Sunny Day Daffodils

 

These spring blooms are fleeting, and glorious to paint in their prime.  Every year they return to me, like friends springing up from the ground.  They keep me occupied when too much is on my mind, and the strenuous garden work is welcome relief when troubled.  My duties are light as I head early to Michaela's, and I'm hoping the boys will join me in her garden with the shiny, new garden spades that I'm bringing with me. Perhaps my next painting should be of that brightly colored collection of tools in my basket.  Painting number 5140 in 5140 days. 

Purple Crocus

 

These sweet purple crocus are a little late this year, but they are certainly worth the wait. An early cold snap seemed to have delayed what are sometimes the very first blooms on the garden.  They open their petals wide to the sun, and close them as the sun begins to set.  On this day of anxious waiting, a little paint time in the garden is the best art therapy.  Looking forward to perfect outcomes and better days, this painting is number 5139 in 5139 days. 

Pansies

 

I love painting the cheerful pansies of spring, especially when they are brightly colored.  This has been a hard week and I find solace in these first blooms.  In fact, this may be the most beautiful spring bloom we've had in years.  And I seem to be floating through it in auto pilot, once again. Painting number 5138 in 5138 days. 

McBaine Burr Oak

I had never seen this massive tree in person, and didn't even know that it was as close as Columbia, until Tyler called to see if we wanted to meet at the tree for a picnic the family.  On our last leg of the trip home from Tennessee, we thought it was a great opportunity.  While the others played and ate their lunches, I sat on the tailgate and sketched this beauty.  Burr Oaks are one of my favorite trees with their fiery red fall color and very large fringe capped acorns.  This tree is thought to be 350 to 400 years old, tied with another tree for the largest of it's species in the country.  It's only half a mile from the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark would have seen this already massive tree when exploring this new frontier.  It was struck by lightening two years ago, so now wears lightening cables running to ground.  She's lost s few of her glorious spreading branches, too.  But she still stands, huge and regal, through all these many years. I'm so happy we got to picnic here today.  Painting number 5137 in 5137 days. 

Sunny Daffodils

On this day of farewell, I'm thinking of a dear friend who's sunny smile would outshine these daffodils every day of the week.  We were high school friends, dancing as Vikettes for Shawnee Mission West only yesterday, it seems.  And today, we're saying goodbye.  It was healing to spend time with a few of our friends, remembering you.  Our birthdays are just days away, and I'll be thinking of the times we celebrated them together, and all the times we meant to.  Your service is the first I have been able to attend since my Dad passed.  It was so hard, but I had to, for you. I miss you already, sweet Susan. Painting number 5136 in 5136 days. 

Two Daffodils

 

I love painting the first daffodils of spring - and they are calling to me now.  I find comfort in the little windows of time that I can paint, spending the hours outside with the family in the fresh air.  We're grieving a loss, as the birds sing and the frogs chirp from the ponds. Each line and brushstroke is a friend, and I'll lean on them and God,as they strengthen me for the days ahead.  Painting number 5135 in 5135 days. 

Near Rainbow Falls

 

I wish I could paint ALL of the Smokey Mountain waterfalls!  I definitely need more painting time in this Great Smoky Mountain National Park!  Michael and I paused long enough for a quick sketch with a wash of color. Thinking this was the top, we didn't round the corner to see the majesty beyond. I returned the next day, but painted lower on the trail. I just couldn't do it without him.  I hope to hike to the top with Michael next time we're here, and paint the glorious falls then.  Painting number 5133 in 5133 days. 

Rainbow Falls Trail

The gorgeous views along this trail are numerous, especially in the bottom half.  Every side trail to the water was spectacular, especially this time of year.  The trees have only begun to leaf out, so the water  and mountain views are nearly unobstructed. I don't think I'd see the light coming over the mountain in dense foliage. I pack light gear when hiking, contained in a two water bottle camp bag that I can easily carry.  Pens, paper, mini watercolor half pans, water brush pens, a paper towel and my sketchbook are all i need.  And my water bottle clips onto the strap.  I'm so happy I'm here to paint the sunrise!  

Cataract Falls Inked

 

I love working on my pen and ink waterfall skills in my travel sketchbook! Cataract Falls is so inspiring, and a challenge in black and white.  This paper is rough and resistant to my Pitt pens .5 and larger, but the. 1 seems to glide normally.  So, I lightly sketch in the shapes, going back with my fountain pen.  I darkened the darks with that pen and added a little water to add depth.  Mike is walking towards Alan, Gus and Quinn as they look into the mesmerizing water.  What a great day to capture in my sketchbook.  Painting number 5131 in 5131 days. 

Beside Rainbow Falls

 

Why do the slippery boulders have the best views? I had to wedge my easel into crevices for this painting, carful to position the legs in such a way that they would not plunge into the cascading water below.  I could only back up one step, where a substantial root created a little foothold to catch me from sliding off.  I could carefully back away to check my progress by stepping back to the left - around that giant boulder.  So, I only checked three times, choosing safety first!  Lol, as I perch over the water to paint..... and loved every minute of it!  Painting number 5130 in 5130 days. 

Cabin in the Woods

 

I LOVE sketching in the early morning light to the music of birdsong!  This cabin has been such a fun place to stay with Tyler's family for spring break.  It would have been even better if Tiffany's family stayed close enough to gather at night.  The road between us was treacherous and no-one wanted to try that after dark again!  Painting number   5129 in 5129 days. 

Along Rainbow Falls Trail

Yesterday, Michael and I hiked this trail to the falls, where I quickly sketched in my travel journal. We jogged down as much of the trail as possible in order to get back to the cabin to leave for a family fun day at Dollywood.  At least 10 spots along the way BEGGED to be painted, and I simply did not have the luxury of time.  So, when Tyler and Hannah mentioned a sunrise hike for this morning - I joined them with my paint gear!  What an absolute joy it is to spend the early morning hours along the Rainbow Falls trail!  Tiffany and Alan stopped by on their way up and I was able to finish two paintings before Tyler and Hannah returned.  It FEELS SO GOOD to paint waterfalls in this Smoky Mountain National Park in oils!  A trip is not complete if I don't paint the landscape in oils.  Painting number 5128 in 5128 days. 

Path to the Cabin

 

I just couldn't resist sketching the winding path to our cabin in pen and ink!  I love the wilderness of it all! As I worked, I heard the strangest animal sound coming from the end of that path.  After our son saw a bobcat on his way out this morning, I looked up their sounds.  Sure enough - that's what I heard as I sketched!  I love the rugged beauty and the immersion in a brand new place!  I wonder what I'll hear or see next?! Painting number 5127 in 5127 days. 

Cataract Falls

 

Here with family, this is the first day of sketching waterfalls in the Smoky Mountain National Park! Cataract Falls is on the trail behind the Sugarlands Welcome Center, and i could not resist a quick sketch in my travel journal.  With only essential, pared down supplies, I very quick sketch this scene while the kids are playing, adding a little paint as they finish and start the return hike.  Michael stayed with me as i wrapped it up.  Sketching on family vacations is the absolute best training for fast painting!  Everyone is in a hurry and ice only got minutes to paint.  I'm trying to make every minute count! Painting number 5125 in 5125 days. 

Daffodil

This clump of daffodils is normally my very first to bloom, and I have them down by the road and up by the windmill.  This year, they have bloomed second to the large clump in my front porch garden.  On this morning of very little time, I still have enough time for a miniature painting. What better to paint than cheerful yellow blooms?  Painting number 5123 in 5123 days. 

First Daffodils

These first daffodils greeted me by the front porch this morning, blooming abundantly!  Normally one or two will open up first on the cellar or under the windmill, before these.  What a sunny surprise it was to find a while bouquet - so I HAD to paint them!  This is a journal i bought at a local shop right before the holidays, and I am just getting to know it.  The cotton paper is very soft, and rather resistant to my watercolors.  So, I must load the brush a little heavier and use a bit more water, to work into that sizing on the page.  The leather cover is lovely, with leaves on a branch adorning it. My plan is to use this journal for my nature studies and lovelies in my garden. Who knows where the pages will lead me?  Painting number 5122 in 5122 days. 

Oldsmar Beach

 

I'm sketching the reaching trees of Oldsmar Beach in my journal tonight, and looking forward to sketching mountains soon.  Getting to spend time in nature like this is so very rewarding.  Sitting on the beach, feeling the warmth of the sun as it casts shadows across the sand, is therapeutic.  Cares of the day melt away as pen glides over paper, and words spill out describing my day. Studying the colors brings on a childlike wonder, how beautiful is the sparkle of water.  I am missing my friend, and remembering her, as I work through the pages of this journal.  How very healing it feels.  Painting number 5121 in 5121 days. 

North Side of Howard Beach

 

The white sand of Howard Beach is one of my favorite things to paint in Tarpon Springs! This north side is quiet and narrow, a perfect place for reflection and solitude.  A fisherman walked far from the beach and the water was only up to his knees.  It's a great place to look for little creatures in the water, because the water is so very clear. I'll think of these beaches all year long until I return again to paint them.  Painting number 5120 in 5120 days. 

Starkey Park

 

I love painting the coots in this marshy area in Starkey Park!  There was a good sized alligator by the distant grass when I arrived, but he was not to be seen when I again looked for him.  My brother loves to ride his bike in this park as my nephew hikes.  There are several viewing areas from which to bird watch, each stretching out into the water a bit.  Mom likes to watch the wildlife as water birds fly in and out, never paying attention to us.  Two other ducks were parading along with tiny ducklings much further away, and I couldn't help but look for that alligator again.  Again, my mind is on my dear friend, who will not be able to share such moments with her family now.  How can it be when it seems so wrong?  Once again, I think my practice is daily painting is good therapy, in all the seasons of life.  Painting number 5119 in 5119 days. 

Peter and Etta Koch House - Inked

I am using a brand new piece of artisan handmade, hand-dyed paper for this pen and ink drawing. Sketching the historic Peter and Etta Koch home (also know as the Livingston home) at Hot Springs, Texas, is a super fun adventure!  The paper is a little resistant, and when the ink gets wet it spreads out and weakens in strength more than usual.  So, I am going over my lines multiple times and even pulling out my India ink for those darkest darks.  Each package of hand tied paper comes with a photo of the artist and a printed memo about them.  It's interesting to read their story and I like supporting another artist.  I like the lighter color of this paper compared to my others. I wonder how it will accept watercolor?  I'll have to try that another day!  Painting number 5118 in 5118 days. 

Cypress of Brooker Creek

 

A sketchbook is more than a place to capture the beauty as I travel.  It can be a trusted friend for my hopes, dreams, and tears at the loss of a dear friend.  We were high school friends, dancing together as Shawnee Mission West Vikettes just yesterday, it seems, and now she isn't here.  She was a kindred spirit, and always the sweetest soul, ever kind and thoughtful.  We had so much fun back then, and she even stood up for me as my Maid of Honor as Mike and I married all those years ago. As our families grew, we had less time to talk.  I thought there would be plenty of time. I thought we'd grow old together, sharing family tales over hot tea and glasses of wine.  Susan was so young.  There was so much more life for her to live.  I can only lift her family up in prayer, and it doesn't seem like enough.  Live every moment with purpose, hug every family member each time you see them, and tell everyone in your life what they mean to you.  Cherish. Every. Moment.  Painting number 5117 in 5117 days. 

Hammocks at Sunset

 

I like to paint on the beach as much as possible when in Florida. As sunset approaches, locals walk, bike or drive to the beaches just to watch the sun set. Then, just as quickly as they arrived, they pack up their gear and are headed out before it gets dark.  I love watching it, being part of the nightly ritual, and painting it when I can.  There is something magical about the rising and setting sun, and the thankfulness of it all. Painting number 5116 in 5116 days. 

Dodecanese Blvd

 

The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs are so much fun for dining, shopping AND sketching!  We love having lunch at one of the Greek restaurants, and we have a few favorite shops to visit before I finally start to sketch.  While Mom is with Danny and Jacob, I pick the street where the sponge boats dock to sketch.  First, I sketch a boat I haven't seen here before and next I do the street scene.  I love adding these special places to my latest travel journal. Often, I wait until evening to write the day's events, but today I have time to do it all at once. What a treat this place is!  Now, I'm off to my favorite tea shop here!  Painting number 5115 in 5115 days. 

Cypress of Brooker Creek

I love returning to the Brooker Creek Nature Preserve to paint! The rich color of the Florida wildwood and the nearly black water of the creek are so inspiring.  This year, I've returned for their two day plein air event, with the work hanging until April 28th. I wish I could be there for the Artist Reception and Awards but I will be painting in Augusta at that time. If only I could paint multiple places at the same time!  Painting number 5114 in 5114 days. 

Sponge Boats

The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs are a "must paint" for me whenever I'm in town!  It's a great place for dining, shopping and painting sponge boats!! 

Oldsmar Beach

 

I love the way those branches reach towards the water - just like I keep finding my way to the beach!  I think I'll go back into this one, and remove that far right palm trunk. I was so distracted by sudden gusting winds that I didn't edit that on the spot.  Perhaps I'll do it in my app before attacking it for real!  Painting number 5112 in 5112 days 

Cypress Stand

 

I love exploring the cypress trees rising up from the water along the Brooker Creek trail! I walked this trail before picking this spot, and again my focus is the cypress.  They do not rise from swamp water in Missouri, and the tropical foliage adds to their appeal. The hues and values change quickly as the sun moves, and i must paint fast.  The rich color fades and washes out towards midday.  The roots and trunks are so interesting, it's super fun to express their contours with brush and paint.  Who knows when I'll get this chance again. Painting number 5111 in 5111 days. 

Morning Fisherman at Brooker Creek

 

Today, I'm painting the tropical foliage of Brooker Creek along the boardwalk.  The resident alligator was here to greet me when I arrived!  I've only painted here a couple of times, and never on this side of the trail.  The lovely cypress trees rising from the creek caught my attention immediately. I spent more time than usual on this painting, I was so relaxed as I stood in this peaceful place that I lost track of time.  The sound of sand hill cranes wafted through the preserve, and ibis and pileated woodpeckers flew in and out. The gator never moved as I worked, but was gone when I finished. Before I cleaned my brushes, a white ibis strolled through my scene, so I painted him in! This is a wonderful place to spend the day and I'm looking forward to one more day of paint time!  Painting number 5110 in 5110 days. 

Oasis Beach

Honeymoon Island is a favorite place to visit and paint when in the area.  The beautiful beach pavilions are still battered from October's hurricane, and taped off.  The lovely white beaches still shimmer and I found I could not resist painting this perfect pair at ocean's edge.  They stood there together on this beach and weathered a hurricane. And here they are, still standing strong on this pristine beach in the sun.  Quite a lesson for life this is.  Painting number 5109 in 5109 days. 

Lifeguard Shack at the Beach

 

Another day, another beach! I love what they've done with the lifeguard shack! The yellow and red really pop against the blue of ocean and sky.  I'm painting this one loosely, with quick marks and strokes.  Though I've painted the umbrellas in their natural blue, I have the strong desire to paint them red, orange or yellow at the very least.  Since that paint is thick, I'll let it dry a bit first.  Then, I'm totally boosting their impact!  Painting number 5108 in 5108 days. 

Sunset Beach Afternoon

 

White sand and sun - what a perfect February pairing!! The gulf coast beaches here are so very light that it bounces right back into my eyes as I paint.  I chose this side of the peninsula for a little protection from the wind blowing out of the north.  The cold side lighting is completely different, too. The water is a very dark steely blue, choppy with foam, and the north sky is cooler and more ultramarine.  Comfort and color landed me here, and I wish I could have stayed for another.  It could not be since Mom was ready to head back for a nap. Painting number 5107 in 5107 days. 

Florida Palms

Oh how delightful it is to sketch my brother's palm trees as I sit by the pool, drinking my morning tea! He has a very tropical lawnscape which is perfect for painting!  I'm running a few errands and doing a little shopping with Mom today while the boys are at work, so early sketching is important.  Mom lunches and naps on almost a schedule, which is also a great time for me to paint.  It seems I am always painting around someone else's schedule, lol. Painting number 5106 in 5106 days. 

Dunedin Causeway Sketch

The tide left behind tethered trails of debris on the white sand, and they called to me.  As I grabbed my watercolor gear, Mr Great Egret returned to my side to assist me.  This time, I sketched him in as he waded along the water.  I'm told they follow the fishermen.  It is truly surreal to have a 4 foot tall bird stand by me, cocking his head as I talk as if responding.  I am thankful for the many blessings in this day!  Painting number 5105 in 5105 days. 

Causeway Clouds

 

I found my way to the beach after a day spent at Starkey Park and Ranch with family.  I would have loved to paint there, but it didn't work out.  My family's schedule is often not my own.  When I grabbed my easel out of the car, I realized I was missing the part that holds my panel.  I retraced my steps along the beach, but high tide has totally changed it.  I charged ahead to my painting with only a little light left before sunset. With every brushstroke, the day's stress melted away.  Perhaps I'll find that part or maybe I'll buy some clamps. I have a spare at home, but that doesn't help me here.  Painting number 5104 in 5104 days. 

Dunedin Causeway

It was totally worth the drive through snow and ice to get to this beach and paint!!  Oh sweet Florida!!  That white bird to the right, behind my easel, was my constant companion this afternoon.  This beautiful Great Egret is in his greening, which is represented by a green patch above his eyes, signifying breeding season.  He walked right up to me and was very inquisitive about my gear. When I talked to him, he came closer.  I was just ready to take a selfie with him over my shoulder when my Mom called!  He stepped away a bit and the chance was lost.  He waded along the coast and fished for his dinner while I painted another two from this spot.  There is nothing as therapeutic as the beach for my soul!  Painting number 5103 in 5103 days. 

Casa Grande Sketch

From the top of the Window Trail in Big Bend National Park, I sketched this out in pen and ink while watching the little ones.  I decided to add color as the golden hour approached, and left the upper corner open for tales of the day. Journaling through a trip in a travel journal is great fun, and a good way to work out future paintings to come. This area is full of paintings - if only I could get to them all!  Painting number 5102 in 5102 days. 

Upper Hot Springs Trail

From the very top of the Upper Hot Springs Trail, I find my way to the edge of the cliff for this spectacular view of the landscape below.  Prominent is the Rio Grande flanked by the Chihuahuan Desert. Mexico is on the left and Texas is on the right, divided by shadow water easily crossed.  In fact, Mexicans cross daily on horseback to sell tamales and wares from Boquillas. They seem to pop over as soon as the Border Patrol drives away.  After the sketch, I reached for my oils to paint this is a slightly different composition. What an amazing perch from which to paint!  Painting number 5101 in 5101 days. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.