The White Queen is my latest daily painting, inspired by one of the residents of my neighborhood – a family of peacocks that lives just up the lane from Flower Mound Studio. Flower Mound, Texas, used to be home to over 100 free roaming peacocks, but encroaching construction, predators, and traffic have reduced their numbers. Along with the azure blue members are a family of white peacocks, and in the spring I watch for them crossing the road with their chicks.
Flower Mound is the first town I’ve ever known that has a Peacock Crossing sign, and I’d like to think that reflects the care that surrounds these feathered folk. The Garcia family feeds and watches over the peacocks, as much as they can, and community members are constantly reminding one another to slow down when the chicks and their parents are crossing our roadways. The Garcias have been dropping 40 pounds of bird seed on the ground for them each week for 31 years. While the birds prefer bugs, they are protective of their seeds. Bill Garcia reports they especially love when he gives them leftover desserts. Now that’s a bird after my own heart!
I’ve always believed birds are like flowers with wings. Peacocks are, by far, the most colorful and beautiful of them all. I hope they continue to be cared for and protected for many years to come.
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June 2020 ~ Your summer escape awaits!
This Workshop Is Almost Full
You are invited to join Nancy for a summer getaway to the magnificent French Alps. There is no more beautiful escape from the summer heat than spending 10 days in the heart of the lovely medieval village of Annecy, known as “The Venice of France” with its canals, flower gardens, cafes and shops.
Learn more about the French Alps painting getaway!
After flying into Geneva, Switzerland, we’ll make our home in The Splendid Hotel near the shores of historic Lake Annecy. Your journey begins with a tour of Col de la Forclaz with lunch on the terrace of a dairy farm in the mountains. We’ll sample slices of charcuterie, cheeses, potato beignets, and fresh blueberry tarts with cream. We’ll tour the Chateau de Menthon St Bernard, a castle filled with 13th century furnishings, tapestries and a library of ancient manuscripts painted with illuminations from the monks of the Middle Ages. And this is all just Day 1!
During your journey workshop, you’ll have plenty of painting time with Nancy in the indoor studio at your hotel in Annecy. Nonpainters will enjoy additional tours and excursions while the painters are busy in the studio. This tour is filling quickly! Contact [email protected] for registration details.
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Wow! How fascinating is that! Your neighborhood is truly blessed. What time of the year is the best to come to your house and see the peacocks? 🙂 And of course to paint under your tutelage.:)
Thanks Sharon! We really are fortunate! Spring and summer are the best time to see the Peacocks and hens, they have babies throughout the spring into early summer. And I would love for you to join me for a workshop in Flower Mound Studio! (and so would the pugs)