Bluebonnets Abstract, 36H x 24W acrylics on canvas, wrapped sides painted, narrow frame.

It’s Bluebonnet Season in Texas again! The Bluebonnets Abstract is not typical of my work, but when studying any subject, it’s liberating and enlightening to try painting it from different perspectives and try many styles.

Eastern Redbuds, Coppell, Texas USA, 14 x 11 inches soft pastels on paper.

Showcased in Artjury.com’s 2007 Spring/Summer Online Exhibition.

Above: this morning’s emerging Myrtle leaves, an addition to the Heart Shapes in Nature series.

Upcoming exhibitions:

1. Polypore Fungi is on exhibit at the VAST 40th Annual Spring Exhibition in Denton, Texas April 10 through May 29, 2008. Opening Reception Thursday, April 10th 6:00 – 8:p.m. at the Meadows Gallery 400 E. Hickory, Denton.

2. Firewheels, 18 x 24 x 2 inches Acrylics – Texas and Neighbors Regional Art Exhibition at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, Texas April 26 through May 24th, 2008. Opening Reception Sunday, April 27th 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Adding to the whimsical garden sculptures of root systems, here are The Twins.

I couldn’t resist buying a deep-yellow Calla Lily at the local nursery, then while out pulling weeds and transplanting it, a large slow-moving beetle called for a portrait.

Mockingbird mating flight ritual – 10 x 10 inches study in graphite, eraser, paper

Last night it was especially noticeable that the Mockingbirds have started their mating season. Pronouncing himself at the highest peak on a rooftop, the male mocks other birds’ calls, repeating each 3-4 times before changing to another call. Then in a ritual flight dance he flies up a short distance and does graceful flip in the air, flashing the white wing stripes, back to the perch and repeats the pattern over and over.

After listening to them quite a bit, there are some that have a larger repertoire of calls and a louder, determined, clearer song…I’m guessing that those are the most mature and attractive.

75*F a couple of days ago, and snow last night. Spring temps here in northern Texas go from one extreme to the other.

Great White Egret at Andy Brown Jr. Park, Coppell, Texas. Early morning melting frost, still slightly foggy, enough sun to make the water and dew in the grass sparkle, with a Mayfly appearing at exactly the right moment!
The photo was digitally changed to black and white and the contrast was clarified.

The Grape Hyacinth started blooming this week…next the Iris, and I can’t wait to see the Ornamental Onions again.

Amazing sunset tonight.