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.