Chamomile and radish seeds planted and painted! What a beautiful day to spend outside! In addition to these seeds, I also planted 5 or 6 of the new seed varieties I bought from the Experimental Farm Network. They are all perennial vegetables which can be winter sown, and I'm so excited to watch their progress in the coming months. I'm marking everything I plant, because it is so easy to lose track with the sheer volume of gardening that I do! 60's today and maybe snow this weekend, so I'm making hay while the sun shines! Painting number 4794 in 4794 days.
Just a quick sketch of the California loose neck garlic before I planted it indoors. January gardening is the best! This weather has been so mild this month that I've found myself outdoors far more that a normal January. I'm trying this in a container and will plant another variety outdoors. The ground is still workable but we've got a winter storm headed here this weekend with temps close to zero. So, maybe I'll soon be painting snow! Painting number 4768 in 4768 days.
We're doing something new and fun at Urban Sketchers KC! Fountain Pen Friday! Here's my first sketch to kick off the fun! I'd you'd like to join the fun, post and use the hashtag #urbansketcherskc and #fountainpenfriday! This idea popped up during our planning meeting yesterday for the Urban Sketchers KC 2026 calendar. So, for our initial post, I grabbed a few of my newest pens loaded and unloaded, to sketch! Once I fill with an ink in a matching color, I stand them in the tea box, nib up. Those new ones are laying on their sides, waiting for my attention. So, THIS is the perfect in process sketch! Painting number 4721 in 4721 days.
Shiny ornaments are simply irresistible this time of year! And even though I have a plate full of unfinished tasks, I just had to get a quick painting in. Bright colors, in acrylic, are my go to for fast and bold painting. I think I'd love to do a large painting in this theme for the holidays, but who knows when I'll find the time? Painting number 4720 in 4720 days.
Tis the season for holiday decorating - and painting the magic! It's so much fun to pull out the bold acrylic paints for these shiny ornaments. Loose and free strokes keep the vibe upbeat and lively. There's so much beauty to paint this time of year, and I hope to make the most of every moment! Painting number 4714 in 4714 days.
What fun it is to paint festive ornaments with acrylics again! I love how quickly acrylics dry, and the rich color is perfect for paintball these shiny balls. In fact, I've never reached for my oils for these, and now I wonder why? I'm normally looking for quick paintings to send out this time of year, and acrylics fit that bill. This is also the time I reach for gallery wrapped canvases, as I paint right onto the edges. No need for frames, which is a convenience, too. Painting number 4709 in 4709 days.
I'm trying a new mini watercolor palette by Sennelier for these watercolor batik pumpkins. I LOVE tiny kits that fit right into a pocket! So, I love the portability, but the feel of the brush against the paint drags a little, almost as if there is honey in the mix. It is also a little resistant to the brush, not picking up as much paint in a stroke as I'm used to. I think I'll need to play with it a bit more, and keep it in an extra sketch bag, but it will not supplant my current favs. Painting number 4708 in 4708 days.
Christmas is coming and it's time to start painting the magic! We deck the halls right after Thanksgiving, but I light our outdoor Alberta spruce earlier, and pull out these shiny ornaments for that! It's the perfect opportunity to start painting these shiny jewels, and it really gets me in the mood for the holidays! Painting number 4705 in 4705 days.
The pumpkins have been gorgeous this season, and I'm painting this one with ink, watercolor and hot wax on super thin rice paper! With tissue thin paper, I must work this paper very lightly. The slightest bit of pressure when wet can cause it to tear, and brushing the paint in can brush right through the paper! So carefully I work until the image emerges, and I lift the hot wax away. Painting number
I love exploring these pumpkins in the layers of watercolor batik! From the first ink lines to the ironing off of the wax, the painting unfolds organically. This rice paper is thicker than my usual, and even has a masa feel to it. It's not as fragile, and therefore easier to work with. What fun it is to try different papers with the same process! Painting number 4694 in 4694 days.
It's fun to unwind with a little ink, watercolor, hot wax and pumpkins! I start by sketching my composition with India ink. Next, I add watercolor, layering until the hot wax is applied. Several layers later, crinkling, more watercolor and ironing between paper, the image is revealed. Only then do I find out what has emerged with the process. I love the serendipity of it all! Painting number 4692 in 4692 days.
It's fun to squeeze in a painting during all the fun holiday festivities with family! I LOVE this time of year! This day started with a goat emergency, one was being chased by the others and was limping. After calling for reinforcements. I was off to Casper's Christmas party at preschool. I arrived home in time to prepare for Aunt Diana and Uncle Ed to come visit. Danny and boys, Mom, Tiffany and family all joined the fun, too, which we watched Kirby and Casper. The campfire was also fun, though we didn't stay out long in this cold night! Painting number 5044 in 5044 days.
I love painting the bright colors of Christmas in acrylic on canvas! These shiny ornaments are super fun to describe with paint. The acrylic layers quickly with the fast dry time, and luxury I don't have with oils. I mark my lines first with a dark hue, then get those masses in, painting the reflections while each color is on my brush. This is a quick paint between commissions, just a little something to brighten up the day! Now, I'm off to start another one! Painting number 5036 in 5036 days.
It was a lovely evening to paint wedding memories, in such a beautiful place. The Root restaurant in Augusta hosted the wedding dinner, and this lovely table welcomed guests with the Bridal bouquet and memorial photo. How special is it to be part of such a meaningful celebration. Painting number 5124 in 5124 days.
