Red Umbrella Day

 

It REALLY poured for this paintout!  Everything was soaked and it was still fun sharing the tiny space with artist friends, Margaret and Troy Tatlock from Wisconsin!  Troy is always so chatty as Margaret tries to rein him in a little. Time flies when you're having fun! Happy to win an Honorable Mention on this, too!  Painting number 4865 in 4865 days. 

Autumn at Stone Hill

 

Autumn in Missouri is really beautiful.  Green grass accentuates the golden red hues spreading over the foliage, and balmy temps make it a pleasure to paint in.  Only oils will do when I'm pushing for those vibrant colors, and the tactile feel of broach on panel is invigorating. I'm counting my blessings as I paint, and look forward to all the paintings to come. What a wonderful place to capture autumn color - and have refreshment, too.  Painting number 4704 in 4704 days. 

Montelle Sunset

Sometimes, all you need is 20 minutes and a challenge to paint from the committee. I arrived very late from the Mystery Paint, with only 30 minutes to turn in. When I walked into the room to see the work already turned in, I mentioned that I'd intended to paint, but now I don't think so. One of those girls - I think it was Vicki - said, "I challenge you to do that painting! "  Well, how could I possibly walk away from that? Walking to the car that was too far away, I pulled out my ink and watercolors - and painted that gorgeous sunset as fast as i could! With only enough time to frame and turn in, I rushed in my painting, tagged and hung it, and turned to the girls and said, "Challenge accepted!"  Another fun plein air memory for the book!  Now showing at Gallery Augusta.  Painting number in days. 

Flag Flying at Noboleis

SOLD

Would you believe a tour bus arrived uninvited to block my view, and I had to walk up 50 feet to get this photo....... while that bus ran idling for hours... It was otherwise a lovely event with live music, a delicious breakfast and beauty to paint in every direction.  If only that bus hadn't been so silly!  Painting number 5164 in 5164 days. 

Stone Hill Sunset

 

What a treat to find such a gorgeous barn to paint, high on a hill on Hermann! Wandering down the streets in search of autumn color brought me here, and little did i know what I would find.  From this spot were multiple paintings in all directions!  Stone Hill Winery is absolutely stunning, and i week definitely be back!  This painting is now available at Art Works On Main in Owensville!  I sure do love painting this part of Missouri! Painting number 5168 in 5168 days. 

Stone Hill Autumn

 

I chose the top of a hill on a cold, windy day for painting Stone Hill Winery for the first time! The view from here is magnificent, and the sun came out to light up the scene after a morning of rain.  There are many buildings up here to paint, and an amazing view of all of Hermann.  I'll have to return when I can enjoy a glass of wine while I paint!  Painting number 5166 in 5166 days, and this one is now showing at Art Works On Main in Owensville, Missouri. 

Stonehaus Farms Vineyard

 

It was super fun to explore this local winery with paint!  I hadn't been here before, so that made the day extra special.  A wine tasting after painting led to a lovely glass of wine to share with artist friends. Every paint out should end this way!  This painting is number 5077 in 5077 days and is now showing at the Lee's Summit City Hall.

Seven Springs Winery

What a lovely place to spend an evening with artist friends, painting the beauty of this terraced garden!  Friends joined me here, ordering a couple of dishes for my benefit - and wine, of course!  The crab cakes and spinach artichoke dip was delicious, as was my dry white!  Recharged, a painted this ink and watercolor while leaning against the fence, sipping my wine!  It's a tough job, but someone has to do it!!  Painting number 4309 in 4309 days, and this one is now showing at Lake Fine Art Galleria on Bagnell Dam Boulevard! 

Shawnee Bluff Winery

It was a gorgeous evening for painting AND dining at the Shawnee Bluff Winery!! This is my first time to this place, and I caught sight of this scene as I left my car - and didn't go any further!  After a quick spin of this beautifully situated property, i returned with my gear to start painting.  I actually chose 2 places to paint, but only had time for this one.  Bonus - there was a jazz and blues group on site - who serenaded us all night long!  Wonderful music to paint by.  I hope to return to paint the tasting barn and grapevines!  This painting will be available at the sale Saturday, at the Lodge of the Four Seasons, Granada A, from 10:00 to 1:00. Painting number 4300 in 4300 days 

Augusta Winery

In all the years I've been plein air painting in Augusta, this is the first time I've painted these red buildings in the landscape, and the fresh, spring greens offered the perfect stage for this winery to shine.  Several years ago, pre-pandemic, Teddy and I taught a Plein Air Wine and Paint in the red building to the left.  Jessica from the Augusta Winery set up the space, brought in wine, and helped us with all the details - making it a fun event for everyone!  So, the fond memories I have here made this painting a joy to paint, and I'm happy that someone else can now enjoy this painting in their home. So fun to paint such a place!  Painting number 3410 in 3410 days. 

Morning at Lake Creek

This farmhouse turned winery sits high upon a hill, with sprawling views all around.  Picking my spot carefully, I knew rain would be blowing in from the south and west.  Finding cover at the north edge of a shelter, I found my composition in the landscape, and started drawing in ink.  On misty, rainy days, I must work fast to protect paper and ink.  The cotton handmade paper absorbs water from the atmosphere, which will add flow to the ink - sometimes far too much spread!  As I finished, the light rain was paused long enough for me to grab a frame and get the drawing between glass. Once framed and turned in, I could sigh in relief and move on to the oil painting inspired by this piece. Painting number 3407 in 3407 days. 

Mount Pleasant Afternoon

I haven't painted Mount Pleasant Winery in years - and never in pink!  Word on the grapevine is that this is the original historic color - and it certainly looks great against the fresh greens of spring!  My third painting of the day, I choose a third medium. After an oil and a fountain pen ink, I now chose ink and watercolor.  As I started my ink work, I realized I'm missing my neon yellow Twsbi fountain pen full of my favorite black ink!  I searched high and low, and it's not in my stuff.  I last remember having it as I sketched the whole scene at Nobeleis, so maybe it's laying there in the grass!  So today, I had to use my ink full of Robert Oster's Thunderstorm ink, a rich dark that pushes blue when wet. It actually pops in this landscape, adding to the contrast.  Mixing up just the right pink was fun - and these historic buildings are a pleasure to capture!  I feel like I've stepped back in time, just painting here.  Painting number 3401 in 3401 days. 

Balducci Vineyard

Invited to paint for a live broadcast for Great Day St Louis during the Augusta Plein Air Festival, Teddy and I arrived early to set up.  Painting as a backdrop to promote the event, we were both interviewed on the TV broadcast and the Facebook Live broadcast that followed.  It was a fun morning spent with wonderful people, in an amazing place!  So glad to be part of the early morning fun!  This painting is now showing at Gallery Augusta.  Painting number 3058 in 3058 days. 

Afternoon at Noboleis

 I headed out to scout with oils on board, and when I found this spot I realized I would HAVE to use my pen and ink!   So, hauling all is my gear back to the car, I switched gears and gathered up my ink gear. Hiking down to the vineyard, I looked up at the buildings on the hill and started to sketch. With pen and ink I drew in each one, coming back in with my favorite TWSBI Diamond mini fountain pen loaded with Levenger's Raven Black ink.  With a little water I was able to achieve the mid tones I wanted, and headed back to the car to frame up.  This was the quick paint, only two hours of paint time, but it didn't take me that long.  I really love my pen and ink, and it is always a good day when I'm sketching!  This painting sold right away, and it will hang in the office of Nobeleis Vineyard.  Painting number 3028 in 3028 days. 

Red Moose Vineyard Inked

SOLD

What a lovely morning to land in a gorgeous vineyard with pen and ink!  Using my favorite gold TWSBI Diamond fountain pen and Raven Black ink by Levenger, I let the painting unfold with line and wash.  A little water adds to the depth and precedes the oil painting to come.  This place is beautiful and peaceful, and the clouds offer a little shelter from my place in the full sun!  Love this plein air life!  Painting number 2767 in 2767 days. 

Morning at Red Moose Vineyard

SOLD

Whar an amazing place for painting in plein air!  This Red Moose Vineyard has it all! After an ink sketch in the field, I started this oil on my masonite panel.  I think I could paint here all week! Painting number 2764 in 2764 days. 

Umbrellas and Lavender

How can I still find new places after all these years of painting in Door County?  Somehow this one escaped my notice until this year, and what a find!  Wonderful wine, food, and ambience, embellished with umbrellas and lavender!  Several of us artists set up to paint (after our food and wine, of course), and I landed in this spot.  I loved the feeling of space from this angle, complete with my fellow artists sprinkled in!  Have I mentioned how fabulous it is to paint in such a setting?  I'll think of this place when I encounter snakes in the wild, without a soul in sight!  Painting number 2023 in 2023 days.

purchase here

Prairie Fire Vineyard

My very first time in Paxico, Kansas, and I am soaking in my surroundings at the Prairie Fire Winery!  The sweeping views of the Flint Hills are breathtaking, and easily accessible from the walking trail through the prairie.  After scouting the trails through the vineyard, I landed here in a little piece of shade (thanks Susan!) to draw these lush vines while catching up. This was only the first of 5 paintings today, and the 1980th painting in 1980 days.  Can't wait to return for another glass of sangria!

sold

Reflections of Balducci Inked

This may have been one of the nicest evenings at Balducci Vineyards for our annual sunset paint!  Hiking down the hill into the task grass, I set up with a view of the barns, and their reflections on the water.  I first inked this piece to establish the composition for the painting to come.  I used what little ink was left in my last fountain pen to get this done.  Next time, I'm bringing more ink!  Painting number 1923 in 1923 days.

Rainy Day Vineyard

I'm so honored to be included in the Premier Artist's paint out at Defiance Ridge this afternoon.  Ribbon and daily winners from the last five years are invited to participate - and the competition is steep!  I swept through the vineyard on my way to the lake, but I never made it!  The view through the vineyard to the woods beyond was irresistible.  When I had my panel about 1/3 covered, the rain began in earnest. I tilted my panel downward, and pulled up my hood to repel the rain. I painted like crazy to get that panel covered with paint!!  I can safely paint on top of paint, but if the panel is dry - those raindrops repel the oil paint - and then in in trouble!  When I was nearly done, the rain and wind kicked up, forcing me to head for shelter!  PLEIN AIR IS NOT FOR SISSIES!  Painting 1916 in 1916 days.  I'm so tired, I don't know which way is up!