Gardenias

oil on canvas

16 inches by 12 inches

The gardenias were in bloom last week, when I happened to be visiting the home of my friends Sharon and Ken.  I had never seen this flower anywhere except in a florist show case, so it was quite a delight to see growing naturally.   The gardenia bush was over six feet high and about as wide, with blossoms on every branch!

I love the pale, fragile blooms against the deep green leaves. So, I am planning a large painting, maybe 30 by 40 inches.  This is my first composition, done as a smaller 16 by 12 canvas.

Marbles in Glass

oil on panel

6 inches by 6 inches

Glass Balls in Glass Bowl

oil on panel

6 inches by 6 inches

Shrimp Cocktail

oil on panel

6 inches by 6 inches

Around the Studio ... Bougainvillea Finished

Bougainvillea

oil on canvas

40 by 30 inches

It's been a busy couple of weeks while this piece was being painted. Working this large is always very exciting to me. It gives me a chance to really move paint around, and to put down details and delicate shadings that are more difficult in a smaller format. The process is slow, something like watching a jigsaw puzzle come together one section at a time. And, by day three, I begin to really feel the results of stretching to reach around the large canvas and of standing for long periods of time.

I have to admit that I feel a sense of relief that this painting is now almost done. Just a few details to correct and some glazing to do. So, I took some time off today to enjoy the day and sit in the sun. The Florida weather was just perfect for cloud watching.

While sitting in the garden, I noticed how splendidly the desert rose is flowering. So, off I went to get my camera. Another painting begins the design stage.