On East California

There is something nostalgic about silos and grain bins by am old depot.  These places grace every small town in the Midwest, and many are now vacant.  I love all the architecture, and chose pen and ink for this painting.  I had a dry place to stand, though it was still raining when I started this one. My cotton paper has absorbed so much moisture from the atmosphere today, it's a wonder I didn't use my oils at all!  Mom waited in the dry car while I worked - and I think she even took a nap!  We're going to grab dinner later and join the wine stroll, too!  Painting number 5144 in 5144 days. 

Wilson and 4th Street

 I arrived in town a little early for the artist meeting, so I decided to paint right here. I have long admired this cluster of silos with its spider like arms, right in the heart of town. With ink I sketched out the long composition, keeping everything in perspective as I worked.  I got some funny looks from the locals, even had one drive past me a couple times.  I'm sure they wondered what I was doing in that gravel parking lot.  I talked to my daughter throughout the whole painting process, happy to finally have cell coverage again.  The painting virtually painted itself, and it was awarded the first Purchase Award of the Fairfield Paint Out. So happy this painting has a new home!  Painting number 3207 in 3207 days. 

Straatmann Feed Store

I love the challenge of this complicated tangle of structures - and have wanted to draw this since the very first time I saw it!  Pen and ink is the perfect medium, so I positioned myself across the street in a parking lot, using a sliver of shade from my car to keep most of the sun off my paper.  The very bright white of this handmade paper is blinding in direct sunlight!  I use a water resistant ink for the first sketchy lines of my composition.  On this one, I started with the central building with the large open door, and scaled all lines out from there.  I make a few tick marks across the composition to make sure I'm where I need to be while working.  I don't use pencil, only ink, so there's no going back if I mess up!  With the water soluble ink, I darken and add a little water for mid tones.  I spent more time than usual on this, largely because it is so complicated!  Happy this drawing went home with a new owner, to join another of my paintings from last time!  New Melle is such a fun small town to paint!  Painting number 3057 in 3057 days. 

Peculiar Farm Supply in Watercolor

This place is reported as one of Cass County's haunted locations, with a lonely, desolate mood lingering here.  Even so, I have always loved the structure and have painted here multiple times.  Once, I was here just past sunset, and my intuition led me out before dark!  The building composition is wonderful for a painting, especially from this angle with the old water tower in the background.  These old buildings are relics of the past, once bustling centers of activity, now to live forever in the pages of my journal.  Painting number 1783 in 1783 days.