Big Blue Heron - Thank you Lynn!

Big Blue Heron - Thank you Lynn!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP

The grey fog cloaks my woodlands this morning, making my world fuzzy and damp. It's like cloud-walking to move through it - the droplets of water, each gathering bits of pollen as they swirl, cling to my car, the porch, the plants -- and me. I am be-speckled!

But my thoughts turn to sunnier days and I was inspired by this photo posted by my friend, Lynn www.flickr.com/photos/54665985@N08/6948719629/in/photostream who graciously allowed me to use it as a reference for this painting! THANK YOU, LYNN!!! Please stop by her flickr stream for more sunshiney and beautiful images!!

I fell in love with the dark blue heron among the grasses. It immediately brought me back to my years in Charleson, SC where herons, gulls and egrets were the 'birds in the backyard' - and I do miss their elegant character and grace. It's been a very long time since I've attempted to paint them, so I appreciate Lynn's permission even more as I reacquaint myself with these incredible birds.

We're in for a mixed weekend of sunshine and rain, and no matter what I do this weekend, I am going to have to begin the garden clean up in earnest. Yesterday we planted more garden peas and lettuces at the Arboretum, and next week, if the hot temperatures hold, we'll probably chance planting the squash. I"ve got to get a move on!

Have a great day!