L Diane Johnson

As always, I learn so much from my students who challenge and enlighten me. Thanks to all who came, it was a wonderful time of discovery and painting en plein air!

BY POPULAR DEMAND I have reworked and redesigned my online shop for gift, apparel and home decor items with CafePress. Long respected for it's fulfillment and customer service, I have created new products with more on the way. All of course have a painting applied. Take a look to see what all the hub-bub is about. If you don't see your favorite piece posted there just let me know. I invite customer suggestions.

L. Diane Johnson Fine Art Gifts - Art for Everyday Living! Christmas IS coming, and there are hundreds of beautiful cards and ornaments ready for delivery - 2008 calendars will be rolled-out soon!

WHILE ON VACATION to paint the Smokey Mountains, the weather was not conducive to painting at all, even though I love painting in the rain and unique weather conditions. Although tough to paint last week, I took along a few photos that have shaped the region where I live. This piece is especially significant to me...the peach orchard has recently been leveled to build a housing development (known here as a PUD: "Planned Unit Development")

I am excited to have had been given permission by the owners of that land several years ago to shoot photos of this orchard. They were cautious and reluctant, as most folks are when approached by a stranger. Nevertheless, I was able to shoot photos rapidly rather than paint on location in this situation. I was just thankful to capture images of the land, home and pony all at the same time. This painting is a composite of what I came away with from the location.