Girls Just Wanna Paint June Challenge

"Lotus Flowers"

8x10 acrylic on canvas paper

I love lily pads and waterlilies also known as lotus flowers. They are prevalent in Asian art and culture. The flower opens with the sun and closes at dusk.

*The main meanings of Lotus flower are: Beauty, Grace, Eloquence, Direct and deep spiritual contact, Mysticism, Faithfulness, Patience, Love, Compassion, Purity, Rising out of suffering, Enlightenment, Self-awareness and Rebirth. 

There is a time when we think there is no way out of a situation, like we will stay stuck there for eternity. However, all the pain we are coming through will be soothed. Lotus flower is here to remind us that we mustn’t give up, but fight against all the difficulties. We have a chance to rise out of the pain, but first of all remember that no one will do it for us, but ourselves.

Check out Girls Just Wanna Paint to see the paintings of the "together apart" challenge.

*except for the first paragraph, this text was copied from myflowermeaning.com

Painting Retreat

"Lilies"

6x6 watercolor
$100

I am off for a week of painting with a stellar group of fun ladies on the rocky coast of Maine. One week of focusing only on my art is exactly what I need at this time.
I did this watercolor in Naples a few months ago. In my quest for abstraction, what better subject than lily pads?  
I'll be posting more of these studies which never made the blog this winter and you can look forward to some paintings of beautiful, soulful Maine!

MSW "Bush" Painter

Lily Pads 6x6 

oil on panel

It's fun simplifying these lily pads into abstract paintings. The more I paint this scene the more familiar and comfortable I am with it. I could see going really large with these.

I bought this rolling tote at Michaels for half price and I really like it. It has four wheels. Spins as well as caddies, has pockets on three sides and a spacious compartment with a couple of removable zipper pouches which can be secured with plastic snap hooks. 
I stuffed some palmetto fronds into it to create some shade while I sat on the bank and painted. I felt like I was on a Safari.
My legs are covered with fire ant bites because I forgot the "stick" that goes with my Coulter easel and had to sit. Should have put the towel under my legs instead of just under my butt. WHATEVER! The show must go on.
I am really enjoying painting the chaotic scene in the lily pond and have been lazy about posting my progress, but I will share in a more timely fashion. Maybe.

Painting en Plein Aire

Studies @ Freedom Park

I have been going out to paint at a little oasis called Freedom Park. Water, palm trees, beautiful birds, gators, turtles, lily pads (my new obsession) and dragonflies, which represent the spirit of my mama, who, much to my delight, is always with me. 
It find it easier to divide my canvas into quarters and do studies instead of overwhelming myself with trying to get a finished painting of this very complicated scene. 
My favorite of this series is the closeup of the lily pads. I see so many possibilities with this subject

The Oasis

Painting "en Plein aire", sounds so chic but, it requires organizing and downsizing equipment for the lightest and least burdensome trip to the site. This has never been my strong suit but I'm working on it.

a visitor, oh wait, I'm the visitor :D

Great Egret