Prettified iPhone Project: Crepe Myrtle

I got a little soft and ladylike on this one.

Crepe myrtles are blooming in Yards Park outside our front door RIGHT NOW. So pretty and fluttery.

I did a little sketching in the park the other day, interrupted only by some weird homeless guy who rode past on a bike. (I suppose he could have just been reeeally old and without a wife to tell him he should maybe take care of himself.) Everything on him seemed dirty and the back of his shirt was all ripped open ~ as tho it were a hospital gown. He provided a stark contrast to the park, that's for sure.

I have to say the smell of these blooms isn't the best smell on earth. Sour, like B.O, with a hint of sweetness. I'm sorry but I only tell the truth. So super pretty though.

I noticed the leaves seem to grow out into the shape of a heart, then grow into the typical pointy-on-both-ends sort.

Also let me tell you something else about crepe myrtles. They're the whole reason we moved to DC. Well, not really, but when we found out we were moving here we got really excited to live in a place where crepe myrtles live. Something about the smooth crepey bark intrigued both Mike and I when we first visited. Weirdos.

Anyway I enjoyed being out in the park and sketching this one. I think I shall do it once again until all flora, and perhaps a fauna or two, is documented in Barbra fashion.

I brought my sketch into Photoshop and did all the watercolory-ness there. I wanted to see if I could get the effect I desired. I think I did!

ALSO I added this design to my secret wallpaper gallery, where you can get this prettiness for your desktop, iPad and moar. SUBSCRIBE for access.

On your iPhone: Tap and hold the image, hit "Save Image" and then find it in your Photos folder. Hit the menu in the lower left corner and choose "Use as Wallpaper".