I loved painting the highlights on the hydrangeas against the background of the lake and the deep shadows that the bush was casting.  

Painting at Aldridge Gardens

Aldridge Gardens had a paint-out earlier this month and I was lucky to participate in it.  The hydrangeas were unlike anything I have ever imagined.  It is the kind of place where you could spend a week happily painting.

Looking Up the Valley

Still early spring when the mountain looks more purple than anything in the morning light.

The Greens Patch

Morning looking eastward towards the mountain in early spring.  I loved how the light came through the trees before they leafed out.  I couldn't resist painting the greens patch in bloom.

Roosevelt and His Herd

This really was the color of the grass in the valley this spring.  Or so it seemed to me.  It will be interesting to compare later this season.

Peonies in the Sunlight

There is nothing more fun than painting peonies in the sunlight.  This was painted quickly as the clouds were moving overhead.  I kept another canvas at my feet for the cloudy light.  A really good exercise is to have to switch back and forth between sun and clouds and keep responding to color changes.

See Seven States

I couldn't really put my finger on the why, but Rock City is about the most fun place I have ever painted!