Thistles 3

I did remember to grab my gloves this time before picking these little buggers. It definitely made the set up easier too. I feel like I really have to indulge in these awesome weeds before they go to seed and are gone. Seriously, I used to think thistles were just a pain in the keester before I started to paint them. Really lovin' them now.

Thistles

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The next time I decide to do thistles I will remember to grab my gloves even if I DO have to hike all the way back up to the house to get them. By the time I got around to painting I had thistle pokes on both hands and I was ranting a bit. However, I did get to use my new tube of permanent violet which was way cool. A new color for me and I LOVE it! I listed this one for auction and will do more of these little thistle paintings (using gloves for setting up ). I never really appreciated thistles before I painted them.

Radiant Tomato, Grapes and Tea Kettle

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What to paint..? So I explored the fridge as usual and found an overripe tomato just hours from death. Then, turning around, I discovered the remaining grapes from my lunch the day before sitting on the counter collecting fruit flies. I stashed them both in my basket, headed for the studio and painted this little slice of drama.

Purple Somber 2

Purple Somber 2, 6x6 oil on canvas. This is Purple Somber. When I originally named it I defined somber as calm, quiet, a moment of peace. Unfortunately, Dictionary.com has something else to say about it:

som·ber

adjective

1.

gloomily dark; shadowy; dimly lighted: a somber passageway.

2.

dark and dull, as color, or as things in respect to color: a somber dress.

3.

gloomy, depressing, or dismal: a somber mood.

4.

extremely serious; grave: a somber expression on his face.

Still, it is what it is. You decide.

Art in the Garden

Today is the final day for Art in the Garden! Anyone looking for a unique, affordable gift might want to get out here and check it out. This event is free to the public and is tightly jurried so that no two artists are directly competing with each other. In other words, there may be two watercolorists but with very different styles. This makes for an interesting event for our public.
This is the first time I wont be participating in this event as a vendor but will be a volunteer instead. I spent yesterday getting the full scope of what it's like to be a visitor - so overwhelming - so much art!
So if you are an artist, get out here for inspiration if nothing else! If you are NOT an artist but enjoy artsty events, GET OUT HERE! :)
PS - We have FOOD! Hot Dogs, Mocha Motion and Kettle Korn. Now, what are you waiting for??