Red Barn in Carthage

For my third paint of the day,  I chose this wonderful barn across the street from Red Oak II.  I love the architecture of it,  and the showy red paint!  How could I possibly resist it's call?  I never draw things out with pencil first,  I jump right into ink.  I like the loose,  sketchy lines that I tweak as I go.  Once the ink rendering was complete,  I started filling in with watercolor.  I use my water brushpen with my tiny pan sets (watercolor confections - classic and decadent pies) by Prima.  I can take them anywhere!   This probably took me 40 minutes to finish - and it will live forever in my special handmade journal. 
This workshop weekend has been super fun!  I can't wait for the next one!  Painting number 1553 in 1553 days :)

Carthage Courthouse in Ink

I think the historic Carthage Courthouse is the most beautiful courthouse I have ever laid eyes on!  It is clearly visible as you approach the town, and looks far more like a fairy tale castle than the county seat!  It is very challenging to paint a night scene with watercolors!  I was longing for my oils as soon as I started dropping in that night sky!  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  This is certainly one of those things that will only improve with practice.  Here's to another year of pushing my artistic boundaries!  Happy New Year!  Painting number 1451 in 1451 days and I will be linking to another 30 in 30 painting challenge, which is the catalyst that started me on my daily painting adventure 4 YEARS AGO!!  WOWZA!!

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Light on the Barn

This timeless barn scene was right off our porch at the Dalton Gang house.  The porch light gave me enough light to work with from the yard, while looking at the scene before me.  I never use artifical clip on lights when painting nocturnes, I just don't like the strong, blue light they shed.  They interfere with the way my eyes translate the colors of the illuminated objects in the landscape.  It was so warm and peaceful as three of us painted this place - and a glass of red wine added to my comfort!   We started later than planned since we couldn't pull ourselves away from the bluegrass gospel music at the Salem Country Church, but it was totally worth it!  Music, fellowship and the nostalgic beauty of this place - who could ask for more?  This painting might be one of my favorite nocturnes!   Painting number 1394 in 1394 days :)

Oil on panel, 10x8
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Road to the Salem Country Church

Early Sunday morning, I slipped out to find the perfect painting spot.  The little gravel road winding through town was irresistible, and I set up my easel along side the road (although, the best vantage was from the middle of the road, I resisted)!  The early sunlight spread across the landscape, and I marked it first, followed by the shadows.  The wind was down, which made for a much easier paint than yesterday - painting in the wind can really be a battle!  This painting unfolded naturally, in this peaceful, quiet setting.  Painting number 1392 in 1392 days :)

Oil on panel, 10x8
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Phillips on Route 66

What started as a warm and sunny morning soon turned to a chilly, overcast afternoon.  I have waited years to paint this remarkable vintage gas station  - and I was not going to let the weather deter me!  This Phillips 66 used to be located on the historic Route 66, and has been relocated to Red Oak II in Carthage, Missouri.  I began this painting with a quick sketch with pastel, and followed that quickly with my paints.  Wanting to paint a 12x9, 8 had to reprime my last board, changing it from a night format to a day color.  In this case, I tried out a purple gray underpainting, thinking the color would vibrate well with the particular hues of this scene.  I like it!  It was a little challenging since I have not used this underpainting before, but I think I will try this again!   Painting number 1391 in 1391 days :)

Oil on panel, 12x9
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Mother-in-Law's House

What a wonderful way to kick off our Red Oak II painting workshop!   This was the first demo of the day, and a fabulous little house full of character!  I have wanted to paint this scene since the first time I saw it years ago!   The early morning light was beautiful, and the perfect light for this landscape.  After a quick block in, I brought the painting to completion - then started making the rounds to help the students.  The weather could not have been nicer - and the place is simply charming!   I am looking forward to holding future workshops here, too!   Painting number 1390 in 1390 days :)

oil on panel, 12x9
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