Stella D'Oro

 Oh how I love growing and painting these Stella D'Oro lilies!  They never disappoint, and continue to bloom as long as one deadheads the spent blooms.  Perhaps their bright and cheerful color is their greatest gift as they shine in the gardens.  Choosing a miniature paper, I ink and watercolor the lilies quickly on this cold and drizzly day.  Not a fan of the cold, it takes me a while to acclimate to weather changes - and a few layers of clothes!  I'm really looking forward to the warmer days ahead this weekend!  Painting number 2802 in 2802 days. 

Stella D'Oro Splendor

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I painted these Stella D'Oro lilies a couple days ago, in a slightly different composition and format.  When I got to the background, I hesitated!  If in doubt, don't - rang through my head, so I backed away from the painting.  So, today, I give it another shot - this time with the background.  I like it both ways!  I could see both visions, and I'm glad I didn't paint in the other.  It's nice to have them both ways!  Painting number 2721 in 2721 days.  I just realized this didn't post - silly cell service.  Sure wish we could get real internet out here....as we were promised in 2008.....!  Lol!

Stella D'Oro and the Bee

The very best thing about Stella in the garden is her long bloom time.  A reblooming daylily, this one has an extended bloom time.  And that cheerful bright yellow is a real show stopper in the beds!  Shorter and more compact that my tall vintage ones, I place these towards the front of my beds.  Working larger, I first ink my composition, adding in the watercolor afterwards.  I had every intention of washing in a dark background to represent the shadows, but I hesitated.  So, if in doubt, don't.  I'm not sure if that was the right decision, I may just do another in that way.  Painting number 2718 in 2718 days.