Maggie in a jar

Here is my exhausting magnolia project... Learned lots of good lessons. And still more to learn about all that delicate shading of white petals... However, I don't think it looks as awful as I first thought it would. (My mood progressed from frustration and desperation to "...okay, this isn't so bad..." The upper photo was taken inside under a yellow spot light. The below photo was taken outside in natural sunlight. Interesting how the colours change. Below is the more accurate colouring. I'm most encouraged by the 3 inner (smaller) petals, and I like how the loose leaves lying on the table turned out. I also enjoyed how the purply-greenish background took on a life of its own. Watching the watercolour bleed, merge and mingle on the paper was a pleasurable experience!

Magnolia

Another favourite thing about living in the South are the magnolias that bloom in profusion every May - and still a few left in high up shady places - in the middle of our HOT June. I love seeing them lit up in sunlight - all luminous and glowing, casting delicate shadows within the rosy grouping of petals. I feel quite intimidated about painting a white flower... But hope to learn more about the use of soft colours to show the depth, design and richness of this fragrant blossom. Still more challenging are the very dark green shiny leaves...

Quick sketch of Stefan

We spent the week-end in Savannah, Georgia for our son's graduation from Savannah College of Art and Design. A very happy occasion - but so rushed and exhausting. After our arrival, we dumped our week-end bags in the hotel and went for a walk along the old harbour, waterfront area. It was warm and muggy, so while we stopped at a little pub for something to drink, I tried a quick sketch of my son. As far as sketching goes, this little effort was it! The rest of our time was spent at the graduation ceremonies - happy but LONG! Then cleaning up and moving Chris out of his apartment. That was hard work! Then the L-O-N-G drive home again. There are so many lovely places in Savannah that beg to be drawn or painted. Perhaps another time... I'm grateful my son had four wonderful years there.