Butterflies and Coneflowers

 

Thinking of summer days full of butterflies and blooms tonight - after a difficult day of trying to get to the beach!  Painting number 3682 in 3682 days. ♥️🎨

Goldfinch and Native Flowers

 We have one meadow that we do not bale, and I toss in wildflower seeds every time I have extras.  Right now I have 50 wild sunflower heads drying for just this purpose!  With a meandering path cut through, I can get great views of the flora and fauna to paint!  The goldfinches are abundant as many flowers are going to seed! They dart all over the meadow lighting on stems and dining on seeds! Love that brilliant yellow among the flowers!  Painting number 2806 in 2806 days. 

Purple Coneflowers

While sitting for another artist in the garden of Edgewood Orchard Gallery, I sketched first the artist, then moved to the flowers that flanked him.  My urban sketch pack always at my side, I first inked those lovely coneflowers.  With a fresh and lively stroke, I dropped in a like watercolor with my water brush pen.  The very best thing about these pens is their ability to hold water (without leaking into my purse) which I can push out with a little pressure.  No other water needed, which is perfect for sitting on a stone ledge and painting in the garden!  Oh how I LOVE the artist's life!  Painting number 2022 in 2022 days.

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Sculpted Prairie Wildflowers

Sculpted Prairie Wildflowers
Acrylic, molding paste on panel
Konza Prairie Wildflowers

Summer at the Konza Prairie finds so many different flowers in bloom!  There are more than 60 prairie grasses and a whole page list with four columns - full of flowers and plants which grow on this prairie!  With this painting, I first sketch out my composition with pastel sticks.  Next, I capture the petals and foliage with my palette knife and light molding paste.  It is important to first have a sketch here, so I can be sure and put the paste where I want it!  No willy nilly application when it comes to molding paste!  After this dries, which is fairly quickly, I go in with my first layer of paint.  Using Golden Open acrylics, I thin down with water and regular gel medium - building up the color and value.  Stepping back periodically, to make sure I get a good feel for where the painting is headed, I make adjustments to the diffused background flowers.  I have tried a stiff, semi gloss medium between layers, but will top this off with the regular gloss for the top coat.  Applying a clear medium between layers adds another dimension to the paint.  I hope to enter this painting for a fundraising auction to benefit the Flint Hills.  It is important to do all we can to preserve the beauty of this Kansas prairie for generations to come.  This painting makes 586 in 586 days.