Winter Barn in Miniature

When I work on a large painting, I often paint a few small ones during the process.  With all the business of a full household for the holidays, I've only been able to start and stop, and start again on the large painting.  I like where it is going, but have yet to get into the zone.  My painting windows have simply been too small.  I had only picked up my brushes when the family was asking for dinner.  Two hours later, I was able to return to the paint for a little while. I may just hang out on the wall, and do a "drive by" with paint whenever I see a passage in need!  Looking forward to easier days in the New Year!  Painting number 2166 in 2166 days.

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Three Boats Sailing

A day spent at lake's edge, painting sailboats, is a day well spent.  The quiet sounds of the lake are the perfect backdrop for a little painting.  This one is miniature at 4x4 inches, and done in acrylic for speed of drying.  I still prefer oils in the field, but acrylics do have their place. Painting number 2165 in 2165 days.

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Nosy Neighbors

Cows are so inquisitive!  If I'm anywhere in sight, these guys start heading to the fence to get a better look at me!  It brings back all those childhood memories where my Grandma and Grandpa Frank ran cattle, and my Great Uncle Richard had a large farm with all kinds of livestock.  Cows have so much personality, and are the best mothers, looking out for all the young.  I've been wanting to sketch these, and have finally gotten the chance!  Maybe next time I'll take my oils out!  Painting number 2164 inn 2164 days.

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Cardinal on the Branch

Cardinals nest in our yard each year, many staying from year to year.  These beauties frequent the feeders all winter long, as well as many others.  Right outside the window, I can easily paint them as they flit about.  Using acrylics on a gallery wrapped canvas for this miniature painting.  Painting number 2163 in 2163 days.

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Clouds over the Barn

A gorgeous sky gets me every time.  From the stormy to the sunset, each cloudscape is a work of art that I can only hope to justify with paint.  With only a little painting window, I am painting very small - 4x4 - and using smaller brushes than normal.  I am also using acrylic for this, instead of my normal choice of oils for clouds.  I find that I have to use thicker paint and apply with a heavier hand, to achieve the depth so easily to get with oils.  The biggest bonus with acrylics - the quick dry finish!  Painting number 2162 in 2162 days.

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Trixie

I really enjoy painting animals, even though I seldom get the chance!  This little darling was a joy to paint with that wonderful, rich coat!  Hope this Christmas gift finds a special place in her owner's heart.  Painting number 2161 inn 2161 days.

December 26

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Getting in a little sketching after all the cooking, cleaning and gifting!  Always nice to spend time with all the family during the holidays. Wishing everyone a merry Christmas!  Painting number 2160 in 2160 days.

Santa Profile

After spending a bittersweet afternoon at my Aunt Diana's house, I had the bright idea to swing by the Christmas in the Park event.  We are still waiting in line 45 minutes later. Santa can not believe how long it is taking!  He may miss his midnight ride!  Merry Christmas Eve to you all!  Painting number 2159 in 2159 days!

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Tree Trimming Santa

We celebrated an early family Christmas with Michaela and Cooper today, since they will be with his family in the actual day this year.  As the first celebration of the season, it is bittersweet without my dad here.  I can see him sitting in his regular chair, sharing in the family fun.  The older children have left, the dinner mess is clean, and now we sit watching sappy Christmas shows. I return to my ink and watercolor for some Santa painting, exploring the mix of inks and watercolor.  I'm really enjoying the switch to my brown black blend tonight.  The ink pushes a little green and a little red as it spreads with water.  SO COOL.  All of the fun is in the process, after all!  Painting number 2158 in 2158 days. Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

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Santa Seated

These last few days before Christmas have me looking to Santa for inspiration.  I've not taken ink and watercolor to him before, so now it's the time!  I take my brown black ink out for a vintage feel, and start my line work.  Once I have the composition, I use a wet brush to establish a few values.  Next comes the watercolor, followed by a little more ink.  I haven't used pencil before ink in many years, but I did when I first started with ink.  Ink seemed so permanent - I was scared to jump in with no guide lines marked.  Once I just "sketched" with my ink, the pressure was off.  Sketchy lines aren't perfect lines, they have far more character.  I guess you could say I've gotten a little sketchy with the years!  Painting number 2157 in 2157 days.

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Children with Sled

The days are filled with family activities as the hours race by.  So many details to keep track of, I find I'm dropping balls right and left.  I'm so thankful for those keeping me on track!  Perhaps I need a little more painting time..... my mind is ever so clear and focused when I'm in the paint.  The real world fades away and all that exists is the process.  Maybe tomorrow.  Painting number 2156 in 2156 days.

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Winter's Song

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Hard morning at the gym, lunch with family at the Tea Room, shopping at a favorite spot - Cockrell, and finally I'm home with my paints!  Painting number 2154 in 2154 days.

Radio Flyer Tree

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Who doesn't love a Christmas tree in a red wagon?  Spotted in the front window of a local antique shop - the certainly was a "must paint"!  After months of non use, I pulled this bright yellow TWSBI fountain pen from my bag - and the ink flowed flawlessly from it's nib.  THAT is something I LOVE about TWSBIs across the board!  This one has a special blend of Levenger Raven Black ink and their Cocoa ink, creating my own blend for brown black.  To that, I add in watercolor from my Watercolor Confections half pan sets, finishing with a little extra ink.  Only a few days left to capture Christmas!  Painting number 2153 in 2153 days.

Bringing in the Tree

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Sometimes, it is soothing to find a cozy chair, my favorite paints and brushes, and a few canvases.  Perfect setup for some art therapy, easy chair style.  With all the Christmas activity, it is easy to get lost in the details.  A little quiet time is just the right thing to get me back on track. Pairing number 2152 in 2152 days.

Toy Car Tree

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After a crazy day around here, mom and I grabbed chai lattes at Starbucks and headed to Main Street for a little antiquing.  I found this beautiful tree full of vintage trucks and cars, and knew I would have to paint it.  Antique shops are the perfect place to find inspiration, and unwind from a little craziness.  Nothing like art therapy to restore the soul.  Painting number 2151 in 2151 days.

Ribbon Tree

What a treat it was to paint the trees at the Hall of Waters!  Reveling in the decorated trees, I completely missed the historic areas one floor down!  Little did I know the bath areas are still there like a step back in time!  Next time, I'll be sure to visit downstairs for a little sketching too!  Painting number 2150 in 2150 days.

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Snowy Path to Church

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I like to paint miniatures around this time of year for holiday gift giving.  On this balmy day in the 50s, this snow is only imagined.  As I sit watching sappy Christmas shows with my mom and youngest daughter, I am painting miniatures.  Antiquing, baking cookies and time spent with family, the holidays have already started around here.  Painting number 2149 in 2149 days.

Hall of Trees II

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Christmas is fast approaching as family starts arriving.  Mom got in this afternoon, and the college kids arrive tomorrow.  The hustle and bustle are keeping my mind occupied, as I check off all of those "to dos".  Finding a little time for painting, and right back to work for this girl!  Painting number 2148 in 2148 days.

Bow Tree

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Painting Christmas trees is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Using another TWSBI fountain pen I found in my sketch bag, I do the line work before adding the watercolor.  As I reached for this pen, I found another that I don't even remember buying!  Hmmmmm, it looks looks I may be a fountain pen hoarder. Well, at least they don't take up too much room!  Painting number 2147 in 2147 days... I think.  Sometimes, I loose track of where I am on the count.  January 1st will be 6 years of completing a painting every single day!  Crazy town!

Tractor For Sale

donated to Fairfield Plein Air

I drove past this tractor every time I returned to my parents house, for nearly two months.  On our way to a doctor appointment, I was finally able to take a few good photos to work from, knowing I would not have enough time to work on site.  Using my acrylics for the second time this week, I sketch with paint, and start layering in the color.  I let it rest two days, making a few adjustments each day.  I think it is ready now, but I'll take a look tomorrow before shipping it to Fairfield.  Painting number 2146 in 2146 days.

Tree IV

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I always have enough time to capture a Christmas tree in ink and watercolor - even in the busiest days.  Now I must get back to the countless chores!  Painting number 2145 in 2145 days.

Presto

Tonight finds me painting this beautiful horse for a dear friend.  Something about this image had me reaching for my acrylics, which I've not used for a while.  Starting with a fresh and limited palette, I started the layering of paint.  To sketch out the composition, I thin down the paint to a watery consistency.  While wet, I can easily adjust and remove lines with a damp paper towel.  I do start with a white surface when I work in acrylics, something I never do in oils.  My time with watercolors has me saving the lights even in acrylics.  The translucency of the medium calls for it.  I find it very hard to regain bright lights once a darker layer is beneath them.  It has been a joy to paint this gorgeous horse, they have been a favorite subject since elementary school!  Painting number 2144 in 2144 days.

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Chapel at Park University

This chapel is on the grounds of the majestic Park University, and the whole place is a painting.  Whenever I come to town, I try to get in a painting or two, and the first time I've painted this chapel.  I've heard the most beautiful music coming from this place, a real treat to anyone within earshot!  This special artisan fountain pen is made by Pendora - and I found them on Instagram.  Love when my tools are a work of art  in their own right!  Painting number 2143 in 2143 days.

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currently showing at Cathy Kline Gallery in Parkville, MO

Tree V

After a full day of working on commissions, it's so nice to unwind with a little ink and watercolor in front of the Christmas tree.  So glad the kids donned the halls for me this year ❤ Painting number 2142 in 2142 days.

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Christmas Mug

This little tree is one of my favorites, adorned with tiny glass gingerbread men and houses, sitting in an enamelware mug.  Normally in the kitchen, this year I set it on the piano with the nutcrackers.  Ink and watercolor are the perfect tools to capture this little tree, after an evening down at the Crossroads Art District. Painting number 2141 in 2141 days.

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Douglas and 3rd Street

Any time I am in Lee's Summit, there are a couple of places I try to paint.  One is the historic downtown district, and there are endless paintings along these streets.  Care has been taken to keep the charm intact, from the architecture to the light poles, all is timeless.  I've used one of my favorite pens, the TWSBI Diamond Mini with Levenger Raven Black ink for the line work, and Watercolor Confections half pan set for the color.  I can paint anything with this small set, and it is always with me.  If the scene requires oils - they are in my trunk!  Once a girl scout, always a girl scout!  Painting number 2140 in 2140 days.

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now showing at Got Art Gallery on 3rd Street in Lee's Summit, MO

Candy Cane Tree

This sweet Christmas tree is embellished with candy canes!  It is fun to capture these little trees in ink and watercolor, each with their own personality, all about town!  Perhaps tomorrow I will return to the creek!  Painting number 2139 in 2139 days.

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Hall of Trees ATC

There is a wonderful vintage feel about this place, and the Christmas trees on display are icing on the cake.  I wasn't sure this sweeping view would work in the small ATC size, but it totally does.  I just needed to remain mindful of that perspective.  It was fun to see so many visitors enjoying the trees, a wonderful place to get inspired for the holidays.  Painting number 2138 in 2138 days. 

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Hall of Trees

What a wonderful idea to paint ornaments to share with the group in Excelsior Springs!  We picked them up when we checked in at the Main Springs Art Gallery, then headed over to the Hall of Waters to capture Christmas.  So nice to spend the morning with artist friends.  I have missed this!  Painting number 2137 in 2137 days.

Rays Diner

I arrived early in Excelsior Springs, knowing there would be something I HAD to paint.  This little slice of Americana was the first to grab me!  Great color, mood and full of patrons, I pulled up and painted fast, right in front of the barber shop.  They gave me some funny looks in there!  I guess they don't see artists on location often!  I hope to come back here for a painting weekend, simply too much for a single day!  Painting number 2136 in 2136 days.

Hall of Waters

This morning's Urban Sketchers KC event took place at Hall of Waters in Excelsior Springs.  What a beautiful place, steeped in history.  The grounds are lovely, and the Christmas trees on display were simply icing on the cake.  After completing 5 paintings and meeting back at Main Springs Art Gallery, we had a delightful lunch together at Willow Springs on Main.  Everything was fabulous!  This is the first time in a long time that I really felt like myself.  Thank you, dear artist friends!  Painting number 2135 in 2135 days.

Ice on the Creek

Today, I returned to two of my favorite painting spots while out running errands.  Hoping there was still substantial snow, I found it quickly melting!  I painted this one first as it is south facing, saving the other for last with it's heavily shaded location.  A heavy fog started rolling in after I left here, making the next painting very moody.  How lucky can I be to get snow and fog in the same day?  It sure doesn't happen much around here!  Painting number 2134 in 2134 days.

November Snow at the Creek

The light was magical on the trail today.  I've returned to a creek I love to paint in all seasons. The dry grasses popping through the snow add so much interest, more than a solid blanket of white.  I am painting on canvas today, adhered to a panel, to fit a specific frame in an odd size, toned in a warm blue.  Canvas is always a struggle when I love my masonite panels so well, but I didn't have the time to cut more before heading out. I also grabbed my usual palette today, wanting to paint fast with paints I am so used to.  There is something I prefer about Winsor and Newton's ultramarine blue, and Utrecht's, that I have been missing in this snowy landscape.  I will switch again tomorrow and see if I still feel the same..... Painting number 2133 in 2133 days.

Belton Presbyterian Church

I draw and paint so much, I never know what I'll find in my various sketch bags!  This was an ink drawing done on location, with watercolor added later, while visiting with my parents.  There is much to be said for keeping paint supplies at the ready!   Painting number 2132 in 2132 days.

Milk Barn in the Snow

I love the quiet of painting in the snow.  A bright sun, calm wind, and only the music of a few birds are my companions today.  The time moves so quickly when I'm painting, and for the second day I nearly run out of sunlight before finishing.  I think  I must start sooner tomorrow, and let this art therapy time soak into my bones.  Painting number 2131 in 2131 days.

Winter Trees

Today I am exploring the subtle color shifts in an overcast, snowy landscape.  I'm using my Richeson oils, and all four of the new browns I ordered.  They are asphaltum, Van Dyke brown, burnt umber cool and raw umber, and so far today, my favorite is burnt umber cool.  Is it because it most closely represents what I see in the snowscape?  Maybe.  I also gravitate towards the umbers, so perhaps that is why.  The Indian yellow is very strong, it takes the tiniest amount to tint my white for a little warmth.  I hope to have several more days to paint this beautiful snow.  Painting number 2130 in 2130 days.

Santa Tree ATC

With a blizzard howling outside, I'm inside painting my "Santa tree" tonight.  I've collected many Santa ornaments over the years,  many gifts from my parents.  I have a tree just for these ornaments, which is set up in our family room (or Front Room, as it's been called for generations).  It was so nice to have the children home from college this week, and thanks to them the house is ready for Christmas.  I miss them already and am counting the days until they return for their winter break.  Tomorrow, I'm painting snow!  Painting number 2129 in 2129 days.

Elf Nutcracker ATC

Oh what a day!  This was a "family fun day", which is code for a family work day - all hands on deck!  With temps in the 60s, the guys were working on the truck, camero, and the Cadillac, while Michaela and Cooper helped move some molds to the shed.  We then hung the house lights, switching to Edison lights this year for a more vintage feel.  Dinner out and a little sketching fills out the day.  We are now ready for the snow - hope I can paint some tomorrow!  Painting number 2128 in 2128 days.

Nutcracker and Tree ATC

The holidays are upon us, and it is wonderful to have the kids home from college.  Today, they brought in the tree, pulled the ornaments down from the attic, and did most of the decorating for Christmas.  They do not know what a help this is, I would never have done so much without them.  In fact, the idea of tossing a few ornaments on the banana tree and calling it good, was floating around in my mind.  Thankful for such wonderful children tonight.  Painting number 2127 in 2127 days.

Late Autumn at Cleveland Lake

With the gym closed this morning, I got a painting in early.  I love the morning light, and I am exploring my new Richeson oils again today.  The late autumn colors have me reaching for King's Blue and Golden Ochre as key players.  I ordered 4 different browns (which is crazy town) and I used each one here.  Asphaltum pushes toward warm red, Van Dyle brown is very like burnt umber, the burnt umber cool is true, and raw umber is deep greenish.....at least these are my first impressions in the morning landscape.  I received a round Gray Matters brush as a gift from Richeson, and I find myself going to it again and again.  I NEVER use rounds with my oils, almost always flats, angled or brights, and yet I like this round.  It is firm enough to keep a point, and lays down a good mark with straight paint. I use no solvent or mediums, so my brushes must be able to work that paint.  I'm going to have fun settling in with these new supplies!  Painting number 2126 in  2126 days.

Caboose!

There are so many cool things to paint at the Belton train yard!  This caboose is pretty weathered, which only increases it's interest to me.  I have sketched out my lines with the Monteverde Monza fountain pen and then filled the color in with my WatercolorConfections half pan sets.  This little ATC sized painting will soon be available at the Belton Art Gallery.  Painting number 2125 in 2125 days.

Barn Art Cards!

The Tri County Art League met today at a wonderful new meeting room at City Center in Raymore.  With plenty of room to work, each artist made 2 or 3 art cards to exchange and mail out to inactive members for the holidays.  Using a few of my recent Ohio photos, I painted from my phone using ink and then watercolor.  What a great way to start the holidays, creating something for others!  Painting number 2124 in 2124 days.

Twisted Tree

I came home to a large box of Richeson art supplies - which I won a gift certificate for at two different plein air events!  The first was awarded in Fairfield, and the second was for an Award of Distinction in Still life, in Parkville.  Along with my oils, Richeson threw in gray matters brushes and palette papers, brush soap, medium, and three different toned hard board panels!  Wowza!  I am very picky about my painting surfaces, but I must say I liked the gray one I painted on today.  I like how well it shows my brush work, the paint seems to absorb less than on my prepared panels.  The paints are rich and creamy, and I really liked the color of their golden ochre - especially for this time of year.   I have dedicated a palette just for their paints - can't wait to use them again tomorrow.  Painting number 2123 in 2123 days.

Autumn Farm

I run past a lot of corn fields in northern Ohio, and the texture and colors are rich in the drizzle of this day.  Autumn seems to have fled now, leaving plenty of earthy browns in her wake.  I think I'll embrace these rich colors as winter approaches.  Painting number 2122 in 2122 days.

Farm on Schultz-Portage Rd

Knowing I wouldn't get the chance tomorrow, I went for a run on the North Coast Inland Trail after lunch.  This trail follows an old railroad line that passes town, golf course and rolling farms.  This farmhouse is just past Sugar Creek, and the first farm I pass on my run out of town.  I sketch and paint quickly, because that misty drizzle is no companion to ink or watercolor!  I then tuck my painting in my pocket and get back to my run. Painting number 2121 in 2121 days.

Autumn Snow

Rarely do I get to paint snow while autumn leaves are on the tree, but today is such a day.  Painting across Portage River Road, this is the view from my window each morning.  For the third day, I am painting with a very limited palette.  I have become spoiled these last years, with so many choices on my palette, so I felt a little constricted with only the primaries.  But, there are some really great things about using only a few colors.  Color harmony is effortless.  Mixing is very important to painting, and few choices mean everything must be mixed - and I do this on the panel.  I've never been one to premix anything, ever.  I still wish I had that cool red, because getting those cool violets is difficult when my red is vermilion!  The snow is melting faster than I can paint it!  Painting number 2120 in 2120 days.

Snow on the Portage

The freezing rain started early this morning, glazing all the surfaces.  When it turned to a lovely snowfall, I waited as long as possible for it to accumulate before painting.  With a couple of distractions, I had to rush to finish before dark.  I don't have my favorite palettes here, so I have improvised with a flat plastic container, loading my very limited oils on it.  Oh how I'm missing my favorite white and alizarin crimson!  Challenges are good lessons, so I forge ahead.  My dad loved this river, it is my honor to commit it to oils this day.  Painting number 2119 in 2119 days.

Autumn Leaves

With only a small window available for running and painting today, I hit the North Coast Inland Trail as soon as we arrived home.  Running is such therapy, as if I am running away from all those things I don't wish to think about, and one by one they are left in the dust behind me.  The hard and fast run is the best for this, and when I wear out, it is time for a quick paint.  Today, however, I ran extra miles and could only pick up leaves on my way back, to paint after our appointments.  So, here I am, studying leaves with pen and ink, and longing for my dad.  Painting number 2118 in 2118 days.

301 East Avenue

This is one of the ink drawings done on site, and tucked in my bag to add color to at a later date.  These little works gave me focus during a difficult time, allowing me a little relief before returning to the real world.  The tiny palettes of the Watercolor Confections pack anywhere, a pocket or a bag, so I am never without paint.  I've grown so used to them, they are now like old friends.  Painting number 2117 in 2117 days.

Veteran Park

Oh I have missed my oils!  Deciding to pick up a few primary colors while we were last in town, I now have the basics to keep in my trunk.  I went with a Zorn palette selection, choosing vermilion as my red.  Boy, do I miss that alizarin crimson!  It was very hard to get a cool violet, I kept adding ultramarine to cool it off.  I have never really used vermilion, which is one reason I wanted to try it.  It is very warm for a limited palette, but I'll adjust.  This street scene is very appealing to me, it is the view from the kitchen window in my parent's house, and I look at it every morning.  It is the perfect choice for Veteran's Day, as it is the Veteran's Park.  Painting number 2116 in 2116 days.

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