Reddy Steady Go 2014-W17

I apologize, to the world at large and including Helen Reddy, for the horrible pun that forms today's title.  My plans took a turn this morning, so instead of painting at Salon deWinchester we are speeding west to DuPage county on some errands.

Fortunately, I had the time and wherewithal to paint up another plaid study Friday night.  Red, one of my favorites.  Compared to the others, this came together without much effort or painstaking thought.  Perhaps I was due for an easy one (or, maybe it's just not very good).  Via this series, I've discovered that regardless of how much I (dis)like each one, it's fun trying to decide which way is its "up" side.

Thanks for stopping by and come back in May...  I will be putting a little more effort into the painting for next week, promise.

Mad for Plaid V

How Green Is My Valley? 2014-W16

Nothing like a week of moderately warm temperatures (and a lot of raking) to turn grass from a brownish winter dormancy into a lush green carpet.  Suddenly, the crocuses bloomed, the daffodils are trying, and trees are budding out.  Where are the dandelions amongst the new burst of color, one wonders.

Speaking of color, compared to other mammal species we primates have better color vision.  Although ours is not as good as most birds and bugs so we shouldn't get too high and mighty.  Allegedly, the color we see "best" is green...  makes sense.  If you are a monkey swinging through trees it is probably helpful to distinguish a leafy branch from a slightly different green tree snake.  But back to spring.

Besides being warm all the way through to my bone marrow, the thing I like best about spring is all of the different shades of green we get to enjoy.   I love how the greens of spring as so vital and fresh looking.  By mid-July, they will seem tired and lackluster as we echo complaints about the heat (sometimes) and especially the gawdawful humidity.  So make the most of spring green while you can!

As for the title of this post, it's a trick question.  I live in Illinois, the 2nd flattest state in the nation, and we understand the concept of "valley" even if we have to travel to another state to see one.  But my flat rectangle of a yard is gloriously green and that inspired the primary color for the latest plaid.  Y'all come back, and Happy Easter!

Mad for Plaid IV

Lazy But 2014-W15

My painting today is really just the underpainting.  I like it as it is too, though, so I've decided to wait a spell before I alter it any.  Plus I'll hold up the painterly thoughts behind it all as well.  And it's just as well I've decided to be lazy about art today.  We've had a very nice week of weather and that spells y-a-r-d-w-o-r-k of which I have a lot left even though I diligently saw off at least half (I hope) during the week.  So I will be heading down the back stairs in T-00:45 seconds from when I click the Publish button.  If you don't enjoy the art, at least you can enjoy not doing the 90 minutes of raking and digging I'm about to undertake!

Koch's Banshee

Brave New World 2014-W14

My ancient Mac book is starting to make a funny noise, so I fear it may be nearer the end of its days.  I've had an Android tablet almost as long as it takes to have a baby, and so this was the week to go Cold MacTurkey.

Most things are going well now that I have forced myself to learn the new regimes.  Some will take time, and it was a tough ride jockeying the tablet along to make this week's blog posts here and at Salon deWinchester.  That was with the keyboard attached!  I can't imagine fingertyping it all.

Nothing too grand came off the brush today.  I'm no fan of yellow, but I admit you can't beat it for warmth.  Here I have plaidified it for you.  Next week I hope to put more efforts into the words and less effort into getting them onto the web.  Enjoy your days in the meantime.

Mad for Plaid III