in the garden
While ransacking the studio in search of a special bottle of ink I had put in some extremely safe place - even I couldn't find it - this little illustration floated out of an old portfolio.
This watercolour is at least ten years old but it seems like it was only yesterday that it was on the studio table. I remember I had been experimenting with mixing greens and the desktop was littered with many many little paper squares each holding a different swatch of green.
It's so strange to look at it after so much time. I know I didn't like it at all when it was first finished and I remember that all the mistakes seemed to overwhelm the picture. I couldn't stand to look at it for quite a while and even agonized over it as I tried to go to sleep at night. What torture I put myself through!
Now all those spots that seemed like massive blemishes are actually some of the areas I find the most charming. Wherever the paints disobeyed me and took their own paths are exactly where I now find the richest passages of colour. It's quite magical what time can do.
I am having trouble seeing any mistakes in this lovely piece. I am glad you didn't do anything to change it and that time gave you a chance to see it for what it really is: beautiful!
Posted by:Sweet pea | 28 March 2006 at 12:38 PM
Once again, a piece of love.....
Posted by:Courtney | 28 March 2006 at 01:08 PM
With each post, you keep hitting me in the heart. This is just delightful, truly charming. Those little rabbits who want to play with the baby - another story developing... Yes, I agree, time has made it perfect...
Posted by:ULLA | 28 March 2006 at 01:26 PM
The color and shading is lovely. I love the subtle bits of blue and how the green of the grass goes from light to dark. This is exquisite.
Posted by:Enid | 28 March 2006 at 01:34 PM
Your art is truly amazing. I am delighted everytime I see a new picture on your site. I feel like I'm looking at a plate from an old children's book but it's not from an old book, it's the art you do now (except for today's selection!). And I'm amazed that you aren't some famous painter but are dear rosie posie, who I've 'met' via Mrs. Staggs. I know I sound like I'm gushing and maybe I am - I just can't get over how wonderful your work is and how the whole world doesn't know about you. Maybe you don't want them to, and that's fine too. I'm happy I can enjoy it. I just feel you deserve a wider audience.
Posted by:Beth | 28 March 2006 at 02:46 PM
Look at you and all your fans!! See?!! You just have to keep plugging along! And, so nice to know that even if you never had commercial success (although I certainly wouldn't know why!!) you should console yourself with being able to make our hearts sing everytime you post another beauty such as this!! You really should start selling these puppies!!!
l
Posted by:lauren Mumford | 28 March 2006 at 02:56 PM
I see nothing but beauty and love. What a wonderful painting. I agree with Beth, it looks like a plate from a gorgeous old children's book. Simply lovely.
Posted by:myra | 28 March 2006 at 10:06 PM
The colors in this beautiful painting is so soothing. You are blessed with your talent. As the others have posted. LOVELY!
Debbie
Posted by:Debbie | 28 March 2006 at 11:13 PM
Such tenderness in your artwork, a sweetness as gentle as the red ribbons, the bunnies popping their heads out, the flow of the mother's skirt as she collects, the little babys safely sleeping...if you count this as a mistake then I am a dog.
Posted by:Tongue in Cheek | 28 March 2006 at 11:21 PM
Mistakes???? This is GORGEOUS!!! Looks absolutely perfect to me!
Posted by:Barbara Smith | 29 March 2006 at 07:35 AM
Oooooooooh, I just discovered your site today. Your illustrations are just absolutely amazing, the colors are so vibrant and sweet. What a delight to behold ... eye candy! And I especially like the orange accents on this illustration.
Posted by:Tami | 29 March 2006 at 10:14 AM
Oh my goodness! I saw this image and it took my breath away! Rabbits are kind of my "thing" and I could not believe how incredibly sweet this image is. I would love to buy a print of this to hang in my daughter's room.
Then I read your words and was stunned to think that at one point you didn't like it. I felt so much better about myself and my own work. I am by no means as talented as you are, but there have been so many things I made that I hated once they were done but have later come to love. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who does that!
Posted by:Heather | 29 March 2006 at 02:44 PM
Your illustrations take my breath away! so charming and so very detailed!
Posted by:Anastasia | 29 March 2006 at 04:57 PM