Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Monday Artday Miscalculate

Mis-cat-ulate
Soft Colored Pencil 6x9 80# Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts
I have never been considered a graceful person. Klutz, spastic, downright dangerous are most likely to be used to describe my movements.

That being said, why, oh, why do I choose to keep cats in the house?

Maybe it's the challenge of attempting to sense whether the cat will be under my feet as I'm carrying a basket of laundry down the staircase. Maybe it's a need to prove I can land on my feet just like a cat from an unnatural height. And not break an ankle. So far at least.

And for all of cats being a self-serving species, it puzzles me as to what motive they have in trying to put me out of commission. Hubby is not going to feed them 4 times a day like I do. They'll get food in the morning only because they annoy him until he gives in. But, no treats, no afternoon snack, and certainly no smelly, fishy soft food at bedtime will be given.

Yet, they persist in trying to trip me!

I doubt that I'll ever know what motive moves them, but be careful when you step blindly  in a downward direction: it's very easy to miscalculate!

Friday, March 23, 2012

IF Swamp

Sun and Swamp
Water Soluble Pencil on 4x6 130# Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts
We've been so fortunate to taste some early summer-like weather the last week or two. It's been quite remarkable in the effect it's had on people in general. The warmth and the sun have been reflected in everyone's hearts and faces.

A wonderful end to a mild and quick winter. Or a great start to, hopefully, an enjoyable summer!

What has been even more amazing is that hubby and I have actually taken the time for a couple of leisurely, photo-laden strolls. One of the walks was along a trail that was dotted with creeks, a train trestle, both straggly and uniform rows of trees, and, yes, swamps.

The word "swamp" can conjure an ugly image of mud and algae, bugs, and stench.

But, personally, I've often found that swamps are fascinatingly lovely. The sight of a cluster of trees immersed in water, dead or dying, yet majestic and dignified, can be inspiring. Artistically, the view can offer so many textures and depths in one sweep.

It all comes back to the idea that beauty comes in all sizes, colors and forms. If you get the chance, stop and take a long, thorough look at a swamp. Like so many other things in life, you might be surprised at the treasures it might hold.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

IF Yield

Never Yield
6x6 Watercolor on Smooth Bristol
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts
With the winds of March upon us, particularly here on the Hill, the vision of mightily fighting the gusts came to mind.

A damaged, broken umbrella has lost its purpose, while a swept-back coat offers little, if any, protection against the force she faces.

Yet, she still moves into the wind, determined to get to her destination.

From this point, I could launch a parable describing how this scene represents so many days in our lives. But, there really isn't any need, is there?

We can all see ourselves pushing to overcome the many hindrances that life throws at us.

And, thus the title: Never Yield.

Have a great and, however you might measure it, success-filled week!

Monday, March 5, 2012

TMC Tropical Getaway

Tropical Getaway

Foothill

Digital Diva

Spent a little too much time yesterday playing with the Paint program on the computer. Not that any of them took more than 20 minutes, but they were fun to create. Learned a few small things as I went along that should help when I take on a more serious digital piece.

Have a great week! 

Saturday, March 3, 2012

IF Intention: The Gift

The Gift
Permanent Marker 6x6 Smooth Bristol
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts
I'm sure we've all had an occasion in our lives when it's been hard to gracefully accept a heartfelt, but awkward, gift.

The first time, that I can clearly recall, was when I was a kid. My great-aunt was part of the family and had taken to hand-feeding a sickly cat who had taken residence outside our house. The cat, named Tigger, regained her health (and went on to live a very long life) thanks to Aunt Marie's efforts. You might guess how Tigger repaid her based on the illustration for IF posted here. Yep: dead critters left at the front door. There were a lot of screams on a lot of early mornings. Aunt Marie thought she could avoid the gifts by going out through the garage door, but Tigger caught on quickly and started to deposit her presents of gratitude at that door. The morning screams continued for quite a while.

Another time, in more recent years, was that first well-intentioned, but, decidedly, unromantic gift from the hubby, at-that-time boyfriend. I learned then (but still forget frequently) he actually does listen to me when I mention something I might like to get. Like a convertible vacuum cleaner. For my birthday. Yes, very awkward, indeed.

Most of the time, we manage to gather our wits enough to react, perhaps belatedly,but with as much grace as we can. However, the gift-giver knows, no matter how rapidly we may recover. 

I don't know about you, but I find that when that happens, I feel so awful for not being grateful, that I start to see the gift in a different light. It becomes all the more precious for the thought and love put into it, from the giver to the recipient, even if it doesn't meet the expectation initially.

When a daughter needed a vacuum cleaner for her school residence, she asked if she could take that convertible one with her. Oddly enough, it was hard to part with it. I think you may know why now.

As Time Goes By... Woof!

As mentioned in the last blog,  it's been 8 years since we started to promote the idea of artistic personalized items. Bronson Hill Art...