Twin Creeks

 

Even overcast days are beautiful, in their quiet, misty way. The subdued colors of winter are heightened in this light. The twists in this water are lovely, and winter is the best season to reach the water's edge.  This local lake is a painting treasure trove, and I'm so lucky to get to paint the beauty.  Painting number 4802 in 4802 days. 

Along the Creek Sepia

 

Time spent with pen and ink is like time spent with an old friend! I'm using a fountain pen loaded with rich brown ink for this, and a water brush pen in my pocket.  A paper towel completes my gear so I can hike in and out fuss free. It's a little brushy along here, so deep winter is the best time of year to get good sight lines.   It becomes too difficult when the vegetation fills in during summer months.  Quiet and tranquil, this creek is a favorite local spot that I return to again and again.  Painting number 4797 in 4797 days. 

Last Snow at the Creek

 

Too soon the snow is melting, as I squeeze in one more snowy painting. It's going to be in the 50s and 60s for the next week, with no snow in sight.  That also means I'll be spending lots of time outdoors, doing some early work in the garden beds. This was a fun day gathering with Barb, Cathy and Mom at Panera for a long lunch and visiting.  I need to schedule that in more often!  Painting number 4783 in 4783 days. 

Missouri Creek

 I love this rustic creek even in the dead of winter where color is scarce.  Ink and watercolor are perfect for this creekside sketch.  The birds are singing as the water gently trickles along, and I am restored in this place as I paint.  Nature is so very soothing. Painting number 4054 in 4054 days. 

Ghost Creek

 

Diamine's Ghost ink is perfect for the snow covered landscape!  A lovely blue gray that bleeds toward pink in the wet areas.  Those pops of turquoise are the reaction to a little bleach applied with a brush. I don't know what would happen if I flicked some in - maybe a snow effect?  I have so much exploring to do with these inks - and it seems my time is always short!  This ink is the day 6 selection of their Inkvent Calendar - and another wonderful one!  Painting number 4135 in 4135 days. 

Dusted Truffle Creek

 

Wow!  This Dusted Truffle ink is luxurious! I LOVE all the chroma in this single ink by Diamine! Day 11 of the #diamineinkventcalendar, this brown reveals jewel tones as it spreads into wet areas as warm and cool hues mingle together.  This is such a great brown ink - it has moved right up to my favorites list!  What a wonderful way to finish a day filled with friends and family and robots! Painting number 4118 in 4118 days. 

Melting Ice on the Creek

 Waiting until the clearing afternoon sky opened up, I was rewarded with lovely color in the winter landscape. An additional couple of inches topped yesterday's snow, leaving a beautiful blanket of snow.  A little creek melt added drama, and I chose a vertical format to push that a little.  I don't think I've ever come at this creek from this vantage, and it was fun to meet the challenge.  Perhaps I need a little more warm highlight on that snow on the sunlight?  I'll look again with fresh eyes in the morning!  Painting number 3319 in 3319 days. 

Last Light at Snow Creek

It seems I am always trying to cram as much into each day as I possibly can.  The problem with this is that I often run short of daylight when I finally get to paint - especially on these short winter days!  Afternoon is the warmest part of the day, and after 4pm is the best light, normally.  I had three totally different light situations to choose from today as the snow moved in and out. So glad I captured that last warm light.  It was very cold today, so all layers were needed, I even pulled out my battery operated socks - but didn't have time to figure them out. I think I need to charge them first?  I will definitely use them tomorrow, because it is even getting colder!   Painting number 3318 in 3318 days, and this painting also has a secret - another painting underneath it!  

Snow Along the Creek

Today finds me painting a favorite creek from a different vantage - and LOVING the colors out in the landscape!  I love a clear January day with it's warm, pale turquoise sky, and the way the sunlight warms up those dry grasses popping out of the snow.  The warm and cool colors play together in perfect harmony not far from where my little ones all went to school.  Love this creek as it stretches out toward the lake.  I wonder how may people walk past this every day, and do not see the beauty.  Painting number 3306 in 3306 days, and day 20 of the #stradaeasel challenge.  

Stargazer Creek

This lovely bend in the creek that feeds Cleveland Lake is right off the main walk. Easily accessible, it's a great spot for a quick pen and ink drawing.  I'm using a new ink from Diamine's Inkvent Calendar - Stargazer, a rich, warm blue when wet.  It is very dark in the line, but a light brush of water releases the extra chroma.  I can see how wonderful this could be for a snow covered nocturne, with the night sky inked heavily this shade of blue.  I've been very busy getting paintings finished and shipped out.  I'm hoping to get one done for myself, too - if the stars align!  I'm currently behind on my ink doors, but I plan to catch up over Christmas break. Things are bound to slow down!  Painting number 3259 in 3259 days. 

Snowfall at the Creek

 I was getting this painting ready to take to the gallery, and I had not written on the back. I often skip this step in the winter, I just want to get packed up and out of the cold. So, I looked back on my blog to find my post, with the date and name I would have given it at the time.  I looked at each winter month, and nothing. I searched my blog for the location and key tags - also nothing.  I found the photo I took of the ink sketch and the place before I painted in oil, and then I found this photo in my phone, unshared.  This is one of my favorite winter paintings, and I didn't even post it.  I don't think I have ever forgotten to post such a large painting, this one is 24x18.  I am entering this painting along with several others into the MVIS Signature Show at the Cathy Kline Art Gallery in Parkville for July. Who knows what number this painting really was, but I'm giving it today's number - 3083 in 3083 days. 

January Creek

 

I forgot to post this tiny painting - I must have been in a hurry to get out of the cold!  I found it while reorganizing my car, so I thought I'd better post it. Every once in a while, paintings slip through the cracks and I don't have a record of them.  A friend just bought one of my paintings in a shop and I have no pic on site or post on my blog, only the oil painting that I painted using that ink sketch for reference.  These watercolor half pans are from Prima, their Essence collection of Watercolor Confections.  Great colors for winter landscapes, and perfect for the artist on the go.  The fabulous new fountain pen is a TWSBI Diamond AL R in limited edition Emerald Green - just in time for St.  Patrick's day!  Painting number 2977 in 2977 days. 

Snow at Winter Creek

The dark water of January has returned after our record breaking cold snap, and I absolutely love capturing it in oil.  I've been so blessed to have snow to paint for several days running, and am trying hard to take advantage of every day.  I've returned to working large, which is one of my goals for this winter.  I like exploring with more detail what is too difficult to do in a small surface.   It allows me to tackle a more complicated composition, as well.  Perhaps I should even keep a large one in process as I do smaller ones daily?  I've always been one to finish one painting before beginning another, though, not wanting to leave anything unfinished.  I love the quiet of winter, so very peaceful indeed.  Painting number 2966 in 2966 days. 

Northern Creek

Yesterday I was asked about my sketch supplies, so today I am posting my most compact watercolor kit.  This 42 color Superior Water Colour palette folds neatly in a strip when not fanned out. A single water brush pen fits in it's built in holder.  I've chosen a TWSBI Diamond fountain pen loaded with Robert Oster's Thunderstorm ink to compliment the warm winter colors of grass and greening water.  I can't believe this creek is showing so much green in January!  For this very reason, it caught my eye, so I painted it.  I use this palette when I want all my supplies in a pocket.  I can make them work, though the colors can vary. Not the strong pigment I'm used to with my Watercolor Confections, they still serve me well in the field for a quick sketch.  There is a blot pad built in, but I use a paper towel instead. The biggest benefit is the 42 colors in such a compact set. I can paint anywhere with that and a pen in my pocket. Painting number 2944 in 2944 days. 

Rural Creek

Love how the north side of this wooded hill hangs on to that snow!  As a daily painter, I know all the local spots, and just how the snow will melt.  This secluded little spot in the woods will still be lovely when there is hardly snow left in the surrounding areas. So, with ink and watercolor I do a quick sketch on 3x3 handmade paper.  This fountain pen is a TWSBI Eco in rose gold and white, and I've used one of those very compact strip watercolor palettes that fits neatly in my pocket.  So easy to paint anywhere with a pen, strip palette and water brush pen. A few pieces of paper and I'm good to go!  Painting number 2943 in 2943 days and day 29 of the #stradaeasel challenge. 

Winter Curve of Creek

Today finds me playing with composition to up the drama on this lovely winter snow scene.  When returning to favorite painting spots, the challenge is always there to find a new way to capture the scene.  I often look to composition first, changing the orientation, scale, or focus.  Sometimes, the sheer difference in light is all I need.  Each season offers different foliage in height and color, altering the painting drastically from summer to winter. Much of these creek paintings I love to do in winter are hardly visible in summer, as all the brush crowds in.  I love exploring all the possibilities, one painting at a time.  Painting number 2941 in 2941 days. 

Fork in the Creek

I had given up on snow arriving when I looked out in the middle of the night.  So, I was so excited to see albeit a light snowfall had arrived!  Determined to make my classes at the gym first, I put blinders on to get there. Once there, my eyes kept drifting towards the windows - AND THAT BEAUTIFUL WHITE STUFF!  With my gear in the car, I went directly to the spot I did my pen and ink with watercolor yesterday, and painted in oils. My right hand did get a bit cold, since I can't wear a glove while painting small - and didn't even think of grabbing a hand warmer from my trunk.  No matter - it was totally worth it to paint in a place like this.  I hope to paint this place large with the next good snow!  Painting number 2940 in 2940 days and day 27 of the #stradaeasel challenge.

Missouri Creek

Even a gray day can be beautiful!  The grasses have been taking on a wonderful golden color over the last few days, and the reds seem more vibrant.  The overnight rains have saturated all the colors in the landscape, and I'm finding new pleasure in exploring them.  As I come to the easel every day outdoors, I notice the slightest changes in light, shadow and season.  Those subtle shifts inspire me to paint.  Ink and watercolor are calling to me today, so of course I choose them.  I try to always listen to that inner voice.  This handmade cotton paper is another tiny one - only 3 inches square.  It's the perfect size today because I must get back to make lasagna before the Chiefs game begins!  Painting number 2937 in 2937 days, day 24 of the #stradaeasel challenge. 

Curve of Creek

Today I am sketching in the tall grass, standing on a deer path along this creek.  This is a perspective I can't get during the growing season, as the brush is far too thick.  So, I'm taking advantage of this opportunity, and plan to paint all along here this winter.  The twists and turns in the creek offer countless painting compositions, and of I can just get a little snow, those paintings will be magical!  Painting number 2933 in 2933 days and day 20 in the #stradaeasel challenge. 

Creek Off Trail

This creek calls to me from afar.  The rough and natural grasses hold so much interest in the landscape against the smooth and icy creek.  It's a sunny day in the 40s, and I expected this creek to be melted, showing that dark water of winter.  It's peaceful here this afternoon, just what I needed to unwind from a very busy day.  Now, I can return to the world refreshed.  Painting number 2932 in 2932 days, and day 19 of the most recent #stradaeasel challenge, which I keep forgetting to mention in this blog.