Early April

Early April

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

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I've at last had a chance to work on some 6 x 8 studies--something I love to do because of the amount of practice it allows.  When I'm able to do a few in a row it's great practice in composition, and it keeps me interested. :)

I actually started this piece a little over a week ago as a quick sketch after I wiped down a larger plein air piece (of a totally different subject). I had to stop about 10 minutes into it at the time, but picked it up today, and I like where it went.

-julie davis

Heaven in Texas

my painting companion today

Heaven in Texas....redundant statement

Heaven in Texas, 11 x 14 in.
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I'll start by explaining my post title. It really was sunny most of the morning (despite the overcast sky in the second photo); a sunny, 80 degree April day in Texas where the wildflowers are in full bloom--how can it get any better? Did I mention I was surrounded by bluebonnets?

Several of us in Plein Air Austin met at McKinney Falls Park in Austin today to paint. The water was flowing, but the flowers were impossible to pass up. They'll be gone soon, and I'm hoping the water will be there a little longer than the flowers, though after last summer one never knows. The butterfly above kept me company for half and hour or more today--brave little guy.

-julie davis

In the Thick of It

In the Thick of It, 12 x 12

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Under a tree and in the midst of wildflowers...seems like a good location for almost anything to me. The donkeys that used to live in this old shelter had a pretty good view of the Guadalupe River, and of course, a decent view of these flowers. This is a slightly larger version of "Unexpected Color" from another post. I keep wanting to get a closer composition of the barn, so I guess I'll just have to go back.

-julie davis

Unexpected Color

Unexpected Color, 8 x 10

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The unexpected part was finding wildflowers in bloom this time of year. On a recent trip to the Hill Country of Texas, my family and I found fields literally covered with yellow--and even some blue. Whatever these were, they were a pleasant surprise.

-julie davis