Rock Bottom Creek

Rock Bottom Creek

16 x 8 in., oil on panel

sold

Last Thursday I painted at Bull Creek here in Austin.  It was a gorgeous January day--something like 38 f in the morning when we started painting, but it warmed up quickly.  I had fun with the very vertical composition I decided to do with this one.  I've done another since and I have to say, I'm enjoying the unique perspective.

-julie davis

Along the Creek

Along the Creek, 8 x 10

sold

Our Wednesday painting group met at Bull Creek again last week. It's always amazing to me how many people are walking dogs, taking a stroll, and just enjoying the weather on any given weekday there. As one young man said to me as he paused on his walk, "That's what I love about Austin--you see people painting outside on a random Wednesday....you just don't see that everywhere."

-julie davis

Meandering Creek

Meandering Creek, 10 x 8

The creeks are full in our part of Texas right now--a refreshing change from the drought this summer. The bonus is that it should be a fantastic spring for the wildflowers (and those who will paint them!)

-julie davis

Up the Creek

Up the Creek, 6 x 8

Yet another from my Bull Creek trip.  I took plenty of photos knowing I probably wouldn't get outside to paint again for a while.  Tomorrow is the last day of school; I can't tell you what a relief that will be, for all of us.  And this weekend, my generous husband is taking over all weekend so that I can go on Plein Air Austin's annual trip--a whole weekend of painting outside.

Thank you, Ben!

-julie davis

Still Creek

Still Creek, 5 x 7

We're getting so close to the end of school--I told a friend I needed the three day weekend just to make it through the last four days of the schoolyear!  This Memorial Day seemed more of an opportunity to catch our collective breath in our family, as well as to reflect on all the sacrifices that have been and continue to be made for our freedoms.

I DID actually paint every day of the last weekend (except last Thursday), but I just couldn't bring myself to the computer.  I took a break to catch my breath.  Thanks to each one of you who has commented in the meantime--I passed along the Kreative Blogger Award and then went radio-silent.  I hope you know I'm still reading and smiling when I get your comments.  

I painted this today from a photo I took last week at Bull Creek here in Austin.  It's another view of the rock-bottomed creek--such a beautiful spot where people bring their dogs to play in the water.  

-julie davis

Upper Bull Creek

Upper Bull Creek, 6 x 8

Stressful as these late May days are with kids in school and the myriad of responsibilities flooding into daily life, today was a great day.  First, I was able to go out again and paint at Bull Creek here in Austin with my painting friends (makes any day fantastic), then I delivered several paintings I had sold to a dear friend, and of course the American Idol finale is tonight. Another very good friend is momentarily at my doorstep for a glass of wine, and last, I opened my blog to find Ann Rogers had awarded me a Kreative Blogger award today.  Thank you, Ann.  

One of the enormous benefits of being any kind of artist these days is the beautiful online community of peers and supporters that you get to be a part of when you blog.  Thank you to all of you who faithfully comment....I read every one and though I'm not always able to comment back, know I deeply appreciate every one--they are all boosters in my day.  As for the award, it entails linking back to the one who gave it, and listing seven things you love, and forwarding it on to seven bloggers you enjoy.  I've already exceeded my "short-and-to-the-point" personal rule, so here they are quickly: my husband, my daughters, my deep friendships, painting outside on a beautiful Austin day, my faith, my fabulous mom and siblings, and a great glass of red wine.  Some of my favorite artists to follow:

Laurel Daniel

Angella Elledge

Carolyn Finnell

Camille LaRue Olson

Kerri Settle

Jared Kelley

Barbara Muir

May you all have a great day!

-julie davis