I hadn't painted at the local botanic gardens until yesterday. I started at Dixon (I wanted to see their new exhibit as well as paint), but after lunch I moved across the street. There aren't as many formal gardens as I had hoped (the Missouri Botanic Gardens blew me away last summer with their rich assortment of garden areas), but I did like the above view.

Just as I was finishing, I noticed the moon rising above the line of evergreens and did a very quick watercolor sketch.

The very coolest thing about Memphis' garden is the newish playground. Tree houses, sculptures, and play areas were all designed by local artists, and it is a charming and whimsical place. I did one watercolor of my favorite of the the tree houses.

By this time, it was late afternoon, and I'd been outdoors painting almost all day (with a short lunch break to see the paintings at Dixon). It was a wonderful way to spend a blessedly warm February day.