End of Day

End of Day, 2012

Graphite on paper

4.75 x 6 inches

© 2012 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

For several reasons, I haven’t been satisfied with what I’ve been producing lately.  To shake things loose creatively, I decided that I needed to relax, get back to basics with pencil and paper, and see where it took me.

If you’re an artist, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Viola

Viola, 2010

© 2010 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

A couple of years ago, I finally remembered to photograph an out-of-the-way patch of violas while they were in bloom.  The viola is a humble plant, and some might consider it a weed because it’s so aggressive, but I always enjoy seeing these pretty little flowers in the spring.

I like how this photo showcases how elegant this modest plant can be.  I also like how the violets and blues of the single viola bloom pop against the rich green of its leaves.

Harbingers of Spring

Harbingers of Spring, 2012

© 2012 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

The complements yellow and purple comprise one of my favorite color combinations.  The colors are so intense here because I was experimenting with the saturation setting on my camera.

In most of the photos I took with a high saturation setting, particularly those taken in strong sunlight, contrast was lost as analogous colors blended together.  Shot in the shade, this photo was one of the few I thought was a keeper.  Now I know just how far I can go with the saturation setting on my camera.

Pink Geraniums

Pink Geraniums, 2012

Ink and watercolor on paper

6 x 5 inches

© 2012 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

While running errands recently, the weather was so nice, I decided to take a look at the garden department to see what was available.  They had some very tempting geraniums for sale, but I restrained myself from buying any.  As eager as I am to start on this year’s annual garden because of the unusually warm weather we’re having, I’m better off waiting until the danger of frost has passed and the garden centers have a wider variety of annuals for sale.

Daffodil Challenge

Daffodil Challenge, 2012

Graphite on paper

8 x 5 inches

© 2012 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

In honor of the early-blooming daffodils in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ann Thompson Nemcosky issued a daffodil challenge this month.  This is the first time I’ve seen a challenge issued by an artist whose blog I follow, so I decided to participate.

The online art community is so supportive and inspirational.  I can’t wait to see the daffodil interpretations of the other artists who participate in Ann’s challenge.

UPDATE:  Ann has posted all of the daffodil artwork submitted for the challenge.  It’s interesting to see the different media used and each of the interpretations.  Congratulations and well done to everyone who participated.