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!

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! 

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.

Capacity

Filled to Capacity
Permanent Marker on 6x6 Smooth Bristol Paper
©BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

Today was one of those just-good days: Lots of chatting and laughing with my hubby into the early hours of the morning, a birthday phone call to an awesome friend, an early dinner with my wonderful parents, a great night of bowling with good people, and a surprise visit with one of the daughters which culminated in a late-night dinner.

Only hitch is that, well, we're definitely "filled to capacity". The stomachs may not really look like this guy's belly, but, boy, do they feel like it!

Hope your day was at least half as good and that you have an equally fantastic week!

IF Popular

Uh-Oh: Popular
Permanent Marker on 6x6 120# Smooth Bristol
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

I had the pleasure of gathering with the girlfriends for lunch today. One of the ladies related her latest adventure with her new-ish-ly adopted cats, 2 beautiful torties, and her beta fish. Yep, the kitties are fascinated with the fish and have been very creative in trying to "catch" a meal. Thus, the inspiration for this very quick sketch for Illustration Friday.

I know all of us can emphasize with this fish: feeling like the outside world is encroaching on our own private nook. What options do we have except to watch helplessly? It can be overwhelming and, sometimes, frightening.

Sometimes all we can do is what this little goldfish is doing: looking the threat in the eye and holding his head up, perhaps, preparing to go head-to-head with the imminent danger. Or, perhaps, getting ready to dive deeper into safety.

Whatever defenses we have to stave off personal disasters, the ability to rally, quietly or defiantly, is amazing. We do get through the crises to face another day. There is no right way or wrong way to muddle our way through these inevitable aspects of life. The only way is the way that works for us as individuals.

So, next time you feel like you're trapped in a goldfish bowl, trust your instincts. You'll be okay.

IF Suspense

Watercolor Paint on 4x6 Cold Press Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

Illustration Friday's topic this week is "Suspense". This illustration may look more like "Peek-a-Boo", but it really represents suspense and mystery for me.

The suspense is, "How will my hair behave today?" and the mystery often is, "What did I do to make it look this good and how will I do it again?".

In my lifetime, I don't know that I've ever known a woman who's been consistently happy about her hair. This phenomenon can be demonstrated simply by wandering the hair care aisle in any store. Between the cleaning, conditioning and coloring products available to the sprays, styling gels and mousses, it takes an entire aisle to hold it all. And if you want a tool to curl your hair, you can choose from small, medium or large curls, spiral curls, crimped waves, etc. Straightening tools offer broad irons for longer needs and 1" or less irons for just a light, wispy effect. It's a great business in which to have stock! Go Conair!

I'm no different in regards to being dissatisfied with my hair. I have 3 things working against me: thin, wavy hair, allergies to stay-in hair products and, mostly, that I'm just plain lazy when it comes to working with it. I've had wonderful hair stylists do great cuts to no avail. It's too fickle to try to anticipate what momentous steps I'll have to take to tame it on any given day.

However, one advantage to age, or, preferably, aging with a certain amount of grace, is that it seems to matter less and less. I don't like the days when my hair goes completely and wildly bad, but the normal, mediocre days are fine.

Think I'll try to avoid the suspense and mystery and just let it go. I'd rather be doing a lot of other things with my time anyway!

TMC Hamlin Beach Park

Hamlin Beach Copse
Watercolor Paint 4x6 Cold Press 140# Paper
©2012 BEDeuel

Last autumn (October 2010), Mike took his camera out to try to capture some of the remaining foliage on the shores of nearby Lake Ontario. The last several years, he'd become accustomed to using a digital camera, but wanted to try this venture with his new-ish 35mm.

What he found difficult, after all these years with instant results, was figuring out if he'd gotten the shot he'd wanted. Despite having taken film photographs for decades prior, it was alien returning to the form.

He was disappointed with the results. The day was beautiful but the foliage color was on the dim side, which, in truth was the only problem I could find with his photos. The composition was still excellent, the subject beautiful.

My motivation for using this photo for a 20-minute painting was to demonstrate to him how well his composition translates to others.

Personally, I'm pleased with the piece. Just as I was with his original photograph.

Thanks, Twenty Minute Challenge for letting me share!