Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Prickly Pear Cactus
I sketched this lovely prickly pear at the top of the Window Trail Loop as we played with Casper and Kirby. These beauties are abundant here, so I captured them with pen and ink on the aged pages of one of my favorite travel journals. We enjoyed prickly pear shiners and prickly pear tacos that were amazing, too! These come in shades of yellow green to purplish pink, and I can't wait to paint them in oil and watercolor, too! Painting number 5100 in 5100 days.
Santa Elena Canyon
Sketching Santa Elena Canyon in my travel journal while in Big Bend! What an amazing place to capture in ink and watercolor. The trail along the canyon climbs to this perch before hugging the wall and descending to the water quite a ways in. Wild horses walked the bank before crossing the water, coming very close. They are quite tame and walked towards me at the sound of my keys jingling. This is bear and cougar country, so I hook my keys on a belt loop when I'm hiking and painting. I love putting these places into my travel journal. I've left room to write about the day's adventure on the left, and I'll fill that in when I get the chance. Sketch first, write later is my Journaling motto. Painting number 5099 in 5099 days.
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Lone Peak
This small mountain is such an odd collection of rocks, pushed up from the earth at an angle. It caught my attention immediately, though it wasn't until a couple days later that I finally got to paint it. My som-in-law-s mom remembers scrambling up that mountain with her siblings as the adults dined inside the lodge restaurant. It is lovely up here and I could literally paint in any direction in this basin, and paint a different mountain. Though it's my first time to visit and paint here, I don't think it will be my last. This place is magical. Painting number 5098 in 5098 days.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Boquillas Canyon
Boquillas Canyon was more beautiful than I'd hoped, and thrilling to paint! I hiked in with the family and my gear, and set up here as soon as I set eyes on this scene. My family hiked on and there were only 3 other's on the trail as I worked. Sensing the remoteness and a wish that I had packed what was currently with my husband, I quickened my pace. The beauty though enthralling, I couldn't shake the feeling of being vulnerable oot there. Minutes later, and authentic Mexican in horseback walked up behind me, asking if I'd like to buy tamales, empinadas or sopapillas. His two dogs flanked him as his very long knife hanging in a handmade leather case caught my attention. He asked if there were more people in the canyon, and of course I mentioned my family "just over there" and others who just went by. He stood too close behind me, didn't talk enough, and I was packing up. He asked if I was done, and I said yes, and that he'd make a great painting - so I took his photo, hoping it wouldn't be needed for evidence. I walked quickly on and didn't breathe a sigh of relief until I met back up with my party. As we left the canyon, we did but tamales and sopapillas from him, as he lurked behind some bushes with his horse. He had crossed over from Boquilla with a friend who was also seeking goods from the little town. One can easily wade through the Rio Grande here, and they watch for the border patrol with their binoculars to cross. I could have painted 3 different paintings here I'd there were more people on the trail. This one was truly a quick paint and painting number 5097 in 5097 days.
Friday, February 14, 2025
Bee Mountain
This beauty is right out our front window view in Terlingua, Texas. It was the very first sketch I did on site, as the sun was setting. After a bit of research, I found the name of this one is Bee Mountain. It was so named because of the numerous bees that would build their hives in the crevices in the sides of this mountain until settlers eventually destroyed them in collecting the honey. My daughter took a photo of three long horned goats on the side of it as they drove by! It is so cool to see wildlife we never see in Missouri! Painting number 5096 in 5096 days.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Casa Grande in the Chisos Mountains
Casa Grande is such a prominent feature in the Chisos Mountain Basin, it simply BEGGED to be painted! I first sketched this in pen and ink in my aged travel journal, then in ink and watercolor in a different journal and orientation. When I approached it with oil, this mountain felt like an old friend. I'm really focusing on the glorious mountains - and each quick paint feels more natural. So much natural beauty, so little painting time...... This is painting number 5095 in 5095 days.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Looking into Mexico
As we were hiking this trail, I just HAD to stop and paint here! I'm standing in Texas and facing Mexico. This is the Santa Eleno Canyon trailhead on the Rio Grande, and it is absolutely breathtaking! I need many more days to paint all is this rugged beauty! Painting number 5094 in 5094 days.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Santa Elena Trail Head
What an amazing day to paint in Santa Elana Canyon! The left side is Mexico and the right is Texas!! I have never been here before today - and what a treat it was! We hiked the trail along the canyon with Michaela, Cooper, Casper and Kirby, and i headed back early to paint here while the kids threw rocks into the water. I'm painting as fast as I can in between family activities, to make the most of our time in this park! Painting number 5097 in 5097 days.
Monday, February 10, 2025
February Sunset
Sunset light is so fleeting - each one is a quick paint! I'm having so much trouble with my cell connection that this will be a quick post, too! Painting number 5096 in 5096 days.
Sunday, February 9, 2025
The Window Trail
My very first time to visit this part of Texas has me sketching near the visitor center at the Big Bend National Park, as we watch Kirby and Casper on the Window small loop trail. Michaela and Cooper are in the longer trail as the little ones explore every rock and road runner! Keeping them close is no small feat, so my sketch is brief in pen and ink. I'll come back in with the adventures of this day - and they were many! I would not have imagined it would be in the 90s when it's only in the 20s at home! I do love going south in February! Painting number 5095 in 5095 days.
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Mahommes Magic
How can I resist creating the magic of our hometown boys in copper? GO CHIEFS! I am looking forward to an amazing game tomorrow! Artwork number 5094 in 5094 days.
Another High Five
These hometown boys were super fun to paint in ink, watercolor and hot wax on rice paper! I am manifesting destiny with each painting and keeping the positive energy flowing! I am using my thinnest paper for truly luminous result, which begins all of the challenges that come with that. It is rice paper, after all, and it dissolves away with too much brush work. I've gotten a few requests to teach a workshop on this, perhaps I'll get something on the schedule for just that. Painting number 5093 in 5093 days.
Friday, February 7, 2025
Running Kelce in Copper
Surprise! Kelce in copper is on the "Chiefs Easel" today! It has been a while since I've picked up the metal supplies - and it is super fun! I especially like that he is such a great guy - as are all of our hometown boys. This is seriously a team all young kids can look up to, and I'm sending out positive vibes and kingdom love with each piece of art I create! I hope we see plenty of this on Sunday!! GO CHIEFS! Artwork number 5092 on 5092 days.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Mahommes and Kelce High 5
I'm working with ink, watercolor and hot wax again on a couple of our home town boys! I have long been wanting to paint some of our Chiefs in watercolor batik, and this is the perfect week to do it! The rice paper I am working on is so very fragile that I'm having a bit of trouble with it. I'm using Qor red here - and it is absolutely perfect for this! It didn't fade through the hot wax nor the ironing is said wax off, which is amazing! The other paints are Daniel Smith since I'm working on the studio for this one. His paints have been my favorite since I first picked up watercolor paint. I'm lucky to have chosen his first, I probably saved myself lots of time and disappointment with inferior paints. I've got a theme going, and I hope to keep it up to game time! Painting number 5091 in 5091 days.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
KC Arrowhead Inked
It's that time again! As the Super Bowl approaches, I just have to wash some ink in support of our hometown boys! The excitement around the city is palpable and i simply must get a few Chiefs paintings done before the big day! I first sketched this with India ink, then went over those lines with a chisel tip Pitt pen. Next, I dropped in a favorite new fountain pen ink - Grotto - by Diamine, then washed in a juicy layer barely touching the edge of that ink. The ink moves freely into the very wet masses with a mind of it's own. How fun it is to watch it unfold! Painting number 5090 in 5090 days.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Potpouri Woods
Potpouri is another in from the Diamine Inkvent Calendar in a berry shade. I left it towards the end to try because of didn't thrill me. But, to my surprise, it has a lovely chroma bleed that pushes turquoise. That beautiful spread into wet areas is quite dramatic. I struggled with how to use it best in the landscape, and perhaps a striking sunset sky is in order. Another day, another lesson. Painting number 5089 in 5089 days.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Milk Barn Sunrise
How could I resist painting a sunrise over the milk barn? The light is fleeting this time of day, so special care must be taken to be able to strike when ready! I watch the sky and wait for peak color, all the while I'm laying in the structure of the painting. Horizon, barn and trees, then a few marks for the clouds as their color intensifies. The second I see a dulling of chroma, I lay down all that's left before it all fades away. It's like running a race with the sun! Painting number 5088 in 5088 days.
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Cardinal Family
We often have cardinals nesting on the grounds, sometimes even by the front porch. When they are so close, I just can't resist painting them as they tend their little ones! I've chosen pen and ink for this study on handmade paper - and I like the vintage feel of it! Maybe I should do more of these studies in black and white. Painting number 5087 in 5087 days.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Pine Needle Woods
It's super fun to try out another Diamine invent ink - Pine Needle. It's a lovely color for evergreens that saturates almost to a cad green, and washes to a yellow green. I like selecting pens as artistic as the ink, and this one is a beauty. I'm looking forward to exploring all this ink can do - when I've got a bit more time. As for now, I've got a robotics tournament to attend with half the family and my grandsons competing! Painting number 5086 in 5086 days.
Friday, January 31, 2025
Best Friends
Once in a while, I'm asked to do something special. I love recreating a special memory in paint, of a special bond. If only our pets could live forever. Painting number 5085 in 5085 days.
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Eastern Red Cedar
It is so very peaceful to sketch among these beautiful cedars! My grandparents used to cut a small one from the woods each year for Christmas, and I remember the smell and prickly edges of the branches. I love them. When we first bought this place from my Grandma, there were no cedars in the main pastures. Even though we have two mature ones by the house, and they were hard to come by even on the woods. Once every few years i would find a tiny one, and move it to the front, in a hedge row or protected area. Over the years they began to spread on their own, and now we have some beauties that dot the landscape and naturalize the views. I still move baby cedars to the fence rows, and perhaps I'll be painting them one day, too. Painting number 5084 in 5084 days.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Flower Benches
Thanks to Suburban Lawn and Garden on Overland Park, for welcoming a few artists into their greenhouse to sketch on a cold January day! The blooms are always inspiring, and they greeted us with a tray of cookies and bottled water. They had THE CUTEST valentine cacti that were literally the shape of a great in a tiny red pot. They are painted on that bottom shelf - and I bought one for each child and two for me (and three other plants)! Who wouldn't love a living heart shaped cacti greeting them every day as a little reminder of how much they are loved? Painting number 5083 in 5083 days.
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Cardinal
I love to paint my feathered friends in ink and watercolor - especially on such a beautiful January day! The feeders need filling but I'm getting in a quick sketch before I go watch sweet Quinn and Layne this afternoon. I'm getting used to the paper in this new journal and I've actually used a little gouache on this painting with the ink and watercolor. It's fun to keep honing my skills, and I sure don't have a shortage of models around here! Painting number 5082 in 5082 days.
Monday, January 27, 2025
Flower Benches
It was super fun to gather with artist friends to paint and shop at Suburban Lawn and Garden this morning! The three tiers of blooming plants instantly grabbed my attention, so I set up on the spot to paint in this newish leather bound art journal. The cotton paper is very soft and thin, but I am finding a way to make it work. I sketched this one first with a Pitt pen, then started washing in the watercolor layers, working a little drier than I normally would for increased pigment strength. I popped in with more ink and then more paint until I reached the effect I was looking for. It's fun to explore my mediums in this way - I learn something from every painting! Painting number 5081 in 5081 days.
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Milk Barn in Winter
Sometimes, I first work out a painting in a sketch, then transfer what I learned into a larger painting. This is the same location I painted yesterday in my sketchbook in ink and watercolor. The paper was very rough leading to a fresh and energetic painting. Longing to work in oil, I chose a smooth panel to paint my composition onto. The painting seems to unfold effortlessly, because yesterday's effort is still fresh in my head. The snow is melting as the temperature rises, and I am making the most of it while I can! Time spent in nature painting is time well spent indeed. Painting number 5080 in 5080 days.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Winter Milk Barn
I love getting in a little sketch time before the big game! The snow is melting but there's still time to paint it. This lovely scene is one I return to again and again with my paints and pens. I have several sketch journals going and this one has very rough handmade cotton paper that is very thick. It is a challenge to draw with pens and my paints need to be pretty juicy to fill into the space. Each paper is an exploration in method and I love exploring them all! Go CHIEFS!! Painting number 5079 in 5079 days.
Friday, January 24, 2025
Milk Barn Sunset
I just couldn't resist a little sketchbook time at sunset - and what a beauty it is! Perhaps this ink and watercolor sketch would make a lovely larger painting, possibly even in a panoramic format. I love spending some time at sunrise and sunset, watching and appreciating the beauty of each day emerge and wan. It's something we started years ago while on vacation, and many is the time we're too busy in our everyday lives. So, I come again with a conscious intent to bask in these moments, and express my thankfulness in pen, ink and watercolor. Painting number 5078 in 5078 days.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Wishing Trees
Wishing Tree ink by Diamine is a lovely, winter day hue that pushes pink and turquoise in those wet areas! It's perfect for the winter landscape, and I thought it lacked star power in the bottle. I am constantly surprised when playing with fountain pen inks. There have been a couple I thought would be excellent, but paled in comparison with this seemingly blah gray. In fact, this is the first gray ink that has ever made am impression on me! I'm looking forward to more interactions with this chromatic gray ink! Painting number 5077 in 5077 days.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Winter Cedar Deer
I love these quiet days of January, where I can step outside to paint my daily visitors. I'm so still as I work, I am hardly noticed by the wildlife, especially the deer. It is lovely to spend time immersed in nature, painting the winter wonderland that surrounds me. I am thankful for the remaining blanket of snow adding to the beauty of this day. Painting number 5076 in 5076 days.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Deer at the Winter Creek
The winter woods are so inspiring - and the appearance of deer is a special treat in a day full of wildlife sightings! One of them is limping, and I wonder if it is from the extreme cold. We had a record low this morning of -9 degrees, and that is no joke. I am painting fast in the warmest part of the day, in my warm layers, and still my fingers were cold before I made it back to the house. I'm happy we still have some snow to paint, and feel like I absolutely have to paint it while I can! Painting number 5075 in 5075 days.
Monday, January 20, 2025
Cyclamen
It was super fun to sketch inside the balmy greenhouse today with artist friends and Tiffany! The Arctic blast is moving through and at 11 degrees, this was a lovely place to sketch! This gorgeous cyclamen grabbed my attention, so I set it on my table with 5 seed packets to bring home, and a hot tea - and got to work! I've been working on my sketchbooks lately, getting them organized for future Travel Journal Workshops. For this one, I'm bringing out bolder colors and fun lettering. Every page is an exploration and i can't wait to see where it takes me. Thank you, Family Tree Nursery for welcoming us today! Painting number 5074 in 5074 days.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Last Light on the Cattle
I have only to walk outside for inspiration to paint - even as the days grow colder. A bit spoiled by the last two 50 degree days, the icy blast is again a shock. The sunset colors have been wonderful this month, and I love getting to drop that in at day's end. Michaela, Cooper and the boys came by for family fun today - and Michaela brought WONDERFUL news with her! Little Kirby was on a Dance Party Mission all day - dancing to every musical thing we have in the house! All of life is about the little things, and this day was spilling over with joys big and small. Painting number 5073 in 5073 days.
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Sunset Winter Deer
Hooray for snow that doesn't melt on the very first day!! It's fun painting in the deer that visit every day, and their tracks are all over this space. I think they walk up past the house from the pond in the back, right along a path we mow for the Sidekick. I think the deer are harmonious in their scene, and i feel like they are the eye candy for those who look closely. Not enough to steel the scene, but to be the supporting actors to this glorious landscape. I am again painting over an old panel, bringing this one to a place I'm happy with. Painting number 5072 in 5072 days.
Friday, January 17, 2025
African Goats in the Snow
I LOVE when these African goats come to visit - they are so paintable! It has been years since I've played in the pastels, and I'm a little rusty. I sketched my scene first with a pastel pencil, then laid in the masses with my pan pastels. I chose a red oxide sanded paper because I thought it would compliment my scene, but I feel like I was fighting it. I found it hard to bring the lights out of that dark beginning. Next time, I'll choose a lighter color and see if that helps my process. My daughters were asking about learning pastels, so I thought I'd better get them all out and clean them up. Now, I'm thinking of all the animal paintings I could use them for! Painting number 5071 in 5071 days.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Mama and Calves
There is something so very timeless about painting cattle in the field, and I especially love the snow covered pastures. My grandparent's cattle once roamed here, and seeing them brings back so many memories. As a child running these fields with my brother, I never dreamed I would live here, too, raising our family. I one created art at a child's desk in the kitchen, and for many years I've painted on the land that has always felt like home. I am truly blessed. Painting number 5070 in 5070 days.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Freya
I was working on this while introducing all my daughters to pastels! It's been MANY moons since I've picked up a stick, and it sure was fun to explore the medium again. I sketched my composition first with a pastel pencil, then a base layer with my pan pastels. I followed with hard then soft pastels, and will hit just a couple more spots before framing. I like the paper tortillions for blending, so far. Who knows where this adventure leads? Painting number 5069 in 5069 days.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Ferris Wheel at Scheels
It was fun to meet inside to sketch the Ferris wheel on this very cold day with artist friends and Mom! Lunch afterwards at their Cafe was icing on the cake. Scheels is a great place to shop, with painting subjects ranging from architecture to the grand aquarium and taxidermy. I brought a sketchbook today, wanting to immerse myself a little deeper in my methods. Many subjects would have been far easier than this Ferris wheel, but when I think of Scheels, this is what comes to mind. I've left the upper left corner a little dreamy because I plan to write about my day in that area. I find it best to sketch on scene and fill in the words later - when I'm not so distracted by family and friends. I can paint all day while talking to others, but it takes solitude to pull together the right words that really 'paint' my experience. Painting number 5068 in 5068 days.
Monday, January 13, 2025
Pastel Winter Creek
The girls were asking for some oil pastel instruction - so I dusted off my oil pastels and started playing. Who can tell me what their favorite blending tools are? I pulled all my oil pastels out of storage bins, cleaned them (as best as I could) and organized them. I located my various pastel paper, limited as it is, and separated the ones reserved for soft pastels. I've never used this medium much, but I have all the tools, many from the estates of a couple of artist friends. This is my first attempt, but I'm sure there will be more with our family sketch gatherings! Painting number 5067 in 5067 days.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Downey Woodpecker
I've seen so many woodpeckers since the blizzard - and I'm happy to get to paint this Downey woodpecker today! I've noticed them all over the trees, moving up and down in search of lunch. The snow is a gift that shows them off to their best advantage, and I can't wait to do it again. Painting number 5066 in 5066 days.
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Sunset on the Snow
Time spent out in nature painting is time well spent. The temps have gone up and it's absolutely balmy here as I work. The shivering of a few days ago is now a cozy warm. I must be acclimating to the cold now, and no wind is a blessing! I've long looked across these pastures to watch the setting sun from the house. It's a joy to paint it now from a little closer to the woods. The air is so still and calm, there hardly seems to be any sound and l love the peacefulness of it all. I'm ticking a few more of my new year goals with this one - spending more time in the woods, and painting more meaningfully. Of the thousands of times I've watched the sun set here, I need to be painting it more. Painting number 5065 in 5065 days.
Friday, January 10, 2025
Cosmic Glow
What a gorgeous snow for a little pen and ink! Cosmic Glow is another beauty from the Diamine Inkvent Calendar! I think I'll need to do this one in oils, as well! This ink is such a vibrant blue - there are so many uses for this ink! I'm looking forward to exploring more of them! Painting number 5064 in 5064 days.
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Creek in the Snowy Woods
Another snowfall is nearing as I capture this winter wonderland in oils. I've recently been playing with multiple mediums, but oh, how good it feels to pick up my oils again. A few colors on my palette have hardened, so there is palette cleaning in my future. Since I keep my palettes in the freezer, I never know until I'm in the field what needs attention. I could always check first, but I'm always in a hurry to get outside and paint! The days are so short this time of year, I really do feel limited. Ever painting what I feel, I've pushed this one a little bluer and darker, as I see the dark clouds moving in from the north. I haven't used this pochade for a while either, and it needs a little cleaning, too. This day was absolutely balmy compared to the last few days! I'm looking forward to fresh snow on the trees tomorrow! Painting number 5063 in 5063 days.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Wooded Winter Creek
If you look closely, my altoid tin palette has chomp marks in it - left by my pictured painting assistant above! I pulled my pallette from the freezer and set it on the stairs as I gathered my thumb box and bundled up. I rounded the stairs to find he had my palette in the front room, trying to get into it! Thankfully, he did not get any paint, but it will no longer close right. So when this paint is gone, I will load another. Silly dog! He has not gotten into my paint for 10 years - and then, he licked all the cad lemon yellow off of a fresh forsythia painting! Another day, another adventure, and this is painting number 5062 in 5062 days.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Warm Winter Light
Hooray for a chance to paint this winter wonderland! Now, if we could only raise the temperature a bit...!! I love when the warm light in the sky reflects and bounces off the winter snow, pushing those shadows to blue and purple. Thank goodness for no wind because it's a little brutal out there. I layer up, beginning with Canadian running pants and base layer shirt, warming socks and topping off with a down coat that is warm to 7 degrees below zero and warming gloves. I also wait for the warmest part of the day - and work fast! If I get too cold, I go in. New this year - rechargeable hand warmers! Painting number 5061 in 5061 days.
Monday, January 6, 2025
Pin Oak in the Snow
Oh what a lovely snow we have after yesterday's blizzard! Only the 4th one in KC's history, it was glorious to behold. Wild and blowing, it was hard to see into the pasture. This is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and I hope to get several more paintings in the snow completed before it melts. Thank goodness for the extreme cold this week, though it will take me a few days to acclimate! My fingers were pretty cold by the time I got back inside today! Painting number 5060 in 5060 days.
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Landscape in Tundra
Tundra by Diamine is the perfect ink for a snowy day! We are actually in the middle of a Blizzard warning, only the fourth in Kansas City's history. The snow is gorgeous and blowing large and small flakes everywhere. I was out a couple times before the temps dropped and the wind increased. Being homebound offers so many opportunities to catch up on things that I'm looking forward to being snowed in! I think I'll organize my pastels next, they seem to be calling my name! Painting number 5059 in 5059 days.
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Gingerbread House
I loved meeting artist friends with Tiffany at the Urban Sketchers KC event at Family Tree Nursery this morning! Though the winter storm was fast on our heels, we had time to sketch in the greenhouse and enjoy the light and foliage! This gingerbread house is new in the Cafe seating at the Shawnee nursery. So of course, I had to sketch it! I'm using ink and watercolor in a new leather sketch bag I picked up in Branson. The ATC miniature sketch I left as a thank you for allowing us in to sketch today. I think this is the first time I've been here in January! It was the perfect way to spend our last morning out before becoming ice abs snow bound! And now, I'm looking forward to painting snow!! Painting number 5058 in 5058 days.
Friday, January 3, 2025
Noble Fir Woods
This lovely, almost cad green hue is Diamine's Noble Fir ink from day 3 of their Inkvent Calendar. It shows a little chroma as it bleeds into wet masses, and a glass dip pen adds a darker layer while still damp. I want to walk along the bank of this water, exploring further into these woods. There is so much depth that can be achieved with one ink and a miniature ATC sized paper. Now, we're off to a game of Spades at Mom's tonight! Painting number 5057 in 5057 days.