Pink Cosmos

11" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP            

Summer weather has set in - days of extreme warmth, days of no rain, days of torrential downpours ... but the tomatoes are ripening, squashes are lengthening, and the flowers fill the days with glorious colors and scents ....                                        

Oxford Smokehouse

Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

This is one of the outbuildings we've been privileged to paint during my 'Barn' class. According to the property owner, it's a smokehouse - with a few additions since they moved onto the property.

The weather during this month's sessions has been sensational! Mild, sunshiney, and filled with the sweet sounds of farm life - chickens, cows, birdsong. We've also been blessed with the sweet scent of honeysuckle, the kindness of shaded, ancient oaks.

One more class to go - another set of barns and outbuildings to visit.

It's been such a joy!

Lilacs

Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

I cannot pass a lilac shrub without thinking of my mom ... she grew only a few fragrant flowers -  roses and lilacs among her favorites.  She'd clip a few branches, bring them indoors, and the entire house would smell like heaven.

My own lilac bush, a mere 3 feet tall, has a long way to go before I will ever see these delightful purple blooms.  But I wait in eager anticipation for this floral link to my dearest mom.

Our regional Senior Games took place these last two months.  I entered 4 paintings, and I am thrilled to say that each won a prize in our region:

Italian Farmstead - Gold - watercolor
Oxford Barn - Silver - watercolor
Fall Leaves Duo - Gold - Mixed Media (alcohol ink)
Fall Leaves - Bronze - Mixed Media (alcohol ink)

These paintings will now move up to compete in the North Carolina State Games.

Fingers crossed!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Wishing mothers everywhere a most joyous and beautiful day! Thank each of you for the caring and love you give each and every day!

11" x 15" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The watercolor class I'm teaching this month is all about barns.  From perspective to contrasts to aging and weathered wood.  In the county where I live, we are blessed with so many aging tobacco barns along with wooden sheds, log homes, and more.

A friend of  mine showed me this particular barn on Saturday.  It was filled with all kinds of abandoned remnants of farm life - and a wonder to see!  I knew I would have to do some much needed 'yard work' to focus the painting on the barn alone!I   I took tons of photos while the chickens, ducks, rooster, cats, and all white peacock swirled around my legs looking for handouts. 

I came back home inspired -- and finished this barn as a tribute to a time too quickly disappearing.   

Purple Iris

Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

It's that time of year when iris stand like sentinels throughout my property --- purple, white, pink, gold.

Feathery petals crown emerald batons as the vernal season plays its music over the land.

Happy Weekend!