Chiefs Mouse

 

This little guy is cheering the Chiefs on towards that Threepeat!  GO CHIEFS!  I do love playing in the ink, and these little mice images just seem to march along in my mind!  So, when this one popped in today, I picked up a favorite fountain pen to get sketchy!  This handmade, dyed cotton paper is thin, soft and absorbent, which means I need to use a light touch on the nib, holding back in the water. To easily this paper can tear and pill, so careful is the key with this one. I love the vintage feel of black ink on this paper, even if my subject is quite contemporary!  Hoping for a win tonight as we cheer on our hometown boys! Painting number 5179 in 5179 days. 

Glass Pumpkin

 I love blown glass, and I have collected a few of these gorgeous pumpkins through the years. Tonight, I come to my easel late, after an autumn evening spent by the bonfire with hot spiced cider and family, roasting marshmallows for s'mores, and enjoying Tuscan pumpkin soup and pumpkin crunch dessert.  An impromptu gathering, it was fun to unwind by the fire and visit.  A little ink and watercolor on a miniature handmade paper is the perfect way to end the day.  What better way to spend an autumn night?  Painting number 3221 in 3221 days. 

Hilltop Home

 When I see a complicated house composition, I am drawn to pen and ink for my medium.  With an extra fine nib, I sketch in most of the line work, coming back with a medium nib and Levenger's Raven Black ink.  This ink moves a bit with water, allowing easy gradation of the masses.  With a little water and more archival ink, the drawing is complete.   I love getting to sketch this hilltop home - and happy it has a new home too! Painting number 3205 in 3205 days. 

Orange Cupped White Daffodils

I love painting these sweet orange cupped white daffodils right outside my door!  Part of a large mixed bag I planted in the fall, these lovelies are new to my garden!  I do wish I could find their real name - maybe I will with a little more research. Choosing ink and watercolor on a 3x3 inch cotton paper, I start the sketch with my pen.  My TWSBI Eco pictured is loaded with Levenger's Raven Black ink, and I'm moves with a little water. I use another pen for the lines I don't want to move, and it is filled with De Atramentis Archive Ink and has a fine nib.  A little watercolor brings it to life, and I am ready to start another.  I found a new variety out by an old well  - and I hope to get it painted before it fades!  Painting number 3003 in 3003 days. 

Rural Creek

Love how the north side of this wooded hill hangs on to that snow!  As a daily painter, I know all the local spots, and just how the snow will melt.  This secluded little spot in the woods will still be lovely when there is hardly snow left in the surrounding areas. So, with ink and watercolor I do a quick sketch on 3x3 handmade paper.  This fountain pen is a TWSBI Eco in rose gold and white, and I've used one of those very compact strip watercolor palettes that fits neatly in my pocket.  So easy to paint anywhere with a pen, strip palette and water brush pen. A few pieces of paper and I'm good to go!  Painting number 2943 in 2943 days and day 29 of the #stradaeasel challenge. 

Missouri Creek

Even a gray day can be beautiful!  The grasses have been taking on a wonderful golden color over the last few days, and the reds seem more vibrant.  The overnight rains have saturated all the colors in the landscape, and I'm finding new pleasure in exploring them.  As I come to the easel every day outdoors, I notice the slightest changes in light, shadow and season.  Those subtle shifts inspire me to paint.  Ink and watercolor are calling to me today, so of course I choose them.  I try to always listen to that inner voice.  This handmade cotton paper is another tiny one - only 3 inches square.  It's the perfect size today because I must get back to make lasagna before the Chiefs game begins!  Painting number 2937 in 2937 days, day 24 of the #stradaeasel challenge. 

Blue Jay!

Sometimes, all I have time for is a quick ink and watercolor painting before meeting my obligations.  So, I sketched one of the many beautiful birds in my yard before presenting to a Virtual Summit Art meeting about mask making.  These birds are so striking in the landscape - and that gorgeous color unfolded just in time for me to drop it in!  I really want to spend more time sketching these birds this winter, and give them some deep study.  The way they swarm my feeders, I'll always have plenty of subjects to choose from!  Painting number 2924 in 2924 days. 

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. 

Goldfinch and Native Flowers

 We have one meadow that we do not bale, and I toss in wildflower seeds every time I have extras.  Right now I have 50 wild sunflower heads drying for just this purpose!  With a meandering path cut through, I can get great views of the flora and fauna to paint!  The goldfinches are abundant as many flowers are going to seed! They dart all over the meadow lighting on stems and dining on seeds! Love that brilliant yellow among the flowers!  Painting number 2806 in 2806 days.