McCoy Meetin' House

 

It sure was a windy day for painting the McCoy Meetin' House on the campus of Park University!  Loving how it perches on this steep hill, I first wanted to sketch this dramatic composition.  I used my artistic license to push the green of the grass, which is all but green with this year's drought. The red brick of the historic old building called for that color in the landscape.  One of our themes is "historic buildings" this year at Parkville Plein Air, so I explored this place in paint.  I also played with the idea of focusing on on that bell tower, but didn't get to it this time.  Parkville is full of hidden treasures, and I'm so glad I get to search them out!  Painting number 4363 in 4363 days. 

Park University Campus

I love painting the architecture of the grand old buildings on the Park University Campus!  Sitting in the shade of a tree, I do my line work with De Atramentis Archive Ink, following with Levenger's Raven Black in this pictured fountain pen with a broad nib.  This is my first pen in all these years to have a broad nib, and in only a few paintings I have grown to love it!  It drops a smooth, rich line, more intense than the medium nib. On smoother papers, the line may be too bold, but the majority of my papers are rough in texture, so the broad nib really helps speed the drawing process.  I love my fountain pens!  In fact, I have a brand new one just out of the box, just waiting to be inked! Painting number 3143 in 3143 days.  This painting now showing at Cathy Kline Art Gallery through October! 

Grand Mackay Hall

Whenever I am in Parkville, I like to sketch a local icon, or capture a quaint little spot in pen and ink.  This place is certainly a Parkville icon, making a grand statement at Park University.  Ink is the perfect medium for such cool architecture.  The silver TWSBI fountain pen is loaded with De Atramentis Archive Ink, and has an extra fine nib.  I use this for the lines I don't want to move with water.  The other TWSBI mini is loaded with Levenger's Raven Black and has a broad nib.  I've only recently tried this nib, and I'm enjoying the thick black line it leaves.  This is the one I move with a little water.  There are so many places I want to draw, and there never seems to be enough time!  Painting number 3063 in 3063 days.

Mackay Hall

This very iconic building in Parkville is a favorite to draw and paint!  It stands high on a hill at Park University, looking over the historic downtown.  I walked up to higher ground to get this vantage without too much tree cover. As beautiful as the trees are, they cover so many of the details of this building from the road.  We've had some very hot days, so a place in the deep shade was a must!  Marking the edges lightly, I then start with the center section and work out from there. I adjust lines where necessary, it's all about relationships.  I think this one is finished, so time to go frame!  Painting number 2380 in 2380 days.

Chapel at Park University

This chapel is on the grounds of the majestic Park University, and the whole place is a painting.  Whenever I come to town, I try to get in a painting or two, and the first time I've painted this chapel.  I've heard the most beautiful music coming from this place, a real treat to anyone within earshot!  This special artisan fountain pen is made by Pendora - and I found them on Instagram.  Love when my tools are a work of art  in their own right!  Painting number 2143 in 2143 days.

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currently showing at Cathy Kline Gallery in Parkville, MO