Day Lily

My day lilies have not done well this year at all. They probably need to be separated - I got only a few blooms this year. That is really discouraging since you see them growing wild in side ditches all over the state. What does that say for my gardening skills? Oh well, another day...

The wonder of weeds...

Did you ever stop and really look at a plant? A flower? A weed? Any kind of plant growing in nature? They're amazing. I settled on this particular weed because of its ties to my childhood. Detach the long stem and head of the plant, wrap the stem around itself once, tighten the loop, pull forward toward the head - and wham! The head pops off smashing into whatever (or "whoever") you're aimed at! Hours of fun back in the day!

Now I'm happy to sit quietly and draw it. What does that tell you? What energy kids have!

Duke Gardens

Quick sketch done yesterday at Duke Gardens.
Spent the day yesterday at beautiful Duke Gardens. Took lots of pictures but promised myself that if I sat down I would draw/paint in my journal. This is a watercolor/wc pencil sketch of the bridge on the lake. There is no way that they didn't mean for this to look like Monet's bridge!

Cat's Whiskers

My cat's whiskers are not very large this year - only about a foot tall. This contour line drawing of one of the larger ones gives you a good idea why they are called "cat's whiskers". And if you make the mistake of just grabbing the stem of the plant you will get a good "clawing" from the stickers!

Geraniums

My geraniums have been off and on with their blooms. Right now they are doing well and surrounded in the pot by my spotted nettle. This painting was also done with the water-soluble oil pastel and I like the way it forces me to keep the work loose. Really loose as a matter of fact. It reminds me of coloring with fat crayons!