The Villa

9" x 12" Watercolor

Today in Pat's class, she gave us each a drawing from Terry Madden. Then, we each painted our version, without looking at his painting. I really preferred painting this way, instead of trying to copy the way he paints. I do love his work, but I get frustrated when my painting doesn't look just like his. I don't like painting buildings, but I'm ok with how this one came out.

Speaking of frustrated, I have a little family of racoons living above my studio -- they are about to drive me nuts! This room was added on to the house, and there is no access to the attic here. When the "Critter Guy" came out and trapped the mama, we realized that she had hidden her babies back here, and had to let her go. He told me that she should take them out in 6-7 weeks, and then we can address the access problem. That should be soon -- I will be so glad when they leave -- all the scratching and purring is driving me crazy! We live in a very wooded area, and every year we have to put up with these critters! But, I must laugh -- if this is the most serious problem I have, I should be so lucky!

The Sunflower

12" x 16" Watercolor

I grew up in Southwest Kansas, so Sunflowers have always been special to me. To see them out in the field growing up to 10 feet tall, just makes me smile!

Today I was feeling under the weather, so I didn't go to class -- but still needed to paint, so paint I did! This is from a Terry Madden book. I think I like it!

For the Birds

9" x 12" Watercolor

This is my entry for this month's Virtual Sketch Date challenge. The photo reference was submitted by Stacy Rowan. Thanks Stacy! Can't wait to see all the others! By the way, if you would like to see the others, you can go here or here!

Knockout Roses

5" x 7" Watercolor

Since I'm not a gardener, I'm probably the last person on the planet to discover "Knockout Roses". But, I'm so glad I finally found them! I've had quite a time here in Florida, trying to find plants that will live in this soil/sand! And, it's equally as hard to find anything that will bloom! These beauties are said to bloom continuously from spring to frost! And, I even spoke to a stranger today who lives here, and she promised that her knockouts performed excellently for her. Of course, there is a drawback -- they have no scent! But bloom they do! I'm planting quite a few, in hopes that they will color up my outdoor world!

In The Garden

12" x 16" Watercolor

I've been working on this painting as a project for the Methodist Church where we have classes on Tuesdays. My idea was for a scene in a beautiful garden with a shaft of light shining through. I had a couple of reference photos, but I'm not sure that I'm happy with how it turned out. I don't hate it - I think it will serve it's purpose, but it's surely not one of my favorites.

Chinese Brush Painting

9" x 12" Watercolor

OK, I'm not Chinese -- and I don't have Chinese brushes, but I decided to try this painting from a book on Chinese Brush Painting! Of course, it's supposed to be painted just with brush strokes, but I had to draw it and then paint it like I usually do with watercolor. It still turned out ok, but it doesn't have the exact "feel" of a brush painting.

Lilies

9" x 12" Watercolor

Another flower day at Marilee's! This was so much fun to paint! I even did some negative painting - and I do think that this one turned out pretty good. I'm looking forward to Pat's class tomorrow. We've been off for 2 weeks, and I've got a big project that I have to start for the church again. Hope I can pull it off!

Arts & Craft Show

Here was my little space for the Arts & Craft Show today. I did very well today -- sold my first painting ever (except to family) - and sold almost all my fabric bowls and a lot of cards and bookmarks! I have a feeling that it was because the setting was intimate, and everyone stayed at their tables and interacted with the customers. Anyway, I had a great day!

And, I got to paint while I was there! Here are a few things I practiced on. On the bottom is a card I painted -- I had painted another one just like it, and a customer bought it right then and there! I had even forgotten to bring acetate sleeves and stickers, but she bought it anyway!

All in all, a fun day, but I'm very tired now -- think I'll read a book, and watch tv later!

New Notecards

Today, I decided to make a bunch of new notecards for the Arts & Craft Show this Saturday. Using the same technique as the bookmarks, I think they turned out kinda cool! Hope they'll sell!

Thinking of Spring

9" x 12" Watercolor

Did this in Marilee's class today. And I certainly am thinking of Spring! It has been cold for the last 2 days, and will be chilly again tomorrow -- and then I'm hoping that will be it! One of the great perks of living in Florida is that Spring comes in March! Of course, the down side is Summer lasts till October! Oh well, I can stand the heat more than the cold!

Plant Pot

Today wasn't a great day for Art in the Park. It rained in the morning, and then was chilly and windy all day. Folks still came out, but not as many as Saturday. So, I spent some time at home and made this fabric "plant pot". I've been busy making a lot of fabric bowls for the Arts & Crafts Show next weekend. Maybe I'll have better luck then!