Irish Waves of Montbresia - SOLD! - Day 26 of #jan30in30

 

10"x10" x1" deep oil on cradled birch panel

For more information, or to purchase, click here.  

Time travel...

thousands of miles away -

a different season -

memories of color, fragrance,

and tiny fluttering wings...

a soft breeze

wraps around my mind.

There is no storm here...

all is calm and well. 

 

As I painted this, the howling winds of the January 2015 blizzard 'Juno' filled the air. I settled in to my studio, and remembered the colors, the fresh air, and my upcoming trip to Ireland.  The first time I saw these over there, I was quite amazed. The blossoms look so delicate, yet they surely must be hardy to tolerate sea air and a stiff breeze off the ocean.  So of course, when I came home, I asked my garden supplier Petie Reed at Perennial Harmony Garden Shop (in Waterford, CT-click on the link for a VERY zen youtube video) if these would grow here in CT. And she told me they will - if they are in a protected area. They're also known as crocosmia here. So of course, we planted them....and they have spread and grown beautifully. The hummingbirds love them! I've painted them in various incarnations both here and in Ireland. I'm reminded how they bob about in the breeze from the times that I've stood outside and painted them....over and over. I found the process absolutely meditative this evening...and falling in love with this plant over and over again....and came to the realization I will paint these quite large - I see them in a significant space. 

Join me on my workshop in Ireland this June

http://www.valentiaart.com/Registration.html

 

Yellow Bucket of Flowers (sold) & Don't Worry, Be Happy Flops

6"x6" oil on gessoed masonite panel

For more information  click here. 

Yay, it feels great to be back in the studio PAINTING! It's been a busy winter, who woulda thunk it?

I recently got back from a short trip to Hawaii! Now, before you get all excited, it....was...very....short! In fact, I spent as much time in airplanes and airports as I did on the ground there. But it was productive three days, none-the-less.  I took a sketchbook....and a swim-suit....and that's about it! Oh yeah, some flip-flops (umm, they are called 'rubber sandals' over there in Oahu) don't make the mistake to call them the wrong thing! 

You definitely need a pair like this! Yes, even in a freezing winter (like I'm having here in CT). I can just slip these babies on and feel like summer is really going to get here! (hey, it worked for Dorothy, even if those were ruby slippers, not rubber slippers). 

and yes, those things really do make GREAT prints in the sand! (or wet tracks on sidewalks!) Woohoo!  Where did I get those? Subscribe to my Cheer Factor newsletter, and I'll tell you all in the next issue!

ALSO***** "a save the date notice" for Saturday, June 8th- this summer. I'll be releasing some very exciting news....think gardens, blooms, summer fragrances...sigh! More about that in my upcoming news- letter, too!

Cliffs of Moher - sold

9"x12" oil on Belgian linen mounted on professional artboard (Raymar)

One our of days while over in Ireland, we spent a good deal of time here at the Cliffs of Moher. It is one of Ireland's most visited sites. It is indeed spectacular. My friend Barbara made sure we were able to see it in the afternoon light when the sun is coming from the west and illuminates the sides of these cliffs. Bits of green growth sparkle down the cliffsides as if someone laid a veil of emeralds on faint velvet. The wildflowers at cliffs' edge were all the more charming in their contrast to the rugged coastline!