Peonies Study_1

Oil on panel, 6"x8"

I have a commission piece of Peonies to paint for a collector so I thought I would do a few studies before I paint a larger piece. This being the first, will be the smallest and I will work larger each time. I have painted them before but it has been a while and I need to familiarize myself with them again. I think it would be cost prohibitive to attempt to locate real Peonies if it is even possible at this time of year but I found some silk ones at a nearby craft store and set them near my easel to paint directly from "fake" life.

"Zinnia"

Oil on panel, 6"x8"
Another painting from my backyard Zinnias.

"Patio Zinnias"

Oil on panel, 8"x10"

These zinnias are growing on my patio in my back yard. It has been a chore to keep them alive with this heat and drought we are experiencing but they are hanging on for at least a bit longer.