I tried something new with this scenery. I made a diptych, a pair of paintings side by side. It was my usual morning walk with a friend when we came upon this small pond hidden away from the road. The blue sky on the water drew me in first. The more I looked at it, the more I saw elements intertwined together. I hoped to create a cohesive, interesting composition with spring light binding altogether. They were done in the studio; 8x8, oil with palette knife.

It is a magnolia season in the Low Country. The first time I saw this magnificent flower was in Durham, NC 40 years ago in the neighbor's yard. I wished we had one in our place. Now we are retired in a community that is adorned with magnolias. I am going to make one painting every year. Cool light on an overcast day brings out the serenity of the flower along with shiny waxy leaves.

You may have recognized this spot. I think I have made more than 10 paintings from the same location. Yet each painting has different light and colors. That is the thrill of Plein Air painting! This one is filled with early summer morning light.