Plein Air Patio

I have a "plein air patio"!  The lilies are blooming beautifully and the lantana is lovely.  I enjoy planning and planting in pots, in the ground, anywhere!  

Perennials for full/part sun are my favorites because of their vibrant colors, but it's hard to beat the beauty of a shady spot filled with lush green hostas.  This year "Endless Summer" hydrangeas will blanket the back corner of the yard.  They are small now but in time will grow large and produce abundant blooms.  I can't wait!

Blue Peace complete!

Freshly varnished!


11 x 14 stretched canvas, acrylics and high gloss gel medium

Peace in Progress

Using all white and tints is new for me. When I chose this subject (which is the top of a holiday salt shaker!) I knew there would be shadows and highlights to paint. As I sketched the form and became more familiar with the subject, I saw subtle pinks, blues, grays, browns and yellows. I mixed a tiny amount of each color with puddles of white paint and was amazed how more than a tiny amount can tint the puddle too much! Lesson learned :-).


I am happy with the progress of this palette knife painting. The tints are defining the contours of the bird nicely, and the texture is yummy!


11 x 14 stretched canvas, acrylics and high gloss gel medium

Pumpkins Complete!

The finished product is Yummy Pumpkin goodness!  This one was fun and turned out a little cartoonish with the highlights and bold colors.  I really enjoyed painting this pair!

8 x 10 stretched canvas, acrylics and high gloss gel medium