Gardens of Delight

So taken, am I, with the many spaces in our garden, that I've begun painting little glimpses of it. These are corners, structures, foliage, colors, shadows and light that I witness daily... forever changing.

These are "Blue Bells" and "Blue Birdbath".

Random Bits

Studio time has been spent finishing up one series (abstract landscapes) , and adding to another (more traditional landscapes). I'm getting the abstract landscapes ready for my first showing with the Women Painters of Washington's gallery here in Seattle. It will open in early August.

All the while, I've also been very involved with our garden(s)...watering, weeding, moving 'starts', and trying to shape this little piece of earth that we steward. I wish I had more time for it.

This evening I had the pleasure of watching one of our local raccoons traverse across "our" property. It stopped and climbed (all 4 paws) into our little reflecting bowl, then it scurried on, across the multiple terraces which secure us onto this hillside. These are experiences that I relish.... simple, yet rich. (Perhaps I'll try to paint the raccoons... to be considered.)

Art Salon

Last evening I got a chance to host my Art Salon's monthly potluck. We are a group of about 9 'serious' artists of various persuasions who get together regularly to talk, swap tales, critic each other's work and support one another.... it is fast, fun, and festive. I must admit, I was delighted to be able to show off our gardens, the ample light and views from our deck and the cacophony of bird calls that we enjoy here. I was also pleased to share my work in progress in the studio.
I love the critiques! They always lean toward encouraging, yet the truth gets told. It's hard to get away with much. It has taught me a lot about receiving and giving constructive criticism.
Thank you.