Settlers Crossing

This was my first time to visit Platte City, and what better way to explore it than with paint?  Linda at the Cohen Frame Shop hosted their very first plein air event, with a festival in town full of family fun!  Settler's Crossing is at the bottom of Main Street on the Platte River, and is perfect for painting!  While the artists painted for the two hour quick paint, an historian told the story of the town. What a great idea!  It was so interesting!  The time flew by and the winner was decided by popular vote, a People's Choice cash award.  I really love painting by the river, and didn't even mind the dozens of tiny ants that filled the lid to my palette.  I just knocked them off and packed up my gear.  Painting number 1959 in 1959 days.

Platte City Plein Air Quick Paint Winner
oil on panel, 9x12
purchase here

Autumn Light on the Pathway

Autumn Light on the Pathway
Oil on masonite, 9x12
Seven Bridges Paint Out
purchase here

Seven Bridges was the painting location for today's Parkville in Art Event.  The drive up was beautiful on the way up, rolling hills old barns, and plenty of open land.  Choosing to paint sown by the two lakes, I headed first for the water.  I had every intention of painting the water, but when I saw the light cutting across the pathway, I had to paint it.  A warm, beautiful day - another in the 70's, it was perfect painting weather.  I've had SO many perfect painting days this season, and I cheerfully embrace each one as the gift it is! What could be better than capturing the beauty of the day with paint?  This painting makes 1021 in 1021 days :)

on location

Waterfall by the Bridge

Waterfall by the Bridge
oil on masonite, 10x8
Seven Bridges Paint-Out

In the last 45 minutes of time left in the paint-out, I headed out to paint just one more painting!  The late afternoon light was beautiful as it hit this landscape!  With only a fast sketch, I started laying paint quickly with large, loose strokes. In such a short time, there can be no planning, I simply responded to the scene before me with paint. This is a great exercise in getting to the "meat" of what draws me to paint in the first place!  I should do this more often, because I like the spontaneous feel of this painting!  Painting number 1016 in 1016 days :)