Friday 16 March 2012

Artichoke

watercolour

Artichokes are cheap and abundant at this time of year here in Sicily.  There is even an artichoke festival in April that takes place in the small town of Cerda, not far away.  The artichoke above is no more as I cooked and ate it straight after this painting.

This week brought some nice goodies through the post, a giveaway from Graphic artist Marsha Baker including some lovely earrings made from old bicycle chains. Chainspiration
Thank you Marsha.




Also in the same delivery was a new book I'd ordered, with lots of wonderful photographs of sketchbooks.



The weather here has been lovely the past couple of days so I was able to have a walk down the dusty lane with the dogs.  There is plenty of almond blossom out and some buzzy bees too, making it feel as if spring is really here, I hope it lasts!



20 comments:

Unknown said...

I dislike winter but often wonder if we would love spring so much if we didn't have it.

nanke's stuff said...

The artichoke looks beautiful ... I haven't had a fresh one in ages. Good for you for winning the giveaway, and the book looks like a great one! hugs, nancy p.s., happy spring - I've been wearing shorts here in Michigan ... extremely rare and unusual for March. We're usually shoveling snow! nancy

Unknown said...

Beautiful colours there Cathy.
Great painting.
The book looks interesting. I would love to know what you think of it.
Congratulations on winning the give-away.
Stew.
stewcrowther.wordpress.com
_________________________

Jane said...

That artichoke is beautiful - and makes me want to cook it!
Lovely work as always
Jane

Studio at the Farm said...

What a wonderful week you've had, Cathy! Love the artichoke sketch - hope it tasted as good as it looked!

kazumiwannabe said...

Beautiful watercolor. Artichokes have such great colors, I wonder why they're not painted more often! Will check the book up on amazon, it looks interesting.

Unknown said...

Lovely watercolour of the artichoke.

I've not heard of the book. I just got Art of Urban sketching delivered though.

Lynn said...

The colours are gorgeous in your artichoke!

Unknown said...

Love artichokes!! And that is a wonderful painting of one! I've written down the title of that book...looks so full of inspiration!

I'm fiercely hanging on to spring...summer already feels like it wants to be here!

jill said...

Great painting. Spring is my favourite time of year. That book is on my wish list maybe I will get it for my birthday

Lucia B. said...

Lovely painting, Cathy! I like artichokes, I find them as beautiful as flowers! And thank you for sharing your picture of almond trees... So many times I have been told that it would be worth going to Sicily in spring just to see and smell those beautiful flowers... Happy Sunday!

Dan Kent said...

The colors are unbelievable - this is absolutely stunning. You have made this the queen of all artichokes (before it's demise). I just love the colors you chose, and the blending and the values - this is the way watercolor is supposed to be used!

Melliott said...

Yum, you inspired me to buy some artichokes and steam them for dinner! The first time I encountered one was at dinner at a girlfriend's when I was in grade school. I'd never seen one before, so I carefully observed everyone pulling the leaves and (seemingly) putting them in their mouths. I popped a leaf in my own, and then I chewed...and chewed...and chewed... Finally, my friend's mother noticed and kindly educated me on how to eat them. I went home and introduced my mom to the concept, and they subsequently became a family favorite. Lovely painting!

Elizabeth Rose Stanton said...

I'm glad your artichokes are abundant --and from the look of your beautiful painting--fresh! I just came from the market, and they didn't look so great. Looks like an interesting book, too.

Rebecca said...

I LOVE that artichoke painting - WOW! TFS:)

Alex said...

beautifully drawn! =) I love artichoke

Cathy Holtom said...

Thanks for the comments, I'll think of you all next time I eat artichokes!
There are so many ways they can be cooked but my favourite is with parsley, anchovies and garlic & olive oil on top.
The book is good if you're into sketchbooks with lots of interesting pictures.

Anonymous said...

Lovely painting - the colours are beautiful! I grow the other sort of artichokes in my garden - Jerusalem Artichokes. They don't have anywhere near such visual appeal!

Coreopsis said...

Okay--three different styles--the colored drawing above, the pen and ink drawings, and these very simple, beautiful watercolors, and I really really like all three. This is LOVELY (as are the others, down farther).

Cathy Holtom said...

I hadn't noticed the 3 different styles, you're right! I like to experiment and try different things so sticking to one style isn't for me. Thanks for the comments :)