Shady Characters

"Shady Characters" 6x6" oil on gessobord

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One of the coolest things about summer—an oxymoron in Texas—are the deep cool shadows and dappled light filtering through the leaves. I could sit and watch this light show for hours. 

We have five huge-old-oak trees hovering above our yard spending their days lazily cascading shards of light into silent flickers of colored shapes that dance across my tiny islands of grass and gardens. Their countless wash of winks, mottle the breadth of towering orange canas, coral winding trumpet vines, spikes of scarlet and blue salvia, rose-colored oleanders, a row of pastel-tinted crape myrtles, fiery lantana, white butterfly gingers and powdery puffs of pink hydrangea...the magical oaks taking special delight in waking blushing four o'clocks from their slumber; speckling the wings of oblivious birds splashing in the garden baths.

I caught these two shady Adirondack characters red handed hanging out around the pool, sitting on violet stippled decking looking oh, so innocent! They were trying their best to lure me away from my work. But I knew they were up to no good and not to be trusted, one quick repose and they've got you and won't let you go for hours on end...especially if you happen to have a great book in your hand. 

Thanks for resting here awhile and viewing my work.

nancy

 

To view all of my available paintings in my gallery click here http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/nancy-parsons-122  * Sold pieces are marked with a red dot.

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books:  NEW 2012 Daily Planner and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design business: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

"Jeepers Peepers"

"Jeepers Creepers" 8x6" oil on canvas panel

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Rangoon Creeper

Where'd you get those creepers? I took my easel out early Saturday morning to paint the soft morning light cutting through pines and oaks across the sleepy surface of our backyard pool, and spotlighting the tips of my favorite vine, a Rangoon Creeper. Also known as Chinese honeysuckle, this stunning plant grows along our fence producing fragrant blossoms ranging in hues from white to red all summer and stretching into fall. It literally makes me smile every time I see it. 

One of the joys of owning a pool is watching the reflections on a motionless glassy surface. It seems almost magical as the world around me flips totally upside down in mirror-like quality. An interesting fact about painting reflections on water is the fact that light colored objects appear darker and dark colored objects appear lighter. I know it sounds impossible but I challenge you to keen your peepers to witness this subtle phenomena. 

Thanks for viewing!

nancy

Fall Show Offs

"Fall Show Offs" 8x6" oil on canvas panel

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Have paint will travel!!! I just bought an awesome new lightweight portable easel, which collapses down to fit in my backpack. So last weekend, I thought I'd try a little plein air.  I am not sure if painting on your patio counts as plein air but after all, I was outside?

In a recent challenge, posted at DailyPaintWorks.com, artists were invited to go outside and paint the fall colors where they live. What a joke! Fall colors don't even exist in Texas where green things just turn brown, shrivel up and drop to the ground. In fact, we are still experiencing blistering temps with no end in sight...and along with the heat...the worst drought since the 1700s. I count myself lucky to have little color remaining in my poolside oasis, where drought tolerant potted beauties: purple Angelonia, golden Marmalade Rudbekia, yellow Ixora and hot pink Pentas continue to defy nature.

Lord have mercy, forecasters are predicting this dry weather pattern will continue for another year... I may need to start planting cactus.

Thanks for viewing!
nancy

FREE SHIPPING
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works,  ebay and  Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or  other small areas.