Twilight in the Garden

 

The flowers are really stunning along the path to the LongHouse! It was a pleasure to paint them at twilight, when the garden was still.  My daughters painted nearby, and we visited as we finished up.  Mom waited for us in the LongHouse, and we turned our next paintings in and joined the reception.  Come see this in person until November 1. Painting number 4625 in 4625 days. 

Into the Annual Garden

SOLD

This is my first time at the Dubuque Arboretum, and what a treat!  I landed in the annual garden, though it was a hard choice!  The Japanese and English gardens were also calling my name - if only I had more time!  I only had one 11x14 panel left, so I used it for this gorgeous place.  The painting unfolded very naturally, I am so at home in a garden.  There is something to be said for painting what you know and love.  As patrons walked through the garden, visiting with me, one little boy asked if he could paint.  Certainly!  I gave him one of my long handled brushes, and loaded it with pink paint.  I then showed him the flower bed that he could paint that flower into.  He laid down a perfect flower!  Then each sister got to paint one, too!  The next time they passed me, he told me how much he loved to paint!  You can clearly see their prominent flower brushstrokes!  Perhaps I can get them to finish all of my garden paintings?  Painting number 2477 in 2477 days.

Waterfall in the Garden Inked

I like to sketch my compositions in ink before committing the scene in paint. I use an India ink pen to sketch out the scene, and then switch to a more water soluble ink that will move with a little water.  My favorite is Levenger Raven Black. It is rich and velvety black, it simply makes a drawing sing.  Can't wait to paint the prairie tomorrow!  Painting number 2335 in 2335 days.

Rambling Water in the Garden

The water gardens have really held my attention this last week!  I've never painted this upper stream that feeds the double waterfalls before, but this year they really called out to me.  The upper waterfall in the distance grabbed me, and that winding trail of water had to be painted. It was fun to talk to visitors in the garden - the children showed me the tadpoles at my feet, and I had no idea they were there!  Painting number 2334 in 2334 days.

Blue Shed at the Arboretum

Finally a beautiful day for painting outdoors!  I'll paint in any weather, but what a treat to have a day like this!  The smell of the daffodils and hyacinth wafted up around me as I painted, and the colors were so dreamy in the landscape.  I have been longing to paint these blooms, and is always more fun with friends!  This was Tri-County Art League's plein air field trip, and a better location could not have been!  I am looking forward to many more garden paintings to come!  Painting number 1912 in 1912 days.