A post sharing my notes and photos from a cold, wet walk on Easter Sunday. I was still able to find interesting life, wait till you see the video clip with Tadpole eggs! Please click images to see them larger or be taken to see them as cards you can zoom in on, use the BACK button to return.
Easter Sunday 2011
Below is a picture of what it looked like when I was sitting on a pile of dead logs, my rubber boots deep in water, and trying not to drop anything! My hands were cold, as you could guess from my trusty wool flip back mittens. This is just a small, quick sketch done with watercolor crayons.
Watercolor crayons, brush and journal on my lap above the water.
Then I video taped the little tadpoles floating in the water here in front of the pond, have a look!
By the time I got to Oak Lane, where the wild Mayapples grow, I was tired and cold.
A sea of green umbrellas, like little people waiting in the woods!
I was excited to see the Mayapples though, they always surprise me as they don’t grow anywhere else on my land. They look like a sea of green umbrellas held by miniature people standing in the woods, maybe they’re fairies?
Mayapples softly unfolding.
Mayapple unopened yet, such a tender green with hints of reddish tints.
Below just a few small sketches done while standing and looking down at them. I had to give up soon though, my back was seizing up saying enough!
Mayapples + Green Frogs
I was excited to find a Green Frog in the pasture on my way back, he was moving slow because it was so cold. I was actually able to snatch him up after he dove under water! heehee…I felt like a little kid!
Meet my new friend, Mr. Green Frog
Always gentle with creatures I touch, I was careful how I held him, and with experienced deftness (;-) ) whipped out my tiny camera and got some close up shots of him.
Mr. Green Frog poses for his 3/4 profile shot!
Don’t worry, I didn’t entertain thoughts of kissing him! I already found my prince! But I do think Mr. Green Frog was trying to look handsome.
Green Frog in the grass
Then he was gently returned to the grass and as many frogs will do, just sat there while I continued to snap pictures and also do the small watercolor sketch. They believe themselves to be invisible while not moving. Here’s a tip from me, when photographing a frog, or any critter, take some shots right away in case they jump away. Then after you have a few, try moving your position a bit or as I sometimes do, move some grasses that might be in the way. With this green guy, I was actually able to gently remove grasses in front of his face, then from his body as he sat frozen, watching me. It was a cold day so maybe he was extra sluggish. Then he jumped away into the water and I took more shots.
I really do like frogs and feel a bit guilty for not doing a nice little painting for you to see, BUT I was really cold and wet by the time I met Mr. Green Frog and couldn’t wait to get home for a hot bath. I’d like to do some drawings from my photos though, when I do you’ll be first to know!
I hope you enjoyed coming on my walk with me, it was kind of lonely until I met the tadpoles and then the frog. I guess you’re always surrounded by friends if you stop to meet them!
Here’s some links to fun things in my shop with “Mr. Green Frog” on them:
Great post, Mary! I love the mayapples, too. I was on an art retreat last weekend (bliss!) and had a chance to see lots of these as well when we were hiking. They are indeed like a little sea of green umbrellas! I took lots of photos and hope to do some drawings, too. Love the little frog. He is so wonderfully green!
Carol
An enjoyable post as always Mary! Loved reading this. I need to remember to bring my sketch book with me when I am out and about, or at least my camera! xxoo
Hi Carol, thanks! I’m excited I found more Mayapples growing in the same lane a bit further along! Under oak trees again, I wonder if they usually like to grow under oaks? One of these days I’ll do a nice drawing of them…but I’d like to do some frog paintings first. Your art retreat sounds great, I guess everytime I get out for a walk it’s like my retreat, but the laundry, dishes and computer work is always waiting when I get back!
Hi Marie, yes you just need to tuck a small sketchpad into all your bags or purses. I keep a small one in the front seat of the car too, in case I’m waiting somewhere. Once you get in the habit of sketching something everyday, or making notes, you feel naked without your sketchbook or journal! Do you have a tiny camera? I have this little Olympus camera that takes great pics, great closeups actually, or there’s always the cell phone camera option. I’m glad you had time to visit my blog.
Awesome journaling! The sketches are fantastic, and I don’t think I had been a fan of frogs before, but I am starting to like them now… =)
Oh your sketches are wonderful!!! This is my first visit to your blog and I love it!
Well thanks so much Alex! Yeah, frogs kind of grow on you! haha…the more I photograph them and study them they get more interesting. They all have different little things you look for to identify them and sometimes when you see them close up in the sun, they are very metallic looking, really pretty! I really want to do some frog paintings soon, I mean ‘better’ than just a quick sketch.
Thanks so much Marva! I hope you keep visiting because I have soooo much to share! (don’t we all?) I stopped by two of your blogs, I see you love sewing too. I had to put that aside years ago because I could spend WAY too much time on that and not on painting! And is the ‘doll’ blog yours? Those dolls are so cool, adorable, and I’m not into dolls. I DO like cuddly toys though! I never heard of these dolls before, where are they from? I love the blonde one who got new shoes…so pretty looking down, kind of real.