A Tulip {Bountiful Observations no. 47}

Pink Tulip

{8" x 6" (20.3 x 15.2 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase via Online Auction

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

Thank goodness for cut flowers during the winter months! It is during this time that I appreciate them the most.

What are you most thankful for during January?

{14" x 12" (35.6 x 30.5 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Still Life with Tangerines and Crock {Bountiful Observations no.46}

Still Life with Tangerines and Crock

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Every time I get behind a blank canvas, I get so excited about the coming opportunity to create something that shares my vision of beauty through my eyes. Then, when posting the resulting painting on my blog, I get excited about the opportunity to share it with you and the world at large.

Sharing and hopefully expanding on the idea that beauty if found all around us, even in the ordinary scenes that are our daily lives. Each painting is another addition to the open conversation we are having about art and beauty.

As we begin the new year and I further develop this series of chronicling seasonal changes through still-life paintings, thank you for being a part of my life. I feel fortunate that you are open to my work, how you leave a comment or send an email expressing your thoughts, and that we meet in this world, sharing a similar appreciation of life and all that makes it beautiful.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Fields and Sky Landscape Painting & the new series, On the Road

Rural Virginia 4

approx 5” x 9” (12.7 x 22.9 cm)– oil on gessoed paper }

Available for purchase via Online Auction

Matted painting: $175.00 starting bid + S&H

Do you love the open road? When you want to get away, do you drive in your car, like Peter Gabriel sings In Your Eyes?

For me, the answer is yes to these questions and many more that delve into the subject of self discovery and the road trip. For I love the American landscape, the openness, the scenes that fly by when driving fast on an interstate, and the fleeting images that also fill my mind when I look back on an era and thinki about the places visited then.

And these ideas are the inspiration behind this new series of landscape paintings, On the Road.

Over the next year, I hope to paint many views of the American landscape, some from photos I have taken, and most from photos given to me by others. Currently, I am looking for photo submissions, so please send me some from one of your favorite road trips and let's see where this painted journey will take us.

{How the painting looks matted, ready to pop into an 11” x 14” frame}

Feel free to send an email {contact@elizabethfloyd.com} with a few of your images, please use "On the Road Photos" in the subject line. 

Thanks,

Liz

High Tea {Bountiful Observations no. 44}

High Tea

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase via Online Auction

Framed painting: $400.00 starting bid + S&H

Do you have a dream? Something that falls within the lines of a new focus or spending your energy on a new path?

I like to think that art inspires greater awareness in life, thus art inspires embracing life more fully. Encouraging an openness to what is in front of you, actively asking you to find ways to appreciate what is nice, what is pleasant, so that things begin to add value in unexpected ways.

All this enables the possibility of dreams being allowed in, allowed to grow, and maybe someday attained.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Autumn Reflections {Bountiful Observations no. 43}

Autumn Reflections

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click here to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

A new round of autumn color appeared this week in the DC region. It is more delicate and sensitive than the early exuberant colors that announced the changing of the season.

The subtle colors and near naked trees are inspiring a more thoughtful state of mind in me. I feel encouraged to savor the simple beauties of life, like holding with two hands a hot steaming mug of tea, hugging Naomi and bundling her in layers of blankets for our morning walk, and in the evening having a hot plate of stew or soup.

How does the autumn inspire you?

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{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Quinces & Apple {Bountiful Observations no. 42}

Quinces and Apple

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 starting bid + S&H

When I purchased these quinces from a local farmer's market, the guy tending the stall said that it was a rare person who knew what quinces were and who so determinedly made a selection of them, so he wanted to know what I was going to make with them.

I smiled, probably a little sheepishly, and said I was an artist and planned to use them in a still-life painting because I liked their shape and form.

Though maybe I will make this quince paste, and serve it with my favorite manchango cheese...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Petunias I - First of a Triptych {Bountiful Observations no. 40}

Petunias I

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 starting bid + S&H

The first of three, inspired as the fictitious centerpieces of a table set for tea with friends.

This painting began when the DC region was experiencing warm and sunny days, so much so that my petunias were thriving!  They were so beautiful, they deserved to be the focus of more paintings before the first frost occured.

I was drawn to their varying pinks and how they paired with the colorful and whimsical vases and bowls I have from the store Anthropologie.

Anthropologie has the wonderful aesthetic of combining vintage one-of-a-kind items with a colorful and hip feeling.  I just love going into their store and browsing, inspiration abounds, especially in the house goods section!

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Petunias and Apple {Bountiful Observations no. 32}

Petunias & Apple

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Painting this still life was like returning to visit an old friend I had missed so very much because the hustle and bustle of life had kept me away. Then once in the presence of this dear friend, I wanted to soak up every nuance and lilt of the voice.

I did this by slowing down and enjoying the experience, knowing I had the entire day to enjoy.

May your Monday be a good one! It is good to be back at work.

Liz

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Daisies and Apple {Bountiful Observations no. 31}

Daisies and a Granny Smith Apple

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

One of the pleasures related to painting is the opportunity it affords to slow down and really absorb, with intention, the object in front of me.  Providing the opportunity to appreciate and revel in life, finding beauty in the objects that populate my world.

My goal as an artist is to also share this experience with you, creating paintings that cross over and maybe speak to you.  Encouraging you to find a moment to be still, to feel the wonder and love in your life.

I hope you have a wonderful Monday,

Liz

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Black Eyed Susans & Cherries {Bountiful Observations no. 28}

Still Life with Pewter Pitcher, Black Eyed Susans, and Cherries

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

A benefit I hope my artwork provides, is that it leaves you feeling refreshed and calm. With the painting providing a deeper sense of meaning when the entire composition is observed as a whole, than if each object is individually absorbed alone.

I hope by viewing this still life today you are given an opportunity to pause and reflect, pause from a potentially hectic day and schedule, and reflect that there is beauty to be found in all things, and it only takes a moment to notice.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Echinacea {Bountiful Observations no. 27}

Echinacea & Ball Canning Jars

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

I believe all acts of creativity take you on a journey. I find that I may have a plan or hope of where I am going, however I never truly know where the journey will take me. This is why it is so important to LOVE the process.

One's destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things. ~Henry Miller

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Summer Strawberries & Zinnias {Bountiful Observations no. 26}

Summer Strawberries and Zinnias

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Do you ever associate a particular item with cheerful memories? For me, summer strawberries always stir memories of summer fun. I think of my childhood, family gatherings and reunions at a state park, and eating strawberry shortcake, sometimes two times in a day! One grandmother had a quite the yin for the soft, spongy, sweetness of angel food cake, and if strawberries were in season... well, it just seemed natural to have dessert as an afternoon snack and then maybe also again after dinner.

What do you think of when the strawberries are in season?

Roses & Wild Blackberries {Bountiful Observations no. 24}

Roses & Wild Blackberries

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Do you like wild blackberries? For me, wild blackberries remind me of summers during my middle school years, harvesting ripe, sticky and sweet berries from wild bushes in the empty lot next to our home. I think of my fingers turning purple from the overripe berries bursting and more berries being eaten than gathered, hoping to have enough to make a blackberry cobbler or maybe some preserves.

The blackberries in this painting were harvested from a little stretch of abandoned land along my morning walk. It was a gift of beauty and remembrances.

I paired the blackberries with more Queen Elizabeth roses from my garden in an atlas e-z seal canning jar, celebrating the abundance this season is already providing.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Peonies {Bountiful Observations no. 21}

Peonies

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click here to Purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Peonies from my garden.

Each year I add one more peony bush to my flower boarder hoping to one day have a profusion of flowers because I believe you can never have to many of these luscious blooms. These were the only blooms I got this year and I savored every moment of them.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Pansies {Bountiful Observations no. 19}

Pansies in a Silver Cup

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click here to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Amazingly we have had a cool spring, so my pansies are still going strong in the garden. My friend Jane told me that when you plant pansies in the fall that they will come back stronger and more beautiful than before in the spring, and boy was she right! The pansies have been blooming like crazy since late February...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Stargazer Lily {Bountiful Observations no. 12}

Stargazer Lily

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase via my Etsy Shop

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Finally the days are getting longer and brighter!

I am so excited about the warm weather and what it means it is bringing, SPRING! Last week I spent time prepping my vegetable and flower beds. There is still more to do, there always is, however I hope to be rewarded soon with fresh peas, arugula, and flowers from my garden. And I plan on incorporating these items into some paintings...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Lilies and Rice Bowl {Bountiful Observations no. 10}

Still Life with Lilies and Rice Bowl

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click here to purchase

Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

To me every still-life painting has an overlying emotion, and often I am drawn to setups that are calm, maybe quiet, and always filled with color and life. These lilies seemed to be a pair, like two friends hanging out and sharing the company with another. In this case, the new addition to my still-life collection, a small rice bowl.

Also, this weekend I began to work on a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this series, Bountiful Observations, like what inspired it, my process, and such. If you have a question about the series, please leave your question in a comment and I will incorporate it into my answers.

Thanks for stopping by,

Liz

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Mums in a Blue Pitcher {Bountiful Observations no. 6}

Mums in a Blue Pitcher

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click here to purchase

Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

I began this series as a way to celebrate life and to further explore and capture the wonderful and heartfelt.

With this painting I wanted to experiment with a bird's eye view to maximize the visual diversity found in the two types of mums. It also allowed me to incorporate the embroidered detail of a linen handkerchief that had recently been given to me by a dear friend.

An added benefit of this painting is that it now also celebrates the wonders of friendship.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Amaryllis {Bountiful Observations no. 5}

Amaryllis

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase via my Etsy shop

Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

This beautiful bloom is from an amaryllis bulb I purchased in November, back in December it gave me two of the most spectacular blooms I have ever owned, so luscious that I just wanted to look at them and savour them untouched... After the blooms faded I resolved to replenish this bulb so it would bloom again next year, so I have been watering and tending to the bulb, when low and behold it gave me a third bloom!

This bloom was just as spectacular as the first two and I knew I needed to share it with you as a painting.

With this composition I aimed to share the excitement and joy I experienced every time I would look at this amaryllis, an unexpected, but very appreciated gift of life!

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Pink Tulip {a new floral painting}

Pink Tulip

{7" x 5" (17.8 x 12.7 cm) – oil on linen panel}

Click to Purchase

Unframed painting: $150.00 starting bid + S&H

When I was painting this tulip it continued to grow and by the time I had finished, the tulip stem had easily grown 1/2 inch longer than when I first cut it. They say tulips keep growing after they are cut but I had never experienced such eager growth before...