Nature Notes ~ Winter 2022

Framing Art Beautifully

When I frame an image, I either want to expand the edges of the work or accentuate a special feature or color. Many times though, I really need another set of eyes or a second opinion. I've been very fortunate over the years to have talented creatives to help me choose mat colors and styles, as well as frames and combinations. In the process of sharing ideas, we always arrive at a more beautiful place than I could have achieved on my own. 

In these examples, you can easily see how color and frame choice really extends the image or can highlight certain aspects of the painting that you enjoy. (Click on each image to enlarge.)

In the original painting Home for Wolf, the large green mat really draws the image outward. Then the inner mats connect to the trees, branches, and dark green shadows in the leaves. The aspen frame is the perfect finishing touch!

​Below you can see that Laura wanted to highlight the wildflowers in her Home for Butterflies print with her choice of deep blue and soft pink mats. Then she chose a neutral frame in a buff color that connects to the butterfly wing surrounding the flowers. So pretty!

In the boreal series, these amazing frames were hand-crafted by Kim and Paul Bodean from paper birch bark that was stained to bring attention to certain aspects of an image. You can really see this detail in the Home for Brook Trout original. The watercolor wash of the birch frame brings out the colors of the water reflections in the painting.

In the Desert Waves original, Leslie and Tim at the Colorado Frame Company in Highlands Ranch helped me choose an iridescent mat and a frame that looks like wet sand to really enhance the feeling of being at the beach in the Sea of Cortez.

​You can also highlight specific colors in a painting to match your décor or enhance the feeling of an image. The framing process can be so much fun! Especially so, when you work with such talented friends who can really bring a painting to life!

Wishing you a beautiful winter season! Inside and out!

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The Roots of the Place

The Evergreen Center for the Arts has another wonderful art show going on now! The title of the exhibit, The Roots of the Place, runs from December 1 through January 7.

​As shared on their website, "The annual CAE member show spotlights the talent of the artist members. This juried exhibition celebrates the vibrant arts community of the Colorado foothills, and you're sure to find a must-have piece to add to your collection. We're calling the exhibition, The Roots of the Place because we wouldn't be an art center without our artists - you ARE the history and the roots of CAE." 

Home for Aspen & Evergreen

My original watercolor, Home for Aspen and Evergreen, is the painting chosen for this year's exhibit. I'm so excited to be a part of such a beautiful show. What a wonderful place to visit over the holidays with your friends and family! Click here for more info!

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Conservation Corner

Not too long ago, I received an email from my favorite nursery that shared tips for "Preparing the Garden for a long Winter's Nap". It was so helpful! Some tips I knew and others were brand new to me!

A few to share are to leave dried plant canes intact for beneficial insect shelter (like lady bugs), as well as add mulch around perennials, and compost to garden soil. Did you know that fallen leaves, brush piles, and flower seed heads are important habitat for invertebrates? 

The Xerces Society, an awesome invertebrate conservation org has even more tips on cleaning up your yard (in moderation : ) for the season while helping wild critters during the cold winter months. Click here to learn more and check out more cool resources! Let's all leave the leaves!

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The Beauty of Winter on Your Neighborhood Trail

The natural colors of winter can be so soothing and peaceful. I love the soft browns, golds, and greys. It's also wonderful to see the shape of the trees without their leaves. Every now and then, you can spot a nest and it's fun to try to guess what type of bird raised their young there.

​On a trail near Parker where I live, I often see or hear chickadees, nuthatches, flickers, and robins. They're common birds, but I enjoy them and appreciate their hardiness and winter skills. ​I love to hear them sing even on the coldest of days. They always seem so happy!

I enjoy checking out the small stream that runs along the trail where I often walk. I like to see if it's flowing, or frozen, or maybe a little bit of both. On the day I took this photo, the shape of the ice and the color of the leaves and moss were so pretty. No matter the season, nature always has beauty to share!

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Wishing you a happy holiday, dear friend!

Now it's your turn to share your inspiration! I'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below!