The bold colors of these geraniums caught my eye. There are many different varieties of these garden plants, and I chose the neon variety. I found it difficult getting the exact color using my watercolor pigments — it is pinkish with a little orange and red in it. In direct sunlight the petals seem to […] more »
Sunflowers are still an inspiration for my art. The sunflower sprouts are still coming up in my garden now, so I am working with a photo taken last year. In addition to the two large blossoms, I have added a couple butterflies seen at the Botanical Center and Butterfly Center in Ames. They were both incredibly […] more »
Now that it’s spring, you will notice my paintings are full of fresh flowers. I love the pale violets and lavenders of the coneflowers, and the orange and rust-colored centers. They attract numerous butterflies, bees and other interesting insects. My general plan of attack is to take numerous photographs, and if I have time, I […] more »
I am continually searching for interesting flowers to paint. This is a big, beautiful bloom at the Botanical Center in Des Moines. These finger-like petals sprout from the center of the plant on a large stalk. Tropical plants always have bold colors, and their leaves have fun details to paint. I painted the flower shape much […] more »
I am getting into spring and painting more florals! The variety of subtle whites inspired me to paint this orchid. I used my snapshot from the Botanical Garden. I love the pale, minty greens and the fuchsia and lavender centers. My goal was to capture the gracefulness and delicacy of this plant. more »
Spring fever always hits when winter weather does not want to stop, and it makes me dream of bright, fresh flowers. I used a photo for this piece and worked much of it wet-in-wet. The tangerine colors are very saturated and lively and the butterfly is the focal point. I painted two layers for the […] more »
This is my last bouquet from our garden this year with our bright sunflowers and gladioli. It was painted wet-in-wet and completed in two days, which is quick for me. My main concern was to capture the freshness and bold colors of the flowers. The indigo bowl was a gift from my parents and the […] more »
Now that the weather is cooler and changed into fall, I have been thinking about my summer flowers — the wonderful luscious yellow and mahogany sunflowers among the delicate fuchsia cosmos. These were picked and arranged in my artistic vase, filling it thick with blossoms. I am particularly fond of the red-violet color. It really […] more »
I positively love sunflowers! A friend calls me the sunflower queen. Sunflowers are gorgeous large flowers and make wonderful bouquets. I do not know how many paintings I have done of them — lots! There are so many different varieties. This year we have planted at least four different types. In this composition, I decided to play […] more »
Every time spring rolls around, I am eager to paint my garden flowers, and this year is no exception. However, the weather is unseasonably cool, so I am relying on some of my old photos until some of my perennials bloom. This particular lily had been in my garden a while ago. New flowers are added every […] more »