The inspiration for this piece came about while we were on vacation in San Diego last summer. The color of these birds attracted my attention, it was so vivid. Everything about them inspired many sketches. I focused on the head of one bird. Its head and neck are very graceful. No background was planned, but I […] more »
This is a collage design of a lotus plant, from my photograph of the plant at Balboa Park. Pieces of rice paper were used to add depth and dimension with my usual acrylic papers. It was edited throughout the process, focusing on bold, simple shapes. I posted this previously as a “Daily Painting,” although it […] more »
This particular design of my daughter’s electric guitar has been on my mind for a long time. I worked from some old sketches and photographs, but also did a series of just sections of this instrument. Most of the time I use tracing paper to compile my sketches, then edit during the process of designing […] more »
This is my first piece of the new year. I decided to do a few pieces similar to the Daily Painters’ group. They create a petite artwork every day, usually in the 6” x 6” format. I find it difficult to work so small and prefer the larger sizes. For this piece, I chose a […] 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 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 »
Flowers are one of my favorite subjects to paint! I am anxious for spring to come so I can paint more flowers from our garden. I used a photo from my reference files, a great big luscious peony. I am also a big fan of Chinese brush painting and have learned that in China, the Peony […] more »
I’m continuing on with my painting-a-day series. This image interested me because of the torn, red-striped awnings and the shadow patterns. I took the photo thirteen years ago and always meant to paint it, but never got around to it. I worked on the hot press paper again, which is quite smooth. I usually begin […] more »
I’m back doing the exotic animals. These birds were designed in 2007 and I’m finally getting around to completing the collage. I chose it for their colorful pink, long-necked bodies and legs, having some fun with changing some of the colors. They seem to be dancing and fluttering with movement. For the background, I decided […] more »