201 Open Arms

Although I loved the ocean and the marshes, I was most fascinated by the Southern Live Oak trees while in South Carolina on my painting trip.  I love the twists and turns of the branches, and the tree's invitation to sit and picnic or rest.  The Spanish moss hanging from the branches gives a somewhat eerie feeling.  Although there are no leaves on my tree, this tree has leaves year round, as those that fall off are replenished.  I am sure this will not be the last of my Live Oak tree paintings.

200 Gratitude

Today's painting is my 200th posting for the Daily Paintworks.  I had hoped to make them 200 consecutive days, but I took a week off from posting ( but not painting) while I was on my painting trip.  I chose to paint and post this painting "Gratitude" today because I am so grateful to have the opportunity to do what I love each and every day.  I am grateful for all the loving support and encouragement I have received from friends, family, fellow artists and the DPW gurus, and very thankful to those who have liked my work enough to purchase it for their homes or gifts.  I am donating this painting to Ozaukee Family Services, a favorite charity of my art lady friends, as part of their art basket for their silent auction.  This flower is a Campanula, or Bellflower, and in the language of flowers, its meaning is gratitude. 

199 Path to the Sea

On Hilton Head Island, our group of artists rented a beautiful home on the ocean.  This is a painting of the sandy path leading from the home to the Atlantic Ocean.  The beach was pristine and we found many "treasures" to sketch.  It is a very peaceful place.

198 Marsh Grass

I just returned from a wonderful week-long plein air painting trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina.  We immersed ourselves (somewhat literally---my first kayaking experience) in an attempt to learn about the marshes' plants and sea life.  I found it to be fascinating.  The wildlife, the terrain, and the landscape are all so very different from anything we have here in the Midwest.  Painting the marshes was a challenge because they change so frequently with the tide and the light.  It took some getting used to.  I will continue to practice now that I am home. 

197 Rolling

195 Complementary

I am suddenly crazy about the color orange and love it with my blue and white pottery. 

194 Asian Pears

When I saw these pears growing on my friend's tree, I thought they were apples.  The skin is rough and they are very hard, but when I bit into it, I was in for a big surprise---juicy and delicious.