Color, texture, shadow, shape.
Nature things and art really are vastly intertwined.
The more you see, the more you see.
The more you see, the more you learn.
The more that spring steps in, the more we dream.
The more we dream, the more inspiration seeps in.
Nature things.
We need them so, don’t we?
I love collecting bits and bobs in the garden.
Baby ferns born around great big ferns, with unfurling little tops, like snails.
The butterflies swoosh around, so…
I study butterflies and moths.
Which one to paint?
I love them all, how to choose?
Delicate and interesting and beautiful.
I get out the book.
I think I love butterflies and moths equally.
Wait…
Well, not the moths that eat wool so much 🙂
Such beautiful drawings…
I paint and study, and sketch, and paint.
I was visiting my sister and when I stood up, I left a little green caterpillar where I had been sitting.
I didn’t know at the time, but she told me later, and we both had a laugh.
Maybe it was in my hair?
Isn’t that funny?
Am I morphing?
The whole garden smells like orange blossoms.
We have about 7 citrus trees these days.
We have eaten the last of the oranges…
They were soooo sweet and delicious.
And now, we watch bees do their job for next year.
Ever so many blossoms on our 13 year old dwarf orange tree.
Everyone is enjoying the scent it seems.
I love the buzzing all around.
Bees on citrus and jasmine and fruit trees.
Wonder what their honey tastes like?
I am enjoying the coming to life that happens this time of year.
All fresh and new and pretty.
Filled with inspiration and good vibes.
And so…
We paint.
I am back to finishing up some pieces.
Spring sure does aid the senses.
Is it warming up a little where you are?
Love, V
Vanessa:
This is, indeed, the most loveliest time of the year. Everything is coming to life and blossoming and scenting. My boysenberries are in full bloom and my plum and nectarine trees are starting to blossom too. Even the arroyo lupine in my wildflower garden is starting to bloom!
Every day recently that Ava and I have taken our morning walk, I have thought of you. Butterflies and nature in general always remind me of you. During our walks, we are often surrounded by huge Tiger Swallowtail butterflies. They flutter all around our heads while we walk and Ava and I both agree that they remind us of you.
xoxo
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
Yes, very inspirational time of year. Love these photos of natural delights, along with your art, of course! A cherry tree is blooming outside my window and crocuses and daffodils are popping their heads up in the garden – but it’s cold and rainy! Have seen only one butterfly so far this spring. But I brought home three giant bouquets of parrot tulips from the market, to brighten the gloom. xx
A beautiful post, as always! Life has been so hectic, I haven’t had nearly enough time to visit regularly, but when I do, your words and exquisite photography never fail to inspire!
Still quite cold here, but I can see aconite in the herb garden now, and tulips pushing up through the dusting of snow. Spring can’t be far behind!
🖤 Carolee
I think I’ll go visit Your esty shop 🙂 Dreaming of beauty-Denise
Gosh what a great butterfly book you have Vanessa!!! Hugs! deb
I love the idea of you leaving a caterpillar behind on your visit! ♡
Wonderful post. I love your collections and the photo of your dog and that looks like a really interesting book!
That photo of peeling an orange is amazing!
I just wanted to ask you; Have you sent those seeds yet? I haven’t received anything and I hope the post office hasn’t screwed up!
Spring is in the air ain’t it! What beautiful flying little creatures, moths and butterflies. I went to an insect museum when I was younger, it had every type of flying little creature imaginable. There were some butterflies or moths with beautiful iridescent wings and these big bodies with little faces and arms and legs. I don’t know what they were called but I swore that the museum must have preserved fairies in their collection!
Ooooo Vanessa, whenever you get up to Phoenix I’ll meet you at BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND 😉 hundreds of butterflies and moths from all over the world flying about and landing on your shoulder for a lovely hello.
Nature…it’s the best.
Oh yes yes, I know what you are speaking of, swoooooon…
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/19/2014 8:03:58 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oooooooooooooo!!!!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/19/2014 9:28:14 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oh Kim, be still my heart!!! xoxo
Tara, I think about you ever so often, wishing you lots of love and light and goodness always! xoxo
Carolee, so wonderful to see you!!! xoxo
Such amazing beauty. Things are melting fast here but no new growth has emerged from the ground, still 8 inches of snow still on the ground covering what will be new growth. I can’t wait to see springs beauty, but can through your wonderful photos.
Miss Linda, your spring will be so lush and beautiful, it will be
wonderland for sure. The west is ina drought. A nice mild
summer, but little moisture. I cant wait to see your spring and summer!
😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/19/2014 3:47:11 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I think dreaming of beauty is what I want to do the rest of the afternoon 😉
Thank you, it has flora and reptiles too 😉
I did love that orange shot, they were so oily and wondrous!! (the skin I mean) the flesh was sweeeeet 😉