Saint-Gaudens Iris

Using a photo that I took at Saint-Gaudens I added a bit to the watercolor I started earlier and I'm pleased with the result....

"Saint-Gaudens Iris"

watercolor - 9" x 12"

Now I'm looking forward to following the blossoms through the summer.  I only wish I'd started earlier in the growing season!

A Day at Saint-Gaudens

Yesterday, Sandy and I spent the day at Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, New Hampshire.  The home, studios and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s greatest sculptors are quite amazing.  Over 100 of his artworks are displayed in the galleries and on the grounds, from heroic public monuments to expressive portrait reliefs, and the gold coins which changed the look of American coinage.
In the gardens, the poppies had gone by but the foxglove, iris and peonies were blooming beautifully.  We sat right down on the ground to be eye level with the blossoms and enjoyed a sunny, warm day of watercoloring.  Here is my version of the peonies....

"Saint-Gaudens Peonies"

watercolor - 12" x 16"

I also started a painting of iris and hope that finishing it in the studio using photos taken yesterday will not result in a tightened up painting!