Is there anything as sweet as the fragrance of lilacs? I wish they bloomed all year so I could bask in their aroma at any chosen time. The butterflies are out and a quick sketch is on order before heading to the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival, something I look forward to all year long! I've only a few blooms in grandmother's old fashioned lilacs this year, and they must be immortalized. Painting number 4859 in 4859 days.
I'm so happy the pansies are springing back to life after their deep freeze. It has taken them nearly a month to regain what was lost in those three 10 degree days. I think it's a miracle that they have survived, and I'm painting their progress. Painting number 4854 in 4854 days.
My first iris is blooming three weeks early, one from a dear friend who's no longer in this world. I love how these blooms remind me of friends and family members, long after they are gone. Pen and ink in this traditional style is fun to return to. Like old friends, the pens wait for me, and reward me for the effort. Painting number 4853 in 4853 days.
Nothing smells as heavenly as lilac in bloom! I'm o happy to paint these beauties in the garden, especially after such contrary spring weather. Those early blooms are nipped, and some were only half nipped. I have sparse blooms on the tulip tree and lilac, but the clematis is early and robust! I even had my first iris bloom today, one given to me by Norma, a friend no longer in this world. Many of my flowers have come to me through family and friends, and each year I remember them fondly. Painting number 4852 in 4852 days.
I can always squeeze in a tiny painting, even on the busiest of days - and it's SO good for my soul! These sweet blooms are so like pansies, but smaller. I've only planted them a couple of times in all these years, when I've found them at a local nursery. Maybe I could pick up seed, for an early start indoors next year, ensuring that I have them again and again to paint in spring. Painting number 4850 in 4850 days.
I love painting wild mustard in bloom - especially near the barns! It's just getting started, and I'm happy to find that the horses don't eat them in the meadow! So, I will continue to have lovely mustard filled landscapes in the years top come! Painting number 4849 in 4849 days.
Forsythia and this old barn were meant to be painted! Years ago, I planted young forsythia sprouts over here, and now I can reap the rewards. Nothing is as snowy as this bush in spring, and this only makes me want to transplant more sprouts around the farm! Painting number 4847 in 4847 days.
This small pansy painting will be installed at Powell Gardens next week! Well, technically they are violas, but in the same family as pansies. I'm so surprised and happy that my pansies all survived the brutal weather. The blooms all fell off, but the green plants remained green, and now are pushing forth blooms again. I have a variety that I haven't yet painted, and I'm waiting for a few blooms on a plant before doing so. It's fun to work in the garden with the chicks out for playtime, and again in the evening as the big girls free range. I keep them herded together as any watchful mom would do! I hope to be painting them soon when my garden work subsides a little! Painting number 4846 in 4846 days.
I love the delicate color of these early blooms - and it's a joy to paint them! Too few are our daffodils this season, so I am cherishing every one. On this day, we have added a new horse to our family - Rebel. He's a sweet little addition to add on my birthday! I'm looking forward to painting him real soon - with Lady Belle. They are already best friends in the pasture! Painting number 4843 in 4843 days.
I hope you all had an Easter full of family fun - we sure did! Finally, a few late bloomers are opening up, and I'm happy to paint them. The whole family was out - even Michael (home from Orange, Texas) and Bill and Evelyn - just home from Arizona! We've been so busy getting ready for the arrival of Rebel tomorrow, that fencing has been the biggest priority. Our chicks are getting so big - and the kids all loved feeding them clover and grass! Painting number 4842 in 4842 days.
I think spring is a most magical season to paint in rural Missouri, and especially on our generational family farm. I wish Grandma Frank could be here to enjoy all that we have brought to this very special place. It is near and dear to my heart, and forever a place where I am truly grounded as one can only be with a lifetime of memories. Painting number 4841 in 4841 days.
Yay - a few of my late blooming daffodils have survived our crazy weather! SO many froze back to the ground with tiny buds, so these few are a big deal. I love to paint them, and await their reform all year long. Here's hoping there are more spring miracles to come! Painting number 4840 in 4840 days.
