new paintings (and a boat!)

Last week I painted en plein air at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove with the Philadelphia Watercolor Society. It was wonderful to go out and paint with friends that I haven't seen in a while! 

Painting at Audubon

Audubon, 9x12 watercolor

I also painted live, en plein air, at Winterthur for their annual Daffodil Festival. 

Painting at Winterthur

Daffodils, 9x12 watercolor

and again at Winterthur for their Spring Wine Trail event. 

Painting at Winterthur

Winterthur vista, 9x12 watercolor

I just received news that I won a Merit Award in the Arizona Watercolor Society Annual National Exhibit for my painting "Out of the Darkness!"

Out of Darkness, 12x9 watercolor

Last week, I demonstrated acrylic painting for the Salem County Art League in New Jersey and did this quick little seascape for them... 

Beach, 8x10 acrylic on paper

But the coolest thing that happened was this...

yes, that might be a boat on top of my car. 

Yep, I bought a little Sunflower sailboat at the local thrift store! It's just perfect for me, as it is small enough and light enough for me to pick it up and load it on (and off) the top of my car all by myself. 

my new boat!

Whoopsie! 

A gust of wind capsized it while I was taking a photo! Not to worry, it's a sturdy little craft and a little wind won't harm it, or me. I haven't sailed in a long time, and I'm looking forward to puttering around on calm water when the days are warmer.