SAUNDER'S WOOD BARN

This is another painting done at the paint- out sponsored by The Lower Merion Conservancy.    This is a close up of a beautiful old barn I painted at Saunder's Wood.   It is over 200 years old.  The beauty of its construction and proportion are a testament to the integrity of the age and....you can have picnics there!
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BURIED TREASURE

Last week the Lower Merion Conservancy sponsored a paint-out to benefit their activities.  They gave all the artists who signed up maps to historic sites and we all went out in the 90' weather to find the spots and try to capture them in paint.  It was quite interesting to discover these lovely places, many of which I had never known about before.  This painting is of some old walls at HARRITON HOUSE built in 1704.  It was at one time the home of Charles Thomas who was the first and only secretary of the Continental and Confederate Congresses.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to the Conservancy.

POPPY

This year only one of my 4 poppies bloomed.  Not sure why, as it has been a good year for everything else.  I was surprised, when painting this, how many shades of purple are in the center of the flower.  Purple does seem to be an appropriate color to be associated with opium.  "After WWII, Poppies became the symbol of both tragedy and renewal of life. They gained this recognition as there were many poppies in the battlefields of France. Each year on Memorial Day, Veterans sell poppies as a memorial for those who have given their lives for their country. The proceeds benefit veterans groups." Gardener's Network
$100.00

ARDMORE BUILDINGS

These are the 'storebacks' of buildings seen from the parking lot in Ardmore.  I have always been fascinated by the apartments above stores.  As a child I thought what fun it would be to live over a toy or candy store.  I imagined that at night the whole place would be mine to explore.

GARDENIA

Like the french lilac in an earlier painting, I wish I could include the fragrance of this lovely bloom.  It is redolent for me of anticipation of a romantic evening, as it is so often used for corsages.

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NIGHT IN THE CITY

This painting of city traffic at night seemed appropriate to begin this weekend when so many will be going somewhere else.  I am in the side view mirror.  This is from a trip into Philadelphia a few weeks ago.
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BORDERS

This is a painting of the Wynnewood Shopping Center with Borders just showing a bit in the corner.  Wynnewood is the 4th stop on the Paoli Local.  The station is directly across from the shopping center.  One good thing about shopping centers is that there is a nice view of the sky where there are no borders.
$100.00

IRIS IN THE EARLY MORNING

I came out one glorious morning last week and these iris, that had not bloomed for several years, were at the height of their glory. They were back lit by the sun shining through the fading but still somehow majestic for -get -me -nots.  What a gift a garden can be!
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NARBERTH HOUSETOP

Something about the colors in this combination of foliage and housetop gives me a quiet, joyous feeling.
$100.00

BLUE IRIS

This year I planted 3 new iris varieties.  This is the blue one and it is quite prolific and beautiful.  The old iris that have been blooming for 35 years or more are spectacular this year as well.  They are much taller than in the past and have many blooms.  I guess they enjoyed all the snow we had.

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JAKE, SPANISH BELLS, AND FORGET ME NOTS

Here is Jake getting into the picture again. Forget Me Nots are starting to fade but the Spanish Bells are coming on strong.  The new grass is an unbelievable shade of green.

BALA CYNWYD SKYLINE

The combination of the water tower and the church on Levering Mill Road in Bala Cynwyd looks like a Medieval fortress. . . at least in my imagination.

ALLIUM

The Allium in my garden are so reliably sprightly.  I look forward to their appearance every year.

VERY STILL LIFE

The past few days the wind has been blowing non stop. It has made me very tense and jumpy.  Painting this very ordered piece was quite soothing.

EARLY MORNING IN MAY

This is the view from the porch off my bedroom in the early morning.

BARTLETTS TREE EXPERTS

Bartletts Tree service in Bala Cynwyd, taking care of trees on the Main Line since 1921.   They recently painted their building this subtle shade of yellow.

FORGET ME NOT AT DUSK

This year the humble Forget-me-not has completely taken over my Lavender beds.  I can't really complain as they are my very favorite color, especially at the magic hour of twilight.  It is worth reading the entry for Forget-me-nots in Wikipedia.  (click title for link)
You'll notice I have omitted the 's' after Forget-me-nots in the title.  Perhaps Forget-me-nots should be the official flower of artists.
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MONUMENTAL POTS

Behind Trader Joe's in Ardmore there is a warehouse, painted pastel colors, with these monumental pots lined up out front.  Not sure what's up.  Why are they outside where anyone could take them home (or are they too heavy?).  Are they made there?  Anyone know?

ALDAR

Aldar Bistro in Bala Cynwyd, which is around the corner from Merion, manages to look as if it were not on a very busy street by having lush greenery.  

This is absolutely the last time I try to cram in too much information on a small canvas.  I have to continually remind myself that I am working small.  Last week I fell behind in my painting as I simply had to weed and plant my garden. 

LILACS

I wish I could include the fragrance of these french lilacs.  They are very old and have not bloomed much in years but this year they are blooming their hearts out.  They are darker than the usual lilac and the aroma is more delicate but quite delicious.
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AT THE SHORE

Last week when I painted this it was cold and rainy and I began thinking about the seashore.  I painted this scene from last year's visit to Ocean City and rented a place for a week in Long Beach Island for this year.

GOLD

This is my last portrait from my portrait painting class.  The model was lovely and seemed to be surrounded by golden light.

 

NEIGHBOR'S BACKYARD

Cutting through backyards on my way to the library I pass these old outbuildings.  They are nestled serenely away from the world.

ORCHID IN SPRING

This is the first time I have managed to have an orchid rebloom and I am very pleased.  Back in January I painted another orchid on this same window sill when there was snow on the ground.  If you scroll down on this page on your right there is a list of archives - click on January then ORCHIDS IN THE SNOW to see that one again.

4 RED TULIPS

Tulips are so pristine and forceful.  I like the way they challenge space.

WHITE DAFFODIL

There are so many kinds of daffodils and they are so easy to grow I sometimes forget how really lovely they are.

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CONVERSATION BETWEEN SNOW SHOVEL AND WATERING CANS

It seems the watering cans are saying 'Farewell for a while' to the snow shovel.

BALA CYNWYD GARDEN

A block away from me in Bala Cynwyd is the beautiful garden created by my daughter, her husband and sons.  This season it is a feast for the eyes and later it will be a feast in every way as the huge garden produces tons of vegetables.