Wild Trumpet Vine On The Dunes

I love the ocean, the beach, the dunes and trumpet vine. So you can imagine my joy when every summer the wild trumpet vine blooms on the dunes!

Flock of Birds Weather Vane

I view weather vanes as a unique form of folk art and I love seeing the renewed interest in beautiful and creative designs. This particular weather vane graces the steeple of an out building at the Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, Indiana. As the wind blows (and the breeze was certainly capricious while trying to get this shot) the flock "flies" around the spindle  in a graceful, beautiful swoop. 

White Feather In The Sand

While men may have their own agenda, we women must bear the responsibility of finding beauty in this world.

Paplio Polyxenes on Parsley

One day it will be a beautiful Swallowtail Butterfly.

White Geranium

Hidden Water Lily

Water Hyacinth

Blue Porch Rockers

Prayer Plant

Porch Swing

Old Wishing Well

Potted Geraniums

Entry Way

Cozy Corner

Cacti

Bell Flowers

Moon In Early Summer

There is nothing like the night sky during summer. Moon glow combined with a late setting sun creates the most gorgeous shades of blue in the evening sky. Add some puffy clouds and voila! A little night magic.

Dew Drops In The Pines

During my typical morning walk the other day, I turned a corner and the sunlight was hitting the water droplets in the pine trees creating a million sparkling crystals.

Wild Roses On The Dunes

I have never been a huge fan of cultivated roses, they seem so pretentious to me. But wild roses strike a chord with me; especially when they're growing on the beach. I think I relate to them. ;)

Prickly Pear Cactus Flowers

It's early morning and the flowers are waiting to be touched by the sun to open up for the day.

Wild Sweet Pea

Discovered sweet pea growing wild on the dunes the other day.

Butterfly Wings On The Beach

Once Upon A Time

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Once upon a time, there were true artisans who took pride in everything they made. There's an antique house in Savannah, Georgia which imports English antiques. There are so many more English antiques than American antiques because they have a few hundred years of history on us. There is one room in this antique "shop" that's primarily dedicated to old English pub fixtures. The intricately carved bars are gorgeous works of art. Some of them include painted glass panels, which is where I found this beauty. 

Beach Plum

Purple Irises

Lilacs

Buttercup In The Sand

Coat Hook

I love "usable" art; beautiful items that can be used in everyday life. Why should a coat hook be drab when it can be extraordinary like this one?

Cottage Chic

Staplers

Who says office supplies have to be boring?

Seashell Wreath

Mermaid Angel

Blue & White

Ceramic Tile

I'm crazy about ceramic tile; ceramic anything for that matter!

Pear Blossoms

Pear Blossoms

Shrine To Happiness

Make a spot to celebrate the things that make you happy!

Centerpiece

Bright Spot; Dreary Day

Last Dance With Mary Jane

There's something decadent about the way western civilization has turned food and drink preparation into an art form. However, I'm not here to pass judgment, just to record beauty.

(The title of this post is the name of the drink.)

Stones

Stones. I think everyone loves them. Whether they're the multi-faceted jeweled type, or a rock wall. They have figured heavily in my artwork over the years. I love the north eastern Maryland/south eastern Pennsylvania landscape where you see stone foundations, stone buildings and rock walls everywhere. 

Bling In My Studio

I know I talk a lot about having "bling" in my studio. But it's important to me to have my surroundings be cheery and cozy. I used to keep my paintbrushes in a plastic cup (no, not a red Solo cup) and I realized that it was not a very uplifting sight. One day, while scouring a local thrift shop with a friend, I came upon this ceramic crock for a couple of bucks. I was enchanted by the robin's egg blue glaze on the inside. Shortly after that, I found the ceramic seashell candle garland (never knew there was such a thing) in a local gift shop. It creates a bright and welcoming spot each morning when I enter my studio.

Little Things

Seriously, it doesn't take much to amuse me!

Still Life By The Sea

There are no words.

The Stuff Art Is Made From

My eyes were arrested by the shiny shapes and surfaces.

Carved By The Sea

Of course I was struck by this beautiful, lacy seashell that was so intricately carved by the sea. You probably noticed it in an earlier photo. (I took it home with me.)

Ole Olsen

Ole Olsen lives in an antique emporium converted from an old historic home in Savannah, GA. He knows how to strike a pose and highlight the old architecture and woodwork in the place.

Light and Color

Late afternoon sunlight plays a huge role in the dramatic effect of these random beach stones.

Shell Mosaic

My cousin and her boyfriend are both extremely artistic and express their talents in an almost romantic way. They created this seashell mosaic (notice the words and faces hidden in it) on a coffee table while on an island vacation; much as one would put together a jigsaw puzzle. 

At the end of three days, they declared it "finished" took some photos, and then whisked it all away. How cool is that?

Camellias

Flowers are such an extraordinary natural miracle and will forever excite the artistic sensibilities of humans.

Sea Glass

I'm fascinated with sea glass. Man's trash turned by nature into treasure. Amazing!