The Deconstruction of a Sunflower

Well, I started out painting a sunflower, and it evolved into this piece.  I'm not sure what happened.  There are parts of it that I love.  And parts of it that I hate...er...dislike.  The flower itself, however, was spectacular.  I may not endeavor to paint it again, but I'm enjoying having it in my studio.  It feels like the essence of Summer.  :)

Trio of Pears

Pear Repose

Lavender & Ivy

This one is from my garden. And the last one for tonight. Hopefully, I'm caught up until tomorrow. :)

Green Tea

This teapot belongs to my niece. It looks so pretty in her sunny kitchen. The moment I saw it, I knew that I wanted to paint it. :)

Three Little Birds

I am late in posting this painting. Since Tuesday, my free time has been spent celebrating birthdays and waiting for babies to be born. But that is what life is all about, and I am enjoying every minute of it. :)

Earlier this summer, I stumbled upon this little nest of birds in my holly tree. It was so fun to follow their progress, and after they were grown and gone, I saved the tiny nest. It is so beautifully made...one more reminder of nature's miracles.

Garlic Study

From the Wet Canvas web site, today's "Garlic Study" was from a photograph. I loved the garlic against the dark background and couldn't resist trying to paint it. I am still having issues with photographing my finished paintings. With a little practice, I hope my images will improve. Please bear with me. :)

Cactus Blossoms

These cactus blossoms grow wild in our pastures. Many, many years ago during seasons of drought, the ranchers would burn the needles off of the cactus and feed them to their cattle.

I spent a little time this weekend organizing my office/studio. I would like to have a table dedicated to daily still lifes, so I'm hoping to shop the resale stores this week. I will post any interesting finds. I love a good DIY project. :)

Kate

Whew! I almost ran out of time to paint today, but it was a nice way to end the day. This is a study of my niece, and I would like to eventually do a larger painting. She is a sweetheart, and this piece was a joy to paint. :)

Yellowstone Stream

I worked from a photograph today. It was taken in Yellowstone a few years ago. We went during the first week of May, and snow was still on the ground. I would love to pack up my paints and go back someday. :)

Wallflowers

Very Cherry

It is gray here this morning. It looks to be a stormy day, and I love stormy days! They're perfect for spending at your easel with a cup of hot tea. Have a great day, everyone! :)

Cherries Jubilee

I feel like these cherries are trying to convey a sublimal message to me. I would blame the paint fumes, but I'm using acrylics. Hmm...;)

Bing Bling

When the temps reach triple digits, it's a good time to paint indoors. So thankful for air conditioning, my iPod and August's cherries.

Pasture Painting

Today was such a struggle for me. Sleepy calves do not remain sleepy for long. And the more I hurry, the more tightly I paint. Argh. However, I remain undaunted. Tomorrow is another day. :)

The Glades

Prairie Thunderstorm

Take Three

Today, I had fun experimenting with a canvas toned with black. Warm orange reds and cool blues. In the end, I wish that I had left more black. I will have to try it again. Alas, the apples are no more. They were sprinkled with cinnamon and baked in a pie. ;)

March Colt - August 9, 2010

Three of a Kind - August 8, 2010

Granny Smith - August 7, 2010

Marshfield - August 6, 2010

Inspired by the beauty of Boston's South Shore and the lovely and gracious ladies of Massachusetts, I am embarking on a personal creative journey. I will endeavor to complete one small painting a day. I painted this piece, "Marshfield," on the morning following the most incredible workshop with Page Railsback and Lisa Daria. If you ever have a chance to paint with these talented artists, please do. It was an awesome experience for me, and I will never forget the two incredible days in August of 2010.