Catching Z's

5 x 7

oil on gessoboard

I've always heard the most brilliant sunrises and sunsets happen during the change of seasons and lately, we've had some whoppers.

Mayfield Pond

10 x 10

oil on canvas

On my last visit to Austin, Texas, we went to Mayfield Park and Preserves.  The park is a beautiful, scenic two acres that include flower gardens, six of these lily filled ponds, and most notably, peacocks.  Peacocks are walking around everywhere, spreading out their gorgeous feathers and letting you come up close to photograph them.  The ponds are really pretty with their white, pink, and fuchsia flowers and are home to lots of fish and turtles.  Then there is an additional 21 acres of preserves used as a wildlife habitat that visitors can hike.  

I so love painting while I'm listening to podcasts of Artists Helping Artists.  If you're not familiar with it, click on it or you can access it through the iTunes store to subscribe. The program always provides helpful and practical advice to artists, interviews with professional artists, tips on managing your business, marketing strategies, and just about any topic of interest. I just love it. 

It's hosted by Leslie Saeta who is also hosting a challenge to artists to paint every day and post it on her blog found here. 

For purchase information regarding this or my other paintings, click here.

Playground

16 x 20

oil on canvas

For awhile now I've been determined to finish up half-done projects and this is the last of the paintings.  I started this sometime toward the beginning of summer as part of a "where I live" project with online painting friends.  Our town was established at the  convergence of three rivers so we have plenty of playgrounds for our kayaking passion.  I took a lot of liberties with this depiction since we live in a subdivision and I replaced our neighbors with trees.  And this is our pond, not the river we like to use which is a couple of miles away.  But the important components are here.  

And speaking of kayaks, if you've never tried one - you should treat yourself.  It feels a little like flying and it doesn't do your arm muscles any harm either.  It's a week away from Thanksgiving and we're still getting out there!  In northern Indiana!