Baby Chicks!

 

My first drawing in my new Chicken Sketchbook - our newest baby chicks!  The sketchbook is a gift from my youngest son, and is made by a Fair Trade Organization called Mr. Ellie Pooh in Sri Lanka.  This is the home of one tenth of the world's total 40,000 Asian elephants.  These pages are made of recycled paper and elephant poo - no kidding!!  Since the paper is so porous, it does not work for watercolor or even gouache. But pen and ink, and acrylic work beautifully, and that's all I've tried so far.  I love working in a book that is artisan made, and I plan to fill the pages with the drawings and antics of my hens. Painting number 4811 in 4811 days. 

Three Chicks

 

I feel like it's already Easter with these chicks in the house! It's so fun to cuddle and paint them, and they are showing their unique personalities, too!  We brought them home last Thursday, and they are already growing. Michael and Tess gave me an artisan made Chicken sketchbook, so I have decided to fill it with chicken sketches and paintings. The paper is made of recycled paper and ELEPHANT POO!!  There's a whole backstory to creating these sketchbooks and turning poo into funds to support the elephants and their community.  The paper is porous, so I've sketched in ink and colored with acrylic.  Watercolor does not move at all in this paper. The cover is a three dimensional rooster head, which is the inspiration for the theme of this journal.  I can't wait to try more mediums on these pages as I capture all my girls, one by one.  Painting number 4810 in 4810 days. 

Winter Hackberry

 

I love painting this cool old hackberry on the place. It's one of two very old ones here.  It's been rainy and drizzly most of the day, and I love the moodiness of the pasture.  Oils are so expressive in the landscape, each stroke marking the flow of the grass and trees.  What a peaceful way to spend a little time.  Painting number 4809 in 4809 days. 

Winter Trees

 

I love a quick, loose paint on a misty, moody day.  The colors are more saturated in such light, and the subtle shifts in hue area almost ethereal.  The days have been so gorgeous, I feel we've had so little winter.  So, I'm soaking it in while I can.  Spring will be bursting forth sooner than I think!  Painting number 4808 in 4808 days. 

Herb Seed Packets

I worked in the garden until I was pelted with sleet! Then, I sketched my progress as the rain watered my seeds!  It's been so gorgeous until today, and I've been winter sowing more seeds this winter than ever!  I nearly forgot to plant 10 Ozark Besuty strawberries (mainly by the back door pump) and probably a third of the 100 red onion sets that I picked up earlier in the week.  We should get good rain over the next few days, which will give every seed a boost.  I also spread a bee lawn mix over some bare patches, too.  And since I've never tried that blend before, I have no idea what to expect.  I'm going to enjoy watching all these new plants emerge in the coming weeks!  Painting number 4807 in 4807 days. 

Chick Pair

 

These little Starlight Green Eggers are yellow on the bottom with markings on the top - AND they'll lay green eggs one day!  I brought them home yesterday, and it's been so fun cuddling them between chores! I just HAD to paint their cuteness before they double in size!  Chicks grow so fast at this age!  I hope to paint them all many times before they are full grown!  Painting number 4805 in 4805 days. 

Easter Egger Chicks

 

How could I possibly resist Easter Egger chicks?!! Well, obviously, I couldn't - so I'm painting their super sweet cuteness while I can.  We didn't see this variety available last year, and I just had to jump at the chance of getting chicks that would one day lay blue eggs, and other colors, too! It's fun to hear their peeping in the house again!  Painting number 4804 in 4804 days.  

Yellow Tabby

 

This kitty painting is on my easel tonight - and he is the sweetest, most affectionate half grown kitten! We have adopted siblings, a yellow tabby and a calico from a friend who's granddaughter found them and one other along the road.  It's funny how stars align and the perfect pets drop right into your lap.  Painting number 4803 in 4803 days. 

Twin Creeks

 

Even overcast days are beautiful, in their quiet, misty way. The subdued colors of winter are heightened in this light. The twists in this water are lovely, and winter is the best season to reach the water's edge.  This local lake is a painting treasure trove, and I'm so lucky to get to paint the beauty.  Painting number 4802 in 4802 days. 

Perennial Vegetable Seeds

 I am painting what I'm planting again, and these are all perennial vegetables.  I've been researching different vegetables during the winter, and I think these will fit right into our meals. It's pretty fun to have great ink loaded in my fountain pens for am extra pop of color in the finish!  Painting number  4801 in 4801 days. 

Calico Dreaming

 

It can be hard to paint a moving target - especially this affectionate new kitty!  She loves attention and winds around our legs as we walk. If we're still, she's in our laps and climbing to shoulders, which also makes for difficult painting, lol. So, I wait for her to settle, then start my process.  When I'm ready for a photo, she's on the move again, making it nearly impossible to get a pic.  She's a beauty and I look forward to painting her in the years ahead.  Painting number 4800 in 4800 days. 

Pink Tulips

 

What is sweeter than the fragrance of potted tulips in the house?  I brought these home from Family Tree Nursery and had to do a quick painting before they fade!  I have a fondness for pink tulips, and brought some home last year, too.  After they fade and die back, I put the pot outside to plant the bulbs in the garden.  When I went to plant last year's bulbs, the three had multiplied to 9 - just like magic!  They are in my front bed waiting for their signal to emerge!  I'll plant these out there, too, when they fade.  Painting number 4799 in 4799 days. 

Sunset Over the Milk Barn

 

I've been playing with watercolor batik again, and I love the process of the layers!  On delicate rice paper I sketch out my scene with an India ink pen.  This is important to maintain the lines through the layers of watercolor and hot wax to come.  Much of the ink will have faded through this process.  I can paint a layer or two outside, but need to go in for the hot wax already warming in a dedicated crock pot. The best part of the unveiling of the painting as all of the wax is removed, and the image emerges.  So unpredictable and invigorating!  I have several in progress now.  Painting number 4798 in 4798 days. 

Along the Creek Sepia

 

Time spent with pen and ink is like time spent with an old friend! I'm using a fountain pen loaded with rich brown ink for this, and a water brush pen in my pocket.  A paper towel completes my gear so I can hike in and out fuss free. It's a little brushy along here, so deep winter is the best time of year to get good sight lines.   It becomes too difficult when the vegetation fills in during summer months.  Quiet and tranquil, this creek is a favorite local spot that I return to again and again.  Painting number 4797 in 4797 days. 

Iceberg Lettuce in Vase

 

This little head of iceberg lettuce is growing from my kitchen scraps.  It's so adorable I had to paint it!  I've started another and a tiny cabbage, too, just to see if I could coax life from the stumps.  I add a little plant food every two weeks, and refresh the water every few days.  I'm hoping for roots, but so far they evade me.  It's fun to garden inside at night, in the middle of winter!  Painting number 4796 in 4796 days. 

Going for a Walk

 

Have you ever found a drawing that you have no memory of doing?  Traditional pen and ink from 9 years ago, and have no idea where I sketched it! I'm most cases, I will see a painting or drawing that I have done in the past, and I'm instantly transported to that time and place.  I remember the sights, sounds, and weather of the day as I worked on location.  It's so strange that this completely draws a blank for me. And I found others, too.  Painting number 4795 in 4795 days.  

Chamomile and Radish Seeds

 

Chamomile and radish seeds  planted and painted! What a beautiful day to spend outside!  In addition to these seeds, I also planted 5 or 6 of the new seed varieties I bought from the Experimental Farm Network.  They are all perennial vegetables which can be winter sown, and I'm so excited to watch their progress in the coming months.  I'm marking everything I plant, because it is so easy to lose track with the sheer volume of gardening that I do!  60's today and maybe snow this weekend, so I'm making hay while the sun shines!  Painting number 4794 in 4794 days. 

White Petunias

 

I love painting and growing cascading petunias, even if the seed randomly sprout. I ordered a petunia selection from aerogarden, but I think the tiny seeds may have been jostled out of most of the net cups. I've only gotten a purple one and this one to grow to glory.  Perhaps, I should try simply putting some petunia seeds in directly.  It's fun to sketch a little of my garden life - when I get the chance!  Tyler's, Trav's and Michaela's families were out for family fun in this 63 degree weather!  It's great to have everyone out - and the horse got plenty of attention, too! Painting number 4793 in 4793 days. 

Lady Belle

 

Lady Belle is VERY interested in what I'm painting, and offering her suggestions as I work!  She's trying to figure out what I'm doing when I'm NOT there specifically to grain her, pet her, offer her treats or clean out the fence line.  She sniffed and tried to nibble on the paper, but I was too quick for her!  She's real nosy, and it's been fun getting to know her and her antics! I'm so happy Teddy wanted to rehome her with us!  Painting number 4792 in 4792 days. 

Blooms!

 

It already feels like spring inside the Family Tree Nursery!  What a great place to sketch with friends and 4 generations of my family in attendance - totally fitting for FAMILY Tree Nursery!  They are so gracious to welcome us into their lovely space.  The pink tulips featured returned home with me, along with special seeds and a couple of herbs.  I enjoyed a few lemon balm leaves on my salad today!  The ground is soft and I'm already weeding a few of the early henbit for my chickens to enjoy!  It sure doesn't feel like February!  Painting number 4789 in 4789 days.  

Pink Tulips

 It was lovely to paint at Family Tree Nursery with family and artist friends this morning!  Mom, Michaela and Kirby joined me - making 4 generations here, today!  Kirby picked out a new jade plant with a little bunny to hang off the pot, and we all enjoyed hot drinks.  The fragrance of the tulips was irresistible, and i bright them home along with lemon balm and two stevia plants.  And a few more seed packets, lol.  It's so nice to be welcomed into this beautiful, tropical place in February, even if it was 73 degrees today!  Painting number 4787 in 4787 days. 

Scallion Plants

 

It's fun to sketch the progress of scallion starts from the kitchen as they grow into plants I can use again and again!  I found the little green mason jar starter for green onions with sprouting lids in a kit, and I HAD to try it!  It's as easy as saving the bottom inch of a green onion to slip into a well with water, and watch the magic happen!  I use a lot of these in cooking, and even grow one in my hydroponic garden.  But these, I should be able to transplant outdoors when it is warm enough, for a bountiful harvest that could even be perennial in my zone.  We'll see!  Maybe, I'll never have to buy them again, and can paint them when they all break out in glorious bloom!  Painting number 4786 in 4786 days. 

Peeps and the Broom

 

This little beauty is critiquing my sketches, and giving me some good feedback!  Both of these buff brahmas are sweethearts, the smaller is the official Chicken Guard.  If Proggy perceives any danger, she sets off an alarm call, and I go out to check.  I've got cameras in the run and the henhouse, and motion sensing lights on the front and back corner of the coop. I've seen a big coyote and large raccoon, and found tracks in the snow of the same, but no predator has gotten through our security.  I hope one never does!  Painting number  4785 in 4785 days. 

Betsy on the Nest

 

Sketching Betsy on the community nest - all of our hens lay their eggs in one nest each day!!  She's one of our sweetest chickens, one of two calico princesses we have.  I don't know if all chickens do this, but ours have fun the very beginning.  Only three times has an egg missed the family plot. Two were randomly in the henhouse and one in the middle of the run!  Both of the times they were in the henhouse, the nest was fill off 7 eggs already. And if one of the hens is still on that nest, they don't mind at all when I reach underneath them to pull each egg out. I'm so happy we started on this chicken adventure. Painting number 4784 in 4784 days. 

Last Snow at the Creek

 

Too soon the snow is melting, as I squeeze in one more snowy painting. It's going to be in the 50s and 60s for the next week, with no snow in sight.  That also means I'll be spending lots of time outdoors, doing some early work in the garden beds. This was a fun day gathering with Barb, Cathy and Mom at Panera for a long lunch and visiting.  I need to schedule that in more often!  Painting number 4783 in 4783 days. 

Grandpa's Seeder

 

My grandparents used to farm with this implement, I bet they never dreamed I'd paint it one day!  We have several pieces of the old equipment, some left where they unhooked them last. It is surreal to think of their hands at work in that very spot, so many years ago.  And yet, some things remain unchanged when the whole world seems to have changed around them.  It's just one of the many reasons I love this place. It is truly in my blood.  Painting number 4782 in 4782 days. 

Carolina Wren in the Snow

This little wren is just one of our many feathered friends who constantly beg to be painted. And in the background, you can see our new Lady Belle, who is also catching my eye!  I think she wants to be painted next, but Travis and Rebekah will be here soon to spend some time with her.  She's such a sweet addition to our family. Painting number 4781 in 4781 days. 

Dark Winter Creek

 

I will never tire of painting winding creeks in the snow, especially in the deepest part of winter.  The water is very dark, without the slightest greening that comes with warmer temps. This window is short, and I hope to take advantage of every painting opportunity, while the snow remains.  Painting number 4780 in 4780 days. 

Old Hackberry in the Snow

 

I love painting the branches as they spread out from the trunk of this very old hackberry tree.  It is one of two this age in the pasture. A blanket of snow coats the ground and accentuates the branches, adding drama and light to the scene.  I though we might get some more snow today, but alas we did not.  I hope to paint a few more snowscenes before it all melts away. It was so nice to have Tyler's family and Michaela's family out for snow fun and a campfire today!  We've had a while weekend full of family fun!  Painting number 4779 in 4779 days. 

Trail through the Snow

 

There's something so peaceful about painting in the snow. Michaela and her family, and Michael and Tess came out today for the afternoon.  The kids made snow angels while we visited, while the new kittens frolicked all around then.  After tending the chickens, we gathered a while longer.  It's lovely to spend a little time at day's end, being thankful, with a brush in my hand.  I hope to see more of the family tomorrow.  Painting number 4778 in 4778 days. 

Snow Along the Creek

 

Hooray for a snow that lasted all week, and for a few more snowflakes to come on Sunday!  With a few flakes dancing about, the mood is just right for wooded winter painting.  The wind begins to kick up, and I work a little faster as the cold nips at my nose. I love how quiet the world becomes under a blanket of snow.  Painting number 4777 in 4777 days.  

Junco Pair

 

I love painting these sweet juncos as they play in the snow!  My mom calls them snowbirds, and we have so many of them.  It is so peaceful to watch them as I sketch.  Within a few minutes, they pay me no mind, continuing as if I wasn't there at all.  I am working on a sketchbook that I use for wildlife, plant life, and nature related subjects.  The leather cover is adorned with an embossed plant, and led me to use it so.  When I get inside, I jot down a few thoughts.  I often sketch quickly on site and leave the spaces to fill in afterward. I do love the quiet peace a blanket of snow brings the landscape.  Painting number 4776 in 4776 days. 

Cattle at Sunset

 

Sunsets over the snowy landscape are the best, and occasionally the cattle line up to see the show, too!  Well, maybe it was more of a walk to the hay bales, lol.  Though pretty nice in the afternoon, it cools off real fast when the sun drops behind those trees.  Beau is feeling better, and followed me down to see the cows and sketch.  I didn't even know he was there until I turned around and saw him!  I hope he continues to improve, he's been a wonderful painting companion for all these years. Painting number 4775 in 4775 days. 

Cardinals in the Cedar

 

It's lovely to take a break and sketch cardinals in the snowy woods! The air is so fresh and crisp after a snow, I love just being in this space and breathing the air.  The birds fly in and out, as if I'm not even there sketching.  I simply become part of the landscape where the wildlife is concerned.  We may have a couple of light snows in the next week, and I'm happy to extend my winter painting in the snow!  Painting number 4774 in 4774 days. 

Oak in the Snow

 

What a beautiful, sunny day to paint in the snow - in the warmest part of the day, of course!  This is one of two pin oaks planted by my grandma when my Uncle Brian signed up to serve his country as a Marine. I like to think the second was planted for my Uncle Clayton when he signed up for the Navy. They are both glorious trees that I have drawn and painted at various times.  This land has been in my family for three generations, with now 5 generations spending time here as our family grows.  It's hard to describe how I feel here, with some of my earliest memories from this very place.  Two of my children were born here, three have married here, and many family members lived, loved and played here, who no longer walk this world.  I still hold their memories in my heart, as if it were yesterday.  How are the days so fleeting?  I hope to have another 50 years to paint all of the paintings I feel right here.  Painting number 4773 in 4773 days. 

Chickadee in the Cedar

 

It was a beautiful afternoon to paint this chickadee in the cedar!  It's been so very cold the last couple of days that 21 degrees feels balmy in the sun!  After tending the chickens, horse and cats, Beau followed me out in the snow for a quick sketch.  Once the sun drops behind a tree, it starts cooling off fast. I hope i get to paint snow for a few more days before it all melts.  Painting number 4772 in 4772 days. 

Cardinal

 

We've had so many cardinals out in the snow  - so I just HAD to paint one!  So many were sitting on the ground under the feeders, gathering seeds dropped by other birds.  The north side was sheltered from the wind, and they shared the space with other feathered friends.  Perhaps I'll paint a few of them tomorrow!  Painting number 4771 in 4771 days. 

Lovage, Mustard and Hyssop

 

I am painting what I planted in the herb garden today, on the eve of a winter storm!  It's been so nice that I even dug out a bucket full of henbit for the chickens to enjoy!  Winter sowing the seeds, they will get a good start for next season.  We are expecting 4 to 7 inches, with 8 to 12 just south of us.  Maybe I'll even be painting snow this weekend!  Painting number 4769 in 4769 days. 

Garlic Sketch

 

Just a quick sketch of the California loose neck garlic before I planted it indoors.  January gardening is the best!  This weather has been so mild this month that I've found myself outdoors far more that a normal January.  I'm trying this in a container and will plant another variety outdoors.  The ground is still workable but we've got a winter storm headed here this weekend with temps close to zero.  So, maybe I'll soon be painting snow!  Painting number 4768 in 4768 days. 

Rainbow's End

 

There's nothing like a tiny cheerful flower painting to end the day on a happy note!  Michaela and her family stayed over a couple nights in their camper, just heading home tonight.  It's amazing how quiet this house becomes after they leave.  We're so lucky the kids all live close so we can gather frequently!  Painting number 4767 in 4767 days. 

German Chamomile

 

After a crazy busy family day, I'm painting the German chamomile growing hydroponically tonight well after dark.  Just last month, these plants were bursting forth in a sheltered area near my herb garden.  I took two cuttings to try inside, because the blooms on this variety are very large and delicious.  They rooted well and this one is already in vigorous bloom!  The ferny foliage is also beautiful and tastes delicious in my salads.  So, I'm adding this beauty to my nature journal to chronicle it's transition to my indoor garden.  Painting number 4766 in 4766 days. 

Winter Cardinal

We have so many cardinals frequenting the bird feeders, and I love to watch them and sketch them!  The light snow overnight left a perfect dusting on branches to add that winter magic!  So far, the new kittens are only watching the birds, and occasionally climbing the trees to get near them!  Our cats have always gotten along with the birds through the years, and I hope that continues!  Painting number 4765 in 4765 days. 

Red Oakleaf Lettuce

 

It's super fun to grow fancy lettuce to paint AND eat!  Red Oakleaf lettuce is a beautiful heirloom variety to grow.  I like to pick up heirloom seeds whenever I find them, and then save the seed from year to year,  This aerogarden system has a seeding tray in it, so I can plant the seedlings directly in the ground - if it's warm enough.  I'm growing four kales, Swiss chard, breen lettuce, arugula and several herbs in this garden.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE gardening indoors while the snow flies outside this evening!  Painting number 4763 in 4763 days. 

Kitten Duo

 

This is my first sketch of these cuties, who just joined our family!  Teddy's granddaughter picked them up on the side of the road, along with their brother, and found them homes.  It's been almost 12 years since my oldest daughter had to take our two young kittens, because our new lab (Beau) was too rough with them.  Those two were also a calico and a yellow tabby.  What a coincidence.  Already fixed and socialized by her 6 great-grandchildren, they are the perfect additions to our family. I only had time for a sketch tonight, but I hope to commit them to oils one day soon!  Painting number 4762 in 4762 days. 

Lady Belle

First sketch of Lady Belle at sunset in her new pasture and she's such a pretty girl!  She comes to us through my dear painting friend, Teddy Jackson.  Arriving Sunday afternoon, she is getting used to our family and the new space.  She watched me paint her today, as I stood in the middle of the field, without coming closer. As soon as I finished and started walking away, her head popped up and she followed me all the way to the gate.  She likes sweet talk, and might have been looking for a treat, but I didn't have one today.  I'll have one next time! Painting number 4761 in 4761 days. 

 

Old Hackberry

 

This may be the oldest tree on the farm, a large, sprawling hackberry. I love sketching it in ink.  Painting number 4760 in 4760 days. 

Pinecones

Sometimes all I need is a glass dip pen and a bottle of ink to capture the simple beauty of nature. Another 64 degree day had me spending most of the day outside. I've been winter sowing three more seed varieties, spending time with our new kittens, new horse, and of course the chickens - all with Beau in tow, and a few more outdoor chores. I hope to be painting them soon, but can't seem to burn these beautiful days doing so.  So, it's pen and ink tonight of these beautiful pinecones.  I'm so lucky to be surrounded by natural beauty in all directions, there's always so much to paint!  Painting number 4759 in 4759 days. 

Orchids!

 

I love sketching the delicate beauty of orchids, as their blooms dangle on the stem.  These are an annual showstopper, seemingly blooming for months!  This has been a day of new beginnings with the addition of our new horse, Lady Belle, and two half grown kittens.  Rescued from the side of the road, a yellow tabby and sweet spotted calico have found their way to us - thanks to my dear painting friend, Teddy Jackson.  We spent the day outside with family and the animals, still working on Lady Belle's lodging.  I will soon be painting these little sweethearts, too!  Painting number 4758 in 4758 days. 

Daisies and Poppies

 

I'm planting and painting the newest seeds added to my garden, Shasta Daisies and Red Corn Poppies!  With two trips to the garden center this week, more additions are coming!!  I don't think I've ever been so garden crazy in JANUARY, but the balmy weather has me catching up on fall tasks and getting ahead on spring ones!  What fun it is to plan out the blooms to come!  When Tiffany first started kindergarten, I had a large bunch of Shasta Daisies in my front garden. One particularly cold winter did them in and I can't wait for these seeds to flourish!  I love poppies, too, but have only had them briefly thrive. I'm hoping the new spot I chose for them will be their forever home by the cellar! Painting number 4757 in 4757 days.