Weatherby Lake Race

It is thrilling to capture a yacht race in progress with pen and ink!  Today's pen, my newest TWSBI  Go with raven black ink by Levenger.  I LOVE this ink, the rich velvety blackness and the way it moves readily with a little water, put this ink at the top of my list!  And I have probably tried 20 different kinds of black ink!  This pen is serving me well, and at the very economical price, I could put one in each of my sketch bags!  So far, it has not clogged up, and works perfectly every time I put my hands on it.  I can be a very demanding artist of my tools, I simply don't have time to waste on second best of anything. As for sketching lakeside during a yacht race - it is the perfect "office du jour"!!  Painting number 2094 in 2094 days.

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Five Boats Inked

My first drawing on site at the yacht race at Weatherby Lake is so exciting!  With the quick movement of the sailboats, I sketch furiously, trying to capture that motion in action!  As the yachts came back around, I picked up another sheet of paper, and inked as fast as I could, until they were very small one the distance.  One more pass, and I had all I needed from these beauties. A day spent on the lake painting is a day well spent!  Painting number 2079 in 2079 days, and this one has a new home!

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Yacht Race Day

There is something SO peaceful about setting up my easel lakeside, with the sailboats gliding over the surface of the water.  The yacht races are a favorite subject matter, especially for this Midwest girl!  There is nothing like painting and sketching quickly, trying to capture all that movement while it lasts!  The color on Weatherby Lake is perfect for painting today, with gorgeous weather to match!  Each nice day is a gift as we head deeper into fall. Painting number 2078 in 2078 days.

Weatherby Lake Sailing

Adding color to an ink drawing in one my favorite journals today!  I'm really getting into the watercolor this week, loving the white of the paper, and letting colors mingle as they rest on the surface.  Watercolor Confections has a brand new set out - and I think in going to HAVE to order it.  I love the ease and convenience of having a little pocket sized box of paints ever at the ready.  Painting number 1771 in 1771 days.

Race Day

This is the first time I've been able to capture a regata in progress!  I arrived on site just as they were ready to go, so I set up quickly.  As these first two sailboats made their turn, I painted fast and furious to get those values and hues in!  I did not take a reference photo.  In fact, it never occurred to me until I saw some of the other artists looking at their phones.  I guess I've gotten so used to painting from life that I don't even think of changing my process.  The benefit is that I walk away with a fresh painting that isn't overworked and cluttered with the details of a photo.  Just another super fun adventure in plein air!  Painting number 1715 in 1715 days.

Oil on panel, 14x11
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Weatherby Lake Inked

I had already painted three paintings and two ink drawings, and still, I gazed longingly at this boat.  the last artist on site, I left my easel up and ready, but truly I was so tired.  The ink was calling, "Choose me!  Choose me!"  I walked back to the car and grabbed my ink pen, brush and paper.  I put pen to paper and let the ink do it's magic.  Like any old friend, the drawing soothed and energized me - I love the process!  Once finished, I framed it, changed and joined to party beginning around me!  What a great painting day!  Painting number 1713 in 1713 days.

Regata

What a beautiful afternoon for capturing the regatta on Weatherby Lake!  The cloudless sky quickly turned to stormy - and this was the color change in the heavens!  So beautiful, I had to turn my easel to get it!  This one has a new home!  Painting number 1712 in 1712 days!

Tied at Weatherby Lake

Tied at Weatherby Lake
Oil on panel, 11x14
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This morning, little Nolan was baptised.  It was such a beautiful ceremony, followed by a family brunch.  After such a lovely day, I headed up to Weatherby Lake, to attend the Parkville in Art event.  Though arriving late - 4:30, I was able to get this painting finished.  I have never been up here before, and it is beautiful!  The sailboats grabbed me right away, so I set up quickly and got to work.  The late afternoon light was perfect for capturing the essence of this place.  These three sailboats were among the racers on the lake today - and one has a shark face on the front!  Painting number 1319 in 1319 days :)

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