Not too long ago I joined up with the Virginia Plein Air Painters group (VPAP)based out of Richmond VA. I paint often on my own, but painting with a group definitely has its advantages. The group meets once a month at a different location to paint outdoors together. Funnily enough, this month's location was my own Bellevue neighborhood. Obviously since this is my home, I've had plenty of opportunities to paint here. But  I really never tire of this area because it is so charming and architecturally interesting, not to mention that it is lush with flowers. Painting with the organization allowed me access to the private  gardens that would otherwise have been off limits. Here's this morning's effort:

"June in Bloom" Oil on Panel 10x8"   

I think the challenge to anyone who attempts to paint in Virginia is the number of different greens one encounters. Today's was no exception! But it was a challenge in a good way, as it really made me try and discern all of the variations and the subtle shifts in color temperature.