Six Degrees of Separation

We have a patch of cactus growing by the bedroom window.  It usually gives a spectacular show of yellow flowers after a good rainfall in spring.  We have been having monsoon like rains this week and I see the buds popping up all over the patch.  As I was researching  the name and variety that was growing in our yard, I discovered that cacti are part of the plant order Caryophyllales which also includes plants like beets, baby's breath, spinach, amaranth, tumbleweeds, carnations, rhubarb, bougainvillea, buckwheat, chickweed, knotgrass etc. I still don't know the name but I full of wonder and amazement at the nature's bounty. 

After the Rainfall  watercolor on hot press paper. 15x11"

Sweet Memory

Bus 26 is painted in watercolors on hot press paper.  I wanted to capture the excitement and adventure of  'the first day of school.'  I have fond memories of that day for both my children and it is especially sweet now since they are both busy adults. Painting this was a sentimental journey for me and I enjoyed it immensely.