Spring Has Sprung!

April showers bring May flowers. We have all heard it - and it seems to be true. My flowers are blooming.... everywhere. Iris', wild rose, cala lilies, mums, honeysuckle, daisies, and more. They are beautiful! And what inspiration they are. I can't wait to start painting some flower pictures. I have several in mind as we speak. And the birds! I believe there are nests in every bird house and gourd around here. We have a bird house on our porch with a pair of blue birds nesting. I've been watching them for days. So busy bringing food in for the little ones. They were beginning to look like I feel after the grandkids have been here for a week or two. Harried! I thought to get a picture and show you, so I set up my chair nearby- it never bothered them before for me to be there - got my camera, and waited.....and waited....and waited..... ..... ..... You know I believe they moved out while I was in the house getting that camera! I finally saw Mommy fly out and have not seen a bird near that house since. I have even been working here on my laptop to watch and they are gone. Hopefully on the next go around I'll be ready sooner. I hear they nest a couple times a summer. OH! - I need to go put some food in my humming bird feeder. They should be showing up soon too. YEAAA SPRING!

Slow but Sure

I know, I know.... it has definitely been more that a week. I've been working on a commission mural though so I have been busy painting. There are a few updates here too. As you can see I've changed the sky to make it a little more subtle. I thought the clouds were a bit to uniform and cotton candy like. I wanted a wispy, softer look. Then I blocked in the foreground and added the beach side chairs. I've been looking at and pondering that foreground. I'm not sure I want it as wild and unkempt as in the reference pic and I'm thinking about the trees too. The area this picture was taken in is so beautiful that I would like the foreground to represent that. As you can tell, a reference picture is just that - a jumping off point.

Speaking of reference pictures, it is spring here in the Appalachian Mtns. The trees have leaves, the flowers are blooming, and we are getting our gardens planted. It is beautiful. So I have been taking tons of "reference pictures".... And thinking of upcoming paintings. Sometimes when I'm taking a picture an idea of how I can interpret it, or add to it, comes to me. The majority of the pictures I take are for reference. Paintings are always on my mind as I view my world. We have been so richly blessed by the Creator. A world that works perfectly - spring's renewal, summer's growth, fall's harvest, and winter's rest. Perfect. And with no help from us. Actually better without our help. Yet He placed us here and gave this world to us. His grace is amazing!