Holly tile #2

Another option, a cropped version of "Holly" in a larger size. This one measures 8" x 10" and is $34. As with all of the larger tiles, it comes with a hanger and does not require framing. It also will look nice on a tabletop easel.

New Tile ~ Holly Branch with Berries

The newest in my line of ceramic fine art botanical tiles~
They are 6"x8" and are suitable for hanging as is or displayed on an easel. They sell for $25 each and make great gifts for the season. They join my other designs here at the gallery ready to go for our Holmes for the Holidays art show next weekend, Friday, Nov 21, 7:00-9:00 and Saturday, Nov. 22, 1:00-8:00.

Ilex (holly) branch with berries

It seems with every picture I do there is a story...


I had so much fun working on this piece. It all started back in November. I was having lunch with my friend, Vickie B. and noticed the beautiful hollies she had growing in the foundation plantings around her house. I later went back and she was kind enough to let me snip a couple branches. Wrapping them in damp paper towels and sticking them in a plastic bag, I brought them home. I've had success in the past storing my botanical subjects in the fridge until I was finished with them so that is where it lived for several weeks. It made it through the Christmas season and, finally, I was ready to start the first week of January. (My family was very happy that they would soon not have to navigate around the "plant in the refrigerator" while getting out the milk jug. :) )


It was just the perfect branch. I did nothing to change the composition. I took many photos and made color swatches before I started in case I wouldn't finish before the leaves and berries would wilt and fall. Leaves tend to move and change color in the process. As I neared the end of the project I was very thankful for the photos and color notes. But the original holly branch served me well. I was amazed at how long it survived. (You can view the work in progress on my Flickr Photostream.)

Winter

Now that the busy Christmas season is over for another year, I'm looking forward to entering the winter months with a long list of art projects. Some will be revisited for minor tweaking, like a landscape I've had on my wall that's been begging me to add "something". Others I hope to begin new ~ lake scenes in pastel and acrylic and an idea I've been kicking around for mini canvases. We'll see where that goes.....


Today I finally brought out the holly branches, pictured here, that I cut from a friend's bushes more than a month ago. I am amazed at how well they kept with a damp paper towel wrapped around them in a bag in the refrigerator. I'm sure my family will be delighted to have it out of the way. I can't tell you how many times I heard, "What is this plant doing in here!?!" Ah,well..... But I am excited to once again be working on something green and living. The rest of the winter's botanical work will most likely be pine cones, shells and autumn leaves. So much to choose from to keep me busy til the warm, spring weather of April and May brings out the first of the flowers in my garden to be looked at with artwork in mind.