Too soon the snow is melting, as I squeeze in one more snowy painting. It's going to be in the 50s and 60s for the next week, with no snow in sight. That also means I'll be spending lots of time outdoors, doing some early work in the garden beds. This was a fun day gathering with Barb, Cathy and Mom at Panera for a long lunch and visiting. I need to schedule that in more often! Painting number 4783 in 4783 days.
My grandparents used to farm with this implement, I bet they never dreamed I'd paint it one day! We have several pieces of the old equipment, some left where they unhooked them last. It is surreal to think of their hands at work in that very spot, so many years ago. And yet, some things remain unchanged when the whole world seems to have changed around them. It's just one of the many reasons I love this place. It is truly in my blood. Painting number 4782 in 4782 days.
This little wren is just one of our many feathered friends who constantly beg to be painted. And in the background, you can see our new Lady Belle, who is also catching my eye! I think she wants to be painted next, but Travis and Rebekah will be here soon to spend some time with her. She's such a sweet addition to our family. Painting number 4781 in 4781 days.
I will never tire of painting winding creeks in the snow, especially in the deepest part of winter. The water is very dark, without the slightest greening that comes with warmer temps. This window is short, and I hope to take advantage of every painting opportunity, while the snow remains. Painting number 4780 in 4780 days.
I love painting the branches as they spread out from the trunk of this very old hackberry tree. It is one of two this age in the pasture. A blanket of snow coats the ground and accentuates the branches, adding drama and light to the scene. I though we might get some more snow today, but alas we did not. I hope to paint a few more snowscenes before it all melts away. It was so nice to have Tyler's family and Michaela's family out for snow fun and a campfire today! We've had a while weekend full of family fun! Painting number 4779 in 4779 days.
There's something so peaceful about painting in the snow. Michaela and her family, and Michael and Tess came out today for the afternoon. The kids made snow angels while we visited, while the new kittens frolicked all around then. After tending the chickens, we gathered a while longer. It's lovely to spend a little time at day's end, being thankful, with a brush in my hand. I hope to see more of the family tomorrow. Painting number 4778 in 4778 days.
Hooray for a snow that lasted all week, and for a few more snowflakes to come on Sunday! With a few flakes dancing about, the mood is just right for wooded winter painting. The wind begins to kick up, and I work a little faster as the cold nips at my nose. I love how quiet the world becomes under a blanket of snow. Painting number 4777 in 4777 days.
I love painting these sweet juncos as they play in the snow! My mom calls them snowbirds, and we have so many of them. It is so peaceful to watch them as I sketch. Within a few minutes, they pay me no mind, continuing as if I wasn't there at all. I am working on a sketchbook that I use for wildlife, plant life, and nature related subjects. The leather cover is adorned with an embossed plant, and led me to use it so. When I get inside, I jot down a few thoughts. I often sketch quickly on site and leave the spaces to fill in afterward. I do love the quiet peace a blanket of snow brings the landscape. Painting number 4776 in 4776 days.
Sunsets over the snowy landscape are the best, and occasionally the cattle line up to see the show, too! Well, maybe it was more of a walk to the hay bales, lol. Though pretty nice in the afternoon, it cools off real fast when the sun drops behind those trees. Beau is feeling better, and followed me down to see the cows and sketch. I didn't even know he was there until I turned around and saw him! I hope he continues to improve, he's been a wonderful painting companion for all these years. Painting number 4775 in 4775 days.
What a beautiful, sunny day to paint in the snow - in the warmest part of the day, of course! This is one of two pin oaks planted by my grandma when my Uncle Brian signed up to serve his country as a Marine. I like to think the second was planted for my Uncle Clayton when he signed up for the Navy. They are both glorious trees that I have drawn and painted at various times. This land has been in my family for three generations, with now 5 generations spending time here as our family grows. It's hard to describe how I feel here, with some of my earliest memories from this very place. Two of my children were born here, three have married here, and many family members lived, loved and played here, who no longer walk this world. I still hold their memories in my heart, as if it were yesterday. How are the days so fleeting? I hope to have another 50 years to paint all of the paintings I feel right here. Painting number 4773 in 4773 days.
It was a beautiful afternoon to paint this chickadee in the cedar! It's been so very cold the last couple of days that 21 degrees feels balmy in the sun! After tending the chickens, horse and cats, Beau followed me out in the snow for a quick sketch. Once the sun drops behind a tree, it starts cooling off fast. I hope i get to paint snow for a few more days before it all melts. Painting number 4772 in 4772 days.
We've had so many cardinals out in the snow - so I just HAD to paint one! So many were sitting on the ground under the feeders, gathering seeds dropped by other birds. The north side was sheltered from the wind, and they shared the space with other feathered friends. Perhaps I'll paint a few of them tomorrow! Painting number 4771 in 4771 days.
Hooray! It's Day 1 of the Diamine Inkvent Calendar, and Celestial Skies is the first ink! I'm capturing the first snow for my chicks - and they don't like it! With little wind, still the snow blew half way into their run. After covering the east side, I swept out what I could and spread fresh wood mulch on top. Once this was done, they ventured out from their huddle on the dry side to return to pecking, scratching and drinking. I had heard chickens don't like the snow, and now I've seen it for myself! The fancy dip pen pictured happens to also glow in the dark! I'd forgotten that until I walked down the dark hall with it! Painting number 4717 in 4717 days.
The chapel at Powell Gardens is such a peaceful place to visit and paint. The walking trail that meanders to this place is lovely, with many painting spots along the way. Winter is just a breath away, and the snow only makes this place more beautiful. This is painting number 4701 in 4701 days. Now Showing at the gallery in the visitor center.
This miniature painting of ponderosa pines is now showing in the gallery at Powell Gardens. The fountain pen is one of my newest, a TWSBI Diamond, filled with my favorite black ink. Sadly, my white TWSBI Diamond dropped from my hand into my cushioned mat, bending the nib slightly. I haven't had time to order a new nib, so I filled this beautiful pen with the ink I use the most. This pines are a request, so I hope they'll find a new home soon! Painting number 4700 in 4700 days.
The winter woods are so inspiring - and the appearance of deer is a special treat in a day full of wildlife sightings! One of them is limping, and I wonder if it is from the extreme cold. We had a record low this morning of -9 degrees, and that is no joke. I am painting fast in the warmest part of the day, in my warm layers, and still my fingers were cold before I made it back to the house. I'm happy we still have some snow to paint, and feel like I absolutely have to paint it while I can! Painting number 5075 in 5075 days.
I have only to walk outside for inspiration to paint - even as the days grow colder. A bit spoiled by the last two 50 degree days, the icy blast is again a shock. The sunset colors have been wonderful this month, and I love getting to drop that in at day's end. Michaela, Cooper and the boys came by for family fun today - and Michaela brought WONDERFUL news with her! Little Kirby was on a Dance Party Mission all day - dancing to every musical thing we have in the house! All of life is about the little things, and this day was spilling over with joys big and small. Painting number 5073 in 5073 days.
Hooray for snow that doesn't melt on the very first day!! It's fun painting in the deer that visit every day, and their tracks are all over this space. I think they walk up past the house from the pond in the back, right along a path we mow for the Sidekick. I think the deer are harmonious in their scene, and i feel like they are the eye candy for those who look closely. Not enough to steel the scene, but to be the supporting actors to this glorious landscape. I am again painting over an old panel, bringing this one to a place I'm happy with. Painting number 5072 in 5072 days.
