"I must go down to the seas again..."

I have always loved the beach, enjoying the slight saltiness of the breeze, walking on the sand and the rhythmic "chant" of the waves upon the shore. 

So I took advantage of an afternoon low tide to stroll along Spanish banks. Fair weather had brought out many others and a brisk breeze had attracted a few kite fliers. 

As I walked I thought of my Dad, who died this month in 2006, and how he would have loved this walk and was reminded of a favorite poem of his:

Sea Fever by John Masefield (from Salt-Water Ballads, 1902)  I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to sail her by, And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking, And the gray mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking. I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying. I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow rover, And a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

So come along with me .............as I go down to the sea. Many ships were at anchor in the English bay and many a few sailing boats were taking advantage of the wind for a brisk sail. I found lots of things to interest me and occupy my camera.    And of course there were quite a variety of birds interested in what the low tide had uncovered.   -------------------- I think I mentioned last week that I had started on a new series of paintings with a sea shore theme. Here is the first in that series, a watercolour, called "Shell Colour 1": For more information on this and to see more of my original art follow this link: GillianOlsonArt Thank you for dropping by, Happy Whimsy Wednesday, until next week .................

Snow Everywhere?

Anyone from Vancouver will be wondering what I am talking about, no snow here except on the mountains, and after the recent heavy rains the local mountains aren't full of snow either.

The snow I am referring to is Snowdrops, and they fill my garden this time of year.

Many years ago, I bought a few packages of snowdrop bulbs and planted them and then over the years I have planted a few more. Now every spring the garden is adrift with "snow"drops, in the flower borders, under trees, along pathways, and now they are in the lawn too.

They have multiplied .............like rabbits ...............

They are such cheerful little flowers, and a sure indication that spring is just around the corner.

I took advantage of the warm sunny weather and spent some time in the garden, certainly lots of worms and and early bee too. 

It is really a shame too, we cannot possibly start mowing the lawn until after the snowdrops are done, LOL.

I also have a few crocuses; they unfortunately do not seem to have multiplied, but are welcome splashes of colour in the garden borders.

So, Spring, we know you are just around the corner, you are welcome to come along any time.

Did someone say Spring?

I have been busy in the studio recently too. I finished a painting in my European travel series and have started a new series of sea shore paintings. 

Here is the last, for now, in the travel scene paintings:

This is a scene from Annecy, France. The old centre of Annecy is located on a lake of the same name; a river and canals through the town of Annecy resulting in a quiet and picturesque place. it is a watercolour and is called "Afternoon sun on the canal":

Next week I will show some of the new sea shore series.

For more information on this painting and to see more of my work follow this link: GillianOlsonArt.blogspot.com/

Thank you for dropping by, happy Whimsy Wednesday, until next week.................