Beyond the Garden

The weather could not have been more perfect for the Sunset Quick Paint at the arboretum for Stems Plein Air!  I especially loved painting here again with my daughter, who has accompanied me many times here as a child, and later to paint for the event herself!  It's very special to share this creative time with her, in such a peaceful place.  The sunset was amazing, and had me longing for my oils at the finish!  Painting number 3770 in 3770 days. 

Monet Painting his Garden

There is a wonderful statue of Monet, seated on a bench at his easel, at the far right of this garden.  He is perfectly located to paint all the grandeur of this very special place, which is on the left.  The curved bridge is the focal point of his gaze.  Behind all of this is Margaret's Pond, with it's distant trees and subtle reflections. This landscape was perfect for the long format, using a new paper and my raven black ink.  I really love the flow and spread of this ink.  The more I use it, the more I like it.  Good thing I have a large bottle of it!  Painting number 1972 in 1972 days. This one is now showing at the Tomahawk Ridge Community Center in Overland Park, KS.

Wonder in the Sky

Today was the Art Fair at the arboretum, and it is my last day for painting in the Stems event.  I've had so much fun painting in the gardens.  Today was hot and humid, with rain threatening.  For this painting,  I was set up under the edge of my tent,  so when the rain began, it was okay.  I could keep on painting until finished.  The clouds were simply amazing as they raced across the sky.  I started with the shadow sides of the clouds first, moving to the lights next.  As I moved to the midtones, I pushed the colors a little to capture their beauty.  It was fun to visit with all the patrons as they walked through the gardens, I think I may just go into withdrawal when I'm not painting here every day!  Painting number 1607 in 1607 days.

Poppies at the Lake

With so much painting, I often switch from one medium to another at the drop of a hat, although it has been years since I've used Golden Open acrylics. I found them too tacky before, sticking even months later!  So,  I abandoned them after one plein air event, without seriously working with them. This time,  I added one Liquitex heavy bodied acrylic and a regular gel medium to the mix, ensuring good curing. It worked like a dream,  and I was able to control the drying.  Opens used by themselves take forever to dry,  and I like to work faster than that!  I purchased mine when they first came out, and they may well have adjusted their formula since then.  I really had fun pushing that paint around with a knife - and I want to do more of that in the future,  but I'll never give up my oils!  Painting number 1606 in 1606 days :)

Path to the Lake

What a beautiful day for an art fair!   The Overland Park arboretum hosted the fair today to showcase the plein air work of this year's Stems event.  My tent had a clear view of the path leading to Margaret's Pond, so I set my easel up to paint.  I really enjoy visiting while I work, the time passes quickly.  What could be better than being surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the arboretum?  I wish I had brought another panel to paint on!  Painting number 1251 in 1251 days.

Path to the Lake
Oil on panel, 12x9
purchase here