Nestled in the Woods

This rainy day painting started as one of my acrylic demonstrations with the High School Plein Air sponsored by the Steelville Arts Council last weekend.  I mentored 20 students over three days in 5 different paint-outs.  It was such a super fun weekend filled with very talented young artists, and I hope that I have impacted their art journey in some small way.  I would have loved an opportunity like this at their age.  This painting is now showing at Gallery Zeke in Steelville, Missouri through mid-July.  Come take a peak in person.  Painting number 5068 in 5068 days. 

Heartland Arts Inked

I started this ink drawing on location, when waiting for the daily judging to finish in Steelville. Choosing this paper from the art's council to use for their upcoming fundraiser, I had no idea what to expect.  Well, the paper did not release the ink, water could not persuade it to.  With pen, I heavily applied ink, which also held it's spot when dampened. So, I brought it home to finish, and actually used a brush with ink to get the darks.  This paper is thin and not cotton or rice, and has a wonderful color, but I will not work with it again by choice! I guess I am a bit of a paper snob, lol! Painting number 4267 in 4267 days. 

Wood Valley Junction

Each daily paintout in Steelville is a secret, announced just prior to the event.  I heard this place is a thousand acres, and I only made it to two different spots in here to paint.  This spot was brimming with train tracks, railroad crossing lights, wooden water tank and cool buildings, with a vintage feel to the whole place!  Raining when I started this, I tucked under the edge of a shed to get my panel covered before rain hit it.  When the rain let up, I'd shift back out, then in again as the rain returned.  I often hit my oil paintings with a light coat of varnish on finishing, but not today.  I think there was probably too much precipitation on top of the oils for that - so I'll wait until I'm sure it's dry.  So happy to win an award on this one, too!  Painting number 4238 in 4238 days. 

Stone Ruins

I loved getting to paint some of the stone ruins with students at Mound Ridge today.  After a several paints down by the Meramec River, it was refreshing to spend some time in here among some old stone structures.  I love getting to connect with others in the landscape, be they young or old.  We can all bond when studying the landscape, no matter what our favorite mediums are, it's all colors, shapes and values after all.  This first mentoring event with high school students in the Steelville area has really been a success - in SO many ways!  I hope to be a part of it for years to come.  I've really enjoyed my time here with them all!  Painting number 4237 in 4237 days.