Winter Wash

My grandma would call this little run off creek a wash. I've heard it all my life pertaining to the creeks with little water, except when it rains. I pass this creek daily, and it was dusted with snow before the sun came out, and poof - it melted right into the brush.  I know spring is coming when a green hue rises in the water, though we're back to 5 degrees on Saturday!  I plan to enjoy the 70s first, and spend some time outside.  This ink and watercolor miniature is all I had time for on this busy day of installing artwork and appointments.  Pictured above is my TWSBI Diamond mini in silver, with an extra fine nib.  I keep this pen loaded with De Atrementis archival ink, for thin lines that will not move when I add the watercolor.  I love every one of my TWSBI fountain pens!  Painting number 3351 in 3351 days. 

Old Pin Oak

Oh the light at this golden hour is amazing!  This stately old pin oak is giant, pruned up high with a large canopy which shaded most of Michaela and Cooper's wedding ceremony a year and a half ago. This is the same tree I sketched yesterday from below, looking up.  Spending time out here on a sunny day is January is like a mini vacation.  I can forget my cares for a little bit and remember simpler days.  Painting number 2935 in 2935 days. 

Pin Oak

Nearly 60 degrees today and I just couldn't stay inside!  I worked out there until the sun was dropping, finally grabbing my sketch kit to draw one of our pin oaks. This is one of two my grandma planted when Uncle Brian returned from Vietnam, a Marine. It is huge and glorious, and feeling very small, I chose to stare up at it to sketch, just like I was a kid.  I love the feel of the sun and wind on my face, and the flurry of birds on the branches. One of them knocked an acorn close to me!  Sometimes it is the simple things that shine in life.  Painting number 2934 in 2934 days, and day 21 of the #stradaeasel challenge. 

Lenauer Barn

It was a very cold morning as I set up near this old barn, facing into the wind.  A rather rough place to sketch, but it had to be to get this vantage.  Dressed in layers with two sets of wool socks on, my feet were still cold and my hand was shivering as I finished.  Even the ink in my pen was sluggish - after I left those supplies in my car overnight.  Who knew that would happen?  I love the timelessness of this scene, and I am always drawn to these old barns - even in inclement weather!  Now showing at Gallery Zeke in Steelville. Painting number 2855 in 2855 days.