BIRDHOUSE AND AZALEAS By Cecelia Lyden

oil/stretched canvas

11x14

www.cecelialyden

Another gray day, but not raining; so I decided to travel to my neighbor's yard to catch some beautiful azalea color before the wet weather washed it all away. I set up the composition, laid in the values [very flat with no sunshine to create shadows], colors and large and small shapes and finished the details indoors while it rained outdoors.

COLOR ABOUNDS By Cecelia Lyden

The SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY PLEIN AIR PAINTERS, had a wonderfully successful reception for our fifth annual art exhibit last night. Happily, I was part of the success with the sale of my lily garden painting. We had 22 participants with 70-80 beautiful paintings, yummy food and drink and a big crowd-a good time.

COLOR ABOUNDS By Cecelia Lyden

oil/canvasboard

11x14

www.cecelialyden.com

This is my last painting in the Boyer's garden for this year. I caught these colorful lilies, looking beautiful in the bright sunshine,  before they faded. The season for lilies is just about over, and my neighbors informed me that they have no other large, multiple groups of flowers planned for the remainder of the summer. However, there is always next year, and I'll return with my easel and paints in the spring to witness and paint their beautiful array of azaleas, irises and other spring flowers.

LAVENDER BLUE By Cecelia Lyden

oil/stretched canvas

8x10

www.cecelialyden.com

A bit overcast, but still another lovely day for painting outside. The deep purple, almost velver-like lilies contrasted nicely with the lavender and coral colored lilies.

TOOLSHED IN THE SHADE By Cecelia Lyden

oil/canvas

11x14

www.cecelialyden.com

Another beautiful day for painting outdoors. I chose this shaded area with dappled sunlight to paint today. This gave me the opportuity to include a couple of the many trees situated in the Boyers' yard. I'll be there tomorrow, Thursday, if the weather holds.

LILIES GALORE By Cecelia Lyden

oil/canvas

11x14

www.cecelialyden.com

                                                       

The lilies growing in my neighbor's yard attract me, my paints and

camera every year. Each year there  are different varieties. Their colors contrast with the deep shade in their yard, and I chose to keep the background simple to emphasize that contrast.

THROUGH THE OPEN GATE By Cecelia Lyden

oil/stretched canvas

11x14

www.cecelialyden.com

Painted during Plein Air Camp Hill-looking out my friend's open garden gate.

HOSTAS AND BAMBOO By Cecelia Lyden

oil/stretched canvas

11x14

www.cecelialyden.com

I chose the same area as Julie at the Lindenwood Estate. My emphasis, however, was the alley between the hostas, Hostas Alley, [Julie's name] and its view of the tall bamboo trees. I also loved the contrast of the bright green, sunlit ferns against the dark, in shadow, base of the bamboo trees. I'm a "sucker" for strong light contrasts.

AZALEAS IN BLOOM By Cecelia Lyden

oil/stretched canvas

11x14

http://www.cecelialyden.com/

Same neighbors' yard-different location and different days. Some of our SVPAP group and I have spent a lot of time in their yard the past couple of weeks. I captured these azaleas a day before heavy rains devastated them.