Sunflowers 6x8 Acrylic

"Sunflowers" 

6x8 acrylic on gessoboard

I spent the morning painting with my dear friend JoAnn Sanborn at her studio on Marco Island and she broke me out by setting me up with acrylics which I haven't used in 40 years save for a little study a few years back. We painted some sunflowers which I brought as a little gift for her. She gave me some beautiful gardenias which smell heavenly and are sitting in the fridge so as I can paint them tomorrow.

I loved the feeling of the paint on the smooth board and I didn't use a lot of water either. I did rinse the brushes and wipe them pretty regularly and then mixed up some more color because acrylic dries quickly and ruins the brushes.  

Then she treated me to lunch on the Esplanade overlooking the Marina where we enjoyed some good food and some laughs. A perfect day.

Although it's been warmer than usual here in Naples this winter, the breezes off the Gulf have been plentiful and refreshingly cool. You never thought you'd hear me say that did you? 

Sunflowers #3 Oil 9x12

I started this one last summer and stayed up half the night putting a finish on it after practicing Sunflowers all week. This beautiful embossed pitcher was a bargain at Nobles Camera and Gifts in Hingham last summer. I love it.

Sunflower Study

I set up on the back deck yesterday afternoon and did a drawing of a pitcher of sunflowers right on the canvas. I managed to come up with a good sketch but the painting, not so much. I just couldn't get the colors right and it got a little muddy so, I wiped it off ;) Anyway, it was a great way to spend a glorious summer day. Our very short summer is slipping away so I'm beaching and reading and gardening here.