This Pink has been sitting in my file for sometime...just waiting it's turn. The painting has quite a story behind it or perhaps had "quite a story ON it". I had just about finished the painting when a friend stopped by with her 3 year old granddaughter. Her granddaughter had to go 'potty' and since the bathroom is just across from my studio grandma and I went in to admire my latest painting. Grandma had coffee and was standing a couple of feet back so as not to take a chance of spilling anything. All the sudden...the bathroom door flew open and in [...]

The Picture you see here is just a "Preview" of what is in my framers Summer Display window. You can see more photos below. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Wow...it's good to be back. I intended to take some time off from blogging to focus on the art I need to get done for my November show. I also slipped in a quick trip our east to New York for a visit with my daughter and grandson. As I've mentioned before...I just hate it that they are so far away. I don't get to see them nearly often enough. Sure [...]

Lilly and Friends is one of the latest of the 'floral collection' I'm putting together for my framer's window. I found this photo in my photo collection, it's been there a while...just waiting to be painted! I really enjoyed this one. The colors are rich and vibrent, standing out against the dark background. I painted the background a bit differently...using a 'lifting technique'. I first applied the dark greens then when completely dry painted clear water where I wanted the 'hint' of foliage...laid a paper towel on top and applied pressure. This process lifted off just enough color to indicate the leaves you see here in the background. I then added a bit of 'yellow'...presto, we have leaves. [...]

Roses are always so intricate and inspiring. Their blooms seem to come on slowly and dazzle the garden with their beauty. I didn't quite capture the true color of this one but am pleased with the look. Actually it is a little more peach than it is pink. I originally had a softer more illusive background in place. But decided to go with the darker background, I think the dark background really makes the image of the single rose pop off the paper. Did you notice the 'almost hidden' bud peaking out from behind the stem? [...]

This is one of my most recent watercolors. Spring is in the air...I know it's a bit early to see tulips in bloom, at least here in central Illinois. Yet, I simply couldn't resist. This photo has been in my files for a couple of years now and I figured it was time to see if I could do it justice with a watercolor painting. [...]

African Watercolor on 300# Arches 9x10 Original Watercolor $125.00 Free Shipping Buy Now Secure Purchase...with This is one of the latest from my "little paintbox". Yes, I've been splashing the paint around again. My framer is getting ready to do her Spring and Summer window. I paint and she frames and displays...a great relationship. African Violets always remind me of my Grandmother. I remember how she would start new plants from a single leaf. I found the whole process quite fascinating as a child. When the plants were mature and had blooms...she would carefully wrap the pot in colorful cloth scraps and present them to others as gifts. She took such care [...]

Have you ever looked into your rose garden on a warm summer night when there is a full moon. Take a look sometime, you'll find your roses dancing in the moonlight! I thoroughly got into this drawing. I swear I could almost feel the velvety petals in my mind as I worked. I applied carbon directly to the paper in the deep creases of the petals, using a stump to blend towards the areas touched by the moonlight. I then applied graphite with a chamois square to the brightest highlights and used a 6B carbon pencil to fill in the background. [...]

I was ready to start painting for my framer's September Wine Window when she ask if I had any flowers she could use in her spring and summer display. Well, I jumped right on that!. I've been painting like a fool here...for the most part it's been good. Yet we all know how watercolor can rear it's ugly head and totally change the direction of the painting. (at least for me) [...]

This is the latest from 'My Little Paint Box'... my framer is getting ready to do her spring window so trying feverishly to get some new spring inspired watercolors done. Spring Blossoms is just one of two done thus far. This photo was taken of a tree in bloom...I wish I knew what kind of tree it was. I couldn't find out then and still have no idea! [...]

This drawing was pure joy to create. I hope "Grandmother's Buttons" brings to mind good memories of your child hood...when times were simpler and life moved at a much slower pace for all. [...]