Monarchs Four

 

I'm playing with a new Diamine violet ink (All the Best) in this glow in the dark purple fountain pen by TWSBI, and I LOVE THEM BOTH!  I just loaded a dozen new pens with new inks, and I thought I was picking up  Robert Oster's Black Violet, but alas I got my purple pens mixed up, lol! This ink is a deep, velvety purple, and is actually perfect for deepening the blacks of the butterflies and shadow shades of the phlox. I will definitely be reaching for this pen often in the future, and exploring this ink in detail!  Painting number 5181 in 5181 days 

Night Phlox

Oh how I love this garden at night!  Painting from my covered front porch, there's plenty of light and endless blooms to paint.  Phlox is the focus with a few little lime hydrangeas for support.  My TWSBI fountain pen is loaded with Robert Oster's Black is Black, and Watercolor Confections for my palette on handmade paper in ATC size.  Now I'm off to greet my brother who has just arrived at my mom's house!  Painting number 2739 in 2739 days.

Cleveland Trail Inked

Sketching the landscape before a painting takes so little time, and offers great rewards.  I'll lay this little clipboard on the ground as I start my painting, referencing it for my values as I block in.  It is so easy to get caught up with the colors and lose track of those values.  Keeping my drawing in view helps me stay on track with my original vision.  Sometimes, this pre-sketch shows me where I can make improvements - all before the paint goes down.  This can be a real timesaver!  This is one of the large paintings I will be working on this month.  Painting number 2192 in 2192 days.

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Santa Profile

After spending a bittersweet afternoon at my Aunt Diana's house, I had the bright idea to swing by the Christmas in the Park event.  We are still waiting in line 45 minutes later. Santa can not believe how long it is taking!  He may miss his midnight ride!  Merry Christmas Eve to you all!  Painting number 2159 in 2159 days!

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