Sunset Sleigh Ride

 

Happy New Year's Eve! I hope you all have an amazing New Year!  Before heading out to celebrate the ringing in of the new year with a family game night, I am sketching a sunset landscape in Sleigh Ride red ink by Diamine, day 15 in the Inkvent Calendar.  The red is lovely and softens when applied to wet areas, getting pretty dark when heavily applied.  It's so fun to play with the inks and pens!  Painting number 5054 in 5054 days. 

Wishing Tree

This ink from the Diamine Inkvent Calendar is misty and moody, abs called Wishing Tree. It reminds me of the Disney Dreaming tree at Walt Disney's  boyhood home.  I love the way it moves with water, and on wet paper.  It's perfect for the winter landscape.  This ink is day 9 of the calendar, and perfectly suited for today's weather.  Now, I'm off to more family fun at Mom's with a Poker Tournament!  Painting number 5052 in 5052 days. 

Winterberry Santa

Santa has been very busy on his journey around the world, and now he's dozing off.  Winterberry is another lovely fountain pen ink from the Diamine Inkvent Calendar, and a perfect color to use on Sleepy Santa.  I sketched this one lightly with India ink first, then went in with glass dip pen and Winterberry red.  I used a little water to move the ink, then a little more ink with the pen to finish. I love this beautiful pen, too.  It's a work of art on it's own!  Painting number 5053 in 5053 days. 

Michaela and Casper

I normally do this type of drawing in graphite on Bristol, but I've chosen ink and handmade paper instead.  I use ink so much now that it seems a natural choice, though it was a bit of a challenge.  I started this years ago, and did not feel it was complete, so I left it unfinished.  This is something I almost never do, and it felt brand new to return to it.  It was much easier to finish now,  and I could see what was needed.  I feel so happy to have finally finished this, and love that it will now have a new home.  Painting number 5052 in 5052 days. 

Icy Liac Winter

Icy lilac is such a luscious ink for a winter landscape.  The Diamine Inkvent Calendar is something I look forward to each year, and this one does not disappoint!  I use my glass dip pen to sketch the scene first.  Next, I wet the masses i want to be loose, and drop the ink in.  It spreads as turquoise and pink emerge.  I go back in with a little more ink to those areas i want to boost the contrast.  I love working in miniature, too, especially during such a family packed time!  Painting number 5051 in 5051 days. 

Sparrows Jingle

I really enjoy watching the little birds in my yard!  The sparrows are so social, they group around the feeders and bushes, chattering in a cheerful way.  They've grown used to the jingle bells I've hung near them, so it's easy to sketch them in their habitat.  With ink and watercolor I complete this small painting, another in this year's Christmas card series.  I love my sketch time spent ioutdoors, it's so very peaceful here.  Painting number 5050 in 5050 days. 

Christmas at IUnion Station

This has been another wonderful Christmas spent with family - with the special treat of Bill and Evelyn in attendance! They are normally in Arizona by this time, but we are lucky to have them home for the holidays!  For the first time ever we broke with tradition, and has a Mexican burrito bowl feast for dinner!  This might be the first Christmas without a large turkey, and I don't think it was missed!  Mom enjoyed visiting with Mike's parents, and the kids had a blast inside and out!  The Chiefs win was icing on the cake although I didn't see much of it with all the cooking!  Union Station is an all time favorite painting place, especially in the evening!  The place absolutely glows! Wishing you all the merriest of Christmases, and a new year full of family and friends!  Painting number 5049 in 5049 days.

Santa at the Christmas Tree

 

It's a Merry Christmas Eve to capture Santa at the tree - as I finish all those last details with a mug of hot tea!  I'm sending out love and light to all tonight, as preparations wrap up.  On such a night, memories flood back from past Christmas eves, when we waited for all the kids to be asleep before setting out all the presents. Santa would come in the night to fill stockings and to leave something special for each girl and boy.  I loved the days when the house was full and big hugs were just around the corner.  When the family all gathers here tomorrow, we will be a large bunch indeed, and it will be another Christmas of cherished memories together.  Painting number 5048 in 5048 days. 

Santa Painting the Nutcracker

I love the vintage feel of black and white whether in ink, graphite or paint. I've been using many mediums lately, bouncing from one to another daily!  I've picked up acrylics for this one as I also work on a commission at the same time.  Santa is hard at work these last days before Christmas, and i love capturing it all in paint!  Merry Christmas Eve Eve!  Painting number 5047 in 5047 days. 

Lullaby Skier

 

Another cool ink from Diamine - Lullaby is a dreamy, pink ink!  I'm looking forward to exploring all that it can do - when I have more time, lol!  I'm using scrap pieces of watercolor that I really don't care for, which is why I've cut them down to experiment with!  Ever frugal, I don't waste anything, so I power through the 140lb cold pressed paper.  This pink is lovely, and an unlikely landscape color, but I like it anyway!  Who says all my colors must be based on realism?  I've worked hard for that artistic license!  Painting number 5046 in 5046 days. 

Thoughtful Santa

 

Santa Claus is on my easel tonight as I burn the midnight oil.  This day has been filled with side by side rides, outdoor and indoor fun as we gathered  with Danny and the boys on this last day in town.  So, I'm coming to my easel late and I'm also working on my Christmas cards - which I'm also getting to much later than ever.  This season has had me busy getting paintings out right up to the last minute!  Which is awesome, and has also set me back on getting my own work done.  I think Santa understands all about that.  Painting number 5045 in 5045 days.  

Shiny Ornaments

 

It's fun to squeeze in a painting during all the fun holiday festivities with family!  I LOVE this time of year! This day started with a goat emergency, one was being chased by the others and was limping.  After calling for reinforcements. I was off to Casper's Christmas party at preschool.  I arrived home in time to prepare for Aunt Diana and Uncle Ed to come visit. Danny and boys, Mom, Tiffany and family all joined the fun, too, which we watched Kirby and Casper.  The campfire was also fun, though we didn't stay out long in this cold night!  Painting number 5044 in 5044 days. 

Marley Woods

 

Marley a moody, chromatic ink with a sepia vintage feel to it.  This is another of Diamine's inks that I will  explore further in the winter months!  SO many ideas, so little time! This is a miniature paper at ATC size, and a dip pen and a little water is all I need to make the magic happen.  I spent most of the day outside, working on my Christmas cards - and it was GORGEOUS out there!  How many Decembers have I been able to do that?!!  The icing on the cake was a visit with my a Aunt Gladys, Uncle Clayton and cousin Carla with Danny and the boys, topped off with a game of Spades to finish the day!  What a great day!  Painting number 5043 in 5043 days. 

Jingle Wren

This sweet Carolina wren is one of several that nest all around the place. I find their nests in watering cans, hanging baskets and even on my enclosed back porch when they find a way in!  I've hung a few red bells in their favorite places, and it is fun to watch their reactions!  At first, they were leary of the tinkle, but soon they got close and even pecked at them.  I'm painting these sweet birds for my Christmas cards, and choosing to do them simply, without the noise of a background to detract from the focus.  I like to get quiet and become one with my subject, and let all else fall away.  And then I finish, and the countless duties of the day are calling, and I rejoin the world once more  painting number 5042 in 5042 days. 

Snow Globe Boats

 

Snow Globe is such a beautiful ink for a seascape!  I love opening a new ink each day leading to Christmas - especially when I can discover one as chromatic as this!  The color bleeds into lovely turquoise and lavender on the wet paper, yet remains very dark when applied with a dip pen. The shifts are striking, and serene.  Though I'm inking every day, I find myself too busy to get them all posted, which means I'll be playing catch up and posting them later.  This one is from day 12 of the calendar, my oldest daughter's birthday. This day found us entertained by the goats, roasting marshmallows by the campfire, on nighttime "gater rides" with Nolan, Quinn and Layne, and playing a new card game with Michael dubbed Aww Shucks with Danny and the boys!  What fun the holidays bring, and it's small wonder I can't seem to get my posting in!  Painting number 5041 in 5041 days. 

Ornaments on Pink

 

I love getting wild and free with the bold colors of the season, and it seems I can't settle on just one style this year!  I guess that's what my Artistic License is for!

I truly am all over the place artistically this month.  I often narrow in on a theme for my cards as the time draws near, but not this year.  I feel like ink and watercolor birds are for sure the theme, then I switch completely to acrylic Santas.  No, wait!  I'll do Union Station in grand style, but then I have these amazing herefords - and now goats - that are begging to find their way into my paintings!  So, here I am, switching back and forth, letting the wind blow me wherever it pleases, and just allowing myself to roll with it until I land on solid ground. Painting number 5040 in 5040 days. 

Christmas at Union Station

 

Union Station is absolutely MAGICAL to paint during the holidays!  What a jewel we have here in Kansas City!  I love capturing the beauty of this place with many mediums, but oils are an absolute favorite.  The reflections slide right through with each brushstroke, and the light drops in so smoothly.  I have so many memories here, as have 5 generations of my family.  This is a special place indeed.  Painting number 5039 in 5039 days. 

Tinsel Santa

 It's so fun to sneak in a quick Santa painting with pen and ink!  This is Surprise Murder Mystery Birthday Party day for our oldest daughter, and we've all been busy with preparations.  The glass dip pen and a little water are perfect to move this ink as I work.  There's always enough time for a miniature painting - even on a day like this!  Painting number 5038 in 5038 days. 

Shiny Ornaments

 

I love painting the bright colors of Christmas in acrylic on canvas!  These shiny ornaments are super fun to describe with paint.  The acrylic layers quickly with the fast dry time, and luxury I don't have with oils.  I mark my lines first with a dark hue, then get those masses in, painting the reflections while each color is on my brush.  This is a quick paint between commissions, just a little something to brighten up the day! Now, I'm off to start another one!  Painting number 5036 in 5036 days. 

Santa Painting a Nutcracker

 

Santa is on my easel tonight, as he paints a nutcracker!  It's super fun to play with acrylics again - in between commissions.  I've been VERY busy this season, so it truly is a little bit of therapy time to work on something like this.  I've used a base of mars black, with ivory black on the final layers. The first is cool while the next is warm, allowing depth in the simple black and white.  Additionally, I use titanium along with white gesso for the same reason.  Painting number 5034 in 5034 days. 

Icy Lilac

 

What a beautiful, foggy morning for playing with this new ink!  Icy Lilac is 5th in the Inkvent Calendar.  This lovely ink pushes turquoise and pink as it fades into wet areas. The cool blue is very frosty, although this morning is warm and foggy, nearly 50 degrees already.  What a cool ink, I will be reaching for this one again when the weather calls for it.  Painting number 5033 in 5033 days. 

Jingle Titmouse

 

It was such a beautiful December day for sketching in the garden!  The birds are not too sure about the new red bells. They jingle slightly with movement, and I hope they get used to them, and even play with them.  They are not far from their feeders, so we'll see.  We spent the whole day outside with Casper and Kirby, taking care of many chores as we played.  It is nice to get in a quick painting, too.  Painting number 5032 in 5032 days. 

World War 1 Museum

 

It was fun gathering with Urban Sketchers KC on Pearl Harbor Day to remember our heroes, and sketch the National World War I Museum.  This is my second sketch of the morning, a quick one, and I forgot to get a photo of the first one on site! This place was very busy today, with many visiting on this special day.  It was fun to capture it all in ink and watercolor. Painting number 5031 in 5031 days. 

Cow and Calf

Cows are the best mamas, often one watching all the babies while the rest graze. The light was glorious, and I was simply compelled to paint this beauty.  Pastoral scenes are my absolute favorite to paint.  The time spent with animals, the land and the softly blowing breeze, is so peaceful and relaxing.  It's the perfect break on another busy day, and panting number 5030 in 5030 days. 

Forest Gateau Rider

Forest Gateau is the 4th ink from this year's Diamine Inkvent Calendar, and it's rich and decadent.  The surprise sweet treat is that this ink is scented, and smells just like the cake!  Into this miniature landscape I've penned in a horse and rider with a glass dip pen. I keep meaning to try out a little bleach when dry, but I never remember.  I wonder what would happen if I try that on the wet painting?  So many ideas, too few hours in each day.  Painting number 5029 in 5029 days. 

Jingle Chicadee

 

I think I've finally decided on a Christmas card theme! I found this little red bell at the Greenwood Country Tea Room today while lunching with Mom and the Tri-County Art League!  This is our annual holiday lunch, and I look forward to connecting with old friends that I don't see often.  Plein air season keeps me from many meetings until things lighten up this time of year. 

I hung a few bells where the birds come to my feeders, and I'm hoping to see plenty of play with these little bells as I wait with ink and watercolor!  Painting number 5028 in 5028 days. 

Deer and Pine

 

Seven deer met me on the lane when I returned a bit ago, so one is on my easel this evening.  The countryside is quiet when the air is cold and many leaves have already fallen from the trees.  Such a night inspires me to capture the wildlife, quite docile and unafraid of us.  They actually like my dog, and come close to the house to see him.  He likewise wags his tail and runs towards them when he sees them in the yard, or he ignores them completely as if they were just trees.  I'm looking forward to the quiet hours of winter with ink, watercolor and paper.  Painting number 5027 in 5027 days. 

Baltic Breeze

It's so exciting to open the very first ink from Diamine's Inkvent Calendar 2024!!  This is the best possible advent calendar for any artist! I get to open a little present each day right up to Christmas, and create tiny masterpieces with each one!  I dropped this ink into a wet sky abs allowed it to spread down naturally.  The chroma that resulted was so lovely!  I then penned in the foreground with a glass dip pen, using a wet brush to move the ink a little.  I meant to try a little bleach, too, but forgot until just now.  I can't wait to see what tomorrow's ink will be!  Painting number 5206 in 5206 days. 

Autumn Leaves

The autumn leaves are falling, and I've picked up a few to study before heading of for a family shopping day at Legends.  The colors are rich and its fun to play with the colors a bit in the wet masses of each leaf.  I could get a little darker here and there, but there's no time for extra layers. It's been a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and there's still more fun to have!  Painting number 5205 in 5205 days. 

Grazing in the Snow

What a great way to start a Saturday!  Our first snow paired with a few extra guests close to the house made for a perfect painting opportunity!  The briefly heavy snowfall was melting faster than I could get it painted, but oh how lovely it was!  So glad I could get this in before the 7th birthday party for our little Gus! Spending time with family will be icing on the cake of this day!  Grateful, thankful, blessed, indeed.  Painting number 5204 in 5204 days. 

Hay Bale in Autumn

 

I love how the oaks retain their autumn leaves long into the season.   That gorgeous orange red is so inspiring, I just had to paint it.  We've been very busy with family activities, and it has been hard to find that painting time lately.  But the daily painting habit is a well oiled machine that finds that little painting window every day.  Painting number 5203 in 5203 days. 

Hereford Trio

The neighbors have brought their cattle to the north pasture for a visit, and I'm enjoying their company!  As the plein air season winds down, I'm looking forward to painting my everyday life, and settling in for the winter.  The cold weather is always a shock at first, but I grows more comfortable with it each time in out. Thank goodness for good outdoor gear!  Happy Thanksgiving! Painting number 5202 in 5202 days. 

Wet Streets in Autumn

 

Wet streets with autumn color is simply irresistible.  The dark, rainy day only accentuates the bright, warm hues in the landscape.  These days of color ends too soon, especially with wind and rain driving those leaves down the road. All I can do is paint as fast as I can, and hope for a few more golden autumn days. Wishing everyone a Thanksgiving full of family fun! Painting number 5201 in 5201 days. 

Autumn in Peaceful Valley

 

I love the crunch of fallen leaves as I paint a rich autumn glow on the hill! We've had such an amazing season for painting, I wish it would last for months!  Soon the leaves will all lay on the ground and winter will creep in.  I'm already adding my layers when I paint early, and I'm never really ready for the cold to begin.  I'm so thankful for lovely painting days like this! Painting number 5200 in 5200 days. 

Autumn Road

 I do love the autumn season, full of warm color and unreasonably warm temperatures this year!  The leaves are fast falling and I an trying to paint them before they blow away.  If only I had more time for painting! Painting number 5199 in 5199 days. 

Autumn Lane

 

The oaks are really showing their color, now.  I'm never ready for them to lose their leaves, though i know it's coming.  This season is so fleeting, and my time so heavily scheduled that I ever feel as though I'm missing wonderful opportunities. This small 6x6 size is a perfect solution for crazy busy days and a regular go to this time of year.  I'm looking forward to quiet days with plenty of painting time this winter. Hope springs eternal, after all.  Painting number 5198 in 5198 days. 

Sunset Impressions

 The setting sun has been amazing this autumn!  Even though I didn't have the time, I jumped out for a quick paint of the colors as they ripened and spread across the landscape.  Every day is a gift, and this one is full of color.  Painting number 5197 in 5197 days. 

West Building

The Shawnee Indian Mission is such a lovely place to paint in the fall.  With autumn color on display, the historic building took on a special glow. With half the proceeds benefitting the Mission, I love being a part of it all.   I just dropped this painting and more off at the Shawnee Indian Mission for the Three Springs Market opening next Tuesday!  It's going to be a wonderful place to shop for the holidays! Painting number 5196 in 5196 days. 

 

Teepees at the Indian Mission

 

These three teepees were set up at the Shawnee Indian Mission for the VIP event - and I'm lucky to get to paint them.  The blush of autumn glowed in the afternoon light, as vendors and patrons arrived for the event.  Set up on the west side of the West Building, this was a painting opportunity I couldn't pass up! Besides the three originals, I will also bring some miniature prints priced right for the holiday season! This painting and more will be available at the Three Springs Market opening November 26! Painting number 5195 in 5195 days. 

Wilted Rose Deer

 

Seven deer met me on the lane when I returned a bit ago, so a couple are on my easel tonight!  The day 2 ink of the Inkvent Calendar is Wilted Rose, and it is a soft, natural shade. I'm being pulled to a quiet and peaceful place with my ink sketches, testing out their character with glass dip pen, brush and water.  The color is lovely even if the chroma is lacking.  I wonder how it would behave with a little bleach applied?  Painting number in days. 

Noble Fir

This lovely green ink is day 3 of the Diamine Inkvent Calendar. Working on a wet sky mass, I dropped the ink loosely into tree shapes.  As that dried, I added more ink for the foreground trees and water.  Leaving the bank white to represent snow, I love the contrast between them.  I did think of trying out bleach on this one, but forgot all about it.  Perhaps I'll try another to see what the reaction is.  I love these little presents to open each day in December!  Painting number in days. 

North Building

 

This is one of three paintings I will be dropping off at the Shawnee Indian Mission this week for the Three Springs Market!  I have painted here now twice, and i love the historic buildings. Autumn is a special time here, and I'm happy to be a part of the upcoming market.  They will have 1200 trees to sell along with artisan goods, half the proceeds to benefit the Mission  Come support the Shawnee Indian Mission with your purchase bringing November 26. Painting number 5191 in 5191 days. 

Mouse Party

 

On a day when my chores have been endless, it's so nice to get in a little sketch break! Three mice are dancing for joy, while the fourth is telling me to get back to work! Thank goodness for a little at therapy time in the middle of this very, very busy day!  Painting number 5190 in 5190 days. 

White Throated Sparrows

The white throated sparrows kept me company today in the garden!  Their chatter is so sweet as I sketch!  They don't mind that I'm near them at all, once they settle down after my arrival.  I had my Merlin bird app on, which is how I discovered what variety of sparrow they are.  It's a bit geeky, but I love to know which feathered friends come visiting.  What fun it is to play in the ink and watercolor, if only for a quick sketch!  Painting number  5189 in 5189 days. 

 

November Hollyhocks

What a lovely, warm day to spend at the Kauffman Garden with artist friends and Tiffany! I couldn't believe when I found hollyhocks blooming so late in the year - so of course, I had to paint them!  This was a quick paint because I only had 20 minutes before leaving, so I sketched fast and dropped in color. I need to vary the blooms a bit to give them a freer form, and maybe I'll do that before putting it away.  I do love hollyhocks and plan to plant a few seeds from this one next year!  Painting number 5188 in 5188 days. 

House Finch and Pine

This sweet house finch frequents my feeders and my front porch, perching on my string of Edison lights.  He kept me company as I tended my flowers, preparing to winter some over indoors.  As I sketched him, he popped in and out, hanging with the other birds who love the depth of my bridal white spirea at the porch's edge.  I'm using new ink in this new TWSBI Diamond fountain pen, a blue black from Robert Oster. Of course, I love it. I love all of his signature inks that I have tried.  I'm thinking of using a bird theme for this year's Christmas cards, I do live my time spent in nature.  Painting number 5187 in 5187 days. 

Kauffman Garden Cleome

 For Daily Paintworks, I am trying to post a closer image for their viewers.  So often, I only get a photo in the field, without thought of getting a better shot until I am submitting it for a gallery show.  Let me know if you like this idea.  Today, the Monday morning watercolorists were at Kauffman Garden, and the cleome are still gorgeous - in mid November!  I still have hanging baskets on the porch and we were in the 60s again today.  It is a pleasure to still be painting outdoors so comfortably!  I didn't even need a jacket today!  I'm happy Tiffany was able to join us today, too!  Painting number 5185 in 5185 days. 

Chicadee and Pine

 

The little chicadees kept me company as I worked in the garden, and then I painted one! I'm using three inks, Diamine Nutcracker, Robert Oster's Detox, and Levenger Raven black on a watercolor paper I thought was handmade..... but now I'm not so sure sure... It should be cotton, but I don't think it's 100% based on the ink and water reaction.  It's not bad, but it's different, and every new paper is an exploration of how it handles my specific technique.  I love spending time in nature, and the birds are begging to be painted!  Painting number 5184 in 5184 days. 

Carolina Wren

 We have a pair of wrens that nest here several times a year.  The male makes multiple nests in any conceivable container, and his mate chooses her favorite.  It's a bit like hide and seek, just to discover their newest abode. Once, they even sneaked into the house - and I had to herd them back outside from their lofty perches!  I'm using a new TWSBI fountain pen filled with Diamine's Nutcracker to match the pen.  I've used a lot of it in the ink work, along with a couple of others.  This was so much fun, I think I'll paint more of my feathered friends!  Painting number 5183 in 5183 days.