On Friday, we decided to drive the newly opened portion of the Foothills Parkway near Maryville, Tennessee that ends in Wears Valley not far from Pigeon Forge. This segment of the parkway laid unfinished for 52 years before final completion last April. I took these three photos at the largest overlook on that stretch offering a gorgeous panoramic view. It wasn’t until I got back in the car that I realized that I had turned the B&W filter on my iPhone camera. It was a bit nippy and the wind was gusting more than I cared for so decided to go with these shots. This goof actually services quite well for the mid-week alphabet prompt, G is for grayscale! Doncha just love it when a plan comes together? 
With the gloomy grayness overhead, the B&W effect turned out good expressing the moodiness of the moment purrfectly. We’ll go back again on a glorious blue sky day for another attempt to capture even a better picture.
Once we got off the parkway, we explored some of the back roads before heading into Pigeon Forge where we gave into one of our guilty pleasures, ice cream. We stopped at a candy shop that boasts of home-made ice cream which we’ve been wanting to try for more than a year but never got around to it because of bad timing. You know, the terrorists that flock to our mountains? Anywho, we are sure glad that we didn’t fight the multitude off to get this place because it was a disappointment. *sigh* Oh well…we can cross that place off our list.
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Scribble Picnic host, Michael MacVean, challenges the artist in us all regardless of our level with a prompt every other week to inspire creativity. This week’s word is ‘HEARTS‘.
When I was a little girl I remember my mom doodling. She would draw a woman in a ballgown. It was a simple design to remember because she always began with a heart-shaped bodice. That’s where my illustrations begin this time.
I have fond memories of those early years watching her sketch. That’s about all I recall her drawing but I do remember others in the family illustrating, mostly my uncle. He liked sketching naked women but I’m not going to go that far here…yet! lol
My brain got to thinking about Valentines Day, so I thought why not use Michael’s heart challenge to create something for DH. I did this pencil drawing of a gal blowing kisses. Besides the obvious floating hearts, do you see any others?
The interesting thing about using digital art media like Procreate, I can upload my image to iCloud then add it to the app. That’s what I did, then just traced it. I haven’t mastered hands. Shoot, I haven’t mastered any part of the human anatomy but hands are tricky to get right and still I can’t get it. Practice. Practice. Practice. You’ll probably notice that I did the gal’s hand a little different but I can’t say it looks any better than the pencil design. What do you think? This one I was able to iMessage to DH on Valentine’s Day. I like the color. The double heart chocker represents our courting years and DH got me one something like this. I actually still have it tucked away in my jewelry box as a momentum of those early years. It’s broken and tarnished but it symbolizes our love.
DH does his own little thing for our daughters for Valentine’s Day and so I like to send DS a little something, so I did this little doodle in Procreate just for him.
There’s nothing like a little art play to show someone that you’re thinking of them and it’s an excellent expression of 
!
Until we cross paths next keep on doodling where ever your brain takes you. Come back tomorrow to see what I divvy up next perhaps a few words of gratitude and a new writing prompt?
X
X, Cathy
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that’s a sweet memory of your mother. I like the idea of starting a drawing with a heart.
I thought your second heart drawing is wonderful. and have you thought about using reference photos? that’s what I do when something doesn’t look quite right, I think hands are the most difficult to draw, so I do use photo references for them.
thank you for your visit to my blog, have a lovely day.
Lissa,
I do use photos from Google or even how-tos to step me through the process but not for hands. That’s something to work on later when I have some spare time to devote to. Right now, I’m working on getting my April A to Z sketches done. Thanks for joining me and for the lovely words and tips. The SP bloggers are a lovely community to be apart of!
Beautiful Hearts pieces for Scribble Picnic Cathy, I also love your grayscale photos, so paintable!
Christine,
I often thought if I ever move that direction [painting], that I’d love to do the mountains! That has always been a dream…really more like a fantasy. lol I don’t know if I’ll ever get to that point with my art but I’m enjoying what I’m doing for now and that’s all that matter. Thanks for visiting.
You’re a MUCH better artist than I.
Roger,
You’re sweet. Thank you!
wow, those shots sure came out great – that’s what you call a happy accident! nice hearts, and sweet drawing, too.
Mama PJ,
Yes, a happy accident fits purrfectly!
Beautiful drawings and I am beginning to think that Tennessee might be more beautiful than California. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Patrick,
I think every state has its own beauty. I’d love to see some of the National Parks in California. Maybe, one day you’ll make it to Tennessee.
Cathy, your valentine art pieces are darling. I like all those valentines kisses floating in the air. Makes me smile.
Su-sieee,
A Valentine greeting isn’t complete without lots of floating hears.
While i’m glad you got to get away for a bit, i’m sorry the ice cream was a disappointment.
Your sketches always bring a smile!
Mimi,
That was the first time in months to really do anything other than hanging around town, so it was nice. While the ice cream wasn’t the best, it was all apart of the easy-going experience of the day. It was still lots of fun anyhow.
The B&W shots worked out very well! Nice job!
But I have to ask….
how does a highway lay ‘unfinished’ for 52 years???!!!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful sketches…they are always so happy
Lisa
Lisa,
I suppose funding was part of the problem with it being in a National Park (the Smoky’s). The incompleted road didn’t stop travelers with alternate routes to use to get from Maryville to Wears Valley. It was a nice drive with some good views. The best spot came when we got to the section with the bridges, especially in the area where it went downhill a long way which was quite fun and felt a bit like I was on a rollercoaster without the neck breaking the speed of course.
Tennesse is so beautiful, I haven’t been there in so long, now I want to go back.!
The east Tennessee mountains are gorgeous. I’m so thankful we live in this area. I grew up in the mountains of southern West Virginia and I feel purrfectly at home here. You know the old saying about you can’t take the country out of the girl. That’s me.
Of course, I prefer living in a city (not too big) with its conveniences. That’s a part of country life I don’t miss.
Oh my goodness, I wish my husband liked to drive and see the U.S.! How fun that must be for you! Plus the extras are superb! WOW, homemade ice cream! YUMMmmmm!!!! I have been to Tennessee two (2) times. Once with my parents to see Elvis’s home and once to visit my 1st husband’s friend. in Leitchfield, Kentucky… oh wait that’s no Tennessee is it? Aughhhhhhhh I’m such a boob… well it’s close right??? I tried finding them after we divorced and after my first husband died to let them know, but to no avail. They were really nice people. Love your photos and love, love, love your drawings! you did a wonderful valentine. You really need to go into business for yourself!!! Love you gal! Thanks for sharing & have a wonderful weekend! You’re duh best! HUGS
Marie,
Well, that’s super cool that you got to see Graceland. I’d like to go to Memphis someday. It would be cool to see Elvis’ home, too. But, I don’t have a huge desire to make that trip unless there is more to grab my attention. Who knows maybe we’ll go one day. I didn’t know where Leitchfield KY was so I checked on Google Maps. That’s north of Nashville which is in the center of the state. It’s quite possible we traveled through Leitchfield in the past but I can’t swear to it. That’s too bad you couldn’t find your ex-husband’s parents.
Why is that Dave doesn’t like traveling? You’d think anyone who plays with a band would enjoy being on the road. lol Maybe, that’s the problem he just doesn’t know how to enjoy driving for the fun of it. Some people are like that, though. I love homemade ice cream if it’s good stuff. This place wasn’t quite up to par. We’ve had better store-bought ice cream. Oh well, it was the experience and that was the fun part. Thanks for your kind words regarding my art.
I like the photos in B/W as it adds to the atmosphere. The Valentine’s are sweet.
I think B&W offers a mysterious air of what’s coming next to the photos, don’t you?
B&W photos convey what color can’t don’t they? Delightful. All those shades of grey.
Jacqui,
Yes, I totally agree.
I love the mountain photos. They are quite lovely!
Morgan,
Being in the mountains is our favorite place!
What a view. Wow. I love those kinds of views. You live in God’s country.
I always enjoy your sketches. You rock.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. Big hug and lots of love. ♥
Sandee,
I often say we live in God’s country, too. It sure feels like it when you look out across the sea of blues and purples of the Appalachian mountains.
You do live in God’s country. I’m sure those photographs don’t do it justice at all.
Sandee,
No photographs can’t really capture the true nature of the beauty but at least it helps to share with others who can’t be apart of the moment. I can’t wait to go back when the weather is improved.
Beautiful sketches, Cathy. I like the photos in grayscale because it reflects the moodiness of the mountains. Mountains have many moods, IMO.
Eugenia,
The grayscale does capture the moodiness of the clouds. At times the sky tried to clear but it never made it. That’s okay, we like visiting the mountains no matter what the weather brings.
Your sketches are excellent! I love the hearts and the lady in the dress. This is a Valentine for your mom. As much as your hubby. I love the eyelashes on your sketch of the lady blowing kisses.
Those are super cool photos and great sketches too!
Thank you, Brian!
Love your Valentine’s sketches especially the red dress.
Veronica,
Sometimes I see a similar design in bridal shops around prom time. It used to be you buy a dress like this at any department store. We mail ordered my wedding dress from JCPenney catalog 40 years ago. It was one of the low-cost gowns but more importantly, it was the one I liked the best. I even recall getting my high school prom dress from a small retailer. It was a simple halter top, A-lined gown. I don’t know what happened to that thing, either. I guess I gave it away years ago.
Excellent drawings, I especially like the red dress. Thanks for hosting. Have a great day! XO
Ellen,
When I think V-Day, I think red dress.
It looks like she’s ready for a special night out! Do you remember years ago on the Price Is Right how the models wore long flowing gowns to showcase the prizes? Everything about it said ‘Classy’. I loved it!
Nice captures that’s how our sky LQQKS in London 80% of the year LOL
Your sketches are brilliant they get better each time Cathy
Have an artistictastic week and thanks for sketching by
Steve,
I heard London was a rainy city but you can still enjoy things even when it’s wet.
Thank you for your sweet words.
Great looking images. A scenic drive through the mountains is a special photo opportunity. Taking 52 years to complete a highway sounds like the Arkansas Highway Department had something to do with the construction. Have a blessed day.
Driller,
Anytime the government is involved things are delayed. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Linn Cove Viaduct has a similar story (began 1935, finished 1983). Oh well…at least these highway links are done and makes enjoying the beautiful Appalachian mountains better.
Those sketches were great Valentines Day gifts. They show effort and thoughtfulness and express true emotion. And they had the added bonus of not costing anything. A good way to put your talents to work.
That’s right, anyone can express themselves without costing a cent! Exchanging hand-crafted greeting cards for all occasions has been a long-standing tradition for us. It got so tiring having to stand in Hallmark among tens of dozens of people on any given day to find the purrfect card to match what our hearts felt but then hand stamping was introduced to me in the mid-80s and from there, things evolved. We love the purrsonal touch to store-bought cards any ole day.
Lovely skies, a little omious though
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Melody,
The ominous gray cloudy skies are purrfect for photographing!
The photos sure do show a dreary day looking like it might rain at the drop of a hat. Love your drawings. You are great at sketching.
It looked like rain but none fell on us last Friday. Of course, Mother Nature is making up for that this week.
Oh, you’re too sweet! I’m delighted you like my sketches.
Hi, Cathy!
Happy ABC, Almost Wordless Wednesday and Scribble Picnic Day, dear friend!
That overlook gives a terrific view of the vast expanse of territory around Maryville. It did indeed work out well that you were able to use your black and white pictures for this theme post. I appreciate good B&W photos and yours give the impression that they were taken 52 years ago when work began on the Foothills Parkway. They are beautiful shots that draw attention to the thick deck of clouds in the sky. I’m sorry you and DH finally got around to visiting that candy shop that boasts homemade ice cream but found it disappointing. How, may I ask?
Now I know where you got your talent as an artist, dear friend – from your mother. Perhaps your appreciation of feminine beauty comes her and from your uncle. On my side of the screen, it was my dad who was always sketching. His favorite subject was Jiggs. the character from the comic strip Bringing Up Father aka Jiggs and Maggie. Your image of the girl blowing kisses on Valentine’s Day is magnificent, Cathy! The color you added makes it pop, and I am certain DH was surprised and delighted to receive it. I like how the woman’s lips are also heart shaped. With the watercolor blue background and red hearts it is a very eye pleasing illustration! I also love your clever illustration of the cupid bee hovering over the sweetie pie preparing to shoot his V-day arrow. I’m sure your son appreciated getting that drawing from you. You are fast becoming a master doodler!
Enjoy your Wednesday, dear friend Cathy!
Tom,
You’re such a kind person. Thank you for the lovely complimentary words. Of course, I don’t mind you asking about the ice cream shop. Our biggest gripe with the place is the quality not having enough butterfat to give the ice cream that truly creamy rich body we love and the flavoring wasn’t quite enough to suit our taste buds. We got two different flavors strawberry and black cherry. The cherry had ice crystals which annoyed me. Maybe we should’ve told them about that issue since that might be a problem with their freezer or that they left it out too long before sitting it back in the freezer but we didn’t. We’re always on the look for places that make their own ice cream and perhaps we’ll find others this summer.
My mom liked to doodle but didn’t do much with it beyond casual play. Life kept her too busy with raising the family, house chores, and working outside the home. The only thing I recall my daddy drawing is house floor plans. He designed the home they built on my great-grandparents land that they bought in the 70s and after Daddy got his Black Lung settlement, they built that dream house. I had already married and moved out at that time. Unfortunately, that house burned down in the mid-80s. Long story short, Daddy was burning some trash in the unfinished basement fireplace and he thought the fire was out when he left the house. I’m not sure what went wrong and he certainly doesn’t either but at least no one was hurt.
I’m sure my artistic interests and budding talents are traced to these family ties. I do appreciate the feminine form and like to draw women. I’m glad you liked the colorized version of the woman blowing kisses. DH did like it. I suppose DS liked the illustration that I sent but I never heard from him. It’s possible it went undetected or even lost in space as that does happen sometimes. I need to check in with him just to make sure he did get it.
Thanks for joining me this morning for a cup of coffee. Have a wonderful Wednesday, my friend!
Those are very dramatic pictures, especially those clouds, which you notice more than in a coloured photo- well done!
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You do a magnificent job at displaying our fine state in a good light.
Your illustrations are exceptional, as always.
You’re right! The black and white filter did make those photos very striking. Your Valentines’ sketches are lovely, Cathy. Maybe you could get that necklace cleaned and fixed? It would look so nice on you, I’m sure. What a wonderful keepsake!
Debbie,
I might do it. DH was asking about it and I told him I had it put away, so maybe we can fix it. It’s an inexpensive piece of costume jewelry but it’s for sentimental reasons I hang onto it.
Thank you for your kind words regarding my sketch and photos