Huntington Gardens Adventure: A Focus on Nature's Beauty

 I recently visited the Huntington Gardens, and the beauty I found there truly moved me. I initially aimed to share my top ten favorite nature photographs from that trip, but as I compiled them, I felt compelled to share eleven!

Art is a powerful force that continuously drives me to seek beauty, and sometimes, the raw power and intricate detail of nature becomes my inspiration. In this collection of garden-centric photographs, I wanted to capture and share that very spark. I hope you feel it too!

Happy Earth Day! Photograph of a Bee Hanging on...

 

I took this photo of a bee on a purple flower at Huntington Gardens.  The bee seems to be just hanging on.  I love to photograph the beauty of nature, flowers and animals inform my art and fill my soul with hope.  I hope that this Earth Day, there is some time to contemplate the delicate balance of our world.

Cuddle Time! Huntington Gardens Photograph of a Bee with a Yellow Rose...

 

It was a beautiful day at Huntington Gardens yesterday.  My mother wanted to see the roses and they were gorgeous.  The bees were buzzing, the hummingbirds humming, and the gardens were glorious.  In this photograph that I took, the bee looked like it was cuddling the yellow rose...

Happy Mother's Day! Photograph of Blue Flowers at Huntington Gardens...

 

I took this photograph of blue flowers at Huntington Gardens on my most recent visit with my mother.  I believe this blue-green flower is a rare bromeliad from Chile called Puya alpestris that blooms in the spring in the Desert Garden.  Mother's Day is a special day to celebrate one of our most precious family members and friends, but it is also shared moments that draw us together.  Many thanks to my mother for being with me.

Yellow Bird Amidst Some Yellow Flowers at Huntington Gardens...

 

I took this photograph of a yellow bird amidst some yellow flowers at Huntington Gardens some time ago.  It was actually in the parking lot as we were leaving.  I woke this day with a powerful urge to look at the beauty of the gardens and decided to share this one with you.  I hope it will bring you some hapiness as it did me.

Happy Earth Day! Photograph of a Bee Pollinating a Flower at Huntington Gardens....

 

Happy Earth Day!

I don't know the name of this flower, but it struck me with its beauty.  I was photographing it at Huntington Gardens when this sweet bee came along to pollinate the flower...

Original Purple Anemone Flower Floral Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! In Persuit of Flora at Huntington Gardens Part I (Closed Show)...

For the month of August I will be offering a free random rough sketch included with any original art order on my website lisarusso.com!  I plan on starting to make some adjustments in pricing and content on my website in September, so now is an excellent time to take a look...

"Violet Windflower" Original 8"x10" Painting on Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Violet Windflower."  Anemone flowers translate to windflower in Greek and in the myths were thought to have sprung from Athena's tears from the loss of Adonis.  The art has a soft realist impressionist feel.  The purple anemone floral painting is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisarusso.com; however, on the first Tuesday of the month, I like to put some art prints and LE ACEO prints on ebay at a lower promotional rate for the duration of the auctions...  This month, my theme includes some of my Chinese Zodiac inspired animals, you may see them here.

Bonus Featured Image "Violet Windflower"

8"x10" Open Edition print on Sale here

ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 on Sale here

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday

http://www.create-with-joy.com/

=================================================

In Persuit of Flora Part I

Huntington Gardens (Closed Show)

Eighteenth-Century Botanical Drawings from The Huntington's Art Collections

Huntington Art Gallery – Works on Paper Room

The natural world is filled with many wonders and beauty.  In the 18th century, botanical illustrations were a way to describe and record very detailed depictions of fruits and flowers.  This show exhibited botanical drawings from Huntington Garden's Art Collections.  In addition to being delicate and lovely works of art, these pieces conveyed information about the plants that were painted.  These botanical illustrations from the "Age of Discovery" were a wonder to behold.  I hope that you will enjoy them.

This is part I of II.  I will link to part II here.   This is a closed show.

Climbing Lily by Georg Dionysius Ehert

Carolina Dogwood by Henrietta Conyers

Apocynum Canadense by Henrietta Conyers

Honeywort with a Butterfly by Matilda Conyers

Marvel of Peru by Matilda Conyers

Cistus Ladaniferus by Georg Dionysius Ehert

Aloe Africana, Erecta, Rotundo by Georg Dionysius Ehert

Greengages and Other Fruit by Georg Dionysius Ehert

Whilst I have continued to sketch daily, I spent my time getting this ready and haven't had a chance to prep my sketches yet.  I'll try to get caught up on posting my daily sketches on Friday.

My Photograph of a Pink Saucer Magnolia Flowers at Huntington Gardens + Sketches of Little Red Riding Hood, Big Eye Mermaid, & Flowers/ February 24-28 / Art Sketch Daily...

I took this photograph of this pink saucer magnolia at Huntington Gardens during my most recent visit.  There was a tree with many blooms close to the ground, I was able to photograph from above.  Solo or with one of my maidens, this flower is very tempting for me to paint.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

I love to paint flowers, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

=============================================

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is inspired by the fairytale little red riding hood.  She is the first of three variations that I will sketch.  When I have completed them, I will decide which one I like the best and move forward towards refining the sketch to paint.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in February. This is from day 24. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of some daffodil flowers.  They have such a sweet allure...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in February.  This is from day 25.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is gently swimming with her hair flowing in the water...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in February. This is from day 26. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is inspired by the fairytale little red riding hood.  She is the second of three variations that I will sketch.  When I have completed them, I will decide which one I like the best and move forward towards refining the sketch to paint.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in February. This is from day 27. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a summer bouquet.  I was so wrapt in the details, that I neglected to give one a stem, easily remedied enough though...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in February.  This is day 28.  

This is a rough sketch.

My Photograph of a Pink Rose Flower at Huntington Gardens + Sketch of a Big Eye Angel, Siberian Iris Flower, & Fairy/ January 22, 23, & 24 Art Sketches Daily...

I took this photograph of this pink rose at Huntington Gardens in the winter.  There had just been some rain and the flower still has some droplets on it.  This rosebud looks like it's just starting to bloom.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

I love to paint flowers, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

===============================================

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has a whimsical expression...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in January. This is from day 22. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a siberian iris flower.  Irises are amongst my favorite flowers...  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in January.  This is from day 23.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a sweet bow in her hair...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in January. This is day 24. 

This is a rough sketch.

My Photograph of Bird of Paradise Flowers at Huntington Gardens + Sketch of an Amaryllis, Big Eye Angel, & Fairy/ January 15, 16, & 17 Art Sketches Daily...

I took this photograph of these bird of paradise flowers at Huntington Gardens in the winter.  There's less blooming at this time of year, but I thought these were so very lovely.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

I love to paint flowers, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

================================================

Here is a sketch of an amaryllis flower.  I think they are bold and beautiful...  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in January.  This is from day 15.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  This delicate beauty is wrapped in a cape and has a garland of leaves...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in January. This from day 16. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She is looking upwards with a quixotic smile...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in January. This is day 17. 

This is a rough sketch. 

My Photograph of Flowers from a Tree at Huntington Gardens + Sketch of a Big Eye Mermaid, Fairy, & Angel/ December 4, 5, & 6 Art Sketches Daily...

I took photographs of a flowering tree at Huntington Gardens in the fall.  I thought this tree was gorgeous and luminous...  Here is a close up of the tree's flowers.  I'm not sure what the tree is called, in addition to being in bloom, it had thorns running up the body of the trunk.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

I love to paint flowers, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

============================================

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems to have an inquisitive nature...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in December. This is from day 4. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 95. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has accented her face with tiger stripes...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in December. This is from day 5. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 96. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has sweetly curling hair...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her. 


I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in December. This day 6.

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 97.

This is a rough sketch.

My Photograph of a Flowering Tree at Huntington Gardens + Sketch of a Big Eye Fairy/ November 29 Art Sketches Daily...

I took this photograph of this flowering tree at Huntington Gardens in the fall.  I thought this tree was gorgeous and luminous...  If I remember, I'll try to post a close up of the tree's flowers in my next photo post.  I'm not sure what the tree is called, in addition to being in bloom, it had thorns running up the body of the trunk.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

I love to paint flowers, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

===========================================

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a sweet quixotic gaze...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in November. This is day 29. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 90. 

This is a rough sketch.

My Photograph of a Bird at Huntington Gardens + Sketch of a Big Eye Mermaid/ November 22 Art Sketches Daily...

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  There is so much I am thankful for...

I took this photograph of this bird at Huntington Gardens, I believe it was in May.  I'm not sure what type of bird it was, but I thought is was so cute upside down and not to be dissuaded from whatever tasty goodies it was after...  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

I love to paint animals, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

=============================================

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a regal quality...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in November. This is day 22. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 83. 

This is a rough sketch. 

My Photograph of White Lisianthus Flowers at Huntington Gardens + Art Sketches, November 6, 7, & 8/ Big Eye Angel, Mermaid, & Fairy Daily Sketch...

I took this photograph of these white lisianthus flowers at Huntington Gardens some time ago.  They are not presently blooming, but I loved the beauty of their grouped blossoms.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

I love to paint flowers, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

===============================================

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems to be quite peaceful...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in November. This from day 6. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 67. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a cautious look...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in November. This is from day 7. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 68. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a curious expression...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in November. This is day 8. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 69. 

This is a rough sketch.