2. Rose Gate Garden

'Rose Gate Garden'

Acrylic on Canvas. 11 x 14 in.

Happy weekend everyone. Today, I'm bringing you to a lovely seaside cottage in Nantucket beach in our 'Hundred Gardens' tour.

The subject for this painting is contributed by celebrated photographer and teacher, Paul Schwartz from Rochester, New York.

We left the rose trellis gate unlocked for you. Come inside and explore the gardens with your imagination.

Window Treatments

Finishing up the fireplace bricks and window panes.

- Posted from my iPhone

Roses are more than Red

It's time for 'Magnificent Mondays'!

Roses bloom, not just in red.

Here's an 'earthy' take on the world's most iconic bud. Enjoy.

Click here to find out more about this week's picks

and the artisans behind these creations.

One Summer Evening

Fresh from my Studio.

One summer evening,

I went on a date.

He gave me a single rose,

And then he said

Tomorrow evening,

Can you please

Be my date again.

This scarflette looks so romantic, it inspired me to write a poem.

Click here to find out more about this handcrafted creation.

Thanks for appreciating my work.

Art Lesson No. 3 - Do Something Unexpected

Doing the same thing over and over again can dry up your creative juices.  

Today, why not try something you haven't done or thought of before.  Not only will it give you new perspective about your work, but you'll discover a whole new avenue towards your own ingenuity.

This is what I did.  Read on.

'Drenched Rose', ACEO.

'Drenched Rose'.  Detail.

"The last rose in my vase. 

First, I drew it with watercolor pencils, then brushed it a little bit. Lastly, with much courage, I soaked it in a basin of cold water. Yes, for two hours. 

Unconventional you'll say. But that's me. I love pushing the limits of the medium.

And creating something unique."

Pardon the little smudges around, the water did that. I call it natural artistic effect, giving it the antique, shabby-chic look.

Ready to try it?  Post comments if you have questions about this article or anything about art, I'll do my best to answer it.

A Time to Bloom - Part 2

"Time to Bloom 2"
Mixed Media on Paper, 18x24 in.
Watermark not present on actual artwork.
Click here to buy archival print, $20.

Winters passed and seasons changed
She breathed within her range
The warmer breeze of Spring
Filled her with the joy it brings

Walking calmly
She proceeded without hurry
Looking to see what blooms
Today will fill her room

Not too far
Almost torn apart
A familiar bloom
Lay completely in gloom

Trampled and wilted
Her branches almost dead
Once again her tears dropped
This time it didn't stopped

She picked her up with care
Saving her roots from the tear
Thank you for picking me up
It muttered while leaves flop

Hush my 'little bud'
Bloom again and be proud
In my garden just like in my heart
You'll always have a spot

A Time to Bloom - Part 1

"Time to Bloom 1"
Mixed Media on Paper, 18 x 24 in.
Watermark not present on actual artwork.
Click here to buy archival print, $20.

Where has she been? Looking back, she realized she is no longer her 'little bud'. She has fully blossomed, ripe for the picking.

As much as she wanted to get her for herself, she cannot. This time, she belongs to someone else. There, with him, she'll spread her own seeds and plant a garden of their own.

My time to nurture her has come to end, she said. She is yours now. Hold her gently and don't let her wither away. Her heart twitched with pain and bliss as she let her go.

You'll forever be my 'little bud', she whispered as tears dropped on her petals.

P.S. Friends, this post is a special tribute. Watch out for the second part of the story. Post your comments and let me know who you think this tribute is for.