UA-20248021-6

Friday, April 29, 2011

SUPER GIVEAWAY!

Ann Drake of On Sutton Place is hosting a wonderful giveaway of one of my Limited Edition matted prints. There are 3 ways to win and you can do ALL 3 to have a better chance!! Check out her blog to see the six paintings you can choose from if you WIN!

1.     Become a follower of Ann's  On Sutton Place. Let her know in a comment. If you are already a follower, let her know that, too!

***2. Visit my website Watercolors by Barbara. Return here to my blog and comment on which watercolor is your favorite.

3. Mention this giveaway in a post with a link back to her blog and let her know in a comment.

The winner will be announced on both blogs on Monday, May 9th.

OK, if you really can't wait to see which paintings are offered, here they are!!


                                      

                                     

               

MAY GARDEN MAINTENANCE

I've found in my over 40 years of gardening that the following tips help me get through spring with a minimum of weeding and a maximum of enjoyment! Happy Spring!

·         Weeds! Those pesky plants that you don’t want where they pop up in your garden. Many may be perennials that we already have enough of, so that we can either share or compost them. Others are just plain invasive and might even crowd out or destroy our favored plants. (In the post below, you'll learn about my battle with lesser celandine.) So be sure to continue getting the weeds out as soon as you see them. There is no such thing as a weed that is too small to not bother removing. They will only grow larger, with more tenacious roots.
·         Continue dividing and spreading perennials for maximum color “punch.” As the weather gets warmer, be sure to keep the transplants watered until they “take.”
·         If you want to move your early spring bulbs, you may safely do it now. Three springs ago, I moved some tulips and daffodils while they were in bloom and put them among the daylilies. This year, they came up right on schedule with the added bonus that their leaves will be hidden by the iris and then daylilies, when the tulips fade. 
·         If you find that some of your perennials are invading others and you prefer to keep them in distinct clumps, now is a good time to separate them, before they get too intertwined. It’s best to do this task as soon as you notice a problem.
·         The question still comes up about those unsightly, yellowing daffodil leaves! My suggestion is that once the flower has shriveled up; remove its stalk to the base of the plant to prevent fruit formation. By removing it before it produces seeds, energy is not wasted, but instead food made by the leaves goes to bulb for next year’s flowers. In my experience, when they start to flop over, it is okay to cut off the top half of the leaves. That way, the remaining part of the leaves can continue photosynthesizing, sending food to the bulb (a storage stem) and, as a bonus, they spring back up. Eventually, when they are yellow, you can cut them to the base of the plant.
·         Pack them in. I’ve found that one of the best ways to cut down on weeds, besides a dense evergreen ground cover that allows perennials, etc. to grow through it, is to plant a succession of plants closely together.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

NON-NATIVE BEAUTY - LESSER CELANDINE

When I started gardening around my home about 40 years ago, I spotted lovely early spring, delightfully yellow blossoms in nearby woods. I was told that they were probably marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris), a native in wetlands habitats of eastern United States. Being a novice and not having the wonderful availability of Google Search back then, I happily transplanted a small clump into my new woodland garden.

It’s now a love-hate relationship. I still love seeing these beauties bloom, but hate the job of removing them knowing that some of their abundant fingerlike tubers (up to two inches long!), produced by the roots, will remain behind to create new plants next year.

These lesser celandine, in the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), are also called Fig Buttercup and Pilewort. They are perennial, herbaceous flowering plants whose native range is Eurasia (Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia, Caucasus, and Siberia). Originally introduced into the US as an ornamental plant, it’s still available here commercially (DO NOT BUY IT!). These invasive plants displace our native plant species that provide important nectar and pollen for native pollinators, and fruits and seeds for other native insects and wildlife species. They rapidly establish and overtake large areas of woodlands.
The plant used to be known as Pilewort, since it was used to treat hemorrhoids. The early leaves, which are high in vitamin C, were used to prevent scurvy.  In Russia, the dried leaves are brewed and used in baths to cure dermatitis.






The best time to try to pull or dig them out is after a rain. Grab all of the stems of the plant and gently, but firmly ease them out of the soil. Every time I have a seemingly successful “pull,” I think to myself that the lesser celandine is probably laughing (if indeed it could laugh!) that I’ve missed something and will see it next year!

Friday, April 22, 2011

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EGGS IN THE WORLD

Original Still Life Watercolor Painting

Curator Marsha Crumley of watermediaworks is also a findingfineart member. She writes, "These truly are the most beautiful eggs in the world and your painting is one of them. Happy Easter everyone!" Thanks Marsha for including my "Eggs & Bowls!"

GIFTS FOR GRANDMA

Abstract Art by Barbara Rosenzweig

Curator Karen Ann of expressions123 created this Etsy Treasury with my "Purple Rain" painting suggesting as a few things that Grandma may enjoy.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

SUMMER FUN

Original Still Life Watercolor Painting

The Curator of SouthwestCrafts created this delightful collection of vivid greens and blues. My "Blue Plate Crab Special" painting fits right in with these summer items!

ALL AROUND THE WORLD - FINDING FINE ART

Original Landscape Watercolor Painting,
By Artist Barbara Rosenzweig

Curator Masako Simmons of BareMindArt says, "Buildings, Houses, Architecture... from all around the world. Enjoy Fine Arts on Etsy!" This fabulous treasury with a great theme includes my painting, Berkshire Farm.

Monday, April 18, 2011

SWEET SUMMER TIME :)

Original Watercolor Painting
by Artist Barbara Rosenzweig

Linked to Blue Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday

 
Curator Shirley Gueta, shirleygueta, of this lively and varied collection says, "The summer is striking my city. So hot!" She's included my "Snowy Egret" watercolor. It's only early spring here in eastern PA, so find out where Shirley is located that it's so hot! (There's an empty space in the collection because something has already been sold.)

Saturday, April 16, 2011

THE COLOR PURPLE

Limited Edition Fine Art Reproductions
by Artist Barbara Rosenzweig

"Lovely blue and purple items from the PIF team and etsy lush," says this treasury curator M Haynes of MHaynes2009. I'm so please that she included my Purple Passion Spiderwort painting. It's actually a tiny flower about a half inch across!

ART in the ATRIUM

Featuring Original Art Work from many talented artists, this Show & Sale is for the benefit of Abington Health. It is FREE and open to the public Monday, April 19 to Thursday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and will take place in the Abington Memorial Hospital  Shorday Lobby, Abington, PA.

Below are two of the original watercolors that I will be exhibiting. I hope that some lucky buyers will take home my paintings, knowing that a good portion of that sale will go toward helping our hospital.
(Prints Available in Many Sizes)

Original Floral Watercolor Limited Editions
(Available in Many Sizes)

Friday, April 15, 2011

THE SPIRIT OF NATURE

Watercolor Limited Edition Fine Art Print
by Artist Barbara Rosenzweig

Curator Jo Ann Strong of jcstrong created a wonderful treasury of "Selections in art, photography, jewelery and accessories inspired by Mother Nature...." I was so happy that she included my "Sunflower" watercolor!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

NEW PAINTING! STAR GAZER LILY

Floral Limited Edition Matted Watercolor Print
By Artist Barbara Rosenzweig
Limited Edition Fine Art Reproduction
8x10 print in a 11x14 mat - $27

My "Star Gazer Lily" has softly colorful shadows on its red spotted white petals. I loved painting the gold and red background that helps make this painting a real knockout! A great addition to a luxorious home!

Friday, April 8, 2011

BUY 3, GET 4th FREE SALE - Tonight 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday Morning!

MY ENTIRE WEBSITE - BUY 3, GET 4th FREE!
(Free painting must be of equal or lesser value.)

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP from 5 p.m. tonight to Sunday 6 a.m. EST/NY time when Saturday Night Special ends.

When you complete your purchase via PayPal, the discount will be promptly refunded. Or email me with the paintings and sizes that you would like, and I'll send a revised invoice.

All Paintings - All Sizes - Limited Time Only!!

"Anjou Pears"


"Yellow Tulip"

Linked to Macro Friday.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Amazing Saturday Night Specials!

Abstract Limited Edition Matted Watercolor Print
By Artist Barbara Rosenzweig
The print of my original watercolor painting will arrive to you as an 5X7 print
 in a 8X10 mat, ready for easy framing. $20 (includes shipping)

Curator Steven James Keathley of stevenjameskeathley says, "Super finds from the SNS Saturday Night Specials Etsy team! Shop all the great deals for April 2nd here: http://www.etsy.com/teams/8085/the-original-saturday-night-specials-sns/discuss/6841288/" I'm so happy that he included my abstract Blue Ribbons here!

Check every Saturday night from 5 out to 6 a.m. EST/NY Sunday when SNS officially ends! There are loads of wonderful deals there!

Linked to Alphabe-Thursday.


SERENITY NOW

"Beach Chairs and Umbrella"
Seashore Limited Edition Matted Watercolor Print
By Artist Barbara Rosenzweig
The print of my original watercolor painting will arrive to you as an 11X14 print
 in a 16X20 mat, ready for easy framing. $48 (includes shipping)

"Take a few minutes (or more) for yourself and relax in your own way!" says Curator Andrea Devitt-Tierney of OhSnapArt. I appreciate her including my "Beach Chairs and Umbrella."

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

APRIL SHOWERS....


Watercolor Abstract Limited Edition Art Print
The print of my original watercolor painting will arrive to you as an
8x10 print in a 11x14 mat, ready for easy framing - $27 (includes shipping).

Curator Courtney Magyar of CMagyarArt created this stunning collection of fine art that included my Purple Rain painting!



Curator Cindy Collins-Canfield of canfieldcreations says, "For all those artists who persevere! A salute to you, and your beautiful creations! Anyone who likes this collection or would like to show their appreciation for the talented artists seen here, please convo them and encourage them. Or better yet, purchase one of their items to show your support of 'purple perseverance!'" So kind of her to include my "Purple Rain" painting!


"Rainy days are at an end and warm weather is upon us. Soon we will be missing those cold rainy days," says Curator Jenny Miller of jenscreations220. I'm thankful that she included my "Purple Rain" painting in this delightful collection!

Monday, April 4, 2011

DEEP PURPLE

                                          "Double Devil's Trumpet"
                     Botanical Limited Edition Matted Watercolor Print
                                      By Artist Barbara Rosenzweig

In creating this unique fantasy collection, Curator Jacqueline Veach of YoungHeartWhimsy says, "Fairies, faeries everywhere. Seen in dreams. Seen indoors. Seen outdoors. Seen in a boat. Seen in a river, lake, and pond. Seen when looking. Seen with Playsilks, frogs, Bird of Paradise and zebra with many rainbow colors. Fairies "painted" them so beautifully. Faeries seen in love. You were about to tell me they don't exist? Why I am surprised! Etsians, please look for them below." I'm so pleased that she included my Double Devil's Trumpet painting!

Friday, April 1, 2011

SPRING & APPLE BLOSSOMS

                                             Apple Blossoms (Buy Now)
                                            By Artist Barbara Rosenzweig
                                Many sizes of Fine Art Reproductions Available

These tiny white flowers have exquisite beauty that were just wonderful to paint! I loved creating colorful shadows and enlarging these miniscule blossoms so that you can enjoy their wonderful details!

Curator Rebecca Dresser of KneeDeepOriginals created this terrific collection, "Paint if Black...and green and floral." Says Rebecca, "It's a Fine Art Friday and I'm in love with all these finds." Thanks so much for including my "Apple Blossoms" painting!