craftsmanship and innovative ideas at an arts and crafts market in Ober-Ramstadt and during visits to friends' studios. Luckily, I had my suitcase in mind because I could have bought some exquisite pieces.


I created less art than I expected. However, I focus on nurturing human connections during visits to Germany. While I still have regular contact with friends and family through emails and weekly video calls, they are no substitute for in-person meetings with actual hugs.


On many days, I created drawings with pencils and watercolour pencils in my daily journal. I drew most sketches of people during our train rides and the rest from photos. I also had to use reference photos for most other artworks because there often was no opportunity to draw while chatting with friends. Most of my painting buddies approve of seeing me draw at all times, but many other people probably find it peculiar. I know some people who don't comprehend my need to capture the world around me. However, I could not live any other way. I feel compelled to draw what I see to preserve it for my memories.

I also finished a watercolour painting (see top) and two felted pieces. The needle-felted painting of a rose is on a felt bag I purchased in a store. It is my first piece of functional art. I will write about the process after I have finished the bag. 

 

I will be back with my regular blog on July 26. In the meantime, I invite you to join me for the Art Café on July 21, at 1 PM in Cumberland, Ontario. We will create graffiti on paper. Please RSVP here.