Striated Irises and Girl in Sarong

Striated Irises, 18x24, Patricia Bennett

These irises are blooming at Cylburn Arboretum in several locations on the property.  The ones depicted in this painting are off of the main porch.  I set up my easel on the porch and have painted them for three sittings.  

Blue Sarong Start, 18x24, Patricia Bennett

 She is the daughter of one of the people in the painting group on Tuesday nights at the Zoll Studio.  I am trying to do something interesting with the background by connecting the light and the dark shapes.  We have one more week with her posing for us.