First day: Damme, Belguim

This is a series of photos of a working windmill that grinds grain into wheat flour. We were able to tour the inside and climbed up 4 very steep flights of wooden stairs to the top. I was able to photograph the giant wooden cogs that turn the grinding stones. Looks like potential for an interesting painting!
The town was hosting a marching band from Germany on that day. I'm not sure if the covered wagon is always there or part of the celebration.
A few more images to get a feel for how beautiful the area is. Jackie of French Escapades leads a marvelous tour!!!

FINALLY!!!!

I finally figured out how to include a photo with a post from my iPad. This is the beautiful hotel we are staying at A few miles from Bruges. Everything has been very special. I will post the paintings I have done tomorrow.

I am also finally allowed to announce that I have received the first place award in the California watercolor association's annual international show! This is a very prestigious honor. I have known for awhile but was asked to keep it quiet until the catalogue was out.

I have not posted for a long time. It has been a very hectic month but now that I have the iPad posting figured out, I will attempt to share with you the beauty of this beautiful country each day.

PASSING THE TIME!

Here are two images I did sitting on the plane using the Sketch Club app on my iPad.  I am starting to get the hang of it.  I think this is my favorite app because of the ease of changing the tools, opacity and color.  

After teaching in Bend, we came home for a few days then joined family and friends in Cambria for 3 days.  Came home, switched suitcases and left for Iowa to celebrate the life of my brother in law who passed away much too young last week.  We are back home now for a week before I leave for Bruge to teach.  Out of town company coming on Saturday and will be here until I leave on the 26th.  I doubt I will get much painting in but I will try to post the sketches I did in Cambria.  I am hoping I will be able to post from Belgium.  We'll see how that goes!

GARAGE SALE TREASURE!

Look what I found in a neighbor's garage sale!!!  Only $5 so I couldn't pass it up.  When I got home, I did a little computer research.  they don't make this particular set anymore but a slightly smaller set in the same beautiful wooden case was listed as on sale for $69.95.    This set was 99% untouched.  Today I took out my pastel paper pad and started a drawing.  I love using the limited palette of Conte Crayons.  The charcoal and greys start to look blue and so you can get a pretty full range of warms and cools with white, black, grey, ochre and sanguine (red ochre).  I didn't get the hands finished....probably another half hour of work.

TRAVEL SKETCHES FROM BEND!

These are a few of the travel sketches I made while in Bend, Oregon, last week.  I normally don't do plein air painting except when I am traveling.  Having a small watercolor book with me is the perfect way to record the atmosphere of the place you are visiting.  When you slow down and take the time to do a small painting, you will remember not only the visual elements, but you will be able to recall sounds, and conversations, and smells.  When you revisit your little paintings, it will take you right back there.  Somehow, photographs don't have the same power.  It's not about how well you painted....its about imprinting the moment in your memory!