April Geraniums

April Geraniums
Oil on panel, 8x10

Frisella’s Nursery invited the artists this morning for an amazing breakfast of yogurt, fruit, croissants, scones and muffins!  After eating - and shopping for a new painting hat, I chose these flashy red geraniums for my second painting of the day!  Laying in my cad reds first, I then moved to the darks, and brought all the masses together with the brushwork.  I really enjoyed painting this, surrounded by so many beautiful blooms!  Painting number 1214 in 1214 days.

on location :)

Clinging to the Creek Bank

Clinging the the Creek Bank
Oil on panel, 14x11

This peaceful creek runs between the house and the barns on the Deppe Farm in Washington.  I had to climb down the bank, and set up on a rocky plateau that was pretty wet under foot.  Protected from the strong wind, it was actually hot and humid down in my “painting hole”!  A wonderful place to explore, the frogs kept me company as I worked.  One even entertained me by laying back on the water, kicking his leg, as he looked sideways at me!  He was large - and so were his many friends!  The color of this water was a bit of a challenge, as it changes from browns to golds.  It has been a while since I’ve painted a creek - and I was so glad to get this in!

on location :)

Lamplight on Lindenhof

Lamplight on Lindenhof
Oil on panel, 10x8

I can hardly believe the wonderful, warm weather we have had this year for the Augusta Plein Air event!!  With such warm evenings, it has been a joy to get out and paint!  This is my second nocturne of the week, painted in historic Augusta, in front of the Lindenhof Bed and Breakfast.  I like to set up under a street light, positioning my easel so that the light is on the face of my panel and my palette.  I then face towards my illuminated subject - and start painting.  It is all about values when painting in the dark, and I never know how the colors turn out until I take it into the light!  Each time, it is like opening a present!  Painting number 1212 in 1212 days.

From the Vineyard

From the Vineyard
Oil on panel, 14x11
Sugar Creek Vineyard

What a crazy painting day!  I got out to Sugar Creek Winery early, before the clouds rolled in.  I was able to get most of my painting finished before the light changed drastically.  As I started to hear rumbles in the distance, I put on the final touches, and packed up.  More rumbles of thunder, I framed my painting on the ground by the car.  Turned in my painting, and people are checking radar on their phones, but plenty of artists still in the field.  I sit down, have a little snack, and decide not to paint another, as the sky is turning very dark.  As judging is about to begin, everyone is asked to grab their paintings and head for shelter - just in the nick of time!  Driving rain, hail and hard winds blew tables and chairs all over the hill, not to mention all the downed trees in the area!  Wine and snacks are served, and judging resumes inside.  Just another plein air adventure!!  This is painting number 1211 in 1211 days.

on location

Lamplight on Jefferson

Lamplight on Jefferson
Oil on panel, 10x8

With temperatures so balmy at night, how can one resist painting a nocturne?  I can not remember it being so warm at night for this event, and with a theme paint for the nocturne - we set up our easels and got to work!  I had already painted an early morning painting, and then a sunset from the rooftop in Washington, so this made three for the day!  I start with a panel primed with dark acrylic paint, which I did on scene.  I could place my colors with intention this way, which I can’t do when I prime ahead.  I start first with a quick sketch of how I want to map out the composition.  Next, I start laying in those lights, being mindful of the values.  I work under a street light, never using other light sources.  Sometimes, I can’t tell what colors I really have, since it is dark.  So, when I get it inside - it is like Christmas!  I never know what I have until I open it up in the light!  Painting number 1211 in 1211 days.

Mid-day at Montelle Winery

Mid-day at Montelle Winery
Oil on panel, 11x14

For the first time in all these years, we had a beautiful day for painting at Montelle!  In the past, I have braved through, hail, sleet, driving rain, freezing cold, gale force wind - and any combination of the above!  This year, temps were warm, winds were light, and it was a joy to paint on the sprawling deck of Montelle Winery.  This place is known for their fabulous view of the rolling hills - and I have painted it through the very tall trees.  Having painted the full scene before, the trees grabbed my attention, leaving the landscape as the backdrop.  Upon finishing, I enjoyed a wonderful glass of Seval!  Montelle Winery was so gracious to host a social afterward, they really do spoil us up here!  I think this is how life is meant to be lived every, single day.  Painting number 1209 in 1209 days.

Old Glory on Lower Street

Old Glory on Lower Street
Oil on panel, 10x8
sold

This morning, this dogwood caught my attention as we drove through Augusta.  The spring blooming trees are just lovely all up and down this street!  Waiting for the light to come in from the west, I returned in the afternoon (when most other artists had left this location).  I had to mark the light and shadow quickly, before it moved off of this fabulous dogwood - and then I started in on the middle tones.  This painting was a joy to create - and it already has a new home!  Painting number 1208 in 1208 days :)

Light in the Vineyard

Light in the Vineyard
Oil on panel, 14x11
sold

The day could not be more perfect for plein air painting!  The  sky was a constant show of rolling clouds - changing almost too quickly to capture in paint!  After a quick stroll around Nobeleis Winery and it’s vineyards, I picked the  first three rows Chambourcin vines stretching across the lawn for my composition.  The light was turning golden, illuminating grass and the greenery of the grapevines - I couldn’t resist it!  With racing clouds, it was important to get those forms and colors in first.  Next, I only marked the masses with a spot of color - to be sure I kept the light I saw before me.  So often, clouds will move in and completely change the mood of tone of the landscape.  In plein air, if you don’t get those marked before that happens, it is an uphill battle to paint what you remember versus what is now before you.  This was a joy to paint from beginning to end!  Perfect weather, wonderful people stopping by to chat and live music drifting down from the tent.  Just a little slice of heaven here in the vineyard.  This painting was awarded 3rd place tonight, and has already found a new home!  Painting number 1207 in 1207 days.

on location - just after sunset

Painting from the Point

Painting from the Point
Oil on panel, 12x9

Since Teddy had an easel disability today - we stayed on the point for both paintings of the Augusta Shores event. Once the sun had appeared, I found a place under the deep shade of a red cedar to set up my easel.  As Teddy framed her first piece, I really got into the zone - completely forgetting that I was to turn in my first painting in only minutes!  The sky was changing so quickly, that I wanted to get all sky and water color blocked in while the formation was so fabulous!  Once done, we ran our paintings up to the Berg House - and rushed back to finish up this second.  I had first intended on paint the boat by the water, but Teddy’s umbrella demanded to be painted!  What a fun day - and only a couple of sprinkles in a day calling for rain!  Painting number 1206 in 1206 days.

Resting at the Lake

Resting at the Lake
Oil on panel, 14x11

on location

What a wonderful way to kick off the Augusta Plein Air Festival!  Arriving yesterday, I spied a fabulous wooden dory in Jim and Saundra’s garage!  This morning, Jim and I carried it down to hill to water’s edge - just so I could capture this painting of it!  The skies changed constantly - from dark and ominous to clear and bright - to little rainfalls which sent me under the evergreens!  It was so fun to start laying paint in such a beautiful setting, with ALL of the comforts of home!  Tomorrow will find me at Montelle Winery in the morning and Nobeleis Winery for the evening.  This week finds me consuming more wine than any other week of the year!  This painting makes 1205 in 1205 days.

Waterside Illusion

Waterside Illusion
Watercolor on paper, 7x5

This dreamy illusion in watercolor is more of a feeling with paint than a place painted.  The strokes are watery and the forms illusive.  Is this waterside wonder real - or only a dream?  This is rather a different rendering for me, and it has been a soft and quiet adventure.  Sometimes the paints scream, and sometimes they only whisper.  This is painting number 1204 in 1204 days - and the Augusta Plein Air Festival begins tomorrow!!  SO EXCITED!!

Spotted Orchid

Spotted Orchid
Watercolor on paper, 9x6

This amazing orchid has been blooming for five months already!  The white faces are spotted with the red violet markings as if painted on by an artist!  This just may be my favorite variety!  I think I need to do these in oil to do them justice!  I have two other orchids just getting ready to bloom - so exciting!  They really like the light in my north kitchen!  This is painting number 1203 in as many days.

April Cloudplay

April Cloudplay
Oil on panel, 7x5

Some days, the most amazing show is playing out above our very heads!  On this day, as I sped down our road to meet the family for dinner, this glorious scene  greeted me on the left!  So, as I carefully drove with my left hand, my right hand was holding my phone up to the side window - snapping shots awkwardly!  Thank goodness for country roads with no traffic!  I pulled my oils out for this skyscape, and cleaned my palette a little.  Which means, I scraped the dry paint off, and reloaded my colors!  Using my brush for most of this painting, I did pull out my catalyst for the final shots of highlight at the end.  This painting makes 1202 in 1202 days.

Up! - for Baby :)

Up! - for Baby :)
Oil on panel, 8x10

My oldest son Tyler, and his wife, Hannah, are expecting their first baby, and this painting is a shower gift for them!  They are decorating in the theme of “Up”, and I hope this gift will be perfect!  Nothing is as special as bringing a new little life into the world.  Those early years roll by so quickly, and one day you blink, and that little bundle of joy is now having their own little darling!  With not even a month to go, we are all anxiously awaiting this new little addition to the family!  This painting makes 1201 in 1201 days!

Poppies Pink

Poppies Pink
Watercolor on paper, 9x6

Today finds me playing around with the loose colors of pink poppies in watercolor.  Quite a few of the poppies in my front bed did not return this spring - but thankfully, I found them surviving in an outlying bed.  My poppies are the old fashioned variety, started from a neighbor up the road a bid who lives in her grandmother’s house.  My starts are from her grandmother’s poppies.  I love that!  This painting is the 1199th in 1199 days.

Watercolor Forsythia

Watercolor Forsythia
Watercolor on paper, 5x7

The forsythia are almost out of bloom for another year, and I am painting this one on the lawn in watercolor on paper block.  I prefer these watercolor paper blocks to all other paper!  Perhaps because they are so easy to use in the field, they stand firmly on the easel with no taping to another board.  When the painting is dry, I simply slip a plastic palette knife in the opening between the sheets, and separate the top one from the block.  Very handy indeed, and they do not buckle - which is something I despise!  This painting is the 1198th in as many days.

Clover Bee

Clover Bee
Watercolor on paper, 7x5

I seem to be fascinated by bees as of late!  I love the way they drift among the blooms - and they never bother me as I work on the flowers.  Once, while plein air painting near a hive, I had them landing and walking over my skin!  I stayed pretty still and just let them as I worked - and they didn’t sting me.  I did brush them off of my face though - I have to draw the line somewhere!  We have these large clumps of clover in the pasture - and the bees and butterflies alike flock to them.  I like the loose strokes of watercolor - and the way the colors mingle when dropped into the wet paint.  This painting makes 1197 in 1197 days.

Forsythia Wasp

Forsythia Wasp
Watercolor on paper, 7x5

The forsythia have passed their prime, and soon the green foliage will replace the gorgeous yellow blooms.  From one parent plant, I moved these lovelies to the barn, along an old gate, and to a corner of the house.  Each spring, they're among the first to bloom their shades of vibrant yellow.  Today, I am painting them in watercolor - and catching a wasp amongst the blooms!  Painting number 1196 in 1196 days.

Spring at Femme Osage

Spring at Femme Osage
Oil on panel, 14x11

The Femme Osage Creek is such a special place, steeped in timeless beauty!  It winds and twists all through the Augusta region, and I have painted it many times.  Today, I am capturing the beauty of the redbuds as their magenta blooms sparkle against the new leaves of spring.  Often times, these blossoms show up before the green of trees - but not this year! They seem to be “on time” while all other blooming trees were early!  It feels like coming home to paint the landscape in oils again, a wonderful warm up for the plein air days to come!  This painting makes 1195 in 1195 days.

Hyacinth Bee in Ink

Hyacinth Bee in Ink
Pen and ink on paper, 5x7

Oh, the hyacinths are fading fast!  It seems that they just popped their heads up, and now it is time for them to vanish until next spring!  This year, I am going to plant some closer to the house, so their intoxicating fragrance will waft in through the windows!  It has been so warm this spring, I’ve had the windows open repeatedly - which is not the norm!  I have tried my hand today on this honey bee - arresting his flight at an interesting angle!  I started adding little "flight dots", and I think it adds some whimsey to the drawing......but I'm still not sure.  I love the vintage charm the pitt pens lend to this style of art!  I think my superfine is beginning to run low, which is not a crisis since we now have a new Hobby Lobby in town!  Hooray!  This drawing makes the 1194th in 1194 days.  I hope the “mulch guys” bring me a truck load today, I could sure use it!!  Today, is my son Travis's birthday - now we've had three this week alone!!

Butterfly and Coneflowers

Butterfly and Daisies
Pen and ink on paper, 5x7

Even the simple, common blue butterflies are beautiful!  So often, I am drawn to capture the brilliant and flashy among their kind, but honestly, I love them all.  This common blue butterfly is a mainstay around the ponds and puddles, rising quickly to the sky when anyone draws near.  The coneflowers are not even close to blooming, in fact, they have only pushed their first leaves up through the soil.  I love this common wildflower, and have painted it several times, but never have I rendered it in ink.  Inking certainly takes longer than a quick stroke of a wide brush, but that is the medium.  A scene completely rendered with a superfine point Pitt pen, with a dash of the brush tip here and there.  I think painting is faster, indeed!  This is the 1193rd piece in 1193 days.  It is so windy out today - I might just be blown away as I head back to the flower beds!

Blooming Bee

Blooming Bee
Pen and ink on paper, 5x7

So much time spent in the garden has keep all things garden on my mind!  This theme of my days is slipping right into my creative wanderings, spilling out in ink on the paper before me!  I have only recently been attracted by these bees as a painting subject - and they add so much life to a simply garden scene!  I can remember the first painting I saw at the Nelson Atkins Gallery (in Kansas City) with a bee amongst the flowers!  I thought it was crazy!  Why would anyone want to put a bee into their artwork?  Well, now I know.  The addition of one little bee livens up the composition in a way no butterfly could.  This is piece number 1192 in as many days.  Now, back out to the garden I go!

Viceroy in Ink

Viceroy in Ink
Pen and Ink on paper, 7x5

Today is my son Tyler's birthday! We already went out for a family dinner, and next we'll be celebrating at the Brewery with him!  I’ve been working out in the flower beds every day this week.  The gorgeous weather has been just too enticing to stay inside!  The butterflies are out - I am now seeing several varieties attracted by my tulips and other blooms!  So, today finds me drawing this beautiful Viceroy with pen and ink, and in a hurry to get back out to the gardens!  This drawing is the 1191st in as many days :)

Charlie in Ink

Charlie in Ink
Pen and ink on paper, 6x5

I have a personal pet theme started in the last couple of days!  After a busy, busy day - my birthday - with the boys helping me plant countless summer bulbs, I am very tired as I finally slow down tonight!  I have commissions, I need to paint, but all I want to do tonight is draw.  So, I pick up my Pitt pens and start with loose, sketchy strokes.  I play in my journal with a few borders, and then settle on painting one of our favorite cats, Charlie.  He is getting older, and this spring he seems to be showing his age just a bit.  His long, glorious fur is perfect for paintings and drawings alike, and his royal carriage makes his every pose a work of art!  Such a sweetheart is my subject du jour!  This pen and ink drawing makes 1190 pieces in 1190 days, and some days it seems like a miracle that I can keep this roll going :)

Chewy

Chewy
Oil on gallery wrapped canvas, 10x8

I started this painting with the intent to use bright and bold colors.  As I started to lay paint, I found myself going to the natural shades of his coat.  He has such wonderful tri color hair, with creamy whites, red oxides and gray pushing to black on his tail - I just had to paint him as he is!  I still want to paint him in bright colors - but I’ll do that another day!  I have been in the watercolors and acrylics these last weeks - and it feels good to be back in the oils!  My brushes need to be cleaned well, as does my palette, before I head to Augusta and the long days of plein air painting!  This painting makes 1189 in 1189 days.

Robin Nesting

Robin Nesting
Watercolor on paper, 9x6

This sweet robin is nesting in one of our trees, and today, I am capturing him with watercolor on 140lb cold pressed block.  I love painting on the blocks, and rarely use the single sheets of paper.  I think it is because I prefer a rigid surface - like my masonite and wood for my oils and acrylics, and the block holds it’s shape perfectly without any need to tape or clip down the paper (which is something I don’t like at all).  I feel a little rusty with this one, like I need to “brush up” on my watercolor bird painting......maybe I’ll do a few more birds until I feel comfortable again.  Painting number 1188 in as many days.

Hyacinth Hues

Hyacinth Hues

I found this pot of purple hyacinth at a local shop - and I could not resist picking them up for Easter!  The tight buds were just showing color then, but now they are in full bloom!  I look forward to planting these beauties outside my kitchen windows - so every spring from now on, I’ll be able to enjoy them again!  I have painted this entire painting with one large round Pro Arte watercolor brush, and never even thought to pick up another!  Painting number 1187 in 1187 days.

Hyacinth in Pink and Blue

Hyacinth in Pink and Blue
Watercolor on paper, 5x7

I have some amazing hyacinth that return every spring, bursting with blooms.  They are in a flower bed far from the house, and one that is now mostly raspberries - and still they pop up with very little care from me!  I love the smell of them - and each spring, the blooms fill the house with their sweet fragrance.  Tonight, these blooms are in front of me, sitting in a tall, slim, crystal vase.  I have decided to zoom in on them, concentrating on the colors and abundant flowers radiating from the stalks.  I’m letting the whites define the space between blooms, I like the way the paint melts into the paper, some edges soft while others are hard.  I am really enjoying this return to watercolors, if only for a little while, as plein air season soon arrives!  Painting number 1186 in 1186 days.

Hyacinth and Bee

Many years ago, I planted these glorious pink hyacinth.  Every year they are among the first bloomers in the garden - and their fragrance is so heady!   I don't think I've ever painted them before,  so today I am doing so with my watercolors.  I am using very wet paint, and dropping in stronger pigment to mingle and move where it will.   This is the beauty of watercolor, unpredictable and free flowing.  I hope to paint several of these hyacinth before they vanish for another year.   This painting makes the 1185th in 1185 days.

Hyacinth and Bee
Watercolor on paper, 9x6