Drift of Iris

 

I love painting the yellow flag iris when they erupt in bloom!!  The way they sweep through the lawn is magical - and it all started with a small clump that I ordered from a seed catalog years ago. Great in wet areas, I've seen them planted underwater in the elephant exhibit at the zoo!  I've shared them with friends and family, and they are great to sop up extra water in low lying areas.  Their rhizomes are so dense they need to be cut through to divide.  Their shiny large seeds drop liberally - and those readily grow new plants, too.  I've put a few down by the pond, and they should be blooming now, too.  I love painting the magic that stems from a tiny clump so many years ago!  Painting number 4892 in 4892 days. 

Daffodils!

Spring is here when the daffodils are blooming - and I had a dozen open overnight!  With ink and watercolor, I sketch their forms as they blow in the wind.  Adding a little watercolor, I soon finish this painting on an ATC size miniature paper.  The rain will soon be moving in and the girls are coming by shortly, so a mini is all I have time for!  Painting number 3714 in 3714 days. 

Daffodils

I wait all winter for these sunny daffodils to spring forth!  Greeting me with their cheerful yellow faces, they signal the first real signs of spring in my yard!  Only just emerging, this clump is the most abundant this far, so I am painting them with ink and watercolor on a miniature handmade paper.  I am painting small, 3.5x2.5 (ATC sized) to match my tiny painting window tonight.  The weather is so gorgeous, it is hard to stop to paint when I could be gardening.  But I did have to choose - paint in the dark after gardening, or paint right now?  You can see what I chose!  Painting number 3364 in 3364 days. 

 

Sunflower Impressions

Sunflowers may just be the happiest flowers in the garden!  I've planted many - and this year I am battling voles and deer, who find them quite tasty!  I have a giant wild one in a raised bed that already towers above me, with many different branches, and I can hardly wait for it to start budding out!  I love how the yellow tones change on a single petal in the light, and I'm having so much fun exploring these forms in paint!  I'm using oils today, but I might just try watercolor another day, as I look forward to many more blooms!  Painting number 3114 in 3114 days. 

Sunflower Song

This afternoon finds me painting cheerful sunflower blooms. I love the bright faces of yellow in the landscape!  Painting a little loose and free on this one, in not quite sure it it is finished. I'm going to let it rest until tomorrow, and check again with fresh eyes.  My paint is starting to get a little thick, and some of it needs to be refreshed on my palette.  I hope to find some blooms to paint again tomorrow.  Painting number 3100 in 3100 days! 

Daffodil

Today is my 3000th painting in 3000 days - how time flies! I never would have dreamed that over 8 years ago, a 30 day painting challenge would lead me here.  I've grown so much as an artist, no longer daunted by any subject I may tackle. My love for the painting process has grown strong for many mediums, switching from one to another with ease. Painting every day has enriched my life in so many ways.  A true life line during covid lockdown, I could escape it all in the rural landscape right outside my door.  A crutch to cling to, painting daily helped me through the illnesses and passing of my Dad, and still helps prop me up on the difficult days.  An outlet of joy, I have found expression in my love of the wonders found on this earth, both natural and man-made.  Who knows where it will take me next - but I am so very thankful I started the journey.  Painting number 3000 in 3000 days.