Dahlia

The Mendocino Botanical Coastal Gardens has the most magnificent dahlia garden with over 120 varieties of dahlias.  They are such an intricate flower, and a little intimidating to paint, I think.
All of the gardens are so beautiful, and painting there in the October sun was quite a heavenly experience.  I painted a colorful grass, see web site for a peek. 

Feed Me

At the Flamingo Gardens in Davies, Florida, the White Ibises beg for food by walking up to you on the railing above the water.  You can feed them food that you purchase out of your hand--it's a little intimidating at first, but a great opportunity to get really close.

Parrots Gone Wild