A Stroll through Kauffman Garden

 

The cannas are putting on a show at the Kauffman Memorial Garden, and I am happy to paint it with a few artist friends today!  Taking a break from framing artwork for an upcoming show, I just couldn't resist the chance to paint here again.  I've not seen the cannas blooming here before - and they grabbed my attention immediately. I dreaded seeing the entrance with the stately old trees removed, but found the area charming, with a replanting of my favorite redbud trees in their place.  Flanked by rows of vivid blooms, the space really was much improved.  The music of the fountain had me longing to repair my own.  I didn't realize how much I miss the trickling water.  In this canna bed were white narrow leaf zinnias which looked like daisies, starclusters, and tropical milkweed - three flowers I couldn't identify without Google lens! I LOVE learning something new while out painting something I love!  Painting number 4990 in 4990 days. 

Entrance to the Garden

I have wanted to paint the entrance into the Kauffman Memorial Garden for years.  I'm happy that I finally got to do it in oils during the Brush Creek Art Walk!  Oils are not allowed inside the garden, only watercolors.  So, on the countless times I've been here, it is only with my watercolor set up.  I'm entering this painting into the special Memorial category, and I've had such a good time painting this event this year. Painting number 4645 in 4635 days. 

Kauffman Garden Dancers

 Oh this garden is lovely!!  Stepping inside the gate is like stepping into a secret garden with babbling fountains.  This long fountain is my favorite with it's fluid dancing girls, dancing among the water sprays.  It is like music to enjoy, with the scent of flowers all around me.  With ink and watercolor I capture this scene, while I am still sheltered in the shade.  Now I'm off to frame and I'll return tonight for the Quick Paint at JC Nichol's fountain.  So nice to see Kansas City Parks step up and host a plein air event!  They have been few and far between this year!  Painting number 2811 in 2811 days. 

Of Garden and City

Of Garden and City
Acrylic over molding paste on panel, 16x12
Brush Creek Art Walk - purchase here

sketch & molding paste

On the lawn south of the Kauffman Gardens, I started this painting with the buildings of the Plaza in the background.  After the initial sketch with pastel, I took my palette knife and sculpted in the detail.  Using a heavier hand on the trees, grass and flowers, and a lighter one on the background, I built up the layers until satisfied.  Allowing this to dry briefly, I started another one of zinnias.  I don't like waiting for anything, so when something requires drying time, I always work on a second and sometimes a third painting in the same technique - so by the time I am through with them - my first one is dry.  I then start blocking in my masses, using extra caution over the molding paste.  The thicker parts take longer to dry, and I don't want to shift the paste.  Now, I push and pull the color to reflect how this beautiful landscape affects me.  So much of a painting is a reflection of that specific time and place, and how I respond to my surroundings.  This was a lovely, warm day with gentle breezes - SO welcome after Friday's cold and rainy plein air day!  I must enjoy these days while they last!  Painting number 626 in as many days and Day 16 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Bee in the Coneflowers

Bee in the Coneflowers
Watercolor on paper, 5x7

Today, I am painting the purple coneflowers from the Kauffman Memorial Garden.  The purple coneflowers are in full bloom over there - and the bees were buzing all around them!  After sharing breakfast with my parents, they headed off for Ohio.   I then had to organize all my gear and frames for the upcoming Door County plein air event, leaving a tiny painting window to get this done.  I have used a Strathmore cold pressed 594-6 rough watercolor paper - and I like it!  Love the texture and the way the wet paint spreads over the surface!  I used just a little bit of the permanent blue on this - and boy, you can see the pop!  This is fast becoming a favorite choice in my watercolor paints.  I am also starting to hear that "little voice" that tells me when I am done - which has not ever kicked in with these new experimental watercolors until now.  That is a good sign!  I barely finished this in time to pick up some work at the Parkville Frame Gallery, and then had to get to Blue Springs for a 7:30 showing for "Annie" which my youngest cousin - Faith, my Aunt Diana and Uncle Ed were in.  It was a wonderful show - I have very talented relatives!  So, finally arriving home at 11:30, I am only now getting to post this - just under the wire! This painting makes 563 paintings in 563 days.  It is now time to eat - I was so busy that I missed lunch and dinner today!

Flowers at the Kauffman Garden

Flowers at the Kauffman Garden
Watercolor on paper, 7x5

Today, my parents and I visited the Kauffman Memorial Garden in Kansas City.  It is a beautiful, peaceful place with several wonderful fountains and abundant blooms!  These beauties were basking in the sun, with the shade falling behind them.  It made for a peaceful and serene composition.  After first masking out the lighter areas, I underpainted the darker parts.  Rubbing off the mask, I went back in with my brush to add color to these lighter areas.  With a full day and a house full of family until now, I am painting and posting late tonight.  This one makes 562 in as many days.