February | 2024 | my90acres

Showing the kids some images of real Van Gogh paintings.

Vincent Van Gogh visited the Birdseye public library this week…sort of.

As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, this little library plays an important role in the community. As small as it is, it hosts a number of activities for patrons of all ages. All of these activities are FREE to attend although attendance may be limited due to space.

I brought in a few of my own sunflower paintings for some inspiration.

Recently I volunteered to teach a few children’s painting classes. The first of these classes was to learn about Vincent Van Gogh and to paint a picture in his style.

Although the class was limited, we had a nice turnout this week. I explained to the children a little about Vincent Van Gogh, who he was and why he was important. Also, they learned about his painting methods. Each table had several vases of sunflowers (faux) which the children were encouraged to choose what and how they wanted to paint. The library supplied all the art materials and even had little aprons just their size. They learned about mixing colors and how Van Gogh was known for his bold brush strokes.

Each child composed his or her own painting.

All in all, it was a great group. I hope the kids had as much fun as I did.

Next month, we’re going to learn about Georgia O’Keeffe and her skull paintings. I’m bringing in a collection of real skulls (cow and deer) for them to use as subject matter.

Many thanks to AmyJo, the library branch manager, and other patrons who make programs like this possible. Public libraries are the best bargain around. What’s happening at your library?

The Singing Tree, acrylic on canvas with sterling silver gilding, 30 x 24, Kit Miracle

I have a singing tree in my front yard. Actually, right next to the house.

Oh, it’s not belting out O Sole Mio or anything like the latest rap. It’s more of a gentle, low key humming, singing really. The first time I heard it was when I was walking around the yard on a windy day. I kept looking around to see if anyone was there. It took me a while to realize that the sound was coming from a tree. The twisted branches were rubbing against each other, creating a sound.

Our house, like so many older homes in this part of the midwest, is surrounded by yard trees. These were planted decades ago to provide shade to houses in the heat of the summer, long before air conditioning. The trees nearest the house are all maples, mostly black or sugar maples. (Lovely colors in autumn.) Although we’ve lost some of the trees over the years, there are still enough to provide some shade.

Last spring I took a photography course. I was mostly interested in learning how to use the features of my cameras. Didn’t need much help with composition. One of our weekly assignments was to get out and film nature. The Singing Tree was one of my entries. After some computer manipulation, I did a very striking black and white, almost abstract. I was going to paint is as such, but then reverted to a muted impressionistic painting with added sterling silver gilding. I even added a maple leaf motif to the edges of the painting, in sterling silver, of course.

The whole painting has been sprayed with clear acrylic which prevents the sterling silver from tarnishing. Adding the gilding adds several more steps to the actual painting which slows the whole process.