I just couldn't resist sketching the winding path to our cabin in pen and ink! I love the wilderness of it all! As I worked, I heard the strangest animal sound coming from the end of that path. After our son saw a bobcat on his way out this morning, I looked up their sounds. Sure enough - that's what I heard as I sketched! I love the rugged beauty and the immersion in a brand new place! I wonder what I'll hear or see next?! Painting number 5127 in 5127 days.
Here with family, this is the first day of sketching waterfalls in the Smoky Mountain National Park! Cataract Falls is on the trail behind the Sugarlands Welcome Center, and i could not resist a quick sketch in my travel journal. With only essential, pared down supplies, I very quick sketch this scene while the kids are playing, adding a little paint as they finish and start the return hike. Michael stayed with me as i wrapped it up. Sketching on family vacations is the absolute best training for fast painting! Everyone is in a hurry and ice only got minutes to paint. I'm trying to make every minute count! Painting number 5125 in 5125 days.
I'm sketching the reaching trees of Oldsmar Beach in my journal tonight, and looking forward to sketching mountains soon. Getting to spend time in nature like this is so very rewarding. Sitting on the beach, feeling the warmth of the sun as it casts shadows across the sand, is therapeutic. Cares of the day melt away as pen glides over paper, and words spill out describing my day. Studying the colors brings on a childlike wonder, how beautiful is the sparkle of water. I am missing my friend, and remembering her, as I work through the pages of this journal. How very healing it feels. Painting number 5121 in 5121 days.
The white sand of Howard Beach is one of my favorite things to paint in Tarpon Springs! This north side is quiet and narrow, a perfect place for reflection and solitude. A fisherman walked far from the beach and the water was only up to his knees. It's a great place to look for little creatures in the water, because the water is so very clear. I'll think of these beaches all year long until I return again to paint them. Painting number 5120 in 5120 days.
I love painting the coots in this marshy area in Starkey Park! There was a good sized alligator by the distant grass when I arrived, but he was not to be seen when I again looked for him. My brother loves to ride his bike in this park as my nephew hikes. There are several viewing areas from which to bird watch, each stretching out into the water a bit. Mom likes to watch the wildlife as water birds fly in and out, never paying attention to us. Two other ducks were parading along with tiny ducklings much further away, and I couldn't help but look for that alligator again. Again, my mind is on my dear friend, who will not be able to share such moments with her family now. How can it be when it seems so wrong? Once again, I think my practice is daily painting is good therapy, in all the seasons of life. Painting number 5119 in 5119 days.
A sketchbook is more than a place to capture the beauty as I travel. It can be a trusted friend for my hopes, dreams, and tears at the loss of a dear friend. We were high school friends, dancing together as Shawnee Mission West Vikettes just yesterday, it seems, and now she isn't here. She was a kindred spirit, and always the sweetest soul, ever kind and thoughtful. We had so much fun back then, and she even stood up for me as my Maid of Honor as Mike and I married all those years ago. As our families grew, we had less time to talk. I thought there would be plenty of time. I thought we'd grow old together, sharing family tales over hot tea and glasses of wine. Susan was so young. There was so much more life for her to live. I can only lift her family up in prayer, and it doesn't seem like enough. Live every moment with purpose, hug every family member each time you see them, and tell everyone in your life what they mean to you. Cherish. Every. Moment. Painting number 5117 in 5117 days.
I like to paint on the beach as much as possible when in Florida. As sunset approaches, locals walk, bike or drive to the beaches just to watch the sun set. Then, just as quickly as they arrived, they pack up their gear and are headed out before it gets dark. I love watching it, being part of the nightly ritual, and painting it when I can. There is something magical about the rising and setting sun, and the thankfulness of it all. Painting number 5116 in 5116 days.
The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs are so much fun for dining, shopping AND sketching! We love having lunch at one of the Greek restaurants, and we have a few favorite shops to visit before I finally start to sketch. While Mom is with Danny and Jacob, I pick the street where the sponge boats dock to sketch. First, I sketch a boat I haven't seen here before and next I do the street scene. I love adding these special places to my latest travel journal. Often, I wait until evening to write the day's events, but today I have time to do it all at once. What a treat this place is! Now, I'm off to my favorite tea shop here! Painting number 5115 in 5115 days.
The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs are a "must paint" for me whenever I'm in town! It's a great place for dining, shopping and painting sponge boats!!
I love the way those branches reach towards the water - just like I keep finding my way to the beach! I think I'll go back into this one, and remove that far right palm trunk. I was so distracted by sudden gusting winds that I didn't edit that on the spot. Perhaps I'll do it in my app before attacking it for real! Painting number 5112 in 5112 days
I love exploring the cypress trees rising up from the water along the Brooker Creek trail! I walked this trail before picking this spot, and again my focus is the cypress. They do not rise from swamp water in Missouri, and the tropical foliage adds to their appeal. The hues and values change quickly as the sun moves, and i must paint fast. The rich color fades and washes out towards midday. The roots and trunks are so interesting, it's super fun to express their contours with brush and paint. Who knows when I'll get this chance again. Painting number 5111 in 5111 days.
Today, I'm painting the tropical foliage of Brooker Creek along the boardwalk. The resident alligator was here to greet me when I arrived! I've only painted here a couple of times, and never on this side of the trail. The lovely cypress trees rising from the creek caught my attention immediately. I spent more time than usual on this painting, I was so relaxed as I stood in this peaceful place that I lost track of time. The sound of sand hill cranes wafted through the preserve, and ibis and pileated woodpeckers flew in and out. The gator never moved as I worked, but was gone when I finished. Before I cleaned my brushes, a white ibis strolled through my scene, so I painted him in! This is a wonderful place to spend the day and I'm looking forward to one more day of paint time! Painting number 5110 in 5110 days.
Another day, another beach! I love what they've done with the lifeguard shack! The yellow and red really pop against the blue of ocean and sky. I'm painting this one loosely, with quick marks and strokes. Though I've painted the umbrellas in their natural blue, I have the strong desire to paint them red, orange or yellow at the very least. Since that paint is thick, I'll let it dry a bit first. Then, I'm totally boosting their impact! Painting number 5108 in 5108 days.
White sand and sun - what a perfect February pairing!! The gulf coast beaches here are so very light that it bounces right back into my eyes as I paint. I chose this side of the peninsula for a little protection from the wind blowing out of the north. The cold side lighting is completely different, too. The water is a very dark steely blue, choppy with foam, and the north sky is cooler and more ultramarine. Comfort and color landed me here, and I wish I could have stayed for another. It could not be since Mom was ready to head back for a nap. Painting number 5107 in 5107 days.
