Steps to the Garden

After a tough morning at the gym, I was ready to unwind.  With the temperature hovering 70, and an overcast, windless day, the conditions couldn't be better for  painting.  This garden had been on my mind, I even woke up thinking I would paint here this morning.  It is a cool, secluded garden, the stone path winding through in a poetic way.  Perennials and annuals newly planted, line the beds, and the steps lead to Margaret's Pond.  With birdsong and leaf rustle to serenade me, I spent a tranquil afternoon capturing this scene in oils.  Painting number 2333 in 2333 days.

Waterfall in the Woods

With our recent rainfall, the waterfalls at the arboretum are stunning!  I've been drawn to them, and the cool stillness in this wooded area is very appealing.  I begin with an ink sketch, using a square paper this time.  With so many shades of green, I am mixing plenty, and starting with the cool greens in back.  Sketching so many stones, I finally realize that if I round off the rectangular shapes, they are so much more realistic!  Why has it taken me years to figure this out? Another day, another lesson!  Painting number 2329 in 2329 days.

Afternoon in the Train Garden

So much work has been done on this train garden since I've been to the arboretum!  The veronica was in full bloom - pulling me to it's side to paint!  A very complicated scene, this one took me longer to paint than most.  It was nice to have the luxury of time on this dry afternoon, I've been dodging rain for weeks now!  Planning to finish three today, I only completed two.  Perhaps I'll make up the difference tomorrow!  Painting number 2329 in 2329 days.

Waterfall in the Garden

Finally - a dry day for painting in the Overland Park Arboretum!  The water garden is stunning this year with purple allium and yellow blooms to set off the waterfall.  Though I try to find a shaded place from which to paint, it isn't always possible.  So, I stood out in the sun (which turned overcast) to get this view.  Only in the 70's, it was a perfect day for painting.  The gardens are bursting with blooms - many late flowers mixing with those who are on time.  I'm going to have fun capturing these gorgeous gardens at the arboretum!  Painting number 2327 in 2327 days.