For Those Who Gave It All, It Is For Us The Living, To Rember

  A break from art to pause .consider and ponder all the brave souls who serve , have served and some who gave it all for this land we are blessed to live in and still has personal freedoms beyond anyplace else on Earth.

   The unofficial first day of Summer is here at last and promises to be a warm one. Memorial Day, a quiet holiday as it should be. Time to remember thoae who served, and are serving. A time to reflect on all we have because of those brave citizens who [to hear all of them tell it] simply "... did what had to be done. "
70+ years ago my parents where recent High School grads fortunate enough to find jobs and smart enough to keep them. My Dad worked in a small Chicagoland tool and die shop wherer they manufactured ball - bearings an esential war commodity and an atomatic defirment through the war. Dad and his next oldest brother decided to enlist anyway, no concern Uncle Sam would take care of them so why not the best ...the Marines. Mom did what all the girls did, she wrote Dad, worked defense projects, recycled everything and waited in prayer. Dad ended up in the Pacific no daught because of our German heretage and thats where the boaats where headed. He and many others met on Iwo, Sipan and eventually ended up on the million + man invasion force for Japan herself. Fortunately the bomb ended that insanity and the World War. Dad, his brothers and most never spoke much about those events. Scared for life by sights and sounds that no human should ever be subjected to. God bless you Dad an all who gave so much just to get back home. Happy Memorial Day my friends. May we never forget that the cost of our FREEDOM has NEVER been cheap nor free.

Feels like Blackberry Winter is gone at last



Mom's gift and Spring heralds



Sure sign of Spring on the river's edge is colorful Iris.These decedents from my mothers Iris beds, are royal purple with the hint of grapes they give off in the morning due. Of the many colorful offerings these are standouts. My only wish for them is that they would last all Spring  but alas as temps rise and give way to Summers heat the Iris fade and sleep again till next Spring.  On the river color abounds and is everywhere all at once and particularly during Spring. The only thing missing in this photo is the SOUND of rushing water. I understand that I could have that on this sight,sound, I'll work on it. In the mean time enjoy the sights and art on the rivers edge.

Daffodils, early arrivals in 2011

"Woodland Barnyard" 2.5x3.5" with an 8x10" mat, watercolor on paper

Along a country road I found this delightful scene of rual Habersham and the close bond we all share here in the Hills with nature.This Spring brought a fantastic array of greens to the byways after years of dry weather the pollen is abundant and has been well worth the slight discomfort.

"Inlet near Savannah" 2.5x3.5" wth 8.x10" mat, oil on canas

Spring on the beaches are cool and energizing. If you have never experienced this thrill , you  owe it to yourself to visit once in awhile. It is very good for the life weary soul. Art On.

SPRING TIME ON THE RIVERS EDGE ~ WONDERS TO BEHOLD

 

First Iris of Spring ...here at last!

Ah Spring, does it get any better than this? Actually every season has its magical call here in the foothills , mountain valley's and waterways of NE Georgia. This Spring has been breathtaking at times. I have always said every color of Fall can be seen in miniature during the Spring budding time, this season it has been inspirational to say the least. With the abundance of rain and cool temps the creation has broadcast an array of color unmatched in recent years. Oh for the time, energy and strength to capture it all. Sometimes one must simply be satisfied to make small contributions.
                   Spring Specials has ENDED~ Great Art at any price.
 Today's assortment of miniatures shows frames and mats [8x10"] in black, white, creams and doubles, My Spring special is ... Framed works $25.00 each. 8x10" matted works $35.00. New works posted every other day or so. All Photographs may be purchased starting at 4x6" for $1.00 -8x10" @ $3.00 Please visit often enjoy the show!  In the mean time get out there and smell the roses, grass clippings, and freshness of the season.

                                                  "Along the Trail" 2.5x3.5 Watercolor,
                                                            framed in Black no mat

                                              "My Girl" 4x6" oil on Canvas board. *

How about that, She gets her man, UBL gone, people are dancing in the streets, it's a magical day!

 Like many I happened upon a long over due announcement on the news this weekend, a beautiful couple weds in England, a low life met justice in Pakistan and they danced in the streets all over the country ... magical! There is something magical about creating art that everyone enjoys. The doer gets thrilled by insights and more, the viewer get the wow, of how he do that and the world is a happier place for it. Maybe that's a bit of a stretch but makes some sense. Painting and observing the world around us is more than just hobby or a time filler. It is life abundant and a joy to be part of. I hope your days are  filled with an abundance of visual WOWs and events. Keep looking for the beauty in every situation ... and when you get the chance, DANCE!



A House that Once Was Home 2.5x3.5" oil on canvas   *

SPRING SPECIALS ~ TBA MAY 14

Did I mention these little works and others to follow are for sale and your enjoyment? Most likely not as I was so excited about getting things together[well in a way] so soon. These beautiful ATC cards  are framed as is in wooden frames, signed, certificated, ready to display postage paid for $25.00. An 8"x10" mat and frame can be done for $45.00. Frames come in Black,Brown, Natural earth tones and compliment the art work as do mats. Checks or money orders made out to me , art shipped upon receipt.Most Eastern orders delivered in 3-4 days. Art On and enjoy the art and nature. Photographs are also available.

Randall Mateling "Art On The Rivers Edge" 321 Old Timber Trail, Cornelia, GA. 30531

*=sold