Mill Creek in February

It was unseasonably warm when I headed to the park.  I hiked down to the creek on the west side of the lake, as the wind was kicking up from the north.  Finding my spot, the cool wind was right in my face.  I climbed down on the boulders to the edge of the water, using the creek bank as a wind break.  I didn't see any snakes, but kept an eye out between those crevices for whatever may climb out!  I actually sat on one of those boulders with this 8x10 Guerilla Pochade in my lap, to paint this.  I didn't have my palette, so I squeezed out fresh paint from the limited tubes I had loaded in this box.  Well, I couldn't get the alizarin crimson open, and it was my only cool color.  I had Terre Greeze yellow earth, instead of yellow ochre - and it does not make a good green when added to black!  With no blue on board, this was bad indeed!  This yellow did not mix well with white either!  It is a very coarse paint, and I have enjoyed it on a normal palette, but I will never use it on a Zorn palette again!   I will not be so haphazard the next time I load a new pochade box!  Lesson learned!  This painting is the 1490th painting in 1490 days.

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

Winding Mill Creek

Well, I have certainly spent the day painting a little slice of heaven!  Today was the first chance I have had to paint in the Independence paint out at Thundering Oaks.  Wow!  This beautiful estate has paintings in all directions!   Once I found Mill Creek, I remained in the creek bed the rest of the day!  Our hosts, Curt and Peter, graciously welcomed us and treated us all to a wonderful lunch complete with wine!  I was able to finish two large paintings today, and I hope to do the same tomorrow.  I am so fortunate to be able to paint this hidden jewel!   Painting number 1363 in 1363 days :)

Spring Comes to Mill Creek

Spring Comes to Mill Creek
Oil on panel, 6x6

We had a "paint in" today at the Tri-County Art League, and this is my quick paint.  I actually thought that I would be able to paint two of these small 6x6's during the time allowed.  Maybe I could have, but instead, I visited and lollygagged around until finally, I had to quick paint just to get this one down!  This is the wonderful new spot I have found to paint - and I can't wait for a dryer day when I can traipse all over the creek sides - gathering wonderful reference for future paintings!  It is such a welcome sight to see the red buds showing their color - I just can't get enough!  Painting number 469 in as many days :)

Turn of the Creek

Turn if the Creek
Oil on panel, 10x8
Mill Creek Park, Belton MO

Between pilates, Zumba and watching the grandsons and the puppy today, I managed to carve out a little time to paint this landscape.  This is from the new spot I just found - not far from home - which is always a bonus!  After all, time spent driving is not time spent painting.......nor is time spent cleaning, cooking and doing laundry!  There are so many twists and turns to this little creek - the landscape possibilities are countless.  And just imagine the changes as the leaves unfold and all is washed with the color of spring! Another gift is the paved walking trail - which means no traipsing through the mud and high grass!  Painting number 458 in as many days :)

Along Mill Creek

Along Mill Creek
Oil on panel, 10x8
Mill Creek Park

I met my daughter and grandson at this new park in Belton - just south of Mill Creek Upper Elementary today with the puppy.  If I want him to be good for a while, I must first walk him for at least 30 minutes.  We were there for an hour and a half - and he has been asleep ever since, allowing me to complete this painting from today's trip!  This park has a wonderful walking trail surrounded by woods, and various turns of the creek, and even a lake with a boat ramp, docks and a bridge.  I found several landscapes to paint right off the bat, and all it takes is wearing out the puppy first!  A beautiful gray day for painting, this is number 456 in as many days.