Picking Pumpkins

Picking Pumpkins
Graphite on bristol, 8x9

Today, as I wait in my dad's hospital room, I have my paper and a few graphite tools in my lap.  I brought a few printed photos to work from, in case I had the time or inclination to get to it.  Many artists work well under duress, but that has never been me.  After driving all night, arriving at 3:30am, I only slept a couple hours.  As I began to struggle to keep my eyes open, I pulled out my paper and started to work.  The process helped to revive me.  I was more alert, and could easily visit with my mom and staff - all the while, accomplishing something.  I really didn't feel like drawing when I started, but the process became soothing.  I didn't bring my paints with me on this trip - the hospital frowns on such things in the rooms, and I don't expect to have any daylight hours to spend outdoors.   So, I will be drawing for the next few days.  This is my 270th artwork in as many days, and Day 30 in the 30 Day Painting Challenge - the final day :)

Balducci Sunset

Balducci Sunset
Augusta Plein Air Event

It is good that I have a few paintings I have not posted - I can bring one out for a day like today.  I am on the road, headed to Ohio, where my dad is in the hospital.  Since I will not be arriving until 1:00 or 2:00 am, I am posting from my laptop at a McDonalds - where the wifi is free!  I hope you enjoy this painting of one of my favorite places to paint - Augusta!  This is painting number 269 in as many days, and Day 29 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.  Back on the road I go.

Parkville Jewelers

Parkville Jewelers
Oil on panel, 9x12
Parkville in Art

When I first took a look down Main St. in Parkville, I loved the historic buildings lining the street.  I had wanted to paint them last year, but I just didn't get around to it.  In addition, I have been wanting to work on street scenes - especially since I find them a bit tricky. This little jewelry shop is one of the challenges for the event, so I thought this was my chance.  Setting up across the street in the shade of the buildings, I finally found a vantage point from which to paint.  This building sets back a little, so it is more challenging to get a good composition.  As I worry about my dad, who is in the hospital, I find therapy in this work.  I truly do love details, so I just let myself go on this one.  It has helped me to unwind.  I can't control what is going on with my dad, but I can control my brush.  Somehow, I don't feel so helpless when I can bring a painting into being.  This is painting number 268 in 268 days, and Day 28 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Parkville Antique Mall

With so much on my plate today, I needed to get as much finished as possible.  With a couple of places in mind to paint, I scouted both and chose the one whose light was best earlier in the day.  The other one would still look great late in the afternoon.  With such  a complicated composition, it took me longer than normal to get it all down.  I will need to take a photo of this in the daylight, as the colors are not true at all in this lighting. This is painting number 267 in as many days, and Day 27 of the 30 Day Challenge.  This challenge has just flown by in the blink of an eye!

Parkville Antique Mall
16x12, oil on panel
Parkville in Art

Gentle Waters

This is a pretty quick paint of a beautiful creek in Parkville, flanked on both sides by nature trails.  Starting in one lighting, and finishing in another - made this a bit of a challenge.  Since my time was limited, I used a smaller panel and only a couple of brushes for the whole landscape.  I want to paint this place again - perhaps capturing it with a bit more sun next time.  This is painting number 266 in as many days, and Day 26 in the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Gentle Waters
Oil on panel, 12x9
Parkville in Art

Falling Asleep - in progress

Falling Asleep
Graphite & ink on bristol, 14x18

I started this today for an upcoming drawing competition.  I found this photo on my son's old ipod - which he gave to me to use.  Instantly, I knew I must draw it!  I want to do this one in oils at a later date, too.  This is my youngest daughter putting little Alastair (my second grandson) to sleep.  I love the peaceful expressions and the natural positions of both.  I still have some work to do on this, but am posting this one for today's work.  The shadows are very dark in my reference photo, and I still have a ways to go on that.  My 8b water-soluable graphite was not getting the job done, so I added a black intense pencil to the mix.  These pencils work well for small dark areas, but are hard to get even in a large shaded area.  So, in just a while, I will add black charcoal in the deepest shaded areas - hoping to bring them to the desired depth.  This is my 265th artwork in as many days, and Day 25 in Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Rain Over Parkville University

As I set out for Parkville this morning, the sun was shining with a promise for a beautiful day.  As two artists and I walked around scouting our painting locations, thick clouds filled the sky.  Once deciding on my composition, rain was threatening - and I set my easel up under the protection of an awning.  Thank goodness!  I hadn't been painting 30 minutes before a light rain began to fall, and a damp chill set in.  I knew I must finish on location, because chances of finding another day with the same light are doubtful.  I have painted 2 landscapes in the rain this week!  This is my 264th painting in as many days, and Day 24 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Rain Over Parkville University
Oil on panel, 14x11
Parkville in Art

End of Day

End of Day
Augusta Shores, Missouri
Oil on panel, 8x10

I thought I had a couple of hours of sunlight left to capture this painting.  I soon realized that was not the case.  Being 3 1/2 hours further east in the central time zone, sunset arrives earlier than in western Missouri.  As the sun went down past the western hill, the highlights on these trees went out like a light.  It was not long after that the damp chill set in.  Rushing to finish this quickly, I could hardly see my colors clearly as I pulled in the last strokes.  It is rare to capture this lake so still, with such marvelous reflections - so I am thankful that I had the chance!  This is painting number 263 in 263 days, and Day 23 in Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Going for a Drive

Going for a Drive
Oil on panel, 12x9
H.S. Clay House
Augusta Harvest Festival Plein Air

The weather could not have been any more perfect for a day of painting.  Settled down into old town Augusta, I set my easel up in the shade of a tree.  As the sun marched west, I had to keep scooting my easel over to keep in the shade.  Knowing I would have to do this beforehand, I got down all of the important parts that would certainly change with my moving view.  Once drawn and blocked in, I did not adjust, so it would remain true to the original vision.  I really enjoyed this day, and our lovely models were real troopers as the sun heated up!  So fun!  This is my 262nd painting in 262 days and Day 22 in the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Petunias and Periwinkles

Petunias and Periwinkles
Oil on panel, 9x12
Augusta - Stone Ledge Antiques

It took me a little while to decide on my painting subject today.  Normally, when I arrive at a location, I am instantly pulled to a particular subject.  The fact is, I was pulled to some roses in full bloom, leaning against a railing.  The problem with this subject is that I would have to set up in the middle of the street, or at least out in the elements - and I had already painted one in the rain, and had no desire to do it again.  Finally deciding on this one, with a covered porch in front of Stone Ledge Antiques to paint under, I jumped right in.  With only a couple of hours to paint, this was a quick one!  There is quite a glare on the fresh oil paints - so I will try to get another photo when the paint dries a bit.  This is the 261st painting in as many days and the 21st Day of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.  Now, I'm off to paint in historic Augusta!

Rainy Day at Augusta Shores

Rainy Day at Augusta Shores
Oil on panel, 9x12

After a stormy night, the hard rain held off until Teddy and I had just packed up our gear and loaded the car.  We couldn't have timed it any better!  For the last half of my painting, it was lightly raining.  I pulled out my red raincoat (always in my trunk), and tried to cover the flat parts of my easel with plastic.  Rain drops stuck to my painting and filled my palette as I worked.  By the end of this, I was literally moving the water aside with my paint brush full of oil paint.  Oil and water really do not mix.  I was fortunate to have had most of my panel covered with paint before the rain increased.  Those few little areas left unpainted resisted those oils relentlessly!  I see a few things I will probably touch up, but for now, this one rests - and off to the next location we go!  Painting number 260 in 260 days, and Day 20 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Day painting challenge.

Down the Katy Trail

Down the Katy Trail
Oil on panel, 10x8

Today found me on the Katy Trail in Augusta, looking for a painting location.  It is still hot down here - 89 degrees when I finished painting.  I set up in the dense shade of the trees reaching across the trail.  Several bike riders passed me as I painted.  There was a slight breeze, which kicked up as the afternoon stretched on.  What I thought would be a simple, quick paint, took longer than expected.  The dappled light on the path was a bit of a challenge, and it kept changing with the spotty cloud cover.  It felt so good to be back in Augusta, painting on location!  This is painting number 259 in 259 days, and Day 19 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.  So nice to come back to a wine, amazing baked tomatoes and dinner!!  Yum!

Sunset Behind the Clock Tower

Sunset Behind the Clock Tower
Brush Creek Art Walk
Country Club Plaza
Oil on panel, 6x12

The temperature was perfect, and the breezes were light tucked down by Brush Creek.  I had already painted the creek with the large fountain and gondolas parked along the edge.  Michaela was not yet finished with her painting, so I started this one.  This clock tower is one of the Country Club Plaza icons - and I couldn't resist painting it again this year.  I had only gotten the block in completed when she ready to head for home.  When I am painting on location, I can stay all day long and not notice the time.  I had even considered staying for a nocturne paint, but she would not have agreed to that.  So, upon realization that this would need to be a quick paint, I started in with quick and loose strokes.  The painting became more about the color and reflections than about trying to get all the details in.  There is currently scaffolding all around this clock tower, as repairs are made - but I chose to leave them out.  I wouldn't have had the time to get them marked out anyway.  This is pretty loose and impressionistic, but it captures the mood of the evening, so I am leaving it as is.  This is painting number 258 and Day 18 of Leslie Saeta's 30  Day Painting Challenge.

Sunlight on Benton Boulevard

Sunlight on Benton Boulevard
Brush Creek Quick Paint
Oil on panel, 6x12

Friday night was the scheduled Quick Paint for the Brush Creek Art Walk.  Setting up with some craggy trees in mind for my painting, I soon realized that the breeze was blowing the strong turpentine odor from a group of artists right to me.  Well, shoot.  I picked up my easel and moved until I was out of range, and picked a new subject.  I liked the was the light struck these buildings between the trees.  This painting is not quite finished.  I still need to break up the very uniform tree shapes, and vary the colors throughout.  I may be to busy to get to it today, so I am posting now.  This is my 257th painting in as many days and Day 17 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Brush Creek Beauty

Brush Creek Beauty
Oil on panel, 16x12
Brush Creek Art Walk

The first morning of the plein air event, I took my nine panels in to be stamped on location.  I plan on painting three a day - so this ensures I have enough surfaces to paint on.  The morning light was so beautiful on this very natural part of the creek.  With light winds, the reflections were amazing!  I lay in my light and shadows first - since that changes quickly when painting.  If you look closely - you can still see some organic matter that dropped onto my panel while painting!  There is always something blowing into the wet paint!  This is my 256th painting a day, and Day 16 of Leslie Saeta's 30-Day challenge :)

Outside the Garden Wall

Outside the Garden Wall
Oil on panel, 14x11
Kaufman Legacy Park
Brush Creek Art Walk

Today's painting adventure included an early lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and a little shopping on the Plaza with Michaela.  Day three of the Brush Creek Art Walk found me painting in zone 2 - just south of the gorgeous Kaufman Legacy Park.  The light was amazing, and all was fresh and washed from the brief, but heavy, rain during lunch.  To the west of me, music from the south lawn of the Nelson Atkins Gallery serenaded me as I worked.  Pretty posh painting day - if only they were all like this!  My 255th painting in as many days and Day 15 in the current 30 day painting challenge.

Fountain in Brush Creek

Fountain in Brush Creek
Brush Creek Art Walk
14x11

Today was such a beautiful day for painting down on the Plaza!  Along 4 miles of Brush Creek, artists are scattered down both sides.  This was my first paint of the day.  I set up on the southwest side of JC Nichols and Volker, south of Brush Creek.  I wanted to paint the gondolas last year, but didn't get a chance.  So, I picked a composition with the boats in mind.  There are several of these giant fountains shooting up from the middle of Brush Creek - and it was fun to finally get one of these painted as well!  This is my 254th painting in as many days, and Day 14 of the latest 30 day painting challenge.

Through the Arches

Through the Arches
Oil on panel, 12x16
Brush Creek Art Walk

Today is the first day of the Brush Creek Art Walk.  Starting early, and painting until almost dark, I have only just arrived home.  This was my second paint of the day - in zone 3, west of the Benton Boulevard Bridge.  These arches drew me in as soon as I passed under them.  The sunlight was just starting to hit them, and the tall, beautiful trees hung over to frame the composition perfectly.  There is a bit of a glare on this photo - the darks are not showing well on the left side.  I will try to take another tomorrow in the daylight.  I have actually left quite a bit of my underpainting exposed at the lower edge - and I like it!  I think I may just leave it this way..........One thing I love about these plein air events is that I paint several paintings each day.  That means that I will now have a buffer in the event that I can't get to painting one day!  I LOVE being ahead!  It is SO much better than being behind!  This is painting number 253 in as many days, and Day 13 of the 30 day painting challenge.

Beach at Lake Perry

Beach at Lake Perry
Oil on panel, 9x12

As I looked through reference photos with today's painting in mind, I found this one taken while plein air painting at Lake Perry last summer.  The day was incredibly hot, from one of the hottest summers I can remember.  I think I painted in 105 degree heat this day - from the shade of a dense tree.  This beach was almost deserted on this day, which made for perfect photos.  I like the natural state of a time worn beach, complete with old uprooted trees.  It took me a little longer to paint this one.  I'm not sure why.  The mood of the day, and the sun high in the sky, made for a unique light that I wanted to capture just right.  So, it took a little more thought and a little more time to lay down the right paint.  One of my goals with all this daily painting is to get faster at painting, to get right to what I feel about a place - without even having to think about it.  I would love to get to the place where I can capture this in under an hour.  I wonder if that will ever happen.  Painting number 252 in as many days, Day 12 in Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Lazy Susans

Lazy Susans
Oil on panel, 6x12

I planted two new varieties of black-eyed susans in the front flower bed this spring.  I love the way they just look bigger and prettier the later in the season it gets.  This rudbeckia is particularly large flowered, and has held it's own against the constant onslaught from the kittens.  Those kittens have mashed down half the potted flowers and have yanked off countless blooms in their "play"!  My mom and grandma have always called these "lazy susans" - I don't think I ever heard the term "black-eyed susans"until I read it in a book.  This painting is my 251st in 251 days, and Day 11 of the 30 day painting challenge.  Now, I am going out to enjoy this hot day by the pool.  After all, these hot days can't last forever!

Late Summer Creek

Late Summer Creek
Oil on panel, 12x9

A few days ago, I finally found enough time to prime about 40 new birch panels in various sizes.  I mixed up gesso, an acrylic paint to tint and fine pumice, applying with a large putty knife before smoothing with a brush.  I used a little less ground in this time, and the textures are smoother on most of the boards.  I'm not sure if I like this change or not.  A couple of these boards show the wood grain through all the layers, like canvas shows a tooth.  The underwash is a little different, too.  I just keep experimenting with various color combinations - just to mix things up   a bit.  This is painting number 250 in 250 days, and Day 10 of the 30 day painting challenge :)

Garden Phlox

Garden Phlox
Oil on panel, 6x6

Ahhh, a step back into sanity for today's painting.  My gardens are full of these lovely blooms - and they have been fabulous this season!  As the heat reached 100 degrees yesterday, the hot days are now taking their toll.  So, I am capturing them with paint - while I still can, knowing they will not return until next summer.  I hope to get another painting or two before they make their exit!  This is painting number 249 in as many days, and Day 9 of Leslie Saeta's 30 day painting challenge.  Click on the link to see what the other 400 artists are painting today!  It is so fun to connect with others who face the same daily painting challenges :)

The Dragon

The Dragon
Graphite on paper
by special request

This one is for my children who think I am a "boring artist".  "You already have the skills, mom, just apply them to something cool!"  So, today I am reaching WAY outside of myself to render this imaginary creature.  I pulled out drawing paper - which I haven't used for decades, not wanting to use my bristol.  My intention was to just try to figure out what I wanted as I sketched.  As I worked, I added more depth, trying to give realism to un unrealistic subject.  Just as I do with portraits, I started with the eyes.  If I couldn't make eyes I was happy with, I would have left the rest undone.  I feel like this drawing is crazy, and am shaking my head as I post it.  But alas, I will not have time to do another.  Artwork 248 in as many days, and Day 8 of the painting challenge.

Along the San Juan Mountains

Along the San Juan Mountains
Oil on wood panel, 12x9
Colorado

This morning, I had no idea of what I wanted to paint.  Unusual for me, as I have many subjects lined up ahead of time!  I went back through some of my recent photos, and this one, taken in May, at the base of the San Juan Mountain Range in Colorado - spoke to me.  I wish I knew the name of this mountain, but they simply do not have signs posted with this info as you drive through Colorado.  A peaceful home was nestled in the foreground.  What an amazing view they have from the back door!  This is painting number 247 in 247 days, and Day 7 in Leslie Saeta's painting challenge.  I think I'll go lay on a raft in the pool now :)

Geranium Blooms

Geranium Blooms
Oil on panel, 6x6
print available here

What a very busy day!  I got right to work on prepping panels when the kids got on the bus at 6:20 this morning.  Thinking it would only take a couple of hours - silly me - I would then be right on time for a field trip to Science City with my youngest son.  I had done most of the sanding last night, so I lined them all up and started the gesso, acrylic tint, pumice coat on each one.  After two hours, I had to go - leaving my panels to dry all over the kitchen!  Arriving home by 3:00, I started in again.  Coaxed to the store by my youngest daughter with a bribe to help me finish - I was off again.  Once at home, she jumped in to help me finish.  Working as fast as I could, I barely finished in time to throw on clothes to go to two art openings tonight.  I have one in an auction for the Fountain Foundation for the Kansas City Fountains, and three currently at the Buttonwood Art Space at 35th and Main in Kansas City.  After a fun evening with good friends and great art, I am finally home and whipping up something quick - so I can get to bed!  Some days are like that.  I could not have squeezed anything more into this day, if my life depended on it!  This is painting number 246 in as many days, and Day 6 on Leslie Saeta's 30 day challenge.  Didn't I just say 30 days would be a piece of cake?  Well, not today!

To Lead a Horse

To Lead a Horse
Oil on panel, 12x6
Civil War Reenactment

This past month, I have been concentrating on figure work - both of man and horse.  I love the way the light shines on the animal's form.  The reenactment has given me so many great reference photos to paint from!  Next time, I will try to get them to take the horses down to the pond.  Imagine how lovely these creatures would be reflecting in the water's surface!  I've been painting quite a few panels cut to 12x6 - and I really like the format!  It is wonderful for a panoramic composition, and just seems to make the painting more dramatic than the standard sizes.  Since I have finished with my painting a little early today, I am actually going to go get some panels cut!  I am down to bare bones on my panel selection, and it is way past time for me to do this.  Since I have some plein air events coming up, I really must take care of this so I can be well prepared for whatever scene unfolds before me.  This is painting number 245 in as many days, and Day 5 for Leslie Saeta's 30 day painting challenge.

Arabians at Play

Arabians at Play
Oil on panel, 12x6

150 years ago, this place where I live was a horse farm.  This farm was flourishing before the civil war, before Order #11, and before the whole area was looted and burned by Union soldiers.  It seems so natural to have horses on the place again, just like they were always meant to be here.  These two were from the group that came for the reenactment weekend.  Capturing them at play, I, too, am playing a bit with color today.  Having a little fun with cad orange - I am popping lights throughout, and allowing the underwash to show through.  This is Day 4 of Leslie Saeta's 30 day challenge, and my 244th painting in as many days.  Now, I am off to tea sampling at my oldest daughter's house - she just got some new varieties in to try :)

Milk Barn in September

Milk Barn in September
Oil on canvas, 8x6

This milk barn is one of my favorite things to paint!  Once upon a time, a working dairy farm run by my grandparents, this barn is full of character and charm.  The morning light was beautiful - and beckoned me to paint!  The cooler temperatures also made for wonderful painting weather.  My day is rather full, so I am getting this one done early - so I do not find myself painting again at midnight!  This is painting number 243 in 243 days, and Day 3 in Leslie Saeta's 30 day painting challenge.  30 days now seems like a piece of cake with 243 under my belt :)

Rippling Waters

Rippling Waters
Oil on canvas, 8x6
Cedar Creek, Lee's Summit, MO

For about the last three weeks - maybe more - I have been painting solely paintings from my place, some plein air, some from reference.  For a nice change of pace, I am today painting Cedar Creek in Lee's Summit.  This is facing east from under the bridge, just east of the soccer fields.  This is such a lovely hidden jewel right inside of the suburban landscape.  I am painting a small one today on canvas - because I still haven't cut and primed the birch yet!  This is my 242nd painting in 242 days and  Day 2 of Leslie Saeta's 30 day challenge.

Arabian Portrait

Arabian Portrait
Oil on panel, 6x6
Civil War Paint-Out

This proud arabian horse was just begging to be painted.  One of those beautiful horses brought over for the civil war reenactment, his coloring is perfect for the late summer colors of the yard.  He is so proud, and has such wonderful conformation, there are several paintings I have lined out with this little beauty front and center.  My time is limited today, so I am working small - 6x6.  I'm a bit worn out with the back-to-back sleepovers this weekend, so I am also working simple - just a head shot.  Again, I am using the sienna wash, but I am actually missing the bold underpainting of yesterday!  This is painting number 241 in as many days, and Day 1 for Leslie Saeta's newest 30 day painting challenge.  Yes - this is the challenge that started this whole daily painting adventure for me back in January!