!["Slip and Slide" ©Ruth Armitage, Acrylic and Collage 11x15" $395](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Slip-Slide-Ruth-Armitage-817x600.gif)
“Slip and Slide” ©Ruth Armitage, Acrylic and Collage 11×15″ $395
I always feel like this time of year spins way too fast! Our favorite summer activity as kids was the slip & slide… and that inspired this painting. I used some of the monotypes I made using the gelli-plate on this, and also printed directly onto the painting.
I originally painted this last summer but had never framed it. I didn’t feel like it was quite complete. You can view the original before the collage & gelli-plate additions here.
Pulse!
![The silent auction items for "Pulse" 210 Commercial St, Salem, OR. Tonight (5/16) is the final night!](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Pulse-800x600.jpg)
The silent auction items for “Pulse” 210 Commercial St, Salem, OR. Tonight (5/16) is the final night!
I spent time this week in the garden and also at Pulse, Mary Lou Zeek’s pop-up gallery and benefit for the Medical Foundation of Marion & Polk counties.
When Mary Lou and some of the other artists saw my gelli prints, they were eager to sign up for my workshop in Keizer! You know you have a good thing when other artists are so enthused about learning it. I think I will be including this technique in my upcoming classes, but those in Keizer will have extra time on it! Register soon for any of my workshops– they are filling fast.
I also want to encourage you to see James Kirk’s retrospective at River Gallery. I attended the opening reception and loved seeing the huge crowd assembled. Professor Kirk has a wide circle of influence.
![James Kirk](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Kirk-470x600.jpg)
James Kirk
Yesterday I slowed down enough to take some shots of my rock garden. It really is filling in nicely!
![Rockery](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Rockery-600x600.jpg)
Siberian Iris, Elderberries and Weigelia
![rockery from below](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/rockery-from-below-600x600.jpg)
The rock garden from below
I had a fun opportunity to tour another garden in Estacada yesterday. Laurel Hedge specializes in Garden Ornaments and Design and they have a fabulous eye. If you live in the Portland Metro area, they are worth the drive. They are planning an open garden on May 25, 2014 from 11-4. You won’t be disappointed!
Here are a few teaser shots:
![Laurel Hedge Rhodies](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Laurel-Hedge-Rhodies-800x600.jpg)
Statuary, trees and blooming shrubs ornament much of the garden
![Laurel Hedge planter](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Laurel-Hedge-planter-800x600.jpg)
A beautiful combination in a re-purposed bird bath
![laurel hedge magnolia](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/laurel-hedge-magnolia-497x600.jpg)
This sweet magnolia was covered in blooms!
![Laurel Hedge Koi Pond](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Laurel-Hedge-Koi-Pond-892x600.jpg)
I wish you could see the enormous koi in this pond!
![Laurel Hedge Knot Garden](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Laurel-Hedge-Knot-Garden-450x600.jpg)
Beautiful Knot Garden
![Laurel Hedge Iris](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Laurel-Hedge-Iris-450x600.jpg)
Great way to incorporate Bearded Iris in the Garden
![Laurel Hedge Garden Art](https://rutharmitage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Laurel-Hedge-Garden-Art-450x600.jpg)
Fun & Funky Garden Art