I woke at 5:30 this morning (after sleeping right through the night — yay!) and after I’d sat in the dark with my hot lemon water (I’ve been starting my day this way for a few months now, delaying my first cup of tea for a half hour or so), I planned to write a blogpost for you . . .
And instead, pulled out my mini paintbox and a few paintbrushes, filled a glass with water, and started playing.
I warmed up by adding colour to the contour drawing — see bottom of the page here — I’d inked into my watercolour sketchbook last night, after I realized that I’d let one too many vase of tulips open and grow blowsy and finally droop their way to compost without lifting a pencil or brush in homage. . . .
So I took a few minutes and sketched, ten minutes before I headed to bed with my book. . . .
And I left the sketchbook open on the counter, so that when I emptied the lemon slices and rinsed my mug, there it still was, right next to the vase of tulips. . .
Right there to beg me for a bit of colour, and after I’d obliged. . .
somehow, that paintbrush wandered over to the adjoining page, not even waiting for a pencil or pen to lead the way. I started off, as you can guess from that top photo, by using the paint already mixed on my palette for painting the contour sketch.
I don’t feel easy or comfortable playing with a paintbrush. . . rather, I feel self-conscious, perhaps even a bit affected. But I committed, this morning, and I filled that page with colours and tulips and leaves and letters and thoughts and doodles. . . . And it was good. . . process, not product, that is. Although, you know, I’m not unhappy with the product either. In all its naïveté. . .
So I did end up writing a blogpost, although not the one I would have written at 6 a.m.
(oh, and if you’re looking for something to watch over the weekend, Parasite is available on Netflix at the moment iTunes (sorry for my earlier error — I forgot we’d paid for this one; was thinking of Uncut Gems which was excellent, but far too tense for me t
o finish watching!).
I recommend it highly. It’s funny and sad and tense (I left the room in a few spots) and gruesome and poignant and illuminating and thought-provoking. . . .
if you’d rather find something to read, I just posted two possibilities over on my Reading Blog, or browse through the last few posts there for some great titles. . .
Happy Friday to all! Comments welcome, as always. . .
Oh, you are SO NAUGHTY pointing out "Parasite" on Netflix, on the day that school vacation starts. I really want to see it, and it isn't showing anywhere in France profonde. Now I am thinking about signing up…for just a month…
I love your tulips. The photos and the paintings! I was looking through photos recently and came across a road trip my officemates and I made to Keukenhof in the Netherlands. All the tulips. As far as the eye can see. Keukenhof itself comfortably and cheerfully crosses the border with kitsch, but it doesn't stop being beautiful. How can it not, with so many flowers?
My tulips are still hiding, but the daffodils will open any minute.
Do you ever paint with acrylics or oils? I am mesmerized by the thick applications using a palette knife. All that luxuriant paint.
Gorgeous tulip watercolour there! You're so talented. Spring is so close, I can almost smell it.
I looked for Parasite on Netflix and didn't find it. Perhaps it is on another streaming service? Brenda
Brenda: You're absolutely right, and I apologize! I've edited the post to say that we rented Parasite on iTunes. . . (p.s. are you sure that's not mud you smell from all the rain 😉
Taste of France: Yikes! I hope you check Netflix and find that Parasite is NOT available before you subscribe. My error, and I'm very sorry.
Thanks re the tulips — and yes, Keukenhof, the kind of touristy kitsch I'd usually try to avoid, except it's also transcendent. . . . We have hellebore and cyclamen and snowdrops here, but I think the daffodils will still be a while. . . Enjoy yours
I haven't used acrylics yet, but I feel that pull. I'm trying to tamp down on the acquisition impulse, and focus on using (up?) the paints I have first before stepping into the ever-so-tempting art store. . . .
I love both the spontaneity and the deliberateness of this post. Tulips and tea and paint! And yes, to colour! What a great way to add a little of it to the grey outside these days. I am listening to the wind howling and the rain pounding as I write this on Friday evening. I hope so much for a little sunshine over the weekend.
Reading this on a grey old day in Jersey. Beautiful tulips that remind me of bedroom curtains and duvet from the past. Love the blousy colours that tell of warmth and sunnier days. Have a good weekend. B x
I missed Parasite in the theaters. I will have to look for it. I too Uncut Gems was brilliant, but yes, perhaps too intense. I needed some happy therapy afterwards. Love your post, and the smiling spontaneity of your tulips.
Gorgeous tulips and hooray for that long slumber! Did you try the magnesium supplements that I suggested?
It’s a sunny day this morning and will be great to take a walk. Enjoy your weekend.
Gorgeous tulips! Love your creativity.
Thanks Mater, I already had Netflix, so not to worry. I might rent Parasite on iTunes. Brenda
Lovely tulips, and your painting is so vibrant. A nice way to enjoy a "color cocktail." I'm not usually a fan of horror or anything gruesome, but thought Parasite was so, so good.
Oh, and I also had to stop watching Uncut Gems about 3/4 of the way through. Just too intense for me, with no sign of any letup or resolution.
Lorrie: Thanks — and we did get some sunshine, didn't we. . . . not so much over here as there could have been but heartening. . .
B: We're tilting back to grey later this week, but oh, the boon of colour and light, even for a day or two. . . .
Mardel: I couldn't actually watch to the end of Uncut Gems despite its undeniable brilliance. You will like Parasite, I'm very sure.
L/Hostess: I haven't tried those yet, but really must. . . .
Jen: Thanks!
Susan B: Paul watched UG to the end and said there never was any redemption or release. . . So good to see Parasite garner the prizes . .
I enjoyed both versions of the luscious tulips… and could not finish "Uncut Gems" either (but cheated and read the spoiler.
Thanks, Duchesse. . . I cheated as well and got a direct report from my delegated reviewer 😉