Inspired by my delightful pool day this past weekend, the unofficial start to summer brought on by Memorial Day, and the HOTlanta weather that I've been experiencing this week, I thought it would only be appropriate to share my favorite summery paintings today. Laura Sanders, an artist I learned about via one of my favorite art catalogs, New American Paintings, does these gorgeous oil paintings of girls swimming in pools, lakes, and the ocean. I find her work to be extremely soothing and inviting, and reminiscent of the days when things were a bit easier and more carefree, even though a number of her subjects often look a little worried or unhappy.

Maybe I relate to her work because her paintings depict thoughtful young girls and I still feel like one often (especially when spending a day at the pool or beach!), or maybe I'm just drawn to the way that she paints, but either way, I could look at her paintings all day long. Need to get away for a moment and cool off today? Take a peek below. You can almost feel the water on your body...

So refreshing! In my opinion, these paintings are more cooling than an ice cold lemonade from a roadside stand :)

You can view all of her paintings on her website, here.

Namaste,
Mary Catherine