"Our Garden"

Our garden has been exceptionally beautiful this season.  Abundant Spring rains have kept everything lush and growing strong.  Many heretofore bare spots have been filled with transplanted divisions that I have made and other plants have spread into their allotted spaces.  I've finally been able to enjoy some time creating this watercolor sketch.

                                          watercolor and "Pitt" artist pen on 7 3/4" x10 1/4" sketchbook page
                                          

"Our Garden on May 24, 2016"

I sketched this late in the day on Sunday and then painted it yesterday on site at the same hours as the day before.  This view is looking toward the east.  Right now the "rose campion" (the tall deep pink) is blooming along with the orange "butterfly weed", white "yarrow",  and short pink "ice plant".

 Most evenings I sit on our patio and sketch and also enjoy watching the birds at our feeders and baths-so peaceful and relaxing. 

                                                       watercolor and "Pitt" artist pen on 7 3/4" x10 1/4" sketchbook page

"New Hanover County Arboretum in November"

Here are two more plein airs that I did back in November at the New Hanover County Arboretum in Wilmington, NC.  I spent most of the morning on the first one.  After taking a break for a picnic at noon in this beautiful garden, I spent the rest of the day on the second one.

                                          "Red Bridge"
                                          watercolor and "Pitt" pen on 7 3/4" x 10 1/4" sketchbook page

                                                     "Tea House"
                                                     watercolor and "Pitt" pen on 7 3/4" x 10 1/4" sketchbook page

"Greenfield Park Fragrance Garden"

Greenfield Park is a very large park in Wilmington, NC.  It is located near the center of town and is also a cypress inhabited area.  Around the lake are many wonderful vignettes just like this lovely spot.

                                                     watercolor and "Pitt" pen on 7 3/4" x 10 1/4" sketchbook page

"Izoria's Garden"

                                                     just before sunset
                                                     warm and humid glistening
                                                     after day's late rain

                                                      graphite on sketchbook page
                                                      7 3/4" X 10 1/4"

Memorial Day Weekend

  The weather was so pleasant last weekend. I sat on the patio in our garden and did this watercolor sketch. I spent a couple hours the first day and then came back again the next day at the same time of day and spent about 30 mins. to finish it.
  It is painted on the cover of a new handmade sketchbook that was given to me.  I spoke (about plants and garden design) to a garden club a couple years ago and one of their members is a book binder who made this lovely book.  Why am I just now using it?  I just couldn't decide what I wanted to do with such a beautifully made book.  Well,  it finally occurred to me that of course it should be used to create sketches of gardens, trees and botanical studies.  So, I have broken the seal and the fun has begun!