1090 Within Reach

 What a day it has been!  My first painting is so bad that I had to paint another.  This isn't much better.  Some days are like that.  Time to move on.

Day 27 of the Strada Easel September challenge

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1090-within-reach/932854

1071 Little Gem

 I'm going to apologize in advance of writing this post because I'm sure you are sick of hearing about my sunflowers, so I'm sorry if this bores you.  The parent plant of this sunflower is now 80 inches tall growing from an elevated bed that is 30 inches off the ground (roof) so it's pretty imposing and pretty impressive to me. This little sunflower managed to grow in the "elbow" of two larger flowers, and it is only 3 inches in diameter.  

Day 8 of the Strada Easel September 30-day Challenge  #stradaeasel

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1071-little-gem/926682

1060 Trend Setter

 The sunflower seeds were a gift from a friend in California, and I had no idea what type of sunflowers they would become.  Note to self:  Ask the question.  The spindly little seedlings turned into Mammoth sunflowers, with such enormous stalks that I am not sure how I will remove them from the elevated beds when garden season is over.  Some of the heads are as big as platters, and now hang by their sheer weight.  On this particular plant, the seed pods are misshapen, and I kind of like that they are trying to set a new trend.  "Everyone is beautiful, in their own way."

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1060-trend-setter/922946

To purchase this painting, use this link: 

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1059-faithful-garden-companion/920764

990 Tiny Teddy Bear (Sunflower)

 I can't resist the flowers at the local farmers' market.  A stem chock full of seven fluffy Teddy Bear sunflowers, including this little guy, came home with me over a week ago, and I've been enjoying them ever since.   

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/990-tiny-teddy-bear-sunflower-/828966

806 Sunflower

It has been a long time since I last painted with watercolor, probably during my feather/nest series.  The reference photo begged for watercolor interpretation, so I listened.  It was more difficult  than I thought it would be, but I am happy with the result.

"806 Sunflower"
watercolor -

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/806-sunflower/487692

686 Partly Sunny

This is the last of the sunflowers, sad to say. 

"686 Partly Sunny"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/686-partly-sunny/411630

642 Sweet William

Bouquets of Sweet William were plentiful at the Farmers' Market.  I have never grown them but suspect they must be early bloomers.  The sunflowers were from the Chicago Farmers' Market, but possibly were grown in Indiana.

Meanwhile in my garden, the big fat rabbits are eating my favorites---bachelor's buttons, liatris, and several others---even marigolds!  Aren't rabbits supposed to dislike marigolds?  I have put three different repellants down.  I wish the owls would come grocery shopping in my yard.

"642 Sweet William"
acrylic - 7x5 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/642-sweet-william/393915

641 Sunny Side

This is one of 24 small arrangements we used for the garden club dinner.  Each table had three birdhouses and three small floral arrangements. 

"641 Sunny Side"
acrylic - 6x8 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/641-sunny-side/393594

166 A Gift of Still Life

A friend gave me three eggplants and a sunflower from her Chicago roof top garden.  What more could I ask for? -- a beautiful flower,  a new variety of eggplant, and a complimentary palette.
(Please excuse the poor quality photo.  It's a gloomy day and I cannot get the colors right even with manual adjustments.)

107. Market Bouquet: a Sunflower and Two Glads

105. Market Bouquet

This bouquet from the farmer's market has such a beautiful variety of flowers, and gives me many opportunities for paintings.  This one includes a sunflower (actually two), red gladiolas and purple statice.