Diana M. Davis Watercolor

Daffodils again..

2012-02-29T14:56:00.005-08:00

I wanted a freer daffodil painting. This is what I've been working on this afternoon. The daffodils are quickly dieing.

Rainy day today. Daisy has enjoyed the stove,so have I. Stay warm,Diana

Painting Star Magnolia

2012-02-28T14:32:00.005-08:00

I started the chickadee in class Saturday and the branch. Got the flowers drawn and have painted some today. I'm feeling better all the time. I realized this morning I have to do 2 paintings for a show in 2 weeks!!! oh boy.. new ones about spring.. take care,Diana

ps. here is my art table.. I was trying to just show you the flowers that I have to paint!! but you get all the clutter too. I'm going to have to straighten up a little ...

Star Magnolia and Daffodils...

2012-02-27T12:13:00.004-08:00

HI,my class Saturday at Norfolk Botanical Gardens was wonderful. I had 8 students.Chickadees,star magnolias of different varieties,lenten roses,were some of the subject matters we worked on. It was inspiring and so lovely. Even walking to the door there were lovely sweet flowering bushes..to inspire us. These are some of the flowers we had there. As you can see the star magnolia is fading fast but is so gorgeous. Works beautifully on thalo blue and burnt umber washes.. So I'm hoping to get some flower paintings begun. I've got the enthusiasm if I can get this cranky body to do it. Rested all yesterday. My back and head are much better today..take care.Today I slipped to Cape Charles,it's painting change day. A new show is going up. The March Madness Show in Stage Door Gallery. All art is priced under $100. I took 4 little watercolors! Talk to you soon, Diana

Gesture Drawings of Daffodils

2012-02-21T12:46:00.007-08:00

Today I've been getting organized for my class on Saturday at Norfolk Botanical Gardens. I've got the paper cut for the students. I usually wait and make the palettes for them on the day of the class but I'm going to try and do it early.(meaning here at home and take them) The best idea I came up with were Styrofoam egg cartons.. what do you think? I supply their supplies for this class. We will be painting flowers and birds. I've been checking their website to see what is blooming over there. It's different than here. Only an hour and half away but they usually bloom quicker! Here's some gesture drawings I did of some daffodils. I try not to peek. So it's put my pencil down,keep it down, and don't look at the drawing just look at the whatever you are drawing.. until you are finished.I did the yellow ones after the gray ones. I think we'll do this as a loosening up at first.Its sunny today. Makes me feel like spring will be here soon. take care, Diana
Last night I loved that one daffodil I found in my yard yesterday so I wanted to add it to the daffodil painting. I think I got carried away I put it in 3 times. So I'll take out 2 I think! and now I see my jar needs a lot of straightening and some darker definition. It helps me to put it prop it up and look at it during the day! take care!

Finger Painting in Watercolor-tell me what you think!

2012-02-17T14:47:00.000-08:00

Hi,I've worked on my daffodils a little and then experimented with finger painting. It was fun. Tell me what you think. I just put my fingers in warm water then touched the paint and placed them on the hot press closed my eyes and tried to feel the paper and paint and just ta da.. this one I like, what do you think.. now tell the truth please... I would like to frame it and call it dance.. because it looks like three dancers to me.. try this.. and tell me how it comes out. have a great weekend. I've still got this blasted headache -- 13 weeks on Monday. I can't stand it much longer.. take care,Diana ps the candy kept me going today. My son's coming I needed to get his room ready= move paintings...

Love to you,Happy Valentines!

2012-02-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, not often enough
we reflect upon the good times
and our thoughts always center on those we love.

And I think about those people
who mean so much to me
and for so many years have made me
so very happy.

And I count the times I have forgotten to say,
thank you and
Just how much I love them..

This is a song by the Carpenters.. This is my valentines to all I love. Wishing you and yours a very lovely Valentines. love to you,Diana

Snow Day

2012-02-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I started the last painting over. Ha! You know how I love coffee.. well I got up from my painting,yesterday, and had my coffee cup in my hand and spilled it all over my painting to be. I got up and rinsed it off as quickly as I could but-- I missed some of the coffee drizzles, and then the colors started bleeding into the sketch-- so I said phooie and decided to start over. So this painting is now the beginning of my jonquil painting.. and so far I'm keeping the coffee on the other side.. WAY Over there.. You know it seems like when I start over it's always a better sketch and I feel like this is.

It started snowing last night and we got 2-3 inches. So no church today,just a stay at home Sunday.It gave me time to start this one again.I cooked some lentils and that simmered. We had some chocolate coffee in the afternoon.A nice day.Hope you had a cozy day. talk to you soon,Diana

What Beauty We See!

2012-02-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

HI, Look what I found,aren't they gorgeous!They were from Gran's yard. I asked my husband to look the other day and he said no I didn't see any flowers over there. It reminded me of the time I asked my son about the flowers at a wedding he was participating in. He said,"No Ma I didn't see any flowers.. there". I later asked a lady at church who had gone. She said," Oh Diana, You should have seen them. They had 2 fields planted of sunflowers on each side of the wedding.Flowers everywhere.It was glorious."But my boy didn't see them then, and neither did my husband the other day. ha ha.. It's what's important to each of us! ha, ha.

So I decided to put them in a mason jar and paint them. I've started anyway.They smell so good.-- I usually rearrange the flowers as I go to fit the composition. Do you do that or do you have it ready before hand? Talk to you soon.Diana

Quick Happy Daffodil

2012-02-07T13:24:00.001-08:00

HI, Here's a quick daffodil watercolor. The only one I had blooming in the yard.Naturally I had to paint it! Love that happy yellow! Talk to you soon, Diana

Guess Who's Birthday--

2012-02-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

It's Daisy's tomorrow. She's 11..here is her baby picture and no that is not my leg. :)ha ha
Talk to you soon and have a great weekend, Diana

Ready for Sunshine

2012-01-31T12:58:00.001-08:00

HI! Well I've painted a little and hope I've finished this chickadee painting.I am looking forward to warmer weather. Today we had a perfect day,sunshine and the pansies have started blooming. Sorry I haven't blogged as much. This blasted headache is still with me-- 10weeks now.It will go away.. perhaps that should be my mantra..I feel like painting some bright colors.. It's gotta be simple right now.. Daisy,our Lab, and I sat on the steps for a few minutes and soaked up some sun.. talk to you soon,Diana

Chickadee-dee-dee

2012-01-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a little chickadee painting I have begun. My grandfather,"Jack",loved birds and when my sister and I were little girls he pointed them out to us. The chickadee was one of his favorites,mine too. The chickadee says"Chickadee -dee -dee". talk to you soon, Diana...

The background I like because it looks like snow -so I added more by adding coarse Kosher Salt to the wet Thalo blue background.. to look like snow. just a little snow... :)

Blue Moo 2 gone to Illinois.

2012-01-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

HI! My daughter Laura is opening an art shop/gallery in Tuscola,Illinois. It's called Vintage Karma.She and Ainslie are fixing up this amazing building and getting it ready. I sent her my Blue Moo 2 (sorry she's crooked..should have taken the picture better.The cow is actually straight ,I promise! ha ha)--pictured above-I love cows,their angles and forms and mine are always blue!- and Summer Lilies to sell there. Hope you stop by if you are near there to say hello but wait until March. I'll tell you when they open! So I shipped them by mail on Wednesday,I'm hoping to hear they arrived safely.

Did some sketching this morning and a tiny bit of painting,hope to do more tomorrow. Have a wonderful weekend, take care,Diana

Birds and ESO Class

2012-01-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

Hi,Been working on the heron head. Starting this Thursday,at the ESO in Belle Haven,Va,I'm teaching "Watercolor For the Birds". I'll be teaching watercolor painting of different birds for 6 Thursday mornings.Composition,drawing--,the first class will be cardinals. ESO is an old school that was converted into an art center. Great place,lots of different classes are available for all ages,everything from Karate with Robert Buckner,Pottery with Elizabeth Hunt,dance,so much more--wonderful opportunities for everyone.
Here are also a few sketches from my sketchbook. I"m drinking tons of water and coffee and I sure hope my headache will be manageable for the class. Will give all I've got.. take care,Diana

Experimenting with watercolor.

2012-01-14T13:48:00.001-08:00

HI! This is a Great Blue Heron sketch of his head. I was experimenting with my pouring and wanted to show you. The second photo is of the water applied to the paper with some color and I pressed plastic wrap on it and then took a tiny brush loaded with color and stuck underneath the plastic, which defined the lines more but leaves it wispy. I want to try this with clear water and the wrap and the sneaky tiny colored brush,to see what happens. I also put some gold metallic watercolor on it for fun.Taking it slow. But getting some ideas! Always Right!! Happy weekend, Talk to you soon,Diana

Pretty Boy Cardinal-finished!

2012-01-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

HI, I just finished "Pretty Boy Cardinal",ok,:) I may change the name but that's what I call him. He comes to the feeder and sits on the wild rose bush in the yard. You know, I love to paint first thing in the morning. I didn't plan to add the holly it just happened. I picked it from the American Holly in our front yard. We have quite a few here in the forest. It seemed to add that little bit of color to that corner. talk to you soon, Diana
Tip: if you need to make sure the colors match,place the leave on your palette as you mix to see if it matches!
Spinal Headache continues -7weeks 3 days. Can you believe it!--That's why I'm not painting as much.. but I will continue painting and yes(I'm miserable but trying) it will go away! thanks for your love.

Cardinal and Sketchbook Page

2012-01-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hi, I've been working on my cardinal, I'll brighten his red some more with glazing but am trying to allow the background to show thru. I think this makes him more interesting.

I'm showing you one of my sketchbook pages. I love feeding the birds and squirrels and any needy critter, when it's cold and they can't find as much food. It's so funny to see the squirrels sitting in the pumpkin feeder swinging and eating peanut butter and raisin sandwiches.. Provides giggles and ideas! Thank you for all your lovely support!stay warm, Diana

Cardinal Sketching! Happy New Year to you!

2012-01-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Wishing each of you and your loved ones a wonderful year of blessings and health. I've been sketching a little,so here is Rudy,our 15 year kitty. She doesn't like this cold weather. Today we had maybe 10 snowflakes. They were lovely. I sketched a male cardinal onto this pour. He and his mate have been enjoying the bird feeders in the backyard. One feeder is half a pumpkin with Christmas ribbon as it's handle hanging from the flower hook. Haven't been able to do much. The Spinal headache continues. 6 weeks and one day. I just want it to go away.. and I know it's healing..ah well. I'm pleased I got this sketched. Hope to pick up the brush tomorrow. Take care, Diana

Christmas Commissions

2011-12-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

Here are photos of the Christmas Commissions I did. The lady in the first one is making glass beads in her studio.Amazing,how does she do that! Hope you had a wonderful holiday.Ours was nice,tree is still up and gave most of the cookies away..-I would have eaten them if I hadn't!(I did make one batch of chocolate chip cookies.) talk to you soon, Diana

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hi! Well the turkey is done, most of the packages are wrapped,and of course you've seen the pink tree! ha ha. Here is my Piggies. This original is in the Red Queen Gallery! They have 3 new Eastern Shore Mini Landscapes. Today J. took them up for me. I'm still drinking lots of gatorade and coffee for the headache. It's almost better. Ok I went grocery shopping yesterday and that almost did me in! So today I've sent the men to do my errands and crashed on the couch. Can you believe it is Christmas Eve tomorrow! I finished my commissions this week and they were picked up!!I hope to show you soon what they were.

Have a wonderful Christmas. Eat Lots of cookies, and be merry. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas! love to you all,Diana

MY Pink Tree!

2011-12-19T07:46:00.001-08:00

HI, Well I've been working on the commissions this morning. Wish I could show you but I can't, maybe after Christmas! I also painted a Christmas card for an art lesson gift certificate. Another surprise.

Here is our Christmas tree. I usually go to a farm myself and get one but this year with the blasted... headache-yes it's still here.(I'm trying not to grumble about the pain too much--well now anyway) My husband brought me this beauty from Walmart ! I love it. I told him I wanted a pink one if we couldn't get a real one!! Definitely brings smiles.

My cookies aren't going to get cooked so I've opened a bag of chocolate bars.. But we have so much to be thankful for. Isn't my manger scene beautiful on Gran's cupboard!I always put this out first in my Christmas decorating,because Jesus is why we celebrate. Enjoy the season,enjoy and remember your blessings. Talk to you soon,Diana

Ornament Sketch

2011-12-11T13:46:00.001-08:00

HI, I haven't been blogging as much and miss it. I miss hearing from everyone and commenting on your lovely blogs. I'm still here. See the pillow with dear Rudy(the cat) on it, usually my head is right there next to her. I'm laying down still as much as I can because I still have this post lumbar puncture headache... I have a hole that will heal but it's allowing fluid from my brain to drip down and causes this horrendous headache.so far 3 weeks tomorrow..! Here is a photo of my sketchbook from last Christmas..an ornament I drew. One of my favorite movies of all times is Christmas Vacation.. so funny! We must watch it each year!! I did get to the show yesterday. I had help.. John set me up,all the racks,paintings,... and he and my mother hung everything. Then Mama stayed for a few hours, I went late and stayed until the end. It was a lovely show,so Christmasy and warm. Don and Donna Drew are wonderful people, stop by the Copper Creations soon and see their work or look them up on the web. Ed and Pat Kuhn were there with his wonderful fish carvings, Jim and Mary Ann with Jewelry and Soaps, and Dianne with ornaments and me too! I will be working on finishing my commissions this week. I hope you are doing well and my best to each of you! talk to you soon, Diana

Copper Creations Christmas Open House

2011-12-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hi, here is a photo of some of the small paintings I'll have on Saturday at the Copper Creations Christmas Open House at their warm and cozy workshop in Melfa,Va. They have about 5 local artists showing with them, we all bring homemade goodies to share,and Donna makes 2 soups...one is Jambalaya my favorite. I'm going to have to buy the goodies to take this year.. but I'll be there. Hope you can come. You will enjoy it! Good Food, Excellent art to buy for presents! and a warm,cozy wood stove in a sweet workshop, a delightful day. talk to you soon, Diana

Spinal Headache continues...

2011-12-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

Spinal headache continues. I can't get much done. I have to lay flat as much as possible to get rid of it. Hope it heals soon.. Pain pills help but still can't paint like I want. I will get my commissions done. Just a tiny painting I worked on in 15 minute increments. Talk to you soon, I hope. Diana

Back Shot and Geese..

2011-11-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

hi, This painting is my "Canadian Geese", I used a pour for the background and came back into it and darkened some of the blues.. It looks like a lovely winter sky. You may have seen it before.

I can't do much painting... I have back problems and yesterday got an epidural shot in my back, I shouldn't have. I have the headache that you can get from that as well as being more sore and no better. My luck with medical procedures is not good. I shouldn't have tried. Now I have thanksgiving coming up with family visiting and I'm taking headache pain pills and grumbling and grumbling.. a lot... I did just lay in a wash on a painting. You can see where my priorities are. The laundry can pile up but I have to paint something. Anyway back to the recliner with the heat pack.. and no more shots for me.. never again. Sorry to grumble so..It will get better... Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones.. talk to you Soon,Diana

This one, too!

2011-11-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hi I just found out the date of the Copper Creation Holiday Art Show. Dec. 10th on a Saturday. It will be a wonderful time. I hope you can come if you are nearby.

Here(pictured) is my other entry in the ESAL show. Day Lily. Delivery is in the morning. I've been painting on the porch with Daisy today. A commission. Always a blessing. It was so nice and warm today, now we are getting a gentle rain which we need. talk to you soon,Diana

ESAL Member show this weekend!

2011-11-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

HI! Well the class was nice. I had 5 students, Richard,Karen,Karen,Linda and Nancy. We enjoyed painting Christmas Cards. It's hard to believe it's almost time for Christmas.

This week is the Eastern Shore Art League Member show. It's held every November. Each member may enter 2 pieces of art. So I've chosen my Checkerboard Chicken(pictured) and Day lily paintings to enter. There are prizes and ribbons.
The opening will be Friday,November 18th from 5pm-8pm.The rest of the show will be Saturday Nov.19 from 10am-4pm and Sunday,Nov.20 from noon-4pm. This will be held at the Red Queen Gallery in Onancock,Va. I hope if you are nearby you can come to the show. It's always a fun time.
talk to you soon, Diana

Two Sketches for Christmas Card Class

2011-11-10T14:11:00.001-08:00

Hi Here are two sketches I've done to prepare for my class this Saturday.(at Norfolk Botanical Gardens--check out the right side for more info) One is a male cardinal with holly and the other is an ornament with sparkly tissue paper. I will be doing more. I want them to be able to create a card for them to take and have copies made for their Christmas cards or holiday cards.First I will have them sketch these themselves.Then paint them and I'd also like us to accomplish a few little paintings to be made into everyday notes or even just as little paintings. I couldn't find any Winsor and Newton Iridescent medium here on the shore so I bought some acrylic iridescent. I've tried it out and it seems much the same. Well, I guess I'd better go start supper for now. It's already dark outside. I know my nephew is hunting deer.I just saw him go into the forest. I saw 4 white tailed deer yesterday. They were amazing! I prefer to watch them not hunt them. take care,Diana

Loss of a Friend,Guy Wilkins

2011-11-07T05:11:00.000-08:00

My friend,Guy Wilkins passed away Saturday night. This is a photo of him taken by his buddy, John Shire. Guy was a wonderful person,friend,poet and artist. I was fortunate to have him as my friend. I hold his family in my thoughts and prayers.The world is not as nice a place nor will it ever be as bright and wonderful without Guy here in it. Guy now resides as he said "in the stars".(our hearts,my heart is broken.)

Notes from my journal-- June 2008,Eastern Shore Art League Meeting-- Guy was speaker that night. He did a demo and here are my notes.. now you know I'm not a writer but here are just the words I put down..as he was painting and talking..(He completed the painting-to me this captures the way he painted-boldly)==

Guy Wilkins-- wild human life = subject matter,4 children, daughter Sarah,children all paint abstractly all artists.
not to seek too many details-self taught-time is judge,
Van Gogh,Matisse-inspirations-
Seaview(Eastern Shore)coldest night in yrs was born
N.Y shows expensive, learned a lot
Will Burnett came to his show.
Did publicity for Norfolk(Chrysler)museum
25Th st. Chelsea August Show in NYC
Francisco Clamante
Barrier Island Museum-July Opening
paint everyday 60 days. 5 hours ea.day
Cedar St.
"I"m off my diet so what"=painting to go to NYC show
Tara
Paints 5 hours without looking up.
Loves foreign movies for inspiration
Johnny Depp movie
uses more brushes-flats mostly flats =his favorite
Liquitex,+Lucas- gouache
June 28Th-opening Barrier Island Center Museum
commercial brushes-then later refine with smaller
crayon draw
draw in yellow oxide paint-then come in
work around a subject with color(to dramatize or white)
sky-blue violet,brilliant blue (loves this color)-purple,
cobalt teal, turquoise deep,light permanent blue
seems to use mostly from tube instead of mixing
parchment over waves for white-softens-
ACTION-cobalt teal definition to sea add red,unbleached titanium,Flash into after dry boldly makes something happen, white effects for jump touches of white
For Sky AMAZING-Turquoise Deep
purple,brilliant blue,light blue violet, (Red =fav.color) Cad yellow deep yellow med.azeo,Different shapes,unity plus variety(leave lighter color on horizon)plans as he goes,angle to see for movement, studied a little drawing in Norfolk,Va.Speed=angle,circled where sun would go, sometimes after starts will go in with line work, leaving white for waves,working in surfers, added purple charged up color,backs up to check, odd#, drip adds to motion, change from warms to cooler, cad.red deep for surfboard, charge up on color to break up solidity of it, parchment/unbleached titanium white for figure, color likes builds into ocean, leaves white line for outline, occasionally splotching, dabbing with clothe, vertical stripes, finishes with poem he wrote just for this"Self Portrait" I'm just a human.

Grey Day

2011-11-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

This is a small painting I did this summer,plein aire.It's looser than I usually paint which I like. I'm working on something I can't show you now.

It's a grey day.Cold and damp.

Yesterday John Shire,my friend and a great photographer, and I went over and saw Guy Wilkins at the Hospital. It was across the bay.Here is a photo of part of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. We cross this to go to larger cities,the Eastern Shore is mostly small towns,fields for farming,farms, and little fishing villages. This bridge is 17 miles long and has 2 tunnels. It's beautiful,we cross Fisherman's Island. Anyway we went to see Guy. He's not doing very well. It's not good. However he did recognize both of us.I got to meet his family. It was a long drive and drive home but I'm glad we went.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.talk to you soon,Diana

Ginkgo Leaves Painting

2011-11-01T11:26:00.001-07:00

Hi, just a little Ginko Leaves Painting and a Maple Leaf Painting. The leaves are finally turning here and you can smell that woodsy dried leaf smell in the air plus it's turned cooler. I guess winter is coming. The sketch was done by my grandfather in 1934 and it's of my grandmother, his soul mate and wife,Sarah.I just found it today. Jack had given me his sketches and my wonderful watercolor box(he made) many years before he died. well I'll get the dishes to soak and then paint!~ ha ha.. talk to you soon,Diana

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

Have a Happy chocolate filled Halloween!Some of my favorite things are in this painting. Fall gourds,an old egg basket,devil's walking stick,acorns,fall leaves, and a dear Carolina Wren. Happy Halloween!Diana

Portrait of Guy

2011-10-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

I've gone out on a limb here. I don't usually do portraits but I've had Guy in my heart and prayers. He is in the hospital and not doing well. His family are with him,he has leukemia. He is a wonderful artist. Google him. You'll see. His paintings are bright and bold and wonderful. If you knew the man you'd love him--he's sweet and kind,gentle and bold. How can we put that on paper? I'm blessed to have him as my friend-I've known him for years. Send him your prayers or loving thoughts if you will, he needs them now.Thank you. So I decided to try to paint him. Have a good weekend. Talk to you soon,Diana
I came back in and added a little more dark to the shadows and trimmed the side of his jaw..no more tweaking.

Inspiration

2011-10-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

HI, I tried a very loose watercolor today. Have you checked out Jean Haines watercolor blog? It's over in my blog list. Her work is amazing and so very loose. I don't know how she does it but I thought I'd give it a try with the beautiful colors of the Devil's Walking Stick.(These are from my backyard.) That is the smaller photo. I wet my paper completely. This is 140lb. hot press arches block and then splashed on my colors with a large juicy brush allowing the colors to drip and dry a little. I enjoyed the freedom and then I drew some leaves of the Devil's Walking Stick onto the corner. I'm pleased with it and am thankful for the inspiration..from Jean and the beautiful fall leaves- read her book too. It's amazing. talk to you soon,Diana

Warm cup of beans and a Paintbrush.

2011-10-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

We had a busy weekend, the class was Saturday and I had 7 students. We painted fall leaves and pumpkins and had a good time. I had a few peppers to paint too and now one is simmering in a pot of Cowboy beans.It's a good recipe... one bag of dried beans,rinse and put in pot of water,add jalapeno pepper and 3-4 cloves of garlic and salt, simmer until done. That's it. So my pepper from class is in the pot.

Today,I really thought it was warm outside,the sun is shining.. so I set everything up on the porch to paint. It's quickly getting cool.. too cold to paint on the porch. But I squeezed some time in and did finish this simple pumpkin painting. I found the flowers in the garden before I started to paint. The pumpkin I did in class. It's a good day for a warm cup of beans and a paintbrush. talk to you soon,Diana

Fall Watercolor Class

2011-10-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my class at Norfolk Botanical Gardens, I just did 2 quick little watercolor sketches of things we will do then. I've got loads of fall veggies,leaves,acorns gathered together for more detailed watercolors after these exercises.. It's going to be fun. Hope you all have a wonderful fall weekend,enjoy the fall colors. Talk to you soon,Diana

We're Home!

2011-10-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

HI, well here is a video of the Art Affair, I hit the wrong button on the camera.. oh my! It was 2 very busy days. First day was gusts of wind that caused a problem. But my husband and son came to the rescue and brought weights and we bungee corded the tent and racks down, I too bungee corded my chair to the tent so my weight helped hold it down. The lady in the booth next to me lost half of her pottery in one gust as her rack fell on it. Poor thing.. but she gathered her things and display back together. Second day was perfect weather,sunny and nice. I sold 4 originals.. small but I'm thankful. Husband and son were my muscle and support and helped do all the setting up and hauling. I didn't get much time to be with family but they all came out to visit at the show on Sunday. It was nice but it's always nice to be home. Resting up today. Take care, talk to you soon,Diana
I am also available for wedding videos... ha ha.. just kidding.

Art Affair and Balance

2011-10-14T07:11:00.001-07:00

hi! I'm getting ready for the show. Art Affair in Richmond,Va. Ok well you know me I'm painting. I just love it so much I don't feel complete if I don't paint each day. So this morning I've been working on this painting of autumn leaves. I found these all in my yard and yes I put in one little mushroom. It is so adorable but I restrained myself and I didn't put the whole patch of red mushrooms I found this morning in the painting!HA HA. Balance is what I am focusing on now as I put the finishing touches on the painting. Does it need another acorn?Do the colors balance? I've used my palette knife on the leaves too. J.put the racks and tent in the car. I have these to frame and try to rest because it's going to be 2 grueling busy days.It will be fun but tiring! Wish me luck. have a fabulous weekend! stop by if you are near!Talk you soon,Diana

Loose Watercolor

2011-10-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

HI, I have been experimenting with loose watercolor and the grid of the gauze. This has a pour under base. Monelle was painting with me and we both had fun with the bleeding of colors. Take care. Back to painting. Diana

Yesterday I painted outside. The weather was perfect in the 70's and finished my new monarch. This will go in the show this weekend,Art Affair in Richmond,Va.

New Texture Technique and Monarch !

2011-10-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

HI! Yesterdays show was nice, sales were good,the sun shone and Monarchs drifted by. They are starting to migrate now. So I've got to paint one more. They are so magnificent. This is on 300lb Winsor Newton Cold press paper and first I draw my butterfly. For the monarch this sketch must include all the little dots and markings as I paint around the white. So he's three quarters drawn and I can't wait. I've got my water and am going to start on a wing!

I also wanted to show you a new technique I was reading about the other night.Here's how: Take gauze and wet a place on your watercolor paper then place the gauze down on this spot. Dab with paint and keep the gauze wet. Allow this to dry,peel off the gauze. It creates a web like texture to the paper. See the photo. I know this will be fun to use.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I have another show this upcoming weekend in Richmond,Va. Please if you are nearby come see me. It's Art Affair. More info in the upper right corner of the blog. Take care,Diana

ps The other photos are for my reference. I took at my parents home. Gorgeous Maple leaves and a lovely water view..and yes Daisy is doing fine, snoring now!

Stacked up and ready to roll-or wiped out and trying to get it together.

2011-10-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

I'm packed. Well, actually I have the paintings stacked and ready to pack the car,J. insisted on packing it and I'm fine with that! He's going to in the morning. Show starts at noon--5pm. It's called the Onancock High School Falltacular Fun Day in Onancock,Va. Local Art show, barbecue dinner, and more. I've been resting this afternoon,drinking hot tea,I'm just tired and back is not up to par.. but I will be ready in the morning. How do you revive yourself--when you are wiped out--talk to you soon, have a great weekend. Diana
ps. Daisy is doing fine. Thank you for all your kindness. She received 19 emails asking about her.

Emergency

2011-10-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

I was all packed. The car loaded, had my coffee,ready to go and in the blink of an eye my day changed. A raccoon attacked Daisy,our lab on our back porch. She had him in her mouth shaking him. I bolted out the door with the only thing I could grab a flashlight, I threw it at the raccoon and then toppled my bike on him. He ran. Daisy and I ran. He got away but we immediately called Amy! She works for our vet and said come up for a booster of her rabies shot. Daisy's shots were up to date this is just an extra one. SO I had to cancel and not participate in Harvest Festival. J. unpacked the car, I heaved Daisy in and away we went. The health department just called and said that is what was necessary--the booster shot after a good record of rabies shots and she should have 0% chance of rabies..but we have to watch her for 45 days. WHAT a day. But Daisy is healthy and I do have another show on Saturday. I did this sketch of her in the backyard a few minutes ago. Just a quick one. take care. and get your animals their rabies shots.. talk to you soon,Diana
ps I wrote the little poems as I was sitting there( I'm not a writer but enjoy nature so much)

Candy Corn Watercolor

2011-10-04T14:24:00.001-07:00

Well I'm ready. I am packed up .. I framed 7 watercolors.. the candy corn is only 1 and 1/2 inches by 1 and 1/2 inches.The little screech owl I did a little more painting on but finished. Wish Me luck.Tomorrow is Harvest Festival. All you can eat seafood and eastern shore cooking.I have to be there and unpacked by 10am. It's almost to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel,the very end of the Eastern Shore. A large art tent of juried artists,I know most of them so we'll have fun! Talk to you Soon.Diana

New Screech Owl and Acorns

2011-10-03T14:29:00.001-07:00

I've been painting all day. Working on the acorns and little screech owl.J. will be home soon for supper. talk to you soon, Diana
Daisy's on the front steps waiting for him to get her yummy.
I had to come back and widen the face of the little owl. It was too skinny. I saw this owl here in my backyard.

Tweeking

2011-10-03T09:42:00.001-07:00

Well I had the mushroom painting propped up so I could see it and it occurred to me I should give it more contrast and more plain space .. so I put in the thalo blue and a dash of sepia wash behind the tallest mushroom. Also I glazed a few of the mystery mushrooms throughout the painting,the suggested but not quite there mushrooms. Tell me what you think. I hope I didn't go too far.

There is a show Wed. and Friday of this week.actually two shows. So I decided to try to finish my painting today so I can frame tomorrow. It never works that way. I've started two little tiny paintings one of acorns-- you know me I've been gathering them for weeks.. put them in my pocket as I'm walking. The other painting is candy corn. I bought 2 tiny frames last week and thought how adorable..but more work!! The owl painting I've also got to finish.

So... I'll go fetch a cup of tea,it's cool here. We actually have the space heater on and Daisy is curled up in front of it next to me painting. take care, Diana

Wild Mushroom Melody!

2011-10-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

I finished my wild mushroom painting today. I added persimmons and acorns from my backyard. I have also started a small painting of a screech owl. We have had them visit the backyard. They are adorable!! Trying to get ready for the next show. Harvest Festival on Wed. Oct.5.. more info in the upper right hand corner of the blog! hope you can come. Have a great weekend. Talk soon,Diana

Farewell Breakfast

2011-09-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

This morning at the early hour of 9,we met for breakfast to say goodbye to Susan,our dear friend. She is moving--to Maryland to be closer to her son,daughter in law and Brand New Grandson!! He is beautiful. We got to see photos of him and had a nice breakfast. Then I insisted we paint(I have taught each of them) so we all did,what we ate or our coffee--I took my palette and brushes and small paper for each of us.We then gave them to Susan to remember this day! So here are Monelle in turquoise, Marty in white and Susan with the flowered blouse on. I am in pink. All dear friends. We will miss you Susan!! Monelle was a sweetheart and sent Daisy a piece of Canadian bacon. She loved it!talk to you soon, Have a wonderful weekend! Diana

ps I had cheesecake, since I'm on a diet.

Poisonous Wild Mushrooms

2011-09-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

This morning I went for a bike ride. I knew with all the rain mushrooms would be springing up everywhere. I took my plastic bag to bring some home, to paint of course. I found these amazing yellow ones with red on top-- I just looked them up they may be amanita muscaria which are poisonous and hallucinogenic
.Oh boy.. I've been handling them and rearranging them.. ah.. well I just put them in the painting and have buried them in the backyard. Wait a minute --did I just plant them. oh my.. ha ha.. Well this painting should have a story if I don't keel over in the middle of it. Just kidding. I guess I'd better look up the rest of the mushrooms. Be careful out there!! talk to you soon,Diana

YIPPEE!

2011-09-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

YIPPEE! I won Best in Show 2d at the Mason Avenue Art Walk, Cape Charles Tomato Festival,today!!!! I got the news about an hour ago. I went to the show this am,it started to sprinkle rain.. but stopped. Later it started in pretty good and water was puddling on the tent top as well as across the road where we were. I had to leave early because of all the rain ( I had asked earlier and Joan said of course) and you know dealing with watercolor paintings- you can't get them wet! So J. came down and helped me pack up and we got home and wiped all the paintings down and put them in clean towels and wrappings for the next show.

AND Joan called,she is coordinator and organizer of the show, to tell me I WON!! I'm so excited. (yes I've won awards before but it means so very much to me..) The judges were professors and dean of Old Dominion University in Norfolk,Va. I'm very honored and happy. thank you thank you. I'm going to go rest and smile the rest of the evening. Happy weekend,Diana

Armando Suarez won 3d Best in Show! He makes amazing Horse shoe Nail Jewelry!! Congratulations Armando!

Rainy Blues..

2011-09-23T13:45:00.001-07:00

HI! What a gorgeous orchid!I love it.It truly is magnificent. Thank you!!!

It's on my art table.A tad bit messy I know.. I'm painting this little Eastern Shore Mini. I've moved the boat in the painting and added a couple of lob lollies to the foreground.I've been painting this afternoon with my Daisy.

The show at Edward Jones was fun and I picked up my racks and work from there today. I have a show tomorrow.The Mason Ave.Art Walk in the Cape Charles Tomato Festival. The reason for the title of this post is it's raining, well, it's really pouring. Now, this is a blessing but tomorrow's show is outdoors and there is no rain date.. SO.. if it's too messy.. well I'm just hoping it will suddenly stop raining and on with the show. We'll see in the am. Hope it stops!!or at least skips the show times. Ha ha.. take care and have a wonderful weekend.Diana

Happy Birthday ,Pa!

2011-09-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Yes today is Daddy's birthday. I just went by and saw him and Mama. Happy Birthday, Daddy! :) Here is a photo of him in his front yard and a photo of a Mushroom Painting I did years ago and won a ribbon and prize for at the ESAL Show. I have kept this painting. I went out to Edward Jones in Exmore to set up for their Art Opening tomorrow night at 5. I have 19 originals there. I got to see Pat and Ed Kuhn, Rose Ellen Taylor, Karen Pruitt and more artist there. It was nice visiting with them as we set up. Take care everyone, talk to you soon. What am I working on now? a small ES Mini of Belle Haven. I painted this morning. I don't want a day to go by that I can't paint. I love it. Diana

Monarch,Acorn, and, It's Raining Pine Cones

2011-09-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I just finished this monarch painting. I had to put the acorn in it. I have been picking them up out of the yard for days. They are so cute. I do see I need more white dots on the bottom left hand side of the butterfly. All the other white dots were painted around but I guess I went over the missing ones with my black paint mixture. I'll add them tomorrow.( yes with white paint-- only in emergencies do I use this! :) The monarch takes me the longest because of so many dots. I draw them, then paint around them. I don't like misket. I've used it before and the paper turns orange/yellow.. or pulls off terribly. Anyway it's more difficult not to use it!

We've had a strange thing going on in our backyard. For days it's been raining pine cone pieces. Green ones. We have 2 30-40foot pines in the middle of the yard and squirrels are up there eating these pine cones. What they are doing is peeling them like an artichoke. Once in awhile a clump of pine needles falls. The trees are lob lollies. I know they are eating seeds.. but if you know more please fill me in. Thanks! talk to you soon, Diana

Sketching in Waiting Room

2011-09-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

This week I spent some time in a waiting room. I couldn't read. The words didn't want to make sense sooo I sketched. Sometimes it felt like I scribbled but it passed the time and all is well. Have a great weekend! talk to you soon, Diana
Next week I have 2 art shows.. Mason Ave. Art Walk in Cape Charles,Va.at the Tomato Festival and Edward Jones Art Opening in Exmore.

Quick Rooster Watercolor

2011-09-13T13:55:00.001-07:00

Hi! The show was wonderful, lots of people,lots of friends, Smith Island Cake, and Sales. Yesterday I went down to The Stage Door Gallery for their painting exchange. I took 3 new paintings there. I asked my mother to go with me and we had a nice time. On the way back up the road we stopped at Appleseed Nursery and bought some freshly picked gourds and pumpkins. Here are a few we bought. They are so cute. I know I've got to paint them! Today I had some errands so I did a quick rooster painting. I sometimes think when we paint something fast we capture the essence of it. I had to put a few more checkerboard squares in this one. No more for awhile,I promise. take care and talk to you soon, Enjoy the smell of the leaves and that sweetness in the evening. It's a gorgeous autumn. Diana

Tired, but ready for Harborfest Tomorrow!

2011-09-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it's bedtime. I'm zonked, just like Daisy. She is snoring. I've got my 12 new paintings framed. Everything is packed up,J. and I'll get up early and pack the car, then to Harborfest, in Onancock,Va. Wish me luck and have a great weekend. If you are nearby stop in,take care, Diana

I'd Rather Be Painting!

2011-09-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

I've been framing! I rushed down to the Smiling Dolphin in Nassawadox,Va. and got a few supplies( some plastic for wrapping paintings and 2 frames,oh and I found 3 of the watercolor brushes that hold water like Kate Johnson talks about using! I'm looking forward to trying them.) Then to the grocery store. Back home and I've been framing ever since. Now I've framed for many years and still don't like to do it! I finished these 3 pieces. I just have a few more pieces to frame.. I'd rather be painting of course! So now I'm going to try to finish painting the Rooster.talk to you soon. Diana

More Rooster

2011-09-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

HI, well guess what I did yesterday, yes, I painted little squares, and more little squares! I did the tail first because I'm still thinking about the neck area.. I'd like to leave some of that white with drips in it. I'll keep moving that way today and see what I decide. So far I love him. What do you think? talk to you soon, more coffee and back to painting! Diana

ps Don't forget I still have about 6 paintings to frame before Saturday!Onancock Harborfest Art Show/Open Market I always do this.. :)

Checkerboard Chicken!

2011-09-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

HI! Yesterday I drew a rooster on my poured paper. I decided to make him checkerboard so this morning after breakfast I started painting him! I mix my own black by mixing sepia and ultramarine blue, so that gives each black square a different hue.. which is nice. I'm going to find lots of chicken photos and decide what color he will be. I want it bright!Take care, talk to you soon,Diana

ps When I walked into the kitchen, there sat Rudy.. I think she was trying to tell me something. What a Cat!

Finished Hummer with Nasturtiums

2011-09-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

HI, Just finished this one for the Onancock Harborfest show! Have a wonderful weekend,Diana
J's grilling burgers and kielbasas with lots of onions and mustard for supper!

Plein Aire Hummingbird Watercolor!

2011-09-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

HI, I've enjoyed this afternoon on my porch. I drew this hummingbird yesterday with nasturtiums from a photo but decided to take it outside this afternoon and try to paint a hummer from life! HA!

I took my sketchbook and scribbled some notes on the hummingbirds and made 2 pages of fast sketches. I really believe they were teasing me,round me, up, and down, but do you think the little rascals would hold still.. Well, I did add some details to this females chest feathers that I had never noticed before. Beautiful, amazing birds. I've laid in a dark wash on the left side of the painting. This I glazed 4 times to get the dark using a mixture of sepia,ultramarine blue,and viridian green. The last glazing is drying now,it may not be dark enough and I see some edges I need to cut into with my brush. I haven't decided what to do with the other side of the painting.. should I go dark or lighter..?

Well,for now, it's look in the freezer and find something for dinner. Take care and have a wonderful weekend! Talk to you soon,Diana

ps. I touched up under the wave in the water scene and have framed it. I had to readjust it after I hung it up on the wall because I realized the water(horizon) was dipping on the left side. ... oh boy, anyway,I fixed it- just straightened up the painting in the mat! ha ha! Happy Weekend!

What a storm!

2011-08-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

We made it thru the storm. We lost power three times. The last time it was for 30 hours so I had to throw out most of the food from the refrigerator--Daisy got upset when I did this and watched and groaned! The freezer food is fine. No one got hurt although my daughters family's home was flooded in New Jersey. They are fine but it's a real mess for them. Our son is fine,he lost power for 12 hours. Our electricity finally came back on but the pump has lost it's prime so we have to have the plumber come. Hopefully today. We're tired but thankful.

While the storm raged I painted at my art table. I worked on my ES mini Landscape of Davis Wharf Marina. This is from a photo I took many years ago. I realized why I chose a detailed painting. It focused my mind on the painting not the howling wind or crashing of trees in the forest outside. I almost got carried away with the details but hope I stopped it time. How did you spend your time in the hurricane? I hope all your family and loved ones are safe and sound. take care, Diana
ps. I forgot and left a hummingbird feeder out during the storm, one little female came and perched on the feeder and spent the afternoon waiting it out with us. She was in the porch. I moved the feeder to protect her under the roof of the porch. Tried to take a photo but it didn't work. She was adorable!

Painting by Candlelight!

2011-08-27T08:15:00.001-07:00

HI, well Hurricane Irene is almost here. It made landfall in NC this morning and is heading our way. When we woke up,we had coffee and breakfast and then the electricity went out. No shower, no hot water,hurry drink the coffee while it's tepid... ha ha.It's 11 am. I started a small sketch. Why I chose something detailed I don't know. I had a candle on my art table and the window is there but it's darker than normal with the rain and wind coming down. The candle didn't help much. So anyway. I had just laid in the sky/background tree wash and the power came on.(This is Davis Wharf,Va. a few years ago). I ran to get my shower while we still have power. I'll go back to the painting in a minute! Living in the country we don't always get the power back soon. I'll add more trees to redefine some lines,still a lot of work to finish it.. Keep safe and good luck in the storm. Talk to you soon, Diana ps Maybe Daisy has the right idea, she hasn't moved all morning..

Hang on During Hurricane Irene!!!

2011-08-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

One of my students brought a photo of this little frog,she painted it and so did I.I worked on it today. I thought it was perfect(unfortunately) because here comes Hurricane Irene, from the looks of her,this storm could be worse than any I've seen in my lifetime--we'll ride it out here-- winds could be up to 100... So hang on, blessings and be careful to each of you(Let's keep our heads above water :), Diana
ps-
I'll glaze the background again, I see it needs to be darker..

Earthquake Today and Painting

2011-08-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

Hi! We just had an earthquake. I don't remember us ever having one on the Eastern Shore. I heard a boom. My daughter called from New Jersey,we are in Virginia, and said she felt the house move up there. Heard from my son in Richmond,Va. by email, they had to evacuate their office building at his work. It originated near Charlottesville,Va. (5.8 on the Richter scale) No one was hurt that I know of. I was cleaning the porch so I could go sit outside and paint. Moved the table to the corner and Daisy and I finished my new "Vinca and Hummingbird". I knew the painting needed something and I love hummingbirds so much, so I drew it into the painting yesterday and painted it today. The birds were flying around me as I painted! Even a hummingbird moth came to see what I was doing,they too are beautiful. Unfortunately I couldn't get the lid off my iridescent medium and so I used the powdered iridescent to glaze the bird... but if I can get that lid off.. well take care and stay safe.. talk to you soon, Diana

Creating a path for the paint to flow..

2011-08-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hi! This week I've done a small demonstration and here it is. How to do a simple flower painting in watercolor. First I draw the flowers,then paint clear water around the flowers and leaves using my 1/2 inch flat(you know,that's my favorite). Afterward I have mixed up 3 or 4 colors of green on my palette,and flow these around the flowers into the wet edge. I only use viridian green because I prefer to mix my own.It's more fun that way and I can control the color and intensity. After all of this dries I paint the flowers and leaves. I tried to show you how I paint the petals of the vincas- I paint clear water on a leaf, then just a touch of red rose deep(Da Vinci Paint) in the inside corner, I then use my pencil and draw while it is still wet from the center to the outer edge of the leaf. This creates a little path for the paint to flow into and creates a vein.. I just love watercolor! But it has to be wet while you do this or it doesn't work. Let me know what you think. I enjoy your comments so much. take care and have a wonderful weekend!.. ps.. here is my bigger vinca painting.. I worked on the left side today! talk to you soon,Diana

Class at Norfolk Botanical Gardens

2011-08-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

HI! Saturday was my class at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. We had a wonderful time and class. This is the building where the classes take place. I also was just working on my vinca painting.I still have more to do but will continue in a few minutes.As you can see I've used negative painting around some of the blue flowers,I like the abstraction.So I will pour some more coffee, and get back to painting. Take care, Diana

Framing A Cat

2011-08-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Some new frames arrived-- Rudy was asleep in the chair. She decided when I wasn't looking it was too good to be true.... so there she is!! I'm getting ready for my watercolor class this Saturday at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. I'm excited.. so many flowers to paint!! take care,Diana

Just a Few Blooms..

2011-08-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hi! Today has been a busy day. My sister and her daughter came to visit from Richmond,Va. She'll be starting college in 2 weeks, her Junior year. Time does fly doesn't it. So I didn't get much painting done. I plucked a couple of pieces from my basket and brought it inside..and have continued to sketch and had to start on the blooms. Just a few but a beginning. This painting will evolve, which can be risky! ha ha. I know it will need a butterfly or bird under the flowers, what do you think? talk to you soon, Diana

2am. Painting

2011-08-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

Hi, I couldn't sleep last night. So I painted. I had drawn this wonderful pepper earlier in the evening. J. had been to the vegetable stand on the highway and bought some fresh vegetables. We live in the forest so my vegetable garden didn't get enough light to produce good vegetables. I've tried a few years! Ah well. This pepper just had to be painted. and so I did. ( at 2 am) This morning as I ate breakfast I put in the darker yellows on the pepper using Cadmium Yellow Deep and Burnt Sienna.Now we can eat it! take care,have a wonderful Sunday. Diana

of course,there is my constant painting companion,my Daisy.

Sketching Vinca

2011-08-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went up to Parksley,Va. to Annie's Restaurant, I had to pick up my paintings because Matt is having the restaurant painted inside. On the way home, I stopped by Hortico Garden Center.. oh no.. and everything was on sale..

I bought some pale pink Bee Balm, and two other tall perennials the garden expert told me were very invasive. I said, "No problem I like invasive.. one is pale blue, the other bright red. I know the hummers will love them. Also I bought this gorgeous hanging basket I couldn't resist.. it was on sale for $10 and it's magnificent. Of course after I brought it home it drooped terribly and I thought I had killed it already.. but no I watered it and it looked so much better.

I started to draw it today and asked my dear husband to photograph me with the plant while I was drawing. (That is the photo of my feet- He took.)I didn't include the one of just my body, no head and no flowers.. ha ha. oh he tried. So I will be painting this vinca basket... Hope the painting does justice to the amazing beauty of the flower! talk to you soon, Diana--

Look at the Eastern Shore Art League T shirt I have on! It's an antique,on the back it has work by Doris Hoffmaster, Jane Hinds, Mary Ann Clarke,Joan Trapp,Me and more!

Iridescent Medium on Hummer

2011-08-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

HI, I've been working on some wet in wet backgrounds today. So I'm showing you a piece I had done, which is one of my favorites. I love the curve and composition of the pour and flowers and the way the female hummer is flying to enjoy them. The close up of her shows Winsor Newton Iridescent Medium. This I glazed on her after I had finished painting. I just use the cap of the bottle. Put a drop in it and wet an older tiny flat brush which doesn't hold much water and glaze it. The painting is hanging on my gallery wall and I thought you might enjoy seeing this clock by Gary Young, I bought years ago at an art show in Richmond,Va. It's wonderful,isn't it and the painting under it is an oil my daughter did when she was little. I love that too. Both stay on the wall while everything else changes..
Take care, talk to you soon,Diana

Painting Favorite Brushes

2011-08-01T14:49:00.001-07:00

Painting brushes.. my favorite ones.. Happy August first! Can you believe it.. it felt like the summer was just beginning..take care and enjoy every second! Diana

Owl Watercolor

2011-07-28T13:48:00.001-07:00

HI! Finished my owl painting. Just now. Daisy snored the whole time! talk to you soon! Diana

Glazed shell

2011-07-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

hi, I added more shadow to the shell and punched up the peaches and pinks in the background, also glazed the sand shadow too.. so it's finished.. tell me what you think..thanks, Diana

Sea Shell Watercolor

2011-07-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

HI, here is a little sea shell painting. I've just started it today. I know I need to darken the shadows some and I thought I might add some rice paper in places on the painting just for fun. I'll tear it and glue it to the watercolor painting.. I'll show you when I do it. I used some Daniel Smith paints for some of the shadows in the shell, this is Luna Black and it's granulated. Which is great for sandy things!

On my walk, yesterday, I picked this Sensitive Fern. It was growing in a ditch bank and so beautiful..It's super simple study, just wet the paper without drawing the fern just where I think the fern would be and let viridian green, thalo blue, and cadmium yellow flow into it.. I did add a touch of burnt umber with the viridian to make it more olive. This was while I was on the phone and it's just a little study.Do you sometimes just need to paint? I love to feel the paint brush in my hand!

The weather here is hot and hazy and humid! Wishing for some rain to cool things down a bit. Have a lazy- but cool-- Sunday. Talk to you soon,Diana

Norfolk Botanical Garden Class & Wildflower

2011-07-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hi, Here is a little painting I did at the beach from 2 little wildflowers I picked there. I believe it's Painted Lady.. it was everywhere. Then we had a wonderful tomato that Pete brought and so I had to paint it.

Yesterday I went to the Norfolk Botanical Garden. I had never been. It was amazing. Everywhere I looked was a gorgeous landscape to paint.. so many gorgeous plants and well needless to say I was just in awe of the beauty. I went to see my classroom and meet with the director about my upcoming class in August. We will be painting some flowers cut from the garden just for us! and the room looks onto a lovely landscape so that is another possiblity for painting. It's going to be fabulous. If you live near Norfolk,Virginia Beach or the Eastern Shore it would be a great time to learn watercolor or enhance your painting and enjoy all that beauty! August 13, on a Saturday from 10am-3pm. Supplies included and so is a box lunch. Cost is $105 or $85 for members of the garden. Call 1-757-441-5830 to register.I've got the website connected to the side where the classes are so you can look and see. Here are a few pictures from yesterday.. and I only saw a small part of the gardens. well I guess I'll go start a little painting. talk to you soon, Diana

More of Beach Vacation!

2011-07-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

hi, more photos of the wonderful beach vacation and some of the watercolors I did there! talk to you soon, Diana

Painting at the Beach!

2011-07-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

HI, Guess where we went! We went on a family vacation to Rodanthe,NC. It was gorgeous as you can see.

Eleven adults and 5 teenagers and kids too. We enjoyed the beach each day,sitting, soaking up sun, warmth,salt water with waves big enough for kite surfing. Days of relaxing, playing corn hole, playing cards,eating seafood and savoring ice cold drinks on the sand. I painted each day on the beach! We waded in the sound which was ankle deep with clear warm water.

So grab your paint brush and head out,you will love it. I found I prefer hot press for beach scenes on location. I used mostly one brush per painting as I was doing this quickly and I did enjoy trying out my new rounds. Colors of the beach were thalo blue, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, a touch of sepia.. the white of the paper for the spray and waves. I'll show you more beach paintings and photos soon. Take care and as always it's nice to get home! Diana

Playing with brushes...

2011-07-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hi, well the show at Red Queen Gallery is over. I picked up my work yesterday, the gallery kept 10 originals. Great! including my new "Blue Bottles and Luna Moth"-I framed that yesterday morning.

Today I have played with some new brushes--( just swirled them in color and used scraps of paper.. and doodled..) that I got yesterday.They are a small set of sable brushes that were on sale for a great price.To me, sable brushes are the ultimate luxury, I love the way they glide across the paper. My favorite brush of all times is Cheap Joe's Magic Dragon 1/2 flat sable.

I've been cooking for a family time, today, I made 18 cups of chicken salad, 24 cups of pasta salad and 2 dozen brownies.. that may be why I've only played with my brushes.. ha ha... take care and talk to you soon, here is a photo of My "Day lily" painting at the Red Queen now. The lilies are gorgeous now, hope you get to enjoy some. Diana

Pear Painting

2011-07-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

HI! Today I drove down to Cape Charles,Va. to Stage Door Gallery to take these three paintings for their show this month. I finished framing them this morning.

My showing at the Red Queen ends this Wednesday. It's been a great show.

It's been hot and humid today. Stay cool and talk to you soon,Diana

Wren Finished

2011-06-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hi, here is my Carolina Wren with the Red trumpet vine. I've used the vines to help your eyes go to the wren and seed pod. I also dropped some of the same Cadmium Red that I used to paint the flowers into the bird to highlight him.

This is from my flower patch in my backyard, forgive the weeds. They are just frothy background ( ha ha). Now I was surprised to see the stargazer lily blooming! I forgot I'd planted it. It's gorgeous!

well take care and have a wonderful weekend. Happy Fourth of July!
Talk to you soon,Diana

The art show continues until July 6Th at the Red Queen to see more photos of it -scroll down and hit "older posts". Thank you!

I just added a swirl of burnt sienna to the top right corner of the painting. This helps bring your eye back down to the focal point. I thought it needed it.!!

Trumpet Vine and Carolina Wren

2011-06-28T14:04:00.001-07:00

Hi, the trumpet vine has finally started blooming in our backyard. I did get this piece yesterday on my walk just down the road a little. I didn't go far. I've strained something in my back and walked(ok-- hobbled) just a half a mile to stretch it. It helped a little.. but it will be better.-- The flower has so many colors in it, I used Cadmium Red, Permanent Rose, Cadmium Yellow Deep. I used Burnt Sienna, and Yellow Ochre to paint the caps.As you can see this is just the beginning of the painting!

This piece of vine has the seed pod on it and I thought it would be nice with a Carolina wren sitting on it. Those little rascals are so mischievous. They always make a nest in the back porch and once tried to make a nest in my husbands tennis shoe which was hanging on the clothesline.

We lost our air conditioning for a few days. They just repaired it! Feels good! The humidity is what makes it so hot here. Take care and stay cool, have some lovely iced tea with peppermint from your garden! talk to you soon,Diana

Next week is the end of my show at Red Queen Gallery in Onancock,Va. stop in this week or weekend!

Hawaii

2011-06-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

HI, sorry I haven't posted lately. Yesterday I had an appointment across the bay. You see ,I live on the Eastern Shore of Va., which is a small peninsula of land surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and it's lovely here with it's calming nature,farm land and fishing but it's not a big city so sometimes we end up going "across the bay' to specialty shop and do errands, so that was what I did yesterday. I bought some wonderful watercolor paper, and got some student grade for our family trip so the kids can enjoy painting with me. I also went to Sam's and stocked up on groceries and things.. it was a busy time. Today I didn't get to paint because of more errands here on the shore.. but tomorrow.. AH- I'm going to try out my new paper. These 2 photos are some painting I did a few years ago. This is my Hawaii series and the second is a couple of my tractors and a day lily painting. I have done some sketching but not really delved into a new painting!Tomorrow!

Talk to you soon! Diana

Blue Bottles and Luna Moth

2011-06-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well I just finished my luna moth and blue bottle watercolor and the UPS man drove up.. He had my new book Artist Journal Workshop!!! So EVERYTHING STOPS and we have iced coffee and read! I've been looking forward to it for so long! Wonderful..

talk to you soon, Diana
Daisy's not quite as excited!

Luna Moth Added to Bottles

2011-06-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

hi! I've added a luna moth to the bottle painting. I love blues and greens together. On my walks I find one or two of these gorgeous moths each summer. They are so amazing. Pale green, almost transparent wings with a fuzzy white body.. I've straightened my bottles I've got to check that one on the side..

I like to start my day painting. How about you? I get up, get my coffee and sit down to my art table... It's so relaxing to have a paint brush in hand early...

Here is a photo of a daylily from my yard yesterday! It was the color of cantalope! wow.. I took photos but was so tempted to just sit down and paint. But we have some family coming this weekend and I'd better straighten the house up a little! Today it's scrunched up -- the flowers only last a day.. but there's a bud coming!

Hope you have a great weekend,relaxing and peaceful. talk to you soon,Diana

If you get a chance stop by my show at the Red Queen Gallery!

Straighten the Bottles!

2011-06-14T14:20:00.001-07:00

We're still resting here as you can see from Daisy's photo. I painted some last night and this morning too-- working on the blue bottles. I see some are crooked and need straightening!ha ha Also I need to put more blue in the clear bottle in front for the reflections-- I really love that lime green color though. well that's what I'll do next. talk to you soon,Diana

Opening and Resting!

2011-06-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Well , the opening at Red Queen Gallery was wonderful. So many people came, and we all had a lovely time. Both Gertraud and I have sold some of our work and the show continues until July6th so we hope to sell more. I know I'm exhausted. I truly put everything I had into the paintings. Also I didn't get my frames until 2 days before the show, but I got it all done and we got it up and it 's wonderful. Hope if you are nearby you can go by the Gallery and see it. Their hours are Wed,Thurs.,Fri,and Sat. 1oam-5pm and Sunday afternoons.. Onancock,Va. or you can go to www.redqueengallery.com for more info.

Needless to say I've been resting and reading and drinking coffee and just hanging out for the weekend. My son came home for the weekend and that was nice. I did quickly sketch this, I love bottles especially the old ones and the blue ones. Take care and talk to you soon,Diana

2nd Friday at the Red Queen Opening

2011-06-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

We're ready, that's me and Gertraud.. Now we are Totally exhausted we've been hanging our work all afternoon at the Red Queen Gallery. We have over 60 pieces together showing!That is Susan,who is an artist too. She helped us and was in charge of the hanging. Opening tomorrow night from 5-8. Come! Going to rest now!Gertraud ,rest up too!

take care and wish us luck ! Diana

Hope it's done!

2011-06-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

I've tried to pour my heart into it. talk to you later,Diana

A New Rooster and Daylily

2011-06-07T09:13:00.001-07:00

hi! This morning I've been working on a new rooster. I've used irridescent powder on his tail feathers, rice paper with gold highlights and even scraped red paint on his cone.Monelle painted one ,too!

The day lily is from yesterday. Still got a lot to do on that.. Frames come in tomorrow..

Red Queen Gallery Opening Friday, Here we come! talk to you soon,Diana

Awesome Daylily

2011-06-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

HI, these are to frame! I'd really thought I would begin this morning but somehow time escaped me.

However I have started another flower painting.(You know I'd rather paint than frame!) I've gotten the sketch done. It's a day lily- see how I used paper to crop it- to focus on the part I will paint. I hope to capture the beauty and the word Awesome comes to mind when I see this gorgeous flower.. My daughter uses the word Awesome.

I placed an order this morning for more frames. All of this is in preparation for Friday's Opening at the Red Queen Gallery. It's exciting! talk to you soon.

Now paintbrush and coffee... then paint.Diana

Show at Red Queen!

2011-06-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Click on photo to see it better! I'm working on a new painting now for it. Gertraud's website is www.gertraudfendler.com

Have a great weekend! talk to you soon! Diana

Butterflies Almost finished..

2011-06-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

HI, I've been painting all afternoon. I had to decide on the placement of the trumpet vine. How many of the flowers to put and where to put them.. I had a general idea.. so what I did was cut an advertisement that was red into flower size pieces and then I placed them in different arrangements to determine which arrangement worked best with the butterflies. It was fun!

Here's what I came up with. I still have some more to do on the painting but want to stop now.I don't want to do too much more.

Oh yes,Daisy is very sad. I took her to the vet yesterday for her shots and he put her on a diet. Only dry dog food... this is not making her happy!

Talk to you soon, Diana

Also check out the photo of the upcoming show(in the right hand corner of the blog).. Gertraud Fendler and I will be the featured artists at Red Queen Gallery in June. Gertraud does photography and sea glass jewelry. Google her!

Seeing Dots

2011-05-31T13:45:00.001-07:00

hi, I've been painting these butterflies all afternoon. Needless to say I'm seeing dots! ha ha.. just kidding.. (I do paint around the dots though and don't use white paint unless it's an emergency.. which sometimes happens) talk to you soon, Diana

Painting Butterflies

2011-05-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

HI, Well most of this weekend I've been painting little mini Eastern Shore landscapes..now today I've started a new painting of butterflies.It will be two Monarchs and a Tiger swallow tail with a vine. I will go out and pick some tomorrow.I know what I want-- the red/orange trumpet vine and I have one growing in the backyard. I'll have that coming down the other side of the painting,plus I need to tighten my butterfly drawings a bit. I'm looking forward to painting them although they take lots of time.. I hope to have this ready for the Red Queen Opening!

A sad note.. The Bear and Cub Coffee Shoppe closed on Saturday for good. It was a lovely place of warmth,good friendship and lovely coffee. I went by Saturday and had one last cup of Hog Island Coffee with them. I'll miss that wonderful place as I know so many will.

Hope you had a nice holiday weekend. talk to you soon,Diana

On to a new painting!

2011-05-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hi, I just finished my peony painting. Let me know what you think! It got rather involved with the leaves but I'm pleased with it.

I'm ready to work on something else now. I took some photos this week of places on the Eastern Shore the first one is in Belle Haven,Va. and the other in Onancock,Va. I want to have 4 or 5 little ES minis for the show as well as many more watercolors at the Red Queen Gallery! Maybe one of these for a mini...

Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! take care, Diana

Painting Peonies

2011-05-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, a busy day. I had errands first thing this morning which included taking paintings up to the Hermitage to display with the Eastern Shore Art League. When I got back home I've been working on my new peony painting. I've still more to do but it's coming!

It's starting to warm up here.. in the 80's and the humidity has gone up. We jump right into summer it seems.. Here are my painting buddies today! take care, Diana

Checkerboard Cherries & Art Show Tomorrow

2011-05-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hi, Today I have some framing to do but I'm putting it off until later.. ha ha.. I started a new little painting yesterday of cherries. I had to do errands and grocery shopping was one of them yesterday and found these gorgeous cherries. The hardest part of painting these was not eating them until I have them painted!! I painted on the porch yesterday. This morning I haven't gotten out there I'm still at my art table. It's going to be a gorgeous sunny day. First I drew my squares, then I drew my cherries with their shadows. I painted the cherries first and now am doing the grid.I will punch up the colors of the cherries if need be. I want them Bright! Tomorrow is the Art and Garden Show on 35367 Cove Lane, Belle Haven, Va. A small local show with food,music and local artists. I'll be there with my watercolors.. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and if you can come to the show!! Take care, Diana

Beginning Peony Painting

2011-05-17T16:54:00.000-07:00

HI, well, yesterday late in the day, I finished my "Sunflowers and Gran's Watering Pot". This watercolor will be in my show at The Red Queen Gallery. Gertraude Fendler,a wonderful photographer and I will be the 2 woman show on 2nd Friday in June. The Red Queen is on Main St. in Onancock,Va. It's a lovely gallery.

So today I started my peony painting. I've started negative painting around a light pink one and it will have 2 burgundy peonies with a hummingbird.The painting is still developing.It might have another peony? I was sitting on the back porch painting today.Daisy and Rudy-our 15 year old kitty-were with me. The hummingbirds were zooming in and out.

We've had some rain which we desperately needed and more is expected tonight.I'm trying to get ready for the show on Sunday at the Ashby Garden in Belle Haven. This will be from 2pm-5pm and they still want artists to call and come display their work! take care and talk to you soon, Diana

Flower Patch

2011-05-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hi, It's been a nice Saturday. My husband talked me into walking. He exercises everyday and I truly admire and see the good in that, but I'm not an exercise person, so he tries to encourage me and I did walk today. I walked down a country road here,trees on both sides of the road, and it was peaceful and nice.

This afternoon,I've added thalo blue to my watercolor in stripes behind the flowers.This is different for me. I stopped just now as I was beginning to overwork it and I need to take a break and look at it awhile.

I walked around the yard and took some photos of a tiger swallowtail butterfly on my orange blossom. That smells so sweet!!These peonies were from a friend of mine and the little flower patch is near our front door, it gives me a lot of pleasure. I can see it out my studio window! Well enjoy your weekend,I'm having an iced hazelnut coffee.. have one! talk to you soon, Diana