You can't always get what you want...

Here's the third attempt and still, I think the first had the most potential. That's OK. I may go back to the first as the last in this series and use what I've learned. You know, I might get what I need.

Magnolia in glass

Here is my second attempt to capture these lovely blossoms but of course I became fascinated with the reflections in the wine glass.

Soulangiana

The purple magnolias, tulip trees, are in full bloom and already beginning to wane. So I've nabbed a few to paint. I love their organic shape, very primitive and silky. A local fine artist, Mary Anne Courier, reccomends painting a series of the same thing - so here is Number 1.

VOILA! Master Peppers

When you paint your masterpiece, you will give it your all! Well, I gave it 90 minutes anyway. But it's not about time. It's about brushstroking like the masters. Here's the painting for the day.

I've gone back(must be the recessionary influence) to what I know - still life of fruits and veggies.

You may have to zoom to 75% to see it!

The Birthday Gift

My birthday this year caught me off guard. And that is a good thing! I seem to have developed the habit of dreading birthdays over the last few years. Why would I dread something that was given me for surely I was not in charge of my own birth. Well, the last few years have been challenging. OK, so get over it and move ahead. Onward through the fog.

We're not in charge completely of our birth, our death, or what comes between. So a birthday, like any other day, is a kind of gift in itself. A bit of retreat/reflection gives one the perspective to see that. And it is to be appreciated! So for your birthday I have these reccomendations. Take the time to welcome it with an open heart, feel the joy in remembering others on "your " day, and then sit back and watch the day unfold(unwrap). This year so many people I love showed their love and remembered me with a call, a card, a hug, roses, gifts, and get-togethers. I felt genuine love pour in!

Spring always catches us off guard. It is such a great gift! The above painting I did when spring gave me dogwood blossoms to paint! After I take down the Christmas wreath above the mantle I replace it with this spring painting I did three years ago.

Tulip Tree

My favorite flowering tree in the spring is the Soulangiana magnolia - tulip tree. They have not begun to bloom but today I saw a pink cherry tree in bloom and it whetted my appetite for the tulip tree. Last year the tulip trees were as full as I have ever seen them in Kentucky so I will try to lower my expectations for this year's blossom. But whenever they come I will delight in their wild stark silky petals.

Kentucky Blue

This is a photo I took last August near Stanford Kentucky. I was attending the Amish Produce Auction where my son was buying some tomatoes for market. I bought some peaches for preserves! A blue sky with stacked clouds is such a pleasure to behold. I must try to paint these clouds to capture their movement!