It may not have been...

...a highly productive week in the studio, but I've managed at the least to get some juicy thoughts on the tables.

Owen's  fifth birthday is coming up soon, and his request this year for his birthday painting is Pikachu.  If you're as cartoon-challenged as am I, the link will give you an explanation.  😉

I found a painted cheesecloth in the studio that will be a great experiment with more GAC400 for a little larger vase.  Wish me luck!

I've finished two of the five signatures in my mini collage 'travel ' journal.  I'd say it's time to get the other two done, don't you think?

I've half a dozen watercolour sheets (12 x 16") being pressed, for some Tracy Verdugo Playful Painter lessons.  I'm feeling anticipatory to the max.

And I've got one ready to go just as soon as I can find the mojo and time!

I'm auditioning some elements for a painting, and being totaly underwhelmed by this look.  Thinking, thinking, thinking.

Our July was so lovely, I've been spending more time outside, and less in the studio.  I thought you'd enjoy seeing some of our surroundings.

Our sunrises have been glorious recently,

and the combination of sunshine and rain have made the gardens particularly glorious.  It almost makes me want to take up gardening in my spare time.  🤣😂😅

Sending you wishes for an outstanding August and a gentle leadup into fall - another beautiful season.  Happy creating, however you're doing it!  

Well, it's gardening time again,

...I'm gonna leave you.  It's no secret to my friends that I'm intensely allergic to all forms of gardening, unless it happens to be from the viewpoint of the deck while the husband-in-residence (aka John) does it all.

Against my personal wants/wishes/desires, I knew that the time had come to get out into the iris patch.   It presently appears as though there is only one lonely iris anywhere in the area due to the horrendous infestation of quack grass which has appeared in increasing numbers every year.

We have a lovely back yard, which John has turned into a cornucopia of heritage tomatoes,

blackberries,

garlic,

and other soft fruits and vegetables too numerous to mention.

And while John's interest definitely lies in the direction of food (is that a guy-gardening thing?), I've a fondness for flowers, so he kindly indulges me.

The deck is awash in florals (with some handy-to-the-kitchen tomatoes thrown in for good measure) where even the barbeque is now ready for summer.

Of course you're wondering how the iris patch is looking after all my intensive weeding, so I thought I'd take a second photo...

I like it much better this way.