I Have Heard of Tea Cozies, But Never Tree Cozies

Dyke Marsh III: Five Times is the Charm

Dyke Marsh III, c. Patricia Miller Uchello 2014, for sale

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Some landscapes are really special. For me, my favorite place to paint is the edge of Dyke Marsh, which is right by my home in Alexandria, Virginia.

Dyke Marsh and I have been friends for the last 30 years. I have painted it covered with ice, as a background for a portrait, as well as two summer versions and a fall version (above). I think that this one is possibly my favorite, although it is fairly small, at 10 x 10".

I originally hail from the marshy world of Louisiana, known for its wetlands. Muddy bayous and the Mighty Mississippi are my roots. So these wet lands at the edge of the Potomac River suit me just fine. As a matter of fact, my step-father proposed to my mother about forty feet from this spot, giving it even further significance.

Your favorite swamp creature,
Patsie

Study in White

Study in White, Oil by Patricia Miller Uchello

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Every year, the Art League of Alexandria, Virginia, sponsors a Patron's Show, featuring donated art from its members. 
Tickets are sold for $200 apiece, and attendees vie for their favorite pieces of art.
I am donating Study in White this year.
What are the shades of white? They vary from a yellowish white to a gray, blue, orange, brown, gray or greenish white. All the subtle shades are hard to see and depict accurately. The study of all whites is considered a tour de force. Sort of like painting a polar bear playing in the snow!
This painting is on display from now until February 16, 2014, at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory.

Your imaginary friend,
Patsie

The Isle of Capri

The Isle of Capri, Oil, by Patricia Miller Uchello

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Guess what I recently painted? Only one of the most scenic spots in the world: the jutting rocks off the coast of the Isle of Capri, off shore from Sorrento, Italy, om the famed Amalfi Coast.
That's amore!

We actually took a boat trip through the eye of the needle. The water was a brilliant inky blue. If I had not seen it with my own two eyes, I would never believe it.
Stunning beauty!

Your imaginary friend,
Patsie

African Daisies and Cherry Tomatoes

Positano from Above

Talk about heaven on earth! Positano is a dreamy destination in September and October. We went there this Fall, soaked it up, and then I came home and painted Positano this month. 

Positano is one of several towns perched on the steep hills and cliffs of the scenic Amalfi Coast, located in Southern Italy. I consider myself lucky, as I have been there twice. The views, food and mood are all extraordinary. Positano is also a great spot for shopping.

To get there, drive South from Sorrento, Italy. In Southern Italy, making life pleasurable is a philosophy shared by locals and visitors alike, with a stress-free pace and an appreciation for beauty, good food and good wine.  

Your favorite artist,

Patricia Uchello

Positano From Above, 16 x 12", oil

Le Diplomate Divine

If you find yourself on the hunt for a new gourmet experience, look no further than the Parisian-inspired Le Diplomate, near Washington, DC's Logan Circle. Situated at the corner of delicious and divine, I meant, 14th Street and Q St., NW, it is an accurate French bistro with authentic decor and fine cooking.

Le Diplomate has the most delish version of  beef bourguignon and whipped potatoes that I have  ever had the pleasure of tasting. The dark chocolate napoleon beckoned, but I resisted. 

The bar at Le Diplomate has a stunning Sazerac as well as many, many other cocktail selections. It may be the best-stocked bar I have ever run across. 

How many more reasons do you need to go?

Your fellow foodie,

Patsie

The beef bourguignon, heavily laced with burgundy richness

Tiny tiles decorate both inside and out

There is a charming sidewalk area, too.