Barn in the Trees

sold

The Private Estate paint location is a well guarded secret, and all the artists caravan out to the location.  On arrival I spotted this barn from this angle and KNEW I had to paint here!  After a brief look at the creek beyond and the house and cabins, I returned to this spot.  I sketched this one in ink first, and decided to widen my view slightly on the painting.  Each time the sun popped out, I was quick to mark those lights and shadows, working elsewhere when heavily overcast.  This place was gorgeous beyond belief and the rain was perfectly timed!  This painting received Honorable Mention and has a new home tonight!  Painting number 2309 in 2309 days.

Bluffs of Fox Hollow Trail

What a gorgeous morning for painting!  My first time at Lakeside Nature Center, I arrived early to scout out a painting spot.  Many volunteers were there for some spring cleaning of brush, so I walked past them to the limestone ridge.  Deciding on the path between boulders, I realized I had grabbed the wrong tripod from my trunk!  Rather than hike back to my car, I made due by holding my painting in one hand and brush in the other.  Biggest drawback?  I couldn't step back constantly to check the progress!  I will not make that mistake again!  The birdsong and gentle breezes were great accompaniment for a quick paint in the woods!  Wish I could stay all day! ainting number 2284 in 2284 days.

Anitas Wildflower Meadow

I love the reckless abandon of a wildflower garden!  So many textures, colors and values make this meadow a fabulous paint!  I begin with an ink drawing in early morning light.  The colors are vibrant and shadows deep.  I mark those masses early, which keeps me from straying too far from my intention.  As the sun rises in the sky, the colors change drastically and I must hurry to finish.  In two hours, this is already a different scene, and I can only hope to react honestly with my paint.  Today's paint was during Monarch Mania at the Anita Gorman Conservancy in Kansas City, for the Brush Creek Art Walk.  Painting number 2063 in 2063 days.

September Clouds

oil on panel, 5x7

The skies this afternoon were made for painting!  Planning to paint a local creek, the cloud show changed my mind, and I had only to step outside for the best view around.  I have recently been studying clouds, trying to capture their essence in oils.  It seems that every sky is different in value and chroma, even the cloud formations are ever changing!  I'm hoping that practice really does make perfect, with every painting bringing me closer to the expression in oils I long for.  Painting number 2059 in 2059 days.

Cleveland Creek Reflections

The wind blowing across Cleveland Lake was cold, but I was toasty in this location along the creek.  I've been longing to get back here and paint, so glad I could carve out a little time this afternoon.  I'm  driving Mike's truck, and I don't yet have a painting hat in there, so I was a little bothered by the sun.  Even though I was shaded by the trees, I can tell the light affects how I see in the landscape.  It was all push and pull today.  I see the grass beginning to green - and I exaggerate that in my painting!  Such a wonderful escape from the chores of the day, and now I'm meeting family for dinner out!  Painting number 1907 in 1907 days.

Moore Creek

Perfect painting weather!  Today's little slice of heaven will surely be appreciated tomorrow as temps drop and snow returns.  Invited for a little plein air on an artist friend's property, I jumped at the chance!  Plein air with friends is so fun - especially when the weather is perfect and there's a creek involved!  We painted to the music of the babbling creek, running along side us.  I sun was behind my shoulder, and even though my body shaded my panel, I may have gotten a little too dark. It's so easy to do, the way my eyes react to all that light is to compensate with my values.  I did turn my painting to the side ever so often, to check that very thing.  I'll take a look in the daylight tomorrow, then see if I need to tweek it a little.  Painting number 1905 in 1905 days.

Return to the Creek

In the back of my mind, this place was calling.  Images of the creek popped into my thoughts again and again, as I went about the business of my day.  It was nearly 5:00, before the opportunity presented itself - and I jumped on it!  Always ready, my gear was in my trunk, so I hiked out to my favorite spots.  Choosing one (with two others waiting in the background), I quickly started painting the masses.  I did not sketch first today - I expected family to start calling about dinner at any moment.  I worked fast, and got this done in under an hour.  Speed is my friend, as those phone calls started coming in I was packing up to head home!  Painting number 1888 in 1888 days.

Lucky Shamrock

On this very busy day, it feels so good to sneak in a painting before the St. Patrick's day parade.  What could be better than painting my lucky shamrock plant for the holiday?  Longing for my oils, I love pulling that brush through the thick paint.  Although, it is getting too thick in spots.  My palette is begging for attention, as some of that paint is firming, some even forming heavy skins.  I know it's time, but there are too few hours in the day already.  Perhaps I'll make that a goal this week?  Maybe?  Or, I could just grab a fresher palette...I have 5 in the freezer in various sizes for my various boxes.  Lol!  I like to be able to grab my paint and go at a moment's notice!  Time to celebrate the day - my daughter just made me a mint Bailey's milkshake.  SO not on my clean eating line up!  Happy St. Pat's to you all!  Painting number 1884 in 1884 days.

Miniature Roses ATC

This cold and cloudy day finds me painting inside.  The newly blooming crocus kept their little purple heads closed all day, so they are now slated for tomorrow.  My pink miniature rose is the perfect thing to brighten this day - and I choose ink and watercolor at the very last minute.  I had my oils out, but dimly changed my mind!  I am back to my favorite cotton rag paper, which I finally took the time to tear this morning.  I love the torn edges, but it takes a little time to make them ATC size.  The ink flows beautifully over the paper, as does the watercolor!  Oh, how I've missed this paper!  It seems like I'm forever preparing papers and panels, but I can't help liking what I like, and they just don't come the way I want either.  I sure hope to see the sun tomorrow - and maybe I can capture those crocus!  Painting number 1878 in 1878 days.

Still Water in the Creek

My calender was completely full today, but I simply HAD to squeeze in a painting on this gorgeous spring like day!  I could not pass a day in the 70's without getting in the field!  The winds were strong today, but down by these low lying creeks it is always comfortable.  In fact, the water was not even rippling in this stretch.  I love all the angles here, land masses, creek banks and water all converge as the water winds along. There is something very therapeutic about standing under the trees, at water's edge.  The sound of the wind in the tree tops and songbirds serenade me as I paint.  I become one with nature for a little while, and that is a very good thing.  Painting number 1866 in 1866 days.

Rainy Day Barns

Starting my morning out with a leisurely cup of hot tea, I noticed how foggy the pasture was becoming.  Rain was not expected until after noon, so said the local meteorologist.  Pulling up radar on my phone, I could clearly see a large area of rain not far from me!  Jumping into action, I first donned running gear for an outdoor run with my trusty companion, cooling down with my quick paint in the field.  The run invigorates me - and really warms me up for the painting time to come in the cold and wet.  Worked like a charm, but the rain was already beginning by the time I started.  Well, I was plenty warm, so I forged ahead knowing I would have to stop if my panel got wet.  When in the rain, I tilt it downward, which keeps the water off until I can get that surface covered with paint.  Once covered, the oils paints repel the rain.  Uncovered, the rain repels the oils, and I'd have to give up or start with a dry panel.  The rain steadily increased, but I had plenty of time to get my painting finished before calling it quits.  Two rain paints this week - and I loved it!  Love capturing the mood of the day while standing in the midst of it - THIS is plein air!  Painting number 1863 in 1863 days.  Now for some hot tea, a warm blanket and watching the Olympics!

Down at the Pond

Once the sun came out, it was very pleasant down by the water.  Two of our grandsons were over for the day - so we went exploring (with my easel, of course)!  Climbing trees, finding secret hideouts, squishing in mud and tossing sticks were the order of the day, and I painted right in the middle of it.   As I took a quick video, I looked over just in time to see Alastair sinking in mud in his brand new shoes!   Almost recorded it!   Never a dull moment around here!  Painting number 1854 in 1854 days. 

Home Before Sunset

I could see the light starting to change as I ticked off chores on my "to do" list.  Always an eye to the sky, I just could wait no longer.  I put dinner prep on hold, and headed outside with my 5x7 thumb box.  This is the perfect size for those quick paint windows!  I simply hold it with one hand as I paint with the other.  My palette for this box of an Altoid tin!  No kidding!  I started with only the Zorn palette colors on this, but transferred many other colors to it when the glass broke in another palette.  Not willing to waste that paint - I dropped them into this tiny one!   As a result, my paints are NOT laid out in the same manner as every other palette I have.  It does not hinder me in the least.  When those little puddles are used up, I will not replace them.  Only my core paints will remain in the end!  Painting number 1853 in 1853 days.

Cedar Creek in February

Cedar Creek is beautiful even in the dead of winter.  Birdsong and the babbling of the water created a peaceful ambience for painting.  Joined by two of my plein air artist friends, we caught up with one another as we worked, capturing the scene before us.  The warmest day of the month so far - it was a delight to be emersed in it!  A little taste of spring to relish when it turns cold again tomorrow!  I'm using the cool blue underpainting today - and it feels good. I had a warm one with me, too, just in case the landscape called for it.  I think I'll prime a few more in this shade for the next month or two. Who knows?  It might just become a regular thing!  Painting number 1852 in 1852 days.  And now, my son has made tilapia for dinner - SO AWESOME!

Sanctuary Creek

Oh what a day!  From pinewood derby to painting to planting - I have taken full advantage of this gorgeous day!  While deep in the woods in Parkville, I went live with a video of my location, panning to my finished painting, for 30 seconds or so.  Once home, outdoor chores finished, I settle down to post my work, only to find out that I didn't have cell coverage.  And, I can find no trace of the video.  Well shoot.  This is such a cool place to see, but the sights and sounds really bring it to life.  So, what did I learn today?  Check my feed while still on site!  Oh well, it was a glorious day to be outside!  Painting number 1833 in 1833 days.

Hackberry Sunset

Hours before sunset, I have an eye to the sky.  Will the color be beautiful?  Clouds or no?  Some January days are too overcast for color, but not today.  The skies cleared this afternoon, and I anticipated a chance to paint the sunset!   I took my oils out of the freezer literally on my way out the door, and this time, they were still a little frozen!  I took one brush and my easel, and hot footed it to the pasture.  I found myself trying to thaw my paint with a little friction of my brush - but turned to the other paints when this did not work!  My transparent oils were fine, but those sedimentary ones did not thaw in the 10 minutes it took to paint this!   Perhaps next time, I'll remove my paints 10 minutes early!  Painting number 1829 in 1829 days.

Shine of Christmas

How can I possibly cram so many things in one day?  Burning the midnight oil, this is my first chance to post today's painting done as a demo for painting class.  After arranging a few Christmas balls in the center of the table, everyone could then draw and paint from their own spot. It truly is so much better to see the ornaments before you vs looking at a photo.  Saving the highlights is paramount in watercolor, so that is the key while laying down the colors.  Once lost, it does not return like it was never painted.  One could use a masking fluid, but I almost never do.  It simply isn't spontaneous enough for me, too controlled, almost contrived.  Watercolors lighten as they dry, so I add more paint as needed while the masses are still wet. I love the mingling that occurs wet on wet, and try not to lose that.  I wonder what medium I'll choose tomorrow....... painting number 1787 in 1787 days.

Cedar Creek in November

Any time I have a meeting in Lee's Summit, I make time to come to this creek and paint.  The water was very calm today, only the trickling of water over the rock shelf to keep me company.  With few people in the park today, no one walked by the rather remote location.  I was tucked in tight behind foliage, set up on rocks that were still wet from the rain a couple days ago.  Just standing here, letting the paint strokes fall from my brush is therapeutic.  I've not used this box in a while, so there were a few minor additions that had to be made when I arrived back home.  I sure missed my one inch soft bristle brush, and I needed fresh oil for cleaning those brushes!  With only one panel in my box, I couldn't stay for another painting.  Every day is a lesson, and today taught me to check that box before heading down the lane!  Painting number 1772 in 1772 days.

Autumn on Glade Trail

I love the wilderness!  The birdsong, falling leaves and the way they crunch underfoot while walking the trail, all lure me back to the forest again and again.  Painting is quick and simple when using my thumb box.  It is small enough to hold while standing, my thumb slipped until the hole underneath to keep it steady as I paint.  I keep my brushes, paper towels, and tiny safflower oil for brush cleaning under the sliding shelf, putting my Altoid tin palette on the shelf for painting.  From the humble beginnings of the Zorn palette last year, I have added bits of other shades scraped from the broken glass of another palette.  It is now a hodge podge of paint in unorganized fashion, which will one day find order as I use up each one out of place!  See, there is method in my madness after all!  Painting number 1762 in 1762 days.

Entry to the Courtyard

A drizzly, wet day for a quick paint, this beautiful landscape was my reward for venturing out!  Not knowing what to expect at the university, the scouting was fun.  After a quick spin around the place, I settled close to my subject in the wet grass - and painted liked crazy! With a light rain already on, I knew I had to get that panel covered with paint or the rain would create a resist for my oils.  I worked quickly to get this vintage scene painted, and framed it up for turn in.  Waiting for my fellow artist, we barely made the turn in on time!  Nothing like living life on the edge!  Painting number 1739 in 1739 days!  SO MUCH to LOVE about Dubuque!

oil on panel, 12x9
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