Lilly Martin Spencer

Lilly Martin Spencer was born in England to French parents in 1822. The family immigrated to New York in 1830. Lilly began painting at an early age and was encouraged to do so by her parents who recognized her abilities. She spent many years living and working in Ohio. In her marriage she was the main breadwinner and her work achieved national recognition. She and her husband raised seven children and she was painting right up until her death in 1902 in Highland, New York.

Still Life with Berries and Currants (1859 - 1860)

For Groundhog Day - a tangelo

February 2nd is celebrated as Groundhog Day in various parts of the United States. It marks that point in the calendar when we are halfway between winter solstice and the vernal equinox. Whether or not the groundhog sees its shadow today is imagined to be an indicator of the remaining length of winter weather.

I was thinking of light and shadow - and the color wheel and theory of complementary colors this morning. Working with blue paper I realized it really is the perfect complement to the color of the tangelo I was about to eat. When I placed the tangelo on the paper it cast a shadow. Now, I know the tangelo probably doesn't see its own shadow but does this mean we're in for six more weeks of winter?