PRICKLY

These are beautiful thistles that I found on a recent trip to the 2nd Street Market in Dayton. They were growing between stones in a very old railroad bridge embankment behind the market.Very persistant weeds. I keep a pair of plant nippers in the car for just such opportunities. The market is thriving this time of year with farmers bringing their produce and flowers into town. It is a great place to be on a Saturday morning.

This photo is actually part of a slightly larger painting that will eventually go on my website.

BUDS 6"x6" oil on canvas

This painting was done last Monday but this is my first chance to post it. Sorry about the lack of activity on my blog but life has a way of intruding in my art. I'm sure most artists have the same problem. Our area is ranked number 4 in the country this year for worst allergies so no plein air painting for me. Not much gardening either. Things should be improving soon so I can once again enjoy the great outdoors and play in the dirt.

PEONY

This is a closeup view of a larger (9"x12") painting I did last week. I know that isn't very large but I seem to have time issues right now, as in not enough. It is peony time in OH and I am lucky to have a few varieties
growing in my yard. I believe the weeds are actually winning in the garden this year. Too many days of rain and cold weather for me to venture out, but it didn't stop the weeds.

KUMQUATS 6"x6" oil on canvas

Kumquats are one of my favorite painting subjects and are perfect for small canvases. I am in the process of trying to learn photoshop but it seems very complicated to me. I think a class might be in order. Right now I am using Picasa for cropping and posting. It is easy to use but somewhat limited in adjustments.

BEGONIA STUDY 6"x6" oil on canvas

This is an angel wing begonia. They grow very well in my shady garden but I have to hang them out of reach of the many deer who jump our fence. The only plant they don't seem to like is coleus. I have tried all the popular deer deterents but nothing works.

It's Summer on Hilton Head

On our bike trip back from breakfast today we spotted this big guy soaking up the sun in one of the many lagoons on Hilton Head Island. There are signs up that say not to molest the alligators. I can't imagine who would want to get that close to them.

BLUEBELL STUDY 4"X4" oil on canvas

These are Virginia Bluebells that are quite happy living in Ohio. They reproduce by dropping seeds and they really reproduce. They can cover a naturalized area in a few seasons. This is the first time I have tried to paint them so I may give it another try.

JONQUILS SOLD

Jonquils from my garden. We have been having such a warm Spring that most of the jonquils have dried up. Tulips are in full bloom now and they are gorgeous. We have some very industrious neighbors that keep our neighborhood in vibrant color from Spring until Fall.
I am showing four paintings at Studio 14 Gallery in Tipp City for a new exhibit. Stop by and check out the gallery this weekend.

TAFFY 6"X6" oil on canvas

When we were in Maine a year ago for a painting workshop I bought a box of Salt Water Taffy because I was attracted to the colors. My plan was to use them in a painting so the box of candy went straight to my studio. I have a bad habit of snacking when I paint so I was eating the taffy and at the same time, trying to save some for a painting. The taffy is so old that it crunches when I try and eat it. What we won't do for a sugar fix. These old candies are all that is left of my original purchase. I should throw them away now that I have painted them but they are so well preserved, at this point, I may just use them another time. Or in an emergency, I may be forced to eat them.

BIKER oil on board

Ths is a painting of my husband biking at our favorite vacation spot on Hilton Head Island. After he saw the painting he said he didn't mind if I put it on the blog. When I first told him that I was working on a painting of him biking, he just gave me a look that said; WHY? Now he likes it so I think I will frame it and hang it in his combo music room and sometimes office.