Don't Fight It

Those words are for me. A pep talk of sorts.

nasturtiums, Alaska Nasturtiums Mix, Garden Flowers, Summer, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

Fall is coming. If you're in the same hemisphere as I am, perhaps you can feel it too? (If you're on the other side of the earth, are you feeling the stirrings of spring?).

In truth, it's been feeling like fall this past month. August has been more like September (but with fewer tomatoes, though they're starting to ripen now).

tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, unusual tomatoes, garden, harvest, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

I guess this happens every year. Fall starts to arrive and I want to run in the opposite direction, back to the beginning of summer (where did summer go?). Which is, of course, not possible, so instead I vow to savor all the summery things before they're gone for good (or, rather, till next year).

roses, garden, flowers, Aunt Honey Rose, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

Perhaps it's a bit ironic, then, that this last week or so I've been working on autumn-themed art.

watercolor, painting, process, color swatches, color palette, moths, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

Moths aren't inherently autumnal, but the colors of this cecropia moth make me think of fall. This painting was one of those that started off a little shaky. I wasn't certain that everything would work out and I made some mistakes along the way.

watercolor, watercolor painting, watercolor illustration, moths, cecropia moth, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

But I kept working at it and I was happy with the end result. Sometimes all you have to do is keep layering paint (and not give up... that is always key).

My plan with this painting was to begin working on a collection of autumn-themed fabric designs. I hoped to be able to finish one in time for Spoonflower's Rustic Fall Design Challenge. The deadline was good motivation.

autumn, fall leaves, moths, acorns, fabric design, surface pattern design, Spoonflower, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

I'd love it if you would vote for my design. You can vote for as many designs as you like.

Now that this pattern is finished, I'm ready to get back to more summery things.

garden sketches, garden sketchbook, botanical sketches, summer, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

Savor the rest of August.

flowers, zinnias, dahlias, black eyed susan, snapdragons, summer flowers, garden Flowers, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

Enter September with my eyes and my heart open to it's beauties and joys.

spider, nature, spider web, garden, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

There is always something to savor. There are always beauties and joys. Don't fight it. Embrace it. Whatever "it" might be.

Have a lovely week, my friends. I'll see you back on Friday with an exciting, inspiring artist interview.

Comments

  1. I love your moth design. It's so beautiful. Autumn is my favourite season, I just love the colours and the scents. Though, I'm not ready for autumn yet. It feels like summer never arrived this year. Brrr... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Bekki!

      It was a weird summer, that's for sure. I hope we have a lovely autumn. I'm a summer girl, but I really enjoy sunny, colorful, warm autumn days. They seem so rare. Autumn usually ends up being dreary, wet and cold.

      Have a lovely weekend!

      Delete
  2. Hi Anne. I just voted for your design. An easy pick, as it's by far the best out there. So lovely. I'm sorry I haven't visited for so long. It's been an overwhelming summer and I'm trying to find balance in my life. . .again. . .(sigh). I'm taking a blogging break now through September. Thinking of you and wanted to drop by and say "hello". So wish we lived near one another so I could invite you out for a cuppa. I hope you're well. Hugs ~ Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Nancy. I truly appreciate your encouragement and support.

      Sometimes it's hard to find balance or to go with the ebb and flow of life as usual. Other times there's more ease. Wishing you ease and a relaxing blogging break! I haven't been reading blogs much at all lately. Time just seems to be speeding by too fast!

      It would be wonderful to get together and share a cuppa! And yes, I am doing well.

      Sending hugs back your way!

      Delete
  3. I love the moth.
    Sending best wishes Anne, keep us posted.

    Love, Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Carla! I'll definitely let you know how the contest goes. Regardless, I plan on offering the design as part of a fall collection that's in the works.

      Sending hugs and gratitude, my friend!

      Delete
  4. I voted for you Anne! This has been one of the worst August's I have ever had so I am happy for September and fall! Your moth painting is so delicately painted and I feel I could stroke its little furry body!!! The flowers in the white jug are stunning. Have you painted them yet? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Simone! I truly appreciate your support and encouragement. And your vote!!

      Haven't painted the flowers yet, but the paint is mixed! :)

      Delete
  5. Hi Anne - beautiful photos and stunning autumn butterfly and leaf painting - your skill just keeps getting more amazing! Sorry it's been a long time since I've called by. Time to have a proper catch up email soon. Hope you're okay. Hugs, Kat xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Kat, it's wonderful to hear from you! I've missed you!! I hope you are doing well and I look forward to catching up.

      Sending big hugs!

      Delete

Post a Comment