White Petunias

 

I love painting and growing cascading petunias, even if the seed randomly sprout. I ordered a petunia selection from aerogarden, but I think the tiny seeds may have been jostled out of most of the net cups. I've only gotten a purple one and this one to grow to glory.  Perhaps, I should try simply putting some petunia seeds in directly.  It's fun to sketch a little of my garden life - when I get the chance!  Tyler's, Trav's and Michaela's families were out for family fun in this 63 degree weather!  It's great to have everyone out - and the horse got plenty of attention, too! Painting number 4793 in 4793 days. 

Orchid Joy

 It is so rewarding each time an orchid blooms in profusion!  With my pen, I add the line work, following with watercolor.  For this sketch I also went back in with ink of similar colors to punch the value a bit. I wonder how these beauties would like a hydronic set up - but so far I've not had time to try it.  Painting number 4059 in 4059 days. 

Cascading Petunias

I planted the seeds to this cascading petunia in December 2022 in my new Aerogarden, a gift from my girls.  It has bloomed abundantly for these last 14 months!  I keep it pruned when it gets too leggy, and it keeps sending forth blooms!  I am finally getting around to painting it with ink and watercolor. Painting number 4058 in 4058 days. 

Petunias

This was another day of hard work in the garden, trying to stay in the shade as the heat index rose to triple digits.  At nearly day's end, I was in the process of painting these sweet petunias when a sudden downpour beat their delicate petals down and chased off all the insects!  Ducking for cover, it soon passed and I could finish, even though my models were dropping considerably!  I did put the little bumble bee in - even though one of his brothers stung my leg in the kitchen garden earlier!  First bumble sting I've gotten, and yes it feels like fire for probably 30 seconds!  I think we have a hive back there, and I just got too close!  Painting number 2754 in 2754 days.

Marigolds and Petunias

Marigolds and Petunias
Oil on canvas panel, 10x8
purchase here

Today started with breakfast in Port Clinton, a trip to Marblehead lighthouse - climbing the 65 feet of stairs to the top for some amazing views, lunch out and back to my parent's home for a little rest.  Working a bit in this bed for my mom had me wanting to paint these beauties!  Setting up for a quick, impressionistic painting - this one is my 950th in 950 days. Now its time for more family fun!

Petunias and Periwinkles

Petunias and Periwinkles
Oil on panel, 9x12
Augusta - Stone Ledge Antiques

It took me a little while to decide on my painting subject today.  Normally, when I arrive at a location, I am instantly pulled to a particular subject.  The fact is, I was pulled to some roses in full bloom, leaning against a railing.  The problem with this subject is that I would have to set up in the middle of the street, or at least out in the elements - and I had already painted one in the rain, and had no desire to do it again.  Finally deciding on this one, with a covered porch in front of Stone Ledge Antiques to paint under, I jumped right in.  With only a couple of hours to paint, this was a quick one!  There is quite a glare on the fresh oil paints - so I will try to get another photo when the paint dries a bit.  This is the 261st painting in as many days and the 21st Day of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.  Now, I'm off to paint in historic Augusta!

Trailing Petunias

Missouri Valley Impressionist Society hosted a paint-out today at the beautiful Powell Gardens.  It has been 5 years since I have been there - and how it has changed!  I remember when all the trees were small near the visitor center, and I could see most of the cement walkway as it circled the large pond.  Now, all the trees are mature, and they create many "rooms" of various garden beauty.  The lily pond was fabulous - and I already have paintings finished - in my mind!  Another late posting - as I stayed out working in the flowers until dark.  Painting number 177 in 177 days.

Trailing Petunias
Oil on panel, 14x11
MVIS Powell Gardens Paint-Out