Misty Missouri Morning

Misty Missouri Morning
Oil on panel, 20x16

A beautiful sky reflecting over water is one of my favorite landscapes to paint.  This place is tranquil and the water is barely moving, showing just a little movement near the bank.  Our low rainfall over the last year has the water level down, which reveals the interesting way the bank has been cut into over time.  I have been drawn to peaceful subjects these last few days, as my real life kicks into overdrive.  Perhaps that is my own kind of art therapy, preparing me for the weeks ahead! This painting makes 87 paintings in 87 days, and now I must get to work on Easter dinner!  Happy Easter to all!

Autumn Aspens

Autumn Aspens
Oil over acrylic on canvas, 18x24

I seldom paint on canvas.  The the way the woven texture grabs the paint is so different than wood.  The canvas soaks up the paint far more than a birch panel does, even when primed.  I love the way I can push the paint around a wood panel.  I had started this one on canvas, so today I return to working on canvas.  I had the underpainting done in acrylic, leaving me free to apply the oils at will - making changes as the painting progressed.  Any reference or sketch is only a template for the painting, a jumping off point.  As the painting grows, it often takes on a life of it's own - leading me to where it wants to go.  The hue and key of this painting is far different than where it began, softer and more peaceful than it's underpainting.  Oils are king for this kind of change, the transparency of acrylics make it very hard to come back from bold.  I have been working rather large the last few days, and I just got some beautiful new larger frames.  There is nothing more motivating than gorgeous frames awaiting their paintings!  This one makes 86 paintings in 86 days.

King of the Prairie

King of the Prairie
20x16, Oil over acrylic on panel

There is a wonderful buffalo farm not far from my home.  I try to go get reference photos whenever the lighting is especially cool.  Sometimes the buffalo are close enough to really see, and other times they are way back from the road.  I started this by completely underpainting in acrylic, and then going over that base with my oils.  I used quite a bit of palette knife work in the grasses for texture as well as interest.  I am going to let this one rest tonight, to look again with fresh eyes in the morning.  This painting makes 85 paintings in 85 days.  I never thought a 30 day painting challenge would lead me here :)

Coffeepot Peonies

Coffeepot Peonies
Oil on panel, 9x12

Today was such a beautiful day to be outside!  I opened all the windows - letting the warm spring air flow through.  After the big snow just days ago, this is certainly a welcome change!  It is spring break, and the house was full of kids, their friends, and grandchildren - so no plein air painting for me today.  I wouldn't dare leave them to run amuck while working out in the pasture.  So, here I brought in this antique enamelware pot and set up a still life.  Good thing, too, as I started and stopped this painting about a million times today!  I have yet to take friends home, and drop off children - so I must hurry with this post.  This is painting number 84 in 84 days, and I think the next few will need to be quite small to get them done in the busy week ahead :)

Rainy Day at Big Cedar

Rainy Day at Big Cedar
Oil on panel, 10x8

This painting was started in the rain at the Big Cedar Plein Air Event event.  It was a one hour quick paint, and I set my easel up as close to the building as I could get - to shield myself from the rain.  It was so cold - and I had on several layers to fight the elements!  My red rain slicker kept the rain running off of me while I quickly painted.  Today, I finished this piece by cleaning up the edges and defining the shapes a little better.  I dared not change the colors, as I couldn't find my photo reference.  Things can get a little crazy during a quick paint!  This is painting number 83 in 83 days, now back to getting my panels primed.........

Colorado Reflections

Colorado Reflections
Oil on panel, 14x11
sold

I keep a stack of paintings set aside that I have started, but have not finished.  Most are plein air pieces where I simply ran out of time, and a few are paintings I just did not return to.  I think I started this one years ago in a Phil Starke workshop, awaiting my return with the reference photo I had used.  It has been so long, I don't remember what mountain range this is!  I know it is Colorado, and I wish I had written on the back of it.  I seldom paint mountains, so this was fun to get the colors and shapes accurate.  I loved putting down such strong pigment for the sky and water - they truly are that blue!  Painting 82 in 82 days - now I have about a million panels to prime to prepare for next month!

Old Barn at Red Oak

Old Barn at Red Oak
Oil on panel, 10x8

I must be on a barn painting theme!  I had started this en plein air at Red Oak II, close to Carthage, MO - A truly magical place to visit!  I had only glazed in the colors before I moved to the next piece.  This is a day I need something where all the big decisions have been made - so this is my piece!  I could mindlessly paint this while playing song after song - looking for the right mother-son dance tune.  I must post this quickly, because I still haven't decided - but I have narrowed it down to three.  Maybe I should have all three on the list, and I'll have a few more days to decide for sure!  Painting number 81 in 81 days - and surely my "art therapy" for this day :)

Defiance Barn in Autumn

Defiance Barn in Autumn
Oil on panel, 16x12
sold

I spent the entire day combing through photo albums and scanning pictures for my son's upcoming wedding.  By 10:00, I was finished, so I started to paint pretty late.  After painting 79 paintings in a row, I am SO resistant to let a day slip by without meeting that goal! I know it makes perfect sense, but I just can't make myself do it!  So, I chose a scene I have painted before, but changed to a darkening sky and autumn landscape (instead of the sunny, spring one that I had sold).  I have painted very few skies like this, and I like the change!  There is just something moody about a storm approaching. This one makes 80 in 80 days - just under the wire!

The Winding River

The Winding River
Oil on panel, 8x10

I began this painting en plein air on the banks of the Bennett Spring.  The area is so beautiful, with the spring winding like a snake  through the woods.  It would have been easier to just paint the first bend or two, but the full length of it called to me.  The waters were so green, almost an unnatural dark green, in the deep shade of the trees.  Painting in a location like this seems almost timeless.  This could have been painted 100 years ago, the spring would not have changed.  Every so often, a fish would jump, splashing in the water.  Each morning, a horn would sound, signaling to the fisherman it was time to begin their sport.  I would love to go back when I have more time to explore the state park and surrounding area.  This place is just full of paintings waiting to be painted.  The snow is falling very heavy outside my window as I paint this 79th painting in a row!

Longview Mansion Hydrangeas

Longview Mansion Hydrangeas
Oil on panel, 12x9

One October evening, several years ago, Mike and I attended the Black & White Ball along with other Summit Artists and art supporters.  In partnership with David Gale, this event was hosted at the Longview Mansion in Lee's Summit, Missouri.  Steeped in history, this place is a magnificent step back in time.  I have been fortunate enough to paint on the property many times.  On this night, the most glorious hydrangeas adorned either side of the large mantle in the main room straight back from the front door.  It was a wonderful evening of great food and entertainment, celebrated with artist friends and family.  This makes painting 78 in 78 days :)

Rose Garden Sanctuary

Rose Garden Sanctuary
Oil on panel, 10x8

Today, I am painting the beautiful roses at Unity Village in Lee's Summit, MO.  I can remember walking through the rose gardens on warm Sundays as a child.  I would hold my Mom's hand, and then go to my Grandma's hand, smelling the roses along the way.  My younger brother explored the side paths along the way.  I can remember the feel of my Grandma's yellow dress on the back of my hand as we walked.  She was always so well dressed.  Still and quiet now, these roses have seen many weddings, and witnessed many celebrations.  This place is truly a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life.  This painting makes 77 in 77 days :)

First Redbuds of Augusta

First Redbuds of Augusta
Oil on panel, 16x12

Eight years ago, a dear friend of mine talked me into attending my first plein air event.  Actually, Teddy Jackson had to twist my arm to get me to go for the weekend.  It was so hard to abandon my family and all of my obligations for something so frivolous.  The very first time, we parked high on a hill (where now a fire station resides) to paint the beautiful overlook of hills and farms and vineyards.  It was cold, windy and drizzling - we had to back up under the hatchback of her SUV just to keep our panels dry!  I loved it.  Cold, wet, and shivering, I still loved it.  I was hooked.  I remember Teddy telling me, "If you can paint here, you can paint anywhere!"  She was right!  From 20 degrees to 106, I am out in it - and loving it.  I don't even feel the temperatures while I am painting.  Once finished, I often realize my hands are very cold - and they don't work right!  But, it just doesn't matter while I am in the zone!  I found the photo reference for this work while pouring over old photos.  The very first painting I did on location, I painted in acrylics - and did not get a good image of it.  It was my very first sale in Augusta, to a sweet couple from Indiana - just in town for the weekend.  That very first year, all of the trees were blooming - a perfect spring paradise!  I remember seeing these redbuds in town - and I set up my easel on the street a block to the north, and started painting.  While I worked, a young girl with long, curly hair came over to the center redbud - and started climbing the tree, even hanging upside down from it's branches!  A special place, with special memories........and it was only the beginning.  This painting makes 76 in 76 days :)

Early Light on the Hillside

Early Light on the Hillside
Oil on panel, 6x12

I first painted a color study of this in plein air at my parent's house in Ohio.  Sitting on top of the hill, I looked to the right, with the river in the distance.  With early morning light and haze over the river, this view offered plenty of depth.  I only took the bare minimum for supplies, my palette, small panels, brushes and safflower oil.  I used a little foldable footstool to sit on, while my palette and oil were on the ground beside me.  I held the panel in the place an easel would keep it.  I didn't know if I would even have time to paint, but I was hopeful.  Each morning, I would come out to enjoy the early morning quiet before the day took me to hospital waiting rooms, cafeterias, and long hours away.  Just painting this today from my study, brought back the feeling of peace and tranquility on that hillside.  It is a visual journal for me that brings back the moment, the feelings, the prayers.  This place will forever be a place of peace and reflection for me.  This painting is the 75th painting in 75 days.

Through the Garden

Through the Garden
Oil on panel, 20x16

Last August, in the heat of summer, we vacationed up by Lake Erie.  On a day trip to the Henry Ford Museum, we went through the beautiful homes in Greenfield Village.  This magnificent garden is  between the Cotswold Cottage and it's barn.  The garden was absolutely busting with blooms!  I LOVE to be surrounded by these flowers, and to paint them is second nature.  Today was very full, and as time was short - I painted this one fast and loose, using my palette knife where needed.  I used the sides of various brushes for the many flowers - making them much faster to paint than they may look.  Painting 74 in as many days :)

St. Pat's Brownies

St. Pat's Brownies
Oil on panel, 9x12

For St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to paint something light and fun!  I picked these super delicious brownie bites up at our local shop - Butterfly Kisses Bakery.  The little brownies are iced with "leaves" complete with the most delicious candy flowers popping out the tops!  ALMOST too beautiful to eat!  I didn't want to actually paint every detail of the marble top table - so I tried applying the colors with a palette knife, just skimming the surface to give the illusion.  I wanted to play in the paints a bit - being a little impressionistic with the surfaces.  I like the way the colors "married" in this way.  I just found this frosted glass cake stand at a local antique shop - the top is shaped like a giant leaf!  It is the perfect surface to display sweet treats!  I am trying to finish my painting early today - I wish I could get it done in the morning, but that never seems to work out.  This is painting number 73 in 73 days :)

The Letter

The Letter
Oil on panel, 9x12

This morning, I couldn't decide whether to paint my daughter, or cupcakes.  I decided on Michaela!  After my fairy tale like landscape of yesterday, I felt like something way more realistic was in order.  The overcast day let in a soft light, shedding a special glow from the windows.  It amazes me how different the light is from day to day on these interiors.  Same house, many of the same windows, and yet each one's lighting is so very different.  I started with a detailed sketch, before laying in the basic color masses.  Starting with her face, hair, near curtain and shadow areas, and then working out from there,  I always want to be sure the main focus is right.  Then. I work out into the surrounding areas.  The diffused lighting had me graying down all colors quite a bit.  This painting makes 72 in 72 days, and I just found out that Leslie Saeta will be hosting another 30 day painting challenge in the future - and that is what started me on this ritual of painting every single day!

Sundown in the Woods

Sundown in the Woods
Oil over acrylic on panel, 16x20

The mood on this piece is different than most of my work.  I wanted to capture that really vivid sunset color, and it is harder for me than I thought!  I ignored the voice in my head telling me to "gray down" & "calm down those colors, girl"!  So, here I am breaking "rules" and blazing a new trail for me.  I like the moody feel of this.  I may look at it in the morning light - and think I am crazy!  I underpainted most of this in acrylic, then came over that with oils.  I glazed in the hillside, cabin and background trees with my oils - they were not even in the underpainting.  The effect is just what I was after.  I could simply wipe away anything that didn't feel just right.  Oils very easily wipe off of the open acrylics I had used.  When using the Golden Opens, I must allow LOTS of drying time - because it takes them ages to dry if you don't add in a bit of regular acrylic to the mix.  I may just use this technique again, it seems to add to the depth to the landscape.  This is painting number 71 in 71 days :)

On Lora's Lawn

On Lora's Lawn
Oil on panel, 12x9

On this warm, beautiful day in the 70's, I am thinking of Augusta and a day last April of plein air painting.  On this lawn I painted two paintings, and only had time to sketch this one out.  Today, I work from that sketch and my photo reference to paint the morning light streaming in from the east.  The Lindsey's were gracious hosts, allowing me to paint in their secluded location.  This little slice of heaven is right out the front door.  I will adjust a few details tomorrow, but for now I am letting this one rest.  This painting makes 70 in 70 days :)

Orange Impression

Orange Impression
Oil on panel, 10x8

Today, I am painting my breakfast - and  getting impressionistic with the fracturing technique I just learned!  I modified my methods a little, and perhaps the edges are not as broken as on Tuesday's painting.  It is fun to apply such bold color, as this is not my norm.  This experimentation is such a great way to keep inspired and fresh - even if it takes me to some crazy places!  At one point, I set down a brush and went to pick up a slice and eat it!  Big no-no!  No eating while oil painting!  I don't want to ingest heavy metals - and there are a LOT of cads in this painting.  This is the 69th in 69 days.  I hope to work on a large painting next :)

Light through the Arches

Light through the Arches
Oil on panel, 11x14

Last September, a dear painting friend and I went out to Unity Village in Lee's Summit to do a little plein air painting.  This is one of the reference shots from that day.  I love the architecture out there - it is like traveling to another country to paint!  The morning sun streaming in through these arches instantly caught my attention.  I love the angles and the curves - all working together with the light and shadow, to tell an inviting and peaceful story.  I used to attend this church as a young girl with my grandma, mom, and brother.  I first sketched this scene on the panel, then applied a detailed underpainting.  Once my values were established, I had some fun with the palette knife.  Not nearly as crazy as yesterday, but enough to add to the texture throughout.  I did have thoughts of trying the fracturing technique on this, but the complexity of the composition persuaded me not to!  I think I will try that technique again tomorrow - on something simple, so I don't get in over my head!  Well, this makes 68 paintings in as many days.  Can't believe I am maintaining this pace.  That, in itself, is a miracle.