This one was a learning curve. This close-up of a yucca is on velour matboard. I wasn't very successful in achieving straight lines as a result of the surface nap; I think it would have worked better on Wallis and will probably try it soon, as I like the photo. Oh, well........
My friend Elaine gave me a copy of a photograph she made of a storm at sea. It was a perfect reference on which to try out the new set of Thunderstorm Gray pastels by Mount Vision. The set is wonderful, but I did wish for a darker yellowish green; so, of course, that meant going outside the set. Overall, though, I really like the set. Thanks, Elaine, for the reference photo.
I just had to try another painting on suede paper. I photographed this rooster in downtown Blue Ridge and love the way he seems to be looking out for the traffic before crossing the street.
This is the time of year I'm torn between watching the birds migrating through Marietta and painting. Since it's raining today, I'm free to paint and chose this little Phoebe. I took the photo last fall through my living room window. This is my very first painting on suedeboard (Thanks, Holly!); I decided to try it, as it seemed appropriate for this sweet-faced little bird.
Most of my friends consider grackles a nuisance bird. And of course, in a way, they are - emptying feeders, frightening song birds away, noise, etc. But this "black" bird is truly beautiful up close, reflecting all sorts of iridescent colors which remind me of raku pottery. I snapped this photo through my living room window one morning as the bird arrived to raid the feeder.
I was afraid my Lenten Roses wouldn't bloom well this year due to last summer's drought. Apparently they are quite tolerant of those conditions and are blooming beautifully. This little bloom was from a new variety which I bought last year; of course I can't remember the name! It's a small plant and seems to like growing in a pot rather than the ground.
Since I haven't had time to paint recently, I decided to post his loggerhead turtle I painted a few weeks ago for my great-niece. She's very interested in and concerned about them and asked that I paint one for her. I hope her interest in the wonders of our world continues to grow with her.