Longhouse at the Arboretum

 It's so fun to sketch at the Overland Park Arboretum with artist friends and my daughter, too!  This grand new entrance with it's long reflection pools spilling one into another, is beautiful.  I am using a long, thin cotton paper for this sketch, and it buckles a little when wet. As with all handmade papers, each one is different, and part of the process is learning it's attributes, and focusing on what works rather than what doesn't. Once, I set the more challenging papers aside, now I embrace those differences, and am driven to make the most of them.  It's a bit like life, isn't it?  Painting number 5173 in 5173 days. 

Autumn Bench

 

It was super fun to paint the autumn color with artist friends and my daughter at the arboretum today!  This place is beautiful in every season, and it's always a treat to paint here. I used only my newest mini Qor palette today, and i love the fluid spread of this paint - even on my very absorbent, thin, soft cotton paper today.  This red may be my all time favorite red watercolor!  It's so rich and vibrant!  This was only a 30 minute sketch, but I'd love to return and paint here in oils!  Painting number 5172 in 5172 days 

Sailing Dreams

 

What an honor to find this painting was awarded 2nd place at the Lake Quivira Paint Out!!  It was super fun painting here with BOTH my daughters for our first plein air event together. It had been 9 years since I had painted here, and I found myself drawn to the waterfront. Last time, there was a yacht race in progress, but today the water was still.  With those lovely sailboats waiting on shore, the wet ground reflected light as though they were on the water.  The painting unfolded naturally as I visited with my daughters, each finishing their own paintings. I'm looking forward to all of our painting time ahead. Painting number 5171 in 5171 days, and this painting is now showing at the Lake Quivira Clubhouse.

Old Boettcher Farmstead

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This place is miles off the beaten path, down a narrow country road canopied with trees. One here, this scene unfolded before me, like a story wanting to be painted.  An old saltbox once stood proud on it's foundation before a fire brought it down.  Two swings still hang from the oak tree, reminders of children playing and lives lived through many, many years.  In ink and watercolor I painted the story, and enjoyed a gorgeous day as the autumn color blushed.  I'm so thankful this painting has a new home now and is number 5170 in 5170 days. 

 

Wennwood Farms Winery

 

I love sketching a country road winding through farms and wineries in rural Missouri!  This farm turned winery is on Old Brick Church Rd in Gasconade County, where cattle and sheep are just a pasture away.  Though I was tempted by the livestock, I opted for this turn in the road, capturing the very essence of this place as one drives by.  I intended to add color, but when the drawing was finished, it said all I wanted to say in vintage black and white.  Painting number 5169 in 5169 days. 

Stone Hill Sunset

 

What a treat to find such a gorgeous barn to paint, high on a hill on Hermann! Wandering down the streets in search of autumn color brought me here, and little did i know what I would find.  From this spot were multiple paintings in all directions!  Stone Hill Winery is absolutely stunning, and i week definitely be back!  This painting is now available at Art Works On Main in Owensville!  I sure do love painting this part of Missouri! Painting number 5168 in 5168 days. 

Waterfall on Clare Rd

Today was Plein Air Waterfall Workshop Day for a private group in Olathe, Kansas.  Using acrylics, we set up along a road directly across from this scene. I broke the process down into three steps, as each student created their own unique masterpiece.  I had so much fun with this great bunch of ladies - including 3 Shawnee Mission West alums!  Thanks to Tammie Johnson for organizing this fun event in a gorgeous landscape!  Painting number 5167 in 5167 days. 

Stone Hill Autumn

 

I chose the top of a hill on a cold, windy day for painting Stone Hill Winery for the first time! The view from here is magnificent, and the sun came out to light up the scene after a morning of rain.  There are many buildings up here to paint, and an amazing view of all of Hermann.  I'll have to return when I can enjoy a glass of wine while I paint!  Painting number 5166 in 5166 days, and this one is now showing at Art Works On Main in Owensville, Missouri. 

Morning with the Scout

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Today's Walktober event was held in Penn Valley Park, and my daughter Tiffany rode up to the city with me - and is sitting to my right above!  I haven't painted here for years, and was excited to share this place with Tiffany.  I have drawn the iconic Scout in ink, and painted it on oils, but today I wanted to use ink and watercolor.  I'm still using my travel Qor palette that I got a month ago, and I am now used to the colors placements and mixing capabilities.  The brown and the ultra blue seem to be a bit grainy now, and they are resisting my brush when I try to pick them up.  I may need to clean the surface?  I have been working on backcountry roads full of gravel dust and dirt!  Maybe some of that is embedded in my palette!  Tiffany had an amazing painting - though the time limit cut into her painting time.  We only had an hour and 40 minutes by the time we set up, lol.

I'm so happy this painting was selected as the Quick Paint Award Winner in the Penn Valley  Plein Air during Walktober!  This painting is a retirement gift to one who has dedicated himself to the Kansas City Missouri Parks.  This is painting number 5165 in 5165 days. 

Old Brick Church Rd

I don't think I've ever been on Old Brick Church Rd before now, and it's beautiful as it winds through the Gasconade County countryside between A and P.  It's very dry here, so painting right on the gravel road was quite dusty.  This road was irresistible, and the painting unfolded almost by itself in this beautiful light.  It was a joy to paint near the Wennwood Farms Winery, I only wish it had been open at the time.  Painting number 5164 in 5164 days. 

Lenaur Covered Bridge

 

We had a wonderful painting day - perfect weather and lovely places. After a morning at the Boettcher Farm, I found this lovely scene at the Lenaur Farm.  How could I possibly resist painting such a lovely covered bridge?!!  In an effort to paint fast and fresh, I only used this simple palette, and mixed my colors from these. I do love the strength of the Qor paints - I think I'll order more when I reload my supplies! Painting number 5163 in 5163 days. 

Tiefenbrun Farm

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Tiefenbrun Farm was so much lovelier than expected!  I felt like i had walked into a French landscape, complete with outbuildings, lakes, and a creek winding through it!  The children of the family were so interested in what we artists were doing - and Alice even painted the pink flowers into the garden on my painting.  She's already has an eye for art, i hope she's inspired to explore all the possibilities!  I LOVED painting this incredible 1889 French inspired home and farm today- and I'm so honored this painting was awarded an Honorable Mention, too!  Painting number 5162 in 5162 days. 

Looking up 1st Street

It was so much fun to return to Hermann to paint on 1st Street.  It's been a couple of years since I've been here, and I have never painted this view before.  It was very cold this morning, and the first cold snap always hits me hard!  With my smart wool base layer and winter coat (warm to -7 degrees) I was warm.  Today was a struggle with the wind - and the paintings were a fight indeed.  At least the sun came out to spread light upon my scene as a was just beginning to add color.  Yay!  Painting number 5161 in 5161 days. 

Life on Main Street

With two hours left before torn in, I started this painting at the Pocket Park on Main.  The light was luminous as people strolled along the streets, shopping along the way.  It was delightful to visit with my daughter as she also worked on her painting.  What a great way to wait for judging!  This painting is now hanging at Parkville Art House, and is my 5160 painting in 5160 days. 

Parkville Aglow

 

Enamored with the night lights on Main Street the night before, I arrived early to try to capture the magic.  Lights adorn buildings, street lamps abs doorways, spilling or onto the street.  So, I painted all that light first, and then started in on the buildings and the dark passages.  I saved the night sky for last, when light was coming up at the horizon.  That transitional light is my very favorite in the field, and a joy to capture with paint.  I love painting on Main Street in Parkville, and I'm honored this painting won the Paint the Town Purchase Award tonight!  Painting number 5158 in 5158 days. 

North Building

I spent the whole day painting at the Shawnee Indian Mission for a special event tonight for supporters of the mission.  The weather was perfect, autumn color was blooming and the place was humming with preparations for the evening.  This last painting I finished was the very first to sell tonight, with a portion of the proceeds going back to the mission.  What a lovely way to spend a day.  Painting number 5157 in 5157 days. 

Light on Banneker School

 

I loved painting the morning light on this historic Banneker School to the music of birdsong! When I arrived, golden orange light radiated from the sky behind the school, and was stunning.  With ink I sketched it's perch upon the hill, and painted the light in quickly, before it could change.  Timing is everything and had I waited, I would have missed that beautiful invitation to paint!  Painting number.5156 in 5156 days.  

Blooming Wetlands

 

This is day 1 of the Annual Paint Parkville event, and I'm happy to return to paint.  I missed this event last year when our middle son married on our property, bringing another daughter to our family!  I didn't know there were wetlands in Parkville until they were on the schedule for today!  I had to park a long way from this location, but the view was stunning.  Little sweat bees found me at the end, and kept stinging me until I moved my easel and doused my gear with eucalyptus oil! It was totally worth the turmoil to capture the wildflowers blooming in reckless abandon!  Painting number 5155 in 5155 days. 

Pin Oak Acorns

 

This is today's INKTOBER post and I am sketching our acorns before they all drop off.  As i worked, those acorns were falling from the tree.  I even though a squirrel might be tossing them down, but there was not one in sight  I am getting to know this paper better each day. It is a handmade and dyed paper that is thin.  At first, it is resistant to the water, but then saturates and wells up a little until it dries.  The ink spreads at will when wet, and dries lighter than it first appears. So, layers are necessary to get the full effect. I love how these drawings look so vintage, as if drawn a century ago.  Painting number 5154 in 5154 days. 

On Main and Kansas

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I'm honored to win 1st Place in the first Liberty Plein Air event with this painting on Main Street. After all these years in the Kansas City area, I've never been to the square in Liberty. I chose this section of Main Street because the Pumpkin Festival was in full swing, with families ands vendors up and down the street. Today was not only the first Liberty Plein Air, but also my first plein air with BOTH daughters painting, too! I'm so happy this painting was awarded a Purchase Award, too!  This may have been my first time to visit here, but it won't be my last!  Painting number 5153 in 5153 days. 

Night at the Museum

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What fun it was to paint this special event, "Night at the Museum", for the Salina Arts Center!  After participating in the first Liberty Plein Air event with BOTH daughters, I left early to drive the three hours to Salina.  I had enough time to check in to my suite, freshen up, and get to the Arts Center to paint!  This whole area is full of art, and this renovated space is really beautiful.  Paintings fill the walls and a special exhibit is just across the room, through adjoining doors. The people were lovely, and excited to find themselves in the painting when it was finished.  It was a lovely evening, and I'll need to head out before dawn to get to the Walktober at Jerry Smith  Park in time!  Painting number 5152 in 5152 days. 

Great Horned Owl

 

I love listening to our resident Great Horned Owl at night, but he goes silent when I step outside.  INKTOBER day 4. I'm having fun with pen and ink on this handmade paper, which has been dyed.  It is a little resistant to ink at first, then swells when saturated with water.  It quickly goes back down to shape as it dries. When wet, it accepts more ink, and the ink spreads at will before drying.  Each time I use it, I learn a bit more about the paper.  I love exploring what this paper can do with ink.  Painting number 5181 in 5181 days. 

Night Impressions in Fairfield

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I think this was the first building in town that I painted when I arrived in Fairfield years ago.  I stood in the shade of the giant maples on the courthouse lawn, and painted in this direction. The architecture is so unique, I've not seen anything like it in other Midwest towns.  So, after dinner at a friend's home, a few of us artists hit the streets to paint a nocturne in this lovely night. Rain is coming, so we all must paint while the weather is great!  I'm so happy this painting won the Purchase Award from Diane Robinson.  Painting number 5180 in 5180 days. 

Vintage Pumpkins

It's INKTOBER - and this is my first ink drawing of the month!  Not one for prompts, I am delving into vintage Halloween this month.  Using a dyed handmade cotton paper, i draw my pumpkins with a TWSBI fountain pen filled with Raven black ink by Levenger.  I use a little water to move the ink, then go back in with a little more pen work.  This paper is perfect for the vintage vibe I am going for.  I can't wait to try it again tomorrow!  Painting number 5179 in 5179 days. 

Victorian Garden

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One of my favorite places to paint, the early light was beautiful for just a little while. Rain moved back in,  and became too heavy with my panel not yet completely covered with paint. So  I had to finish this painting inside my car, and even had to frame inside, too.  It was worth it all to capture the beauty of this place. I'm so happy this painting will dwell within those beautiful walls. Painting number 5178 in 5178 days. 

Tanks in the Field

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I love the structure of oil well servicing equipment in a rural setting.  I don't see much of this in Missouri, so when I come to Fairfield, Illinois, I like to paint them. The rain was constant on this day, which had me ducking for cover in the car, when necessary.  Ink and rain don't mix well! I'm using my new Qor palette, and I'm finding a few favorite colors in the mix.  One I never thought I'd love is Payne's gray. I haven't used it for maybe 20 years, and only then in acrylic.  But I'm finding their gray to be rich and bluish, really wonderful for a shadow base color.  This is a new size for me, framing at 6x12. I like the information I can get in this format, and I think I'll do a few more, too.  Painting number 5177 in 5177 days. 

Good Year for Pumpkins

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Shreve's Pumpkin Patch is one of my very favorite places to paint when in Fairfield!  It's just not autumn until I paint here.  With a dramatic sky for a backdrop, these pumpkins nearly glowed in their rows leading to the barn.  I had not painted from this side, so I jumped right in.  Families and children came by a I worked, so interested in what I was creating.  It was a lovely day - and the rain held off until after I was finished  I'm so thankful Shreves chose my painting for their Purchase Award!  Painting number 5176 in 5176 days. 

Mules on the Field

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The Quick Paint tonight was at the Train Yard - the Fairfield Mules were playing football, and I was painting as fast as I could.  The rain was coming, and I was protecting my panel from a few sprinkles.  Dark clouds, thunder and lightening approached as the remnants of Helene roared in.  What an amazing sunset unfolded, after the game was called, followed by increasing rain. That was a full rainbow over the high school in Fairfield!  I finished it and framed it in the rain, thrilled with the experience of it all.  Spencer loved painting here, and he would have loved this show in the sky. Perhaps he even had a hand in it.  I'm happy this painting has a new home, too!  Painting number 5175 in 5175 days. 

Alley Magic

What an amazing evening it was to paint such a beautiful alley!  This magical little place is just outside of Jovalou on Main Street in Fairfield, Illinois.  I started this before the twilight sky turned black, and the play between the colors was magical!  Getting lost the moment, I got a little crazy with my color  - as is often the case with nocturne painting.  It seems I stray farther from reality and more toward painting what I feel.  It's all about expression - and SO MUCH FUN! Painting number 5174 in 5174 days.  

Along Petroleum Boulevard

 I love finding and painting the places unique to an area! Here I am on Petroleum Boulevard, painting remnants of a forgotten age. To get this view, I had to stand in the sun, using my car for partial shade.  Since I'm on week two of a new palette, I still have my swatch test out for reference.  A couple of those colors are not recognizable by their dry half pan appearance. I think the bright sunlight on white paper pushed me to get pretty bold with my color.  What fun this was to paint!  Painting number 5174 in 5174 days. 

Night on 3rd and Main

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Another night, another nocturne! I was undecided about painting a fourth painting today, but with several of my friends going out after dinner, I just had to join in on the fun!  I love this corner of 3rd and Main, and have painted it several times through the years. This time, there was a brightly lit message board behind me, which cast it's various colors on my work. There's no telling what it looks like until i open my trunk in the morning! Not quite sure I'm finished, but the lightening and thunder told me I was! Painting number 5173 in 5173 days. 

West Salem Square

 

I am so honored this painting was awarded the Best of West Salem award at the Edwards County Paint Out!  This is a wonderful area to paint, full of good people! My host family took me on a 4 wheeler ride to their 40 acres and surrounding area, and it was so fun.  It's lovely to see the area as only the locals know how to see if, and a great way to start the day.  I'm so lucky to have stayed with them for 3 years running, now.  Painting number 5172 in 5172 days. 

West of the Courthouse

 

What fun it is to return to Albion to find a new view of the courthouse!  Of course, I had to paint it! I'm the space between here and the courthouse stood an old building last year, that was just beginning to be torn down.  When I came through this back alley, the view was striking.  So, in ink and watercolor i captured a view that had possibly never been available until now.  Come see  this and more tonight at the Arist Reception at the Main Event in Albion at 6.  Painting number 5171 in 5171 days. 

Old Barn Batik

 

I love painting the gorgeous farms of the Midwest in watercolor batik!  I'm starting to see that autumn color now, and I can't resist capturing it today in watercolor batik. These large barns dot the landscape, and we lose them as they age. I am happy to paint them while they stand.  Painting number 5170 in 5170 days. 

Pumpkins Batik

Tis the season for watercolor batik pumpkins!!  I love the layers of this magical process!!  I begin with a thin piece of rice paper and I sketch my pumpkins with in India ink pen.  These lines will almost fade away entirely with all the layers.  If I want them to show, I need to use a heavier line. After the watercolor goes on, I add hot wax to any areas I want to resist further paint.  And so I proceed through as many layers as it takes before I wax it all, wad it into a ball, then lay flat to wash on more watercolor.  After ironing to remove the wax, I am left with the above painting, ready to frame and hang for the autumn season!  Painting number 5169 in 5169 days. 

 

Dodge Town

 

I remember playing in Dodge Town when I was a little girl!  It's been modernized through the years, and now I'm sketching it with family, as the little ones run in and out of this play village.  We've gathered here with a few artist friends, and the "moms" in my family are sketching, too!  I've started a little sketch tribe, here, and it's super fun to see the talent shining in my daughters!  Painting number 5168 in 5168 days. 

Old Mill at Fowler Park

 

What a treat it is to paint in the pioneer village by Fowler Park! Mills and covered bridges are absolute favs to paint, and this is the first time that I've been able to paint in the pioneer village.  Surrounded by log cabins and other structures, it took me a second to choose this place.  The trees are already blushing with fall color here, so, of course, I pushed that a little.  Using my Artistic License is fun, indeed!  Painting number 5167 in 5167 days. 

Goodness Gracious

Goodness Gracious Kitchen and Cupboard is a lovely place to paint AND dine!  The food was amazing and the staff was SO gracious - even before we entered to dine!  After getting a tour of the lovely interior, Teddy and I set up to paint out front.  Our host brought us water, and offered more, checking on our progress periodically.  Mom joined us for a late dinner, where I had the best mushroom soup I've ever had!  We all had a lovely dinner here after a full day of painting!  We'll be back whenever we're in town!  Painting number 5166 in 5166 days. 

Indians Design Center

 

What a cool building to sketch in ink and watercolor - and I'm loving my newest Qor palette!  The reviews I read are true, the colors are more intense with a fluidity that is unique.  I'm looking forward to more days of exploring what these paints can do!  Painting number 5165 in 5165 days. 

Farmer's Market Morning

I just can't miss painting this farmer's market when in Carmel, and today the weather was amazing!  The Carmel Farmer's Market is the quick paint venue for Carmel on Canvas, and one only has an hour and a half to start, finish, frame and torn in the painting created on site. THAT is the quickest quick paint I ever participate in.  Time is of the essence, so it is all about painting in the masses, then fine tune as the clock runs down. With 6 minutes left, I pop it in a frame and head to the art tent with an easel. After placing it on display, I can then go back to clean my brushes and put up my gear.  It's all just like running a race!  The bonus today is that this painting won the race!  Yay! I'm so thankful for all the people that voted for mine!  Painting number 5164 in 5164 days, and Carmel Farmer's Market Quick Paint Winner 2024! That's two years in a row for me! ♥️

Farmer's Market on the Green

 

After the morning quick paint at the Carmel Farmer's Market, I stayed to paint one more before leaving this majestic place.  I feel like I'm in Europe as I paint this place, as the market winds down. One by one the vendors pack up, as I quickly paint their spaces while I can.  As I finish, wedding parties arrive for ceremonies and pictures, and a classic cat parks in front of me for a quick photo.  The lawn is quiet as Mom rests on a bench and Teddy packs up her gear. It's fun to immerse myself in this place for a little while. Painting number 5163 in 5163 days. 

Monon and Main

 

It's so much fun to paint downtown Carmel again!  The intersection of Main Street and Monon is such a local icon, with many walkers and bikers hitting the trail.  I get to visit with so many wonderful people as they walk by, and even talked to a lady who's daughter was coming in today from Overland, Kansas  - my hometown!  What a smash world it is!  Come see this one in person in Midtown tomorrow at 6:30, and this is the 5162 in 5162 days. 

Bridgeton Mill and Covered Bridge

 

This is my absolute favorite mill and covered bridge to paint in the country, and we had a beautiful day for painting!  Teddy and Mom are on the covered outdoor terrace just right off the mill, where Teddy is painting a different vantage of the bridge.  I walked back and forth, finally deciding on my perch in the sand.  The slight angle of the sandy ground and dappled light fire shade made the painting a bit of a challenge.  But it was totally worth the effort to capture that curve in the water as it spilled from the falls. What fun to lunch here with Mom and Teddy, afterward, where they serve their sandwiches on homemade buns made with their fresh ground flour. Yum! Painting number 5161 in 5161 days. ! 

Irishman Covered Bridge

 

I LOVE painting the covered bridges in Indiana - especially in such gorgeous weather!  Joining me today is my Mom, and artist friend, Teddy Jackson.  She is responsible for twisting my arm into plein air painting, all those years ago!  We're heading to a favorite event, and will be painting a few lovely bridges on the way.  It's so nice to paint for the joy of painting, in places like this.  Painting number 5160 in 5160 days. 

Lake Quivira Yacht Club

 

It has been years since I've painted here, and I love returning to Lake Quivira to paint!  The last time I was here, I remember painting a yacht race right off of the docks.  It was a lovely day to be near the water with ink and watercolor.  I can't wait for these paintings to hang in the clubhouse for the artist reception October 16th! Painting number 5159 in 5159 days. 

#artistlife #inkandwatercolor #inkandwash #pleinairpainting #LakeQuivira #yachtclub #paintinglife

Kayaks at Lake Quivira

I was hoping for a splash of color when I headed toward Lake Quivira, and I found it!  My daughter, Tiffany joined me today for her first real plein air event!  It was so fun sharing the day with her down by the water.  She found a lovely sailboat to paint while I painted these in a sliver of shade. I'm using my new QoR watercolors for this one - so I still have my swatch out as I work.  This is only my second painting with them, and I am still learning my palette.  One big drawback- a few cakes pop out of the pan each time I open them!  I put two drops of water under each one that was out today - so we'll see if they stay.  Painting number 5158 in 5158 days. 

Cockrell Mercantile Company

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It was a spectacular day for plein air painting and shopping at Cockrell Mercantile!  Arriving early, the street was not busy in front of this shop.  I love the view from here, so I set up in the ditch!  Laying down my yoga mat first, it kept the tall, wet grass at bay.  With ink and watercolor, I painted as the scene unfolded.  I love when a painting comes together in such a lovely way, in such s gorgeous day.  Painting number 5157 in 5157 days, and I'm so happy this painting has a new home, too!  ♥️🎨

Fiesta Welcome

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I'm trying my new Qor watercolor palette for the first time at one of my favorite places to paint!  I love how these paints move, and the colors are well pigmented. The biggest surprise today?  I LOVE the Payne's gray, and I have not used that color since I first started acrylics many years ago.  My swatch test is even clipped to my board so o would know what color I was picking up.  Unlike my other watercolors, I could not tell the paint colors by the look of the half pans, so this step was necessary.  I did wipe my palette clean - you might not see this again, lol! The best part is that this painting has a new home, and it's image may be on a Cockrell Mercantile product soon!  Painting number 5156 in 5156 days. 

Bee and Sunflowers Four

The bees were buzzing all around me as I painted these beautiful sunflower. I try to remember to wear my hat outdoors - because the bees and hummingbirds are attracted to my hair, and sometimes get too close!  I am using the sennelier watercolor half pans again today, ace the feel is a little creamy off the cake. My daughter told me they have honey in them, so that accounts for that - and maybe the bees, too!  Painting number 5155, and this one is also headed for Powell Gardens next week! 

Cosmos Bee

I love painting the bees on my giant cosmos!  This flower towers above me - and is loaded with blooms!  My paper is a new handmade cotton paper that is less porous than most.  It feels more like 140lb cold pressed, so I'm not a fan.  I like the way ink behaves on it, so I may reserve this paper for only ink in the future. I am also trying new Sennelier half pan watercolors, and the jury is still out.  They feel a bit creamy pulling off the cake, but I was hoping for stronger pigment without layering to get it.  It's the first time I've tried this brand, so let the exploration begin!  This painting is number 5154 in 5154 days, and is headed to the gallery at Powell Gardens if someone doesn't buy it first!