Coreopsis Bee

Only the second year for this planting - the blooms are abundant and filling in well!  They are bright and shiny stars in the garden - so I think I'll move them all over in the fall!  We've also been thinking of actually raising honey bees sometime in the future!  We certainly have the perfect place for it!  I am using ink and watercolor on handmade cotton paper on this painting.  It makes me think of making my own paper, too.....!  Painting number 2713 in 2713 days.

Bee and Rose of Sharon ATC

Over half of my many Rose of Sharons are in full bloom - just in time for Michaela's wedding!  Those silly Japanese beetles descended right after baling the hay, eating many tiny flower buds before they ever opened.  Those in full bloom at the time suffered, but all of these look great - and I had to paint them!  Feels so good to get a tiny art therapy break in!  Painting number 2437 in 2437 days.

Bee and Black Eyed Susans

These sunny yellow blooms may just be my favorite to pop up in pasture and prairie!  Their cheerful faces are a welcome sight, and their bloom time is amazing.  These sturdy flowers last forever in a vase, too!  I use both India and Levenger Raven Black ink to sketch the lines.  Laying in the masses with my Watercolor Confections, I return with a little ink where needed.  Sometimes I forget to get that photo in the field, and I'm liable to forget lots of things in the days leading up to Michaela's wedding! Painting number 2426 in 2426 days.

Bee and Yarrow ATC

This wonderful pink lace yarrow originally grew in my family home in Overland Park. My mom got it started at her mother's house, which we have lived in many years now.  After the very cold and wet winter and spring, this once flourishing flower has diminished to a handful of plants.  I was beginning to think it would not be back!  I am so happy to have a few survivors! I will be spreading them around for next year.  Painting number 2366 in 2366 days.

Hyacinth Bee in Ink

Hyacinth Bee in Ink
Pen and ink on paper, 5x7

Oh, the hyacinths are fading fast!  It seems that they just popped their heads up, and now it is time for them to vanish until next spring!  This year, I am going to plant some closer to the house, so their intoxicating fragrance will waft in through the windows!  It has been so warm this spring, I’ve had the windows open repeatedly - which is not the norm!  I have tried my hand today on this honey bee - arresting his flight at an interesting angle!  I started adding little "flight dots", and I think it adds some whimsey to the drawing......but I'm still not sure.  I love the vintage charm the pitt pens lend to this style of art!  I think my superfine is beginning to run low, which is not a crisis since we now have a new Hobby Lobby in town!  Hooray!  This drawing makes the 1194th in 1194 days.  I hope the “mulch guys” bring me a truck load today, I could sure use it!!  Today, is my son Travis's birthday - now we've had three this week alone!!