water lilies

Art and gardening are two of my favorite things…add in photography, and I have the perfect day!

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit, and paint an amazing garden at my friend’s private estate during the Kneeland Gallery Plein Air Event. I thought you might enjoy seeing my photos of this exceptional high altitude gardening.
flowers high altitude
Jane, the estate owner/gardener also happens to be a talented artisan.  A weaver by trade, Jane has woven a beautiful tapestry of color with perennial flowers, interesting trees, and garden sculptures with a bit of whimsy.

Before I began to paint, I wandered the extensive gardens in search of the perfect place to create on a hot August day. The grounds were filled with meandering streams that led to lily ponds amidst colorful flower beds.
garden bridge
pond flowers
garden bench ravens
High altitude or ‘alpine’ gardening can be challenging, but rewarding. The growing season is short, but the colors are extra brilliant in the bright sun where the air is clear and clean.

Jane’s large vegetable garden is fit for a queen, complete with an old wrought iron fence to keep out the local deer, elk and moose.


The entrance to the enormous greenhouse is flanked by hydrangeas and weeping birch trees.  Jane and her husband enjoy entertaining guests to candlelit dinners inside their greenhouse during the snowy winter months.
greenhouse

With her unique flare for detail, Jane lines the base of her outdoor table with wreaths of begonias!

garden table
While dining outside, guests can relax to the tranquil sounds of the many garden fountains…

water fountain in garden

A Deborah Butterfield horse sculpture shares the grand entrance to estate with a golf cart and mini tractor.
deborah butterfield horse
After touring the art and gardening, I finally settled upon a nice shady spot near the edge of an ornamental lily pond.
garden frogs turtles
pochade box garden
Somewhat overwhelmed by all the beautiful choices, I decided to paint an intimate scene of a water lily.

water lilies
©2012 Lori McNee "Rocky Mountain Water Lilies" 9x12

For me, this day will be a wonderful memory of summer that will help keep me warm during the  l o n g , cold, Idaho winter! I hope you enjoyed the garden tour.
**PS. Let’s meet on Twitter, and on Google Plus, Pinterest, and join in the fun at Fine Art Tips Facebook Fan Page! Please checkout my art too LoriMcNee.com, or find me on Instagram lorimcneeartist. ~Lori

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