tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21684154232846807092024-03-13T04:40:22.403+02:00Art and Creativity -- My SketchbookMY SKETCHBOOK -- Paintings and jewellery from nature - Original watercolour paintings and unique hand-crafted jewellery by South African artist Maree Clarkson Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-7346347281692340022021-07-29T06:49:00.002+02:002023-01-07T11:28:20.054+02:00Another windpomp and a dam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpSWWuyDGbI/VER3zwcPJ4I/AAAAAAAAeqk/RYz4FKHnuaU/s1600/AnotherWindpompAndADam.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpSWWuyDGbI/VER3zwcPJ4I/AAAAAAAAeqk/RYz4FKHnuaU/w259-h400/AnotherWindpompAndADam.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
<br />
A ‘windpomp’ (windmill) in Magaliesburg. They are such a part of our countryside here in South Africa and they play a specially important part in dry areas like the Karoo where both humans and animals are very dependent on them for water. <br />
<br />
These windmills extract the life blood of the earth and it is usually poured into a cement dam close-by the windpomp. Many farm children swim in these cement dams on sweltering days and I have seen flocks of Egyptian Geese taking a quick, cool dip on their way to somewhere.
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-40351286236808611582021-07-28T05:10:00.001+02:002021-07-28T05:10:00.152+02:00Autumn song<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMMfVN6B1ss/VEXN6svI0QI/AAAAAAAAerk/2m8DskQyZHs/s1600/AutumnSong01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMMfVN6B1ss/VEXN6svI0QI/AAAAAAAAerk/2m8DskQyZHs/w400-h272/AutumnSong01.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Know’st thou not at the fall of the leaf</b></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>How the heart feels a languid grief</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Laid on it for a covering,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And how sleep seems a goodly thing</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>In Autumn at the fall of the leaf?</b></div></b><form action="https://www.payfast.co.za/eng/process" method="post"><br /></form>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-7448332203618345772021-07-27T05:56:00.001+02:002021-07-27T05:56:00.174+02:00Keep wandering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0cnd4S_zhE/VEh7mysldUI/AAAAAAAAetU/qpIJgZiqLmg/s1600/KeepWandering.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0cnd4S_zhE/VEh7mysldUI/AAAAAAAAetU/qpIJgZiqLmg/w400-h261/KeepWandering.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Keep wandering, it doesn’t matter when you get there…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">::</div>
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-15845875881401247112021-07-26T07:59:00.001+02:002021-07-26T07:59:00.165+02:00It was still winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IdklR8ouIsY/VEt0OJwDPtI/AAAAAAAAeuE/M7fGg6WPMwU/s1600/ItWasStillWinter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IdklR8ouIsY/VEt0OJwDPtI/AAAAAAAAeuE/M7fGg6WPMwU/w400-h270/ItWasStillWinter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
W & N Watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm – no preliminary sketching </div>
<br />
It was still winter – freezing in Tarlton (South Africa)
and it had actually just started drizzling. At first I thought it
was sleet, but at closer inspection found it was a solid drizzle, and
everything was going to be set for a very cold and frosty night! The winter of 2011 seemed to be the coldest we’ve experienced for some years,
but you know what they say about a long winter,<br />
<br />
’Sunshine’s smile does come my friends, <br />
and a cruel callous winter makes for a balmier summer!’<br /><br />
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-59856553656584985082021-07-25T06:30:00.001+02:002021-07-25T06:30:00.169+02:00Enjoying summer<div class="work-description rb-markup">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cba8aFCOOLY/VFg5l0QYH3I/AAAAAAAAfKg/GJHPAXhkSjc/s1600/EnjoyingSummer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cba8aFCOOLY/VFg5l0QYH3I/AAAAAAAAfKg/GJHPAXhkSjc/w400-h258/EnjoyingSummer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
W&N watercolour on Bockingfo9rd 300gsm </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
At this time of year I really enjoy the silhouettes of the trees and
hedges against the summer sky.</div>
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-86639224182131716852021-07-24T08:15:00.001+02:002021-07-24T08:15:00.162+02:00The colour of Winter is in the imagination<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8LaurZuM7c/VFsRkuAvBQI/AAAAAAAAfRo/VoScSM-0y5Y/s1600/TheColourOfWinterIsIntheImagination.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8LaurZuM7c/VFsRkuAvBQI/AAAAAAAAfRo/VoScSM-0y5Y/s1600/TheColourOfWinterIsIntheImagination.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
<br />
A winter scene in South Africa.<br />
<br />
Clear blue skies and trees scorched by veld fires is a familiar sight
here in South Africa in winter. With just a few more weeks of cold,
we’re looking forward to the August winds which will quickly blow in
Spring, bringing everything to life again.<br />
<br />
The colour of springtime is in the flowers, the colour of winter is in the imagination. <br />
~Terri Guillemets
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-4283394846399546352021-07-23T07:55:00.001+02:002021-07-23T07:55:00.170+02:00Geranium or Pelargonium?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IH8W6z1CNjk/VGwwMoLAGEI/AAAAAAAAfmA/x3RkElGZfOU/s1600/GeraniumOrPelargonium.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IH8W6z1CNjk/VGwwMoLAGEI/AAAAAAAAfmA/x3RkElGZfOU/s1600/GeraniumOrPelargonium.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
<br />
Geraniums originated from South Africa, as well as Reunion,
Madagascar, Egypt and Morocco and were introduced to European countries
such as Italy, Spain and France in the 17th century.<br />
<br />
Actually, the plants that gardeners have grown under the geranium
name for several hundred years is not a geranium, but a pelargonium.
Both plants, as well as a few others, are all members of the geraniaceae
family. The problem arose when the plants were first brought from
their native home of South Africa into Europe. All the early imports
were labeled “geraniums” and continued under that blanket name for many
years. When some observant botanists finally started a closer
examination of these lovely new plants, they discovered many differences
and then decided that the imports were not all the same plant type, but
there were differences so were then moved into different named
classifications.<br />
<br />
One group of plants was given the original name of geraniums. A
second group was classified as pelargoniums, then there were erodiums
and sarcocaulons/monsonias. The plant we label “geranium” was put into
the pelargonium category, however, it had become a well loved plant of
gardeners in Europe under the old “geranium” label so although the
botanists told them that the lovely pot or bedding plant they grew in
such numbers was a pelargonium, they persisted in using the old name.<br />
<br />
<b>I’m now more confused than ever!</b><br /><br />
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-72758527304584218592021-07-22T06:59:00.001+02:002021-07-22T06:59:00.167+02:00Beautiful Geraniums (SOLD)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiOUh2f5xdw/VHPh7s3p58I/AAAAAAAAft8/B3AwWCVtcLk/s1600/LookingForwardToBeautifulGeraniums.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiOUh2f5xdw/VHPh7s3p58I/AAAAAAAAft8/B3AwWCVtcLk/s1600/LookingForwardToBeautifulGeraniums.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm <br />
Geraniums on my patio </div>
<br />
My Geraniums are looking decidedly worse for the wear this winter –
will add some fresh potting soil and hope for some beautiful flowers
this summer, maybe I’ll add something blue to the pot…?<br /><br />
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-63954620248445229482021-07-21T09:08:00.001+02:002021-07-21T09:08:00.182+02:00 And the tree asks, "Why am I here?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGdIiDhdlug/VH610T5KZ5I/AAAAAAAAfzI/2LnoI_Mu4cQ/s1600/AndTheTreeAsksWhy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGdIiDhdlug/VH610T5KZ5I/AAAAAAAAfzI/2LnoI_Mu4cQ/w400-h275/AndTheTreeAsksWhy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Winsor&Newton watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
<br />
Every branch shaking, shifting, and falling in the icy wind,<br />
A tiny leaf at the very end holds strong,<br />
Why am I here, questioning wondering waiting, for that final pulse that will blow him down?<br />
But in that tree was a force, a force of life, a force of strength, a force unmatched by the icy wind.<br />
That tree was a young tree, a tree that never crossed roots with wild bushes,<br />
Bore fruits desired by many, tasted by few and discarded by the very planter,<br />
Questioning why am I here, questioning is this the only way,<br />
Now the broken branch begins to fall, now this tree was not very tall,<br />
No other tree was like this tree, this tree was special,<br />
This tree was bearing the strain of an icy wind,<br />
Just as the branch had hit the ground there was silence all around a calm in the drifting storm<br />
Now
this was rare, a tree this young, a tree this strange, a neglected
tree, a tree with shallow roots, a tree with hollow bark had survived
the storm.<br />
Questioning why me?<br />
This tree was a lonely tree,<br />
this
tree knew he would grow strong,<br />
weak body strong thoughts kept the tree
unmoved on broken paths.<br />
<sup>Extract from “A tree” – Emmanuel Mohanlall</sup><br /><br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-81486108625930622752021-07-20T16:42:00.000+02:002021-07-20T16:42:19.836+02:00Bluegum view<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HV9dEkJZdBs/U33PNpPdBYI/AAAAAAAAcRA/y6oL5PGPdZg/s1600/BluegumView01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HV9dEkJZdBs/U33PNpPdBYI/AAAAAAAAcRA/y6oL5PGPdZg/w400-h275/BluegumView01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
<br />
The Tarlton landscape (Gauteng, South Africa) is dominated by eucalyptus trees, which were originally brought here from Australia for the mining industry. A third of our smallholding is covered in an old blue gum plantation and provided me with an endless supply of sketching matter. This is the view from just outside our property fence.<br />
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-65768097286950901302021-07-20T16:10:00.000+02:002021-07-20T16:10:46.295+02:00A blank page (SOLD)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ilCFKrvuEts/VIEaYL70HII/AAAAAAAAfzo/9kc6RW7e76c/s1600/A%2BBlank%2BPage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ilCFKrvuEts/VIEaYL70HII/AAAAAAAAfzo/9kc6RW7e76c/w400-h274/A%2BBlank%2BPage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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W&N watercolour on Amedeo 200gsm </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
a blank page . a new journal . what shall I do<br />
dream / sing / write / wait / think / pause / garden / chat / paint<br />
decided to paint<br /><br />
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-13515992776910353092021-07-20T16:04:00.001+02:002021-07-20T16:43:37.090+02:00Forest path<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fbhjJsJQDc/VMCQp_8t6PI/AAAAAAAAggw/gaP8b1-wyaI/s1600/ForestPath.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fbhjJsJQDc/VMCQp_8t6PI/AAAAAAAAggw/gaP8b1-wyaI/w400-h268/ForestPath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm</div>
<br />
A path leading through the Blue gum forest on our smallholding
(Tarlton, Gauteng, South Africa). Walking this trail, I often discover
little treasures like rabbits, hedgehogs, tortoises, lots of insects,
little wild flowers and the odd snake. We’ve had many enquiries from
people wanting to cut the bush down for the wood, but have always
declined as many birds call this blue gum bush their home, a little
sanctuary as the area gets more and more built up.
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-71923350812519575842021-07-20T16:03:00.000+02:002021-07-20T16:03:21.585+02:00Dorper sheep<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bmyV2f3w8U/VMCerLeu2bI/AAAAAAAAghA/lPsTtkvyDSY/s1600/Dorpers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bmyV2f3w8U/VMCerLeu2bI/AAAAAAAAghA/lPsTtkvyDSY/w400-h238/Dorpers.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Watercolour in Moleskine Watercolour Sketch-book </div>
<br />
<b>My neighbour’s sheep – a while ago some ewes had lambs and it
was the first time for MANY, MANY years that I actually held a little
lamb in my arms again – oh my word! I’d forgotten how precious that can
be! I wanted to take it home…!</b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: white;">. </span></b>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-60366175524949865262021-07-20T15:59:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:59:36.407+02:00Graptoveria "Fred Ives" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5NLGu-vTiKw/VMcGK4rALGI/AAAAAAAAgmc/LsZyt7zm-FY/s1600/GraptoveriaFredIves01a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5NLGu-vTiKw/VMcGK4rALGI/AAAAAAAAgmc/LsZyt7zm-FY/s1600/GraptoveriaFredIves01a.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm</div>
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A succulent given to me by a friend a couple of months ago growing in a pot in my garden <br />
<br />
Category: Succulent<br />
Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops)<br />
Origin: Mexico (North America)<br />
<br />
x Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives’ – A beautiful and durable succulent plant
that produces large clumps of rosettes to 8 inches tall by nearly 1 foot
wide with broad bronze and pink succulent leaves atop short stems with
1’-2’ long branched inflorescences bearing red-orange centered pale
yellow flowers in summer. Plant in full to part sun in a well-drained
soil. Little irrigation required.
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-29275547653646479692021-07-20T15:58:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:58:33.610+02:00Aloe peglerae <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- Gerard De Nerval </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs_WUIs5Etg/VMg8Gf1Z8HI/AAAAAAAAgms/u1jdn6jaGnM/s1600/Aloe%2BpegleraeEachFlowerIsASoulAloe01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs_WUIs5Etg/VMg8Gf1Z8HI/AAAAAAAAgms/u1jdn6jaGnM/s1600/Aloe%2BpegleraeEachFlowerIsASoulAloe01.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Parker fountain pen, black ink and W&N watercolours on Bockingford 300gsm watercolour paper </div>
<br />
This is Aloe peglerae, which I saw in the veld on the way to
Magaliesburg, endemic to South Africa occurring only in Gauteng and one
other province (North-West province). It is listed in the Red Data list
of South Africa as an endangered species on the extinction queue if not
protected or grown for ex-situ conservation.
<b></b>
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-79402707498842457482021-07-20T15:54:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:54:49.964+02:00Yucca<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkbGSLPoqcI/VM8h3UUsgSI/AAAAAAAAgwc/uAxdVY9TvgM/s1600/Yucca01a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkbGSLPoqcI/VM8h3UUsgSI/AAAAAAAAgwc/uAxdVY9TvgM/s1600/Yucca01a.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm – 8″ × 12″ </div>
<br />
Done from an image kindly supplied by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/flowersetc">Ann Warrenton</a>. <b>Thank you Ann! I enjoyed doing this difficult subject!</b><br />
<br />
The yucca plant is native to the high deserts of the southwestern
United States and Mexico. The yucca has at least 40 species, including
Yucca filamentosa, the most common type. Yucca plants are tree-like
succulents of the lily family (Liliaceae) with stemless stiff, pointed
leaves that end in a sharp needle. The yucca flower is a series of
whiteblossoms on a long stalk.<br />
<br />
Yuccas have a very specialized, mutualistic pollination system, being
pollinated by yucca moths (family Prodoxidae); the insect purposefully
transfers the pollen from the stamens of one plant to the stigma of
another, and at the same time lays an egg in the flower; the moth larva
then feeds on some of the developing seeds, always leaving enough seed
to perpetuate the species.<br />
<br />
I had quite a few Yucca’s in my previous garden (Tarlton, Gauteng,
South Africa), and I have never seen this “yucca” moth, but seeing as my
Yucca’s used to flower profusely, there must have been something
pollinating them.</div>
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-2401958221850413052021-07-20T15:53:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:53:35.130+02:00Aloe ferox 1 & 2 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXuvhlGhCUY/VOrN_RJiMqI/AAAAAAAAg2k/Smbjs-1IozY/s1600/AloeFeroxPainting2a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXuvhlGhCUY/VOrN_RJiMqI/AAAAAAAAg2k/Smbjs-1IozY/s1600/AloeFeroxPainting2a.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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Aloe ferox 2 - W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm</div>
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Aloe ferox (also known as the Cape Aloe, Bitter Aloe, Red Aloe and
Tap Aloe), is a species of arborescent aloe indigenous to Southern
Africa. It is one of several Aloe species used to make bitter aloes, a
purgative medication and also yields a non-bitter gel that can be used
in cosmetics.<br />
<br />
Die <b>Bitteraalwyn</b> (Aloe ferox), inheems aan
Suid-Afrika, is ’n struik wat deel is van die aalwynfamilie. Die plant
blom vanaf Mei tot September. Die struik is ’n stadige groeier met ’n
enkelstam en dik, doringrige, vlesige blare en buisvormige, oranje-rooi
blomme. Dit is ’n uitstekende struik ir die rotstuin en verkies vol son en matige water. Die sap van die blare word vir medisyne en skoonheidsprodukte gebruik.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z91kHs0B3mU/VOrORq9cWUI/AAAAAAAAg2s/izhzBUdSQTc/s1600/AloeFeroxPainting1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z91kHs0B3mU/VOrORq9cWUI/AAAAAAAAg2s/izhzBUdSQTc/s1600/AloeFeroxPainting1a.jpg" width="450" /></a> </div>
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Aloe ferox 1 - W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
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A painting of an Aloe ferox in my garden. Each winter my aloes put up
the most spectacular show of orange, brightening up the dull winter
landscape. I can feel the season is turning already, gets lighter much
later in the mornings and soon (well, roundabouts June/July) I’ll be
blessed with their beauty again.<br /><br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-89256106327421976812021-07-20T15:49:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:49:50.928+02:00Autumn colours (SOLD)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4SKjucv5xyw/VNrqpYeQ43I/AAAAAAAAg0A/EcQbBSVxXMw/s1600/AutumnColours-a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4SKjucv5xyw/VNrqpYeQ43I/AAAAAAAAg0A/EcQbBSVxXMw/w400-h261/AutumnColours-a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="userContent">Autumn is in the air - W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>
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<b>::</b></div>
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-81740933566198649072021-07-20T15:48:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:48:35.282+02:00Fisherman's cottage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mf7PQ4AhVI/VOa7ZnHW2jI/AAAAAAAAg2E/cEef2kV3e2Y/s1600/Vissershuisie03a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mf7PQ4AhVI/VOa7ZnHW2jI/AAAAAAAAg2E/cEef2kV3e2Y/w400-h266/Vissershuisie03a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-36924811025018399342021-07-20T15:41:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:41:20.998+02:00Singing sweet songs...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SmuDBLVv-k/VSYE6EJdkSI/AAAAAAAAiCc/LEdx3TJKb6A/s1600/SingingSweetSongs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SmuDBLVv-k/VSYE6EJdkSI/AAAAAAAAiCc/LEdx3TJKb6A/w400-h300/SingingSweetSongs.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm (The back-ground of this painting is actually White, don't know why Blogger is making it grey!)</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">‘Rise up this morning,</div><div style="text-align: center;">smile with the rising sun,</div><div style="text-align: center;">three little birds </div><div style="text-align: center;">sit by my doorstep,</div><div style="text-align: center;">singing sweet songs</div><div style="text-align: center;">of melodies pure and true, </div><div style="text-align: center;">singing,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this is my message to you.’</div><div style="text-align: center;">
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-1822600531337604572021-07-20T15:34:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:34:11.879+02:00Sweet Geranium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2hTYhswXok/VSd_-q_4KFI/AAAAAAAAiKQ/wNTRVahpsC4/s1600/SweetGeranium.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2hTYhswXok/VSd_-q_4KFI/AAAAAAAAiKQ/wNTRVahpsC4/s1600/SweetGeranium.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
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<b>‘Observe yon sweet geranium flower.<br />How straight upon its stalk it stands,<br />And tempts our violating hands,<br />Whilst the soft bud, as yet outspread,<br />Hangs down its pale declining head.<br />Yet soon as it is ripe to blow,<br />the stems shall rise, the head shall glow.’</b><br />
<sub>Extract from ‘The Geranium’ by RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN</sub></div>
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-7649728486072154122021-07-20T15:32:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:32:57.169+02:00The Poppy<div class="description_content">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sEKb0_94ag/VYjRnj74JiI/AAAAAAAAi2Q/jztc3PTmdE0/s1600/ThePoppy-a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sEKb0_94ag/VYjRnj74JiI/AAAAAAAAi2Q/jztc3PTmdE0/s640/ThePoppy-a.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
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W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
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High on a bright and sunny bed<br />
A scarlet poppy grew<br />
And up it held its staring head,<br />
And thrust it full in view.<br />
Yet no attention did it win,<br />
By all these efforts made,<br />
And less unwelcome had it been<br />
In some retired shade.<br />
Although within its scarlet breast<br />
No sweet perfume was found,<br />
It seemed to think itself the best<br />
Of all the flowers round,<br />
From this I may a hint obtain<br />
And take great care indeed,<br />
Lest I appear as pert and vain<br />
As does this gaudy weed.<br />
~ By Jane Taylor<br />
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<span style="color: white;">. </span></div>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-26057957552306123792021-07-20T15:30:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:30:36.213+02:00Solly's chickens - 84 Vlakplaas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoav_Cw0FF0/VfAm2eIUcgI/AAAAAAAAk6o/7KHiBeqIOJ0/s1600/84Vlakplaas1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoav_Cw0FF0/VfAm2eIUcgI/AAAAAAAAk6o/7KHiBeqIOJ0/w400-h261/84Vlakplaas1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">A couple of Solly's chickens having a snack near his house on our smallholding.</div>
<br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-11544240006212060612021-07-20T15:27:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:27:23.339+02:00Short-cut through Spring Farm<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AX24eH1yTSE/VfPeeYhlzCI/AAAAAAAAk8s/Trz18NLm0NY/s1600/ShortcutSpringFarm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AX24eH1yTSE/VfPeeYhlzCI/AAAAAAAAk8s/Trz18NLm0NY/w400-h241/ShortcutSpringFarm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b></b><br />
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Small W&N watercolour in Moleskine 200gsm sketch-book </div>
<b> </b><br />Often, when I
go to Magaliesburg (Gauteng, South Africa), I take this short-cut
through Spring Farm past the little dam. It’s a gravel road, forcing one
to travel slower and take in the scenery and I often have tortoises,
hedgehogs, guinea fowl and small buck crossing my path. I much prefer it
to the quicker route along the main tar road.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">. </span>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2168415423284680709.post-72737401031695210202021-07-20T15:24:00.000+02:002021-07-20T15:24:11.054+02:00Winter is coming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Hel_LLlI6E/Vgefe0hi94I/AAAAAAAAlPA/xVnUGTEQSVI/s1600/WinterIsComing-a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Hel_LLlI6E/Vgefe0hi94I/AAAAAAAAlPA/xVnUGTEQSVI/w261-h400/WinterIsComing-a.jpg" width="261" /> </a></div>
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W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm </div>
<br />
The first signs of
winter are already showing amongst the bluegum trees on our
smallholding (Tarlton, Gauteng, South Africa). Yellow grass, fallen
leaves and longer shadows accompany me as I take my (now cold) early
morning walks. The lizards and snakes have all but disappeared or only
come out much later in the day as it warms up. Even the birds seem to be
more quiet, preferring to sit in the top branches of some dead trees,
basking in the early morning sun and warming up before taking on the
day.<br /><br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.com