I had the honor and pleasure this past weekend to be one of 16 artists invited to participate in the New York Botanical Garden’s 4th Annual Plein-Air Invitational, hosted by the artist James Gurney. Mr. Gurney is so generous in his teaching, with many excellent videos online, that I was not surprised to discover that he is just as generous and down-to-earth in real life. It was a pleasure to meet him and his wife Jeanette; and to paint with them and the other artists. There were works done in oil, watercolor, graphite, gouache, and (in my case) pastel. Quite a talented group; you can see the list here.

The time flew, as I sat among the lilacs and peonies and took in all of that beauty. A few friends dropped by to say hello, and over 50 members of the NYC Urban Sketchers group were also there drawing – including my Aunt Marianne – so it was a wonderfully social day as well. James Gurney did a gorgeous painting of me drawing among the lilacs, I posted it on my Instagram if you want to see it: @verolawlor.

Below are some of the other pastels I did that day. If you are interested to purchase any of these florals you can find them, and many others, on my website, Veronica Lawlor Gallery.

Many thanks to the New York Botanical Garden and James Gurney for the opportunity!