Our old-time Holly Hocks are starting to bloom.  They bring a bright splash of color to our flower gardens. 

I painted this morning en plein air, hoping to beat the dry, desert Utah heat in the 90s - but it was extremely hot in the sun even so.  I wore my straw hat which helped a little.  The biggest challenge was painting in the bright sunlight without sunglasses, which would be a hindrance in mixing the paints.

I was treated to see a tiny orange butterfly floating by - I already had his color in the painting, so it was easy to work him in.