Animal Studies

Last week I decided to try some animals for a change-up from flowers.  I used a Derwent wash pencil, which I love, to do loose sketching.  It was very calming to use just B & W for a change, eliminating all those pesky color decisions!

A friend's Boston Terrier grand-dog

In painting class last week, the teacher said "Do those pigs from the Plank Road magazine". I figured "Why not?!"

Lavender Festival 2012

The 2012 Lavender Festival was a big success!  Despite high heat and rain, several thousand people attended and had a great time.  The weekend in our little town was packed with activity-antique show, polo matches, Ride for Life bike ride to raise money for cancer, Anyela winery tastings,  music in the village, and our Festival.

Hundreds of people braved 95 degree heat to pick lavender, attend a variety of workshops, and visit us artists and vendors.

Happy in my booth under a shaded tree.  I was busy signing prints of the poster that I illustrated for this year's Festival. (You can see it hanging in the background)

Picking frenzy!

Sunday was rainy but it didn't stop this little one!

My son and girlfriend surprised me with a visit from Connecticut.

Now time to get ready for the next show!

A Lavender Day

Painting plein air at one of my favorite places-Lockwood Lavender Farm.  Every where you turn, there is another scene to paint. I forgot my chair, but luckily I had a beach towel in the car so I painted picnic-style with supplies spread all over.  Great fun!

July Garden

I have a friend down the street who is a weekend garden nut with her husband. I've painted different parts of their plantings before-this is the latest one.  Next time I'm going to put her in it.  Watch out Mary Ellen!