Tuesday, December 10, 2024

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. 

Monday, December 9, 2024

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. 

Sunday, December 8, 2024

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. 

Saturday, December 7, 2024

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. 

Friday, December 6, 2024

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. 

Thursday, December 5, 2024

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. 

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

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. 


Tuesday, December 3, 2024

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. 

Monday, December 2, 2024

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. 

Sunday, December 1, 2024

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. 

Saturday, November 30, 2024

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. 

Friday, November 29, 2024

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. 

Thursday, November 28, 2024

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. 

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

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. 

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

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. 

Monday, November 25, 2024

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. 

Sunday, November 24, 2024

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. 

Saturday, November 23, 2024

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. 

Friday, November 22, 2024

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. 


 

Thursday, November 21, 2024

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. 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

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. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

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. 

Sunday, November 17, 2024

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. 

Saturday, November 16, 2024

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. 

Friday, November 15, 2024

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. 

 

Thursday, November 14, 2024

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. 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

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. 

Monday, November 11, 2024

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. 

Sunday, November 10, 2024

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. 

Saturday, November 9, 2024

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. 

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Burr Oaks


 

I'm playing with ink in the woods again, and trying out three different ones.  Diamine Nutcracker and J.Herbin's Caroube de Chypre are new in this paper, and my immoral sketch marks are with a Pitt pen.  I was hoping to achieve a fuller color range with these two, and black.  At the same time, I find myself wanting to drop in those gorgeous autumn reds. Perhaps I should revisit this paper with ink, and adding watercolor on top of it.  I have not done it yet with this paper.  It's very soft, thin and absorbent, so it may not lend itself well to watercolor.  There's only one way to find out!  Painting number 5182 in 5182 days. 

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Monarchs Four


 

I'm playing with a new Diamine violet ink (All the Best) in this glow in the dark purple fountain pen by TWSBI, and I LOVE THEM BOTH!  I just loaded a dozen new pens with new inks, and I thought I was picking up  Robert Oster's Black Violet, but alas I got my purple pens mixed up, lol! This ink is a deep, velvety purple, and is actually perfect for deepening the blacks of the butterflies and shadow shades of the phlox. I will definitely be reaching for this pen often in the future, and exploring this ink in detail!  Painting number 5181 in 5181 days 

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Parkville Overlook


This was a lovely bird's eye view over Parkville from the Evolytic's parking lot.  I spent a lovely afternoon painting with my daughter, Tiffany, to capture this scene.  With ink and watercolor I worked on my normal method, then went back into certain areas with more ink.  I have many fountain pens loaded with matching inks, and I carry a few with specific landscape colors.  I went to these four added impact and depth for the finish.  It's so fun exploring what the ink can add!  Painting number 5180 in 5180 days and I'm happy this painting won the Evolytics Purchase Award, too!  Still showing at Parkville Art House for the rest of the week! 

Monday, November 4, 2024

Chiefs Mouse


 

This little guy is cheering the Chiefs on towards that Threepeat!  GO CHIEFS!  I do love playing in the ink, and these little mice images just seem to march along in my mind!  So, when this one popped in today, I picked up a favorite fountain pen to get sketchy!  This handmade, dyed cotton paper is thin, soft and absorbent, which means I need to use a light touch on the nib, holding back in the water. To easily this paper can tear and pill, so careful is the key with this one. I love the vintage feel of black ink on this paper, even if my subject is quite contemporary!  Hoping for a win tonight as we cheer on our hometown boys! Painting number 5179 in 5179 days. 

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Hickory and 13th St

 


The West Bottoms is such a cool historic place to paint, and this day my daughter, Tiffany, joined me with artist friends.  This building was beautiful in the morning light, and super fun to get all those lines and angles in! We only had about an hour and a half to sketch, and that goes by quickly with all that architecture!  I'd love to capture more of these vintage places as they are now, because much of the area is getting a face lift, and these streets will not be the same.  Painting number 5178 in 5178 days. 

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Burr Oak Woods


 

Oh what a gorgeous morning for painting in Burr Oak Woods with Urban Sketchers KC!  It has been years since I've been here, and it is certainly worth the drive. Birdsong surrounded me as I sketched, and squirrels played among the branches. The cold morning soon warmed, and I found myself shedding layers. I enjoy this quiet time in the woods with ink, paint and paper.  Time stands still here as I work, and I can truly focus on my subject. I find myself wondering, is there any better meditation than this? I think not. Painting number 5177 in 5177 days. 

Friday, November 1, 2024

Heading to the Lake


It was so good to be painting in the shores of Lake Quivira after such a long absence.  The last scheduled plein air event here was 9 years ago. On this lovely day, my daughters finished their paintings while I started this oil, longing to capture the light in the kayaks. This was such a fun painting and it is now showing in the Lake Quivira Clubhouse along with three others of mine and 4 of my daughters' paintings, too.  Painting number 5176 in 5176 days. 

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Witches at the Cauldron


Happy Halloween to one and all!  Keeping with the theme of the day, witches at their cauldron are on my Halloween easel!  I've chosen rice paper for this watercolor batik, and have sketched my composition with India ink.  This ink has the staying power to remain visible after multiple layers of watercolor and hot wax. Though it will fade considerably before the finish, it is all I need. The watercolor mingles freely on this paper, and I must allow plenty of drying time between layers.  It's so fun to play in this medium - and always unpredictable.  Painting number 5175 in 5175 days. 

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Jack-o-lantern Mouse


 

It's fun to sketch this little trick-or-treater with a favorite TWSBI Diamond Mini fountain pen and ink!  In this small pen I keep De Atrementis archive ink, which does not move with water.  I use it for the initial sketch lines before I start to fill in with more ink and watercolor.  This pen has an extra fine nib, one of the few that do, and it in perfect for early sketch lines.  I do need to be careful not to tear this thin handmade paper with that extra fine nib. Every sketch is an exploration of both ink and paper!  Painting number 5174 in 5174 days. 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

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. 

Monday, October 28, 2024

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 

Sunday, October 27, 2024

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.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Old Boettcher Farmstead

SOLD

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. 

 

Friday, October 25, 2024

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. 

Thursday, October 24, 2024

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. 

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

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. 

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

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. 

Monday, October 21, 2024

Morning with the Scout

SOLD

 

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. 

Saturday, October 19, 2024

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.