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 Mother's Day! Photograph of a Mother Duck Swimming with her Ducklings at Huntington Gardens....

 

Happy Mother's Day!

I think this is a mallard duck with her ducklings going for a swim.  I was photographing them at Huntington Gardens and thought they were oh so lovely...  I hope you have a lovely day.

Happy Thanksgiving! My Photograph of a Grateful Squirrel at Descanso Gardens...

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

It occurs to me that I don't have a lot of fall art, but I did take this photo at Descanso Gardens of a very grateful squirrel. They were quite happy that the people were putting squash decorations out, or rather snackos...

I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

My Photograph of Spring Pink Cherry Blossoms Sakura at Descanso Gardens...

Most years I visit Descanso and Huntington Gardens many times in the spring.  This year will be a bit different.  I did go once to Descanso Gardens before we were asked to stay home as much as possible.  This is a photo I took that day of a sakura tree boughs laden with pink cherry blossoms.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!  

I'm not posting daily as my time on the computer is limited, but I am trying to post a bit more often as many of us are staying in more than usual.  I have many years of stockpiled photos, art shows I haven't shared yet, and my own art completed and in progress that I'd like to share some of with you.  If we can not go to the art or the gardens, I will strive to bring some of what I have to you...


I love to try to capture beauty, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisabellarusso.com if you'd like.

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.

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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 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.

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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 Yellow Fall Flowers at Descanso Gardens + Art Sketches, November 13, 14, & 15/ Big Eye Goddess, Fairy, & Angel Daily Sketch...

I took this photograph of these yellow flowers at Descanso Gardens one fall year.  I'm not sure what they're called but I loved their little grouping of blossoms springing up from the greens.  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.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She wears an expression of serious contemplation...  I think she is most likely a goddess, 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 13. 

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 74. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has an intent and curious nature...  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 from day 14. 

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 75. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a gentle quality...  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 day 15. 

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 76. 

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.

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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. 

My Photograph of the Totoro Pumpkin my Mother Carved for Halloween + Sketch of a Big Eye Angel, Fairy, & Mermaid/ October 30 & 31 / November 1 Art Sketches Daily...

My mother carved this adorable Totoro inspired pumpkin for Halloween and I took this photograph to share with you!  I hope you enjoy this extra dose of cuteness...

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a look of gentle intensity...  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 October. This is from day 30. 

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 60. 

This is a rough sketch.  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 wearing a mask for the Halloween ball she went to...  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 October. This is from day 31. 

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 61. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is in disguise as a pirate lass...  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 1. 

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 62. 

This is a rough sketch. 

My Photograph of Red Orange Icelandic Poppies at Descanso Gardens + Sketch of a Big Eye Angel Fairy/ October 18 Art Sketches Daily...

I took this photograph of these red orange icelandic poppies at Descanso Gardens some time in May.  They are not presently blooming, but I was looking through my images and thought they were too beautiful not to share.  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.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is looking downwards with a wary expression...  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 October. This is day 18. 

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 48. 

This is a rough sketch.

My Photograph of Crocus Spring Flowers at Descanso Gardens + Sketch of a Big Eye Fairy Angel/ Art Sketches Daily/ SEP 20...

I took this photograph of these spring flowers at Descanso Gardens.  I love their delicate purple petals.  I'm not sure what they are, but I thought they were very pretty.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo! 

Edit:  Thanks so much Christine and Jennifer for identifying them as crocuses!

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

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  Her hair is charming with a pixie cut and a peek a boo look...  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 September. This is day 20. 

I am also participating in the September 29 Faces Challenge! The goal is to share 29 faces in the month of September.  I think I will try to extend it out to a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days...

This is a rough sketch.

My Photograph of Spring Flowers at Descanso Gardens + Sketch of a Big Eye Fairy Angel & Goddess/ Art Sketches Daily/ SEP 12 & 13...

I took this photograph of these spring flowers at Descanso Gardens.  They were growing on a tree on the outskirts of the gardens.  I'm not sure what they are, but I thought they were very pretty.  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.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has long flowing hair and a wary 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 September. This is day 12. 

I am also participating in the September 29 Faces Challenge! The goal is to share 29 faces in the month of September.  I think I will try to extend it out to a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days...

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an expression of love and concern...  I think she is most likely a moon goddess, 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 September. This is day 13. 

I am also participating in the September 29 Faces Challenge! The goal is to share 29 faces in the month of September.  I think I will try to extend it out to a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days...

This is a rough sketch. 

My Photograph of Sunflower Flowers at Huntington Gardens + Sketch of a Big Eye Mermaid, Fairy, & Angel/ Art Sketches Daily/ SEP 4-6...

I took this photograph of these sunflowers at Huntington Gardens.  There is something so sweet about these pretty flowers.  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.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  I think she has an allure of mystery...  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 September. This is from day 4. 

I am also participating in the September 29 Faces Challenge! The goal is to share 29 faces in the month of September.  I may extend it out to a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days...

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  I think she has a sweetness to her...  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 September. This is from day 5. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  Her lips are parted gently with surprise.  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 September. This is day 6. 

This is a rough sketch.  

My Photograph of a Trio of Roses at Huntington Gardens + August Sketches Art, Day 16 Sketch, Big Eye Fairy Angel...

I took this photograph of these roses at Huntington Gardens.  I love that this trio of flowers had different colors growing from the same stem.  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.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has an inquisitive quality.  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 August.  This is day 16.

This is a rough sketch. 

My Photograph of a Lotus Water Lily at Huntington Gardens + August Sketch Art, Day 8 + 9 Sketches, Big Eye Angel Fairy + Icelandic Poppy Flower...

I took this photograph of this pink lotus water lily at Huntington Gardens.  At the core of these gorgeous flowers is a lotus seed pod that is also beautiful to behold.  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.

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Here is a sketch of an icelandic poppy.  I love their beautiful cores and the gentleness of their petals...  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 August.  This is from day 8.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has a look of certainty and intensity.  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 August.  This is day 9.

This is a rough sketch.