Hibiscus

Hibiscus
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Daily Practice
Plein Air
Journal

I got out early yesterday, intending to paint the grapes we spotted - but my hibiscus, white and huge as platters, stopped me in my tracks. Instead of heading down the road, I sat in my own garden and painted these incredible flowers. The salvia, tall and the light blue of summer skies, were absolutely abuzz with bees, and while I sketched, I had a few land on my shoulders, and many more dipping into my paints and water. Several cats sat with me, curling up on the sundial -- each in turn.

It was a slow painting for some reason, so it wasn't until after dinner that I returned to the garden to finish up the painting. By then, it was over 90F and the shade was gone, so I sat in the MIDDLE of the flower bed, under the Vitex and painted --- ! It wasn't much cooler, I can tell you -- !

We are still in need of rain. I understand there have been showers far south of us, but we continue to be very dry. I watered the vegetables again, dried more tomatoes, and readied for the week.

It's the last week of our summer help, so we'll be having a small celebration to thank them for their help.

The summer seems to be flying by ... Stay cool!

Lin Frye
North Carolina