Inspired By Autumn Colors

We had a sunny, blue-sky Autumn day in the Pacific Northwest yesterday.  It inspired me to take these photos of trees in my yard and then splash some watercolor paint around!

Nature is full of colorful inspiration! The name of each tree is under the photo.

River Birch Tree – has interesting bark texture and greenish-gold leaves.

Sunset Maple – Fall colors of a sunset!

Crabapple Tree – the birds love to feed on the tiny crabapples in the winter. This tree is color-filled all 4 seasons.

Larch Tree – needles turn gold in Autumn and fall off.

And my watercolor experiments:

How does nature’s colors inspire you?

Cheers! 🙂

Autumn’s Display

My hubby and I closed our lake place this weekend as it is getting colder.  Autumn brings cooler temperatures in the Pacific Northwest where we call home.  Soon the snow will be falling…

Autumn’s Display of wild rose hips always dazzle me in the fall.  Especially on a sunny, blue-sky day:

It is always sad to see the lake season end as we will miss our lake friends. We will also miss the lake and this stunning view:

Yet, I look forward to more time in my art studio in Autumn.

The crisp, cool air of October is Apple Harvest time too!

This week my art these will be focusing on APPLES… I hope you stop by for a bite or two…

On Monday, I will share my process for creating this art piece.  (I also discovered some ways to “fix” mistakes that may be of interest to you!)

Do you have 4 seasons where you live?  What is your favorite time of year?

Cheers! 🙂

Common Wildflowers

I like to pick a few wildflowers when I’m at the lake so that I can study and paint them in watercolor.

I found Common Tansy and Common Yarrow wildflowers yesterday at the lake.  They may be common in name but not common for me to paint!

I tried to paint them loosely and then added a few details with a BROWN micron pen to change things up a little.

I struggled with painting the Birch bark so I realize it looks a bit strange.  😉

Here is a photo of what I was trying to paint:

I like the burst of red from the cherry, how about you?  I thought it was a good way to end #World Watercolor Month as today is the last day to celebrate  – thanks Charlie at doodlewash.com  for making it such a fun month!

Cheers!  🙂

Sweet Peppers

Yesterday, I went to a potluck with some lake friends.  I decided to try a new recipe using my Spiralizer – so I made this Italian Pasta Salad – without pasta!  I used zucchini and I have to say, no one missed the pasta.  I will share my recipe next week.  Here is a photo of it:

Making this salad gave me the inspiration to paint sweet peppers for World Watercolor Month.

My subject matter – I was painting outdoors so my lighting changed but this gives you an idea:

My finished painting in my art journal:

I decided to splatter my background instead of adding the tablecloth.  I think it looks rather festive, don’t you?

Happy Painting!

Cheers! 🙂

 

Weeds Or Flowers?

Some people see weeds…

I see a field of flowers,

Growing wild and free.

I took this photo yesterday at the lake.  We had such a beautiful weekend – sunny and warm.

These daisies are considered weeds in the State of Idaho but I think they look so pretty!

Happy Monday!  Cheers! 🙂