OFF-TOPIC: Impressions from a Walk through the Forest

Just a few impressions from a walk through the forest these days. While the weather is still nice and quite mild this is the opportunity to stroll through the forests and see what Mother Nature has in her portfolio...

Schopftintling - edible young

(Coprinus comatus - shaggy ink cap, lawyer's wig, or shaggy mane)

not sure what this is...

Hallimasch (edible)

Armillaria mellea - Honey Fungus

Another version of this is Armillaria solidipes and it is known to be one of the largest living organisms, where scientists have estimated a single specimen found in Malheur National Forest in Oregon to have been growing for some 2,400 years, covering 3.4 square miles and colloquially named the "Humongous Fungus."(Wikipedia)

Grünspanträuschling

(Stropharia aeruginosa - verdigris agaric)

the Moss Manikin (there is a legend behind this)

Täubling - some of them are edible

(Russula)

Hallimasch

(all photos ©Petra Voegtle)

 

Years ago - exactly before 1986 - we used to stroll through the forests and collect mushrooms for eating. This was always much fun and very relaxing even if you did not find enough for a soup. But since the disaster of Tschernobyl the mushrooms are contaminated still by the radioactive fall-out especially here in Bavaria and will be for the next couple of hundreds years!!! You can eat these mushrooms if you don't do it too often but to stay on the safe side you rather should not.

~~~

Why leaving the Walls so blank?

When I came across this photo of a bedroom I thought why did they leave the walls so blank?
Although I love white interiors here is just too much white so that it causes dazzling to the eye. Also the contrasts are too harsh in my opinion although the windows probably reveal a lot of green outside which soothes in fact the contrast. But with closed curtains this room looks very stylish but cold.

To break this feeling up I would place a large painting on the wall. The perfect complement for this room would be this silk painting consisting of 5 panels. The landscape here opens the view to a large distance and makes this room even larger. But at the same time the eye has something to lean and rest on without becoming irritated...

This room is probably part of a resort rather than a private villa and therefore it might not be very practical to have an expensive silk painting on the wall. But there is an alternative. I found another view of the very same room and this shows a large wall where a photo wallpaper could do miracles. The original wall looks like this:

A huge wall where an enlarged fine art print version on canvas or even on paper only would have the most wonderful effect:

The original silk painting was inspired by the magical landscapes in Southern China. To see that breathtaking landscape with your own eyes will never let you forget about it. Photos are not sufficient to catch the special light, the atmosphere of this beauty. You can look at some of the photos I have taken here but I wished I could go back with the camera and the easel and do what so many artists have done before me. So many motifs I would like to share...

 "Monuments of Guilin"

(from the Magic Landscapes series) 
Polyptych, 40" x 65", silk
©Petra Voegtle

The painting consists of 5 panels which are painted on silk. It even could be continued to a 360° view. Imagine a room with an endless landscape! It takes you into a 3d-view when you are in front of it and opens the space even more into nearly endless distance...

If you would like to see more details of this painting please check this link. If you would like to see more examples of rooms with this painting please see here.

~~~

Dreaming of...

...sitting in the backyard and listening to the soft whispering of grasses...

found here

~~~

GUEST POST: Delightful Al Fresco Tablescapes

Delightful Al Fresco Tablescapes

Hi Art & Interior readers! I’m Beth with Timeless Wrought Iron, a wonderful online source for iron accents and furniture. I’m so excited Petra graciously allowed me to share some of my favorite al fresco tablescapes with you today. I’ve included ones with wrought iron to show just how lovely this material is for outdoor enjoyment. I’d love for you to leave a comment below and let me know which setting is your favorite.

Al fresco 1

Four lovely wrought iron lanterns hang above a blue and white tablescape set in an arbor. How wonderful to be able to gather with friends and family in this gorgeous outdoor space.

Al fresco2

A romantic table for two is set in the corner of a garden. A large wrought iron lantern and tall candelabra sit ready for nighttime.

Al fresco3

A boldly-hued brunch table is set under the shade of a big tree and the light of an iron chandelier

Al fresco4

This outdoor living space is a delightful place to entertain with its arbor and table for eight. A large wrought iron planter hangs high above the scene.

Al fresco5

A garden corner is dressed up with a wrought iron bistro table and soft pink paisley tablecloth. Delightful!

Al fresco6

This lovely setting would be a delight to enjoy an afternoon with family and friends. The natural table base surrounded by weathered wood and iron chairs is charming.

Al fresco7

An elegant wrought iron table and chairs set under trailing wisteria makes a beautiful gathering spot.

Al fresco8

A simplistic yet inviting al fresco dining experience awaits a gathering. The rustic wood table paired with modern iron chairs provides a comfortable spot to relax and visit for awhile.
TimelessWroughtIron.com offerings include a vast array of high quality iron furniture and decorative accents for the home.

~~~

Thank you Beth for this lovely post!

As I am personally a big fan of wrought iron I thought I would add a few accessories from Beth's company:

Alexander Bed

Enchanted Forest Canopy Bed

  Pine Chandelier

C Scroll Chandelier

~~~~~