Painting amongst the Salvia's which were all blooming.

The happy sunflower stillife paintings have found themselves in a perfect spot in the Faimont Gallery, in Sonoma, California.  They brighten up the corner just in time for the harvest season.  The harvest has been happening for sunflowers as well as grapes.  The local farmers market have choice sunflowers for sale.  I set up with sunflower bouquets in my barn studio and bring in some unique vases to paint.  Funky, colorful and whimsical paintings come out of the my studio prolifically because I am inspired.

When I think of Autumn I think of flower arranging with sunflowers just for the purpose of painting stillife because the flowers are so inspiring, colorful and happy.

Some days you have magical painting days.  Everything seems to go well no matter what.  I think it has to do with the surroundings that we as painters decide to paint.  The hum of the bees around the lavender maybe my painting flow.  The brightness of the sun and the orange umbrellas cheered everyone around me.