Watering the Horses

Watering the Horses
Oil on panel, 12x6
Civil War Reenactment

When priming panels, I got a little carried away with the paint.  I like to mix my own acrylic tints, and I was experimenting with burnt sienna and dairylide yellow.  First coat was a little too fleshy, so I poured a little paint directly on the panel - and it was pretty strong!  You can see plenty of the color popping through the greens!  When I started, I was fighting the strong color a bit.  It was harder to see what I was doing, and harder to gauge my values accordingly.  But, as I worked, I found that the energy that was coming through as a result was pretty fun!  This is another painting from the civil war reenactment, and in this one the men are watering their horses at an old pump that has been here forever.  I can remember playing with this pump as a child, making the water fill buckets - to toss at my little brother!  Getting ready for another sleepover birthday party - so I have to get back to work - painting number 240 in as many days :)

August in the Garden

August in the Garden
Oil on canvas, 8x6

The front porch garden is in all of it's glory as August ends.  The days have turned very hot - 99 degrees expected today, but the abundant blooms simply mock the sun.  Tonight is my youngest daughter's birthday party and sleepover, so I am painting early!  Cool in the morning, it makes the perfect time for a quick paint from the porch.  The hardest part - keeping the cats out of my stuff - especially that nosy Wesson!  One must always be on guard when he is lurking about! This is painting number 239 in as many days, and there is another 30 day painting challenge starting in September.  That was the challenge that got me started on this daily painting in the first place :)

Quantrill's Men Come to Call

Quantrill's Men Come to Call
Oil on panel, 16x12
Civil War Reenactment

Quantrill and his men rode up to the house, to ask Cindy Alderson permission to water their horses.  Stopping to rest, the men would be  starting again for the 40 mile ride to Lawrence. The Alderson family fed these men, and the soldiers paid for all supplies necessary.  Less than two weeks later, the Union soldiers would come here and take everything, setting the house on fire,  during Order 11 in 1863.  Unlike the neighboring houses, the fire went out on it's own, and the house remains 150 years later.  This is painting number  238 in 238 days.  It is hard to keep up this pace with larger panels and more complicated subject matter!

On Watch with the Horses

On Watch with the Horses
Oil on panel, 12x6
Civil War Reenactment Paint-Out

Each morning, when I wake up, I think to myself, "Where is my painting window today?"  This morning, I didn't have an answer.  So, I just go about my day, looking for the first opportunity to get in some painting.  I already had planned what I wanted to paint in my head - actually the next two paintings are already lined out.  But, I did not find that chance until well after 10:00.  Listening to an audio book, I started laying paint.  I primed this wood panel a little differently - lighter texture and a warmer sienna tint.  I was able to prime the next 13 surfaces, which I needed so badly to do!  I really liked this long format for this young soldier and the horses in his care.  This painting would have been easier on a larger size, but alas, there was not enough time and no larger surface.  This is painting number 237 in as many days.

The Buckskin

The Buckskin
Oil on panel, 6x6

This beautiful horse was one of those ridden by the men of the encampment for the Civil War reenactment.  Tied to a line, all of these beauties trimmed up the grass, and cleaned the whole area within reach.  Today has been a very busy one - starting with getting art ready and delivered to a gallery, and ending with birthday dinners for our two youngest children.  In between, I had a little time to get this small painting done.  After a trip to Utrecht, I tried out a new paint - naples yellow pale.  Straight out of the tube, it was perfect for the highlights on this horse.  I love trying a new color, even though I find I migrate back to my favorite few.  This is painting number 236 in as many days.

"Quantrill"

"Quantrill"
oil on panel, 12x16
Civil War Reenactment

This man made such a striking image on his horse as he galloped up into the yard, to ask permission to water his horses.  Returning to discuss with his men the recent events leading up to this night, he stayed on his horse as he supported his cause.  Each man voted whether or not to raid lawrence, and the decision was made.  They each went back to their horses, jumped on and left to set up camp - if only to sleep a little before the 40 mile journey.  Last Saturday was the Civil War Reenactment of Quantrill's Raid on Lawrence on our grounds.  The play was great fun, and very informative.  All in attendance seemed to really enjoy the whole day.  After a closing narration, all were invited to walk into the pasture to talk to the soldiers on horseback, and see their canvas tents set up, just as they were 150 years ago - in 1863.  What a great way to bring history to life!  There are a couple of things in this painting I want to adjust, so, I think I'll return to it with fresh eyes tomorrow.  This is painting number 235 in as many days.

Front Porch Garden

Front Porch Garden
Oil on panel, 16x12

When I walked out the front door this morning, this is what awaited me.  With all the rain we have had this summer, the flowers have been absolutely gorgeous!  I like to grow my flowers with reckless abandon, the fuller the better - no boundaries!  So, they spill over their edges and onto the bricks - at least until the first frost.  I added red salvia this year, and I wonder why I ever stopped putting it into the beds.  It is so showy, and only gets better later in the season.  This is painting number 234 in 234 days.  Maybe, I'll get to those panels tomorrow.....

Leaving Camp

Leaving Camp
Oil on panel, 6x12
Civil War Reenactment

Rising early, I quickly set to the chores of the morning.  After first baking dozens of mini pumpkin muffins for a brunch, I finished the few things that needed to be done before Michael's baseball practice.  Dropping him off, Michaela and I ran a couple of errands, getting back in time to see Michael batting (which is my favorite part of practice!)  After a few great hits, it was time to drop them off at their older sister's house while I went to brunch down the street.  It was SO wonderful to just relax, visit, and eat delicious food for a little while!  After tea and muffins at my daughter's, it was off for a little shopping - directed first by the kids, ending with one of my favorite antique shops - where I found a few new treasures and Michaela came home with a cement walrus on it's back for the garden!  Arriving home, I had to finish cleaning up the baking mess (as we had to dash right out, or be late to practice).  Mike arriving home before I was even done, I was pretty worn out with a day full of activities.  And, I hadn't even thought of painting yet!  After sitting for a bit, I thought, "Well, my son didn't get married today......nor did I host 120 people at my home today........so if I can get a painting done on those days, what on earth am I waiting for?  So, with a late start, I painted this banjo player as he was leaving camp - with the banjo slung over his shoulder, while catching up on "Hell on Wheels" with Mike.  Painting number 233 in as many days.  I would sure like to get an earlier start tomorrow!

After the Ride

After the Ride
Oil on panel, 16x12
Civil War Reenactment on the farm

The late afternoon light poured in from the west, putting a warm glow on the countryside.  The horses now tied and grazing after their rides.  In the mid-1800's, this place was a horse farm.  It feels so right to have these beautiful animals back on the farm.  True, the winters are tough when leading them to water - and you really can NOT make them drink, but I still miss having a horse around.  This painting makes 232 in 232 days.  I really have to get more panels cut!  I just don't seem to have a day to dedicate to getting them cut, and priming the surfaces.  I'd rather be painting, after all.......

Adjusting the Bridle

Adjusting the Bridle
Oil on panel, 16x12
Civil War Reenactment on the farm

This is my fifth painting of the week, painted from our reenactment this past weekend.  What I really like about this one is that our milk barn is in the background.  When I was younger, I wished this barn looked more like the big red ones dotting the countryside.  As the years go by, I truly appreciate the unique design and color of this barn.  In all these years, I have not seen another one like it!  With each horse I paint, they get easier.  I really enjoy capturing the line and form of each one in paint!  This painting is number 231 in 231 days :)

Lining up the Horses

Lining up the Horses
Oil on panel, 16x12
Civil War Paint-Out - south pasture

Early on Saturday Morning, the horses arrived for the reenactment.  One by one they were unloaded from their trailer, and help in place. So excited they were with the fresh green grass - each one ravenously chewed the area in front of them.  By day's end, the fence line behind them was completely trimmed up, and the tree was pruned to reveal the pole barn wall behind it.  The palomino even ate the poison ivy that was starting to get a stronghold at the corner of the barn!  The area was left so pretty in their wake, I plan to paint it at morning's light!  Painting number 230 in as many days.  I may be painting on barn wood if I don't hurry and get more panels cut!

Tending the Palomino

Tending the Palomino
Oil on panel, 16x12
Civil War Paint-Out

When I was still in grade school, I used to write stories about horses. On the playground, my friends and I would pretend to be horses - running in the wind as fast as we could.  I have always loved horses, so it was really a treat to have them included in our civil war reenactment.  This beautiful palomino was just as lovely as one I once wrote about (I named her Goldenrod).  The young woman holding her lead rope, Jamie, was just as nice as could be - and makes such a wonderful model for this vintage painting.  Painting number 229 in as many days.

Almost Home

Almost Home
Oil on panel, 16x12
Quantrill's Raiders Reenactment
Cass County, Missouri

Sometimes, I get excited about just starting a painting.  I was able to give this a solid two hours before I was interrupted to pick up Michaela from TSA.  I was really in the zone - and it is SO hard to lay down the brushes at such a time!  Then, an unexpected trip carved out another 2 hours from my painting time.  That drive to paint that lies at my core was chomping at the bit to get back to it!  When nearing completion, another unexpected trip with an hour delay.  I should have been done by 6:00, but it was not to be.  I think I am finished with this one - painting number 228 in 228 days.  I hope tomorrow runs more smoothly than today :)

Hydrangeas by the Porch

Hydrangeas by the Porch
Oil on panel, 11x14

This morning started with a breakfast cooked by one of the civil war men over the campfire.  Eggs, bacon, and ham cooked in an iron skillet - and various sides - so delicious!  After breakfast, it was time to start getting things cleaned up.  Next the organizers came to take down the large tent and the civil war tents were taken down, camp being cleared of all traces of 1863.  With a little more visiting and sharing farewells, it was time to prepare for our next event - a birthday lunch at my Aunt's house for my cousin Stephanie.  Starting to feel a little tired, we headed home for a little more family time on my parent's last day in town.  My oldest daughter came by with her little darlings.  I just got to witness little Alastair's first serious temper tantrum.  It gave me flashbacks of a little darling of my own - Travis, some 22 years ago.  After days of so much non-stop activity, I think it is time for some rest.  Maybe tomorrow.  I started this painting in Fish Creek, and I still want to tweak it a little.  Since time is almost up for the day - this is my 227th painting in as many days.

Encampment at Morning

Encampment at Morning
16x12, Oil on panel
Quantrill's Raiders Reenactment

The first artists were stirring around at sunrise.  Recognizing one of them, I went out to greet and show them where the encampment was.  The troops were starting their campfire for breakfast preparation, and getting water from the well.  As people trickled in, I was able to set up my easel and sketch out my landscape.  I was called away, to return to block in the local colors.  Again called away, and back to finish up as more people were arriving.  The day was full of fun reenactments, beautiful horses, soldiers on horseback, shooting of civil war era firearms, finishing with a campfire complete with vintage songs.  A day well spent.  Painting number 226 in as many days.

Calm Water

Calm Water
Oil over acrylic on canvas, 8x10

With the kids now in school, my schedule has changed a bit.  Up at 5:00, kids on the bus at 6:20, morning housework normally takes at least an hour, and then I have jumped into painting a quick one.  For the next few days, if I don't paint first thing, I may not get another chance!  We are hosting upwards of 50 soldiers and horses on our land for a reenactment.  Add to that another 50-100 people coming by at various times during the event - and I am going to be extremely busy! With calm and soothing thoughts, I have painted a quiet Colorado landscape for today.  Trying to channel tranquility for all that is about to come!  I have painted on canvas today - mainly because I am running out of surfaces.  I don't really care for the tooth of canvas or linen, I much prefer a wood panel.  But every so often, I give canvas another try.  This is painting number 225 in as many days.  Now, it is time to get back to work!

River Reflections

River Reflections
Oil on panel, 6x8
Wisconsin

On the way up to Door County, we were looking for a Subway restaurant.  Seeing the sign on the highway, we turn off.  Due to construction, we were rerouted, and sent over a gravel road that looked like a dead end.  Before finally finding the Subway at the end of this wild goose chase, we had to pass over a bridge overlooking this river.  It was magical!  After grabbing a quick salad - we rushed back and parked along side the road to capture the image.  The sweet golden light had faded into the darkening sky, but it still had a peaceful beauty.  All things work out in the way they are meant to.  Perhaps this painting was the reason for all the detours.  This one makes 224 paintings in as many days.  Things are going to be real busy out here over the next few days, I hope I can continue these daily paintings.  We are hosting a civil war reenactment of Quantrell's Raiders.  We will have soldiers and horses encamped for the weekend.  My artist friends will be coming to capture the event in paint, and I hope I will have some time to do this too.

Vintage Charm in Fish Creek

Vintage Charm in Fish Creek
Oil on panel, 14x11
Door County Plein Air - Wisconsin

I painted this early one morning in Fish Creek, Wisconsin.  Only a street from the harbor, I could hear the noises of boats and water.  The cool breeze blew in from the bay as the morning light threw long shadows on the grass.  It was so peaceful and serene as I painted under the trees.  A few locals visited with me as they took their daily walks, as well as art lovers - trying to make the rounds and see the artists at work.  I still need to tweak this one a bit, but with family in town and the kids starting school tomorrow - I am far too busy for that!  So, I am posting as is - and it is my 223rd in as many days :)

Edgewood Hollyhocks

Edgewood Hollyhocks
Oil on panel, 6x6

While in Door County, I spent a fun day at the Edgewood Orchard Gallery, painting en plein air.  I looked first for shelter, as rain was in the forecast.  Finding a protected area was not enough in this case.  This was the painting I was working on when my easel was suddenly flooded by a torrential downpour!  I had to take my shoes off and lift my easel up to walk it to high ground.  Afterwards, these beautiful hollyhocks were no longer upright, but were laying over towards the ground.  This gallery is a wonderful place to visit - and the grounds are SO paintable!  I would love the chance to paint there again.  Painting number 222 in 222 days :)

Sailing at Sister Bay

Sailing at Sister Bay
Oil on panel, 16x12
Door County, Wisconsin

I had the opportunity to be at Sister Bay, Wisconsin, watch a sunset paint.  Seldom, do I see such a glorious sunset at a scheduled paint-out!  What a treat!  This boat was sailing back and forth in the harbor - giving the artists ample chance to block it into their paintings.  This is a wonderful town - they even have a restaurant that lets goats out to eat off the roof!  No kidding - goats on the roof!  This is painting number 221 in as many days.

Abundant Hollyhocks

Abundant Hollyhocks
Fish Creek Quick Paint
Door County Plein Air

The village of Fish Creek fills up with patrons and artists very early on the day of the Quick Paint.  To be sure we got a good parking spot - we arrived shortly after 6:00 in the morning.  This ensures that we don't have to haul our gear too far from car to location.  These glorious hollyhocks grabbed my attention several days before - and I knew it would be my spot.  When the horn blows, we start painting.  It will blow again in 2 hours - and then we must lay down our brushes.  On this day, I visited with everyone who came by, not really paying attention to the time.  When I finally did check my watch, I had only 20 minutes left!  Yikes!  With a last flurry of impressionistic strokes - I finished.  After the horn, I rushed to frame it at my car, and get it stamped again.  All paintings must be stamped before and after the event.  Quick paints are a lot of fun - and the socials after are even better.  This is my 220th painting in 220 days.

Late Spring in the Flint Hills

Late Spring in the Flint Hills
Oil on panel, 18x14

While driving home from Colorado, there were so many wonderful views of the Flint Hills!  I love the way the water cuts into the banks, and the way the flint hills rise up around them.  It is like no other place I have seen.  This location is on the western side, just south of I-70.   The very first time I experienced their beauty, it was while riding with my brother and my favorite grandma as a child, on my first trip to Colorado.  It was such a fun trip - and it earned my Grandma Frank the name of "Hot Rod Grandma"!  Perhaps this is where I get that lead foot from... This is painting number 219 in as many days.

In the Cherry Orchard

In the Cherry Orchard
Oil on panel, 10x8
Door County, Wisconsin

As I rounded the turn on F Hwy, this beautiful orchard caught my attention.  In this field I spotted one of my artist friends already set up with her easel!  I pulled off the road to visit her, and took some great reference photos to paint from.  These cherry orchards were dotted all over Wisconsin!  I had never seen one before - so this was a real treat!  They have cherry wine, cherry beer, cherry jelly, cherry butter - absolutely all things cherry in Wisconsin!  They even had Cherry Festivals scheduled in various towns - and the cherry pie was to die for!  It is so fun to experience the local culture.  This painting makes 218 in 218 days.

Door County Farm

Door County Farm
Oil on panel, 8x6

While plein air painting in Wisconsin, we came across this lovely farm across from a wonderful pottery gallery.  The setting was picturesque, barns and house sitting on top of the hill, with  meadows spread out around them.  What is it about farms that is so calming to the spirit?  I have arrived home late from a family day at the Sea Life Aquarium and Crown Center, so I am painting small tonight - and using impressionistic strokes.  With just minutes to spare - here is my 217th painting in as many days.

Home from Fishing

Home from Fishing
Tinted graphite on bristol, 9x12

Michael and his cousin Jack were walking back up to the house from the pond.  They had found the fishing poles in the old milk barn - and had to try them out!  At 9 years of age, they were deep in discussion about the bait and the lures they had found in the old tackle box.  I snapped this photo as I trailed behind them with Michaela and Jack's two younger sisters.  A simple childhood moment captured in time, and it brings back fond memories of a day spent on the banks of the pond.  I think I will do this one in oils as well, perhaps cropping in a little closer to the boys.  Life goes by so quickly, and the most important times are the everyday moments.  Cherish each and every one.  This is the 216th artwork in 216 days.

Roots Entwined

Roots Entwined
Kangaroo Lake
Oil on panel, 6x8

Walking along water's edge, near Sunset Shores on Kangaroo Lake, the stillness was comforting.  I don't know what it is about the woods that is so alluring.  Since I was little, I have always loved exploring through the layers of trees and hidden paths.  I would search for treasures in the fallen leaves, filling my pockets as I walked.  The morning light peered through, throwing shadows on the woodland floor.  The woods are so dense up in Wisconsin, there is almost no undergrowth beneath them.  As a result, they look so well manicured.  I am working with impressionistic strokes today, letting the memory of this place guide my brush.  Perhaps I will dedicate the whole month to paintings of Door County - since I am well on my way!  This is painting number 215 in 215 days.

Bailey's Harbor

Bailey's Harbor
Door County, Wisconsin
Oil on panel, 6x8

The view from this pier in Bailey's Harbor, Wisconsin, was breath-taking.  The winds grew stronger the further out I walked.  There was only one tiny spot with shade -  a couple of short trees, from which to paint under.  Sometimes, I have to just take reference photos to use at a later date.  This is one such place.  The breeze off Lake Michigan was always cold, making the temperature feel much cooler than it should have.  Keeping extra jackets in the car is always a good idea for the plein air painter - it saved me in Wisconsin!  On one day, I had put all four of my jackets on - just to stay warm enough to paint in the cold, damp wind.  This landscape was picturesque with it's flowing beaches dotted with houses.  Bailey's Harbor is a quiet little town off the eastern side of the Door County peninsula.  It was also the closest place I could go for internet while staying at Kangaroo Lake!  This is painting number 214 in as many days.

Docked in Fish Creek

Docked in Fish Creek
Door County, Wisconsin
Oil on panel, 12x16

This beautiful boat was tied to the dock in Fish Creek Harbor, begging to be painted.  The colors were striking, and the reflections in the water were amazing.  I am working a little larger today - this scene just called for more space on the panel.  The panel I chose also has the burnt sienna wash - which I have only been using on and off for the last month.  I like it - I feel like it gives an energy and color harmony to the whole painting.  I have only painted a handful of boat paintings, so this is definitely a learning experience. For some reason, I have always looked at boats and thought they were too complicated to paint.  That seems to be the way of all things untried.  I am finding that I like painting these boats in the water.  It is soothing to paint such subject matter, and challenging to get the colors in the water right.  As with each boat I have painted, I am not sure if I am finished - so I am letting this one rest.  I'll see how it strikes me in the morning!  This is painting number 213 in 213 days :)

Beach at Bailey's Harbor

Beach at Bailey's Harbor
Oil on panel, 6x8
Door County, Wisconsin

Three other artists and I arrived on this deserted beach early one morning.  As we walked around, looking for the perfect painting spot, one of the girls looked down at the sand.  Lo and behold, there were bear tracks right at our feet!  On further inspection, they were all over the beach!  I did not think bears would be wandering around Door County!  So, I changed my original position from the thick of the bear tracks to a spot with my back to Lake Michigan - facing the thick woods (just in case Mr. Bear decided to join me)!  Quite a few people strolled onto the beach in the next two hours, as well as a couple more artists we knew.  It turned out to be a lovely painting day with no bears in sight!  Painting number 212 in 212 days :)

Yikes!  Bear track on the beach!
(one of many....)

Shipwrecked in Egg Harbor

Shipwrecked in Egg Harbor
Door County Plein Air
Egg Harbor, WI
Oil on panel, 14x11

My second painting at Egg Harbor is this cute little restaurant, pub and inn named "Shipwrecked".  This place was constantly full of people laughing, talking, and enjoying the day.  Music wafted up from the street side cafe - creating a wonderful environment for painting.  I am now ahead on my paintings - which is SO much better than being behind.  Maybe I'll be able to relax a little - and stop the midnight painting for a few days!  This is painting number 211 in as many days.

Docked

Docked
Kangaroo Lake, Wisconsin
Oil on panel, 8x10

Visiting near the dock across from our lodging, this picturesque scene instantly caught my attention.  The water was calm on Kangaroo Lake, as I started taking photos.  Light rippled off the water as the reflections of the boat and dock danced on it's surface.  The water is so peaceful, so tranquil.  It beckons for me to sit at it's edge, relaxing as it laps at the bank.  I love the sounds of the water,  always a peaceful painting companion.  I used a panel that had a more porous surface than usual.  It really soaked up the paint as I worked, and the blending was made more difficult.  I am playing with the light on boat, dock and water here, showing movement by bouncing it around the painting.  This was a fun one to paint after a very hectic day.  Just painting this scene, helped me to unwind.  This is painting number 210 in as many days.  Tomorrow my parents are coming for a good, long visit!