Butterfly Song (Harkness Park) by Roxanne Steed

20"x20" oil on stretched canvas

"This was one of those perfect New England days in late summer where the spirit of autumn takes a first stealing flight, like a spy, through the ripening country-side, and, with feigned sympathy for those who droop with August heat, puts her cool cloak of bracing air about leaf and flower and human shoulders." ~Sarah Orne Jewett

This quote describes the weather today so well. It did feel like just a touch of fall was in the air. A bit scary/suspicious if you ask me, as I'm not ready at all for summer to end. It feels like it just got here! This scene is back at Harkness Park, the joe-pye weeds in this field are so pretty. Butterflies love it, and are flitting along the blossom tops.

This painting is available directly from the artist in my DailyPainter.com gallery store.

North Cove, Old Saybrook by Roxanne Steed

16"x20" oil on linen mounted on archival panel

"Do not tell fish stories where people know you; but particularly don't tell them where they know the fish." -Mark Twain


Another beautiful day here in New England! I was able to go back to Old Saybrook and finish the piece I started on last week down on the North Cove. My friend's yard overlooks the cove and all the boats moored out there are so beautiful.

I had been wanting to work on larger pieces on location. I usually work on this size in the comfort of my studio. But I did want to see what I could bring to the effort by being on location. I got the canvas covered last week, with everything blocked in & indicated in placement (in particular the boats and the clouds, which continue to move all the time). Once I indicate the direction of light hitting the boats, that's the crucial point for me. (***And I strongly suggest to artists just starting out, to lay out a lot of paint!)

This week I came back for the finish, which actually doesn't take that long once the "bones" (or foundation) of the painting are carefully set.

This painting may be purchased directly from me, at my DailyPainters.com gallery store

Shoreline New England Summer Afternoon by Roxanne Steed

8"x10" oil on Belgian linen mounted on museum quality board

"Your purpose in life isn't to arrive at a destination where you find inspiration, just as the purpose of dancing isn't to end up at a particular spot on the dance floor. The purpose of dancing - and of life - is to enjoy every moment and every step, regardless of where you are when the music ends."
- Dr. Wayne Dyer


Today's painting "Harkness Summer Afternoon", and is a 8"x10" oil on oil-primed linen mounted on museum quality board. Sunday afternoon was one of those perfect summer days that make you wish it would last forever!
They were setting up for a wedding behind me, a kite club festival was being held on the grounds along with all the picnickers, walkers, etc, touring through the garden on this weekend afternoon. What a happy buzz in the air, a true celebration of life!

This painting is already sold - it was commissioned as a wedding gift for her dear friends. I am always moved and so grateful to be a part of special commemorations in people's lives.

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