Better picture of Common Loon, Uncommon Beauty

I didn't realize the picture I posted yesterday was so washed out. Sorry. This is much better.

Beltane Ranch Figs

Prior to October, I had never eaten a freshly picked fig. I couldn't get enough of them---so delicious. The folks at the Beltane Ranch gave me an egg carton full of them to bring home, which I rationed in the days ahead.

Common Loons, Uncommon Beauty

The photo reference for this painting was used with compliments of my birdwatcher friends, Sonny and Mitch.

Out of Pocket

This painting is now framed and available at www.theleighgallery.com

Lucy

Meet Lucy. She lives at the Beltane Ranch in Sonoma along with at least 2 other dogs and a ranch full of other animals, all of whom made us painters feel very welcome. Lucy's an old girl, and I was a sucker for those sad eyes.

Modest Worth

The delicate violet, which some gardeners consider a weed, has much written about it from historical and social perspectives. I really enjoyed The Language of Flowers, a novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, where the violet is referenced as meaning "modest worth," with modesty seeming to be the universally accepted meaning in other sources.

I severely underestimated the challenges this painting would present to me, given that I enlarged the subject so much.

Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue SOLD

FIFTY!!!

"Violets in a Sugar Bowl" marks my FIFTIETH consecutive daily painting. It isn't so monumental when you consider that Lisa Daria has been painting every single day for FOUR YEARS, but I am proud of this effort so far. I am really enjoying the learning that comes from daily practice, as well as the nice comments I have received. Thank you to all who have encouraged me.

Violets in a Sugar Bowl

Violets are such pesky plants in the garden, but I love the flowers because they remind me of my childhood.

Looking Up: Blue Sky With Magnolia

Susan's Magnolia

All of Susan's magnolia blossoms are gone, having drifted to the ground creating a blanket of petals. Thankfully, there are still other beautiful flowering trees in full bloom, and although the weather is cooler than "normal," it is a joy to see spring at it's pinnacle.

Inside a Magnolia Blossom

Last week, my neighbor's magnolia tree was exquisite in full bloom and I couldn't resist taking several pictures to use as reference. This same tree is also so beautiful during the winter as fresh snowfall rests on its graceful branches.

I

New Improved Sofie

Something wasn't right in yesterday's painting of Sofie, and it hit me this morning when I saw it on Daily Paintworks. It was her nose--it was too straight. I had to correct it. This is better.

Sofie

Sofie is my neighbor's bearded collie puppy. She is full of energy and personality and reminds me of the big sheepdog on Sesame Street years ago. You simply cannot be anything but happy around Sofie.
This painting is on a three-eighths inch deep board.

Heliconia

Great Blue Heron

American Avocets

Some friends of mine, birdwatchers who have traveled the world, graciously shared their photos of birds with me. Some are quite exotic and will be fun to paint.