Cactus and Canvas

I I'm about to try flat canvas boards. The 3-D version is beginning to present a storage dilemma. 

There is unexpected beauty in cacti with all the contrasting shades and textures. 

I'm in love with these cactus images, hoping to paint and capture all those subtle shades of green.  The textures on a cacuse present a challenge, too. Spikey quils, silken blossoms, and green fleshy leaves present a symphony of contrast. 

Garden flowers

I'm painting brights with my new, large, flat brush that I got at Michael's last week.

Yes, yes, we must have more pink. I'm using medium magenta in Blick artists' acrylic and portrait pink by Liquitex in the Basics family. 

Yes, there is the price tag on one tube. Don't forget to use the coupon! 40% off one item at Hobby Lobby or Michael's. 

The inspiration comes from M William's magic camera. Her captivation of these lovlies, the light and the angles, are wonderful. 

If ever flowers smile, these certainly are portraits of happiness. 

Trees and Seas

Vivid greens of early spring-- this ended up being more Van Gogh, less Monet than I intended. I got carried away with the strong shadows that slashed through the soft pastel greens. 

A larger rendition of sunset in Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West. 

I rather prefer the colors in the smaller one, but it's 8 by 11, vs. 16 by 20. My son now wants a really large version for his guest bedroom. More practice!