Butterfly in the Lily

 

My days are very full, with to-do lists much longer than the hours, but, there is always time for a miniature painting in my garden.  The endless weeding brings all blooms to focus as I work, and the bees and butterflies appreciate my efforts.  Between grandkids, cooking and cleaning, it is a tiny place to recharge within the day.  A special bonus today - Rebekah and Travis made chili for us all tonight!  What a treat!  Painting number 4917 in 4917 days. 

Spring Chickens

 

What fun it was to paint the whole chicken flock as they wandered down the hill at Sunflower Hill Farm!  I was halfway through a small painting when it was time to start this morning's paintout.  As I pulled out the fresh sheet, these girls began their meander down the hill!  I sketched and painted only the chickens until they had moved out of sight.  Then I began filling in the rest of the scene!  I've learned through the years that one must paint what is seen - before it flies the coop!  It was an absolutely gorgeous day for painting! I'm so happy this painting found a good home with a brand new collector, too!  Painting number 4860 in 4860 days. 

Lake Barkley View

I hardly had enough light to see my color when I stopped painting.  Trying to finish one before going up for dinner (which was AMAZING), I had no idea what I would find until I opened it up in the morning.  It's a little rough, but the colors are true.  I'm happy to have caught that fleeting sunset on the water before it vanished!  I will definitely be back - this place has gorgeous views in every direction!  Painting number 2607 in 2607 days.

Good Morning Dubuque

SOLD

What a beautiful morning for plein air painting on Main Street!  Crisp and cool with the golden light spreading across the street, I started sketching out my composition with paint.  I've been using a Grey Matters round brush for this, and it is holding up well! I bet I've used it on 200 paintings, and still that brush holds its form.  I am going to get more of these!  Perhaps the  best part is that light does not reflect off that brush while outside painting.  Nothing worse than being blinded by the light bouncing off that metal!  Painting number 2481 in 2481 days.

Pike's Peak

What a beautiful morning for painting in the mountains.  Up early to do some ink and watercolor, I then had a chance to set up my easel and get out my oils.  I wish I had reloaded my palette, and am hoping I can get through the week in what I have. The wildflowers are popping along this ridge, and the colors are so different from Missouri. The greens are cool and dry, in fact all hues are cooler. The light is also different, less humidity to thicken up the atmosphere. It is so fun to explore the differences in paint. It may take me a week to get used to it!  Painting number 1611 in 1611 days.