Sunflowers # 3 and 4

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I have been working on my Sunflowers this week. I was hoping to give one to my boss as a going away present, but I don't like either one of them enough to share...in person. Anyway, these are my two attempts. I will just have to keep working in it. I am currently working on some tulips in a vase and am pretty happy with what's happening there. 

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Before and After

We were invited to Ft Benning last night for dinner with TOMs boss. We were early so we decided to take a drive thru the neighborhood where we used to live. Needless to say, enlisted soldiers are finally getting some new housing. 'Bout time.

Tree Study

I am really happy with the clouds and sky I also like the trees.

Boy by the Lake

From a photo taken in North Alabama near Huntsville.

I like the texture I got in the trees but it was a challenge creating the green of the lake.

City Mills and Swamp Mallow

Watercolor on paper.

Sunset Seascape

Still have a hard time deciding when to quit. What I like...the colors in my sunset and the footprints. What I don't like...too much grass.

Seascape

Daisies # 2

Daisies

Reflections Practice

A study in reflections. Practice does make better : )  There are things that I like about each the examples.

       

Blue Puff Flowers

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I found the inspiration for this on Pinterest. After having to practice color mixing for my watercolor class, I had a tray full of blue/greens. This shot is blurry, but I am very pleased with how this one turned out. 

I was mixing oranges today. Sounds like poppies are next : )

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Fall Color

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In the dead of winter. The inspiration for this watercolor came from a photo that I saw on Pinterest. It had beautiful color in the leaves and the light shining through. This was practice for a wet on wet and using salt for a little texture. The tree, she needs some work, but hell, I am not Matisse. 

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Sea Turtle

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Inspired from another painting I saw. Additionally, tried salt in the blue texturize the background. I think he turned out pretty well. 

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Watercolor Landscape

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I found a series of videos on youtube on watercolor landscapes. The artist is in the UK and I like his loose style. This is the first of the landscapes I did following his lead. As always, I see [alot] of room for improvement, but at the same time, I think it's not that bad.

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Watercolor on paper

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Sunflower

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Sunflower Study - watercolor on paper

December 17, 2011

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As I look at this I see things that need to be corrected/changed on my next attempt.

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Hell's Kitchen

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We went for lunch at Hell's Kitchen in Downtown Minneapolis. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the walls were covered in interesting art. The food is prepared with fresh, organic ingredients. We shared a garden salad with homemade blue cheese (for TOM) and a walnut vinaigrette (for me) and a grilled chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. The fries did not need ketchup, but the bottle of homemade on the table was terrific. Overall, a very enjoyable dining experience...and it was warm too; a nice change from the cold outside. We also had the daily mystery dessert. Check it out if you are ever downtown MPLS.

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Check out their website: Hell's Kitchen

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Coat of Many Colors

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Walking thru the IDS Center, I spotted this wonderful piece of wearable art.

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Painting Practice

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I haven't been painting much since I had my drawing class, as I have been focused on that. But this weekend was my DIL's bday and I wanted to add a personal touch to her gift. She likes yellow and I like flowers, so this is what i came up with. This little work is a prime example of not planning your work. I had sketched out  the larger flowers, but did not consider the foreground in the plan so the perspective is not correct. Anyway, she's getting a barbara original along with a pair of cozy, warm boots. 

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Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs ...

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This is my contribution to signs, signs.

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U.S. Mail

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My contribution to signs, signs.

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