841 Willows Beach Scene, oil on board, 8x10

I did this little scene at Willows Beach this afternoon. This group was part of a summer camp outing. They were having fun gathering seaweed.

840 Sidewalk Beauties

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On my walk this morning I collected this lovely assortment of flowers growing in the cracks of the sidewalk. They are escapees from the James Bay Community Garden,which is now an active construction site for a condo development.  I used to love painting in the Community Garden. It had an old fashioned feeling and everything I painted there reflected this.  Pictured above are snap dragons, calendulas, shasta daisies, and purple loosestrife. 

838 Still Life With Carnations, oil on board, 8x10

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Today I was focused on a pleasing composition. I like the results.

837 Little Carnation, oil on board, 8x10

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I found this sweet little vase at a local thrift store. It's perfect for flowers with short stems like this carnation that broke off on the way home the other day.

My favourite little glass bulb vase perished in my move last year and I have yet to find a replacement.  Fingers crossed.

Tomorrow I'll be painting on the front lawn of the Empress Hotel.  Hopefully the rain will clear up by then.

836 Pink Carnations in a Mason Jar, oil on board, 8x10

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So instead of changing the vase I decided to leave out the turquoise cloth and just use the wall. It's a nice change. I focused on observing the actual shapes of color and painting them. I found the jar easier than the flowers. I had difficulty getting the darkest darks and lightest lights while not losing the saturation of the pinks. I used quinacridone magenta for the pinkiest petals but it didn't get as light and saturated as when I have used the same pigment in acrylics. I will have to do some research and experimentation on the matter. 

835 Pink Carnations, 8x10, oil on board

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I got these deep pink carnations from Thrifty's yesterday. I used a warm grey toned board and let some of the surface show through.
I think these carnations will be good for a few more paintings. Maybe in a pottery vase next.

834 Canada Day Roses, oil on board, 8x10

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I'm sorry that it's been a while since I last posted. I've been in Montreal caring for my mother since New Years Day. I put even my painting on hold so I could focus on my dear lovely mother in her final stretch in this world.
So now I'm back, unpacked, rested, and ready to paint. Yesterday was Canada Day and a friend gave me these lovely peachy pink roses.  The turquoise cloth and mason jar are favourite props I've had for years.