UNDER THE SUN peony flower watercolor painting

Another painting from the Peony farm Linwood Gardens here in Upstate New York. 

Under The Sun
watercolor 5 x 7"

SWEET DREAMS daisy flower still life watercolor painting

I had a delightful dream last night (which nobody wants to hear about, I know) but I keep thinking about it, which leads me to other fantastic, fantasy adventures, which has kept a smile on my face all day. It occurred to me that our daydreams are one of the few things that bring delight without costing a cent.

To take the day and drive the coastal highway, ski the Swiss Alps, or lounge by a tropical sea wearing a bikini on your perfect body.

Have lunch with a departed loved one, a faraway friend, or an admired hero.

See yourself dancing like a pro by the light of the moon.

A world and beyond of possibility can take place;

Awe, wonder and magic;

In the mind.

So where will you allow your mind to take you today? Make it the trip of a lifetime. It's all yours. Have fun.

Sweet Dreams
watercolor  10 x 12" 

SPRING MAIDENS lily flower oil painting

Spring Maidens
oil on linen  6 x 6"

CAMELLIA flower oil painting

This was one of the first paintings I completed after my workshop with Anthony Waichulis at Ani Academy, thus the title. I learned a lot from him, but mostly, I learned that what I was already doing was okay. I was thinking I had to use more paint and less brushing, less layering and more texture. It is such a relief to find an artist whose technique I love and can respond to. Thanks Anthony.

Ani's Camellia
oil on linen 6 x 6"

ROYAL WELCOME tulip flower still life oil painting

Home from Virginia. Glad to be back to focus on painting and some other things. Sad to leave the lovely weather and people in Nelson County.

I started this painting in NY, and finished it in VA. 

Royal Welcome
oil on linen  8 x 10"

FULL OF GRACE (SOLD) still life floral oil painting

The workshop with Anthony Waichulis has given me a new appreciation for the power of detail. and focal points. Even though I signed this new painting, I am still mulling over some changes. I am pretty happy with it though. It is only 6x6", but took a long time to paint. 

Full Of Grace (SOLD)
oil on linen  6 x 6"

BLUE VELVET (SOLD) iris flower watercolor painting

Another blue iris. I just can't resist these beauties. Lucky for me, they grow in all my "home territories" : California, New York, and Virginia.

Blue Velvet (SOLD)
watercolor  8 x 7"

SUMMER'S PRIDE (SOLD) iris flower watercolor painting

Summer's Pride (SOLD)

watercolor  11 x 8"

SERENDIPITY and a fat white Camellia watercolor painting

When I lived in California, camellias were everywhere, and I took them for granted. But, that is before I became an artist. Now, I am impressed by (and challenged to paint!) their regular forms, translucency, and soft colors. 

Serendipity

watercolor  7 x 6"

SPRING BECKONS watercolor painting of Tree Peony (SOLD)

Another delightful pink peony from last Spring.

Merry Bloom (SOLD)

watercolor  8 x 6"

MY LOVE IS LIKE A RED, RED DAISY watercolor flower painting (SOLD)

Gerbera Daisy (SOLD)

watercolor  6 x 6"

LILY BELLE (SOLD) flower watercolor painting

Lily Belle (SOLD)
watercolor  8 x 8"

COLOR MAGIC (SOLD) rose flower watercolor painting

Color Magic (SOLD)

watercolor 6 x 6"

PERSUASION Iris floral still life watercolor painting

As in crystal and blue. And that is the only line I can remember from the song. 'Crystal Blue Persuasion' , Whatever it means, it seemed like a good title for this painting.
Home from a Winter vacation in Ireland. Yes, it was cold, but not as cold as here. It is pretty bad when you go to Ireland for the nice climate. Took lots of photos, so keep your eye out for some new paintings of Ireland. A friend and I are planning an exhibition here in Ellicottville.

Persuasion
watercolor  8x8"

MORNING PRAYERS and promises to keep

Another Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) from Linwood Gardens. Their shapes are so lovely and elegant, and this particular image reminded me of reaching up to the heavens.

My promises I am keeping are being grateful and being mindful (doing one thing at a time; no more eating while reading, painting while talking on the phone). Not coming so easy are exercising and being more sociable. It is too easy to hunker down at home. And wasting time, ditto.

Morning Prayer
watercolor  7 x 7"

KISSED BY THE SUN (I wish I was...) watercolor flower peony painting

 

Another tree peony painting, as the temperature hover around 20 degrees. The arctic wind reminds us we live in an OLD house. Ice has built up on the inside of our windows. Thank goodness for wool sweaters and slippers. 

Kissed By The Sun
watercolor  7 x 7"

PROMISES TO KEEP (SOLD) watercolor peony flower painting

As I am stuck at home by the weather (self imposed; 20 below wind chill, I don't need anything out there!). I decided to paint some watercolors, and dug out some photos from my visit to the Linwood Gardens Tree Peony Farm in Pavilion, New York. It was magical place; a gorgeous old estate and lovely flower gardens that have been tended some years and left to grow amok some years.
I wandered around with my camera, but next year I am heading up with paints to put in sometime plein air. Anyone want to join me?
http://www.linwoodgardens.org/Home.html

Promises to Keep (SOLD)
watercolor  7 x 7"

A JOYFUL DANCE (SOLD) flower watercolor painting

A Joyful Dance (SOLD)

watercolor  7 x 7" in 12 x 12" frame

Because we all need pretty flowers and to dance with joy every once in awhile.

PINK HOLLYHOCKS watercolor flower painting

This is one of my favorites. A touch of pink in any room is always a good thing.

Pink Hollyhocks

FLOWER OF RICHES peony oil painting

Flower Of Riches

oil on canvas  30 x 40"

I just love pink.