Pass-a-Grille Beach

11" x 15" Watercolor

I went to an art show today. I always seem to get inspired when I do! This show featured the work of students of an instructor from my watercolor club. I've decided that I'm going to sign up for her classes that start in September. She teaches both watercolor and oil, so I think I'll get back into oils then, too.

This particular scene was painted from a photo I took when my daughter and kids were here. We went to Pass-a-Grille Beach and walked the beach looking for shells. The building is the famous Don Cesar Resort in St. Petersburg Beach. I'm not real comfortable with buildings yet - I'll take this to class on Tuesday and see what they think!

Succulent Leaves

Whew! What a busy three weeks I've had! I spent a week in Kansas City, then brought two of my grandchildren home with me for a week, and then my daughter flew down for a few days and took them home. We had a great time! Lots and lots of swimming - Seaworld - Butterfly Rainforest - lots of computer games! Can't wait for next year!

I finally got all rested up, and painted today. This is a practice piece from a new book I received. Of course, mine doesn't look anything like the artist's painting, but I guess that's ok. It looks like MY painting!

And, of course, I have to go to Jury Duty tomorrow! That means I have to get up at 5 am! Since I retired, that isn't a time I'm used to! I keep hoping that I won't get picked for a jury (I've done one before - and it was soooooo boring!), but I guess if I do, I'll just have to suck it up!

Wish me luck!

Tybee Island Beach

11" x 15" Watercolor

My sister and her husband just returned from a little trip to St. Augustine and Savannah. She brought me some pictures, too! This is a scene from a beautiful beach on Tybee Island, GA.



I'll be leaving on Sunday for a week in Kansas City - I probably won't post again till I return, unless I just happen to do some practice tomorrow.

Sunset Palms

11" x 15" Watercolor

This is my first attempt after viewing Tom Jones' DVD that I bought at the luncheon. Still needs some work, but I'm excited and anxious to try some more!

Happy Mother's Day to my daughter and daughter-in-law! Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts - grandchildren! See you soon!

What a Wonderful Day!

The Citrus Watercolor Club had a luncheon today, to install new officers. It was a wonderful experience for me - I'm really new to the club, and don't really know many members yet - but my newest instructor just happens to be the out-going President, so she made sure to sit me with all of her other students. Fun afternoon - wonderful new friends! The best part was the demonstration by Tom Jones! What a terrific artist! I'm scheduled to take his workshop in November, so I got a taste of what it would be like -- I can't wait!

Below is the painting he did in his demonstration - in 1-1/2 hours. Absolutely breathtaking!

Then, when I got home -- these incredible flowers were waiting for me for Mother's Day - sent from Kansas City from my wonderful daughter and my terrific son! I don't know if the photo captures just how gorgeous they are! A huge tropical arrangement with Birds of Paradise and other very colorful flowers! What a beautiful ending to a Wonderful Day! Thank you, kids!

The Flower Fairy

"The Flower Fairy"

11" x 14" Watercolor

I've been working on this painting for several weeks now. I painted it for my granddaughter, Haley. I hope she likes it! I've really been struggling with the face - I was afraid that I'd never get it! And, I still may have to make some adjustments to it. I'll take it to class on Tuesday and see what they say. Over all, I think I like it!

Tomorrow, we have a luncheon at Watercolor Club. And, a demonstration by Tom Jones. I've signed up for his workshop in the Fall. I'm excited to see his work in person!

Take 2

I tried another one of those water scenes today -- this one is much larger than the one we did in class. I like it better, also.

I haven't been painting much this week -- I heated the pool, and have been swimming every day! It feels so good to be back in the water!

Down & Dirty

I had fun in watercolor class today! We practiced a water scene -- and did it in less than 30 minutes. It's ok, but I'm going to do another one and take more time with it and see what I can come up with. The main thing we learned is how to do wonderful clouds -- I just wish I had done more of them! Lots of little lessons in this little painting - anxious to try more.

Lately, I've been surfing and thought I'd share with you some of my new favorite places! (Just click on the name and you'll go right there!) First is Alicia Paulson - I found her site in Country Living Magazine - She does a lot of sewing, crocheting, crafting -- and posts the most amazing photographs I've ever seen! Take some time, and look at some of her past posts! Also, from Country Living is Jane's Blog - Again -- just a lot of fun things! And, if you've never spent a rainy afternoon surfing on Etsy - you should! All things hadmade - and some are just incredible!!

Until later - Happy Surfing!

More Tulip Practice

I went to a new watercolor class today -- Great Fun! I'm so excited to find a class here in Dunnellon -- no more driving 20 miles or so to class! The instructor is the President of the Citrus Watercolor Club - very nice and very helpful! It was kinda scarey showing my stuff to all these new people, but they were very kind and made me feel like maybe my paintings weren't absolutely hideous! Maybe there's hope for me yet!

Screened In

Our screened-in pool deck is the favorite place of our 2 cats -- they lay for hours, looking out at all the birds, squirrels and lizards - wishing they could be out there pouncing instead!

I tried something new with this painting - and while it's not exactly what I was going for, I think I might be on the right track. My goal is to learn impressionistic watercolor. I'm hoping that attending a new workshop on Tuesdays will help.