Our Chicks

 

There's always enough time to paint our chicks, after spending time giving them treats!  It's been a full day of trying to catch up on chores, and now we're enjoying the grandkids by the campfire!  It's warmed up a bit and there is no wind, so Nolan, Quinn and Layne helped pick up sticks to build the fire.  I love spending time outside, even in the cold of winter.  Painting number 4746 in 4746 days. 

Windmill at Willow Creek

This windmill caught my attention as I scouted the property.  Lured back here by a wonderful old truck against the tree line, my eyes soon found many wonderful painting subjects!  I had one small paper and one small frame left from my 4 plein air events - so I used them for this!  Choosing pen and ink, I sketched most of the lines before I started on the blades.  The wind was blowing, making it very hard to see them!  I focused on one blade at a time, following it with my eyes as I sketched. It made me a little motion sick to concentrate on a spinning object! It was worth the effort - I do love windmills and this drawing found a new home, too!  Painting number 3180 in 3180 days 

Cattle Study in Ink

Tonight finds me finishing up my 100 cows for my self proclaimed "cow week"!  I love this concentrated study!   The watercolor painted cows seemed to roll off the brush,  but the first 20 inked cows were more of a struggle.   So, of course I returned to the ink to finish them up!  They were easier tonight from the very first one.  There is something to that cell memory theory!   The lines flowed more easily,  and the forms came more naturally,  which is all I'm after in these studies.  One good idea leads to another,  and this study had led me to think of another rather unnatural subject for me - cars!   I started with a few on the sunset paint a few days ago,  and I will continue in that theme during the upcoming week.  One by one,  I am going to face those challenges  - and show them who is boss!  Painting number 1529 in 1529 days  :)

Light on the Barn

This timeless barn scene was right off our porch at the Dalton Gang house.  The porch light gave me enough light to work with from the yard, while looking at the scene before me.  I never use artifical clip on lights when painting nocturnes, I just don't like the strong, blue light they shed.  They interfere with the way my eyes translate the colors of the illuminated objects in the landscape.  It was so warm and peaceful as three of us painted this place - and a glass of red wine added to my comfort!   We started later than planned since we couldn't pull ourselves away from the bluegrass gospel music at the Salem Country Church, but it was totally worth it!  Music, fellowship and the nostalgic beauty of this place - who could ask for more?  This painting might be one of my favorite nocturnes!   Painting number 1394 in 1394 days :)

Oil on panel, 10x8
purchase here