"Mauve", oil on canvas, 20x30"

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We had some gallery folks here yesterday do my only studio time was with them and prepping painting surfaces. This is a piece I finished earlier.

"Single Stem", oil on masonite, 5x7"

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This seemed like such a good idea when I was at the florist. Then I got home and had to reconcile formatting. The flower was so long and lean I wasn't certain how I would proceed. That little tiney glass vessel did the trick. The flower didn't survive but the painting will last forever.

"Sun Flower", oil on masonite, 5x7" NFS

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It's a long way from Sunflower season here but I saw this little guy at one of the local florists. The yellow was so uplifting I couldn't resist.

"Fedderly's Pot", oil on canvas, 20x30

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This is not one of my daily paintings. Its a larger piece that I'm quite fond of. This pot sits at the entry to a design center that also happens to have a sculpture garden. My husband shows his work there. I was so captivated by the the color of the exterior wall and the sharp blades of the plant.

"Floater", oil on canvas, 8x10

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We planted this Magnolia 7 years ago. This is its first and only bloom. It is about the size of a dinner plate. If we can keep the Elk away, who knows, next year we may get two.

"Over the Top", oil on masonite, 6x6"

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I'm sad to say, I think this was the last day for these blooms. I managed to work in a few hours in the garden too. It's this wonderful gratification but it also reminds me how much there is to do. You just have to look down at what you're doing. Don't look side ways or at the rest of the property. You could have a coronary. The upside is there will be lots of new flowers to inspire.

"Droppings", oil on masonite, 6x6"

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I love these flowers. Some gardeners think they're invasive. I just think they have a mind of their own.

"Blue Vase", oil on masonite, 6x6"

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"Camelia", oil on masonite, 4x4"

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These flowers are so delicate. I cut several before I got one that I didn't seperate from its stem. I think they're better left on the plant, for all to enjoy.

"Table Topper", oil on canvas, 8x10"

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Some days I think the act of painting is almost like being taken over. Nothing about this piece came out the way I had intended. Not the composition, not the color, not the reflection; nothing. It's such a good reminder that every day is a day we learn.

"Lid On", oil on masonite, 6x6"

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Our Camelia is now beginning to flash us with dots of color. Its an enormous shrub so once all the flowers are open we really have a display. Unfortunately it doesn't last long.

"Quince Again", oil on masonite, 5x7

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The other day, when I cut the Quince branches for the first painting these little twigs were from the clippings. They've been in my kitchen, above the sink ever since. As you see, the blossoms have come out and it provided quite the nice display.

"Clematis", oil on masonite, 5x5"

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This Clematis is evergreen and one of the first true signs of spring in our neck of the woods. It's a monsterous plant that needs pruning. I'm afraid if I cut it willhold its wonderful display.

"Hellebores Too", oil on masonite, 5x5"

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I can't remember the name of this variety. I'm too lazy to go look it up. It's enough for me that it's so great to look at and blooms when no other flower is willing.

"Winter White", oil on masonite, 5x5"

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This is another of the marvelous Hellebores blooming in my yard. They almost seem like make believe.

"Hellebores", oil on masonite, 5x5"

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I'm not really a gardener but I got a bit caught up in it around 1998-2001. I became the collector and planter of all things odd. The property was a cow pasture from 1939 until...who knows. The point? black, rich dirt. Dig a hole it will grow. Anyway, for you non-gardeners, this little jewel blooms in winter. It's blooming in at least 5 different configurations in my yard right now. Amazing.

"Quince", oil on masonite, 5x5"

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There's a hugh Quince bush outside my kitchen window. Coupled with the sprouting of crocus it is always the first sign that spring is actually coming. I marvel at the delicate lines these tough twigs draw across the skyline. The buds are small and sturdy, opening to the most delicate little blossums.

"Basic Beige", oil on masonite, 6x6"

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I realized today that I've been painting these shoes in the order that I like them as clothing. As I translate the shapes and lines from what I see to the painting support it strikes me that feet and ankles are not really shaped or angled that way. Gives one pause.

"Ties That Bind", oil on masonite, 6x6"

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"Pink Stiletto", oil on masonite, 6x6"

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and yes, these came out of my closet too. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment.

"All That Is Blue", oil on masonite

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As a woman, being in this amazing array of fluff was absolutely mesmerizing.

"Double Message", oil on masonite, 6x6"

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A client asked if I would consider painting high heeled shoes. My biggest challenge? picking which pair to take out of my closet. I love the strange combination on this pair.

"Tanked", oil on masonite, 6x6"

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It was nice to be back in the studio. I was really tired from all the festivities of the weekend but it still felt good to mix a little paint and have the feel of a paint brush in my hand.

I'm just checking in. My fabulous son and his beautiful wife are here for a visit. Actually, we're having a big family dinner tomorrow. A French chef is coming to my brothers to prepare a custom meal. My point? I won't be painting while they're here. I see them far to seldom to use the time for anything but visiting.
See you in a few days.
Sharman