Notice and Wonder

What have you been able to notice and wonder lately? I have lots to share here. But before I do, I will introduce the purpose of this post and blog to new readers. Ready?

Transitions

Welcome! Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. This year’s theme is Transitions. I am expanding on last year’s theme. 2021’s theme was “Small Spaces Special Places“. Since we were all spending a lot of time in or close to home last year, it made sense to me to keep paintings small and simple.

Why Transitions? So many reasons. Here are one or two. I plan to transition to larger paintings this year. In fact, the first painting I posted this year was huge (for me.) It measures 8×24″…wowza. Here’s the painting and post for that week. Second, I am focusing on transitions within my painting process, too. This includes transitions from light to dark. Something I love to think about as I compose a painting. I also love to think about the negative space around an object. An example of this is the painting I shared two weeks ago called “Blowing in the Wind.”

So there you have it! The scoop on transitions as the theme for 2022.

If you are not subscribing to this blog yet and think you might enjoy a weekly dose of unique artwork with a dash of color and musings on life, sign up here. Let’s get to this week’s topic!

Where to Notice and Wonder

One thing I notice is that people have tendencies. Such as? Well, there are people who love to shop. Other people love to eat out. Me? I am not a shopper and prefer to cook at home. But! If there’s a class available to help inform my paintings? Watch out! I will sign up for that kind of class in a heartbeat. That’s where notice and wonder come in.

How? You say? Well, I am taking a course about trees. It’s called “Beyond Tree Identification: Learning the Secrets of Trees with Annie Novak.” Even though I have only seen the first of three classes, I love it! Why?

The instructor started the class by saying the two questions she asks when she walks outdoors. Here they are: what do I notice? And, what does it make me wonder? Holy smokes aren’t these amazing questions?

Imagine if every time we walked outdoors, we asked these questions. Each morning when I wander outdoors with BDE (best dog ever), I am too sleepy to tackle the second question.

But, this time of year? There is so much to notice.

What I Notice

For instance, this morning, there was a HUGE bunny rabbit in our front garden. There were birds chirping everywhere. Each day the trees are starting to show more of their leaves. And, the dogwood tree in our front yard is covered in pink blossoms. Gorgeous!

There are squirrels chasing each other everywhere. The resident red-tailed hawk is nearby. I’m pretty sure that’s why our bluebird house is empty this spring. But I do hear the lovely but rather forlorn call of the Bluebird and Eastern Phoebe, too. Both are in search of mates these days.

What About Trees

But wait, you may recall I am taking a tree identification course. Why you might ask? Lately, my paintings, even those from imagination, include trees; lots of trees. For me, it’s not about painting botanically accurate trees. Rather, I am curious about what makes a tree unique. And I would love to communicate a tree’s uniqueness in a painting.

So what do birds, bunnies, squirrels have to do with trees? In a word: phenology. This is a new word to me but it’s an integral part of this class. Here’s the definition according to American Heritage dictionary: The scientific study of periodic biological phenomena, such as flowering, breeding, and migration, in relation to climatic conditions.The timing of a periodic biological phenomenon in relation to climatic conditions.

So you see all those creatures large and small are an integral part of trees and the world in which we live. And, this course encourages us to notice all that is around us in addition to trees.

What About Wonder

I wonder how Cedar Waxwings know where berries are? How do squirrels remember where they buried their nuts. And, I also wonder how birds remember where they stash their seeds. You know they store seeds in the crevices of trees, right? Isn’t that brilliant?

And what about blooms in spring? Is there a sequence? There seems to be. Don’t you think?

I have a gazillion other questions about “notice and wonder” including the world of making paintings. What do I want the viewer to notice and wonder? Does it matter if the viewer of a painting sees something different than the artist intended? Why? Or why not?

There are so many examples of painters painting one thing and the critics seeing something completely different. Think Georgia O’Keefe’s Flowers. Or how about Winslow Homer’s painting entitled “The Gulf Stream.” He had some salty words to say when asked to describe that painting. You can read more in this article in the Atlantic Monthly.

This Week’s Painting

Here’s the 6×12 inch oil painting on panel of the same name as this week’s blog post. I painted it from imagination.

It, along with 19 other framed paintings and 10 matted color sketches, will be on display at a show! Artist and friend, Ellen Gamble, is also having a show there, too. It opens on May 17 at The ArtsPlace in Danbury, North Carolina. The show runs till June 30th.

Save the Date

The opening for the show is Friday, May 27 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Heads up, the 27th is Memorial Day Weekend. So if you think you might visit the area, consider booking plans now.

To further entice you, here are some more details about the location. The gallery includes a delightful gift shop, delicious coffee and amazing ice cream. And, Danbury, NC, is just 20 minutes away from fantastic vistas and hikes. Where? Check out Hanging Rock State Park.

Word is there are some vineyards nearby, too! What more do you need, right?

To receive a postcard invitation to the opening, write your snail mail address here. I would love to send you an invitation, even if you live out of state!

What Are You Noticing

What about you? Are you noticing some special or unique things in your daily life? If you are, do tell! I would love to hear more in the comments below.