Main Street Koi

Perhaps the first time I painted at the garden of the Main Street Inn, I set up my easel at the Koi Pond, looking towards the house.  Spending time watching the koi as they swam in calligraphic circles, I wanted to paint them.  I did include them that day in the foreground of that garden scene, but still I've thought about them.  So today, I am committing them to rice paper with ink, watercolor, abs hot wax, forever to swim on the wall. Maybe one day I'll have a koi pond in my own garden. Painting number 3719 in 3719 days. 

Wisteria at the Bridge

I could see this gorgeous wisteria blooming from the road I drive in on - and had to seek it out.  I had painted nearly this whole scene before a family stopped in the bridge, dropping bread crumbs into the water.  From near and far, red koi streamed in, shining in the sunlight!  I didn't know they were there until that moment!  Another visitor commented on what a lovely thing to paint - and I started doing in those forms like crazy!  Catching the couple as they gazed into the water, I brushed those strokes in quickly, and added highlights to the koi. They were little more than red orange dashes in the water, but oh were they beautiful!  What luck to get to paint such a sight - and to experience it!  Painting number 3417 in 3417 days. 

Harwood Water Garden

After a whole week of hot painting days, today was beautiful in this water garden!  I'm painting on site during the Water Garden Society Tour at #29 on the ticket.  I LOVE painting with the sound of the water babbling, it is so soothing.  Every place I look in this garden is another painting!  I'll be returning in the morning, and I hope to paint two more scenes before heading to the Parkville Opening Reception at 2:00! Painting number 2382 in 2382 days.