Berries Galore!

Fresh raspberries and blueberries in season - calls for a celebration! With the rich bright red and that gorgeous purplish-blue color, I couldn't resist doing two 20-minute paintings. Watercolor, approx. 5 1/2" x 7 1/2".

Feeling Patriotic

Independence Day is always a fun holiday, what with the parades, and the picnics, and the FREEDOM we Americans have. The eagle was used as a symbol of the U.S.A. long before July 4, 1776. It was often comical in its early renderings, looking more like a regular bird, a chicken or even a turkey. But the beauty in these primitive images is in their wacky and uninhibited use of color and pattern (like on the wings here). I also admire the eagle and shield images used in the post-colonial era, especially those on "Federal" style furniture inlays. So - this image is my own combination of those styles (pen and watercolor, approx. 4 1/2" x 6 1/2").

Ten Random Things...

I know several people add these sort of random lists to their blogs, but mine is illustrated in 20 minutes (pen, 5 1/2" x 8"). In no particular order (and not including my wonderful family and friends - who I love BEST), I do love playing softball, candy, camping, hot tea, ice cold beer, embroidery, our dogs, reading, cake decorating, and sketching/painting. If I sort of cheat and count baseball as similar to softball, then I believe I have done a 20 minute sketch of all those things in addition to this one. If I am wrong (and someone corrects me), then I will do a sketch of the missing item(s) to fix it!

Two in the Bush

Simple design, classic American folk art style. With a design like this that is less intricate than large flowers, 20 minutes was enough time to get the saturated color I was looking for. I could see this as a nice embroidery design, too... I'll just add it to my list!

Plein Air Planter

I don't always get the opportunity to paint "en plein air" (outside), but when I do, it's great - sunlight and bright colors, plus lots of natural subject matter to pick from. This planter is one of several I have with interesting color combinations. I just love its rust-colored coleus, juxtaposed with the peachy petunias and the little feathery purple flowers (not sure of their name). Watercolor, 5 1/2" x 7 1/2".

Mermaid's bouquet

This 20-minute lovely mermaid was inspired by some 18th-century folk art, where mermaids were a very popular theme (somewhat surprisingly). Pencil, pen and watercolor, 5 1/2" x 8".