Skies of Glory

Skies of Glory
Oil on masonite, 24x18
purchase here

Starting rather late in the day on this one, I did have a few hours of uninterrupted painting time.  After sifting through reference photos I have taken over the years, I kept returning to this sky.  I merged the sky with a different landscape, to bounce that wonderful color off the surface of the water.  I have used both brush and knife on this one - my old, worn out brushes since my new ones have not come in yet.  The connoisseurs hold up very well for the first 150 paintings, and then begin to show some wear.  But, in their defense, they have very slowly degraded - and I will keep them for all the rough, scrubby work.  That will leave my new ones for the finish work and places where I want sharp edges on the brush.  My favorite palette knife remains the pie shaped one - I use it 90% of the time I reach for a knife.  Since it is now dark, I will let this rest until tomorrow, checking it again in the natural light of day.  Are these blues too strong?.........maybe.........painting number 1125 in 1125 days.

Blue Jay in Ink

Blue Jay in Ink
Ink on paper, 5x7
purchase here

I have several bird feeders outside of my bay window in the kitchen - and so many birds frequent the area!  I could sit there at the table and draw them during all the daylight hours - if I had the time!  Today, I am capturing one of the big boys - a blue jay, as he commands attention close to the window.  The old Rose of Sharon is the perfect perch, though it leans more every year!  I am using black india ink with the fine point and brush tip pitt pens tonight.  This drawing makes 1124 in 1124 days :)

Screech Owl in Ink

Screech Owl in Ink
Pen and ink on paper, 5x7

With so much on my plate this last week, I’ve been longing for my pens, paper, and some quiet time!  Finally, tonight, I have gotten the chance to get back to this very organic medium.  Drawing is the most natural thing in the world for me, and to slip back into it is like wrapping up in a warm blanket with a hot cup of tea!  We have various owls around, and hear them often at night.  I have always loved their noises, but now that we have a tiny dog - I think of them in a whole new way.  I must go out with little Chewy at night - just to guard him!  They are still beautiful to draw, but I’m keeping them away from our puppy!  I have also decided to sign my pen and ink work along the form of my drawing, instead of sticking out by itself at the bottom left or right.  Doing so just feels more artistic, as if it adds rather than distracts......Artwork number 1123 in 1123 days, and Day 30 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge - another successful event!

Winter Gold

Winter Gold
Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 4x4

The winding creeks of Missouri fill me with inspiration!  I return to local creeks from time to time - and the paintings almost always look different with the changes of season and light.  A funny thing happens when I go to name these paintings.  I often come up with the same name for paintings done in the same place.  Almost always, as I am painting in a spot, a title just comes to me as I work. Sometimes, it even comes to me when I first set eyes on the landscape.  I always need to check my paintings before posting, just to be sure I don't title two paintings from the same place, with the same name!  This painting makes 1122 in 1122 days, and Day 29 in the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Dust of Snow

Dust of Snow
Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 4x4

A golden sky in winter warms up even the coldest snowy landscape!  I am again painting in miniature - only 4x4 inches, for an upcoming gallery show.  It will be held during the “Chocolate Crawl” in Lee’s Summit, so I there will be lots of traffic, and I’d like to have a few small things available.  If only the snow would last a little longer - I love to paint it, even if I don’t love standing in it!  Painting number 1121 in 1121 days, and Day 28 in the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Winter Pinks

Winter Pinks
Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 4x4

After painting on such a large surface yesterday (18x24), I am now painting very small (4x4).  I’ve spent a lot of time on the paperwork that goes on the back of my paintings today, which really cut into my painting time!  It looks like our snow will soon be gone - as we move into the 50’s tomorrow, and 60’s by Friday!  So, I am getting a few snowy landscape miniatures painted while it is still cold!  Painting number 1120 in 1120 days, and Day 27 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Return to Reibolt's Creek

Return to Reibolt's Creek
Oil on masonite, 18x24

One evening, as the last light was stretching across the landscape, Teddy and I were able to paint quick color studies of this very place in just over 30 minutes.  Standing thigh high in tall grass and weeds, I had climbed down into the ditch to get this vantage point.  It was far safer than roadside with the west sun directly in the eyes of oncoming traffic.  After a couple of cars flew by  before even seeing us, we shimmied on down that hill.  With the creek coming alive with night life, I painted with one ear open for the curious snake - or bear, as the locals had mentioned sightings up and down the coastline!  I have painted this entirely from my color study, which was a 9x12, and will now let it rest until morning.  It is always hard for me to tell of I’m finished when I start a painting with natural light, and finish it with artificial.  So, I will look with fresh eyes in the morning, and then decide.  This was a very special place to paint, and doing so again takes me right back to the cool, damp air of that still evening by the creek.  Painting number 1119 in 1119 days, and Day 26 of the 30 day painting challenge.

Monkeying Around

Monkeying Around
Acrylic on masonite, 4x4

Feeling nostalgic this morning, I am painting another wonderful vintage pull top - this one of a monkey!  When my dad was young, he had a distant uncle that had a pet monkey.  Whenever someone came to the house, that monkey would go bananas!  He would run around the house and up the curtains - leaving little “presents” in his wake!  That made such an impression on him that he still tells the story!  These old Fisher Price toys are full of charm and personality - and so much fun to paint!  This little painting is 1118 in as 1118 days and Day 25 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Charlie in Ink

Charlie in Ink
Pen and ink on paper, 5x6

This sweet little long haired cat, is one of the most lovable cats we have ever had!  He will climb up to the balcony, and sit outside of our bedroom windows and call to us, if he hears our voices.  He has even pulled one of the screens completely from the window, so as to help himself inside!  He is very vocal, and swirls around your lap or feet at the slightest attention!  He is not very fond of our big dog, Beau, though he adores our little puppy, Chewy.  I am playing with the pen and ink again, and trying out different tips.  The superfine seems to be my "go to" pen, though I sprinkle in some of the others whenever the subject calls for it.  I can se already that I need to lengthen the hair on the back of his head, because it should be fluffier.....oh well.  I'll need to make that adjustment, and take another photo.........tomorrow!  Artwork number 1117 in 1117 days, and Day 24 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge :)

Whisper of Spring

Whisper of Spring
Oil on wood, 22x26

I actually had three whole uninterrupted painting hours this afternoon - and this is what I can do with such a block of time!  I was SO completely in the zone while painting - it was very, VERY hard to stop on time to pick up the grandsons!  When I am in the zone, it is euphoric.  My heart beats faster, adrenaline kicks up, and the thrill of it all washes over me like magic.  As I approached this landscape, I had an idea of where I wanted to go with the paint - but then I just let go of the reigns and let the painting happen!  This one is rather large at 22x26, but it poured off the brush quickly, more like a smaller size.  I have used some palette knife in the finish, but relied heavily on my favorite brushes for most of it - and oh how I love the oils for a landscape!  I think I will let this one rest on my own wall, living with it, to see if it calls for anything else.  This painting makes 1116 in 1116 days, and Day 23 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge. What a great painting day :)

Blue Troll

Blue Troll
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5

I’ve been so busy lately, that I have strayed from my “nostalgic toy” theme!  I have found myself just painting or drawing whatever popped into my head!  Well, after delivering my artwork today for the upcoming show, I hope to be able to relax my schedule a little and start chipping away at those goals.  Wanting to paint something joyful - I landed on a blue haired troll for my subject!  These little darlings always make me happy, bringing to mind so many hours of childhood play.  I even had a few of these which were necklaces - and of course, they made wonderful little troll babies!   This painting makes number 1115 in 1115 days, and the 22nd day of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.  :)

Winter Blues

Winter Blues
Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 4x4
purchase here

Winter cold has moved in, and the countryside is blanketed with a light snow.  With more expected, I am hoping to awake to all it's glory in the morning!  Today, I am painting very small - only 4 inches square, and using acrylics.  With a cloudy, dark day, I pushed towards the blues.  I like the quality of these small gallery wrapped canvases, but once again, I care not for painting on the woven texture of canvas.  I do like the results, and I did prime first with gesso, but without my usual tint for landscapes.  I have a few more, perhaps I will wash a little color on them first.  I only paint on white when doing the portraits or figures in acrylic.  All other times I prefer to wash some color over that gesso!  This chilly landscape is painting number 1114 in 1114 days and Day 21 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

January Glow

January Glow
Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 4x4
purchase here

With a dusting of snow from the other day, the landscape again catches my eye.  The unexpected freezing rain of today cancelled evening plans, and has allowed me some time for capturing the winter landscape.  I have painted this miniature canvas (only 4 inches square) around all edges with acrylics.  I may go over it later with oils, I'll just see how I feel about it tomorrow.  I have been very busy getting ready for my solo show at GOT Art Gallery - Three Years of Daily Painting.  I am including my blog post with each painting, both glued to the back and one to hang beside the painting.  I did a show like this last year, and it is rather like displaying the pages of my diary on the walls for all to see!  This painting makes 1113 in 1113 days, and Day 20 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Horse in Motion - Ink

Horse in Motion - Ink
Pen and Ink on paper, 6x6
purchase here

This was one of my favorite subjects for drawing when I was a child.  I loved horses - I drew them, wrote stories about them, and played "horses" on the playground at Pawnee Elementary School! I know, it sounds like I may have been horse crazy, but honestly, I think I have always thrown myself into what I love - no matter what it is!  So, tonight, I am getting back to my roots with a twist - pen and ink.  As a child, my favorite tool was graphite pencils or charcoal - never pens. After all, you can't erase pen marks!! Now, I am enjoying the rich, dark marks made with pen and ink, and the vintage flavor this age old medium lends to the drawing.  I need to do more horses, until I become completely comfortable with them.  This drawing makes 1112 in 1112 days and Day 19 in the 30 Day Painting Challenge!

Rooster in Ink

Rooster in Ink
Pen and ink on paper, 6x6
purchase here

Exploring pen and ink this month has been so rewarding!  I really wanted to improve my ink skills - since I have very little experience in this medium, and it was a big reason I chose ink over graphite.  Little did I expect to enjoy it SO much!  I have always loved the vintage look of those wonderful antique drawings - and I find that I lean strongly towards this style.  One big difference - I do not structure my strokes.  I simply let them fly out as they may, as I pull the pen over the surface of the paper.  I did try a new pen tonight - it has a chisel edge, making it fabulous for those darker strokes, dropped in for added interest! Every time I draw or paint a rooster, the old adage, "a rooster is good luck in the kitchen", floats through my head.  I think it was Grandma Bessie that first told me that, many years ago!  This drawing is special - the 1111th in 1111 days, and the 18th in the current 30 Day Painting Challenge :)

Beau in Ink

Beau in Ink
Pen and Ink on paper, 5x6
purchase here

Just when I think the days can't be busier - they become full to the point of bursting!  This day started long before dawn, and I am just now getting home to get my drawing and posting done - and it is nearly midnight!  Yikes!! Oh, how I wish I had more hours in each day!  I think I would certainly use a couple of those hours to get a little more sleep!  Beau is improving each day - and he is actually eating well tonight, for the first time in three days! Yay!  His medicine comes in a yummy chewy square that he thinks is a treat - and that is SO much better than the old days when I had to hide a pill inside of meat or cheese!  It has been a very long time since we had any animal sick enough to need medical treatment.  I have returned to the pen and ink (Pitt pens, in this case), and am drawing on a smooth paper - which I do not use for any other medium.  I much prefer a vellum finish on bristol for all graphite work, and had not found a good use for this smooth bristol until exploring pen and ink.  This drawing is 1110 in 1110 days and Day 17 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Telephone Pull Toy

Telephone Pull Toy
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5

This little pull toy was a favorite with my kids - they loved the way the eyes rolled up and down as they pulled it around by the string! They spent endless hours talking to imaginary people on that phone - and the rotary dialing made a wonderful clicking noise!  It has been a very day - following many busy days - and sometimes it is SO difficult to find time to squeeze in a painting.  So, finally making it to my easel, I am capturing this memory with acrylics on masonite.  That PiYo class is going to come pretty early in the morning, after such a late night! Painting number 1109 in 1109 days, and Day 16 in the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Exploring the Kitten

Exploring the Kitten
Pen and sepia ink, 6x5

I spent much of the day caring for this little lab - who is now hovering 100 lbs.  He became very lethargic to the point of alarm, so we ended up spending a lot of time at the vet.  Blood work points to an infection, and he had a very high fever, but all the really bad stuff has been ruled out. He is not quite 2 years old, and was healthy and vigorous just last night!  After getting fluids, shots and meds, he came home, acting better than he had all day.  He has now been asleep since that time, and has hardly moved.  I hope he improves greatly by morning.  So, tonight I am sketching Beau with a little sepia pen and ink on paper.  This drawing is the 1108th in 1108 days, and Day 15 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Whispering Water

Whispering Water
Oil on masonite, 18x24
purchase here

I have painted this secluded creek one other time in the early spring, when trees and brush were just sprouting forth their buds.  I love this location, it is so peaceful - and a hike from the road.  Just painting it again takes me right back to the spot. On this occasion, I am painting large from small color studies, adjusting as I go.  I don't remember if I've done this  before. I normally just paint the size I want from the beginning, but this one is the 9x12 kept calling out to me.....larger......larger.  Over the last few days, I have worked on this.  I really had the bulk of it finished the first day, but then let it rest until morning.  Well, that morning was Monday - and there is next to no wiggle room for me on a Monday, so I could only cast my eyes in it's direction....making mental notes.  Late this afternoon, while I still had natural light, I began to push the paint a little here and there.  It is night again, so I am letting it rest once again.  I believe I am finished, but will look again tomorrow with fresh eyes in the natural light.  This painting makes 1107 in 1107 days, and Day 14 in the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Captain in Ink

Captain in Ink
Pen & ink on paper, 6x6
purchase here

This little cutie is another of our sweet "boys"!  All of our male cats are very affectionate, and this is our youngest. My oldest daughter has his brother, who is the "town cat", while our boys are definitely "country cats"!  Using quick, fluid strokes, I hold the pen more on it's side like a brush, than upright like a pen.  This allows the ink to sweep over the surface in an expressive way, following form.  If you zoom in on those marks - they are a bit frantic, moving in all directions! Very fun indeed - and SO therapeutic! The stress of the day just melts off when I have a pen and paper before me.  I am going to look forward to filling up my sketch journals, one ink rendering at a time!  This drawing makes the 1106th work in 1106 days, and Day 13 in current 30 Day Painting Challenge :)

Golden Hair Troll

Golden Hair Troll
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5

I am painting another of my beloved childhood trolls today - this one with golden hair!  Their cheerful faces, wild hair and super cute bodies were always so adorable!  I wonder if I was the only one who wondered why these little trolls only have four fingers on each hand?  Even as I paint, the same question comes back to me....why only four fingers?  That is just not right.  Can you tell I am a perfectionist?  Not just a borderline perfectionist, but a dyed in the wool, hard core perfectionist - and I think I must have been born that way!  Another thing I loved about these trolls?  I could never control their wild and crazy hair any more than I could my own - so here, we are kindred spirits! Another Monday, so very late at my easel, and this painting makes 1105 in 1105 days, Day 12 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.  And now to bed!!!

Wesson in Ink

Wesson in Ink
Pen and ink on paper, 5x5.5
purchase here

Inspired by an artist friend of mine, Lyn Phariss, I started a pen and ink journal on the first of this month.  I have wanted to do this many times, I have even kept one sporadically.  Every time I find a beautiful journal, I buy it - with dreams of drawings floating in my head.  So, choosing one of my favorites, with shimmering pinecones, flowers and branches on the cover - I began.  I plan to use pen and ink (a black, superfine pitt pen in this case) for each of the drawings in this journal.  I want to grow in my ink work, and I've not done very much of it until now.  Graphite has always been my drawing tool of choice, so this will be a great way to expand my horizons!  Pen and ink work is like handwriting, each person has their own, unique style.  I am not taking the clinical approach, using specific methods for making the marks.  Instead, I am looking at my subject, and letting my hand race across the surface, leaving marks in a fresh, loose manner.  There is no right or wrong - simply the tool, the mark and the paper.  This piece is the 1104th in 1104 days, and Day 11 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Raggedy Ann

Raggedy Ann
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
purchase here

Tonight finds me painting another of my favorite childhood toys - Raggedy Ann!  I pulled this little darling down from a shelf, and set her up to paint (while watching the Chiefs game)!  I remember dressing her - and seeing her little red heart with the “I love you” in the center.  I had to lift her dress just to see it again!  My oldest daughter also played with her, so her dress has now been “bedazzled” with jewels around neckline and sleeves, but I omitted that little addition in the name of nostalgia!  This painting makes number 1103 in 1103 days, and Day 10 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.  :)

Trolls!

Trolls
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
sold

I am painting one of my childhood favorites - trolls!  I think my Aunt Vicki first introduced me to trolls - and since I thought she was THE coolest - trolls were soon a favorite! I remember visiting my Great Aunt Lorene on their large farm, and I found one of these trolls back behind a barn amidst a treasure pile of junk!  That find kept me digging through that junk pile for years! Tonight, I am using my limited palette in acrylic to paint these dolls with short, impressionistic strokes.  I love the way the acrylic strokes just lay down where I put them, only blending if I work them quickly, or by layering.  As always, I do not use any medium or water when painting with acrylics, which gives such rich color to the painting. This is painting number 1102 of 1102 days and Day 8 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Barky Dog

Barky Dog
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5

This little Barky dog pull toy is SO sweet!!  This has been a day full of dog activities!  First, I had to wrestle Chewy into the bath - he was super dirty with his long hair and all this rain!  He soaks up that dirty water like a mop!  Then, once he was dry, it was off to the vet for his shots - which he did not care for!  He didn’t mind the vet last time, but this time, he shook all the way there, and all the way home.  When he was finally out of the car, he was so happy to return to the cats!!  So, tonight finds me keeping with the dog theme for painting, but alas - I switched to the cats for my daily sketch!  This is painting number 1101 in 1101 days, and Day 7 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Icy Creek

Icy Creek
Oil on masonite, 6x6
purchase here

Much to my surprise, I woke up to sleet pelting the windows at 3:00 in the morning.  Often, when I can’t sleep, I will get up and get some chores done.  I always feel better!  I know I’ll be tired when the alarm goes off, and if I’ve at least gotten some of those things done - its okay!  I can hit the snooze!  Well, back to the sleet - next came some freezing rain, which creates a fabulous sparkle on trees and foliage!  So, departing from my monthly theme - I am painting the beauty around me.  We have so few of these beautiful icy days - I simply must capture them in oils!   Painting number 1100 in 1100 days and Day 6 in the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.  :)

Prancy Pony

Prancy Pony
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
purchase here

What is more nostalgic than a well loved antique toy?  This fabulous Prancy Pony pull toy is another of the great ones by Fisher Price.  Wonderful, warm expressions grace each one of their faces.  The eyes on this pony are so like the eyes of the Buzzy Bee - so full of life!  I am still painting with a limited palette, with a small addition of permanent green for the very primary color of the green bridle.  I also found myself using the ivory black here, instead of the mars black.  Very often, the painting subject just calls for what it needs - and I always listen!  Always good to go with your intuition!  Painting number 1099 in 1099 days.

Airplane Pull Toy

Airplane Pull Toy
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
purchase here

Another day, another memory!  My children had this little pull toy when they were very small.  I think my parents had gotten this for them, as it would have been only a few years after dad had gotten his pilot’s license.  As they toddled around the house pulling it by the string, the little pilot’s head would turn back and forth as he scanned the skies.  So full of memories, this toy is my painting subject du jour.  I am still using the limited acrylic palette, with the tiniest bit of cad yellow on the highlights.  I had cleaned my brushes and closed up my palette before I realizes I had forgotten to paint in the pull string!  So, I swooshed it in with one stroke in yellow oxide.   Painting number 1098 in 1098 days and Day 5 in the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.  :)

Chiefs & Hunter

Chiefs & Hunter
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
purchase here

I know I was going to stop painting nutcrackers until the next Christmas season.....but this is a Chiefs Nutcracker - and the KC Chiefs are playing a big game today!  Sending good luck to our boys is red, this little nutcracker and his hunter companion will watch over the day’s games!   My school friend, Julie has sent me the newest nutcracker pics in her collection - and I may be unable to resist painting them all this month!  I will try to show some restraint....but no promises!  Painting number 1097 in 1097 days  :)

Buzzy Bee

Buzzy Bee
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
purchase here

While waiting for Michaela to renew her license, I went browsing through a couple of the antique shops on Main Street.  The wonderful, old bumblebee was sitting on a sideboard, begging to be painted!  His pull string is gone, paint weathered and worn around the edges - but oh, SO full of vintage charm!  This little piece was a joy to paint!  I really love painting these old toys!  It is hard to believe I have not come to these little darlings before now!  I am still working with a limited palette, yellow oxide, indanthrene blue, cad red light, cad red medium, red oxide and alizarin crimson - and black and white, of course.  I did add a tiny bit of cad yellow light on the bright yellow of the wings, as yellow oxide just doesn’t get to the bright yellow of the plastic wings.  I adore the way that limited palette works for the bulk of these paintings.  It really leads to strong color harmony, and I am getting that vintage feel, too.  I have to thank the red oxide for that.  Love that color!   Painting number 1096 in 1096 days and day 2 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Little Snoopy

Little Snoopy
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
purchase here

I love browsing through antique shops, and I especially enjoy the vintage toys!   Sometimes, I even find toys from my childhood - and I long to paint them.  My mom was so good to keep some of my favorite toys, and those toys bring back so many memories from childhood!  I remember playing with this toy, though I don’t think it was new at the time.  I remember how the tail sprung back and forth when batted at, and the way it would roll along on it’s wheels when pulled by the string.  I even remember the feel of the cold plastic wheels, slick under my little fingers!  It is amazing how such a thing can take me back in time!  I think I’ll spend some time this month painting some of my childhood favorites - when its not snowing that is!  That will take me right out to capture the landscape in oils!  Painting number 1095 in 1095 days and Day 2 on the newest 30 Day Painting Challenge :)