In the early morning when I walk from my car to work I can smell the heavenly aroma of bread baking at Aaron Brenner’s Bakery. Making bread has to be an art! I tried making bread once many years ago and you could have tied a rope around it and used it for a boat anchor!
As an artistic person I try to be observant just in case a “Kodak moment” should appear. If I’m not carrying my camera, then I’m carrying my cell phone which can take fairly decent photographs. This summer I have been walking about a mile and a half during my lunch break. Some of the most beautiful scenes are almost in the center of town.
I walk past beautifully painted murals. I love the little bronze “Foal” by Jeff Oens. Adults and children stop to admire this sculpture on the corner of Initial and Cole Street. If Mount Rainier is out I get my mountain fix. I get the same feeling looking at Mount Rainier that I get when I see the ocean. It is humbling and awe inspiring. It centers my soul and connects me with my senses. I never tire of looking at this gorgeous mountain.
We have another glorious season to view colorful baskets of floral beauty hanging along the streets of Enumclaw and Buckley. One is nearly dazzled by the extraordinary combination of colors and variety of hanging flower baskets. Each basket is an individual creation bursting with color and fragrance. They are simply breathtaking and a photo opportunity waiting to happen. There just has to be a touch of love mixed in with the water and fertilizer that they’re fed every morning.
My watercolor lessons go on at Arts Alive! I love seeing the kids taking lessons right along with the adults. They are as focused as the adults and truly love the guidance Lorrie Maras gives them.
My last painting was of my friend’s wedding dress. The waist of her dress was simply exquisite. I was Steffanie and Jerry Gustafson’s photographer at their July 17 wedding on Camano Island. I was so honored that they asked me. When I saw Steffanie in her wedding dress I was truly moved. She was beyond radiant.
The waist of her dress had a beautiful flower as the apex from where swirling folds of delicate fabric molded into the bodice. I took a photo of the dress and flower. When I saw the image, I knew I wanted to try to paint it. Sometimes I think I have more nerve than sense, because I’m still very new at painting. I’ll include an image of my finished effort.
Steffanie played the evil Miss Hannigan in Stage Door Productions’ “Annie” last April. She was as far away from that nasty character as she could be on July 17. I wish my friend and fellow thespian a happy-ever-after marriage to her beloved Jerry.
