Happy Summer Colors

Have I said how much I love summer? I LOVE SUMMER! I love being able to wear sandals and no jacket and sit outside at night and drink mojitos with fresh mint right out of the garden, listening to the sound of our garden fountain, birds twittering as they bathe in our birdbath and most of all the flowers--they make me happy.

I added some flowers from my garden to the bouquets that I brought home from Schuh Farms yesterday. 

We have three Rose of Sharon trees in our garden, this white one, a pink one and a purple one. 

I took my watercolors out of the studio and had fun with flowers today.

A Midsummer Day's Dream

Words cannot describe it! Anacortes Sketchers were invited to visit TerraBella in the countryside of Conway, WA, this afternoon. This delightful wedding venue has a garden and properties cared for by the equally delightful owners, Caroline and Loren. I took 79 actual photos and double that in mental images that I will never forget.

There is something charming through every vista and around every corner, including the owner, Caroline.

All this is enjoyed by the owners, of course, but intended as the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding. I imagine those married here this summer are pinching themselves to make sure they haven't just been dreaming.

Here's the full spread in the last two pages of my sketchbook.

These are the separate compositions:

The Airstream sits behind the flower bed, door and windows open in the breeze.

Fresh linens drying in the summer sun. Heavy peach boughs propped with stakes.

Summer Island Vignettes

A view of Mt. Baker and Jerlyn sketching in Bonnie's Garden

Today, I spent a wonderful afternoon with the Anacortes sketchers at the home of one of our artists. The summer air was fresh and warm, the garden bountiful and the hospitality warm and welcoming. After roaming the house and garden, I found a shady spot with a view of Mt. Baker. Cloud shadows played across the mountain's shapes, creating a variety of undulating rhythms.

After a meander through the glade with its own pond and tiny island, we came back to the table where fresh flowers and chocolate tempted us. Everywhere you looked, there was another path, a grouping of potted blossoms or a place to sit and muse.

I spent a lot of time today just soaking it all in. I think you would have, too, if you had been there.

EDiM 25 - An apron or something you wear as cover during messy activities

Gary's Garden Gloves

Although there are a few aprons hanging on the easel in a corner of my studio, I was inspired by my husband's garden gloves. He needed to run back to the store for more gardening supplies, so I pulled up the garbage can as my temporary easel and sketched this. Just as I found it. It's a messy activity.

Update: I've been Explored! This is the third painting of mine that has been invited by Flickr to be included in the Explore Group!   I am honored. Over 2,556 views and counting!

The Lookout

I first noticed the Lookout Gnome, checking to see if the coast was clear. But as I turned, I noticed a movement on my left. As I glanced over, the guy in the yellow hat froze and he has stayed that way ever since. But I think I hear a growl now and then. Yoicks! I don't wanna be spade! :) Yes, I do know how to spell. (Click image to zoom)

UGGs

I had plans to paint with The Anacortes Sketchers today, but a strange thing happened on the way to the garage.

I had the oddest feeling that I was being watched. If you look carefully, you will see 4 figures hiding on my deck.
Before I knew it, I was kidnapped by UGGs (Unidentified Garden Gnomes), was rudely shuffled into the studio and forced to paint their portraits.

Watercolors being the way they are, the time I needed to allow for drying between washes used up all my afternoon. Sorry guys, but I think I can post a sketch tomorrow, if they don't catch me doing it. :)