We had some unusual cold spells this winter in the Low country. On a sunny morning when the sun was peeking through at the lake, I was able to paint at my favorite spot in our backyard. I hope you can appreciate the Low country winter in this painting. This view never grows old. Each time I paint, it is a different painting. I feel so fortunate to have my version of Monet's Giverny without putting any effort into maintaining it.

My husband and I play golf at the neighboring Hampton Hall Golf Club. I am a better painter than a golfer. When the game is not going well, I enjoy the beauty of the course and ponder about what to paint. In recent years, I noticed that more and more natural elements are part of the landscaping. What a delight to see all these grasses adorn the area in an otherwise intimidating hazard. This painting was my friend's idea to gift her husband whose birthday is on Valentine's Day. We had so much fun planning this project secretly last fall! I hope he likes the painting as much as she does.

A floral still life painting starts with a selection of flowers. Main flowers and then supporting flowers of complementing colors and textures. Next is a vase that will enhance the arrangement. After that, I consider the background. I tend to go for a geometric division of the space which brings another layer of interest next to the organic form of the flowers. I was quite happy with this setup. I thank my mother who put me through flower arrangement classes when I was growing up in Seoul, Korea.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This bouquet is for you, my friends in Art!

Thank you again for spurring me to paint.

Without you, I would be painting lonely with less joy.

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