I've long admired gorgeous hydrangea, and now I'm painting my own! I planted this Bobo hydrangea, because it was a nickname we had for our sweet lab, Beau. It's now bigger than I am and full of blooms, and the pollinators have noticed! It's fun to paint this beauty when once I only dreamed of having them on the lawn. Painting number 4937 in 4937 days.
Some days, it is nearly dark before I get to my easel. It feels so good to finally squeeze in that painting! I only have a few of these plants this year, but the red is definitely a favorite! They all seem a little slower this year to take off, but they are finally showing some color now. I found a few more starts in the garden today, and an already looking for their special spots! Now is better sign off before I fall asleep - it's been a very, very busy day. Painting number 4935 in 4935 days.
Painting zinnias always reminds me of Grandma Bessie! She introduced me to these beauties the first season I helped her in the garden, all those years ago. I remember the giant red zinnias the most, as we dropped seed into a long, shallow row in front of her irises. I helped prepare the area, with her guidance, and she would often have something to eat in the kitchen when we were finished. Sometimes, I'd fun to Sonic for tenderloin sandwiches - a favorite for her and Jewel. What memories return each year with the flowers. Painting number 4934 in 4934 days.
The Rose of Sharon is blooming, and I can't resist capturing it's beauty with a quick sketch! The only color I remember from childhood, the two parent plants of this one spread out beneath two large trees on the front lawn. My brother and I used to climb between them, stepping across the propane tank as a bridge. A white picnic table sat under the branches in the shade, where we gathered with family. As these reseed abundantly, I have moved many of them to other parts of the property, where they now bloom, too. This beauty is behind an old shed, in a secluded part of my garden. Who knew I would sow the seeds of my childhood on this ancestral land - and then paint them? Painting number 4928 in 4928 days.
My days are very full, with to-do lists much longer than the hours, but, there is always time for a miniature painting in my garden. The endless weeding brings all blooms to focus as I work, and the bees and butterflies appreciate my efforts. Between grandkids, cooking and cleaning, it is a tiny place to recharge within the day. A special bonus today - Rebekah and Travis made chili for us all tonight! What a treat! Painting number 4917 in 4917 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.
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.
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.
As the tulips begin to open, I simply must paint them! I am thankful for each one after the 10 degree weather of two weeks ago froze so many of my spring blooms just as they were hitting full bloom. These first tulips are short, but very fragrant and beautiful! Now, if I can just protect them from the expected storms! Painting number 4837 in 4837 days.
What's more cheerful than painting pansies in the garden? Their happy faces greet me in the garden, reviving after the very cold weather. They are only very small plants right now, but I hope they flourish in the coming weeks! Painting number 4834 in 4834 days.
I can not resist buying and painting a sweet moon cactus when I find one! They don't live longer than 2 or 3 years, as the grafted moon parts seem to fall after time. I still love them, and like to add them to a shallow cactus bowl for color. Painting number 4830 in 4830 days.
How beautiful the daffodils were before the cold snap. I didn't have nearly enough time to paint them. The heady fragrance and promise of abundance throughout the season was mine as I basked in their glory for a day. It was Beau's last day, and we spent it together among them. I thought I'd return home to them, but instead, both the daffodils and Beau are gone. I think every spring from now on will bring back the memories of this day. Painting number 4828 in 4828 days.
I love painting the first daffodils of spring - even if there's only time for a tiny painting! Their sunny yellow faces brighten any day, as the wind bobs their graceful heads. I've cast them over broader areas now, and I'm reaping the rewards as they open, one by one. The garden is simply alive with them now. Painting number 4821 in 4821 days.
There's nothing like a tiny cheerful flower painting to end the day on a happy note! Michaela and her family stayed over a couple nights in their camper, just heading home tonight. It's amazing how quiet this house becomes after they leave. We're so lucky the kids all live close so we can gather frequently! Painting number 4767 in 4767 days.
Sometimes all I need is a glass dip pen and a bottle of ink to capture the simple beauty of nature. Another 64 degree day had me spending most of the day outside. I've been winter sowing three more seed varieties, spending time with our new kittens, new horse, and of course the chickens - all with Beau in tow, and a few more outdoor chores. I hope to be painting them soon, but can't seem to burn these beautiful days doing so. So, it's pen and ink tonight of these beautiful pinecones. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by natural beauty in all directions, there's always so much to paint! Painting number 4759 in 4759 days.
I absolutely love the tactile feel of the glass nib as it glides over the cotton paper, pulling so slightly on the soft texture. Each glass dip pen is different, too. The extra fine ones actually tear at the paper, and the medium ones deliver a better flow of ink. The squirrels have gotten so close to the house lately! They have given up trying to get in my bird feeders, so now they just hang out below them, cleaning up after the birds. Nearly every time I go back to the bay window, I startle one in waiting. After a gorgeous day full of outdoor chores, it's nice to get in a miniature painting! Painting number 4753 in 4753 days.
With pen and ink I capture Santa on his rounds. Diamine's Nostalgia is a lovely warm shade from Day 10 of their Inkvent Calendar. I've penned one of our chickens in, as she follows Santa down the path. The presents are all set under the tree, stockings are hung, as I listen to the sweet notes of Michael strumming on his guitar. It's so nice having him home for Christmas Eve. I've missed this boy's guitar playing before bed each night. Painting number 4740 in 4740 days.
