Hangin' at Hondo Iris Farm - 5/14/15

Today, my friend, Patsy Blasdell, and I decided to go to the Hondo Iris Farm and just paint! Wow, what a wonderful, glorious day!! Overcast at first, but there was enough natural light for perfect painting. I always look forward to going to the Iris Farm every year. I always feel so alive every time I come here. But, for some reason, this time was different. Maybe because of the rain we've been having lately. Or maybe it's because they're having a really good season. Or perhaps, it was both!! The whole area was just blooming with all kinds of flowers, lush green grass and irises of all colors everywhere!

Patsy, who is also a wonderful art teacher, set up her professional french easel in one corner of the field. I set up my mini easel on a picnic table by the river. Facing the gallery, I could see practically everyone coming in to take in the aroma and beauty of the glorious field of flowers. As soon as I set up my palette with a few colors, I started to paint away. Somehow, the time got away, that I felt like I had been meditating for hours. I heard people talking or laughing in the distance, but none was quite disturbing. Other sounds included the flowing river nearby, birds singing and the wind blowing in from the south. It was a very peaceful day and I felt so relaxed afterwards. Above is my piece I had been working on - work in progress! Hope to come back here again soon. This is a must place to visit if you've never been!!!

Alice Seely - Owner of Hondo Iris Farm & Gallery