Tree Peony

Had to use a big canvas for this one! 

I'm holding the dinner plate near the blossom to show how large it is. The plant bloomed a pale yellow green when we bought it years ago at an arboretum garden show. The following year, the blossoms had a bit of pink and were not as large. Then, for several years the plant would bud, but not bloom. The buds fell off each year. 

Then, we transplanted this tree peony to our new garden, and again, it would bud, but not bloom. Three years later, we have these gigantic pink blossoms - three, so far. So I celebrate her persistence.

Tulips, Narcissi and Lilacs in a Copper Vase

The painting below went through several stages (and several flowers) before it reached the final version. The last three photos show sequential stages and the decisions that led up to  the completed work:

Tulips, Narcissi and Lilacs in a Copper Vase

oil on canvas 16" x 20"

detail of the above painting

detail

early stage (closed curtains)

early stage

early stage 2 (opened curtains)

early stage 3 (thinking about closing curtains again, rearranged them, added detail)

Flora-vore

Still working on several paintings, but meanwhile, took this photo today. Scrumptious tulips!

PipFalls (Paintings -In -Progress Problems)

Two on-site paintings in the works. 

The larger canvas is in a setting that seems to have windy conditions even when there's no wind 10 feet away. Therefore, a little bit of actual landscape is embedded in the oil paint on the canvas from constant landfall. (Not to mention shards of grass shot from a nearby weed eater.) 

The second canvas is set in the scenic cubby of a blind curve, so while it's somewhat protected from the natural wind, an occasional blast from an oncoming farm vehicle sends it flying. But no complaints... busy painting the ever-changing spring face of the earth.

Grabbing the ring

Spring passes so quickly - it demands multipainting.

As of today, I have 4 canvases started and continue with drawing to collect as much detail as I can for finishing the paintings, should the subject matter go by too fast for completion of the works. Below is a preliminary drawing for a painting I intend to start today.
The dark clouds and weathered wall contrast with the delicate wind-beaten daffodils. That was the original impetus for the painting, but something else may speak louder today.

and the beginning of a 24 x 30 painting of the turn in a road with a rock outcropping:

Misty, dewy morning photos