Impressionistic Canna Study #2

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This was a painting where lots of lessons were learned. I was painting plein air like I said I was going to this week, and I was totally in the zone. I started to feel rain drops, so I ran in as quick as I could, but left my metal easel where it was—mistake. I had no idea rain was anywhere near, one of those freak showers.
Learned Lessons:
• Metal easels do break if they fall—duh, it's a metal easel it will be fine—not.
• Once out of the zone it is hard to get back.
• Photo colors are totally different from life.

I had most of the flower painted, but not all. I paint mostly alla prima, so once I got back to the painting it was dry. I could not mess with it much, so that is a good thing. That is what I like about painting plein air, I paint and don't have time to pick at it because the light changes.

Outside my Studio—Bunny chillin under our trampoline

My son knows every time I see an animal outside I'm taking pictures of it, so he called me to see this chillin rabbit. Love his little back legs. I think he was jumping on the trampoline when we weren't looking. :)

Daylily Study #1

Got up and out this morning early to paint plein air in my flower garden. I am looking forward to making it around my yard painting flower studies. I have decided this is the best way to start everyday. My mother-in-law has the most beautiful daylilies and I spent this weekend at her home and got some beautiful photos of her flower garden. Sorry if I have not responded to comments lately—I have been busy with my boys and trying to keep up with everything. Your comments keep me going—thank you!!

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$65 with $5 shipping and handling in the US.

"Splish Splash"

The more detail I put in the more I don't know where to stop. I think one of the hardest parts of a painting for an artist is in deciding what to put in and what to leave out. I knew if I put too much detail in the water it would distract from the dog. The photo was so clear with every little water droplet showing, and of course I started painting the water in the distance with as much detail as the water in the foreground. I might still go back in and add some depth in the water, or I might call it finished. What do you think?

Commission an animal portrait- cdemum@united.net
8x10 inch oil on linen canvas
Sold —Prints available on Etsy

"Bovine R & R"

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I guess I should call this my "Bovine R and R Series".  I love this size canvas, and I keep thinking of photos I have that would work on this format. One weekend a couple of weeks ago I was able to get the photo I used for my newest cow painting as we took my son to a birthday party— I always love successful road trips. I was even able to get a photo of a donkey, so I am looking forward to painting that one.

4"x 12" gallery wrapped canvas - 1 1/2 inch sides are painted.
Each painting is $85 plus shipping.

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"Celebration Bunny"

Available in my Etsy Shop

This weekend has been one where we have seen a lot of heartache—from a neighbors house fire that destroyed their home, to a family who lost their son in a head on car accident due to the other driver texting. As I was painting this bunny I thought about a recent National Geographic documentary talking about celebrating the good things in life. Lots of things are happening all around that are beautiful, and part of the joy of being an artist is capturing those moments and sharing it as a forever reminder of the beautiful things in life.

Lessons I Learned:
1. Celebrate Life!
2. Back up your photos- memories can be lost in a few minutes
3. Practice a fire drill with my family.
4. Do not talk on the cell phone or text while driving—it has been proven the brain can not multitask.
Most important celebrate what is good in life! I celebrate my blog friends today!
Soli Deo Gloria

6x8 inch oil on canvas panel.
(Donation will go the local red cross—I saw them in action this weekend at the home fire. )

"Little church with the Red Steeple"

This was the church I attended most of my life. A lot of people in the small town of Nolensville use the church when giving directions to those coming into town—"you have gone too far if you have passed the little church with the red steeple" or "you are in town when you reach the little church with the red steeple. This little church has greeted lots of travelers through town since the late 1800's. They have had a lawn festival every year as long as I can remember—was always the highlight of the year. Hopefully this will be a reminder of wonderful memories for someone who purchases it in the silent auction of the day.

8x10 inch oil on canvas panel
NFS- (Available at NFUMC Lawn Festival on June 18th:)