Peony Slice

Peony Slice

3"x7.5" (unfr) watercolor on paper

by Debbie Cannatella

$75

Since moving from Oak Park in the Chicago area in 2007, I have traveled back there each year to visit. I try to go in June when the peonys and iris' and oriental poppies are in full bloom. The city explodes with color and life early June. This was from my recent trip there.

Cookie Crumbs

Cookie Crumbs

5"x6" (unfr) watercolor on paper

by Debbie Cannatella

$75

My parents raised me with a strong work ethic. Work first, eat second. Nothing goes to waste, but all goes straight to my waist. (heh heh). My favorite part of today's daily painting was the shadows on the cookie crumbs, and then, of course, eating the Girl Scout Cooke Pie from a deli in Port Aransas, Tx. This painting is titled "Cookie Crumbs".

Liberty and Justice for All

Liberty and Justice for All

5"x7" (unfr) watercolor on paper

by Debbie Cannatella

$75

Today's 5"x7" tiny tidbit is titled "Liberty and Justice for All". Since 1892, when Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge of Allegiance, the oath has been changed four times. The latest incarnation was changed in 1954, a mere 4 years before I was born. What does it mean to pledge an oath to the Republic and for Liberty and Justice for all people? To keep from this oath being such a divisive, hot topic, maybe I should attempt tounge in cheek humor and title this "To The Republic, Four Witches Stand". (grin) We find our flag all over, but do we really see it? I find it a powerful and beautiful sight when I glimpse its movement in the wind.

City Fields

City Fields

3.75"x5" (unfr) watercolor on paper

by Debbie Cannatella

$85

What I loved most about this flower field is that it is located right in the middle of the park in the heart of Chicago's downtown loop. The Juxtaposition of tall skyscrapers surrounding this beautiful field of lavender hues was quite mind blowing. Chicago loves their intentional green spaces, and they are maintained and utilized by the citizens. My daily painting today is titled "City Fields"

Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Release

Here is a composite from this morning's Kemps Ridley turtle release. Corpus Christi / Padre Island is one of two places in the United States that the public can view these releases. I, personally, think it is a blessing to be living close to the National Seashore. The Kemps Ridley turtle is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. Of those turtles released here that survive, many come back to the island 15 years later to lay their eggs. Last year I began a painting to represent the National Seashore of the turtle release, but the day I went out there it was drizzling, no sun... no shadows, and tons of seaweed on the beach. I just wasn't happy with the way the painting was going. I'm so glad I got better reference photos today. After I heal from carpal tunnel surgery, I'll be starting this painting over again. 

Today's News

Today's News

5.25"x6.5" (unfr) watercolor on paper

by Debbie Cannatella

$75

Visiting the Chicago Botanical Gardens, several groups of grade school children came for a school field trip. Dozens of little ones lined the floor, patiently waiting for their teachers to take them out into the gardens. These two adorable boys were so intent on looking over the maps and brochures that were handed out. I couldn't keep my eyes off of their concentrated efforts. And of course, a nod to Chicago with the Cubbie's cap! I probably could have pushed this little painting much farther and cleaned it up, but that would have defeated the purpose of my little dailys... Under two hours is all that's allowed!

3 Sisters 2

I have been traveling a lot, and just returned from teaching a workshop in the Chicago area. I have not been painting my daily paintings due to being on the road and preparing for my workshop. But I did stop one morning of the workshop and paint this daily as a warm up for the day. I am preparing now for carpal tunnel surgery, so there won't be much painting this summer during the recovery progress, but I'll post what I can!