Looking Out Back

This type of landscaping plant is present in many yards in Florida. Its called a giant bird of paradise since it grows so large and the flowers look somewhat like a bird--you have to use a lot of imagination here! I didn't see any bird flowers on this one when I painted it though. Back in the summer heat an artist friend of mine invited me over to paint in her beautifully landscaped yard and I found this very tropical scene to paint.
9 x 12, oil on board

Plein Air Moment

When you're having one of those days when nothing appeals to you as subject matter you can always paint your fellow artists! Looking around for something to paint this view struck me. I quickly whipped out a very small canvas and sketched this scene in before my friend moved too much.
5 x 7, oil on canvas