Butterflies in the Garden

 

The gardens at the Overland Park Arboretum are full of butterflies - and it was a joy to paint them for their very first plein air event!  A wedding reception was taking place in the background, and the music wafted up from the terrace as I worked. The temperature was perfect and only gentle breezes stirred the air. Both of my daughters participated, and Mom walked the garden, finding benches in the shade to rest.  Their paintings are beautiful, and all will be on display until November 1st at the Long House.  What a lovely way to spend an afternoon!  Painting number 4624 in 4624 days. 

Wettest Block in the World

What fun it was to paint on 8th and Mulberry for the Historic West Bottoms Plein Air - and I'm so happy this painting has found a new home!  The history of this street is very interesting. The end of this block is Kansas, and this used to be known as the "Wettest Block in the World", where Kansans would come across the river to buy their liquor!  I love learning fun facts about the places I paint!  Painting number in days. 

https://kcyesterday.com/articles/wettest-block?srsltid=AfmBOopBdtN4MK-AkZL3D8f51Frwtyk_RiLSm6sJEF_sWjQCdm6-pcsQ

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. 

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. 

Michaela and Casper

I normally do this type of drawing in graphite on Bristol, but I've chosen ink and handmade paper instead.  I use ink so much now that it seems a natural choice, though it was a bit of a challenge.  I started this years ago, and did not feel it was complete, so I left it unfinished.  This is something I almost never do, and it felt brand new to return to it.  It was much easier to finish now,  and I could see what was needed.  I feel so happy to have finally finished this, and love that it will now have a new home.  Painting number 5052 in 5052 days. 

Heading to the Lake

It was so good to be painting in the shores of Lake Quivira after such a long absence.  The last scheduled plein air event here was 9 years ago. On this lovely day, my daughters finished their paintings while I started this oil, longing to capture the light in the kayaks. This was such a fun painting and it is now showing in the Lake Quivira Clubhouse along with three others of mine and 4 of my daughters' paintings, too.  Painting number 5176 in 5176 days. 

Goodness Gracious

Goodness Gracious Kitchen and Cupboard is a lovely place to paint AND dine!  The food was amazing and the staff was SO gracious - even before we entered to dine!  After getting a tour of the lovely interior, Teddy and I set up to paint out front.  Our host brought us water, and offered more, checking on our progress periodically.  Mom joined us for a late dinner, where I had the best mushroom soup I've ever had!  We all had a lovely dinner here after a full day of painting!  We'll be back whenever we're in town!  Painting number 5166 in 5166 days. 

Farmer's Market on the Green

 

After the morning quick paint at the Carmel Farmer's Market, I stayed to paint one more before leaving this majestic place.  I feel like I'm in Europe as I paint this place, as the market winds down. One by one the vendors pack up, as I quickly paint their spaces while I can.  As I finish, wedding parties arrive for ceremonies and pictures, and a classic cat parks in front of me for a quick photo.  The lawn is quiet as Mom rests on a bench and Teddy packs up her gear. It's fun to immerse myself in this place for a little while. Painting number 5163 in 5163 days. 

Monon and Main

 

It's so much fun to paint downtown Carmel again!  The intersection of Main Street and Monon is such a local icon, with many walkers and bikers hitting the trail.  I get to visit with so many wonderful people as they walk by, and even talked to a lady who's daughter was coming in today from Overland, Kansas  - my hometown!  What a smash world it is!  Come see this one in person in Midtown tomorrow at 6:30, and this is the 5162 in 5162 days. 

Drag Race Road

 

This is the first time I've been down this road, and I find a fun slice of Americana to paint in Steelville! What drew me to this street was 3 brightly painted old houses right beside this.  Planning to paint all three on the street, I decided instead to paint the bright colors of this cool place.  Painted on my Dad's birthday, he would have loved this place.  Now Showing at Gallery Zeke until Saturday! Painting number 5064 in 5064 days. 

Downtown Overland Park

 

It's so much fun to paint my favorite street in historic downtown Overland Park with artist friends!  Tonight was the Magic Hour paint out for the Stems Plein-Air, benefitting the Overland and Arboretum. This is a lively place with walkers and families strolling by to visit and enjoy the downtown district.  I only wish I had more time here to paint in my old stomping grounds!  Painting number 5054 in 5054 days. 

Hickory and St Louis

This is the second annual Historic West Bottoms Plein Air event in Kansas City, and it is fun to explore these streets.  I've only been to this area a handful of times in my whole life, so every street is new to me. I found this location as I was leaving the area last year, and just had to paint it first this time.  Painting number 5049 in 5049 days. 

Stream in Winter

We briefly had a warm blue sky before the clouds filled in again. With oil I sketched my scene, filling in the masses quickly.  Painting fast is very important when the temperature is dangerously low.  I wear self heating socks, gloves, Canadian running pants, smart wool base layers, a warm scarf that wraps around my face, warm boots, and a long coat that is warm to -7 degrees.  I also stand on a very thick yoga mat that insulates my feet from the snow and ice. I carry hand and toe warmers, but I haven't needed them with all my layers.  When my fingertips start to get cold, I know it's time to wrap up my painting and give it that final push to finish.  Sometimes I leave the outer edge thinly covered, so I can make a mad dash for warmth at the end!  Painting number 4023 in 4023 days. 

Night at Union Station

Union Station takes on a magical presence when visited at night.  As the crowds slacken,the very large tree dominates in this space, and it's reflection on the floor is stunning.  What a treat to get to capture this in oil on panel, and already I long to paint it large for my own wall.  This majestic place is steeped in history, and the history of so many families who come here each Christmas to make memories.  Painting number 3989 in 3989 days. 

Autumn at Oak Glenn

 

This was such an amazing painting day!  As soon as I pulled up the road leading to the Oak Glenn Winery, I wanted to paint it!  The morning light was streaming through the trees, illuminating the autumn landscape. After a quick look at the top of the hill, I headed back to paint this beautiful stretch of road.  I blocked this one in fast because the light was already changing so much. It was a bit of a struggle to find the right color balance as this is my first real fall color paint this year!  I do love a good challenge!  I'm so happy this painting has a new home tonight!  Painting number 3932 in 3932 days. 

Sunflowers!

 

I had extra help in the garden for this one, and I just HAD to post this photo of him!  It is VERY characteristic of him - no matter where I am!  He wants to be between me and whatever I'm attending to, wherever I am!  After cleaning the carpet and rugs this morning (where he had to spend time outside or in his kennel until they were dry), he was not about to be separated from any of us again today.  He even tried to squeeze between my oldest daughters legs and the table leg in the kitchen - just to be under the table by us all!  But he couldn't fit, and had to back right out of the tiny hole, lol! He's so funny, and very needy.  And I don't think he appreciates the clean rugs either. Painting number 3863 in 3863 days. 

Vincent's in the Vineyard

 

Now Showing at Silver Sycamore Gallery in Sainte Genevieve - St Vincent's in the Vineyard Chapel at Chaumette Winery - in watercolor batik!  What a lovely place to paint, situated on a hill overlooking the vineyards and winery!  This place is a wonderful place to dine, spend time in the veranda, and sip wine while soaking in the lush surroundings!  Come see this painting in person in lovely Sainte Genevieve!  Painting number 3730 in 3730 days. 

Stella and Me Batik

Come watch as I demonstrate my watercolor batik method tonight at the Silver Sycamore Gallery for the Art Walk in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, from 6:30 to 9:00!  This charming cafe is right across the street from where we're staying - and a local favorite!  We stopped by for a wonderful lunch after shopping, and will have to go back for dessert!  It is such a treat to spend a few days in a French colonial place like this!  Painting number 3729 in 3729 days.  

Magic at Union Station

 

I couldn't resist painting this iconic scene for the Holiday Reflections Quick Paint last night!  Union Station is one of my favorite places to paint during the holidays, and it is a joy to bring my oils for this. The nocturne lighting is rich in here, and the reflections of the floor are magnificent.  Love that generations of my family have walked this grand hall, and so happy to get to paint it again and again.  I am so honored this painting was chosen from so many beautiful pieces as the winner, and I can't wait to paint here again.  It is truly Christmas when one spends time down here!  Painting number 4122 in 4122 days. 

Stashworthy Fabric

What a special and unique opportunity it was to paint the interior of the Stashworthy Fabric shop on Main Street in Parkville!  I spent a little time selecting exactly what I wanted to capture - then started the sketch.  All of the gorgeous antique sewing machines in the windows grabbed me first - but all the special details pulled me around the room, calling to be painted. So, with ink and watercolor, I began the journey of capturing this place. An artist friend soon joined me to paint his own vision, and we caught up and visited as we worked.  I think the happiness of this place and the comraderie shines through in the painting - and I'm happy both our paintings have a new home here!  Painting number 4362 in 4362 days.