In the Sunflower Garden

Hi everyone! I wanted to show you my newest painting, "In the Sunflower Garden." For this one I went for a bit of a softer look than I have in the past. I am obsessed with Pre-Raphaelite artists and I am reading a book about John William Waterhouse right now, so I think that's influenced me a bit :)

I enjoyed really taking my time with this one and doing lots of different layers of color to get more depth. I have also been experimenting with using different colors in my girls' faces than I usually do. She is available in my shop.

On another note, I wanted to share my favorite pasta recipe with you! It is very easy, and if you like fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, you will love it! My boyfriend and I love Caprese, and this is sort of a pasta version. I got it out of my Good Housekeeping Vegetarian Meals cookbook.

Pasta with No-Cook Tomato and Bocconcini Sauce

Ingredients:
-2 pints cherry tomatoes, each cut in half

-1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

-1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

-1/4 cup olive oil

-1 teaspoon salt

-1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

-1 garlic clove, crushed with garlic press

-1 package (16 ounces) penne or corkscrew pasta

-12 ounces small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), each cut in half. (I actually just buy a big ball of fresh mozzarella and cut it into pieces, since it is cheaper at my grocery store :)

1. In large serving bowl, stir cherry tomatoes, parsley, basil, oil, salt, papper, and garlic.Let stand at room temperature at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to blend flavors.

2. In large saucepot, cook pasta as label directs. Drain well.

3. Add pasta to tomato mixture; toss with mozzarella.

Super-easy, and the only thing you actually have to cook on the stove is the pasta! Well, I hope that you are having a great week and I will see you soon! :)