 Debra Frasier as The Queen of Letters introduces me to the process for choosing my word of power. A Magical Meeting with Debra Frasier |
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Left: Open to the hot summer sun, the Gravel Garden features interesting cacti and Mediterranean specimens. Right: A pastoral quality prevails in this view of mature trees atop a hill and meadow plantings below, near Chanticleer House.
Intrigued by the diversity, I wondered how it was achieved. "There are seven Horticulturists, each responsible for the design, planting, and maintenance of an area. The areas are continually evolving, each with its own feel, yet joined together as one complete unit, “explains the chanticleer website. It's also helpful to understand how much work and care an outstanding garden requires and I was especially curious about this one. I learned that there are fourteen full-time year-round gardeners and groundskeepers plus six other full-time staff member. In summer, the number of staff members doubles and includes interns and exchange gardeners. During the winter, year round staff members build and create furniture from wood harvested on the property, and construct fences, bridges, drinking fountains and other decorative touches.Throughout my visit, there were staff gardeners available to speak with about any aspect of the garden.
The bold colors and textures of the Teacup Garden at Chanticleer.
Flowers petals in a bowl of water and a hand crafted whimsical garden gate add charm to the entry of the Teacup Garden.
My favorite spot, and the part I found the most inspirational, is the teacup Garden. As the Chanticleer Garden website explains, “The Teacup Garden and Chanticleer Terraces feature seasonal plants and bold-textured tropical and subtropical plants. These areas change greatly from year to year. Non-hardy plants overwinter in greenhouses and basements.” It’s an area of lush, colorful plantings that use foliage as much as flowers to create vibrant borders. I especially loved the combination of banana plant leaves with the sizzling red of hibiscus flowers, and other exotic looking plants. As it happens, there are cold hardy bananas and also cold hardy hibiscus varieties. Another lovely idea for just about all gardeners were the gorgeous bowls of water with floating flower petals placed in various spots near the houses on the property. With great ideas for plant combinations and decorative touches I can put in my own garden, visiting Chanticleer was both a pleasure and an inspiration!
~To learn more about Chanticleer Garden, including plant lists and videos, go to: chanticleergarden.org
~To learn more about Chanticleer Garden, including plant lists and videos, go to: chanticleergarden.org
©Annette Bartlett-Golden, Color Play in Aqua. Watercolor, 16 x 20 inches. $285
New Directions
by Annette Bartlett-Golden
With the coming of the New Year I feel compelled to take my art in new directions. That means trying new materials, experimenting with different techniques, and exploring more abstract subject matter. It also entails focusing my energy on finishing the series of large Blue Ridge mountain paintings called Woven Existence rather than painting many smaller works as I have done over the last few years. In coming months look for a balanced mix of abstract and representational art. Of course, it will be interesting to look back later and see what I actually did!
In the painting above, the goal was to just play with color and texture. That is definitely a new direction for me and one I greatly enjoyed stepping into. I used traditional transparent watercolors under liquid watercolors, which are quite intense, on Arches art board that I had never used before. I love how it turned out!
Although there are plenty of bright colors in the collage below, it had a slightly different intent. It's purpose was therapeutic expression. This month has been a whirl of ups and down for me and my latest collage,In and Out, is a reflection of that. As with most of my collages, their creation is a journey of inner exploration that often results in the reorganization of my inner landscape.
In the painting above, the goal was to just play with color and texture. That is definitely a new direction for me and one I greatly enjoyed stepping into. I used traditional transparent watercolors under liquid watercolors, which are quite intense, on Arches art board that I had never used before. I love how it turned out!
Although there are plenty of bright colors in the collage below, it had a slightly different intent. It's purpose was therapeutic expression. This month has been a whirl of ups and down for me and my latest collage,In and Out, is a reflection of that. As with most of my collages, their creation is a journey of inner exploration that often results in the reorganization of my inner landscape.
©Annette Bartlett-Golden, In and Out. Mixed media, 11 x 14 inches. $185
© Annette Bartlett-Golden, Blue Ridge Mountains. Oil on canvas, 8 by 10 inches. $150.
Blue Ridge Inspiration
By Annette Bartlett-Golden
Bluish rows of gently rounded ridge tops marching into the distance – these are the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The simplicity and scale of this ancient mountain chain worn down over eons and rising no more than 7000 feet (2100 meters) above sea level are part of their great beauty and appeal. Some of the fun of the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival for me was a chance to visit the Blue Ridge again, which I have found to be a fountain of inspiration for paintings. While the site of the festival was the small mountain town of Burnsville, there are many more scenic views visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway and I was delighted that my friend took us on a part of it after the festival. Of course, I also wanted to share some of those scenes in paintings so I made sure to take lots of photos. Look for new mountain paintings soon!
Here I am taking a photo on the Blue Ridge Parkway for painting ideas. Photo taken by Tanya Gold.
@Annette Bartlett-Golden, Little Pinnacle Overlook and The Knob at Pilot Mountain. Oil on canvas, 9 by 12 inches. $180
Pilot Mountain
By Annette Bartlett-Golden
On a cool, cloudy day that felt nearly like spring, I arrived with a couple of my cousins at Pilot Mountain State Park for an afternoon hike. The stony, knob-shaped form of Pilot Mountain rises from surrounding forests to an elevation of 2, 241 feet (683 meters) above sea level. Located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina about thirty minutes northwest of Winston-Salem, it is an iconic area landmark.
Looking out from the upper parking area, we could see the Yadkin Valley spread out below with the Yadkin River meandering through it and the billowing smoke of a distant fire. Park rangers down there were using controlled fire as part of forest maintenance, explained one of the rangers who had come up the mountain to observe the fire from above. With smoke wafting across the bottomlands and an overcast sky, the valley seemed shrouded in mystery.
By Annette Bartlett-Golden
On a cool, cloudy day that felt nearly like spring, I arrived with a couple of my cousins at Pilot Mountain State Park for an afternoon hike. The stony, knob-shaped form of Pilot Mountain rises from surrounding forests to an elevation of 2, 241 feet (683 meters) above sea level. Located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina about thirty minutes northwest of Winston-Salem, it is an iconic area landmark.
Looking out from the upper parking area, we could see the Yadkin Valley spread out below with the Yadkin River meandering through it and the billowing smoke of a distant fire. Park rangers down there were using controlled fire as part of forest maintenance, explained one of the rangers who had come up the mountain to observe the fire from above. With smoke wafting across the bottomlands and an overcast sky, the valley seemed shrouded in mystery.
Here I am with Marcela and Ana at the Little Pinnacle Overlook. Behind us is the Knob of Pilot Mountain.
We began our hike at the Little Pinnacle Overlook, where we could see more scenic vistas of the valley and an advantageous view of Pilot Mountain’s distinctive knob, called Big Pinnacle. As we stood at the overlook, we watched with surprise as some hikers brought their drone in for a landing. Then they kindly took our photo.
From there we set off over sandy paths and an abundance of rock stairs hugging stone cliffs of colorful quartzite. Along the paths and on the mountainsides grew rhododendrons, mountain laurel and pines. Hawks or ravens flew overhead and roosted in scrubby trees atop the cliffs. Passing below, we paused to watch students from nearby colleges climbing the rock faces.
From there we set off over sandy paths and an abundance of rock stairs hugging stone cliffs of colorful quartzite. Along the paths and on the mountainsides grew rhododendrons, mountain laurel and pines. Hawks or ravens flew overhead and roosted in scrubby trees atop the cliffs. Passing below, we paused to watch students from nearby colleges climbing the rock faces.
Smoke in the Yadkin Valley (left) and a climber scaling Pilot Mountain's colorful rock face (right).
My cousins, Ana and Marcela, Ana’s mom, were great hiking companions. We took our time to enjoy and wonder at the natural beauty around us. Also, we took many photos. Sitting for a moment, ensconced among the stone, we picnicked, chatted and admired the views. Partway through our hike, we got confused about which trail to take but a rock climber and some other hikers set us straight and we returned to the parking lot unscathed and in good time.
For awhile, I had wanted to visit Pilot Mountain because, in addition to hiking, I wanted to make a series of paintings of this distinctive mountain. The colorful stone with its rugged appearance and the distant views gave me much interesting material for painting. Sometimes it takes a visit from family or friends to propel us to go out and see the interesting places around us!
For more information about Pilot Mountain State Park visit:http://www.ncparks.gov/pilot-mountain-state-park.
For awhile, I had wanted to visit Pilot Mountain because, in addition to hiking, I wanted to make a series of paintings of this distinctive mountain. The colorful stone with its rugged appearance and the distant views gave me much interesting material for painting. Sometimes it takes a visit from family or friends to propel us to go out and see the interesting places around us!
For more information about Pilot Mountain State Park visit:http://www.ncparks.gov/pilot-mountain-state-park.
@Annette Bartlett-Golden, Cliffs at Pilot Mountain. Oil on canvas, 9 by 12 inches. $180
©Annette Bartlett-Golden, Boquete House.
Oil on Board, 24 x 18 inches.
My mom's house in Boquete, Panama.
Oil on Board, 24 x 18 inches.
My mom's house in Boquete, Panama.
Return to Panama
By Annette Bartlett-Golden
Last week I met my sister, Angelique, in Panama. We were there to sell my mom’s house in the small mountain town of Boquete where my parents retired a dozen years ago. Blue-green mountains of volcanic origins, now worn and rounded, ring the small valley where Boquete is situated with the Caldera River rushing through it. On the main street, a little way up from the town, my mom’s picturesque two-story yellow house sits with a view of almost daily rainbows and the mountains.
By Annette Bartlett-Golden
Last week I met my sister, Angelique, in Panama. We were there to sell my mom’s house in the small mountain town of Boquete where my parents retired a dozen years ago. Blue-green mountains of volcanic origins, now worn and rounded, ring the small valley where Boquete is situated with the Caldera River rushing through it. On the main street, a little way up from the town, my mom’s picturesque two-story yellow house sits with a view of almost daily rainbows and the mountains.
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There I am standing in front of my mom's house and a view of the rainbow and mountains seen from the side of the house.
Since I first visited my parents there, Boquete, and the surrounding areas, have been a source of inspiration for me. My dozen or so paintings of mountains, rivers, and my parents’ house evolved into the Panama Series. These paintings are both records of that region and my visits there, becoming more dear to me with the passage of time for the memories they hold. That is especially the case now, as we begin the process of selling my mom’s house.
Although my parents no longer live in the town of Boquete, I still have a deep connection to Panama. It’s my mother’s birthplace and home to most of my aunts, uncles and cousins. So for me, Panama has always meant family. Angelique and I were very happy to see many relatives during our short visit. And this time, I returned home to North Carolina with my young cousin, Ana, who is here visiting for a few weeks! You’ll hear more about that next time.
Although my parents no longer live in the town of Boquete, I still have a deep connection to Panama. It’s my mother’s birthplace and home to most of my aunts, uncles and cousins. So for me, Panama has always meant family. Angelique and I were very happy to see many relatives during our short visit. And this time, I returned home to North Carolina with my young cousin, Ana, who is here visiting for a few weeks! You’ll hear more about that next time.
Me with my sister, Angelique, in the back garden of my mom's house, in Boquete, Panama.
©Annette Bartlett-Golden, Snow Pigeon II. Watercolor, 9 x 12 inches. $175
The Snow Pigeon
By Annette Bartlett-Golden
This month I applied to a show that would feature a body of my work. That phrase means a group of paintings that have similar characteristics such as medium and subject matter so I chose five watercolors of birds to exhibit, should I be selected to participate in the show. The thing is, I recently sold two of the paintings I planned to enter in the show, Blue Heron and Snow Pigeon, so I needed to paint a couple more bird watercolors. A few days ago I finished the first one,Snow Pigeon II, which shows the bird in a slightly different pose than the one I sold.
I’ve already shared the story of how I came to paint the blue heron so today I’ll tell you about the snow pigeon. Last winter there was a heavy snowfall near the end of January. This sort of thing doesn’t happen very often here in the Piedmont region of North Carolina so I decided to hurry out for a walk before the snow melted. I went down the street and through woods to the park to see how the geese were doing with the snow. It was a bright clear sunny day but the pond looked frigid. Having my camera with me, I took a number of photos of the ducks and geese swimming among the shards of ice and congregating at the top of the bank.
It was only after I had taken all these photos and was looking through them that I noticed a small white something among the geese and ducks. There, almost imperceptible against the snow, huddled a white pigeon standing on one leg with feathers fluffed. In all the times I had been to the park before, I had never noticed this pigeon! Edging closer, I took more photos of the pigeon. When she began to stroll away at a stately pace I followed at a little distance. Because the pigeon wasn’t particularly scared of me I was able to continue photographing her. I was thrilled to end up with about seventy good photos of the snow pigeon.
For a moment I wondered if this was someone’s pet. She was sleek and beautiful and looked quite healthy. However, pet birds usually have leg bands and this pigeon did not. Also, she seemed quite at ease in the park among the ducks and geese. Later, on several more occasions, I was delighted to see the snow pigeon again. Other people told that they often saw her in the park. I’m very happy to have had the pleasure of meeting this nice resident pigeon on a magical snowy day when clearly she was none other than the Snow Pigeon.
By Annette Bartlett-Golden
This month I applied to a show that would feature a body of my work. That phrase means a group of paintings that have similar characteristics such as medium and subject matter so I chose five watercolors of birds to exhibit, should I be selected to participate in the show. The thing is, I recently sold two of the paintings I planned to enter in the show, Blue Heron and Snow Pigeon, so I needed to paint a couple more bird watercolors. A few days ago I finished the first one,Snow Pigeon II, which shows the bird in a slightly different pose than the one I sold.
I’ve already shared the story of how I came to paint the blue heron so today I’ll tell you about the snow pigeon. Last winter there was a heavy snowfall near the end of January. This sort of thing doesn’t happen very often here in the Piedmont region of North Carolina so I decided to hurry out for a walk before the snow melted. I went down the street and through woods to the park to see how the geese were doing with the snow. It was a bright clear sunny day but the pond looked frigid. Having my camera with me, I took a number of photos of the ducks and geese swimming among the shards of ice and congregating at the top of the bank.
It was only after I had taken all these photos and was looking through them that I noticed a small white something among the geese and ducks. There, almost imperceptible against the snow, huddled a white pigeon standing on one leg with feathers fluffed. In all the times I had been to the park before, I had never noticed this pigeon! Edging closer, I took more photos of the pigeon. When she began to stroll away at a stately pace I followed at a little distance. Because the pigeon wasn’t particularly scared of me I was able to continue photographing her. I was thrilled to end up with about seventy good photos of the snow pigeon.
For a moment I wondered if this was someone’s pet. She was sleek and beautiful and looked quite healthy. However, pet birds usually have leg bands and this pigeon did not. Also, she seemed quite at ease in the park among the ducks and geese. Later, on several more occasions, I was delighted to see the snow pigeon again. Other people told that they often saw her in the park. I’m very happy to have had the pleasure of meeting this nice resident pigeon on a magical snowy day when clearly she was none other than the Snow Pigeon.