Sunday Sketches

The other day, my favorite place to walk my dog, the Chehalis Western Trail, had been cleared of leaves. I realized it was a metaphor relating to having a clear path and it appeared that everything along the path was inviting and beautiful.

When I returned home, I decided to create a mandala capturing this walking meditation. I started by painting a colorful path across the circle and then added some of my experience. I felt the need for words and let them flow along the path.

Walking Mandala
watercolor
18" X 24" More Sunday Sketchers.....

Magnolia and Bee

The other day as I was leaving my yard, I notice that the magnolia blossom had finally bloomed. This was tremendously exciting because it is the second magnolia tree that I planted and I placed it in the ground this spring.

You can see from the photos that I literally jumped out of my car to take in this fascinating display of nature. To my surprise I found a bee absolutely molesting the stigma of the flower. The bee was stuffing pollen into a huge sack near its back feet. I stood mesmerized and felt as if I were watching a nature film.

When I returned later that day, the lower part of the stigma lay in total disarray at the base of the petals.

This is what I captured with my camera.....

See if you can see the sack of pollen.......

Results of Second Nature's Rorschach Test

What do you see?

For those of you inclined to take the Nature's Rorschach test,
here is the result:

A PROFILE OF AN APE IN CONTEMPLATION

Do you see it?

The line coming down from the top is his forehead which feeds into the outline of his profile. He even has his paw raised against his face in a contemplative mood. He definitely is a happy character!

Do you see it now?

Anyone not familiar with a Rorschach Test here is some information:

The Rorschach test (also known as the Rorschach inkblot test or simply the Inkblot test) is a psychological test in which subjects' perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed using psychological interpretation, complex scientifically derived algorithms, or both. Some psychologists use this test to examine a person's personality characteristics and emotional functioning.

It is similar to finding images in clouds or in splotches of paint with or without the psychological interpretations.

Another Nature Rorschach Test

About a week or so ago, I posted an image from my walk along the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington. I called it Nature's Rorschach test because the image of the cut tree reminded me of a Rorschach test. At that time, I saw a face. Today, from a different angle the tree stump took on a different image.

What do you see?


For those of you who do not know what a Rorschach test is, I let me explain.

The Rorschach test (also known as the Rorschach inkblot test or simply the Inkblot test) is a psychological test in which subjects' perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed using psychological interpretation, complex scientifically derived algorithms, or both. Some psychologists use this test to examine a person's personality characteristics and emotional functioning.

It is similar to finding images in clouds or in splotches of paint with or without the psychological interpretations.

Stay tuned for the results of the New Nature's Rorschach Test

Speaking of Beauty.......

Many posts have been addressing beauty in nature as well as art.

Today, I could not reframe from posting the most beautiful sight:


Haeden Ethaniel Judy
My Grandson
Born March 27, 2010

A Proud Grandma

Results of Nature's Rorschach test

What do you see?



For those of you inclined to take the Nature's Rorschach test,
here is the result:

A FACE WITH A FLOWER ADORNING ITS EAR

Do you see it?

The lines coming in from both sides end at the eyes. In the center is a large box like nose. The mouth has a bit of a sideways grimace. The Indian Plum leaves are decoration for this jaunty chap.

Do you see it now?

Or do you see something else? Please tell!

Every Picture Tells a Story

Makes me think of Rod Steward. Does that date me?

Today, as I walked my dog, I was on an adventure to photograph nature for my next watercolor paintings. I pass this setting every day either when walking or driving in my car.

What is the story?

A long time ago this tree ent was the sentinel of this forest in the Pacific Northwest. He was a friendly character but took his job seriously. For many years, the area was very safe and the creatures of the forest were happy.

Next thing you know, human beings began to encroach on the tree ent's forest domain. The addition of the swing was at first alarming, but he enjoyed the laughter and joy of the children. His job description expanded to include protecting the children who came to swing and play at his feet. The tree ent was proud of his role.

One day a most disturbing occurrence changed everything. Someone evaluated his job and decided that the tree ent was not sufficient for the task at hand. No one spoke to him about this matter or made any suggestions for improvement. There was definitely a lack of communication. Much to the tree ent's alarm and pain, a human nailed a sign, "No Trespassing" on his tummy. How inconsiderate!

Now his job has been downsized; to greet people passing by and provide them with a chuckle or two while informing trespassers they are no longer welcome in this neck of the woods.