Waterfall at Mill Creek

Waterfall at Mill Creek
Vivelor Gallery, Independence, MO
purchase here

While submitting this for another event, I realized that I had never posted this painting!  Painted on location at Thundering Oaks in Independence, Missouri, this was my very first painting of the two day event.  I did not come out of this creek for three paintings - and then I moved on to the sun setting across the pond!  Spending some time with my daughter's new puppy, I am wrapping things up. The freezing rain and snow is making travel treacherous, and now I think I'd better head for home!  Painting number 1437 in 1437 days :)

Gently Flowing

When I first walked down to the edge of Mill Creek, I was mesmerized.  I am always attracted to the water, but this place is amazing.  In fact, I painted three large paintings down in the creek before I climbed back out!   The water winds over the large slabs of rock, which span as far as I could see in either direction.  This was the weekend of the Independence Paint Out, and it was sheer joy to spend it with our gracious hosts, painting such a glorious private estate.  This painting makes 1408 in 1408 days :)

oil on panel, 18x14
purchase here

Last Light at the Pond

Thundering Oaks has been such a fabulous place to spend the weekend painting!  I'm sure there are many great locations I did not even get the chance to see, as I just kept setting up my easel as fast as I saw another wonderful composition!   It was rather late in the day when I started this one.  In fact, I doubted whether I should start another with so little light left, but the scene was calling..... The deep, cool shadow shades really made that "golden hour" light sing on the foreground stand of trees, so I HAD to paint it!  It was important to get those lights and darks marked quickly - because this light was fleeting!  By the time I finished, the glow was only a memory, with only my painting to record it's wonder.  Painting number 1364 in 1364 days. 

Historic Courthouse

Historic Courthouse
Oil on panel, 11x14
Independence Paint Out

On location

The Independence Paint Out was a quick paint celebrating the one year anniversary of the Truman Courthouse restoration.  It was fun to walk through the halls, one room is full of Harry S Truman memorabilia  while another has a gift shop.  There was a youth division paint out as well for ages 14-18, and Michaela and her friend Clint participated.  Michaela's charcoal drawing was awesome - and Clint had a good start on his painting, but two hours was just not enough time.  Even the seasoned artists agree with the time issue!  It was dark when this photo was taken, and the glare from the flood lights reflects off the surface.  It is always so fun to paint with fellow artists - and extra special to have Michaela and Clint there too!  This is painting number 729 in as many days!