Enjoy the day! I’m off to enjoy a cool morning in the garden, then a long afternoon in the studio!

‘floating’ by PaulaArt

in the mood for lightness

8×12 – One Day I Slowly Floa… lightleaks $38.00	Magreb, a goatskin cuff by L… LaTouchables $55.00	PINK FLOYD’S LEARNING TO… BeeKai $16.00
FOR HIM – Handknited Cowl Silvia66 $53.00	Original large Watercolor – … rutharmitage $195.00	Blue Bird and Red Mittens ConstantDreame… $20.00
6 oz flask, japanese floral … wickedpen $18.00	Success is 1 step at a time … dragonhouseofy… $4.00	The feather (5/50) movezerb $25.00
Winter bottles Jo2SF $100.00	Boja 06 – Fine art photograp… JKphotography $25.00	Beech Nut Warmers InnerWild $58.00
Found Object Assemblage Ikeb… LuneRouge $65.00	Two Trees ArtGoods $10.00	Garden Goddess Shoe Mudgoddess $120.00

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"Red Dog, Blue Dog" Copyright Ruth Armitage, Watercolor on Yupo 20"x28"

I’ve also been doing a little jurying of my own. I was flattered to be chosen to jury the Columbia Council of Camera Clubs Electronic Imaging Division Invitational. There were three jurors, and the works chosen will be displayed at the Florence Events Center during their convention September 24, 25 & 26. It was a very interesting process, trying to separate my personal preferences from my artistic assessments. Each juror was asked to rate each entry numerically, and the scores were then added together. Clubs from all over the Northwest were invited to join. It should be a wonderful exhibition… as many of the entries were stellar.

I’ve also just put together a fun treasury for fall on Etsy.com ‘Fresh Olives for Fall’ with one of my sister’s new paintings in it! I’ve been updating my shop with a few new originals too, so take a look

In October, I will also be jurying for the Southwest Washington Watercolor Society’s Fall Show which will be exhibited October 6-10 at the Westfield Vancouver Mall. I look forward to seeing some wonderful paintings

In other, more personal news, a large part of my time has been devoted lately to getting my daughter off to Rome for a term of study abroad. She has started a blog about her Experiences: Italian Do’s & Don’ts. So far, she is having a wonderful time and has signed up for all Art History classes! I’m missing her here at home, especially in caring for our orphaned kittens who are just about ready for their new homes. Anyone need a darling little friend?

Free Kittens!

I’ve also been devoting a lot of time to gardening now that the weather is cooler. I’ve visited some great gardens lately, including Laurel Hedge out in Estacada. They had a fabulous Art in the Garden event last month! Last chance to visit, though, as they close for the season on September 25. I’m off to the garden! Happy September!

Ruth & Marc, August 20, 2010

This past weekend, my husband & I celebrated 24 years of marriage! We were so lucky to be invited to share an evening of wine tasting and a winemaker’s dinner by chef Philippe Boulot - winner of the James Beard Award of Excellence  Best Chef of the Pacific Northwest. The setting was The Grand Cru Estates in the Yamhill-Carlton area. I want to share just a few of the moments of that special evening with friends.

The Grand Cru Estates Winery

After an informative talk on Bio-dynamic Viticulture, and a few barrel tastings from each vineyard, we flew off on our own private helicopter tour of the various properties. The views were spectacular and inspiring. I could get used to this mode of travel!

Vineyards over Yamhill-Carlton

After landing, we were back in the cellar, concocting our own blends, which was a real kick. Then up to the dining room, where this spectacular table awaited us. We were a party of about 20, with some familiar & some unfamiliar faces, which made for fun conversations.

The dinner was beyond the pale… sumptuous courses, each paired with delectable wines… I was so busy enjoying myself that I didn’t get pictures of each course… The first was a Cauliflower Vichyssoise with a Halibut Ceviche. We also enjoyed a de-constructed  Nicoise Salad. Here are just a few images of some of the other courses.

Heirloom Tomatoes - Fresh Northwest Produce at its Best

Lamb Chops with Grilled Onion, Polenta and Berries

Grilled Peaches & Raspberry Sauce with Lavender Ice Cream

Wines, Glorious Wines!

The Cooling Evening Sunset over the Vineyard

Amelia, our Designated Driver and big sister Erin

I wish I’d gotten a good picture of our hosts, such wonderful friends! We topped off the evening with a stay at the beautiful Allison Inn & Spa. This luxury resort is so tastefully appointed, with original art from local artists gracing every room and public space. Our room was ready with champagne and a fire when we arrived. Bliss! I took advantage of the Spa on Saturday and my pampering was complete. I’m feeling so lucky to live in such a beautiful area, with a wonderful man, blessed by great kids and very special friends to share our joy.

Utah Sunset

 Last week I  returned from a great trip to Utah for the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Exhibition. My friend, and fellow past WSO President, Jayne and I had a great time viewing the terrific art and meeting old an new friends among the delegates and artists in attendance. The Utah Watercolor Society did a great job of hosting the exhibition, and really made all of us feel welcome and honored.  The above photo was taken from the deck of a beautiful home overlooking Salt Lake City where we had a wonderful welcoming dinner.

As you can see, the view was great!

 Some highlights of the trip…..

The Delegates & Alternates from all Eleven Groups

Dave & Debbie Cook, New Mexico Hosts next year

Jayne & I at the exhibition reception

Salt Lake City Hall

Jamie Wyeth Exhibit - Seven Deadly Sins

Touring Temple Square

The Texas Contingent: Gale Webb, Jim-Bob Swinney, Jonesy McConnell and Bonnie's daughter Dawn

Jim-Bob and his daughter Dawn were there for the presentation of the Bonnie Swinney Memorial Award. Bonnie was the delegate from Lubbock for years, and this is the first time I’ve attended a meeting without her smiling face. She was terribly missed, but I know she was looking down on the whole thing with pride & joy.

I stayed a couple of extra days in Salt Lake with my cousin Lucy & her husband Drew. They were the perfect hosts… and it was fun to see their construction project… a new addition for kitchen and master suite! Lucy & I shared gardening ideas and I got to see first-hand the dedication that goes into her fabulous racing success. Read more about the Intermountain cup and all their biking adventures on their blog.

While in Salt Lake City, I took the opportunity to do some genaology research at the Family History Library. What a fabulous place! Unfortunately, I found answers to some questions… but they only raised other questions. I ruled out some clues that I had found, but didn’t really locate any information on my great-grandparents, who emigrated from Germany. The search continues!

Of course, the best part of any trip is coming home. While I was away, my sweet husband put together my new Greenhouse! The weekend and yesterday we spent time laying weed-block and installing raised beds. The next phase will be building the deer fence, then I can finally plant my garden!

Nice & Dry inside!

Soil for 4 raised beds = BACKACHE!

Curly, Larry & Moe Welcomed me Home

I’m ALMOST glad it’s raining today so I can spend some time getting caught up with paperwork and get into my studio! I hope you can see how rich and wonderful our soil is for the raised beds. It came from the composted manure pile near the barn…. thanks to the first owners of this home who had horses! I hope everyone has a special Memorial Day weekend planned. I will be spending it in the garden

I’ll also include here a sweet picture of the newest member of our flock: Bobbie

Ready to pounce out at the dogs!

Whew! I’m thankful that the end is in sight. We have professional movers scheduled for this Saturday to come haul the heavy stuff over to the new house. I’m so excited to be moving in! We feel very lucky to have sold ourold  home so quickly, and I’m sure  the new owners will be a good fit for the neighborhood and will love raising their family here. They have a 10 yr. old, a 2 yr. old and a 2 month old. Nineteen years ago this December, we moved into this house with a 2 yr. old and 9 mo. old twins. There is still a small mountain of clutter in the garage, but I’m feeling pretty good about the state of the house. I took all the artwork down yesterday and it looks so bare! Just a subtle hint that you need more original art in your home!

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving! We are full of thanks for all the bounty and looking forward to sharing with family and friends.

Michele, Jeanie and 'Walter' at Cascade Head

The edge of the earth

Scent of the fir trees

My outdoor experiences this month have been tempting me to become a landscape painter. I have been in a bit of a holding pattern with my artwork. Not doing anything in the studio has its frustrations, but it also gives one time for reflection about what really moves you. This month, I have been totally moved by the beauty of the landscapes I’ve been immersed in. They inspire feelings of peace, energy, curiosity, appreciation and so much more. Writing about these inspirations is frustrating… I’d so much rather try to paint them.

I am looking forward to experiments with some of these ideas when I can finally reclaim my studio. Only a week or two left of sharing with my college-aged daughter. I can hardly walk in there right now. Grr. And hopefully by next summer we will be settled in a place where we can each have plenty of room. Thinking about moving to acreage has also fed my hunger for the land. I grew up on a farm in the Willamette Valley, and I am so nostalgic and lonesome for views like this:

I enjoyed the coast trip so much…. had a chance to visit a great gallery in Pacific City where I saw inspiring work by Michael Schlicting, William Park, and Deborah DeWit-Marchant. Today I will get more inspiration… I’m heading to my critique group, Splash. Nothing new to show, but I’m always fed by communing with other artists.

This morning I missed my dental appointment (I totally forgot!) but I did get to snag my first Etsy Treasury! Take a look and let me know what you think! I called it “Very Cherry” and included some of my favorite finds.

Oregon Poet Laureate Lawson Inada

I got an email tonight about the opening reception of the “Perceptions of the Past” exhibit. Apparently we made the local news. Here is a link to the video about the exhibit on The Daily Courier’s Website.  My painting is the first image shown in the video The exhibit is set to travel to Central Oregon Community College in Bend for October & November.

I loved visiting Grants Pass… the curators made us (the artists & writers) feel so special. And it was inspiring to hear the readings of Lawson Inada and Carlos Reyes. I also enjoyed meeting JS Bird and Bruce Bayard. I had been hoping to meet Sherry Wolf or my author, Lauren Kessler, but they weren’t able to make the opening reception.

Melinda Thorsnes and her Painting

 Melinda and I had a great time ‘pillaging’ Grants Pass. She is not only a terrific artist, but has a wicked sense of humor and makes a great roomate/travel companion!

Some of the many beautiful shorebirds

I had a wonderful weekend in Newport Oregon last weekend. My husband and I along with my sister & her husband went for the Seafood & Wine Festival. We ended up just having our own little food & wine fest at the house, cooking and tasting and watching movies, which was much better than standing in line and paying for small tastes. The weather cooperated for walks on the beach every day, which were so soothing and inspiring!

Our first night we had the most glorious sunset

My sister & I did a bit of shopping, including stopping in for an opening along with wine tasting and live music at 9th Street Gallery. Such fun! I love Katie & David’s whimsical taste. And the wines by Lumos wine company were delicious… I especially liked the dry Gewurztraminer.

The show is called Perceptions of the Past and is sponsored by Rogue Community College’s Firehouse Gallery. It sounded so interesting that I thought I should do it. The premise is, 13 professional writers were given historic photographs and asked to write descriptions.  Then 13 artists were mailed the written descriptions and asked to paint an image inspired by the written description (without access to the actual photo).

This sounded fascinating and challenging. I love to work from imagination, and I like things relating to the past. The fact that this exhibit is meant to help celebrate Oregon’s Sesquicentennial also attracted me. I’m a third generation Oregonian. But, faced with a description by talented author Lauren Kessler, I found myself wondering what in the world I was going to do!

I find that the work I’ve come up with doesn’t really look to me like my work. I want to tell people who see the exhibit, “I’m better than this, really!” Couple that with the fact that many of the other artists participating are heros of mine and it all adds up to a big feeling of inadequacy. Maybe I should try to do another one. It is due March 6. But I have a daughter home from college with the flu, a friend coming from Seattle on Wednesday night, and a Japanese exchange student coming on Friday for the weekend. Yikes!

The exhibit runs May 20 and through June 27.

Participating artists are Melinda Thorsnes, Phyllis Yes, Royal Nebeker, J.S.Bird, Frederick James, Bruce Bayard, Judy Hoiness, Annette Gurdjian, Sherrie Wolf, Ruth Armitage, Kirk Lybecker, Ellen Dittebrandt and Lorna Nakell.

Participating writers were Walt Curtis, Carlos Reyes, Lawson Inada, Kim Stafford, Vern Rutsala, David Snell, Floyd Skloot, F.A. Nettelbeck, Monica Drake, Marc Acito, Robert McDowell, Lauren Kessler and Alison Clement.