I have been doing plein air paintings around my neighborhood, ones that are totally done outside. Yes, you have to carry all the equipment to the site and battle the wind, sun and bugs. And the mosquitoes are awful now! Anyway, I love my neighbor’s gate with the “waterfall” steps (conservation neighborhood requirement), the red cannas and white rose of sharon, all back lit by the morning sun.
"Cone Flower Porch" by Ann McCann 11 X 14" Oil
Everyone liked the photo of my front yard with cone flowers so much that I decided to paint it. The architecture took more time than I thought. It was a relief to go loose and free with the flowers!
"Tulip Glow" by Ann McCann 9 X 12" Oil
This is a tulip garden at the Dallas Arboretum. They were glowing in the sun that day and I tried to capture that with warm, transparent color.
"Colorful Cones" by Ann McCann 20 X 20" Oil at Baylor Health Sciences Library
I plan to feature paintings in my next posts that are currently on exhibition at the Baylor Health Sciences Library in Dallas. As my front yard is currently filled with these coneflowers, this is a very timely post for me. I love these cheerful prairie flowers that bloom a long time and are always dancing with butterflies.
Ann McCann's Show at the Baylor Health Sciences Library is Still on Exhibit
Come see my show at 3500 Gaston Ave in the Baylor Hospital complex, Dallas. There are 22 new oil paintings of flowers and landscapes from across the US and other far flung places. Some have sold (including the poppies here), but I have replaced them with new paintings. It is a great venue for displaying art. Let me know you plan to attend, and I will meet you there for a private tour.
"Opening Roses" by Ann McCann at the Lakewood Library Art Exhibit May 2019
Here is my painting at the Dallas Lakewood Library Art Exhibit. This show is open until June 15, 2019. This painting is for sale.
"Poppy Heaven" 9 X 12 Oil (c)Ann McCann 2019
"Poppy Heaven" by Ann McCann 9 X 12 Oil
Everyone loves red poppies and what could be better than a whole field of them, especially against a cloud filled turquoise sky. Maybe its due to our memories of Dorothy lying in a poppy field in the Wizard of Oz!
“Poppies & Larkspur” 9 X12” Oil (c)Ann McCann 2019
"Poppies & Larkspur" by Ann McCann 9 X 12" Oil
These are wildflowers planted at a local elementary school, red poppies and larkspur in various colors. There is a big “do not mow” sign there. It makes for a colorful and somewhat abstract composition.
"Texas Lovelies" by Ann McCann 9 X 12" Oil
An elementary school near us has lovely wildflower beds. This one features bluebonnets and poppies, both Texas favorites.
"Daisies & Lace" by Ann McCann 16 X 20" Oil
This is a wildflower field on White Rock Lake in Dallas. It was lovely to just sit there in the sun, feel the breeze off the lake and watch the butterflies darting about.
"Bluebonnet Park" by Ann McCann 9 X 12 Oil
This is a lovely city park in Ennis, Texas. The orange flowers are Indian Paintbrush, a perfect companion to bluebonnets.
"Willow City Loop Bluebonnets" by Ann McCann 9 X 12 Oil
Since I am on a bluebonnet kick, I thought I would feature a painting from several years ago. I painted most of this plein air, standing above this wonderful landscape. Then, I did some finish work in my studio when I got home. This is an area close to Fredericksburg , Texas. I hear the wildflowers are beautiful this year too.
"Orange & Blue Fireworks" by Ann McCann 16 X 20 Oil
After my visit to the bluebonnet fields in Ennis, Texas, I have been somewhat obsessed with painting the wildflowers. This is my largest one so far. The complementary colors sparkle and remind me of firework displays.
"Texas Spring" by Ann McCann 9 X 12" Oil
Here is what springtime in the Texas countryside looks like, bluebonnets, paintbrush and evening primrose. It is quite glorious right now. Busloads of people from around the world come to view them.