Raymore Presbyterian Church

This beautiful old church is just down the street from Grandma Bessie's old house, and I have often passed by it running errands.  It has changed through the years, losing a wonderful old house in the same property a while ago.  I've sketched it, but I think this is the first time I've used ink and watercolor.  There is a new gallery wall at a Raymore venue - Centerview, so I am working on a few new Raymore paintings just for the space.  This one replaces another just sold of the Hawk Ridge Amphitheater.  It's fun painting so close to home, and I think it would be nice to do the same for Belton. Painting number 3413 in 3413 days. 

Summer Scene

It was so fun to paint the Summer Scene festival at T.B. Hanna Station Park in Raymore!  It has been years since I have been in town during this week to attend this festival.  Last time I was here, a few tents were lined up in the grass under the trees, no Pavillion, no playground or sprayground, no public facilities either.  Wow!  What a difference! It was a lovely evening full of live music, performances and art.  I loved the angles of the festival tents leading to the band, so I sketched in ink and added the watercolor. Once I finished and framed this, it was purchased by the city for someone special.  Love that this painting found a new home! Painting number 3113 in 3113 days. 

Barn on Olive

This old barn and farm lot is right next to Grandma Bessie's house on Olive. Our Tri County Art League has been meeting outdoors, socially distancing the last couple of months just a block away.  So, I have seized the opportunity to capture this barn in ink and watercolor.  It really is a great barn, one that I didn't fully appreciate when I was visiting next door with my little ones, and  helping with yard work.  Painting number 2751 in 2751 days. 

Raymore Barns

After an early morning at the gym, and picking up watermelon for our gathering, our Tri-County outdoor studio day was canceled on site due to rain.  A little rain doesn't scare me AND I could see two fabulous barns, so I stayed to paint!  I dodged a few drops, but the weather cleared by the second painting.  I've sketched with ink and watercolor on cotton paper, and my TWSBI Diamond fountain pen is loaded with Thunderstorm ink by Robert Oster - perfect for this stormy day!  Painting number 2749 in 2749 days.

Raymore Barn

This wonderful old barn is almost all that is left of what used to be a sprawling farm.  Most of the land went the way of progress and is now a major shopping area, but still this barn remains. Large bales of hay are stored here, and on this day I spotted an old truck hauling two of them away.  There are cattle to the north, could they be part of this old farm?  As with all of these old barns, I draw them while I may, never sure how long they will stand. Painting number 2095 in 2095 days.

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Garden Walk

This garden has a view from every angle!  Drawn in by the sweep of lawn and abundant flowers, I choose ink and watercolor for this scene.  I find my composition with an India ink pen, super fine, and drop in local color as I see it. Those flowers are added loosely, as I squint to see the larger shapes. To finish, I add a little more ink for definition.  So much fun to paint in a garden, surrounded by so much beauty!  Painting number 1996 in 1996 days.

Barn in the Snow

This barn remains as "civilization" crowds in on three sides.  This is the first time I've painted it from the back side.  The distant color in the sky made this decision for me, as it was growing dark and moody behind me.  Snow was expected, so I painted right after the gym - my easel always at the ready in the trunk.  When I opened it up, I found my sediment filled safflower oil frozen!  I use that to clean my brushes since I'm solvent free.  Who knew this freezes at 16 degrees?  It warmed up in my pocket, so I was able to clean my brushes before leaving.  Painting number 1843 in 1843 days.

Raymore Presbyterian Church

This beautiful, historic church is right down the street from grandma Bessie's old house in Raymore.  I used to drive by here on my weekly visits, and still come by occasionally.  I love the wonderful, old architecture, and certainly wanted it to be one of my submissions our Urban Sketchers KC group is sponsoring on a trade with artists from a Mexico charter!  Part of the Urban Sketcher's creed is "sharing the world, one sketch at a time" - and I can't wait to see what I will receive from Mexico!  Hopefully, we can start trading with other groups all over the world - sort of like penpals - but with art!  What could be better than that?  Painting number 1796 in 1796 days.

Old Red by the House

I had already passed a herd of cattle on the way to pick up some plexiglass, intending to return and paint them on the spot.  Then,  I saw this fabulous old truck parked at the side of the historic home which is now Woodson Antiques and Interiors.   With the late light - the whole landscape seemed luminous beneath the dense clouds.  I had to paint it!  There was a steady stream of traffic crossing between the scene and I, but it did not distract me.   Tucked back in the parking lot,  I worked unnoticed.  The painting just fell off the brush,  and I needed this creative outlet today!   After two days of intense housework - I needed therapy!   I felt so much better after painting - I  could actually enjoy dinner out with the family!  It was so nice to have Michaela and Cooper join us for the night!   Painting number 1526 in 1526 days :)

Old Barn on 58 Hwy

When considering what I should paint today, I look to the color in the landscape for direction.  This drizzly, overcast day was the perfect backdrop for the weathered reds of this historic barn.  Once a cluster of grand houses and outbuildings, this lonely barn is now surrounded by "progress".  It is now used for hay storage, and is guarded by a beautiful calico cat - who has been here for years.  The old Ford truck is parked under the open side, as if it just pulled in from chores.  I  wish I could have painted the buildings now fading from memory.  They added beauty to the landscape that the box stores never could.  Painting number 1489 in 1489 days.

Raymore Presbyterian Church in Ink

Circa 1876, this historic Raymore Presbyterian Church was the first church built in this town. It has a charm and character that does not grace newer buildings.  Until a few years ago, there was a beautiful 2 story parsonage on the property, but it has been torn down.  Unsure of whether or not to add watercolor, I stopped. You know the old adage, "..if in doubt, don't! "  After a little thought, I may just loosely add in some watercolor later.  I like this building so well, I may just paint it in oil after the gym tomorrow!   This drawing makes 1476 in 1476 days :)

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January Barn

I rushed from the gym to the monthly Tri County meeting, then a quick stop at the post office to ship a painting to Maine. With paints in tow, I stopped by the Memorial Park for a brief scouting. I found this lovely scene with barn, clouds and yellow grasses.  I stopped and painted on the spot!  I love this little 5x7 thumb box pochade box by Guerrilla Painter!  It is small enough to go anywhere - and still holds all the supplies I need and two wet paintings, too!  SO convenient for everyday use!  Painting number 1468 in 1468 days.

Oil on panel, 7x5
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Old Raymore Barn

Old Raymore Barn
Oil on panel, 10x8
Tri County Raymore Paint-Out

This beautiful old barn instantly grabbed my attention when I arrived at the Raymore Memorial Park.  True to my habit,  I walked the whole trail around the park - just to make sure there wasn't another amazing view.  I did see one other possible painting of the winding trail and fancy light post surrounded by a pink rosebush.  The oils felt so buttery under my brushes!  I feel like the recent experiments in watercolor have made me look at my oil colors more carefully.  I constantly added more color to my normal "go to" colors,  pushing them a little more.  This was a paint out at the Raymore Memorial Park with the Tri-County Art League, and it is always fun to paint with fellow artists.   This painting makes 542 in as many days, and what a gorgeous summer morning to be out painting!  Now it is time to watch Michael pitch at his baseball game tonight :)