Hidden Lake by the Bluff

Setting up towards the edge of the bluff, I had a good vantage of the hidden lake and trail.  Not at all afraid of heights, I was a little worried that my gear might blow off the bluff - so I scooted back a few feet.  There is a hiking trail up to the tip of that bluff, with a wonderful view over the Missouri River.  Once in a while, I could see a hiker along that ridge.  I stood in the sun for this one, with one hand on my pochade as I worked.  Using a palette knife to define the rock face, I spread thicker paint on the masses.  My paint is starting to oxidize, as I forgot to refresh it between events.  The thick paint actually helps me here, lending itself well to the planes. There is also quite a bit of organic debris that has blown into my paint and palette - so there really is a piece of this place in this painting!  Painting number 3412 in 3412 days. 

Maramec Waterfall

I am painting another little slice of heaven today!  Maramec Springs is absolutely one of my favorite places to paint, and today finds me on the hatchery side of the falls.  I stood just barely off the trail to get this view of rocks and rushing water.  I love to really study my subject with close observation as I near the finish.  Stepping back for a distant view is critical to deciding what to keep and what needs softening.  I had to pay attention to that stepping back today - or I would have been swimming with the fishes!  Baby trout, that is!  Painting number 2981 in 2981 days. 

Winding Spring

Oh how the light changed that water today! As I blocked in this painting, the dark blue green shades were so prominent in the water.  The clouds thinned ever so slightly and washed out the light on the scene!  Resisting the urge to chase the light, I now am not sure of my next step.  It was time to pack up and head to Gallery Zeke, so I am letting this painting rest, to look with fresh eyes tomorrow.  Painting number 2980 in 2980 days. 

First Signs of Spring at Maramec

 Painting at one of my favorite places, I have to make this post fast.  I've not had a cell connection until just now, so I'm posting as fast as I can!  It was sheer joy to paint today in the warm weather and gentle breezes!  How could I be so lucky?  I'm only down here because I needed to deliver a tire to my son at college - one that was not available anywhere closer than Liberty, up by us!  Since I'm in the area, you know I must paint!  I talked to stop many wonderful visitors as I worked - I just love the artist life!  Painting number 2979 in 2979 days. 

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. 

Old Trees at Loose Park

It is a little strange painting in a Kansas City Park during the time of covid.  I have been painting so many rural locations, many in my own property, that the hum of city life seems very loud.  As I settle in, I realize I have never been to Loose Park during the winter.  I try to paint here in the Rose Garden during the first blush of roses, and even throughout the season, as the formal garden is spectacular.  Today, the walkway to the pond drew me in, and these gorgeous trees called out to me.  This 30 minute tree study was fun and loose, just getting down my impressions with my limited Altoid tin palette.  I could see quite a bit of green in the landscape, but the camera didn't catch it, nor the pinks in those trunks.  It really is true about seeing so much more with my own eyes vs a photo.  Real life painting wins every time.  Painting number 2926 in 2926 days and day 13 of the #stradaeasel challenge. 

Along Cleveland Trail

A sunset spent outdoors with pen and ink?  Priceless.  If I've learned anything from the last 10 months of covid, it is to enjoy the little things.  Bask in the beauty of the sunset.  Soak up the sunrise on the front porch with a hot cup of tea.  Tend the gardens with loving care - and enjoy the simple acts of doing so.  I am truly mindful in a way I wasn't before.  As I walk out into the landscape, I really look before choosing a medium. What do I want to express about this moment?  I work more intuitively now, and tackle the more complicated, loving the process all the more.  I hope I am becoming more sensitive with my work, putting more of myself in every mark.  Maybe I'll choose oil the next time I'm here, basking in the beauty of the sunset.  Painting number 2921 in 2921 days. 

Autumn at Maramec Springs

 I have driven by this Maramec Springs Park several times on my way to Steelville and Saint Genevieve, always wanting to check out out - but never enough time.  WELL.  I will not be making that mistake again.  This place is a wellspring for masterpieces and I could never tire of painting here!  With a focus of painting larger in the field, I am working on a 20x16 masonite panel.  Gessoed and dare I say previously painted - I am upcycling old works.  So, this painting has a secret painting underneath.  Isn't that fun?  My third large piece this week, the process really seemed more comfortable today.  The first day was a struggle to cover the surface, the second was more manageable, and today was almost effortless.  With such an inspiring place, how could it be otherwise?  Painting number 2850 in 2850 days.  This painting is now showing at Gallery Zeke for a limited time only! 

Love Locks Bridge

 What a treat to meet the Monday Morning Watercolorists at this Kansas City icon!  I was out of town when there was a paint out here, so I jumped at the chance to come today!  Now part of Minor Park, this old bridge on Red Bridge Rd is a wonderful destination for lovers.  Many locks adorn the rails towards the middle of the bridge.  I found a place in the shade at the far end, where I could get a wide view of this icon.  I didn't know there were so many different kinds of locks! Many are engraved with names and years, as well as sentiments.  It was a lovely day spent painting in this special place. Painting number 2786 in 2786 days.