L Diane Johnson

TOMORROW BEGINS the High Springs Invitational Paint Out. Twenty five artists will converge on this tiny historic town. I've been here in Florida for three days to get the lay of the land and do some warm-up painting.

After driving around for hours I ended back at the little house I am staying in to paint on the front porch. I brought one of the best books I've ever read on Monet so decided to make a little story with the painting. Cool lemonade and a good book in an easy chair! Now that's fun. But I sat back and worked on the piece in paint instead, and can read my book later:)

Looking forward to a great event of painting in various locations including the Santa Fe River. I'll post more pieces as the are created. Here's the completed painting...

WHILE I AM COMPLETING PAINTINGS in between trips here is the latest:

YET ANOTHER PAINTING IN A LAVENDER GARDEN only this time with a figure in the piece. Many ask if I ever paint people. Those of you who know me may remember I began my career as a portraitist. For many years, however, I have concentrated on the landscape alone (of course with architecture too:) There will be many more paintings to come that include figures, however, I am currently concentrating on a lavender and sunflower collection which will only feature a few people in the mix. I am also beginning work on two large paintings of Monet's garden with figures in the landscape.

Meanwhile, I have a plein-air painting evevent at the end of October in Florida. Looking forward to a few palms, beautiful beaches and charming villages!