Now that I’ve finished painting the dahlia, I’ve returned to the magnolia painting I started a few weeks ago. I’ve decided not to use all the soft pastels I had originally intended, but to potentially make it more dramatic. At this stage, I’m playing around with color possibilities on my computer and also in actual paint without having made any decisions

Hubby Dave and I took a break and went to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum to see the Tree Peonies. Last week when I was there only a few flowers were open. Now, we caught it in full bloom. Tree Peonies are very delicate and if it rains, or there is another major weather event, like too much sun they wilt immediately. Since they’re so precious, the grounds crew sets up a tent to protect them from damage for the short time they’re in bloom. We so much appreciated their efforts.

This is a daily journal of my creative efforts as I prepare for my June 2026 solo exhibition in Poughkeepsie, NY, and my November exhibition in Chelsea, New York City.