Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Painting & knitting

Okay, I admit up front, I don't know how to paint. I've never taken a class or made a serious attempt to learn how to do it correctly from a book or any other resource. But I love how it feels to paint, to dip the brush in a mixture of gooey colors and sweep it across the canvas. I love being totally immersed in the process of painting; it is so soothing and satisfying.


Last weekend I was feeling that melancholy that comes when the days get shorter and colder. I got out my paint and a blank canvas and let myself just play without worrying about making something pretty. It made me so happy.


I want to decorate my bedroom in blue and white with a beachy theme, but because I'm on a tight budget I have to do it little by little. I painted this picture to hang over my dresser and feel pretty good about how it turned out. It would be nice if I knew how to draw and could add a sailboat or a bird, but I'm afraid I might wreck it.


With the holidays just around the corner, I'm starting to think about handmade gifts. This is an attempt to knit a slipper. The pattern is so simple, but I've never had good results. I'm hoping my skills have improved and it will work this time. I'll keep you posted.

Well, there's a little black cat peeking over the computer screen, his eyes begging me to play with him, so I better get going. Hope you're having a good week.

12 comments:

Theresa said...

Are you kidding me? That picture is gorgeous! Looks like a professional painted it!!! I have a pair of knitted slippers, my favorites. I would show them to you but you would feel so sorry for me that you would make me a new pair:) A bit worn! Go play with the kitty and enjoy whatever you do today!

Maiden Jane said...

Your paintings are beautiful! I recognize the start of those slippers. I made my son a pair and he is thrilled with them.

Woollywotnots said...

Oh MY!!! I'm sorry golden bird, but I think you need glasses!!!! "CAN'T Paint"!!!!! I beg your pardon Lady, but you sure can paint!! Your two paintings are Gorgeous (note with a capital "G"!) Absolutely brilliant. You're so talented. I really like them both.

Dogwood said...

I definitely agree with all other comments about your paintings. I love them. You have that 'natual talent" that I yearn for...

I am still on scarves with my knitting. Love the color of the yarn. Slippers! Wow.

Pat yourself on the back. You deserve it! Isn't it wonderful how creativity can pull us out of a funky feeling.

Thimbleanna said...

Well, for not knowing how to paint, that sure looks good to me! When I was growing up, I had two slipper patterns I loved -- it looks like you're starting one of them!

Debra said...

The blue one will look beautiful above your dresser...and it does not matter if you are not free to paint more with it...it is perfect how it is..a la naturale" huh..:)

Suz said...

Don't you know?
Painters paint.

So beautiful...

you don't need a boat....aren't you looking out the porthole?

Love the lively swimmers...sea life

Rachel said...

Oh I love your painting. It's so serene. Anything to do with the ocean is so soothing to me. You should be proud to hang it on your wall.

I like the one above too. Beautiful colours.

So... you're getting in the Christmas spirit...? haha Good for you. Have fun with the knitted slippers - too hard for me! Like Dogwood, I'm sticking to scarves for now.

Miri said...

wow, those are great paintings!!! why ever would you think you can't paint? <3

renee ~ heirloom seasons said...

I think your paintings are wonderful! I love the colors in the first golden one.
You have posted a lot of beautiful pictures lately. And I never got to tell you how much I love your log cabin washcloths!

Michelle said...

Your paintings are just beautiful! I've always wanted to try to paint-- even bought two small canvasses a few years ago, and inherited watercolors & oils from my mother-in-law; but I'm so afraid to wreck the canvas!! How silly is that?!

I do believe you've just inspired me to pull them out and give it a try!

Thank you:-)
~Michelle

Susan Gallacher-Turner said...

Painting is all about the experience of it...just like you did. You don't have to learn to paint to enjoy the process of painting.

Love it!
Susan