More Dahlias!

 Dahlias are still blooming in the garden and I am still painting them as well as teaching how to paint them.

After using one method of applying masking fluid to create the composite blossoms, I was craving the freedom I usually use as my approach to watercolors. So I created a background first by wetting the whole sheet of paper, then added color allowing them to flow and blend into one another. While it was still wet, I laid down cellophane pressing it into the paint and creating shapes.  After letting it dry overnight, I lifted off the cellophane and  used the shapes to inspire painting blossoms.

Westminster Village residents spent two weeks painting dahlias with great success.  They learned how to apply masking fluid and paint a background. 

Dahlia Mania!

 The Dahlias just keep on blooming and I keep on painting. This is the second large one painted on 200 pound watercolor paper.  These heavy papers respond differently from the 140 pound paper I normally use.  They are all good.

There are many varieties of dahlias that just ask to be painted.  This one is called "Catsup and Mustard."  Which I call "The Condiments!"

 I will be teaching a watercolor class on painting dahlias next week so I have been experimenting with different techniques on postcard size paper.  Good practice!

Calling the Dahlia Painting Finished!

Dahlia blossoms are so beautifully complex.  It was one of my biggest watercolor challenges yet to capture their delicate texture of layered petals. I have many more blossoms coming on in my garden, that should keep coming until frost, so there is plenty of time to continue painting them. This is a lesson in persistence!

Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work though difficult problems.

Gever Tulley

I did try painting them a couple of years ago. After completing this painting, I got those older ones out and reworked them.

Spectacular Dahlias

 This is my first year to grow dahlias, thanks to some friends who are expert dahlia growers. I’ve tried painting them before. Such a challenging subject. Here I go again this year! Getting started. How to capture such beauty?  

"See how the flowers of the field grow....not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." "Therefore do not worry..." Matthew 6

Garden Poppies

 When the red poppies popped open in my raised bed, I just had to stand next to them and paint plein air in our backyard. Irresistible red!

"In your presence there is fullness of joy...! Psalm 16:ll

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For the birds! Flamingos and Chickens!

 Teaching watercolors is such a delight. Chickens and flamingos were the subjects for summer classes at Westminster Village and the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette.  I am so thrilled with these paintings created by my students, some of whom had never painted watercolors.

Pass on what you have seen and heard....a loose translation of  2 Timothy 2:2....from living faith to a way of life. 

Demo fluffy t-rex

Demo - Cora

indiana Greens!

 Painting plein air this summer, I saw a pattern that I call « Indiana Green. » This warm, humid climate creates luscious landscapes.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures..." Psalm 23