Rainiest April on Record: April 29, 2011

I grew up in Central New York, so I am used to rain. (In fact, I even find weeks of unending sun and blue skies boring!) But here in Ohio, as in most of the rest of Eastern states, we have had quite enough severe rainstorms, tornadoes,  and cool temperatures. We are anxious to enjoy the spring, and we want our farmers to be able to plant their crops. I am posting one of my latest collages, "Spring Planting," (acrylic and water soluble colored pencil on paper,) as a visual prayer for some sunnier, warmer days in May.

Spring Rush: April 8, 2011

When we moved back to Central New York after many years away, we were enchanted by all the water - everywhere!  Down the road from our house, water cascaded over a dam for an old power plant. Along the next road, water rushed through a boulder-strewn creek. The old Erie Canal meandered nearby. Beautiful Cazenovia Lake was minutes away, and Lake Ontario shimmered on the distant horizon. Perhaps most mesmerizing was powerful Chittenango Falls, which has been a destination for generations of nature lovers. Last week, I completed this oil painting, "Spring Frenzy," of rushing Chittengo Creek.  I contrasted the delicate budding foliage along the shore with the bold power of water. Can you feel how cold the water is?