The garden we painted in today was stunning. I pushed open the wrought iron black gate and walked up the higgledy piggeldy stone pathway to discover a secret gardden within. It was on several levels sloping down to the lochside,each level containing plants and trees from all over the elven world. Dr. Opal was a celebrated Ancient Herbalist and gardener,specialising in creating a garden retreat which is both healing and meditative. The potting shed stood at the hilt of the topmost garden area.Grecian urns were close at hand,discreetly placed,and full to the brim with hardy perennials and annual flowers. The copper and slate effects on the urns were highly decorative.The scarlet red begonias were large,like open lips,and were balanced by royal blue lobelia and yellow daisies. Wispy greenery completed the potted displays. Past the monkey puzzle tree, assorted conifers and deciduous specimens we found the stone seat,flanked by a large round copper urn and dragon's blood plants.
The sun shone on us all day,as we worked creating our softly muted shades and many shades of green. A pale elven girl appeared to be our model for the day. She posed ,sitting on the stonework,gazing off into the distance towards the loch.
I managed two pieces of work today. A small study of one of the urns with its background of greenery, and one of the elven girl in her leafy environment. We spent an idyllic day.stopping for tea and a leisurely lunch between sessions. We are becoming a very tightly knit little band ,of ardent workers and helpmates. Daedalus did his rounds,doling out encouragement and praise in bucket loads,and at four in the afternoon,he even handed round the trays of cream tea scones. Such a delightful way to finish an afternoon. I travelled back in the elven motor carriage ,and then on the Steam Engine, in a summery haze. I am very much enjoying my week. I hope I can set aside time to continue my artistic development once the course is over.
Other matters have completely receded this week. Parchment sales are quietly going on in the background,while washing ,ironing and sweeping away the cobwebs in our little toadstool is being left for another day. I am watering the plants when I come home,but I get sleepy very quickly after supper,and just make time to organise myself for the morrow. Pendragon is being very patient with me,as he is making supper all this week,and tucking me in early so that I get enough sleep .
Tomorrow we are visiting the seaside,to paint waves,in-coming tides and acres of sand. Not to mention fabulous skies, and sea-faring boats.
Much happiness to you all my friends,and may the sky be blue for you all day tomorrow. Remember to build your sandcastles in the air and your daydreams in the sky......
From Amarantha Willow,(magenta hair and aquamarine eyes, candy pink cheeks and pale ivory skin ),your very own colour specialist in Toadstool number five, the Rainbow Faery.