zinnias in yellow vase 4"x6" watercolor on paper

This is not what I painted today-its a back up done a couple of weeks ago.

I did paint, but its too dark to photograph and I want to work on it a little tomorrow-

I stood out in my garden at 7 AM and painted my sedums and daturas-they are looking wonderful and here on October's doorstep I feel the impending end of all my flowers. I actually am excited about the cold weather- artists love to NOT feel guilty being inside their studios, and artist LOVE being in their studios so it's a conflict at times. Strange.

I had a nice random experience today- I bought a couple of throw rugs at Bed Bath and Beyond- paid too much for them and the cashier asked if I had a coupon- no- I never think to save those- but she was nice and said I could redeem them on the receipt anytime- nice.

I paid and left.

In the parking lot a woman came up to my car and I thought uh-oh!- what does she need?

She said she thought she had a couple of coupons in her car- and yes indeed she did and gave them to me! it was the sweetest thing- a rare occasion of someone going out of their way with kindness ( saved me $30 bucks!)

Thanks random lady- I promptly bought myself new shoes.

I'm going to pay it forward when I get the chance.

It was Bed, Bath and BEYOND the everyday retail experience.

Mushroom love 6" x 6'' watercolor on paper

I belong to a cool painting challenge group- Girls just wanna paint! This months challenge was mushrooms so I wanted to get back to my "whimsical " side and did this at my kitchen counter.
I put flowers in it so it counts as a flower too.
I  struggled today in my landscape painting class- I had to wipe off my landscape it bummed me out too much!...but Sue Charles's lesson was to do a Diebenkorn style warm up  (end of post)  which was fun- and the only good painting for me. it was a beautiful day though so I washed my car to feel better about myself- LOL.

"little house" oil on canvas 12"x12"

Today was a perfect 10! I left my Mother in laws house in Bristol and met my friend Kelley MacDonald at coastal roasters for coffee and sat outside in the sun.
We painted at her friends home in Little Compton-it was so nice to be invited there to use her property-and it was the sweetest place on earth and in my next life I'm totally living in that town. I'm learning so much painting with Kelley and blessed to know her.




This is a really quick little study done to warm up.
My husband has a telephone pole fettish- this one's for you Al.
Kelley treated me to a delicious lunch at the Commons in Little Compton- ate a few too many onion rings...mmmm
The light was getting great as the day wore on but we had to leave- sure hope to return there sometime really soon!
Thanks Kelley!

breakfast at mimi's 8" x 8 " oil on panel

I stayed over last night in Bristol RI at my Mother in laws house.
It's got a wonderful screened in porch and this sweet patio is just outside.
Her trumpet vine is spectacular, and stood out well against the greens.

It was a gentle rain today- Loved it- Mimi played piano in the house while I painted this one.Sweet. Not the best photo but you get the idea....again, this is on black.

farmers market Sunflower 8" x 8" oil on panel

I bought this little sunflower at the Marshfield Farmers Market yesterday. it was sunny and brisk and as usual I saw lots of friends there. I love it-its another simple joy in my life. I only had the cash for one of these babies- and it is my first flower to buy for my daily painting.I was excited to get up today and paint it. Its on a black panel , which is why the outlines are so prominent-something I love to do. I know- Elvis paintings on velvet,but it's so gratifying.I think painting on black brings me back to being in school and getting to draw on the blackboard (when they were still black!) and getting praise from the teacher. I didn't get a lot of praise for my academic work so it must have been a shining moment for me....

copy cat nasturtiums-oil on panel-8" x 8"

Sometimes artists beg borrow and steal- today I looked at Diane Hoeptner before heading out to the studio.

Her flowers are just wonderful, so I was inspired to emulate her here.Thanks Diane for inspiring me!

Not sure I got very close, but it was fun to try....these late bloomers are in a sweet little vase found at the Marshfield dump yesterday!

geraniums in vase 8" x 8 " oil on panel

Since I only had 20 minutes before I had to get ready for work this one was short and sweet. I worked till 4 and then went out for an early dinner with colleagues at Burtons.
Now I'm watching tv with my husband.
And that- is it. Simple and sweet!
All I can say is that I feel good- I painted  today- no matter what I make time for it!