Garden Stars

Daylilies

acrylic, 5" by 7"

We're not in the greatest spot for growing any kind of garden. The soil here is almost pure sand, and there is lots of shade from the trees all around. So daylilies are a treasure - dozens of bright, showy flowers for minimal effort, not much watering needed, and if the grasshoppers take a huge chunk out of a bloom - well, tomorrow another will open.

Today's painting features just one of several varieties we enjoy all summer long.

A Painting a Day

Toad in the Leaves

acrylic, 4" by 5"

white

That's what a growing number of artists aspire to. The idea being, by turning out one painting a day, every day, you are forced to focus on essentials instead of fussing endlessly with details, you get in the habit of working regularly instead of sitting around waiting for a bolt of inspiration to strike you from the clear blue sky, and best of all - you keep your brushes wetSo - here goes my attempt at "a painting a day" - well, at least a painting every weekday. Have to save some days for the horses, after all.

Here is the first installment of this new project - I love the way toads blend into their surroundings, their slightly supercilious expression, and most of all their spectacular eyes.

Ruby Throated Hummingbird

acrylic, 8" by 10"

And while I'm here, here's another I finished yesterday after several weeks of puttering when the mood struck me. Another of my favourite critters, as close as it gets to a flying jewel.

That's it for today - time to go get those brushes wet again!.