Grandmother's Peonies

 

Oh how I love painting Grandmother's peonies - and their fragrance is heavenly!!  I've moved them to multiple locations around the yard, and each bloom reminds me of Grandma Frank.  I remember cutting them with Grandma to bring into the house, and the bouquet would scent the whole room.  Casper asked to cut one for Michaela for Mother's Day, and he and Kirby both presented a lovely big bloom for her!  Maybe they'll remember me when they see these blooms each year.  Painting number 4880 in 4880 days. 

Garden Peonies

Each year when these peonies bloom, I remember helping Grandma Bessie in her flower gardens.  I would weed the peonies and irises, planting zinnia seeds where Grandma wanted them, her knees too sore to bend down for so long.  She gave these to me many years ago to start in my own gardens, and I always think of her when they open up.  She taught me so much about growing veggies and perennials, and she always shared her zinnia seeds with me!  I love the special family memories connected to the blooms in my garden.  I have a whole garden full of memories!  Painting number 3054 in 3054 days. 

Old Fashioned Peonies

These old fashioned peonies have been in my family for three generations, so far.  This August, I will make sure to share them with my children.  I love the fancy frills and sweet aroma about them!  I painted them a few days ago in oils, but am not quite happy with them. So, I decided to try them in ink and watercolor today for that airy light that only watercolor delivers.  With the heavy rains we're having, I hope they last a while longer for me!  Painting number 3053 in 3053 days. 

Peonies at Linda Hall Library

The day was chilly and damp, and the peonies were shining at Linda Hall Library.  Several varieties were starting to bloom, and a few were just starting to open.  The weekend's rain had pummeled them a bit, but they were rising again.  Visiting with another artist I hadn't seen since covid started, I painted as we talked, happy to catch up with a kindred spirit.  She was finished before I was, and moved to her next location.  Turning my attention to my painting, I coaxed a few edges together before finding my next subject.  I love the time spent in a garden, visiting with friends and capturing the beauty around me in oils.  Painting number 3042 in 3042 days. 

Pink Peony Impressions

I just could not walk past this tree peony without painting it!  Today's "Monday Watercolorists" location was the Overland Park Arboretum, and I try to never miss a chance to paint here.  I drove through a little rain to get here, but the overcast and chilly afternoon soon warmed up and the sun came out, adding a glow to the freshly washed blooms!  After painting these, and one other nearby, I then scouted the rest of the paths through the garden. I'm always thinking about that next painting, and checking the blooms for peak color.  There will be many peonies blooming in the coming days.  Painting number 3037 in 3037 days. 

Peonies ATC

One of the most beautiful and fragrant blooms of the garden, I can't get enough of these peonies!  Preparing all day in the yard for a family gathering tonight, I barely had time for a quick sketch in the garden!  These peonies make me happy just to be near them!  With ink and watercolor I explore their expanding blooms, opening wider each day.  They are always so gorgeous for Memorial Day.  So happy to have the family over for a cookout and campfire, complete with s'mores!  Painting number 2693 in 2693 days.

Peony Impressions

I look forward to the first peonies blooming all year long, and Grandma Bessie's variety always wins!  These are large magenta pink and very showy - a real show-off in the garden!  My intention was to paint a demure impression of these beauties, but instead I have gone crazy with the palette knife!  Perhaps next time I'll pull in the reins.  Painting number 2691 in 2691 days.

Peonies ATC

Oh I love these peonies!  A gift from Grandma Bessie's garden, each year they bloom in profusion and remind me of her!  I first sketch the blooms with ink, paying attention to petal forms. With more time to REALLY study what I'm painting, I am studying more before I lay down those lines.  As I paint in the colors, I push and pull while those masses are still wet. I rarely go back in with a layer over dry paint.  Wet in wet is so much more comfortable for me!  Can't wait to try these blooms in oil! Painting number 2690 in 2690 days.

Garden Peonies

These peonies were first given to me by Grandma Bessie, many years ago.  Each year they grow more beautiful, and I look forward to painting them.  After a morning of family time and a little shopping, the rain was already starting when we arrived home.  Picking a handful of blooms, I brought them inside for a little still life.  Using ink and watercolor today, I may pull out my oils tomorrow - if the rain doesn't let up!  Painting number 2325 in 2325 days.

Along the Peony Path

I headed to the Arboretum, planning to paint the rustic pond back in the Kid's Discovery Garden.  After an ink drawing, I decided that composition was just going to make a rather lack luster painting, so I packed up to look for something that wowed me.  When I came upon these peonies, they sure delivered a punch!  They are absolutely stunning this year!  The only bad thing is that I HAD to set up in the full sun to capture this view. I checked it from all angles, but this one had the pop.  Thank goodness I had lathered on some 110 sunblock, I just never know when I might need it!  As I lay in the masses, I try to study the colors really in each mass.  It is so helpful to paint each one in where I see it, meeting the edges later.  Making thoughtful decisions during painting really improves the finish for me.  Every painting is a lesson.  Painting number 1946 in 1946 days.

Peonies of April

This was the plein air day for the Tri County Art League at the Overland Park Arboretum,  and what a gorgeous day it was!!  I could see the color of these blooms from across the lake - and I could not believe they were already blooming!  I scouted no farther.  No bloom pulls me right in like peonies!  I blocked in as the visitors ambled by,  visiting as I worked.  I was so caught up in conversation,  I nearly forgot to take the on sight photo!  Just another day in paradise!   Painting number 1559 in 1559 days....I think!   It's SO easy to lose track :)

Along the Peony Path

Along the Peony Path
Oil on panel, 14x11
Stems Event - purchase here

I started this painting a little differently.   My 14x11 panel was primed for a nocturne, and I didn't want to paint on the 8x10s I had with me.  The scene simply called for a larger size.  So, I very loosely blocked in all my masses with acrylics.   There opaque quality lightened up the areas between the deep, warm, dark red of the background.   Leaving some of this showing, I began to build on those masses with my oils.  It seems so unnatural to paint on such a dark surface,  but I think I like it!  It challenges me in a way my normal method does not.  Did I leave it too loose?  Maybe.....it certainly is more impressionistic than usual!   I'll look again with fresh eyes in the morning and then decide!  Painting number 1241 in 1241 days.  Michaela painted with me today, too - and we barely made it back to the car before the storm hit!  Just another plein air adventure!

Peony Path

Peony Path
Oil on panel, 14x11
Stems Event - purchase here

After an early morning Piyo class, running, and teaching a painting class,  I headed to the arboretum.   I am really enjoying my light box and tripod!  I can sling both over my shoulder and hike for miles - leaving both hands free!  The new palette I'm using happened to have plexiglass for the base,  and my paints keep sliding when I carry them!  I have never had this problem, but I've always had a china base.  Could that be the issue?   I wonder if glass would be any better?  These peonies keep drawing me in - I may just return to them tomorrow!   Painting number 1235 in 1235 days :)

Rainy Day Peonies

Rainy Day Peonies
Oil on panel, 10x8

After a very busy day, I come to my *new* easel late - and I’m trying out this “French Revolution” easel table top!  I rarely sit at a table to paint, but thought I would give it a try.  It worked beautifully - which also means it will also work if I need to paint in the car, due to rain or hail or the many other conditions that arise mid-painting!  I loaded my new palette, minus a few colors, as this one is smaller.  I also chose a few brushes (several of them from My Artscape), but I have yet to add small tubes of paint to the box.  I tried out both angled brushes tonight - and I like them!  I rarely stray from my brights and flats when in the oils, but I liked the strokes I could achieve, especially when it came to leaves and petals.  This painting makes 1230 in 1230 days - and what a wonderful day it was, Baby Nolan came home!

still life set up

First Peonies

First Peonies
Oil on panel, 7x5

Tonight was the first time to try my new Guerilla “French Revolution” paintbox from Judson Outfitters!  So exciting to try out a new set up after all these years!  I do love my french easel, but sometimes I only need a small set up.  This one is 12x9, and my normal palette will not fit into it, but I do have  smaller one that will.  I just need to clean it and load it for this paintbox.  My brushes will also fit in the slot, but only a few paints will fit.  So, I will choose some basic, small tubes for reloading.  It is more stable on the tri-pod than I expected.  The way the top and bottom grip the panel is not as steady as the french easel.  I liked it, but I will need to adjust a few things to be comfortable with it.  I have used my french easel for 10 years - and love it - so this may have to grow on me!  Painting number 1229 in 1229 days.

on location

Peonies in Pink

Peonies in Pink
Oil on masonite, 6x6

Another day of playing with my new Princeton Catalysts - and the thick, textural strokes they make!  I find I am liking the #6 head the most, it seems to work in a natural way when making "palette knife" like strokes.  I have some others coming, too - and I can hardly wait to experiment with them!  These are exceptional to use with the thick, buttery oils.  It is a bit like spreading icing!!  I have so many peonies in the flower beds, and here I am working from last year’s photo reference.  Hard to believe these beauties will be bursting in just two months!  This painting makes 1144 in 1144 days.

Palette Knife Peonies

Palette Knife Peonies
Oil on masonite, 6x4

With temperatures soaring in the 70’s, it seems that spring is unfolding around me!  I simply had to paint flowers today - and peonies are one of my favorites!  I am using my new Princeton Catalyst and painting this in palette knife fashion.  I love the flexible way this “knife” moves across the surface!   It has been so long since I’ve slathered on thick, juicy strokes - and it feels good!  Gamblin’s “radiant magenta” is a real stand out on these petals - the very opaque paint lays on top of the edges for petals that really come to life.  This painting makes 1143 in 1143 days!

Peonies in Red

Peonies in Red
Oil on wood panel, 6x4
purchase here

The second painting of my late night rendezvous with my easel, these glorious red peonies pop up in my garden every year.  The very first start came from a neighbor's yard, a hidden treasure we surfaced when working on her flower beds.  I knew it was a peony - yet it hadn't bloomed in that spot as long as she had lived there.  The delicate light center is a surprise with petals so rich in color, and these late bloomers are the last of my peonies to bloom.  I'm using smaller brushes on this small painting, and using them to add texture and direction to the loose strokes.  Taking out my palette knife, I add that thick highlight paint for that final pop.  I am no longer looking for a small palette knife, I have learned how to make my large ones work.  I simply stay up on the tip of them when applying that paint!  Painting number 899 in 899 days, and I really feel like staying up all night to paint!  But alas, my mornings start very early :)

A Dream of White Peonies

A Dream of White Peonies
Oil on wood panel, 16x12
Overland Park Arboretum - Stems
purchase here

On the first few days of the Stems plein air event, the peonies by Margaret's Pond were absolutely gorgeous!  The white beauties called my name - and of course, I had to paint them!  Using a larger wood panel - 16x12, it was a joy to pull out my larger brushes for bigger strokes.  The loose, impressionistic brushwork followed the motion of the petals in the wind, and the misty day set them off.  I have really enjoyed painting these gorgeous flowers this year - I've had nearly a month from the first bloom in Augusta to the last in Overland Park!  Painting number 892 in 892 days.  Now for a little framing, I've got artwork to turn in!

Sculpted Peonies in Pink

Sculpted Peonies in Pink
Acrylic over molding paste on wood panel, 14x11
Overland Park Arboretum - Stems
sold

Each day is an experiment when painting.  When using this method, I first sketch out my composition with a pastel stick.  Next, I am working at sculpting the petals more accurately with my palette knife.  The use of the knife definitely becomes easier with use, I rarely have to think about the strokes necessary anymore.  Following this, the paste must dry before the next layer - which takes so long with this wet, rainy weather!  I bet it has taken twice as long to dry as normal!  I paint in with acrylics, unsure of whether or not to proceed with oils.  I have decided to leave it as is.........and I really like something about the white paste on the toned background, too.  I may do one of these in only two tones........there is something timeless about it, almost "cameo" like.  This painting makes 891 in 891 days.