Reflections 2012

Dear Everyone:


I did alot of shooting yesterday (Friday).

This shot stands out for me because of
the symmetry and the lovely reflection
of the two kayaks in the water.

I hope you enjoy this shot.

                                  reflections2012


Helen

Patchwork gothic tree 2012

Dear Everyone:

I wanted to produce a patchwork folk art tree.
Perhaps a series for Christmas.

As I was working on the image it veered
towards being gothic - suitable for this time
of year.

The colours were partly inspired by a
make-up advertisement for eye shadow
in a fashion magazine.

                                   patchworkgothictree2012


Helen.

Thanksgiving cont'd. 2012

Dear Everyone:

I was hoping to shoot some Thanksiving images
of pumpkins and gourds.

Luckily enough, I was given permission to shoot
them at a local farmstand. A pleasant lady
named Juliette runs the stand.

I hope these images capture the spirit of Thanksgiving.

                      thanksgiving#12012

                                  thanksgiving#22012

                                   thanksgiving#32012

                                   thanksgiving#62012


Helen.

Turkey portrait#2 2012

Dear Everyone:

This second folk art image of a turkey
is intended to look like a jigsaw puzzle
or a patchwork quilt. There is no
feather detail just blocks of colour.

                       turkeyportrait#22012

Enjoy.


Helen.

Turkey portrait #1 2012

Dear Everyone:

I am starting to work on Thanksgiving
and Halloween images in my folk art.

This image of a silhouette of the
head of a turkey came to me
yesterday and I sketched and
painted it today. It wanted to be
on a pink backdrop.

Enjoy.

Helen.

Self-portrait 2012

Dear Everyone:

I was inspired by an article in
the October issue of Architectural
Digest to do a folk art painting of
myself. A self-portrait.

The article featured the East Hampton
home and studio of Anh Duong-a Spanish-
Vietnamese painter. Anh specializes
in self-portraits.

I have captured my mulatto skin and
my hair with purple highlights.
My face is oval. I get the most
compliments when I wear pink.
I have big brown eyes and full
pink lips.

See what you think.

Helen.

                         hl-self-portrait2012

Bear River 2012

                      Bearriver#12012

Dear Everyone:

These 4 shots were taken during our
touring round Nova Scotia in the
artisanal village of Bear River.
The village nestles on a tidal river
and some of the buildings are on stilts.

Bear River is a magnet for artists
and boasts one of the best art
galleries in the province -Flight
of Fancy-, as well as artist studios, cafes,
and wineries.

Watch for my next post featuring
Bear River artists Flora Doehler
and Larry Knox.

Enjoy.


Helen.

                       Bearriver#32012

                      Bearriver#42012

                      Bearriver#22012

Annapolis sunset 2012

                       Annapolissunset2012

Dear Everyone:

This image of a sunset was shot in
Annapolis Royal during some
recent touring of Nova Scotia I
did with my mother and a close friend.

Annapolis Royal is a small resort
town chock a block with art galleries,
gift shops, bed and breakfasts and
restaurants. It also features  a
historic fort and historic gardens.

Enjoy.


Helen.

3 Trees and a Butterfly 2012

                       3treesandabutterfly2012


Dear Everyone:

I have been hoping to return to
producing folk art paintings again.

Today's offering is inspired by
some vacant land I own in
rural Nova Scotia.

The land is comprised of 12 acres
of meadow and forrest. A brook
runs through the woods. The
meadow is dotted with pine, spruce,
aspen trees and fruit trees.
Butterflies flit across the meadow.

Today's painting called 3 trees
and a butterfly captures 3 tall pine
and spruce trees clustered together
in the meadow and a butterfly.

Enjoy.

Feedback welcome.

Helen.

Fall Hydrangea 2012

Dear Everyone:

I noticed this shot while driving by
and had to go home to get my camera
and then return to photograph it.

                       Fallhydrangea2012


The shot was well worth the effort.

See what you think.


Helen.

The Art of Disappearing

Dear Everyone:

I am sharing a poem with you titled
"The Art of Disappearing" by
poet and songwriter Naomi Shihab Nye.
The poem addresses one woman's deep
ambivalence around being social and
a rejection of the attention fame brings.
She is passionately involved in her
own life.

The author is a well-recognized award-winning
poet. She was born to a Palestinian father
and American mother and her work sometimes
addresses her heritage. She currently resides
in San Antonio, Texas.

The poem is from an anthology titled
"Words Under the Words (1995).

I hope you enjoy the sheer talent
of this poem.


The Art of Disappearing

When they say Don't I know you?
say no.

When they invite you to the party
remember what parties are like
before answering.
Someone telling you in a loud voice
they once wrote a poem.
Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.
Then reply.

If they say We should get together
say why?

It's not that you don't love them anymore.
You're trying to remember something
too important to forget.
Trees. The monastery bell at twilight.
Tell them you have a new project.
It will never be finished.

When someone recognizes you in a grocery store
nod briefly and become a cabbage.
When someone you haven't seen in ten years
appears at the door,
don't start singing him all your new songs.
You will never catch up.

Walk around feeling like a leaf.
Know you could tumble any second.
Then decide what to do with your time.