Just keep painting

hi, I can't believe it is July already.  A friend of mine and I went to Evas for coffee one day. She has a tiny ,precious farmstead near Harborton, Va.  Her flowers that day were gorgeous, I brought some home, gladiolus were my favorite in the bouquet so I started  this painting. 

I had a show in the Red Queen Gallery. It was a dud,sold only a tiny one,ah well.On to the next show,right.

Sadie is doing great,well she did just try to eat something she wasn't supposed to but that is normal.The kitties are,doing fine too.my flowers are beautiful.  I am trying to root some hydrangea for the empty land.

I hope you are having  a wonderful summer.  Love to you.Diana 

New Hummingbird Watercolor & Pig to come

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I am writing this on the tablet. Funny  I never seem to get the photos sized right or something, ah well. We have been working on the yard.me as much as I can. I planted 18 Loblolly pines across  the front of the empty cut land . Wat and Chris worked 2 days to get logs out of the side yard and clean up the yard  and it looks so much better we helped too,so I have been sore,ha ha. I haven't painted much this week. I did sketch a pig today. I will start her tomorrow,this is Roxanne she was behind Corner Bakery the day I painted in the window at Red Queen Gallery. There was a special parade of animals in town. Goats, black lab,and Roxanne  was in the parking lot. You know how I love animals. I was in heaven, so here is her photo with me. Hope you had a nice weekend.  I heard  a Great Horned Owl this morning.  Love to you,Diana 

Spring Blessings

Hi ,here is what I have been painting  the gorgeous Dogwood is in bloom and so are the lovely apple blossoms.  This time of year there is so much to paint if you love nature like I do. Sadie,my lab is my constant companion. The weather has been so nice I have painted on the porch for 3 days. And the hummingbirds have returned. Oh I love to see and hear them!! My chair is right here by the feeder so sometimes they actually touch me as they zoom by. Haha

Jelly our black kitten is having some stomach problems so I took a sample to the vet today.he is checking it for 11 virus /bacterial infection.  Jelly acts fine very playful. Test results next week.

I did a pour for my Dogwood and Chickadee painting and froze it .Apple Blossom and Hummingbird I painted negatively at first.  I hope you are having a wonderful spring,tell me what you are painting.

April 30th 4 of my paintings will be in Norfolk Academy Art Show. This is the opening night. You are invited no one under 21...this is a lovely show with gorgeous Juried work. Beth, and I will be going. John gets to keep  Sadie

love to each of you,Diana

Spring , Beautiful Class

HI! Isn't it wonderful spring is here!!! I had a class at Norfolk Botanical Garden Saturday, 10 dear students.  We painted what was blooming in the garden... lovely flowers of all kinds. I showed them some negative painting and checkerboard painting that I do. We had a good time. I feel blessed to have so many wonderful students who become dear friends.

Friday I went to Norfolk to Norfolk Academy School for their Art Show, a juried show, with a wonderful opening on April 30 from 6-8pm.  While in the city You know me I had to go to Starbucks for a cup of coffee. John gives me gift cards from there and I enjoy every penny of them... then I went by McDonald's Garden Center, the last 2 photos... I just love flowers and looking at them makes me happy.. It was so lovely there.

Back home, which means travelling the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, 17 miles and 2 tunnels across the Chesapeake Bay. It's a gorgeous ride, when I get to Fisherman's Island to me it is one of the prettiest places I have ever seen...

I've been having Vertigo for the past few days. I think I've done too much. but it will get better...love to each of you,Diana

Sadie better, Heritage Festival. ...

Me dressed and ready for the United Way  Fund Raiser.

Crocus blooming in my backyard YAAaa...

Hi, last week was too busy for me! This week has slowed  down some.  I had the Heritage Festival at the  Eastern Shore Community College on Saturday. You can see some photos on my Facebook page. It was a lovely show and I sold 5 so that was good. I went to the United Way Opening on Friday  night ( before the other show). I gave a painting  to that. Bible study  on Monday night and a special service at church on Wednesday, made food for that, and framed 7 paintings, lost electricity for a day....some weeks are like that!

Sadie,our lab, got a good report from Dr.Bailey at the Greenbush Veterinarian Clinic this Monday.  She is infection free and only 2 more weeks of resting and then anything goes! SHE IS READY. ..

I haven't painted since the show Saturday,  I have to take a few days to rest up.I have done some sketching and Sadie  and I have really  enjoyed  seeing a few things blooming in the yard.  We can hear the frogs singing too, spring is coming, tell me what you are painting,love to each of you, Diana

Orchid Class , They did brillantly!!!!!

Thirteen Wonderful students at Norfolk Botanical Garden. We painted orchids. Not all pictured.

One of my pour demonstrations for background with their orchids if they wished.

One of the gorgeous orchids.. all were Moth Orchids.

HI Everyone, Yesterday was my class at NBG, Norfolk Botanical Gardens/ The Tropical House has a lovely display of orchids this time of year so I chose orchids to paint this time ... We had a full room of 13 students, all did well!!! I am so proud of their work. Some so delicate and precise, others bolder and they captured them. We did a fun 15 minute painting of the orchids as part of our warm up and gorgeous... well you can tell.. I'm so pleased with their work.  Next class there is Feb. 6th on Camillias and Sea Shells. We will do a still life. ESO class is coming next week... 5 --2 hour classes here in Belle Haven, Va. just 3 miles from my home.

Sadie, my labrador retriever assistant, is going to have to have surgery. Dr. Bailey said the Crucial Ligament is totally torn and he thinks the meniscus as well. So that will be this Thursday, I'm shaking my head as I type... but it is what needs to be done.

The washing machine broke and I broke my eye glasses in class on Saturday. SO that is 3 right no more!!! Wishing you each a happy week and please think of us on Thursday. Love to each of you thanks so much! Diana

Merry Christmas

I have been  working  on a new Angry  Chicken  watercolor. 

Sadie, my lab, stole the beater from my cookie baking. 

Hi, well I have done it now.  I lost the name and # of the gentleman who commissioned me to paint  this chicken. I hope he calls.  I have no way of calling him. I have  learned  something,  write it large and put it in my datebook.  Then I will  have it.  I am so sorry  I hate to disappoint this new customer.  But the painting is all ready should he call. I will let you know.

I got busy and made chocolate chip cookies. These are the best I have ever made.Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips and real butter made the difference, they are rich.  John helped me clean today. That was a blessing. I still have more presents to buy and wrap....

I had a treat today I went to High Point Glassworks, Edith and Ken Platt in Pungoteague  ,Va. Ken made some gorgeous icicles for me for gifts.  He made 3 while  I watched it was amazing, visiting with Edith and Ken was such a lovely time.

Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays.  Love to each of you.Diana

Happy Thanksgiving

KUNE Kune Pigs from Perennial Roots  in Accomac,Va. 8x10 watercolor 

HI,  well John helped me set up today for the art show.  I framed 9 new little  paintings this week. I did a new camel, new angry chicken,  and new pig. Tomorrow  I am cooking.   Turkey  and all the fixings.  I made 2 apple cakes yesterday, one for dessert and one for the show. Hope each of you have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving,  love to each of you! Diana ps. Jelly Bean , our new kitten  is now running and playing with Cupcake, our older kitten. Sadie is enjoying  company  this weekend.

Eastern Shore Artisan Guild Tour Nov.27 and 28 from 10am-5pm

HI Everyone, Pictured above are some of my watercolors. I had a webpage for about 6 years, a friend of mine made it for me and she died. She was a dear,missed deeply. So last  year when it came up for renewal, I didn't renew it. I've found facebook creates more interest than a website. Sad but true. These were a few of my work from the website.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.. I have an art show in 2 weeks.. Eastern Shore Artisan Guild Tour. I will be at Ker Place in Onancock,Va. with about 5 other artists.It is the day after Thanksgiving... yes I'm cooking. ha ha.. my plan is to have everything ready for the show the day before T. We will see.  Hope to see some local folks drop by!
I'm zonked today.. Definitely going to have some more coffee later.  Love to each of  you,Diana

Saturday at Norfolk Botanical Garden

Renee and Raina with their dear pet portraits.. 2 other students not pictured.

Norfolk Botanical Garden, my ability to catch a photo with a tree or post in the center is RIGHT ON! ha ha

almost on the ES from Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Gorgeous drive!

Sadie as a pup demo. beginnings

HI Everyone, Here are some photos from Saturday. I taught a class over at NBG, Puppy Painting. Here are Renee and Raina with their dear pets, Clementine is the orange kitty and forgive me Raina, I can't remember your dog's name.. I know she has another dog and 4 kitties too... and we had 2 more students. One of the blessings of teaching is making dear friends!! It was a fun Halloween for me. They all did a great job painting and drawing.

I've got to get a photo of the new kitten... but haven't done that yet. She is a purrer and I think it's a she. Name suggestions are Needed!!! Bible Study tonight. I've done my homework.  Happy Monday!! love to you,Diana

NBG SHOW over but more to come!

I met another artist, from Berlin , Germany. He and his daughter talked with me for awhile, he was sketching in the Garden. Lovely people..

what I am painting now.. some flowers from Eva and some blue wildflowers I found growing near our home 

Show at NBG in Baker Hall

Both Sides of the hall and another wall were filled with my work.

more

HI , Well yesterday , Connie and I took my work down from the Baker Hall in NBG.  I was delighted to find out I had sold 9.. WOW.. small ones and they do get a percentage of course but I am so thankful. Jo, the Gift Shop manager, said she had so many lovely comments on my show.. and work. I was so tickled. It is so much work. and I appreciate it so when others like/love it. \

Next show is this Friday night members only to ESAL members. This is the members show. Grand Opening is next Friday night, Oct. 9th. Open to the public, this is in Onancock,Va. in Mary's Shop, The TWO SISTERS , art supply shop next to ESAL Gallery. Main St.

Next class is this Saturday at Norfolk Botanical Garden, NBG. But we have a  hurricane coming up the coast so we are watching the weather. Hoping Saturday will be ok for the class. I have to go across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and that is 17 miles long and they have to close it for high winds.. EEK... I hope not.

Beth and I just went to Eva's a lovely place. I could live there.. Hope everyone is safe and dry in all this weather. My love and hugs to you,Diana

PS this painting above is what I'm working on now. I found those delightful blue/purple flowers.. I have  to look them up. Anybody know what they are.. and I found out Maywyn and I are cousins... how about that.. I'm so glad .. she is a sweetheart.

Wiped Out!! and Last of NBG SHOW!!

Hydrangea Bean Vine at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 

HI! Sorry I haven't been blogging lately. I've truly been exhausted from getting my show up at Norfolk Botanical Garden. I painted so much and now I have a show coming up with Eastern Shore Art League and need to paint and can't seem to get one going. I do have a flower painting that I"ve been working on. You can see it on Facebook but it is too small for this show.  But one afternoon when I was wiped out Beth called and said come have a boat ride and Charlie her black lab went too. It was so delightful and truly I felt so much better afterwards. No Sadie didn't go this time.  I'm still trying to take it easy on her knee, after her surgery.

Sad to say my show at NBG is almost over. This weekend and Monday and Tuesday are the last 2 days. I've sold 5 and 3 before I got to the show so it's been good. Hope if you get a chance you will go by and see it. Baker Hall, 53 original watercolors all by me. No wonder I'm zonked still!!! Have a wonderful weekend and please check out my Facebook Page when you get time too. love to all, Diana

Beth and Charlie took me for a lovely boat ride!

Happy Sunday!

HI, Happy Sunday! Here is a photo from Norfolk Botanical Garden. This little office is one of the stops on the tram. I was at NBG yesterday teaching an OWL painting class in watercolor. We had a good time. I enjoyed it so much. Nine students.  I also hung 3 new 8 x 10s in my show in Baker Hall. Please come if you can--- hope some of you can see it during September while my art show is open.

I'm exhausted but planning on reading this afternoon. Sending my love to you. Diana

Hanging the show.

I framed 15 paintings this weekend.  Today was delivery day at Norfolk Botanical Garden  for the show.   While Connie  was hanging the paintings I sold 2 .  I had never takenthe tram around the garden, so today I  treated myself. I  was in awe of the beauty. It was so much fun, and I took plenty of photos  to paint. However tonight I don't  plan on moving from this recliner except of course to go walk Sadie ,perhaps  we will here a Screech Owl.  Love to each of you. Tomorrow I am making Apple Cake for the reception. Love,Diana

Cupcake, our kitten, helps paint!

With a little help from our Cupcake!

Class and Sadie's Surgery--Healing

Norfolk Botanical Garden Watercolor Class on Hydrangeas and Spicebush Swallow Tail Butterfly!

The Japanese Garden at NBG. Our next subject in class there!

Hi Everyone,  Yesterday, I was in Norfolk,Va. at the Norfolk Botanical Garden teaching "Hydrangeas and Spicebush Swallow tail Butterflies." I had 10 students. Pictured above are a few of the students. We used saran wrap to begin our hydrangeas. I took some flowers from home too, I had some gorgeous purple hydrangeas and Daddy had some amazing Oak Leaf Hydrangeas. At lunch Renee and I walked to the Japanese Garden and she held onto the back of my shirt as I leaned into the pond to try to capture the amazing Lotus Blossoms and Water Lilies.. Gorgeous!!! I didn't fall in! We all had a nice time. It was a lovely day!

Sadie, our lab, as you know had surgery last week on her Cruciate ligament in her knee. So, it went well. She is starting to get her energy back. We are icing it and giving her her pain meds and helping her as much as we can. I have a photo of her on facebook  from after the surgery sleeping. She is coming along well.

Have a wonderful Sunday, Love to each of you,Diana

Yesterday, I

 volunteered  at The Stage  Door Gallery in Cape Charles. Well I could not get the door alarm  off so I was having a time. After that it was fine, but I sure did start off with a bang. While I was there I painted this little  Screech Owl.  I am adding more color to the background this morning. Sipping my coffee, a peaceful  day, have a lovely day.  This Saturday  I will be teaching  at Norfolk Botanical  Garden.  We will be painting Hydrangeas and Spice bush Swallow Tail Butterflies.   Talk to you soon, love, Diana

Painting in The Window at the RQ

Me at the Red Queen Gallery painting in the window!

What I was looking at and what I was painting while I sat there.

Just a brief hi! Today I painted in the Red Queen Gallery in Onancock,Va. In the window, thank you all so much for coming and supporting me!! Love to each of you and Happy Weekend. yes I'm wiped out, but I enjoyed it! Diana

Happy Mother's Day!!

New Painting!

My Sadie, trying to help with the laundry as I paint, isn't she sweet.

Wishing everyone a beautiful, loving mother's day or Sunday. My love to each of you,Diana