On July 20, The Michigan Portrait Society and Open Air Painters, of which I'm a member, were invited to paint in Gabriel's Garden at the 5th Annual "Michigan Lavender Festival" in Romeo, MI. It was a beautiful day, the weather cooperated, not always the case with painting plein air (outside). I met alot of people and was able to share some samples of my portrait paintings. There was a young girl, named Angela, playing the harp and when she was on break Charlene Helen Berry played the dulcimer. Both of these professional musicians supplied the most beautiful music. With the relaxing sounds, wonderful weather, and intoxicating smell of lavender, it was a perfect day for painting a beautiful spot in the garden. It all ended too soon, so I took my oil painting back to my home-studio to finish.
I have been given the honor to paint a portrait of Angela playing the harp. I also spoke with Charlene Helen Berry about painting a portrait of her to possibly be used for a future CD cover. I'm looking forward to this as I would like to add them to my series of figurative paintings of musicians and dancers.
More information about Gabriel's Garden can be found at www.michlavenderfestival.com
