Jizo Garden

More on their way……

jizogarden — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:35:01 +0000

Today a feather…

jizogarden — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:53:59 +0000

Yesterday was the 2nd anniversary of my breast cancer surgery….two years cancer free! So today a feather….

A bit of color….

jizogarden — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:52:16 +0000

After the graphite drawing I have added some soft washes of color to the lichens. I enjoy the combination of pencil and watercolor. I think the texture of trees is especially suited to graphite and the delicate color of the lichens are a good subject to enhance with soft color. Almost finished I will balance a few of the shadows in the graphite and see if a bit more color will be needed…before I call it done….. This method reminds me of the hand painted intaglio prints, something old fashioned about it.

Lichen twig

jizogarden — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:51:55 +0000

Started a new drawing today…bearded lichen and fringed lichen clinging to a twig. This summer I will have the opportunity to teach at the New York Botanical Gardens. My subject will be lichens and mosses done in graphite and watercolor. Looking forward to the experience…

Tulip Tree Poplar seed cluster…..and snow……

jizogarden — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:43:32 +0000

Been enjoying early mornings at my drawing desk….the tulip tree my latest drawing finished this morning. Snow has finally come to NY….I have missed you snow ~ . ~

New workspace…thank you Andrew :)

jizogarden — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:52:45 +0000

After moving some things and trying to reclaim some order in our lives, maybe trying to improve the things we can control…Andrew has created a lovely workspace for me. This is a desk he made years ago….and it has only gotten more beautiful with age ♥

Keeping close……

jizogarden — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:12:50 +0000

Our sweet Smudge is with us in spirit…his presence all around. His favorite cushion remains at my feet tucked under the drawing table where he can still keep me company. Andrew has restored a beautiful drawing space for me…a favorite spot by the window with bird feeders outside filled with Juncos, Cardinals, Chickadees and Goldfinches.

My drawing of the past few days is a pinecone in graphite….it feels good to draw again.

I have found some wonderful photos of Smudgy as a pup and will post them soon…..

White Pine ~ cone and seed

Thank you Smudgy…for everything ♥

jizogarden — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:05:54 +0000

Thank you Smudgy…for everything ♥

jizogarden — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:04:37 +0000

Smudge in my heart…

jizogarden — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:53:05 +0000

Thank you everyone so much for all the kindness for sweet Smudge….we miss him so so much…….

When I we lost our son 8 years ago…..the only way I was able to step back into the world was at the end of Smudge’s leash. Walking with him got me through so many years of unbearable pain..somehow I could move forward….even if it was slow and the pain still so great. Graham and I were never apart….and when he could no longer stay with us…….Smudge became my constant companion…I transfered so much my feelings for Graham toward Smudge. When breast cancer came he was by my side for every moment and again lead me on into a “normal life”..and now it is hard to seperate the grief and pain……there is nobody to walk off the hurt…..and I am frozen in place…

Some day we will probably bring another dog home but now I just want Smudge here and there is no substitute for our sweet dog.

Christmas tea 2005, sweet Smudge