Monday, January 23, 2017

Jam Session~An old paintbox..and Odell Beckham Jr.





That little watercolor paper book above is my favorite.I love St-Armand's papers..

 Sometimes..you get an idea in your head..and you could literally get up in the middle of the night  (the best ideas are fraught there..)and just do it.

 One of my ideas..was ..we need more strawberry jam..David Lebovitz's..it was unheard of years ago to make strawberry jam in January..until Costco..

 Please understand..I won't find a real local strawberry here for..about 5.5 months..and we had the last of the jam.I live in Québec..the land of plenty..plenty of snow and cold in January:)
And someone I know likes marmalade..and Costco had Cara Caras..lovely..seedless..rich color..I had to.
I made Ricardo's again..In both cases..the jam and the marmalade I have to cook mine a lot longer..we like runny jam..and it is..
the marm is less so.

 I know..I should be buying bio..

 anyways..

 So I made both one grey wintry day and loved it..you start at about 9 AM and finish around 3 PM:) Then all the jars are upside down..till the next day..
I assure you they all POP..and are terribly difficult to open..and we have never been ill.

 I love the jam recipe..I am ok with the marmalade one..however..it is not the marmalade of my dreams..that they have at a breakfast place near here ..which is very similar to one I had in Woodstock,Vermont.
Oh in the 80's...

 That sweet paint set,,I was fortunate to be able to buy it..you know I love vintage..this is in a metal case..when I picked it up..I asked the young woman..where did you get this? She said..it was my grandmother's.. she was a watercolorist.
♥
I will look after it..where you see the circle w/ pink..it is a water vessel..I had used pinks and red's for the berry.
I am smitten.
There are 27 pans..and all are still usable..there is a water vessel and a mixing palette..metal and white.It came with that Whistler brush.
The set is Reeves~#62..1950's I think.So my age.





Max LOVES Odell Beckham Junior..there was a photo of him on IG wearing headphones..Max is already thinking his birthday in June..he is a planner,,anyway his mom asked if I could try and paint his photo and I laughed..and then I sat down and tried..



Now I know it is amateur..and I never thought of this..his head was cropped on the photo..I just did a dark background..
I would have preferred this..


But then my white border is gone..and the frame doesn't fit..:(
Any ideas ?How to fix?
His mom says Max will love it as is..but I don't...love it..his lips culd use improving and that's not the least of the poor guy's watercolor.
I could stick to jam making;)
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67 comments:

  1. Sue/the view from great islandJanuary 23, 2017 at 11:51 AM

    You know Monique I've taken to making jam, not marmalade out of citrus and it's equally as wonderful, my next experiment is with blood oranges, but cara cara would be a good choice, too. Enjoy your lovely snow, we've got rain!

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 12:39 PM

      I tried freezer marm too yesterday and we both agree..it's not like the stove top method..Snow tonight..happy about that because no snow is grey here and the snow can look dirty..I bet your jams are great!

      Delete
  2. Linda @ Life and LindaJanuary 23, 2017 at 12:01 PM

    Lovely post Monique. Making jam is so good. I know it is time intensive, but so worth it. When my children were small, I canned and made lots of jam. I think the watercolor is fabulous. We are all tool critical of our own work. I think max will be thrilled. How can I help? I can edit anything....

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 12:42 PM

      Can you edit me?

      LOL..
      I have a few things I would love edited..

      I don't think there is a way around this..

      I could add a black mat..on top of the head but it would not work.
      I want to give him the original..thank God love is blind and he may like it..
      but Linda..thanks so much.
      And I love your confidence..reading :"Ican edit anything"..is GREAT.Really really.

      Delete
    2. Linda @ Life and LindaJanuary 23, 2017 at 1:04 PM

      Just let me know Monique. I am happy to help. Well...almost anything. I have added people in a photo that were missing....LOL

      Delete
  3. JenniJanuary 23, 2017 at 12:54 PM

    your watercolor sketches just keep getting better and better, amazing and that watercolor palette wow what a find i just know you will treasure it :)
    homemade strawberry jam sounds amazing and it looks like you will have enough for winter :)
    hope your week is wonderful
    jenni

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:12 PM

      I was so happy to find it..I wonder why she sold it..geesh I think if it was my grandmother's I would have kept it..but we are all different and we all attach value to different things.
      I hope yur week is good too..I have missed your posts.
      Have a wonderful creative year Jenni:)

      Delete
  4. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsJanuary 23, 2017 at 12:55 PM

    The jam and marmalade sound yummy! What a great old paint box. I think your portrait is a good one!

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:14 PM

      Thank you!!
      Oh that paint box..I first saw it over 1 month ago..asked questions..then kept thinking about it and she was flexible..so it worked out well for both of us.
      I even just like looking at the pans..they are almost full.
      I like old..so much.

      Delete
  5. BarbaraJanuary 23, 2017 at 1:10 PM

    I love your work, Monique. (Which reminds me, I have to check with the office and see if anything has arrived!)
    And is there anything better than homemade jam? I used to make it regularly, but living alone and the fact that there are so many lovely jams in Fresh Market, I haven't made any in years. Marmalade is my favorite.

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:15 PM

      You know..I was going to email you this morning and say..:"It's too long Barbara"..more than one week? It should be there..but I thought you would think I was annoying..and I am:)

      Delete
  6. Painting the hamptonsJanuary 23, 2017 at 2:25 PM

    So much to ❤️ your portrait of Odell is wonderful. I love it as is, but you could crop it with a mat? The watercolor kit is a lovely find. I love your colander! All of your watercolor sketches are gorgeous. You are definitely perfecting your craft! ❤

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:18 PM

      I am trying..would like to maybe one day take a class..it seems that if I feel something..in this case Max's love for Odell..the ideas flow more naturally..never properly ..but calmly and wantingly? Does that make sense gail?
      I have not learned to be patient and let the colors dry..I seem to sit and want it done while I feel inspired.
      A mat is a good idea..I will give him this tomorrow..but firts measure the appropriate mat size..and then give him the mat..Thank you:)

      Delete
    2. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:42 PM

      Hmm..won't work ..if I put a mat to hide the top..the whole bottom face comes off:(
      I will give him this one and redo:)

      Delete
  7. LaurieJanuary 23, 2017 at 3:34 PM

    Your watercolor is amazing! Have you thought about placing the watercolor on a black background, either black archival quality paper or maybe black velvet and then frame?

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:20 PM

      Well I think I just got the answer..and I appreciate your suggestion too..I am going to measure a mat size..that will work..and get it done..he can add it after..thank you for your encouraging words..it's hard to post photos but I would really like to improve.

      Delete
  8. ValJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:00 PM

    I myself love the tiny strawberry painting. :) And you're making it through January with all your projects--Good. :) I'm sure Max will be thrilled. ♥

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:21 PM

      I hope so Val..Val I thought of you not 1 hr ago..Costco had Little House On The Prairie box set..totally different than the one I got my girls..in a little house♥

      Delete
    2. ValJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:53 PM

      What clever packaging. How sweet.

      Delete
  9. PennyJanuary 23, 2017 at 5:17 PM

    I wish I had your dedication to jam making. I know the feeling of having fresh jars put by, but never seem to follow through. Your artwork is great. Max will love the picture. All of us are too critical of our own attempts. I have let the oils go. My Mother was the artist and I have convinced myself that I can't compete. Sad really, because we all have our unique take on art. Just maybe I should try again. Love your enthusiasm. It is encouraging. Coming here is always uplifting.

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 5:31 PM

      Penny ..my mom went to Beaux-Arts here..she was gifted and talented..I will never be able to be of her calibre..I just enjoy the Zen..ism of sitting and quietly painting.

      Try David's recipe..email me if you want..it is so true .. so French..so easy..we can do it step by step:)

      Delete
  10. LindaJanuary 23, 2017 at 5:29 PM

    Hi Monique....
    Your jams look picture perfect...and I love your coloured puddles on your paper!
    That strawberry looks real!
    I had to look up Odell! Hahaha! You certainly captured him in your painting....
    Max will love it!
    Still dreary and damp here...wishing for some sunshine!
    Enjoy your evening...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 23, 2017 at 5:35 PM

      If you look up his page..you will find this photo..maybe you won't see the similarities though;)
      Dreary and damp here to..we did Costco..storm overnight here..maybe not tha much but snow leading to grizzle..

      we have not seen the sun in ages..
      when do you flip flop?

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    2. LindaJanuary 23, 2017 at 9:09 PM

      Feb 8th!
      The countdown has begun....😎

      Delete
  11. BarbJanuary 23, 2017 at 6:29 PM

    Love the watercolors. Fabulous. Either one.

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  12. donna bakerJanuary 23, 2017 at 10:58 PM

    Oh Monique, you are really improving. Practice does make perfect. Jams this time of year must be wonderful. Extravagant even. Such a busy bee you are. I love this post as it feels like I'm there with you, peeking into your homelife. I think you should bring the beard down into the white border. Max really is going to love it.

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 8:37 AM

      I think that's a great idea and doable!And different..like outside the box a bit:)Jacques is nuts about the jam..it's in his greek yogurt w/ granola every morning..Thank you..

      Delete
    2. donna bakerJanuary 24, 2017 at 3:18 PM

      Tell Jacques that's how I eat my jam too. I figured maybe that was the reason you like them softer. Much better for yogurt and granola.

      Delete
    3. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 6:24 PM

      He reads your comments:) He will tell me too:)

      Delete
  13. martinealisonJanuary 24, 2017 at 1:32 AM

    Bonjour ma chère Nana,

    C'est aussi avec des erreurs que j'évolue... Toute notre vie nous restons des éternelles élèves !
    J'aime beaucoup votre aquarelle. Cette ligne blanche ne me dérange pas...
    Si elle est un souci pour vous, je serais aussi partisante de prolonger et finaliser la barbe... Mais vraiment pas certaine que cela soit nécessaire.
    Humm !! Les confitures ! J'adore ça ! Les faire et les déguster !... Je vais commencer les confitures d'oranges amères.


    Gros bisous 🌺

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 8:40 AM

      Merci!

      Bon..maintenant moi aussi je suis indécise..si je rate..?Je crois..plus prudent de lui offrir comme tel..il a 8 ans..et recommencer un autre moment..Bitter Orange marmalade..delish!

      Delete
    2. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 9:15 AM

      Mon Dieu..9 ans:) Max a 9 ans..4 en ligne..on en mélange :)

      Delete
  14. TannaJanuary 24, 2017 at 7:30 AM

    NO, you are wonderful with your watercolors as well as your jams! I love it! And, am very envious of your find of that vintage set. How wonderful that you found it... and care for that grandmother's watercolors... Your marmalade and jam are so beautiful and I am sure as delicious as they are attractive! You bless your family with the things you create in love. blessings ~ tanna

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 8:43 AM

      Tanna..I have missed you:):)
      We can all do with uplifting comments..and Jacques always says how true everything rings..you must have missed the camaraderie:)You are back to stay.

      Delete
  15. UnknownJanuary 24, 2017 at 8:20 AM

    I am soon excited for him to see it. You are so talented, and so generous. Best Nana ever!!! XXXXXX

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  16. Tricia BuiceJanuary 24, 2017 at 8:48 AM

    You really captured Odell's essence! What a wonderful gift for Max :) Your jam looks amazing too! I need to start writing down my 'middle of the night' ideas so I don't forget them. There is always so much going on in my head, morning, noon and night :)

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 9:15 AM

      That's no surprise to me Tricia..you must have a spinning Rolodex in there..but a pretty one;)

      Delete
  17. SavoringTime in the KitchenJanuary 24, 2017 at 10:14 AM

    I love Cara Cara oranges and will look for them at Costco next time we go :) I would love to find that 'marmalade of my dreams' recipe! I will search and see what I can find. I love orange marmalade on a toasted English Muffin! Max will ADORE your watercolor of Odell! I was going to say have a simple frame made-to-fit for it at Michaels or JoAnn but I don't know if you have them there or what the cost would be. I do like the comment about mounting it on a background paper though! What a precious heirloom you have in that paint box. I know it will be well cared for in your hands ♥

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 11:42 AM

      Right now it's in a clip frame..the gift I won from Vivian Swift last year is in one..sent by her ..it's on my kitchen windowsill..I have even seen shadow boxes I like..custom framimg..later;)
      When I will say..ok..:)
      I wrote to Mountain Creamery..no reply.:(

      Delete
  18. CathyeJanuary 24, 2017 at 10:39 AM

    Hi, Monique,
    Love your posts & photos. Always interesting & inspiring.
    You could *float* your WC on a mat or even another sheet of painted/ glazed WC paper. It's done w little mounting stickers or pieces of foam board (if that's all you have on hand). It raise the art slightly off the paper-- then frame under glass.
    Or-- mat to the image, & put your inscriptions on the mat itself.
    Post your solution.

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 11:45 AM

      I think I will just leave it..but in the future..I love your idea of mounting stickers..Rita..(Sketchbook Wandering) uses those and I admit to copying her..that was the first time I saw them and thought:"so clever".
      I like raised art..the day I really like it..I'll do a better job at framing..it's in a clip frame..I see him Thursday:)Thank you Cathye!

      Delete
  19. ParisbreakfastsJanuary 24, 2017 at 10:48 AM

    Reeves watercoulors!
    Long gone.
    Nice fruit sketches!!!

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 11:46 AM

      I guess they are not the Reeves of the present reeves co.now?

      Thanks Carol!

      Delete
  20. Cathy at Wives with KnivesJanuary 24, 2017 at 11:11 AM

    Good morning, Monique. I'm having a bit of trouble signing in so I can leave a comment. I'll try again. Homemade jam tastes so good this time of year. It's that bit of summer flavor that gets me longing for spring. I know Max will love his watercolor. What a special personal gift for him.

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 11:47 AM

      Thanks Cathy..wonder why you are having trouble? Is Ollie on your lap distracting you?:)♥
      Bet you can't put him down:)

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  21. Studio TBFJanuary 24, 2017 at 3:37 PM

    Do you have Mr Clean Erasers where you live? The plain erasers, no additives, will gently lift watercolor paints, making corrections possible. You could adjust the background that way.

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 6:26 PM

      I am going to get some..I did have 2 at one time..never for watercolor..now I will..I got a very excited phone call from Max who was so happy! His mom dropped by and I gave it to her to give to him..I got a photo too:)

      Thank you..on my list!

      Delete
  22. Abbe@This is How I CookJanuary 24, 2017 at 6:38 PM

    OK. So I don't know who Odell is. I am assuming he is a fb player. Not knowing who he is he looks great to me. And if I did know who he was I think he'd still look great! And as for jam...I do the same thing. I am partial to raspberry and I just made a batch about a month ago!

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 24, 2017 at 7:27 PM

      That is on my short list!I absolutely want to make raspberry!
      👍

      Delete
  23. UnknownJanuary 24, 2017 at 9:12 PM

    I think both jam and painting are your fortes Monique. And lots of other things, as well!

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  24. PamJanuary 24, 2017 at 9:18 PM

    Way to go with the jam, Monique! I've made various flavors for years, in the summer, and love to do it. And there's been many of a night, I've jotted something on a notepad by the bed, as you said best thoughts at night sometimes. You have great sketches as always!

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 25, 2017 at 8:21 AM

      It sure makes sleep a difficult thing..racing minds..:)

      Delete
  25. Ry @ Sotto Il Monte VineyardsJanuary 25, 2017 at 8:58 AM

    I wouldn't have a clue about what to do with the watercolor, as I have no talent in that direction. Fortunate are the ones that do. Love your artwork. Making jam is something that I haven't done in quite sometime. I suppose because, with just the two of us, it takes so long to get through even one jar. Beautiful photos, as always💕

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 25, 2017 at 11:12 AM

      If Jacques did not appreciate his jam in his yogurt..I wonder if I would make it..years and years ago..pickles..ketchups..bettes..etc..then nothing..and just in the last few years..started making smaller batches..one don-in-law loves marmalade and when I give him a jar he is happy..many of these are for him for his birthday..it is hard w/ just 2..one chicken breast is enough for the two of us:)
      Most of the time..
      You have so many talents..SOO many..and it is an honor to have you like my photographs Ry.♥

      Delete
  26. JeanieJanuary 26, 2017 at 10:57 AM

    It doesn't look amateur at all to me. (And I love you painting set too!) Looks great (and so does the jam).

    You might try trimming it all around and then mounting on another sheet of paper the frame size and/or using a mat. Someone probably already suggested that -- I'm late commenting. But I'm sure you can make it work.

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 26, 2017 at 11:06 AM

      It's already in his hands..and God bless kids..he was so happy..:)

      Have a nice weekend Jeanie and thanks for the info..I was afraid of ruining it more;)
      Great idea..great actually.

      Delete
  27. TerrykJanuary 26, 2017 at 10:56 PM

    Holy moly when did you do your design makeover of your blog, have I missed a few posts? I LOVE it! You are too hard on yourself, the watercolor is fantastic.Max will love it, especially since his Nana did it special for him. The jam and marmalade are gorgeous. All the fruit is needed on these gloomy days. I'm off to explore your new additions to the blog...

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 27, 2017 at 10:04 AM

      Thanks! Thanks Thanks..I did it yesterday..I needed a change and I didn't want a drastic haircut:)
      Max did love it..through a child's eyes..we should all have them:)♥

      Delete
  28. Marie RaynerJanuary 27, 2017 at 2:45 AM

    Your jams, your painting . . . that watercolour box, with that precious water pot. How could your Max NOT love what you have done for him. It will be a treasure for him, I am sure. You are such a wonderful Grandmother. Your grands are so very blessed, but then I strongly suspect anyone who is lucky enough to be a part of your life is blessed beyond measure. You are just one very special person. xoxo

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 27, 2017 at 10:08 AM

      Not at all dear Marie..I have always said we show the best..:)
      not the dead parts of the gardens..not the kitchen flops and bad pics..
      my family is nicer..yesterday I told Oli I am a better person because of him though..they are just so innocent still at 7..:) The things they say and do..marvels. No screening..as is.:)

      Delete
  29. Hélène (Cannes)January 27, 2017 at 3:46 PM

    Moi, j'aime beaucoup ! Tu es douée. Quel joli cadeau pour Max ! Moi, c'est ce weekend que je ferai ma marmelade d'orange amère. Les arbres en sont couverts, ici, en ce moment ...

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    1. La Table De NanaJanuary 28, 2017 at 8:39 AM

      Chanceuse!!!..Ce doit etre magnifique! Pardonne le manque d'accents..mon clavier :(

      Delete
  30. Lee TJanuary 31, 2017 at 9:33 AM

    Your jam looks beautiful! (Thank you for getting me hooked on David Lebovitz's too! ) I love your painting, I think Max will too! xo

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  31. Karen (Back Road Journal)February 10, 2017 at 9:42 AM

    I'm sure Max loves the watercolor as it was painted by you…that alone makes it very special.

    ReplyDelete

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