Sunny Side

Sunny Side, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

I was very taken with the shadow and light patterns on this cottage. Painting them was a great study of temperature (warms and cools), linear perspective and simplification. Architecture always offers a different kind of challenge. It's so important to just see shapes and how they relate to each other, but that can be very hard! I did have lots of encouragement from the peacocks that live here (Mayfield Park). They kept constant watch over me as I worked! 

Lily Pool

Lily Pool, 9 x 12, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012 - SOLD

I guess the quintessential garden element might be lily pads in a pool. They clump and spread, and the lotus blooms float on top of it all like royalty. One interesting thing about the blossoms is that they follow the light as it travels across the sky. Painting them is always a lesson in memory because by the time I am finished, they are leaning the in the completely opposite direction! I loved the combination of variety and color in this little pool (and the mobility challenge of course!) 

Garden Delight

Garden Delight, L. Daniel, 12 x 9

On Saturday morning I painted at Mayfield Park, a lovely, local garden spot. We have been having the most beautiful weather and as I painted, the park began to fill up with photographers taking family photos. (Christmas card shots, perhaps? Some people are so organized!) I could hear moms clapping and dads chirping to get their babies to laugh before moving on to the next pose. It was totally entertaining. :)

Lily Pond

Lily Pond, 12 x 12

I have been "missing in action" for a few days - and felt a bit rusty today! (It doesn't take long!) I just got back from a fabulous weekend at my Wheaton College reunion outside Chicago. It's always great to see dear friends and revisit old stomping grounds. A big highlight for me was meeting with Joel Sheesley, my favorite art professor and incredible painter. Life is good!

Sunnyside of the house

Mayfield House, 12 x 16

This historic 1870's cottage is surrounded by extensive gardens, lily ponds, hiking trails, and a large family of peacocks that struts around and generally keeps a watchful eye on things! The property was donated to the city of Austin in 1971 by the family of Allison Mayfield (a former Texas Secretary of State in the early 1900's). It's a peaceful spot right in the middle of town.