116 Van Briggle Vase, One Lily and a Bud

115 Van Briggle Vase with Lilies

114 Two Lilies and a Bud in a Van Briggle Vase

113 Lilies in a Van Briggle Vase

Painting lilies has always been a challenge for me, so I'm hoping these flowers will stick around for more practice.  The vase is one of my favorites, purchased in Colorado Springs 30 years ago.  Apparently Artus Van Briggle and his wife Ann were quite notable in the early 1900's Art Nouveau movement, using matte glazes and new designs.  Although the business is no longer owned by the family, it is still operating.  Artus was also a gifted painter, and I must research his work. 

112. Sunflowers and Statice With Baffling Background

I am not skilled enough to get the photo of this painting to show the correct colors and it is very frustrating and time-consuming.  If I get the purple right, something else is wrong.   The statice is not quite so blue, the upper background is mint green and the lower part is a pinkier purple.  I must say I like the painting much more than the photo.  So sorry.

111. Sunflowers in a Cobalt Vase

I am getting my money's worth from these sunflowers in terms of paintings.  The petals' edges are starting to curl and darken, but that is part of their charm. 

110. Oliver

Oliver, the circus dog, at rest on the chaise lounge.

109. Market Bouquet, Long Lasting

Although all the other flowers are withered and gone, the sunflowers and statice are still fresh and beautiful on this 6th day after purchase.

108. Sunflower Trio

I've tried photographing and editing several times but cannot get the yellows to appear as vibrant as they are in the painting. 

107. Market Bouquet: a Sunflower and Two Glads

106. Market Bouquet, Sunflowers with Gladiolas and Snapdragons

As a child I enjoyed pinching the snapdragons to make the "dragon's" mouth open and close.  Now I love showing it to kids---always brings a smile to their faces.

105. Market Bouquet

This bouquet from the farmer's market has such a beautiful variety of flowers, and gives me many opportunities for paintings.  This one includes a sunflower (actually two), red gladiolas and purple statice.

104. Sunflowers in a Bowl SOLD

Bar Musician With Saxophone

Street Musician With Two Clarinets

It was a very crowded Saturday on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.  With so much foot traffic, I had to jockey to get a clear shot of this musician, but he caught me. 

#101. Street Musician With Trumpet

I see this man playing his trumpet at the Division Street Farmers Market in Chicago.  He stands in an out-of-the-way spot and keeps to himself. 

#100. Celebrate and Eat Cake!

This is my 100th consecutive daily painting for Daily Paintworks.  (www.dailypaintworks.com)   I realize it's nothing compared to the likes of Lisa Daria Kennedy and many others who have been doing this for YEARS.  I so admire all of them and especially appreciate Lisa's advice on many things during my start-up.  I can only aspire to continue to grow as an artist and improve in my technique with each new painting.   I am loving the journey!

Please note:  This painting is available at  www.theleighgallery@comcast.net

Swan Song

Waiting for You

This is Charlie, waiting at the window for his owner.  I've painted him several times and never tire of the subject.  I've said it before and I'll say it again:  He's the best dog on earth. 

Take My Picture

I was at the lakefront taking pictures of the landscape when this guy stopped his bike and said "Take my picture."  So I did.  I knew it would come in handy someday.