Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Grandmother's iris

 When I was growing up in South Carolina, every Easter these purple Iris would bloom in our front yard. My mom brought some bulbs that came from her mother's yard when she moved to the beach, so I know these iris must be at least 75 years old. She sent me an email this week to tell me they were blooming. So I thought I would make her an Easter card. She always likes it when I paint, although I'm not really good at it. Her brother was an artist, and I guess she always thought I would be a painter as well.
When I was at the beach with my art pals, everyone was doing water colors and I got a brief lesson, so I gave it a shot today with the iris. Not great, but not so bad. Makes me want to sign up for a watercolor class..... the mug I made back in the day when I had no idea what I was doing with clay either, I really like it though.
 I think about this photo of Wesley every Easter. It's so funny, not at all what she was about at that age. We had to put the obligatory Easter dress,white socks, and black shoes on for photos, but it didn't last long. My girl hated being dressed like this, we had to amuse the grandmothers though. I have a similar photo of me in front of those iris, with a frowny face and the same itchy kind of dress on. I'll try to find it and post it for Easter, maybe. At least Wesley had Bea with her. She grabbed this very expensive collectible bunny in a store that Easter and would not let it go. It was the only time I gave in like that and well worth the money. Bea is still here and she spent many days and nights in my child's arms.
So there is my first attempt at a watercolor. It was fun and has me looking online for a class around here... like I don't have anything else in the world to do! Thanks to my friend Shannon for the quick lesson!

10 comments:

Hollis Engley said...

Very nice, Tracey. And no doubt your grandmother will love it.

cookingwithgas said...

I love Iris and i am ready to see some around here.
Lovely watercolor.
Yes find time for a class!

Anna M. Branner said...

Wondeful watercolor. And I think all us girls have one of those pictures.....

Lori Buff said...

That looks really, really good, maybe you don't need a class.

Michèle Hastings said...

the watercolor looks great! every so often Jeff and get the watercolors out and play.
my iris's are starting to bloom, just in time for Easter.

Laura Farrow said...

good job on the watercolor Trace! fun post too...

woodfirer said...

Lovely iris-y irises!

Amy said...

hope you frame that. beautiful, Tracey!

Joe Troncale said...

You should GIVE lessons...

Tracey Broome said...

Thanks everyone, I'm not sure I'm as good as you think I am, but I appreciate the votes! I really would like to take a class though....