Winding Creek

Winding Creek
Oil on wood panel, 11x14
Vineyard Hill - Augusta Plein Air Art Event
purchase here

This AMAZING spot was certainly off the beaten path.  I was again in search of water - so I hiked into the woods to see if I could get a good vantage of the creek with the sky reflecting into it.  Hopping some big old logs and dodging poison ivy, I was able to set up near the edge of the 20 foot drop on this creek bank.  What a view!  I love seeking out these beautiful locations, thinking no other artist may have been here - and just maybe I am the only one to capture this beauty in oils!  Bird song and the trickling of water were my companions for this paint - and the bumblebees that kept heading into the bank below me.  It feels like time spent with an old friend when I am surrounded by such beauty.  I may just head out after another creek today!  Painting number 852 in 852 days.

on location

Tranquil Waters

Tranquil Waters
Oil on wood panel, 14x11 - purchase here

I wanted to paint a creek when we landed at the private estate paint. It looked as though they had damed up a creek to form the lake, so I hiked way into the tall grass and woods to see what the inlet looked like.  Brush was too dense and the light too dark for a good painting.  So I headed the opposite direction to see if the row of distant trees led to water.  After a long hike through a corn field and some very wet terrain - this gorgeous scene opened up from a narrow deer trail through dense poison ivy.  It was breath-taking!  I hiked back to the car for my gear, and headed back.  An hour had elapsed since arriving, and I got to work.  Almost finished, I heard something approaching me from the creek bank, which dropped 20 feet from the edge which I was near.  I started talking to it, not wanting to surprise a bobcat - as there were all kinds of tracks around.  Crackling continued over the dry brush, and began to move as it headed towards me.  It was a snake more than 5 feet long that passed within 2 feet of me!  It looked like a water moccasin!  I watched it until it was gone, and got back to work.  THEN, I heard the same noise coming up the bank - only louder, like it was a heavier snake.  I decided right then that my painting was done and I quickly packed my gear and headed back to civilization!  Painting number 851 in 851 days - I should have named this "snake waters"!

On location

Honorable Mention Award

Dreaming of Tara

Dreaming of Tara
Oil on wood panel, 14x11
Frazier Paintout
sold

Today's paintout was one of three properties owned by the Fraziers in Augusta.  The charm of this home has captured my attention for years!  It sits back from the road a bit, on a hill, and is now  a Bed and Breakfast.  It was a cold start to the day, with rain moving in - so I worked fast.  With such a complicated drawing, I took a little extra time to make sure I had the line right, before dashing in with paint.  This kind of painting just makes me happy - I LOVE the southern charm!  Painting number 850 in as many days.  Hooray!

Hidden Lake

Hidden Lake
Oil on wood panel, 12x9
Augusta Shores, Missouri
purchase here

This little gem is the result of high rainfall in a short time - creating this lake in a normally dry run-off bed!  After getting the word, Teddy and I hiked over to see the beauty.  I had to balance my easel between two of the flat rocks along the edge - being careful not to back up and drop into the water! This spot was very primitive - nature as God made it, and it was a treat to paint it!  Painting number 849 in 849 days!

on location

Majestic View

Majestic View
Oil on wood panel, 12x16
Augusta Shores Paint Out
purchase here

This magical spot is located is a place that has called me back to paint once again.  I was here two years ago, and the beauty is stunning - and not the normal landscape found in Missouri!  East light poured in for this morning paint - and that light skimmed the surface of the water as I laid in my sketch.  Moving quickly to capture the golden light, I marked those areas with paint.  With a quickly changing light, it is important to get all mass colors in before they change.  Then, as they change, I already have that color before me, and I won't "chase the light", thus losing the golden scene that first called me to paint.  Another great plein air painting day!  Painting number 848 in 848 days!

on location

Moody Montelle Morning

Moody Montelle Morning
Oil on wood panel, 12x9
purchase here

Montelle Winery is situated high on a hill with a grand view of the countryside.  This year, a new spot has been cleared of a few trees, opening up a new scene begging to be painted!  With brush and knife, I am capturing the beauty of Montelle - and barely getting it finished before a hard rain moved in!  Painting number 847 in a row!

Gateway to the Vineyard

Gateway to the Vineyard
Oil on wood panel, 12x9
Nobeleis Winery - Sunset Paint-Out
Augusta Plein Air Art Event
purchase here

This evening's painting was at the beautiful Nobeleis Vineyard, and was a 2 hour quick paint.  It was heavily overcast, but the rain held off.  I'm not so sure about tomorrow, though!  The moody atmosphere made for a wonderful spring painting of the vineyard.  I was sheltered from the cold wind by the pavilion, and a live band played while we painted - and i love that!  I will have to post the photo of this painting tomorrow, as I left my camera in Teddy's car - and that is where all of my images are!  This painting is number 846 in 846 days.

Dogwood on Chestnut Street

Dogwood on Chestnut Street
Oil on wood panel, 12x9
Augusta Plein Air Art Festival - purchase here

Arriving in the afternoon, a quick drive around the beautiful vintage town of Augusta brought me to this location, with it's strong light and shadow dancing across the lawn.  I was instantly drawn in.  Setting up my easel, I had an hour and a half before a scheduled social at "Pop-a-Wheelie" on the Katie Trail (which was excellent - by the way!)  I let the brushes do the work, laying in the masses with big strokes.  I am SO happy to be painting on wood this week! Last week I had left my panels behind, and had to paint on canvas for the New Harmony event.  Boy, am I ever appreciating my specially prepared wood panels now!  The next 10 days are going to be amazing in the heart of Missouri Wine Country!  Painting number 845 in 845 days :)

Historic Bentel House

on location

Historic Bentel House
Oil on canvas panel, 9x12
New Harmony, Indiana - purchase here

Built between 1814 and 1825, these Harmony Society buildings dot the streets of New Harmony, Indiana.  A beautiful dogwood was putting on a show at the George Bentel House, and drew me right in.  The way the white petals caught the light against the brick was a bit of a challenge to capture, but it was also what most attracted me to this house, so I had to forge ahead until I had accurately portrayed the feeling this place gave me.  The town's people are all so friendly, it is such a welcoming place to stand on the street corners and paint!  It seems like everyone drives golf carts instead of cars - and they all come by to see what you're up to, and visit a bit. This place is unlike any other that I have painted, and it is such a pleasure to have hit the peak of spring bloom here!  Painting number 844 in 844 days.

Rush Creek Rhapsody

Rush Creek Rhapsody
Oil on canvas panel, 14x11
Harmonie State Park, Indiana - purchase here

Heading out for town, early in the foggy morning, this beautiful creek captured my attention. Teddy and I both commented on it, and turned around to come back for photos.  This creek is inside the Harmonie State Park where we are staying in a fabulous log cabin. The soft, foggy light was so ethereal here - it pulled us right in! Once on location, we simply had to set up our easels and start painting!  This was out self-proclaimed "building" day, but this little detour made for a tranquil painting and peaceful start to the day.  I always follow my little voice when it tells me to "paint here", and it did not steer me wrong!  Painting number 843 in as many days.

on location

Elizabeth's Tulips

Elizabeth's Tulips
Oil on canvas panel, 10x8
New Harmony Quick Paint - purchase here

This was painted during the hour and 15 minute quick paint at the New Harmony plein air event, First Brush of Spring.  With such a short time limit, I decided to take the pressure off and paint something fun - tulips!  The bold red blooms were very large, and some were full blown in the bed.  I tuned out the whole event while I painted, oblivious to what was going on around me - just me and those tulips, the light and the shadow.  When I did look up, people were already framing and heading to check-in, so I popped this in a frame to stand in line with the rest.  Painting number 842 in 842 days. This is the shortest quick paint I have ever participated in - 75 minutes long!

on location

Craggy Trees at the Wabash

Craggy Trees at the Wabash
Oil on canvas panel, 14x11
First Brush of Spring plein air - purchase here

This is the final painting of the three day painting event, First Brush of Spring in New Harmony, Indiana.  The sun was approaching sunset, and with no time to spare it was a quick paint to capture all the light and shadows before they were gone.  Working so quickly, there was little thought to the process, just feeling the quality of the light with my brush.  Pulling quick shadows, I then moved to the high water, paying careful attention to the bright light bouncing off it's surface.  This light is what drew me to this composition - so it was important to get this right.  I finished just as we were to meet at the Ribeyre for a cookout and s'mores!  Painting number 841 in 841 days.

on location

Red Buds in the Peony Garden

Red Buds in the Peony Garden
Oil on canvas panel, 12x9
First Brush of Spring plein air - purchase here

These lovely redbuds were bursting with color on the south side of town in the peony garden. The beds are full of buds, but alas, no peonies yet.  The first painting of the second day at the "First Brush of Spring", the fog was still looming.  A beautiful morning, this painting was a joy to paint.  I have used my new brushes exclusively - which tells you just how much I love them!  I have never felt this way before about a brush - but these little wonders are amazing to paint with.  Thank you to my artist friend, Norma, for making sure I had the rest of them before I left town!  Painting number 840 in 840 days.

on location

Red Roofed Barn

Red Roofed barn
Oil on canvas, 14x11 - First Blush of Spring
purchase here

This fabulous barn in located right next to the park in New Harmony, Indiana.  Heading south out of town to our log cabin in the state park, this scene grabbed my attention as a "must paint".  The day was foggy, and as it lifted we were then "sprinkled on" with a light rain.  I hurried to get oil on the entire canvas, because if it gets wet first. the oils will slide right off.  I tilted my canvas to point downwards a little, until this was achieved.  I then was able to finish normally.  By the time I was done, the sun was out and things were heating up as the temperature climbed to 81 degrees!  I am having so much fun painting in this brand new location!  Painting number 839 in 839 days.

painting on easel - almost done

on location

Profusion of Crabapples

Profusion of Crabapples
Oil on canvas panel, 14x11
Fist Brush of Spring - sold

The first day of the New Harmony Plein air found me in front of the Roofless Church just off of Main Street.  There must have been a dozen of these glorious blooming trees in pink, white and dark pink. It was the very first gorgeous sight I saw when driving into town - and it is where I returned to paint.  I did something today I have never done - I left all of my painting substrates at home!!!  The new puppy kept jumping on my bag, pulling them down, and I was afraid he would start chewing on the birch.  I pushed them out of his reach, and out of my sight. Thankfully, my dear artist friend, Michele had purchased 6 panels to stamp for us, since we couldn't be there by 9:00.  So, that is what I will be painting on this week! Painting number 838 in 838 days.

Yellow Orange Tulips

Yellow Orange Tulips
Oil on unstretched canvas, 4x4

These glorious tulips shine in my garden like beacons of light!  Their sunny, orange color is so cheerful and bright - even on a dark and stormy day!  I started with a pastel sketch, and filled in the main colors for the initial block in. The next step was treating the edges - whether to leave soft or hard, pulling with the brush, then laying in with the palette knife.  Next, I deepen the shadow areas with the knife, and finally pop those highlights.  I like the zoomed in format of the composition - it gives the painting a dramatic flare!  I am painting several of these this week - trying to capture the beauty of these blooms before they fade away, not to be seen again until next year.  Painting number 837 in 837 days.

South Side of Church Road Barn

South Side of Church Road Barn
oil on unstretched canvas, 6x4
7/100 - The {100} Artists

I had to walk up into tall grass to get the reference shot for this barn. Nice from the road, it was amazing from this angle - and I knew I would paint it someday. The somewhat blurry "in progress" pic shows how I started marking my darks, noting the violets (ultramarine violet) where they were present.  Once I had blocked in all the color masses, I then made sure to bounce the color around - reflections of sky color on the ground, sunlit highlights both in trees and grass, and that peachy brush color found on the ground also showed up a bit in the trees.  This was not really a path in the grass, but old dead grass where a tractor had driven over it - making the perfect "lead in" for the eye.  I'm getting used to this large palette knife for such a small substrate - but I will still check out the knives at Creative Cold Snow tomorrow (our local art store).  Painting number 836 in 836 days.

Tropical Tulips

Tropical Tulips
Oil on unstretched canvas, 4x4
purchase here

Today, my youngest daughter was on two local TV stations (Fox 4 and Channel 41) with her robotics team which leaves for World Competition on Wednesday.  They were showing off their robots - and it is SO fun to see your child on TV!  They have done SO well in all of the competitions up to this point - and we are hoping for the same in the next week!  In celebration of her "stardom" I have gone a little wild with these bright and cheery tulips!  I have used my two new brushes almost exclusively on this painting.  I LOVE the way they spread the paint - so much, that I am trying to squeeze time in for another trip over to Creative Cold Snow to buy one in every size before I leave town!  Pretty sure I won't make it, but a girl can dream - can't she?  Painting number 835 in 835 days :)

April Magnolia

April Magnolia
Oil on unstretched canvas, 4x4
purchase here

Each day, it seems my magnolia tree grows more beautiful - so abundant with blooms it is!  I simply can't resist capturing such wonder in oils!  I have used my new brushes on this small painting - and how I wish I had bought one in every size!  There will be no time for going by the art supply store before I leave town, so I will have to make due with what I have.  These connoisseur 2102 brushes are holding their shape so well, and I love the way the paint cleans out of them so quickly with safflower oil.  They are synthetic, which is new to me, but so far, I have not found a single down side. The marks they make are clean and they blend like a charm.  I just love finding new, amazing art supplies!  It feels like Christmas! Painting number 834 in 834 days.

Pink Tulips

Pink Tulips
Oil on unstretched canvas, 4x4
purchase here

Another day flies by almost before I can get to my easel - so, I am painting late.  These last few days, I have been trying to paint two a day, so I will be ahead when I leave for New Harmony, Indiana. I have no idea how my internet connection will be, so I must be ready to post from my phone.  It is a wonderful release to paint bold and loose, especially after the very full days I have had lately!  My tulips are supplying the inspiration, and all I have to do is pick up the brushes - and voila! - my own personal art therapy!  Exciting new colors on the palette today - Gamblin's radiant turquoise and radiant magenta.  They are perfect for adding a little zing to the dance of color!  This painting makes 833 in 833 days :)

Open Red Tulips

Open Red Tulips
Oil on unstretched canvas, 4x4"
purchase here

Oh my goodness - what a VERY full day!  My day was completely scheduled until I arrived home tonight after Michael's baseball game - and when I did get home, I sure didn't feel like painting.  Then, after grabbing something light to eat, the creativity started to creep back into my veins.  Before I knew it, I was choosing something I love to paint - flowers, and a tiny canvas - only 4x4 inches square.  I had taken this photo in the morning - which is a good thing since it is now way past dark!  I tried a couple of new brushes today - and they are synthetic!  I ALWAYS use natural hair brushes, but I really liked the feel and bend of these in the store, so I brought them home.  And guess what - I love them!  Connoisseur 2102 - in a 4 and a 6.  I think I will be buying more of these.  We'll just see how they do with the next three weeks of heavy plein air painting!  Painting number 832 in 832 days.

Babbling Brook on the Farm

Babbling Brook on the Farm
Oil on unstretched canvas, 6x4
6/100 - The {100} Artists
purchase here

If you zoom on this image, you can actually see the minute, grainy texture of the light molding paste which I have first applied to this canvas. I left more tooth on this one - which I do not like as well to paint on.  I know it lends itself to grab the paint in interesting and unpredictable ways - but I'm longing for the smooth wood boards tonight.  I've used both ultramarine violet and dioxazine purple here.  The dioxazine is more "purple" when white is added than the violet.  The transparent unltramarine violet almost melts away with the tiny addition of any other color.  This painting makes 831 in 831 days.

Barns of Augusta

Barns of Augusta
Oil on unstretched canvas, 6x4
5/100 - The {100} Artists
purchase here

For the {100} artist challenge, I have chosen unstretched canvas for all 100 paintings in the 6x4 inch size.  I have first "primed" some of these with a long, flat palette knife and light molding paste - spreading on a thin coat, trying not to leave any stroke marks, leaving a little tooth at the edges.  I like this surface for my paint application better than the plain canvas, the paints glide more smoothly.  I must scrape my name in pretty quick, though, because the oils soak into this ground and stain it.  The next one I painted, I lifted the paint, but the surface was stained and my name was unreadable.  Another lesson learned on this 830th painting in 830 days :)

Old Barn on Church Road

Old Barn on Church Road
Oil on unstretched canvas, 6x4
4/100 The {100} Artists
purchase here

Every year that I have been plein air painting in Augusta, Missouri, I drive by this barn - longing to paint it.  We always have other commitments - with several paint-outs every day, it is hard to just pull off the road to squeeze in another one.  I have some really wonderful photos to work from, and that is what I've done today for The {100} Artsists challenge.  The in progress shot is a little fuzzy, but it demonstrates the block in.  I have not bothered to tint any of these miniature canvas pieces, so I have left the whites for highlight areas, and marked the darks, At this point, I probably had 20 minutes in the painting.  Once the surface was covered, I then push to cool and warm, until a nice harmony is achieved.  I'm still using my full size palette knife, but I am learning to stay on the tip for these 6x4 inch landscapes!  Then, my little inner voice tells me to put down my knife, and I always listen.  This is painting number 829 in 829 days :)

Birthday Bliss

Birthday Bliss
Oil on canvas, 6x6
purchase here

Today is my birthday!  I love birthdays, all of the good wishes, family fun, good food - what's not to love?  Now with facebook, there are a zillion birthday greetings to brighten my special day!  To add to the celebration this year, I am painting brightly colored gifts with brush and palette knife!  I am using some of my favorite bold colors for extra pop!  In fact, I had the whole painting so vibrant, I found I had to tone down a few areas just to give the eye a place to rest!  We had our family celebration yesterday, and we just returned home from going out to dinner.  Tomorrow is my oldest son's birthday, and Friday is our middle son's birthday.  This week in April - all we do is celebrate! This is painting number 828 in 828 days :)

Tulip Drama

Tulip Drama
Oil on wood panel, 5x7
purchase here

A couple of days ago, one lone orange tulip opened up - my very first one of the spring.  I meant to paint it that day, but life got in the way.  Here it is, two days later, and several had opened up - making a much better composition and set up for painting!  The bright , cheerful orange shade was perfectly displayed against the dark background this early morning.  After sketching, I blocked in the colors loosely with a large bristle brush.  After getting my darks in - mainly ultramarine blue deep and greenish umber, I worked out towards the upper corner, adding in yellow and sap green as needed - only suggesting the background foliage and blooms. Once all masses were in like I wanted, I started having fun with my palette knife, cutting in with bold color from the edges of petals.  I next loaded up that knife with straight ultramarine blue deep, and cut from the edges of leave and stem for the dark background. This created a dark that pulled back from the flowers, creating a wonderful depth.  I normally pop my brightest highlights at the very end, and so I knifed on a little radiant yellow and cad yellow medium for the thickest final touches.  Happy Easter to you all, it has been a day full of food, family and egg hunting!  Painting number 827 in 827 days :)

Flowering Pear and Plum

Flowering Pear and Plum
Oil o wood panel, 8x6

This is painting with a secret - it has another painting underneath it! An artist friend wisely told me not to leave any painting behind that is not up to my current standards.  So every once in a while, I will take out an old one, and decide if it is worth saving, or completely recycle the substrate.  The path, middle ground and background are from the previous painting, but fresh color has been added, and the foreground trees have been added.  These trees are from my own yard, and each year when they burst into bloom - I have an irresistible urge to paint them! The plum has wonderfully sweet fruit in the summer!  Painting number 826 in 826 days :)

Pond in Spring - miniature

Pond in Spring - miniature
oil on canvas, 4x4"

Storms during the night lingered into the morning, creating dramatic skies in it's wake.  As the sun popped through the clouds, the awakening spring foliage seemed to glow - and simply had to be my subject for today.  Taking a few quick photos, I had to run on to Zumba and a hard core intervals class, only to arrive home with enough time to shower before spending all day shopping with my daughters for a Prom dress.  We found some unbelievable deals - and the perfect dress!  And here it is, the eleventh hour again, as I approach my easel for my daily painting.  I'm tired, but the puppy is not, so I have finished my painting as he has romped and chewed on my toes.  This landscape is TINY - only 4x4 inches.  But, honestly, it is all I have in me for tonight.  This is my 825th painting in 825 days - and now, my bed is calling me :)

Robin Rhapsody

Robin Rhapsody
Oil on canvas panel, 8x6
purchase here

When I arrived home after a very full day, my intention had been to paint my first tulip - and bright orange bloom.  But, as I unloaded the car near the magnolia tree, the sweetest robin was singing in it's branches!  Inspiration springs up in these precious little moments of life - and I always listen.  It doesn't matter if I have a painting already sketched out, I will switch gears on a dime to rise to the occasion! I began this painting with my normal pastel sketch, and fully painted the robin before moving on to branches, blooms, and finally the sky.  Permanent rose is the main color for the magnolias - a great addition for those spring flowers!  Painting number 824 in 824 days :)

Bradford Pear in Spring

Bradford Pear in Spring
Oil on canvas, 8x6
purchase here

The Bradford pears are just bursting into bloom in my yard, so today - I just HAD to capture one of them in oils!  I am using a canvas board today, because I didn't have this size in my beloved wood panels.  I really wanted to stick with the 8x6 size (it matched my available painting time).  After 822 painting days, I have gotten pretty good at knowing what size I can finish under a certain time limit).  The bright sunlight bounced off the petals and foliage, and the strong winds tossed branches and grass back and forth.  I have attempted to catch that movement with my palette knife and brush.  Painting number 823 in 823 days.