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I start each day with a cup of coffee, devotional time then plan my day.  This particular morning at 8:00 am the sun was out which meant it would be a great for plein air painting! I knew where I wanted to paint based on a Facebook post of the Geneva tulips in bloom from my friend Kim a few days earlier.  I missed this extraordinary display last year so I was determined to capture it this year.

Once I arrived I walked around and took a few photos to help figure out a scene to paint then set up my easel, worked up a quick composition/value sketch then began painting. 

As I painted a steady flow of people arrived to photograph their children in front of the beautiful blanket of colorful tulips.  Children ranging from a few months old to high school girls with their moms.  A few were interested in seeing how my painting was coming along and we’d visit a bit.  I enjoy hearing their stories and connection to their interest in art.  A couple ladies asked to photograph me painting the tulips which is all good just asked them to text me the photos so I could post them on social media.

A young mother stopped by my easel with her son and daughter to watch me paint and visit.  Her little girl was very interested in watching.  A budding artist I’m sure.  I shared with them how I used to teach elementary art for a season but now enjoying my long awaited passion of painting the landscape.  She asked for a business card but I was in such a rush to get to the gardens early that morning that I forgot to pack them.  I shared my website, Facebook and Instagram which she typed into her phone then they were on their way.

I posted several photos of my plein air tulip painting progress while on site to Facebook.  After a couple hours the lighting had changed and I was getting a bit hungry so I headed back to my studio.  Finishing touches were added using my reference photos then another post to Facebook.  The next morning I woke to a Facebook message from this mom. She asked if my painting was available to purchase.  What a joy to hear that she wanted to bless her daughter with Geneva Tulip Garden for her birthday. 
I’d love to hear if this little girl pursues painting some day.  A lovely memory for me as well.  I’ll be painting this scene larger in my studio from the photos I took that morning.

An honor to be recognized by Boldbrush Painting Competition Jurors with "Gulf View Wave 1"  as one of their FAVORITE 15% in March 2020. "Gulf View Wave 1" was painted in my studio from a photo I took while on Spring Break with my daughter in Destin, Florida. We drove to Destin so I could travel with my easel, paints and camera. I had a couple opportunities to paint on the beach. This was before the pandemic hit.  By the end of our week all the beaches were closing. I'm thankful we got this trip in and I have lots of amazing photos and memories to paint from.