Tuesday, March 11, 2014

A little sunlight in the woods

The sun has been to visit and stayed a while. We took advantage and walked in the woods where only the gentle silent waters moved slowly and birds went about their business without a care of anything else that was going on in the world.
The trees skeletal forms were softened with moss. A green velvety coat that glowed in the afternoon rays.(which reminds me I never did get that green velvet mossy coat that I was after a few years back)
Growing upon the fallen rotting branches, moss covered, I found this bright red fungus. I think it's called Scarlet Elf Cup. What a perfect name, don't you think?
 In fact the whole place seemed  perfect for elves to live... and other creatures.

 "Frodo saw the valley of the Silverlode lying like a sea of fallow gold tossing gently in the breeze.  It seemed to him that he would never hear again a running water so beautiful, for ever blending its innumerable notes in an endless changeful music."  ~ Tolkien

Was that the distant sound of sweet singing I heard? Voices of  Lothlorien perhaps.
Even the ant hills looked a little surreal in the afternoon light, almost as if they were sleeping beings that might up and walk at a moments notice, or when the full moon shines upon them?
~*~
Our wanderings took us near to the pretty village of Castle Combe which is only just a few miles from me. I'm not sure if I've shared pictures of the village before on here, I may have done?
It's a very picturesque Cotswold stone village and very much loved by tourists. Maybe you might recognise it from the film Stardust?
~*~
Although the sun has been with us these past few days and yesterday I was gardening in a tee shirt my thoughts and ideas have been of the north. The latest two finished paintings reflect this. This one below I have slightly changed from my original drawing. 'The Jewelled Breath' available as a print from my shop here
The other painting I haven't got around to scanning yet, so isn't available as yet, but will be shortly. I will take it with me on my next trip to town. I have named this one 'Queen of the Earth, child of the sky'
It's painted on canvas which I often struggle with. It's strange how moving paint across a different surface can behave so differently. Wood and paper is fast, but canvas always so slow, for me anyhow. 
Thanks for all your comments on the last post, so sorry I haven't replied to any, I will get around to it. Time seems to be playing tricks on me at the moment.
Enjoy the sunshine! 
X

20 comments:

  1. I don't think I could ever tire of reading and seeing your post. So much beauty, earthly and artistic and a reminder of the magic in the world. Thank You.

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    1. And thank you Marilyn for taking the time to visit and read what I put here. xx

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  2. That amazing, very fairylike indeed! Living in the city I don't visit forests often enough. I'm planning to go to one this week though… let's hope I didn't miss the cherry blossoms at their prettiest!

    And that village looks amazing! Makes me want to visit right away.

    And that piece is really pretty as well! The owl looks so real and I love the touches of gold you added. Very very nice!

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    1. We are lucky here, to have such magical places close at hand to visit when we want. Enjoy your time in the forest and I hope yo do get to see the cherry blossoms. :)

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  3. What a beautiful walk - I love the as yet still leafless trees, glowing with moss (to me there is nothing more beautiful than a winter tree, when you can see all her bare bones and skeletal beauty) and the way that the footpath carries on over the water, via the stone slabs - like a magical path to who knows where.
    The village looks amazing too - I have never been there but must add it to the list of to do's!
    Love the changes to The Jewelled Breath - wonderful!
    And hasn't it been lovely to finally be able to get out into the garden and potter about :)

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    1. Winter trees are my favourite too and I love moss so this combination was especially appealing to me.
      I'm always adding more places to my list and it's always exciting when you discover a new one to add. Get a little buzz almost the same as when you tick one off. ;)
      Yes it's been a treat to be back out in the garden. Beautiful Spring weather. I'm hoping it remains for this weekend. Fingers crossed.

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  4. I so love your photo's, you live in such an enchanted place, wishing I did too. I adore your work, it speaks to my soul. Much love from the US ❥.•*´¯`❥.•*´¯`❥•*´¯`❥

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  5. So much enchantment and loveliness here. How blessed you are to live in such a place. Your art also is gorgeous.

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  6. What a lovely path through the woods. :) We never venture very far from the village lanes when we're over your way, only walking across the field to the little bridge. Perhaps we need to be more adventurous! I might have said this before but I love your new paintings! The Jewelled Breath is my favouriteso far!
    Jess x

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    1. It will be worth your while to stray from the path if the weather is good. There are lots of walks in this area, just need to find a map and take a picnic. Or you could stop off for a pub lunch as we did ;)
      Thank you! I'm glad that you like the painting too. xx

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  7. oh gosh,
    I haven't been here is ages...but it is still full of wonder!
    Always love my visits here.
    Be back again soon!

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  8. I just found your art. Love it. It's enchanting. :) Peace.

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  9. Beautiful post, beautiful photos and I love your paintings.

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  10. Dear Karen, I feel time is playing tricks with us all, just now....and flyng by with a blink of an eye...Beautiful and haunting this littlepost is to me....Stardust just happens to be my favourite movie! I guess I'm always looking for my babilion candle to transport me to another time and place, but only for a short while..I would always want to return by night fall. ( the villiage looks so pretty).....Karen I love your art work as always...........Recently I was visited by a special blog friend....And we talked of our most favourite blogs.........And for us both it was your's...Take time to dream.....I LOVE the picture you have captured of Mr Hare about his business.....Hugs Maria x

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    1. I love Stardust too, of course I forgot to mention that many other films have been filmed in this village. One of the latest one's that I also enjoyed was War horse.
      How wonderful that you and your friend got together. Do you think my ears were burning that day. ;) Thank you both I'm so glad that you enjoy visiting here. Have a magical weekend Maria, I shall be gadening if the weather stays dry.xx

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