Vintage chalk horse Painting #54

  

 I found this horse sculpture at a cute antique shop in Alabama, while on vacation with my family.   My sister and her hubby go with us, and the guys love to play new golf courses, while sis and I NEVER are at a loss at keeping ourselves occupied !!! (Two retired art teachers..... that pretty much means 'trouble' ) ha

Little Mary Janes Painting #53

    My sis found these, and gave them to me to paint.   They are one of my favorite subjects to paint.  This time they are a little 6 x 6...

Gerberas Painting #52

 

     Had to purchase these, mine are toasted, even though I've been watering them...  This heat has done a number on the lawn and gardens !

Last of the Daisies Painting #51

 

     The flowers have been incredible this year, but the heat has taken it's toll, even with constant watering.... It's just NOT the same as a nice long, gentle rain.  We haven't had rain, so these little guys are the last ones in my yard.  It's been a good run, though. 

'Pinched' Painting #50

 

     I knew I had to call this one, 'Pinched' because that is what the Brits call it when you help yourself to something that isn't actually yours !   I found these pink and red blossoms on some bushes growing on the back lot of a car fix-it place close to my house.   Just so happened, (who would have thought it) I had a clipper in my car.... HA HA.... 

Another Perspective Painting #49

 

     Last time, I tried these from below eye-level, so thought I'd change things up and get them more on eye-level.  That way I could include the blue vintage ball jar. ( like the ones I used to sell in the antique booth )

Dorothy's hydrangeas Painting #48

 

    Dorothy's magnificent blossoms are still hanging in there, so I tackled them again.... fun stuff !

Close-Up Painting #47

SOLD

     Thought I'd better paint these a few more times, before they completely fade.  The color on these purples ones is so deep and dramatic !  My blue hydrangeas have mostly faded to an off white, in this heat !!

Purple hydrangeas Painting #46

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     These incredible blooms are a gift from a friend. I've never seen anything like these... for 7 years they didn't bloom, but this year,
 W O W !! thanks, Dorothy !!

Oakleaf Hydrangeas Painting #45

     Love the colors on these oakleaf hydrangea blossoms.  Paired here with some pale pink roses..... HOT HOT HOT DAY today.... hottest day in St. Louis since 1931 !

Coneflowers Painting #44

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I'm having such fun with the daisies and coneflowers, and they are right at my fingertips, out past the front door.... fun....

Orange Coneflowers Painting #43

 

     I planted these orange coneflowers 2 years ago, not expecting too much.  This year, they've actually come up very pretty.... Love the variation, because I have the traditional reddish ones too.

In the Studio Painting #42

 

     These daisies last a long time.... they are interesting to paint, because of the slight shadows that fall along the petals.  Included with the mason jar is the old zinc screw-on lid.

For brush cleaning tips, go to the following post......

Brush Cleaning Tips...

     We all know how fun cleaning brushes is, don't we?   Especially when you are dead-tired, and it's 11:00 at night...  Well, I've found something that makes it so much easier. (I used to use Dial soap, and rub the heck out of them, leaving them all splayed and frazzled)


     Step 1- Remove excess paint on paper towels


     Step 2- Into the Odorless mineral spirits, and another wipe on the towel.

     Step 3-  Fill half of a child play ball (rubbery and pliable, and about the size to fit in your hand- mine was from Walgreens) with Murphy's Oil Soap. 

     Step 4-  Rub each brush thoroughly in the soap, rinse ...

     Step 5-  If you are not painting for awhile, clean one more time in the Brush Cleaner and  rinse again, before storing !             

Studio Leftovers Painting #42

     While trying to get inspired to set up a new still life, yesterday, I looked down and saw this.... viola !  Leftover, who knew ?..ha ha

Single Daisy Painting #41

     The daisies are huge and prolific this year, just like the other spring blooms.   Here's a single one, all sturdy and almost 'smiling'...  ha ha


 I redid the background, so it wasn't so intense.  Which do you prefer?
this pic was originally posted in June, 2012...

Frontyard Daisies Painting #40

     The daisies are beautiful, just like all the other flowers this spring.   They grow straight and tall, and are SO sturdy.  I have two huge plants by the front walkway.  I added a few of the roses on a stem, to give a little more color.     

Sunny Bedroom Painting #39

 

Something different, for a change, larger size (18 x 24), acrylic, rather than oil, different subject, too... ha ha !  

The first painting was done in acrylics, and really not totally finished either, but, anyhoo, the second (and final one) I finished in oil.   I like the colors in the second version MUCH better... how about you ?

    

Lace Caps and Easter Lily Painting #38

     These Lace cap hydrangeas are called "Twist and Shout", and are really full of blooms this year.   The Easter lily was a surprise, left over from the previous owner ! 

Hydrangeas today... Painting #37

     The hydrangeas in my backyard are so beautiful this year.... maybe because of the mild winter we have had.   Today's painting shows the 3 different colors of flowers scattered on two of my bushes.   I think the periwinkles are the prettiest !