Daily Painting, "Manhattan Rooftop", 6x8" Oil

When in Manhattan, I cannot think of a better place to spend a few hours of a lazy Saturday afternoon than on a lovely garden rooftop.

Purchase here
100

This one was a real find, on the roof of the Hudson Hotel, a beautiful garden with comfortable seating.

Add the company of good friends and a glass or two of wine, and you have the perfect summer afternoon.

HENS AND CHICKS II, 12X12, OIL

This is the companion to my previous post.  If you look closely, you will see a baby jade plant nestled in the pot too.
Purchase here
$275

Some of you may not be familiar with Etsy, so I decided to start showing some of the great items I see there.  Everything is hand-made or vintage on Etsy and I have found some of the most unique items.  It is my favorite shopping place these days.  This is a cute notions book from Karamagic.  Made of vintage materials with a bright gingham print bow for closure.  Wouldn't you love to pull this out of your suitcase when you find a button has popped off?  It's enough to make you WANT that to happen!  And only $7.00!  What a great "just because" gift for your best friend.

HENS AND CHICKS AND BABY TOES, 12X12, OIL, SOLD

I have always been attracted to succulents and when I started traveling more frequently they seemed to be the answer to my gardening problems.  They are happy with or without water, with or without sun.  You don't even have to plant them.  Just throw them on the ground and they grow.

This pot was looking very pretty, sitting in the sun, so I had to paint it.  This is the first of two, I will post the companion piece next time.

Don't forget about my painting give-away on Etsy...read the January 16th post for details.

HENS AND CHICKS AND BABYTOES, 12X12 OIL

I find that for my life, succulents are the perfect plants.  This time of the year in Florida we have blazing heat when everything dries up, followed by tropical downpours.  In the winter we may have temperatures below freezing.  We spend a lot of time traveling in the summer, so if I want my patio to look good I have to buy plants that are tough.  These babies seem to fill the bill.  So, this is my little ode to succulents, the amazing plants that come in thousands of shapes and spieces.

HENS AND CHICKS AND BABY TOES, 6X8 SOLD, OIL, CA SCHIFF

I

I know that you have seen "hens and chicks" around, everybody has them, but have you ever seen "baby toes"?? This was something new to me and I liked the way they looked together. However, it was not a match made in heaven. We are in the rainy season here in Florida, and one day I went out to the garden and the baby toes had melted away. Too much rain! Maybe I will get lucky and find them again someday.

TULIPS, 6x8, OIL ON PANEL

I love flowers, but I rarely paint them. It just takes too much preparation for me. Go to the florist and buy, keep them alive. Usually I paint something that has a longer shelf life. My weekly paint group, Pieces of Eight, tried these out last Monday. I ended up with a wiping my attempt but came home with several photos. So, this is my studio try, off the computer monitor, my new best friend. I can see that I need to tone down all that pink which completely overwhelms the poor tulip!