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Spring in the Midwest: Inspiration for Nature Artists
(Blog version of my Monthly Newsletter)
Happy Spring!
Do you have lots of plans? My fingers are crossed for some glorious weather for plein air painting and nature journaling. Creating art while observing nature is my very favorite way to spend time.
I just completed my 2nd Covid Vaccine. Happy to report no side effects, in fact, I actually had a burst of energy... weird. I'm so excited to be doing something that will help me and everyone hopefully get back to some normalcy.
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I painted this pot of beauties in my studio in February. It's a compilation of several plein air studies I've done over the past couple of years. I took the photo of the butterfly outside my studio window last summer and decided it was the perfect accent.
Canna Lilies: Each spring I look forward to seeing the Canna Lilies grow into huge sturdy tropical type plants with their impressive bursts of color. * They have a long blooming season of 3-4 months * Blooms come in eye popping colors like yellow, orange, and blood red with lots of variations between * They attract a lot of pollenators * They want lots of sunshine but partial shade is OK * Canna rhizomes multiply quickly * Dividing every 3-5 years keeps them healthy * In colder climates rhizomes should be dug and stored in a cool, dry place.
Hmmmm... So why don't I have these in MY landscaping? I guess digging up the rhizomes and storing them every winter for my 'zone', sounds like a lot of work! But after researching them more in depth, I'm going to rethink that. What a treat it would be to just walk out my door and start painting these beauties. |
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This painting is in a local show... 4607 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights, IL It can be purchased through the gallery during the show dates. |
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Drawing with Glass Tools! My New Favorite ...
Glass Dip Pens! (I used one on the Canna Lily painting and to draw this month's Color-Me Calendar)
Holding glass in my hand is an indescribable sensation. The mind says "careful, it could break" but the feel of it is solid and sturdy.
I now have a collection of 4. Each looks, feels, and makes marks slightly different. My favorite (second from the top in the photo) is a beautiful glow-in-the-dark pen; no idea how it does that. But it also is the smoothest gliding and thinnest line.
These work on either smooth or textured paper. They hold a lot of ink in their grooved tips and don't need to be dipped constantly as you might think. However, they make a mono-line, unlike flexible nibs or brush point markers. |
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Have you found Morels this year?
"I Found Some" Watercolor Painting Original Available • Click Image for More Details |
May Printable PDF Color Me Calendar Page featuring my art.
[sorry PDF is for newsletter subscribers only]
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Thanks for joining me. Till next time... Lori Lee Sampson, Nature Artist |
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