Saturday, March 09, 2013

Thinking of Spring


.....while I'm working metal at my bench.

simple things... yes...  I like simplicity. 
I like nature... fresh clean air... growing things...
I like getting back to basics.
I wish I had little elves like this to perk up my garden.



Approx. 10" x 14"...  a scattering of  images done earlier in the winter in my sketchbook.
pen, ink, gouache
at Desideratum Art and Jewelry, St. Martins, New Brunswick, Canada



27 comments:

cathyswatercolors said...

spring is on it's way;let the gardening begn! Sweet colorful picture

Andrea said...

Oh me too...I need a dash of house elves too!
Looking outside today our city needs some trash collector elves...Ugh. Pre~spring is dirty.

I love this piece! A happy maker...{the singing bird on the spade is my favourite part.}

xo

Gwen Buchanan said...

Cathy, I can smell that fresh earth now... reminds me of when i was a kid making mudpies under the porch.

Dee, can't wait to keep my windows open for that sound. Pure joy. xo

Gwen Buchanan said...

Oh I almost forgot, Dee... the first time I ever saw a real honest to goodness Bluebird, I was looking out the window and it was sitting and singing on the handle of my shovel. one of my special saved memories.

Guillaume said...

It feels like Spring here, one day out of two.

Lynne with an e said...

So much life and energy in this! Particularly love those red flowers. While I'm not one to dream of gardening or working with the land, I am longing for some signs and scents of burgeoning spring with its tender green leaves, brilliant blue skies, warm earth tones and hot sunshine yellow.

Carol Steel said...

Spring is coming; she is just turning under the snow covers deciding when to wake.

Every creature feels the new life stirring. The pheasants in our yard today were so full of bursting need, chasing, displaying and romping. Your artwork is delightful.

Steven Cain said...

Soon enough. My yard is budding.

VioletSky said...

it has been double digits here the past two days and the songbirds can start up anytime as far as I am concerned. I love this piece - so much to look at. and so interesting to see the flowers and their bulbs!

Gwen Buchanan said...

Guillaume, we still have some snow piled up but it's melting.

Louciao, it is suppose to be sunny tomorrow and next week rain and mild temps... we should see spring after that.

Carol, You have the most wonderful menagerie of wildlife in your yard. I would say that was so lucky but i know you tend them with great care and they know it.

Steven, I can't even imagine what the days must be like in Tennessee. I just imagine everything Green. Wonder how long it will take us to catch up to you.

VioletSky, double digits All-right!
Now i know some of that has to be headed our way. Thanks.

jerilanders said...

Little elves would be good. I actually had a little elf helping me in the garden today, ( a little neighbor elf, that is) It was good to get outside and dig in the dirt for while. I like your illustration, it reminds me of the graphics on "Farmers Advocate", the antique Canadian version of Farmers Almanac. I collect them and they have stunning covers!

Gwen Buchanan said...

I remember the Farmer's Almanac but I haven't seen one for years. They always had tons of tidbits of anything you would want to know.
When you are done with the Elf, send them my way!

BumbleVee said...

yeh...me too.... thinking of spring and then I look out the window....gaackkk..... mountains of snow still ....

Gwen Buchanan said...

I know what you mean BV. same here. I am also thinking the wind blew the wrong direction this year.

George said...

That's an absolutely beautiful pin and ink sketch, Gwen. It radiates hope and optimism, which I suppose is what spring is all about.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks George, yes Spring does make one feel optimistic with its fresh renewal of the earth. It makes me smile just to think about it.

Cuidado said...

I love your sketchbook page of busy spring, especially the beautiful red roses with the wonderful green leaves. My garden is just becoming visible. It is always under a huge drift in winter which gives me lots of moisture and protection. Another month and we will get to dig again as sadly, there are no such elves.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Hi Cuidado, Our front flower bed is almost uncovered too. I want to put some colorful flowers there this year to add to the perennials. it is where I like to eat lunch on sunny days.
good luck with your garden.

Jane said...

This is so beautiful , fresh and colorful !

A Heron's View said...

A very attractive and interesting sketch depicting the agricultural cycle.

Would like to have a copy on my wall :)

Gwen Buchanan said...

Hi Jane, I am someone who is naturally drawn to black and white, or much subtley so this is rather bold for me.. but it was fun.

Hey Heron's View, that's very flattering. thanks. Now i can't wait to get out there myself.

Tracy said...

Oh, I LOVE all that red that pop in this piece, Gwen! Such a vibrant fanciful work. The farmers have a bit of the look of the Amish about them. Spring... would love some of that. We're still snow-covered here, and will be for a while yet...LOL! Thank you for your very kind comment at my place. It's good to be feeling better and on the mend. :o) Happy Days ((HUGS))

Gwen Buchanan said...

I see what you mean Tracy, I always felt i was living in the wrong time. I worked at an historical village "Kings Landing" in our province years ago as a village weaver/spinner. I loved it, especially the meals cooked over the open fireplace. I digress.

helen said...

Hey hey Gwen....can't wait to be able to get out there without freezing! The wind has been easterly for days and bites HARD! We have the compensation of snowdrops, daffodils and primroses making us smile though...they have lasted for over a month so far :~))

I love ~ and totally agree with ~ your 'likes'

Thank you for your lovely visit earlier this month....keep warm, love to you x

Ruth said...

I love your work, which you render beautifully in any medium. Talk about a universe on the head of a pin!

So happy to reconnect with you.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Hey there Helen, It has been a cool long wait for Spending time outdoors this year hasn't it.. seems like the season has been pushed back over a great part of the world.
But I am so happy to report that I see Daylilies up 2 - 3" and Rhubarb showing it's Red head.. yay!!.. It is happening!!!

Gwen Buchanan said...

Hi Dear Ruth!!! So glad you came to visit. The many posts you made over the years of seasons on you blog will stay in my mind.. you always make everything special.