La Bottega

What fun to paint inside of this vintage market today in Parkville!  Meeting up with the Monday Morning Watercolorists, La Bottega was our destination du jour!  With Mom in tow, I did a quick walk through to scout the market (picking up treasures along the way).  After depositing said treasures at front desk, I chose this lovely spot to paint.  I might have gotten a little busy with the details, and probably should have left a little more white, but it was fun to paint within visiting distance of friends.  Even with masks on, it was nice to catch up.  I miss all the events that used to take place on a regular basis, and I'm so thankful for this little group of rebels!  Painting number 2975 in 2975 days. 

Radio Flyer Tree

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Who doesn't love a Christmas tree in a red wagon?  Spotted in the front window of a local antique shop - the certainly was a "must paint"!  After months of non use, I pulled this bright yellow TWSBI fountain pen from my bag - and the ink flowed flawlessly from it's nib.  THAT is something I LOVE about TWSBIs across the board!  This one has a special blend of Levenger Raven Black ink and their Cocoa ink, creating my own blend for brown black.  To that, I add in watercolor from my Watercolor Confections half pan sets, finishing with a little extra ink.  Only a few days left to capture Christmas!  Painting number 2153 in 2153 days.

Toy Car Tree

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After a crazy day around here, mom and I grabbed chai lattes at Starbucks and headed to Main Street for a little antiquing.  I found this beautiful tree full of vintage trucks and cars, and knew I would have to paint it.  Antique shops are the perfect place to find inspiration, and unwind from a little craziness.  Nothing like art therapy to restore the soul.  Painting number 2151 in 2151 days.

Tree Trimming

I am going to miss this lovely antique shop! Soon to be replaced in the name of progress, this local icon has been a wonderful place to sketch and paint. Hidden treasure at every turn, I found myself shopping as well as drawing, finishing off with lunch in the cafe.  A special place to spend the morning with my Art Mob friends.  Painting number 2114 in 2114 days.

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Hats and Mannequins

The beloved Mission Road Antique Mall will be closing it's doors soon, after so many years of service.  Painting here multiple times for Art Mob events, the group has been asked to come paint during a special closing day, offering whatever paintings we have on hand of this special place for sale.  This one is of a favorite booth that I have been drawn to on several occasions.  It has been a fun place to paint, shop and eat, and it is going to be missed in the community.  Painting number 2103 in 2103 days.

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Mission Antique Mall 305

Browsing through an antique shop is like stepping back in time, and I could spend hours in such a place!  The experience is amplified when I am immersed with my ink and paints at my favorite booth!  With only months left open, the Mission Antique Mall will be closing, so I am capturing the magic while I still can. I use one of my Pendora artisan pens for the sketching, testing the ink lightly to see if it moves. The fine nib is a little hard on this handmade paper, so I lighten my pressure.  The ink is softer and grayer than my usual, so it is an experiment as I add watercolor to it!  It moves more with a wet brush than anticipated, so I'm careful not to work that pigment into the ink too much.  The pen handles well, and the beautiful barrel makes it a joy to use!  I like the sassy dressform on the left, as she is outfitted with a leather hat, red cowboy boots and a holster slung around her waist!  That holster just may be calling my name! Love it!  Painting number 2044 in 2044 days.

Booth 305

There is so much to see at the Mission Antique Mall, I could spend all day and barely scratch the surface.  I've painted here several times, focusing on completely different subject matter each time.  Today, this romantic booth full of slips, hats as dress forms caught my attention!  From the same spot, I painted different three vignettes.  This was my second, about 15 minutes from first mark to finish.  This mall is such a cool place, I'm really going to miss it when they tear it down at year's end!  Painting number 2041 in 2041 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 :)