Clouds Over the Pasture

Clouds Over the Pasture
Oil on panel, 7x5

After realizing how difficult running was after a *surprise* running class at he gym, I added running to my schedule.  Not much, just a mile run, four times a week.  Well, what I had forgotten from high school is that I love running and I really love that “runner’s high” that sets in and lasts for hours.  I am hooked!  So, by the time I came to my *new* easel this afternoon, euphoria abounded and I looked to the heavens for my muse.  I added a few extra paint tubes to my box, as well as business cards.  I am gradually adding the few things I will need when painting at the Stems event, which starts on Friday.  We’ll see how this new set up works out for events.  I have never wanted to carry a backpack, I am simply not a backpack kind of girl.  So, having a detachable tripod will be a challenge to carry, sans backpack - although I think I have the canvas case it came in.  Painting number 1231 in 1231 days, and I think I will actually have time to paint another today!

Heartland Haven

Heartland Haven
Oil on panel, 12x9

The farmland of the Washington countryside is a treasure to behold with it's rolling hills and plowed fields.  This painting was the second of the Deppe Farm Private Estate Paint, following one of my favorite paintings of their creek just west of the house.  Their gracious hospitality was followed by a wonderful meal from their own farm!  This painting is now showing at the Gallery of Defiance, and is my 1221st painting is 1221 days.

Old Dirt Road

Old Dirt Road
Oil on masonite, 9x12
purchase here

I love coming over the top of a hill to see this magnificent view spreading out before me!  And to think, we almost didn't drive down this because it was a dirt road!  Taking 200n east off of Burnt Prairie blacktop, we parked on the side of the road to unload our gear.  I set my easel up in the middle of this road, and was able to get my whole sketch and half a block in done before the first truck came barreling down the road!  I moved back out after he had passed, only to have to shift again.  By that time, I had enough done to finish a bit closer to the ditch, setting up our new bright orange cones - a gift from the planners of this event!  With so much depth in this painting, I was more careful in the application of paint, letting each layer build before moving to the next.  I have wanted to paint a road for a long time, but really didn't want to capture asphalt.....so this wonderful dirt road was the perfect solution!  What sheer joy it has been to paint in perfect weather, and to find such captivating subject matter!  And the icing on the cake?  I won a fabulous $150 gift certificate in the door prize drawing tonight!  COuld life be any sweeter?  This painting makes 1010 in 1010 days :)

Almost Spring

Almost Spring
Oil on unstretched canvas, 6x4
7/100, The {100} Artists

On this painting, I am exploring how a dark, somewhat stormy sky reflects off the plowed ground at this farm. The dirt appears very plum in such lighting - and the highlights are very muted.  By squinting my eyes down, I can truly see the colors and more importantly, the values.  Spring is just showing in foliage and brush, though not fully awakened.  I've not painted many landscapes with this kind of dark sky, so this painting is a lesson. I need to do more of these to feel comfortable with the lighting.  I'm going to let this rest for now, but I have a feeling I will return to work on it again.  Painting number 913 in 913 days.