Hall of Waters

The Hall of Waters in Excelsior Springs is an iconic slice of local history.  Once a tourist destination for the healing waters, the hall is lined with themed Christmas trees open to the public to vote on their favorite.  What a wonderful tradition to capture in ink and watercolor for our monthly Urban Sketchers KC event.  Glad to have my Mom with me to enjoy her first trip to this town, and to lunch at the local diner after a bit of shopping!  Painting number 3978 in 3978 days. 

O Christmas Trees

 It is magical to stand in a place like this, surrounded by Christmas trees and ornaments, and paint.  The beauty of the place seeps into the painting, as soft Christmas music wafts in the air.  It's the little things that make life worth living, and this place is a joy to paint.  I couldn't leave without buying a few of the ornaments adorning those trees!  Painting number 3253 in 3253 days. 

Family Christmas Trees

I simply LOVE painting Christmas!  Family Tree Nursery is so welcoming to us artists, allowing us to come set up and paint their Christmas magic.  Surrounded by all things Christmas, I positioned myself with a view of the fireplace, nestled in the decorated trees.  It was so nice to visit with shoppers and the friendly staff while I painted.  It really feels like Christmas when I'm immersed in a place like this, with my paints.  I really love painting during the holidays!  Painting number 3251 in 3251 days. 

Tree Trio

Another gorgeous December day - and I'm out sketching a slice of Christmas at Crown Center.  I wish I had a better on site image - but I didn't check this before moving to another location.  I didn't have my normal sketch bag, so my fountain pen ink is a blend of mostly Levenger's Raven Black with a little of their Cocoa brown.  I initially only had the brown in that pen, but it was far too red when washed with a little water, so I added the black.  Which, is not advised, by the way.  All inks are different and have different properties, and many simply don't blend well, causing issues on the paper.  Or, so I've read.  I like to blaze my own trail, throwing caution to the wind when it comes to such things - lol!  There's no rules in art!  Painting number 2892 in 2892 days. 

Cardinal Trees

This enchanting place is a perfect getaway, if only for a couple hours!  With ink and watercolor I sketched out the scene before me, going back in with a little more ink.  The trimmed trees line the pathways, and are in many themes.  One can pick the ornaments right off the trees for purchase.  I found the cheerful cardinals donning this tree irresistible!  After I painted this, I bought a couple for my own tree!  Painting number 2871 in 2871 days. 

Family Tree Nursery

The Family Tree Nursery is a "must paint" during the holiday season!  Christmas trees line the walkways, all glistening with ornaments for sale.  The Monday Morning Watercolorists have met in this special place today, even though it is 64 degrees outdoors!  Though I hardly paint inside on a gorgeous day - this place is the exception!  Love my ink and watercolor for such an interior scene!  Painting number 2868 in 2868 days. 

Crown Center Trees

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Hall of Trees ATC

There is a wonderful vintage feel about this place, and the Christmas trees on display are icing on the cake.  I wasn't sure this sweeping view would work in the small ATC size, but it totally does.  I just needed to remain mindful of that perspective.  It was fun to see so many visitors enjoying the trees, a wonderful place to get inspired for the holidays.  Painting number 2138 in 2138 days. 

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Hall of Trees

What a wonderful idea to paint ornaments to share with the group in Excelsior Springs!  We picked them up when we checked in at the Main Springs Art Gallery, then headed over to the Hall of Waters to capture Christmas.  So nice to spend the morning with artist friends.  I have missed this!  Painting number 2137 in 2137 days.

Hall of Waters

This morning's Urban Sketchers KC event took place at Hall of Waters in Excelsior Springs.  What a beautiful place, steeped in history.  The grounds are lovely, and the Christmas trees on display were simply icing on the cake.  After completing 5 paintings and meeting back at Main Springs Art Gallery, we had a delightful lunch together at Willow Springs on Main.  Everything was fabulous!  This is the first time in a long time that I really felt like myself.  Thank you, dear artist friends!  Painting number 2135 in 2135 days.

Antique Christmas Trees

A holiday watercolor painting from the Mission Road Antique Mall, ready for Saturday's show and sale at the mall.  It's a shame I won't be there to share it. Painting number 2112 in 2112 days.

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Poinsettias and Pines

I was overwhelmed by all of the gorgeous things to paint on location at the Family Tree Nursery!  Here for our monthly gathering of the Urban Sketchers KC, it was my first time to walk through the doors. Wow!  I have a new favorite nursery and walked out with a box of fancy poinsettias, and perfect herb plants for my kitchen!  What a productive day - and that was only the beginning!  Painting number 1788 in 1788 days.