I wish I would have had time to paint today, but I was doing homework all day. So, instead of a painting, I'll share another photograph! I also took this one this past Sunday at the park. I wish I could remember the name of this flower, but I can't think of it! Oh well. I took several pictures of this flower and this is one of my favorites. The wind was blowing and it was difficult to get a good shot. 
As you can tell, no painting today. This is a photograph that I took on Sunday at the local park. I was completely struck by the beautiful colors of the tulips. They were probably the prettiest pink I have ever seen. I look forward to painting some of these flowers. 
I didn't have much time today, so today's paintings are very simple. Sometimes simple is better! These are 4 by 6 watercolors. The center two (the purple coneflower and poppy) are my favorites. I have done a set of blank greeting cards in a very similar way. They sold a while back, but perhaps I should do another set! :) 
Today's painting, "Sunshine Lily," is on pastelbord (6x6). I've been wanting to paint this picture for a while now. The reference photo is from my own collection. I actually have a print of the original photograph available in my Etsy shop (It's called "Bright Yellow Lily"). I really like this painting, and I think it looks much more lifelike, in person. All paintings look better in person!
Well as you can probably tell this is not a painting. I decided to substitute for a photograph today. Sunday's are usually pretty relaxed for me, and I decided to go and take some more pictures today. This tulip is one of my favorites. We ended up taking our dogs to the park today and as soon as we got there I noticed all of these beautiful flowers. I had to rush home and get my camera before the sun fell. I got some great shots, and we had fun too! :) 
Today's painting is titled "Garden Pansies." It's a 5 x 7 on rough 140lb watercolor paper. The reference photos I used for this painting are pictures I took of pansies that I planted last year. Speaking of which, pansies are supposed to be annuals, but I have some from last year that are still thriving. I dug most of them out to make room for new annuals, but I forgot a small patch. Now I wish I would have just left them.
This is Day 1 of the 30-Day Painting Challenge that I am embarking on. "Shimmering Daffodils" is an original watercolor on 140lb rough watercolor paper. I named it "Shimmering Daffodils" because I painted the petals of the Daffodils with an iridescent yellow wash that shows through all the glazes on top of it. The photograph of the painting doesn't portray the true colors of the flowers. The petals are a much brighter yellow.
This morning I made a special trip to my favorite greenhouse. I make an effort to go at least once a year to take a lot of pictures. In my opinion you can never have too many pictures of flowers! :) Last year I was disappointed that I didn't get that many close ups, so today I made sure to get very close to the flowers. I got some great photos and I'm feeling so inspired to paint! I like to use my own photos as much as possible, when I'm using them as references for paintings. I hope to put these photos to good use, soon! Enjoy!
I've gotten into a new routine - painting in the morning and quilting in the afternoon. It's kinda nice! Lately I've acquired some spring/summer fabrics and decided that I had to make table runners. These are so bright and fun - perfect for this time of year. Sometimes all you need to punch up a room is a little color! These "table runners" don't even have to go on a table. You could put them anywhere - on a bookcase, island, entertainment center, over a chair, or even on the wall! 
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