It's almost over!!

It's hard to believe that it is almost done, just the finishing touches and tweaking, and then we get to frame them, yipeeee!! Our Willem van Aelst painting has taken Joan and I over a year to paint.

In January 2008, David Jansen suggested that we join him in painting this Dutch Old Master's floral bouquet. Each month a new DVD would arrive by snail mail, or a streaming video was added to the JansenArt website for us to follow along with David in painting our own piece. If you would like to paint it, the videos are still available... at http://jansenarteducation.com.


In the last video, Dave suggests to set it aside for a few days, then analyse it, and tweak it. That's the stage where I'm at, but I'm afraid it needs weeks to tweak, before it's ready for the final framing, ha! I still haven't finished the marble, and I need to lighten up the main hollyhock, push back the mouse, and bring the dragonfly a little closer.

It was definitely a very valuable painting experience, learning many new techniques and developing my skills as an artist... stretching me in many areas. I am so grateful for the opportunity of painting this amazing piece of art work with David, and want to say a warm and sincere thank you to David for taking so much time to make this available for all of us to enjoy!!
till later Frieda

Gables are up!!

Well, it's really happening, I've waited 10 years for this barn, and now it is going up. Every sunny day and spare moment John & I and our kids have, we are building. Rita & Rob came by to add outside cladding on the barn. thanks for your help, it was a fun day together.

Working as a team, Alex and I also cladded the backside of the barn. Once this is up, we are adding vertical board and batten, so this is only the underside. This will give us the option of insulating the barn in future.

With some strong neighbours and our guys, the gable ends went up on Saturday, another beautiful sunny day. We are looking up. We've had a lot of rain lately, but mostly at night, but it's pouring in the downstairs and drenching the tools... I'll be glad when the roof is on.

The guys did a great job of supporting the gables until the ridge poles can be installed. This week will be busy with cutting all the roof trusses.. my job. I'm the mitre saw gal, I love it!!

Spent one full day planting our large veggie garden with Alex and my 89 yr old dad. Alex did such an amazing job at roto-tilling that we could just shove the potatoes in the ground without digging a hole, great job Alex!! In the foreground we have rows of sweet peppers, dozens of Roma tomatoes, rows of potatoes and cucumbers. In the far patch of ground.. lots of onions, zucchini, carrots, herbs and hot peppers etc. I spend a good portion of my summer harvesting, freezing and canning the results... all organic too!!!
till next time Frieda