Karen F Rose My Painting Journey

Friday, April 8, 2011

Moon Shadow - Taking That Walk, oil

© 2011 Karen F. Rose  Moon Shadow, oil on canvas, 8x8"

The summer of my junior year in high school was spent as an exchange student in Germany. I stayed in a small village near Fulda near the mountains, north of Frankfurt, Germany. 
When I think of that summer, I remember taking walks back from the village to the home where I was staying. 
Richard Harris singing McArthur's Park played over and over again on the radio. 
Didn't know the meaning of the song, but it's etched into my memory along with the German night landscape.
When Carol Marine posted a photo she had taken from a recent trip to Germany as part of the DPW challenge I was stunned.
I felt as though I have been on that road, taking a walk not in the bright sunshine, but in the glow of the moon and it's shadows. 
As we walked along that road, the group of us, an American girl who knew little German and her German friends, who knew little English we sang an American song which none of us understood.
"MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again, oh no..."
                                        McArthur's Park lyrics courtesy MetroLyrics.com 
Soft edges and a soft focus on a sweet memory from long ago.
Thanks for reminding me Carol.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Florida Plein Air Painting and Paint Outs

Roses, roses and K F Rose plein air painting with a ShadeBuddy umbrella.
"The best part of the painting journey is the friends you meet along the way".
A big thank you to all who came out to the Melrose Open Air Arts paint out last week and to all who volunteered their time to make this such a successful event.
I so enjoy talking with visitors and collectors and meeting new artists friends.
Also very pleased to have four of my paintings go to new homes! 

Early spring is a wonderful plein air and paint out season in Florida and having some shade is really important when painting outdoors, (as well as sunscreen, cool water and bug spray). 
My old umbrella had seen better times so I was excited to receive my new ShadeBuddy umbrella today! This umbrella has a reflective outer surface to help keep you cool and a dark inner surface to keep your colors true. 
Always great to have painting buddies.  

Monday, April 4, 2011

Be a Butterfly

© 2011  Karen F. Rose      Be A Butterfly
While I was busy painting in the Melrose Open Air Arts event this last weekend, my husband was enjoying going to the plant nursery choosing plants for his garden and spending time with "spring cleanup". Butterfly plants are some of our favorites. This photo is just one of the many "friends" who have come to his garden.

In this last year I have met some of the most amazing new artist friends through workshops, blogging and paint out events.

A dear artist friend of mine from Pennsylvania, I met through blogging, Nanci Hersh has illustrated a children's book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings  When when someone you love has cancer a hopeful, helpful book for kids. 
Hope you will visit the book web site to read in more detail just how special Nanci and her book are.

Be a butterfly!