La France en Virginie

Aha!! I have found a little of France in Virginia this morning!  I was walking with a friend not far from the studio and we both were surprised by these flowers and cart,  reminding us of our visits to France and Paris. Of course, it's not the same as being there but we have our memories!

Drawings of Magpies

Preparing for a new painting with Magpies!

Aquarium

Monday I took some time to visit  my city's aquarium and science center. It was a good day to go - quieter than usual. I was surprised to see some changes like the addition of this new tank of tropical fish. There are other larger tanks but this one had the best light for picture-taking. There's a big shark tank here and a new wrap-around one that's like a tunnel with more tropical fish...plus other tanks! 

It's a great place to observe fish for future artwork.
Sorry you can't see the fish clearly. :(  You can enjoy watching them swim!

 

Jean Peacock's Encaustic Painting

This is an encaustic painting that I have that was done by a friend of mine who specializes in encaustic, as well as oil painting. I like the design and the texture that she created and of course the colors. (my favorite!) Encaustic painting is hot wax painting where colored pigments are added to heated wax and applied to a surface, usually wood, using metal tools and brushes to shape the wax before it cools. Other materials can be collaged into the surface. I've never tried it but I really enjoy seeing the creations of artists who work this way, especially Jean's work. And I like to watch her explain how her paintings are easily polished with a cloth since they are so durable!