1127 Mother Nature's Masterpiece

 I love trees and I love the way the light hits them, sometimes haphazardly.  No two are alike, and I think of them as Mother Nature's sculptures. It is sometimes a challenge to paint them with many shades of green, but I am getting more comfortable doing so.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1127-mother-natures-masterpiece/972609

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

1001 Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

I was recently treated to one of Mother Nature's most amazing places---right here in the city of Chicago, the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary.  There were so many people there to enjoy a beautiful day, and lots of very expensive cameras to photograph the birds.  It was a very peaceful place and I hope to visit again soon.  Here is how the website describes the sanctuary. 

"Located in Lincoln Park, Montrose Point is a 15-acre bird sanctuary that attracts tens of thousands of migratory birds of more than 300 different species, that stop here for rest, food and shelter. Within the natural area is “The Magic Hedge”, a 150 yard stretch of shrubs and several trees, so-called because it attracts a curiously high number of migratory birds. Important migrants include most species of Warblers seen in the Chicago area, Thrushes, Sparrows, Purple Martins, Woodpeckers and many others. Nesters include Common Yellowthroats, Catbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, Mourning Doves, and Brown Thrashers. It is no wonder “The Magic Hedge” has become an internationally recognized birding area.

“The Magic Hedge” did not just appear on its own. During the 1950’s through 1970’s, the Army leased land at Montrose and built two barracks. Honeysuckle was planted to screen them from public view. Long after the Army left, the honeysuckle remained and formed the basic feature of “The Magic Hedge." During the 1980’s and early 1990’s birding organizations and the Park District began cooperating to enhance bird-friendly plantings around “The Magic Hedge”. These plantings included blackhaw and nannyberry viburnum, serviceberry, chokeberry, fragrant sumac, and other shrubs. "

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1001--montrose-point-bird-sanctuary/840727