Cedar Creek Inked

I ordered in 16 samples of ink from Goulet Pen Company - and this is my first sample run with Noodler's Walnut.  I LOVE the rich color as I add a little water, and the deep dark color as it lays down at full strength.  I'm using a glass dip pen with a metal nib, and I load it by dipping it in the ink to the top of the well (groove) on the nib.  I completed this drawing with only 3 dips in the ink.  It is amazing how far that ink goes!  This brown has jumped right to the top of my favorites list!  Painting number 1773 in 1773 days.

Cedar Creek in November

Any time I have a meeting in Lee's Summit, I make time to come to this creek and paint.  The water was very calm today, only the trickling of water over the rock shelf to keep me company.  With few people in the park today, no one walked by the rather remote location.  I was tucked in tight behind foliage, set up on rocks that were still wet from the rain a couple days ago.  Just standing here, letting the paint strokes fall from my brush is therapeutic.  I've not used this box in a while, so there were a few minor additions that had to be made when I arrived back home.  I sure missed my one inch soft bristle brush, and I needed fresh oil for cleaning those brushes!  With only one panel in my box, I couldn't stay for another painting.  Every day is a lesson, and today taught me to check that box before heading down the lane!  Painting number 1772 in 1772 days.

Cedar Creek in February

Best.  Office.  Ever.  On this outstanding day in the 70's, I HAD to find a special placeto paint!   After taking care of some Summit Art jury business, I headed straight to this creek, to check out the February color.  The creek was down a little, so it was flush with a slab of rock that jutted out quite a ways, allowing me to stand in a place I've not been able to before.  The rock was wet, and a little messy, but SO worth the view!   With almost no foot traffic along the path, I had no interruptions at all.  I started with a quick paint sketch of the composition, and continued with the masses, choosing to paint the darks of the water first.  Then the sky, it's reflection, next the background tree line, and finally the rocks.  It was rather a haphazard massing in, without thought, letting my intuition lead the way.  The day was so pleasant, with only gentle winds down at water's edge, and the babbling of the water to serenade me.  I really considered staying for another painting, but Tiffany was headed to my house with the boys, so home I went!   This was truly a day well spent!  Painting number 1499 in 1499 days!!

Cedar Creek in January

Sometimes, I wake up with a desire to paint a certain place.  Whenever I stop by the gallery in Lee's Summit, I make it a point to head to this creek on the way home, painting gear in tow.  It was certainly cold at 17 degrees, but I had dressed in layers, armed with hand warmers. Using my newest easel, the 5x7 thumb box by Guerrilla Painter, I was able to get this small panel covered in under an hour.  I didn't even get cold until I had finished, and was walking briskly along the creek in search of other painting locations.  My limited palette today includes Indian yellow, red oxide, white and black - and for now, my palette is an Altoids tin!  I know, it's kinda crazy, but I just can't get paint on any easel if I can help it!  Painting number 1455 in 1455 days :)

Oil on panel, 7x5
purchase here

Autumn at Cedar Creek

It seems like an eternity since I have been down to Cedar Creek.  I have only been one other time, and the color is so different today!  A few golden leaves remain, but most of the color is past it's prime, showing more of the browns and deep siennas.  The bright green honeysuckle, just beginning to turn gold, was the perfect compliment to all the earthy tones.   I had to step carefully from one rock to another to pick my way over to my painting spot.  It was much harder to find my way out as it grew dark!  I very nearly fell in!  That would have been a "plein air first"!  Another gorgeous day for painting - maybe the last for a while.  Painting number 1407 in 1407 days :)

Oil on panel, 20x10
purchase here

Rippling Waters

Rippling Waters
Oil on canvas, 8x6
Cedar Creek, Lee's Summit, MO

For about the last three weeks - maybe more - I have been painting solely paintings from my place, some plein air, some from reference.  For a nice change of pace, I am today painting Cedar Creek in Lee's Summit.  This is facing east from under the bridge, just east of the soccer fields.  This is such a lovely hidden jewel right inside of the suburban landscape.  I am painting a small one today on canvas - because I still haven't cut and primed the birch yet!  This is my 242nd painting in 242 days and  Day 2 of Leslie Saeta's 30 day challenge.