Thursday, September 13, 2012

Reeling, Through Endless Summer Days

Is it really September already? Where has the summer gone? August flew by in a blur and now, the kids are back in school, which means some peace and quiet and time to paint!


This piece is a combination of collage, image transfer (the sunflowers) and acrylic. The pattern in the lower part of the painting comes from a gel printed piece of sewing pattern tissue that originally looked like this:

The beautiful pattern in the print is from a crocheted doily. It was fun, and challenging to try and get the abstract and representational elements to work together in this composition. While I painted, I focused on layers of glazing to add depth and texture and I actually ended up painting over the flowers quite a bit to enhance the color.

 I started this piece, I'd been thinking about these words from Emily Dickinson's poem "A Liquor Never Brewed":

 Inebriate of air am I, 
And debauchee of dew, 
 Reeling, through endless summer days, 
 From inns of molten blue. 


 Lovely, don't you think?

I'd also like to remember my grandmother who passed away at the end of August, at the age of 102, quite an amazing woman! One of my fondest childhood memories is of her taking us to see the wild crocuses blooming in the spring. We lived pretty far north, so often the crocuses would be poking up through the snow! For her 101st birthday last summer, I made her this mixed media collage (blogged about here) to thank her for the beautiful memory.



I miss her, but I'm so glad she had such a long and healthy life, and that I could have her in my life for so many years.

Thanks for stopping by! Your comments are always very much appreciated.

26 comments:

  1. Wow, don't know what to comment on first... the sunflowers are fantastic, everything about them, beautiful.
    Your grandma, 102? That is such a long time, I imagine all the stories she had to tell on so many changes in her life, and in the world!
    I miss my grandmother still, we never have enough time with them, do we? ♥

    The poem is sweet, never read it before.
    Happy PPF!

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  2. great post... the poem is wonderful and love the print from the doily ... great effect...xx

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  3. Beautiful pieces both, very interesting and rich!

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  4. Loving both of your beautiful collages. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  5. I love sunflowers, I just got back from a land where vast fields of sunflowers can be seen. Your work is lovely. Saludos

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  6. A wonderful post with lovely art work and a feeling of thankfulness for the long life of your grandmother.

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  7. Both of these paintings are wonderful. 102 is a rich long life. Think of the things and events that she saw in her life. Mind boggling! Happy PPF

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  8. Incredible life sounds like. 102. Wow! Your work is outstanding.

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  9. Wonderful Work!!! Happy PPF!!! HAve a great weekend!!

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  10. Collage looks great! Sorry about your grandmother. 102 is a respectful age.

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  11. Well I am very moved to know your dear grandmother got to live for 102 years! What a blessing that is. What a full life and to have left you with so many wonderful memories. What a joy for you, what a treasure. I bet she loved your art and the flowers that you gave her in memory of the time spent together.

    I love seeing the layers of the first piece too. Fun to see how artists create and make such wonderful outcomes as those sunflowers!

    Thanks for your delightful comments too. So much appreciated.

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  12. What a blessing to have had your grandmother with you for so long. Your collage is a beautiful tribute to her. I LOVE your sunflowers -- one of my favorites. Happy PPF

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  13. I am in love with these pieces you created and the story of your Grandmother is so touching.....

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  14. beautiful paintings. Wow, 102! I love crocuses.

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  15. Crocuses and sunflowers...my favorites. Loved your post!

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  16. So Beautiful!! I love that you used a doily. Doilies always remind me of my Grandmother. Thanks for sharing the story of your Grandmother.

    Happy PPF!

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  17. Beautiful pieces! My grandma lived to be a little over 101! What a life!

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  18. Beautiful painting! Even the gel printed piece of sewing pattern tissue is gorgeous!
    God bless your grandmother.
    Mine just turned 100 this week.
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  19. What lovely memories of your grandmother. You were lucky to have such a good relationship with her.

    Both these pieces are so beautiful.

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  20. The CROCUS BLOOMS piece is so beautiful to me. Just the colors and feel to the work. Soft but like a memory.
    Happy PPF!
    Sheri Cook
    Happy Horse Studio

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  21. Debbie, this is such a beautiful and peaceful post. I love all of the colors you used to create such a lovely piece. I also appreciated getting to know a little about your grandmother.

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  22. Interesting images. I like the rich texture and colour. You might like to share your more orange work on Mandarin Orange Monday:)

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  23. Love the sunflowers, you have just inspired me to plant some this year. I have been wondering what to put in one of gardens! :) Love the pattern of the doilies. And what a lovely tribute to your grandmother.

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  24. You are so Blest to have had your grandmother for so long. The collage is truly beautiful. I love the sunflowers and the colors and oh my gosh a doily. Wonderful. Blessings, Janet PPF

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