Sunday, May 26, 2013

Big, Bright Flowers

work in progress
22x30

I hope everyone is enjoying this Memorial Day weekend and that we all take a minute to remind ourselves and our children what Memorial Day is about.   

I have a little more work left on this painting.  It is a full sheet of watercolor paper, so the yellow zinnia is pretty big.  Like most artists, we all love to paint flowers.  I was attracted to the shadows that were in the photo.  I have the step by step progress photos posted on my Liana Yarckin Watercolors facebook page.  Any thoughts on the name for this painting?

News:  City Cafe is having a last hurrah party this Wednesday, May 29, 6-8.  This party coincides with the closing of my show.  It has been a great success.  I have hung new paintings in place of those that sold, so if you already went to the reception, there are new things to see.  

Thanks for visiting and thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Spring in Dallas, Texas

Home Portrait
11x14

Versailles Park 
11x14

Gorgeous Azaleas 



My Rose Topiaries

The weather has been amazingly gorgeous here.  I feel like we are in California.  Mild temps and the flowers are loving it!  And also, I am so distracted by this gorgeous weather.  I have spring fever.  I just want to be outside, whether working in the garden, hanging out at the garden shops (and even running into fellow artists at the garden shop), bubbles with my dog, sitting with friends, taking walks or doing nothing at all.  So I find it hard to stay inside and paint.  Normally, I take my paints outside and plein air paint, but, this year I have not.  

The above painting was for a local realtor, Shirly Cohn.  She gives these as closing gifts to her clients.  I took the photo on a sunny morning and I am pleased that in my opinion, the painting reflects that gorgeous morning.  The next painting is of a popular neighborhood park, Versailles Park.  I took the photo of it hanging in it's frame at City Cafe.  One of the last Highland Park paintings that I have left.  Perfect Mother's Day gift....

Then I had to share with you photos of flowers from this spring.  The photos don't do it justice.  The one of the azaleas I see all of the time when walking my dog.  When I come to this part of the walk, I love the feeling here.  There are azaleas up the driveway and also coming down the other side of the house wrapping into a sweeping curve along the sidewalk with trees overhanging so low.  I have taken several photos, but, I can't capture the feeling or the beauty.  

The last photo is one from my backyard.  It was such a delight to see "my rose topiaries" in full bloom.  More than 20 years ago I had designed calling cards for myself with a computer drawing of a rose topiary in a pot.  I had no idea that I could ever have such a pretty rose topiary blooming in real life.  This morning I enjoyed the crisp, dry 70 degree temperature while dead heading them.  I have 6 and I am so messy, I just threw the clippings on the ground.  

My show is still hanging at City Cafe.  If you have not had a chance to go by, you have until the end of May.  It has been great.  A lot of paintings have sold and I have received several commissions.  And, several people have asked me to put me on my mailing lists for upcoming shows.  I truly feel blessed with this success and the opportunity to experience this gorgeous spring.

Say hi to me on Liana Yarckin Watercolors facebook page.

p.s.  I have updated my website with new paintings, too.  
www.lianayarckin.com