Chickadees Four!

These little chickadees have been gobbling up my birdseed as soon as I can fill the feeders!  So, I sketch them as they fly in and out, landing on the Rose of Sharon branches - also eating the seeds from the little pods!  I'm lucky to see this area from a rocking chair on the front porch, so I can hide as I work!  As soon as I stand for a photo - they all fly away!  This is another painting for the postcard challenge - so this will go out soon in the mail!  Painting number 2914 in 2914 days. 

Heidi

This year for Christmas, I have been busy painting special portraits for the special people in my life.  For those in the family who do not have little babies in the family - they are instead getting their favorite fur baby portrait!  It has been fun having the time to work on portraiture, even during the busy season.  So many times, painting is my solace, and I'm so fortunate to get to share this passion with those I love. Painting number 2913 in 2913 days. 

Baubles!

I really love getting expressive with the paint on these shiny, reflective Christmas ornaments!  There is something so liberating about grabbing full strength paint from the tube and dropping it right onto the canvas - to work in additional colors at will!  There's no right or wrong, only the marks as they land, sometimes with wild abandon!  After a very full day, it is just the art therapy I need to unwind a bit at day's end.  Love these stolen moments away from my duties!  Painting number 2912 in 2912 days. 

Wren and Suet

These little wrens are so fun to watch, flitting from branch to branch, and landing very close as I paint!  They nest right on the front porch by the window - and even inside the back porch (as they sneak in the crack by the door)!  The new Christmas bell suet cake is a big hit with this guy and his many friends!  I think they will soon devour it and I'll have to find another!  My favorite Levenger's Raven Black ink is in my TWSBI Diamond mini fountain pen, on a Fabriano postcard for the Urban Sketchers KC postcard challenge.  This one will be going out in the mail tomorrow!  Painting number 2911 in 2911 days 

Shiny Baubles

Today, we celebrated our first ever Outdoor Christmas!  Campfire and wood stove fire going, we hardly needed them with temps in the 50s.  Crock pots lined one side of the bar with chili, pizza rolls, veggies and cold salads, dips and chips lined the other.  Desserts had their own table - and Beau had to be discouraged from helping himself!  We did a cookie exchange for the first time - and I've only started sampling the goodies!  Blankets adorned the chairs, with seating separated into family groups.  The kids could run the countryside, and one rc plane was lost in the wind - but we hope to find it with a drone tomorrow!  It was a lot more work, but really worth it to gather together in a time of covid. Painting number 2911 in 2911 days. 

Red Poinsettia

Nothing says Christmas like a beautiful red poinsettia!  Tonight finds me painting with acrylics on wood, one last painting of the season.  We are celebrating tomorrow with the family for a special Outdoor Christmas event - in honor of covid!  Lol. Oh well, at least we are expecting a lovely day for December - and it will be great to gather together with everyone, social distance style. Merry Christmas to you all and to all good night! 

Christmas Eve Cows

This afternoon, I'm sneaking in a quick sketch before gathering with family over at Mom's house.  These cows have been calling my name all week - perhaps I'll get more time to paint after the holidays are over.  Happy Christmas Eve! Painting number 2910 in 2910 days. 

Wooded Path

 The warmth of this morning has flown, and blustery winds have moved in.  Even on the cold days, I get outside to walk with my trusty companion with ink and paper in my deep pockets. The sunset is singing as my pen sketches the trail before me.  In this peaceful place walked by my ancestors, I can almost feel them by my side. I am so at one with this place.  Life is made of the little things, each one matters. I now head back to start dinner and check in with the family.  Christmas is almost here. Painting number 2909 in 2909 days. 

Gingerbread House Tree

 I love how this special tree brings back memories of Christmases past. I remember finding these special blown glass ornaments at the Christmas Shoppe in Branson while on a weekend trip with sorority sisters many years ago.  When I decorated the little tree and put it on the kitchen counter, the little ones loved the little houses and people.  Now those little ones have little ones.  Where does all the time go?  Painting number 2908 in 2908 days. 

Nutcracker Tree

It's not often that I put a full day's work into the yard in December, but that is just what I did.  Love the 60s, little wind, and ground soft enough to dig in - so I moved a couple of structures, digging them in.  Deciding against weaving fabric through the wire to create a wind break, I instead cut cedar boughs and tied them on.  I had two large cedars in need of some shaping, so this worked out perfectly! Working after dark, I stayed out to enjoy the Christmas Star (conjunction) on this clear night. How beautiful to see!  We're having a family "Outdoor Christmas" this Friday, so my tasks are many and time grows short.  My quick sketch tonight is of my Nutcracker tree, and the hall was just too dark to get a good photo.  This is another postcard painting that will be heading to someone special tomorrow!  Painting number 2907 in 2907 days. 

Young Cedar Path

What a joy it is to walk outside my door, stroll through the pastures, and find such natural beauty waiting for me to sketch it.  The color grew more lovely as I worked, and had me longing for my oils back at the house.  No matter, this sketch walk is dedicated to postcard paintings, and I am enjoying the process.  I find it ever more important to spend these moments in the landscape, just paper, pen and I.  Painting number 2906 in 2906 days. 

Teacup Tree

This little Teacup tree has graced our second floor for many years.  I originally purchased the teacup ornaments at Victorian Papers, knowing the kids would love the playful kittens and mice adorning teacups, teapots and sugar spoons!  I enjoy putting Christmas trees in every room - and all the smaller ones have themes.  Perhaps I'll paint a few more this week before Christmas!  This ink and watercolor is painted on a Fabriano postcard blank, and is one in sending out for the Urban Sketchers KC postcard challenge!  Who shall I send this to?  Painting number 2904 in 2904 days. 

Huzzah River Autumn

 The Huzzah River is a favorite place to paint when down in Steelville, Missouri.  Known for it's rafting, the banks of this river are fabulous to paint from. On this day, I stayed close enough to the large bridge to duck for cover of the rain started.  It wasn't rain that poured down from the bridge, but road crews cleaning and rinsing the bridge!  That was fun to dodge all the dirty water!  Lol!  Just another plein air adventure!  Painting number 2903 in 2903 days.  This painting is currently available at Gallery Zeke in Steelville.

Cedar Walk

There is nothing like a walk among nature to restore the soul.  I've found peace and time for contemplation while walking the paths around our property.  This year, Mike cut a path around each pasture, to the ponds and into this remote area of cedars.  I love hiking through here, sometimes sketching, sometimes planting seeds and bulbs, sometimes trimming away brush.  Today I pruned back a whole briar of raspberries that was spilling into the path and snagging my pants.  I feel one with the earth out here, just another generation tending to the needs of this land.  I hope my grandparents would be proud.  This postcard painting is going out in the mail to someone special for the Urban Sketchers KC postcard challenge!  I'll be watching the mail for future arrivals!  Painting number 2902 in 2902 days. 

Sweet Kitty

Oh, I love drawing a sweet kitty face after such a busy day!  I've been making and writing cards for hours, so unwinding with a little drawing is so relaxing!  Graphite is my first art love, the first thing my little hands picked up from a child's desk my Grandma Frank had loaded with supplies at a north window in her kitchen.  I remember the color of the light, the smell of the old pencils when I sharpened them, and the way their marks spread across a paper.  I remember the tactile feel of the lead on that thick, yellowed paper.  That desk was tiny and I wasn't in school yet, and those memories are embedded in my soul. I even remember a black and red diamond checkered box that all the writing supplies and antique child's scissors were kept in, inside the desk.  I haven't thought of these things for years, but drawing takes me right back to that joyful time.  Painting number 2901 in 2901 days. 

Steelville Park in Autumn

I love a misty, rainy day for capturing all that saturated color in the landscape.  One of the first real cold mornings, I had just picked up a propane heater for warmth in the field.  With no experience at all, I set it up at my feet and started it without issue. How nice it was to have a little warmth out in the cold wind.  I just needed to be mindful of where it was so I wouldn't step into it as I worked.  I'm always stepping back to check my progress, and forward to lay paint. It would be so easy to knock into it!  So far so good, and I'm looking forward to using it on those cold and snowy days of winter!  Painting number 2900 in 2900 days.  Wowza! 

Cedar Path

This cedar path inspires me as I walk and sketch.  This southwest corner pasture was fenced off for many years when my grandmother sold the adjoining land before we could afford to buy more. As a result, cedars grew with reckless abandon to a very large size before we cut through the fence to tend it. It is beautiful!  Large cedars form curving paths full of birdsong and deer trails, and now we mow a waking path looping through from the west pasture. I think there is a volunteer cherry tree in there which I cleared around this summer.  What fun it would be to have a cherry tree on my wooded walk!  Ink and watercolor on a watercolor postcard, this one for the Urban Sketchers KC postcard challenge!  What fun it will be when little works of art return to me one day!  Painting number 2899 in 2899 days.

Western Fence Line

Oh how I love that golden light!  Heavily overcast all day, I was happy to see the clouds disappear and the sun shine brightly!  Today, I have taken my pen and ink to this postcard watercolor blank that I used yesterday with acrylic and ink.  Whenever I have papers I don't care for, I seem to always be able to use them with my inks!  I have an ink blend in this fountain pen, and in the sun I could see all the gold flecks shimmering from the boldest lines!  I must have a little of my J. Herbin Anniversary ink in this one, which I later added Cocoa Crown and Raven Black to.  The result is a rich, lovely black - that shimmers ever so slightly in gold!  How rewarding it is to walk through the pastures and wooded paths, and sketch a little along the way. Painting number 2898 in 2898 days. 

Christmas Balls

Tonight finds me painting on a watercolor postcard for the Urban Sketchers KC postcard challenge. Well, it has been a challenge!  I purchased postcards, not realizing that I don't like painting on 140 lb cold pressed paper, unlike most watercolorists.  The other day I was not happy with my watercolors on this paper. So tonight, I grabbed my acrylics instead.  Well, I prefer masonite for my acrylics.  So I then grabbed my closest fountain pen and was surprised to find purple ink in it!  Lol! It was actually perfect for the orange background, but ink and acrylic?  That's a new one!  Maybe tomorrow I'll go with straight ink for the challenge.  There has got to be a medium that I actually like this paper for!  Painting number 2996 in 2996 days.

Audrey in Blue

I have always admired the grace and style of the iconic Audrey Hepburn.  Working on my portrait skills, I am playing with my blues.  Off of my palette for many years but making a new appearance - Prussian blue is my dominate blue here.  I did pull in some ultramarine blue with my ivory black and white titanium when defining the planes.  I am having so much fun on these portrait studies, I don't want to stop working!  I long to take deep dives into my process, but alas, Christmas is around the corner, and I'm being pulled in so many directions.  Painting number 2896 in 2896 days. 

Old Tractor in Field

How could I possibly resist painting an old tractor on a farm?  I couldn't!  I forgot to post this painting earlier and only just realized it!  I often paint several paintings on a day, but only post one. So, the extras wait in the wings until I shuffle them into the lineup!  I really love using my oils in such a landscape. They seem to add body to the grasses and foliage while rounding those planes of the tractor.  So happy this painting has found a new home and is my 2895th in 2895 days. 

KC Giant Nutcracker

A Kansas City icon, this giant nutcracker is one of a collection that stands guard at the Mayor's Christmas Tree.  Posted at the edges of the children's playland, each one is different in color and accessories. With our unseasonably warm temps in the 60s, this venue is perfect for capturing a slice of KC Christmas time in ink and watercolor!  Painting number 2894 in 2894 days. 

Tree Trio

Another gorgeous December day - and I'm out sketching a slice of Christmas at Crown Center.  I wish I had a better on site image - but I didn't check this before moving to another location.  I didn't have my normal sketch bag, so my fountain pen ink is a blend of mostly Levenger's Raven Black with a little of their Cocoa brown.  I initially only had the brown in that pen, but it was far too red when washed with a little water, so I added the black.  Which, is not advised, by the way.  All inks are different and have different properties, and many simply don't blend well, causing issues on the paper.  Or, so I've read.  I like to blaze my own trail, throwing caution to the wind when it comes to such things - lol!  There's no rules in art!  Painting number 2892 in 2892 days. 

Mayor's Christmas Tree

Today finds me at Crown Center capturing the holiday magic with ink and watercolor!  The Urban Sketchers have a challenge out for postcard paintings, so I picked up some blanks at Blick, and headed to the playland by the ice skating rink.  With the very first mark I remembered how much I dislike standard watercolor paper!  What was I thinking?  I keep picking up these special items - totally forgetting that I only use handmade paper, and then I have to try and make it work.  What a lovely place on a lovely day, if only I had handmade paper postcards!  I am now thinking of creating my own, but I still have three pads full to use!  Yikes!  Postcards from the edge, maybe?  Painting number 2891 in 2891 days.  

Sweet Augustus

As my portrait journey continues, I am exploring my use of color and brushwork.  The last few portraits were fast and expressive - leading to fresh color and lots of strokes unblended.  As I worked through this one, I was a little more thoughtful with color placement and soft edges.  This little darling is thoughtful and sweet, encouraging me to mimic those qualities in my painting.  I really enjoy this journey and can't wait to see where it leads.  Painting number 2890 in 2890 days. 

Rustic Barn Inked

I love drawing these wonderful old midwest barns!  Full of character, they take me back to my childhood and playing in the old barns of my grandparents and great aunt and uncle. Pictured here is my favorite TWSBI Diamond mini fountain pen and Levenger's Raven Black ink, probably my most used combo for sketching.  I love the rich velvety flow of the ink from that medium nib on my handmade cotton paper!  Busy, busy days find me with shorter painting windows - why is there never enough time?  Painting number 2889 in 2889 days. 

Jordan and Alyssa's Wedding Venue

I love getting to capture the special moments of life in paint on handmade paper!  I sketched this wonderful barn scene with a favorite TWSBI Diamond fountain pen loaded with Raven Black ink.  After getting all the details in, I then come in with watercolor to add the life to the painting.  When I get the color where I want it, I come back in with a little more ink.  I love the process of ink and watercolor, especially on handmade paper!  Painting number 2888 in 2888 days.... I think.  I better go back and check my numbers - it's so easy to lose track!! 

Winston Study

Another portrait study from my portrait focus weekend - this time Winston is on my easel!  It is super fun to explore the lines and planes of this iconic face!  Playing with color here, exploring non traditional hues, I have begun by laying down my darkest darks and lightest planes.  I then bring them together with mid tones, bringing in higher color.  My portrait adventure has only just begun and I can't wait to see what unfolds next!  Painting number 2886 in 2886 days. 

Union Station Christmas

Union Station is a magical place for the holidays.  Even with social distancing and missing benches, the beauty remains.  The tree is enormous - note the tiny doors and figures to the left!  Families come to the tree for pictures, then walk on to see the special exhibit, all while I sketch from a south door.  Just a few years ago, Dad and I sat on a bench close to the tree, basking in it's beauty as we admired it.  He remembered coming here to meet family in the train, when he was just a boy.  Such a special place to paint, especially during the holidays.  Painting number 2884 in 2884 days.

Vintage Charm

Every year I look forward to traveling to Fairfield, Illinois to paint for their plein air event. This year was different, like so many other plein air events, and I could not paint in person.  Choosing from special reference provided by the community, I painted a few favorites.  All paintings had to be kept secret until the unveiling, so I am only now posting some of these paintings. With ink I sketched in the lines and angles of this house, adding watercolor as I went along.  I often go back in with a little more ink.  Once finished, I framed this up and delivered them all in person.  Taking my Mom with me, we delivered art in 4 states and saw plenty of beautiful places along the way!  Painting number 2883 in 2883 days. 

Inside Union Station

Today's painting site for the Monday Morning Watercolorists was Union Station - and I just had to go!  All decked out for the holidays some things remain the same. The giant wreaths in the front windows, the huge Christmas tree (see those tiny doors in the background) with garland and small trees dotting the main hall.  Missing are the wonderful wooden benches for reflection and tree gazing as well as access to the public restrooms.  A special Christmas display is set up in the north hall where tickets are required.  This is such a great place for the holidays, so happy to paint here with friends!  Painting number 2881 in 2881 days. 

Casper

Focusing on portrait work is so much fun with this sweet baby boy on my easel!  I find I can learn SO MUCH by taking deep dives into certain areas of my work. I have long been a portrait artist, first in graphite, later in ink and acrylic, and some in oils.  I'm very comfortable in the black and white, and am now exploring the color like I haven't before. I grow with each painting, and I feel like I am seeing the planes of the face in new ways. Why not get playful with the paint?  I can't wait to see what unfolds as I study portraiture in depth!  Painting number 2880 in 2880 days. 

Country Cabin

The autumn color this year all through the midwest was amazing!  While in Steelville for an Artist Residency, I was contacted about driving out to check out this country cabin for a commission. In this family for 4 generations, this place and land holds many special memories.  I love getting to paint a home that has meant so much for so many years.  I have the best job ever!  Painting number 2879 in 2879 days. 

Beau

This sweet boy has gotten into more trouble than all of our other dogs combined.  Very accident prone, he's had life threatening injuries more than once, and he has bounced back each time.  All that pampering while injured really turned him into a 110 pound lap dog, with so much personality!  So, tonight, Beau is on my easel, as he lays around waiting for snacks!  The light is a bit blown out on this portrait, so I'll try to take another pic tomorrow in the daylight.  Love this gentle giant!  Painting number 2878 in 2878 days. 

Washington Painter House

I loved this historic place from the first time I laid eyes on it.  Very similar in style to my own family home, these architectural lines always draw me in!  With the iron fence adorned with holiday garland, this was a "must paint" for me!  With ink and watercolor I drew the scene, added in the watercolor gently, then returned for a bit more ink.  Each handmade paper absorbs differently, so I often find I need to adjust my technique in process. Love exploring all the challenges of the mediums! It really is all about the journey!  Painting number 2877 in 2877 days. 

Portrait Study in Black and White

On a weekend full of portrait study, it is so fun to try different colors and techniques!  Here I laid down the planes with ivory black and titanium white, adding the tiniest bit of ultramarine blue.  I arrived with my plein air set up, but am now wishing I had a few more soft brushes.  I use a lot of heavy duty workhorse brushes (Princeton Catalysts) in the field for my daily work, and only had a couple of Rosemary brushes in this box.  A softer, lighter brush is better for blending where desired. I find that I like leaving plenty of brushwork and strong strokes untouched.  This portrait journey is going to be SO FUN!  Painting number 2876 in 2876 days. 

Looking Down the Katy Trail

The artist in me LOVES exploring new towns.  My first trip to Rocheport finds me rising before the sun to paint as much as possible before focusing on portraiture for the rest of the day!  I'm invigorated by painting en plein air - no matter how little sleep I get nor how little I've eaten. The simple act of putting paint to panel or paper makes me feel so alive.  Why waste a minute?  I'll catch up on sleep and food when I get back home! Painting number 2875 in 2875 days. 

Rocheport Depot

Here for an artist weekend of portraiture study, I simply can't resist my gorgeous surroundings!  Out at first light, I am squeezing in as many ink and watercolor paintings as I can before returning to my all day portrait study!  Love this historic small town and I can't wait to return with my oils to capture more of it's beauty!  Painting number 2874 in 2874 days. 

Katy Trail B&B

I am staying in Rocheport for the first time for an artist weekend, and this Katy Trail B&B has been a wonderful place to land.  The charm of this sweet place is right down my alley- so of course I had to paint it!  After a day full of portrait work, it was great to get out in the fresh air.  I sketched this with ink on handmade cotton paper, then added watercolor from my travel half pans.  This town is so full of vintage scenes - I wish I had more plein air time!  I will definitely return for more plein air and biking, too!  Painting number 2873 in 2873 days. 

Dean

 

This weekend finds me working on my portrait skills in oils!  Joining 7 other artists in the charming town of Rocheport, I've spent today in the Community Hall.  I'm hoping to complete 6 portraits, honing my skills in the process.  I've already learned something very valuable - I can breath life into a portrait by working from a black and white reference photo, working in the color organically.  Who knew?  I plan to really delve into portraits during the winter months, so this weekend is meant to kick start that process.  Thanks, Nyle! This historic district is amazing, simply filled with vintage buildings - all calling to me to paint!  Oh how I wish I had several plein air days scheduled!  So, I'm sketching before and after the scheduled portrait hours, and will certainly return for more work in oils one day.  Painting number 2872 in 2872 days. 

Cardinal Trees

This enchanting place is a perfect getaway, if only for a couple hours!  With ink and watercolor I sketched out the scene before me, going back in with a little more ink.  The trimmed trees line the pathways, and are in many themes.  One can pick the ornaments right off the trees for purchase.  I found the cheerful cardinals donning this tree irresistible!  After I painted this, I bought a couple for my own tree!  Painting number 2871 in 2871 days. 

Fairfield Covered Bridge

This nostalgic covered bridge in the city park of Fairfield, Illinois a local icon. Painting it for the Fairfield Art Splash in September, it is the first time I've had the bridge on my easel!  This seems to be my year for painting covered bridges - and oh how I love them!  All paintings for this event were to be kept secret until after the show and sale, which finds me playing "catch up" with my posts!  Love this small town and all of it's unique treasures to paint!  Painting number 2870 in 2870 days. 

Two Fishermen

I love painting by the water - ocean, pond, lake, river or creek, they all hold a peaceful magic.  The rhythmic sounds of babbling water leads me away from daily cares, like a balm to my soul.  Capturing the gentle movement of boat on water is a joy, a sliver of peaceful rural living.  Life is all about the little things, after all.  Painting number 2869 in 2869 days. 

Poinsettias!

Oh the colors of Christmas are upon us!  When poinsettias start lining the shelves at one of my favorite nurseries, I start thinking about decorating again!  I still have 5 poinsettias from last year - so I didn't bring another one home, but I did add 4 new plants to my tropical collection!  With 15 minutes left before meeting the others, I started this miniature ink and watercolor on 3x3 cotton paper. Fast and loose, quick marks and dashes of paint brought this scene to life - with a minute to spare!  Even a tiny painting can capture the essence of the place!  Painting number 2869 in 2869 days. 

Family Tree Nursery

The Family Tree Nursery is a "must paint" during the holiday season!  Christmas trees line the walkways, all glistening with ornaments for sale.  The Monday Morning Watercolorists have met in this special place today, even though it is 64 degrees outdoors!  Though I hardly paint inside on a gorgeous day - this place is the exception!  Love my ink and watercolor for such an interior scene!  Painting number 2868 in 2868 days. 

Fox Babies

Sometimes, I just want to paint some cute fox babies!  I'm not in the plein air realm today, but have instead turned to adorable wildlife, inspired by the red foxes I've spotted across the road and on my Mom's property.  I don't think I've ever drawn a fox before, so this was certainly good practice!  It's all about the lines and angles, especially when the forms are unfamiliar.  In the past I've chosen to draw 100 of whatever challenged me, like 100 people, 100 cows, etc...... are there 95 more foxes in my future?  Yikes!  It's fun to take a break every once in a while!  Painting number 2867 in 2867 days 

Elmore Clock

I have admired this vintage town clock since I first arrived in this small town so many years ago.  Hanging on the corner of the old Bank of Elmore building, this clock is embellished with the same stained glass as the building.  Stopping in Christie's Cafe across the street for lunch with mom, I sketched this miniature painting while waiting for our quiche.  I'm so happy to finally get to paint it - wish all towns had such wonderful clocks!  Painting number 2866 in 2866 days. 

Huzzah Valley Barn

From a vantage near the Huzzah River, I looked back to see this wonderful Steelville icon nestled in the landscape as it has been for so many years.  This barn is leaning to the east now, and it's days may be running out.  So if course, I had to sketch it!  With my favorite TWSBI Diamond mini fountain pen loaded with Levenger's Raven black ink, I sketch the lines of this scene.  With a little water in my brush pen, I soften some of those edges and drop in some more ink.  Love this old barn - hope it is still here next year.  Painting number 2865 in 2865 days. 

Sundance Over the Farm

 I am always drawn to gorgeous skies - especially in the rural landscape!  Choosing a wide format -20x10, I am able to concentrate on what's really important about this scene. The forms and colors in that sky are a bit challenging!  I really try to see the subtle changes, so that every mark counts.  Looking twice, painting once - lol. By careful observation I can stay on track with my vision for this place.  I find that a much more effective way than dropping in masses, and then tweaking.  Painting is a journey, and this season finds me studying my subjects intently. Painting number 2864 in 2864 days. 

Elmore Depot

After spending the day in Genoa and Elmore, Mom and I settled in the Walter Ory Park, along the North Coast Inland Trail for a quick sketch.  The day was so warm, it was very pleasant to spend this record November heat outdoors.  Just last fall we attended a festival here, where we dined in this building with Mom's friends.  It has been fun for her to see so many of her friends, and bittersweet to head back to Missouri.  Love getting to spend time in this space, if only for a little while.  Painting number 2863 in 2863 days.