Daily Painter Week Eleven

Well, it looks like it's another floral week!  This time of year, flower gardens are so beautiful they can't be denied.  I was inspired to create the pieces below during a visit to Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, New Hampshire.  It was a hot, sunny day and after Sandy and I toured the house and gardens, we settled down to work....

"Hollyhocks"

Sharpie marker and colored pencil on watercolored paper

5 1/2" x 7 1/2"

"Day Lilies"

Sharpie marker and colored pencil on watercolored paper - 6" x 8"

"Poppies"

Sharpie marker and colored pencil on watercolored paper  - 6" x 10"

Working with these media is one of my favorite ways to sketch.  It comprises the best of several worlds: watercolor wash done either before or after the marker drawing and colored pencil to finish.

Daily Painter Week Ten

A busy, busy week!  First up is the painting I did in my plein aire workshop in Pomfret.  I worked with a new palette and mixed all my greens which was quite a challenge.  And who knew you could make a great cerulean blue with white, a little bit of thalo blue and cadmium lemon yellow?

"Felicity Farm"

9" x 12" - oil on canvas

Last week, Sandy and I went to Cider Hill Gardens in Windsor to paint.  I haven't finished my painting yet but here are some photos of the amazing perennials there....

"Day Lilies"

"Astilbe"

"Little Roses"

"Little Hosta"

"Huge Hosta"

Finally, below, is the colorful hanging basket on our deck.  It needs lots of water and dead-heading but it's worth it for all this abundant color....