Naturally living together, the Black Eyed Susan and Aster bloom in the early Autumn providing color and beauty on my morning walks. Each beautiful on their own; their charm is enhanced while blooming amongst each other. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
So similar that we recognize both as perennial flowers; yet each unique. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Still learning. I chose an old wall along Lake Michigan’s pathway to challenge myself this summer. I began plein air and spent quite awhile finishing indoors using photographs for support my memory. Why choose the wall? Because I think it has character; and I love characters. Hmm…..
The Red-wing Blackbird is an old favorite pal on my prairie adventures. Was able to take a good photograph of him, so painted him from the photograph.
And finally, two paintings were after I listened to a two part “20 brush strokes” class online. These were two projects, choosing five brush strokes learned (any 5 of 20). One is the wall (straight horizontal view) and the other is a field with trees in background. Just fun.
Enjoying retirement! Comments/critiques are always welcome and encouraged!
copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
Close up of late summer yellows that are so prevalent in the Midwest prairies. They are beginning to change from flower to seeds. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Reflections from rain drops on the petals. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The open spaces between the tall thin stands of priaire yellows makes it seem that this small space is actually quite large. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Spying a Monarch butterfly is icing on the cake today; soon they will migrate South leaving stands of seedheads and golden grasses. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Delicate, dainty Cornflower, aka Chickory, aka weed. One of my favorite weeds with it’s sky blue flowers. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
This weed is appreciated by a neighborhood spider. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Just after a summer shower. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Some of Summer’s outdoor enjoyment are the gardens of flowering colors and shapes and smells. Lincoln Park explodes this time of year with a bounty of gardens not to be missed! Here is just one small sample of summer perrenials found in Lincoln Park.
Purple Coneflower gently leans on a rail along North Pond in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Summer prairie perrenials, Black Eyed Susan, complement this bloom. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
A cluster of Red Bee’s Balm makes a simple, yet, profound floral arrangement. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Summer time Bee on summer time Sunflower. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Up and coming Sunflower. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
First bloom of a cluster of Sunflowers. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The male Red-wing Blackbird appear flighty and quite noisy when one strolls through the prairie. Here at a restored prairie-land in Lincoln Park, Chicago a Red-wing Blackbird remains alert while resting on a fence and then a pathway. The restored prairie is fenced and therefore protected; but the location around South Pond is a favorite hangout of families when visiting the adjacent Zoo making feathered parents alert and restless. Males may guard up to a dozen ground laid nests. It appeared that today he was watching some young ones practice flight. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
A caring, vigilant father watching over his young. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
A momentary change of location while this Red-wing Blackbird keeps close watch on passers-by. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
What early summer seed head does this belong to? It should be a native plant because in a restored prairie area of Lincoln Park, Chicago. It doesn’t seem to be Wild Quinine, nor Queen of the Prairie, nor Cow Parsnip which are all beginning to go into seed. But the seed head is conspicuous and amazing to observe. Enjoy. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Prolific abundance of seeds can sometimes single a stressed plant; it provides for the future of it’s species by making many more seeds than usual. Saving the species takes precedence over saving it’s own life. An interesting concept! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Feel the warmth of the late springtime air. The grasses are green and the Shooting Star is in bloom by North Pond in Lincoln Park, Chicago. This delicate beauty is a native perennial for Chicago. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Close up of the small, too often unnoticed, Shooting Star. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
This delicate Asian native, Pinwheel Jasmine (tabernaemontana divaricata) quietly commanded attention at the Morikami Japanese Garden in Del Ray, Florida. The leaves are evergreen with the most prolific bloom time being spring. Enjoy.
For history of it’s medicinal use: https://ww anw.naturalremedies.org/jasmin/