Out of Pocket

This painting is now framed and available at  www.theleighgallery.com

Lucy

Meet Lucy. She lives at the Beltane Ranch in Sonoma along with at least 2 other dogs and a ranch full of other animals, all of whom made us painters feel very welcome.  Lucy's an old girl, and I was a sucker for those sad eyes.

Modest Worth

The delicate violet, which some gardeners consider a weed,  has much written about it from historical and social perspectives.  I really enjoyed  The Language of Flowers, a novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh,  where the violet is referenced as meaning "modest worth,"  with modesty seeming to be the universally accepted meaning in other sources.

I severely underestimated the challenges this painting would present to me,  given that I enlarged the subject so much. 

Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue SOLD

FIFTY!!!

"Violets in a Sugar Bowl" marks my FIFTIETH consecutive daily painting.  It isn't so monumental when you consider that Lisa Daria has been painting every single day for FOUR YEARS, but I am proud of this effort so far.  I am really enjoying the learning that comes from daily practice, as well as the nice comments I have received.  Thank you to all who have encouraged me.      

Violets in a Sugar Bowl

Violets are such pesky plants in the garden, but I love the flowers because they remind me of my childhood. 

Looking Up: Blue Sky With Magnolia

Susan's Magnolia

All of Susan's magnolia blossoms are gone, having drifted to the ground creating a blanket of petals.  Thankfully, there are still other beautiful flowering trees in full bloom, and although the weather is cooler than "normal," it is a joy to see spring at it's pinnacle.

Inside a Magnolia Blossom

Last week, my neighbor's magnolia tree was exquisite in full bloom and I couldn't resist taking several pictures to use as reference.  This same tree is also so beautiful during the winter as fresh snowfall rests on its graceful branches. 

I

New Improved Sofie

Something wasn't right in yesterday's painting of Sofie, and it hit me this morning when I saw it on Daily Paintworks.  It was her nose--it was too straight.  I had to correct it.  This is better.

Sofie

Sofie is my neighbor's bearded collie puppy.  She is full of energy and personality and reminds me of the big sheepdog on Sesame Street years ago.  You simply cannot be anything but happy around Sofie.
This painting is on a three-eighths inch deep board.

Heliconia

Great Blue Heron

American Avocets

Some friends of mine, birdwatchers who have traveled the world, graciously shared their photos of birds with me.  Some are quite exotic and will be fun to paint.

Zurel Tulips

Lasting Beauty

Yellow Fringed Tulips

Raspberry Ripple

Rembrandt's Favorite

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. 

Rabbit Ear Iris

Rabbit Ear Iris is an aquatic plant, so what you see in the background is water.

Extreme Kitty

This is Bunny.  She was abandoned at the curb and the unsuspecting young girl couldn't let that happen.  She brought her home, only to discover later that Bunny is deaf, which presents unique problems.  I'm told Bunny looks frozen in this painting.  Bunny doesn't care---she has an extreme attitude.

Not Tonight

This painting is now available at   www.theleighgallery.com

Reflection

Ripples

Pretty In Pink

This painting is now beautifully framed and available at    www.theleighgallery.com

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.

Bully

So, it turns out that Red isn't really a true yogi because he doesn't have love in his heart.  He is fairly new to the Flamingo Gardens, and he is a bully.  Worse yet, he gets away with it like a spoiled child because he is so pretty.  A reliable source who shall remain nameless told me.

Yogi in Tree Pose SOLD

Meet Red, a Reddish Egret who lives at Flamingo Gardens in Davies, Florida.  He is the most talented yogi of all the birds in the sanctuary.  

Keep Out

The Pipe

Tropic Beauty (Heliconia Caribea Jaquini)

First Blooms