Harvest Basket

Harvest Basket
Watercolor batik on masa, 5x8
purchase here

Thinking of Thanksgiving today, and painting the fruits of harvest.  I handled this painting just a little bit different than I have the others.  After sketching in india ink, painting all bounty and basket with watercolor, I went back in for a second layer of color.  This additional step really adds to the depth. Waxing those areas to resist the next layer of paint, I then watercolored the background and foreground - dropping in paint to spread and mingle in the very wet layer.  Since I am painting on masa paper, I lay a sheet of wax paper under my painting.  The wet paint seeps through the masa, and is absorbed again by the masa as it dries.  Next, I wax the remaining unwaxed parts, let dry, then wad up "carefully" into a ball.  The house is a little warmer today, so I should have popped it into the freezer first.  The wax cracked pretty well, just not as well as yesterday.  I then floated that violet raw umber - Daniel Smith's - into the creases.  Allowing to dry slightly, I then ironed it off between layers of newspaper.  Wanting a little more definition in those creases, I dry brushed on some additional paint only to the tops of those creases, with the side of my brush.  I like the result!  Every painting is another lesson learned - and this one is the 683rd painting in a row :)

Tall Ship at Sunset

Tall Ship at Sunset
Watercolor batik on masa, 5x8
purchase here

Today I have discovered something new about this masa paper.  I started the same way, with a sketch in india ink, followed by painting the ship and sails in watercolor.  I next brushed hot wax on only these painted parts plus some highlights in the water.  Adding the remaining color to the sky and water, I brushed hot wax over the whole piece.  After carefully crumpling the painting into a ball, and brushing off any wax that crack off, I found the wax cracked and popped off better.  This masa paper has been resistant to the flow of paint until now, as if the wax was just not coming off well enough in the cracks.  The difference?  With our "arctic blast" moving in, it is colder in the house than before.  Thus, the wax reacts so much better!  The watercolor flowed into the cracks more efficiently and spread in a webbing type of motion with little effort.  I have had to work to get this effect before now.  Even at my parent's house in Ohio, I noticed how poorly the wax was behaving - in one instance, it hardly worked at all!  Well, they keep their house considerably warmer than mine ever is.  So, on those days when the temperature is up, I will try popping my painting into the fridge or freezer, to help that wax do it's work.  So rewarding to learn something valuable while painting!  Painting number 682 in 682 days.

High Noon Sunflowers

High Noon Sunflowers
Ink, watercolor, wax on rice paper, 10x8

If you zoom in on this super thin rice paper - it has little strings embedded all through it!  Interesting to paint on, this paper was given to me by an artist friend to try.  I love experimenting with new supplies, so this was a treat!  So thin is this paper, that the pigment has a hard time absorbing - easily seen in the sky.  To create those clouds, all I did was lightly and quickly tap the wet, blue surface with a paper towel.  The flow of the paint through the cracked wax was also different than the other rice papers.  When it leaked through, it really spread - as you can see by the brown areas.  Could be a cool effect on certain paintings, like waves on an ocean, where the irregularities would improve the depth.  Hmmmm, so many ideas, so little time!  Painting number 681 in as many days.

Autumn's Bounty

Autumn Bounty
Watercolor batik on rice paper, 8x5
purchase here

This has been a day where I just couldn't seem to focus.  My second day home from Ohio had me catching up on chores, and all those other loose ends I needed to work on.  I started painting countless times, only to get up and take care of something else.  Finally, I am finished with this watercolor batik of a still life on the main street in Fairfield.  There were several wonderful displays outside of the shops - and this is only one of three that I intend to paint! I am finding a preference for the super thin rice paper.  I have just two pieces left, and then a whole roll of masa - and I think I'll have to go get some more of the thin paper!  It is harder to paint on, but there is something about that translucency that I really love!  The masa is thicker, still a rice paper, but it paints more like a watercolor paper.  So, if you love controlling your paint - masa is probably the right choice for you.  If part of you likes throwing caution to the wind - then the super thin rice paper may be the perfect fit!  This painting makes the 680 in as many days - wow - I am nearing 700 paintings :)

Autumn in Elmore

Autumn in Elmore
Watercolor batik on masa, 8x5
Elmore, Ohio - purchase here

Okay, now this is exciting!!  I have included my first car in a street scene (that I can remember)!  I know, it sounds silly, but painting cars is scary in a landscape!  I always shy away from them, and now I am making a concentrated effort to paint them in.  It is one of those areas I want to work on.  I first sketched this one out on the masa with india ink.  It is important to paint on the rough side of masa, not the slick side.  The slick side is just too resistant to the paint.  It will work, but with more effort.  This scene is at the top of Rice Street, right by the old bank, turning left at the light.  It is fun to be painting this place which has been my parent's home these last 26 years.  Painting number 679 in as many days :)

Race Day

Race Day
Watercolor batik on rice paper, 7x5
Perry Yacht Club - purchase here

On this painting, I wondered what would happen of I left some droplets of the watercolor on top of the wax before ironing it between the brown paper.  This is what happens - more paint leaking through and spreading, as the wax is being melted into the brown paper.  Less distinct lines, creating a different, looser effect.  This could be cool on a serious portrait, or a painting that I might want to bump up the drama on.  Too much?  It might be, but my mind is already working on how to best use this technique on another painting.  Painting number 678 in as many days.

Path in Autumn

Path in Autumn
Oil on panel, 6x6
purchase here

Today, I am concentrating on the warms and cools of the autumn landscape.  The golds are at their peak, and the reds are just beginning in my neck of the woods.    I am painting with intent - marking the lights and darks, and then working towards the middle.  Painting in oil - I have applied the paint rather heavy in areas.  I am using a more traditional palette, as I normally do with my oils.  With all of my recent watercolor work, I am now wondering what would happen of I used my bolder watercolor palette for my oil painting?  How would the clearer colors look in this landscape - could I even achieve them with the addition of white?  Hmmmm - definitely  food for thought.  I think I'll give this a try just to see what happens!  Painting number 677 in 677 days :)

Looking Down Rice Street

Looking Down Rice Street
Watercolor batik on masa, 8x5
Elmore, Ohio - purchase here

I am working on street scenes again today in Elmore, Ohio.  This charming town of 1200 people is little changed in the last 100 years.  Filled with many historic homes, including the antebellum home of my parents, it is full of nostalgia.  Rice Street is the main street in town, and this view leads us right into downtown Elmore.  I am painting this using the batik method, although I am starting to long for a more traditional approach.  I did bring some regular watercolor paper - in the 140 lb variety, as I had no real intention of using it while I'm here.  Not my favorite weight, but maybe it will be okay.  Painting number 676 in as many days :)

Dad's Shed

Dad's Shed
Watercolor batik on rice paper, 8x5
purchase here

The stunning color of the fall foliage hit me as soon as I walked out the back door at my parent's house.  Early morning light illuminated the trees splendidly!  How I wished I could set up and paint on the spot, being hospital bound, this was not the time.  I sketched this while my mother slept and my dad "rested" in a rather uncomfortable chair.  Laying in the first layers of color discreetly (from the vinyl couch in the room) - I took this back home to wax and paint again.  What a therapeutic way to spend the long hours waiting by mom's bed.  Painting number 675 in as many days.

Autumn Barns

Autumn Barns
Watercolor batik on masa, 8x5
Elmore, Ohio - purchase here

This farm is heading north out of Elmore, Ohio on highway 51.  We pass this farm every time we go to any of the hospitals.  In the past three years, I have driven by here many times when dad was hospitalized, and now, with my mom.  This farm is ever changing - with the light changes of each day to the various seasons.  My first time to paint it, I am capturing this landscape in it's autumn glory.  Once again using the watercolor batik method, I have first painted the scene in watercolor on masa paper.  Brushing hot wax over the finished painting, I then crumple the painting up in a tight ball - no kidding!  Flattening it out, I then float the brown/plum color into all creases and cracks and allow it to dry.  I then iron it between brown paper (or in this case, old newspapers) until no more wax bleeds into the paper.  What remains is this landscape painting with an antiqued appearance.  This landscape is painting number 674 in 674 days :)

Autumn Gold

Autumn Gold
Watercolor batik on masa, 5x8
Elmore, Ohio - purchase here

As I walked out of my parents back door, this glorious golden tree was there to greet me!  The yellows are really popping up here in northern Ohio - and the autumn landscape is amazing!  I snapped pics all the way to the hospital this morning while the sun was shining brightly.  Once again, I am using the watercolor batik method.  I have not actually painted in the hospital before, but I knew that watercolors would be the safe and clean alternative.  Those who know me, know that I am a clean painter - and my work area was tiny so as not to be noticed!  I first sketched out my composition with an india ink pen while looking at my reference on my phone - all in my lap.  Laying my skinny watercolor palette between me and the end of the couch on a paper towel, I dipped my brush into a little pill cup for my water and then into the paint of choice.  So compact, it was the perfect set up for "hospital" painting!  Arriving home later, I was then able to wax, crinkle, and then paint again.  Ironing that wax off, I then topped off with a little more watercolor and was done!  Working at four at a time, I needed that extra time in between for drying. Those other two are now dry, so I had better move on to ironing them.  Painting number 673 in as many days :)

Autumn on the River Road

Autumn in the River Road
Watercolor batik on masa, 8x5
Elmore, Ohio - purchase here

As I walked out to get the mail at my parent's house, this beautiful scene lay before me.  Slipping the mail into the car and grabbing my phone, I stepped back into the street to get the photo for reference.  The golds were stunning in the backdrop of greens.  I have been wanting to work on street scenes - so this is my chance!  I am going to sketch and paint these every day while I am in Ohio - where I can get many different paintings from my parent's lawn!  I have sketched this one in india ink, painted in watercolor on masa, & brushed hot wax over the surface.  Crumbling up, this surface was more resistant to the wax coming off.  I don't know why, perhaps the wax was thinner than on my previous paintings.  As a result, the batik effect is lighter here.  The actual painting of the scene was fun!  I think I am going to like painting the street scenes!  Painting number 672 in 672 days :)

Witches Brew

Witches Brew
Watercolor batik on rice paper, 7.5x5.5
purchase here

Happy Halloween!  How's this for getting into the halloween spirit?  I have never done anything like this - well, not since I was a child, so why not branch out and have a little fun?  The watercolor batik technique is perfect for creating a vintage mood as these witches make their brew!  Unlike all the other batiks I've done, I painted the background first - getting the glow of the fiery sunset in.  I painted the sky with hot wax and then proceeded to drop color into the figures, cauldron, and land.  It was fun to let those paints just mingle together.  Did I mention that the only color I premix on the palette is orange?  This is painting number 671 in as many days :)

Portage River in Fall

Portage River in Fall
Watercolor batik on masa paper, 8x5
purchase here

The Portage River runs past my parent's house in Elmore, Ohio, and is a constant source of inspiration when I visit.  This morning, while the grass was still very wet with dew, I walked down the hill and to the water's edge just to get this vantage!  So worth it!  So many of the trees are showing off their yellow foliage - the reflections are stunning!  I first sketched this out with my Pitt india ink pen in sepia, and next filled in with watercolor.  Using the hot wax for some movement in the water, I have left this one rather loose and liquid.  I think I will try to paint several of the river while I'm here!  Painting number 670 in 670 days.

Golden Glow

Golden Glow
Watercolor, ink, hot wax on masa, 8x5
purchase here

I am in Ohio for my mom's knee replacement surgery.  As we drove to the hospital this morning, the early morning light was bathing the autumn landscape in gold!  Taking a few reference photos, I then sketched a few paintings out on rice paper while my mom rested between therapy sessions.  This painting is from their side yard - with the sun lighting the golden leaves and grass alike!  Later, while she and my dad were napping, I painted them with the small watercolor palette that I take with me when plein air painting.  I forgot my water container and used one of the pill cups for my water!  I was able to paint the first two layers on, and wax, paint, iron, and paint again when I got back to their house.  This was a good use of time - because I HAD to watch the World Series game with my hometown boys playing (the Royals!!) - and this kept my hands busy!  This is painting number 669 in as many days - and boy do I hope we win!!

First Impressions of Fairfield

First Impressions of Fairfield
Oil on panel, 9x12
Fairfield Fall Foliage Paint Out
purchase here

Quick Paint

On Location

This painting is from the Quick Paint at the Fairfield Fall Foliage Paint Out.  This charming town is full of historic buildings - and this was the very first one that caught my eye.  The morning was cold and windy - and I was so thankful to have brought my ski jacket!  Toasty in my layers, it was a fun 2 hour paint! This town was a delight to enjoy for four days this October - and I am looking forward to next year, too!  I don't think I am quite finished with this one - I see areas I would still like to work.  When I get the finishing touches on, I will post an updated photo.  This painting is number 668 in 668 days.  Today finds me in the hospital with my mom, who is here for a full knee replacement surgery.  I have some supplies with me, and will probably have time to start working on some small watercolor sketches tomorrow during her rest times.  I always feel better with a little something to keep my hands busy :)

Autumn at Park University

Autumn at Park University
Oil on panel, 12x9
Now showing - Parkville Depot
sold

first marks

I painted this beautiful college as the sun was bathing the grounds with a golden glow.  Time was running short before sunset, so I needed to get that paint down quickly!  I climbed an adjacent hill near the top of the waterfall, to set up my easel and get started.  Since the sun was going down, and there is so much architecture here, my first marks were those of the university, and I worked out from there.  By the time I was finished, there was little light, and I packed up my gear to head home.  This had already been my third painting of the day for the Parkville in Art plein air event.  This painting is now showing at the historic Parkville Depot until November 13.  This is painting number 667 in as many days.

Batik Autumn

Batik Autumn
Watercolor, ink, hot wax on masa, 8x5
purchase here

Trying to capture the autumn landscape with watercolor - which is new for me.  I have only been using the medium for three months now, and rarely in a landscape - I normally go to my oils.  After loosely sketching with my india ink pen, I fill in the local color with paints, then brush hot wax onto this.  For this one, I floated ink over the cooled and cracked wax instead of watercolor - and the ink spreads in a different way.  More blotchy, more unpredictable.  Not sure how I feel about this......I'll need to try a few more before I decide.  Painting number 665 in as many days.

Morning at Montebello Falls

on location

Morning at Montebello Falls
Oil on panel, 16x12
Now showing at Parkville Depot, MO
purchase here

For this vantage of the falls at Montebello, I had to set up in the tall grass up the hill and across the street from my subject.  This was the only little bit of shade when I started, so I got right to laying down paint.  The morning light reflected off the water and foliage, shimmering in the landscape.  Looking into the sun is always difficult, even though my hat shaded my eyes.  As you can see from the photo, the sun tends to wash out the detail of the subject while I'm looking at it, making my color choices a bit harder.  That is the Kansas City skyline in the distance on the left - so cool to be able to get that kind of depth in a landscape!  This painting is now showing at the historic Depot in Parkville through November 13, and is painting number 664 in as many days.

Afternoon at the National Golf Course

Afternoon at the National Golf Course
Oil on panel, 16x12
Now showing at Parkville Depot
purchase here

What an amazing opportunity to get to set up my easel and paint this glorious landscape!  With it's undulating hills and autumn foliage - it was truly a treat!  Setting up near the edge of the course by the cart path, I had a bird's eye view of the land below.  On such a warm day - the course was busy, and there was a constant flow of golfers humming by.  I almost didn't seek out this painting location from our paperwork - and I am so glad that I did!  This painting is now showing at the historic Depot in Parkville, Missouri through November 13, and is painting number 663 in as many days.