Autumn at Stone Hill

 

Autumn in Missouri is really beautiful.  Green grass accentuates the golden red hues spreading over the foliage, and balmy temps make it a pleasure to paint in.  Only oils will do when I'm pushing for those vibrant colors, and the tactile feel of broach on panel is invigorating. I'm counting my blessings as I paint, and look forward to all the paintings to come. What a wonderful place to capture autumn color - and have refreshment, too.  Painting number 4704 in 4704 days. 

Round Barn of Belton

Today, I'm painting a slice of Belton history from the railroad tracks - the Round Barn on Main Street! I remember seeing this barn as a child, sitting high in the rocket slide in the Belton Memorial Park.  Later, I watched my own children play here, and wonder at it's history. I think I've drawn this in ink years ago, before I recorded work daily - and who knows where that piece is!  The spring greens are popping - though the golden hour light is already washing the scene with gold.  I love that this barn still stands when another beautiful local one in Stilwell is not.  We're losing these beautiful barns with each passing year.  Painting number 3713 in 3713 days. 

Longview Barns

I absolutely LOVE returning to the Longview Barns to paint with Summit Art, for a quick paint and party by the lake.  It's been at least 15 years since I've painted the historic Longview Farm, and not things have changed!  The old buildings that once I toured with other Summit Art artists are more boarded up, with new vintage style housing all around.  And still, they have such presence in the landscape.  When other artists were painting comfortably by the Pergola, I just HAD to go paint the barns, they were calling me.  As I finished this one, I framed it in the car and turned it in early, because I already had my eye on another scene, and didn't want to risk missing the deadline!  I'm happy to get a mention from the judge, and it was fun to visit with the new owners of this painting, too!  Painting number 4250 in 4250 days.