Water Lilies at Dusk

I have been wanting to paint water lilies for such a long time!   Over the weekend,  the blooms started popping up in Monet's Garden,  and today was my chance!  Zooming in on a small cluster,  I sketched out my subject on my dark washed panel.  Being careful to place my greens accurately,  I blocked in all the pads before starting on the water.  The edges and colors are unique to each one, with very dark shadows just under their rims.  I chose this cluster as the water reflected not only rich darks, but wonderful glimpses of sky as well.  I've never tried my hand at these beauties before - and it was so rewarding!  The darkening sky gave this composition a mood and feel all it's own.  Can't wait to paint them again!   I can see why Monet never tired of painting them!  Painting number 1246 in 1246 days. 

Water Lilies at Dusk
Oil on panel, 12x9
sold

Lavender and Roses

Lavender and Roses
Oil on panel, 8x10
purchase here

It was such a warm day, that for my second painting, I was looking for shade!  Standing in the deep shade of a tree, I was able to look onto the northern side of Monet's Garden to capture this view.  This lovely new pillar offers structure to the freely blooming flowers.  The lavender  is so delicate, and the salmon climbing rose a perfect compliment.  The skies clouded over, and rain threatened, but I was able to complete my painting before the first drops fell!  Another wonderful day painting at the arboretum!  Painting number 1245 in 1245 days.

Garden Stroll

Garden Stroll
Oil on panel, 14x11
purchase here

The morning light spilled into the garden, illuminating foliage and bloom.  Setting up in the shade, I had a perfect spot from which to paint.  Soft breezes and friendly conversation were my painting companions.  I was close to the walkway, so many stopped to visit as I worked.  I enjoy the conversation, it allows my creative side to take over while my mind is otherwise engaged, and my creative side never disappoints.  My right brain really needs no attention from my left, when it comes to painting!  I am having an issue with my tripod - I have already stripped out the top!  After a visit to the camera shop, I am giving this project to Mike.  He can fix anything!  Then, I will have something that will never break!  Painting number 1244 in 1244 days.

Walk in the Woods

Walk in the Woods
Oil on panel, 10x8
Stems Plein Air Event
SOLD

Michaela and I had picked out a spot by the lily pond to paint,  and had set down our easels. Within a few minutes, it looked like rain was coming!  A check of the radar confirmed it, so we searched for shelter.  Deciding the first porch offered too little cover, we opted for the lodge by the woods.  Thank goodness!  It was pouring in no time,  and blowing 15 feet into the shelter house!  It was so nice to be able to enjoy painting in the rain, while remaining dry!  This has been the week for dodging storms!   At least there was no hail today!  Painting number 1242 in 1242 days.

Along the Peony Path

Along the Peony Path
Oil on panel, 14x11
Stems Event - purchase here

I started this painting a little differently.   My 14x11 panel was primed for a nocturne, and I didn't want to paint on the 8x10s I had with me.  The scene simply called for a larger size.  So, I very loosely blocked in all my masses with acrylics.   There opaque quality lightened up the areas between the deep, warm, dark red of the background.   Leaving some of this showing, I began to build on those masses with my oils.  It seems so unnatural to paint on such a dark surface,  but I think I like it!  It challenges me in a way my normal method does not.  Did I leave it too loose?  Maybe.....it certainly is more impressionistic than usual!   I'll look again with fresh eyes in the morning and then decide!  Painting number 1241 in 1241 days.  Michaela painted with me today, too - and we barely made it back to the car before the storm hit!  Just another plein air adventure!

Illusions of Allium

I first came to this spot when I arrived.  Unsure about the composition, I walked all around the lake in search of perfect subject matter.  I found myself back in front of the allium.  This garden is known for these big, beautiful purple blooms, and they called me in.  Sketching first, I started laying in the blooms and the darks.  I rarely paint a garden scene from the distance.  Either I take in the whole view,  or I get up close and personal,  but not this "in between".  So, feeling rather unnatural,  I forged ahead with brush and paint and loose strokes.  Is it too loose?  Maybe....but I like the flow of it.  This painting makes 1240 in 1240 days.

Illusions of Allium
Oil on panel, 14x11
Overland Park Arboretum
sold

Afternoon on the Garden Path

Afternoon on the Garden Path
Oil on panel, 12x9
Stems Event - purchase here

For my third painting of the day, I came to this intersection of paths,  with the composition already in my mind.  As the afternoon light poured over the garden, I had a decision to make - west or east?  The east side was my intended landscape, but the way the path wound into the background to the west was SO alluring.  I chose west, and I can do the east another day!  With less than two hours left before closing, I did not take the time to sketch.  The light was going to change very quickly, so I jumped right in, marking all lights and darks.  From this beginning, I worked all to the middle, careful to keep the masses of the complex garden in tact.  I love the layers of a garden, and have so enjoyed spending a beautiful day capturing it in paint!  Painting number 1238 in 1238 days.

Dreaming in Monet's Garden

Dreaming of Monet's Garden
Oil on panel, 12x9
Stems Event - purchase here

This garden is the crowning jewel of the Overland Park arboretum.   I return to it year after year, to recapture it's beauty in oils.  I had to work fast, with only two hours left before closing.  Before I even had the panel covered, raindrops started to fall....so I tilted my panel downward a little,  to get the surface dry.  Slapping on that paint, the surface was soon covered.  I no longer had to worry,  as the oils resist the rain.  Thunder threatened, but the clouds never broke overhead.  Before I knew it, a park employee was informing was informing a fellow artist and I that the arboretum was now closed,  and we should make our way to the exit.   Well, I guess they really do check before they lock up!  Painting number 1237 in 1237 days.

A Dream of Roses

A Dream of Roses
Oil on panel, 9x12
Stems Plein Air Event - purchase here

After a morning paint of a complicated garden scene,  I was in the mood for roses - up close and personal.   So, I dropped off the wet painting at my car, and strolled through the arboretum.   I found several very appealing varieties,  before I landed at these beauties - and I had to stop!  The creamy yellows and salmon pinks were more than I could resist!   I did a quick pastel sketch which was barely more than marking the orbs, and started laying paint quick and loose.  I had the perfect set up, a spot in the shade, soft breezes, friendly passers by, and the floral scent of the garden all around me.  Sheer heaven!  This is my 1236th painting is as many days.

Peony Path

Peony Path
Oil on panel, 14x11
Stems Event - purchase here

After an early morning Piyo class, running, and teaching a painting class,  I headed to the arboretum.   I am really enjoying my light box and tripod!  I can sling both over my shoulder and hike for miles - leaving both hands free!  The new palette I'm using happened to have plexiglass for the base,  and my paints keep sliding when I carry them!  I have never had this problem, but I've always had a china base.  Could that be the issue?   I wonder if glass would be any better?  These peonies keep drawing me in - I may just return to them tomorrow!   Painting number 1235 in 1235 days :)

Passionate Peonies

Passionate Peonies
Oil on panel, 14x11
Stems Plein Air 2016 - purchase here

Tonight was the kick off for the Stems Plein Air event.   Registration was followed by a wonderful reception of wine, salad, and sandwiches, and then out to set up for the 2 hour quick paint. With the intention of painting Monet's Garden,  I took a quick stroll around the lake.  I didn't get any farther than the stand of peonies!  Three varieties caught my eye - none of which have bloomed during this event before!   I am really at home in a garden, and I am going to revel in these days of painting what I love!  Painting number 1234 in 1234 days!  Get it?  1-2-3-4  :)

Roses in the Rain

Roses in the Rain
Oil on panel, 6x6 - purchase here

on location

This day was overflowing with activities - pilates, step/kettlebell classes, running, jury committee meeting, *baby time*, dinner out with the family, weeding until the rain was starting - and finally I got to my easel!  With only a little light left, and the rain coming down, I set up on the front porch to paint the roses in the garden.  I was sheltered and the light made the colors sing.  This is a quick painting, probably only 40 minutes beginning to end, but I like how the values and hues are coming easier and easier.  I truly believe the best way to grow as an artist is to paint en plein air and from life.  I see color in a way I didn’t several years ago, and each painting teaches me something more.  This is the 1233rd painting in 1233 days.

Clouds of May

Clouds of May
Oil on panel, 6x6
purchase here

Whenever there is a cloud show in the sky - I can hardly wait to get to my easel!  The formations are ever changing and irresistible!  I am focusing on the subtle color changes, and applying the paint with only a couple of brushes.  The definition of the distant hedgerow and the meadow are loose, and with soft edges.  The dogs look up at me on the balcony - and don’t know what I’m doing!  So far, the cats have not found me.  That little Wesson just jumped on the lid of my open palette two days ago - and lucky for him, he didn’t pick up any of the paint!  He is notorious for jumping onto easels, and I must be on my guard!  This painting makes the 1232nd in 1232 days :)

Clouds Over the Pasture

Clouds Over the Pasture
Oil on panel, 7x5

After realizing how difficult running was after a *surprise* running class at he gym, I added running to my schedule.  Not much, just a mile run, four times a week.  Well, what I had forgotten from high school is that I love running and I really love that “runner’s high” that sets in and lasts for hours.  I am hooked!  So, by the time I came to my *new* easel this afternoon, euphoria abounded and I looked to the heavens for my muse.  I added a few extra paint tubes to my box, as well as business cards.  I am gradually adding the few things I will need when painting at the Stems event, which starts on Friday.  We’ll see how this new set up works out for events.  I have never wanted to carry a backpack, I am simply not a backpack kind of girl.  So, having a detachable tripod will be a challenge to carry, sans backpack - although I think I have the canvas case it came in.  Painting number 1231 in 1231 days, and I think I will actually have time to paint another today!

Rainy Day Peonies

Rainy Day Peonies
Oil on panel, 10x8

After a very busy day, I come to my *new* easel late - and I’m trying out this “French Revolution” easel table top!  I rarely sit at a table to paint, but thought I would give it a try.  It worked beautifully - which also means it will also work if I need to paint in the car, due to rain or hail or the many other conditions that arise mid-painting!  I loaded my new palette, minus a few colors, as this one is smaller.  I also chose a few brushes (several of them from My Artscape), but I have yet to add small tubes of paint to the box.  I tried out both angled brushes tonight - and I like them!  I rarely stray from my brights and flats when in the oils, but I liked the strokes I could achieve, especially when it came to leaves and petals.  This painting makes 1230 in 1230 days - and what a wonderful day it was, Baby Nolan came home!

still life set up

First Peonies

First Peonies
Oil on panel, 7x5

Tonight was the first time to try my new Guerilla “French Revolution” paintbox from Judson Outfitters!  So exciting to try out a new set up after all these years!  I do love my french easel, but sometimes I only need a small set up.  This one is 12x9, and my normal palette will not fit into it, but I do have  smaller one that will.  I just need to clean it and load it for this paintbox.  My brushes will also fit in the slot, but only a few paints will fit.  So, I will choose some basic, small tubes for reloading.  It is more stable on the tri-pod than I expected.  The way the top and bottom grip the panel is not as steady as the french easel.  I liked it, but I will need to adjust a few things to be comfortable with it.  I have used my french easel for 10 years - and love it - so this may have to grow on me!  Painting number 1229 in 1229 days.

on location

Prayers by the Water

Prayers by the Water
Oil on panel, 24x20
Penn Valley Park Plein Air Fest

This is my favorite place in all of Penn Valley Park!  When a large painting was on the “to do” list, I knew I would come here to paint it.  I had stamped a 24x18 birch board the day before, but once I had gessoed it, there were a couple of flaws that showed up in the wood.  So, I took another panel in the next morning for stamping - this one a 24x20.  It is the largest I have painting in plein air, and it took me three different times on location to get it.  I had only loosely blocked in the masses when I got a call that I could get in to see the baby.  So, of course I packed up my gear and headed over.  Once I returned, the light was so different that I only worked to middle values, leaving my lights and darks alone, so as not to lose them.  I returned the next morning at about the same time I had started, to finish and tweak anything that had been missed in the multiple visits.  I much prefer to paint it all at once, but at least I got it in - without giving up my “baby time” to do it.  If this one does not sell at the gallery, I am hanging it in the front room.  The title is an apt description of my time spent at this spot, praying for little Nolan, longing for healing.  Painting number 1228 in 1228 days.

Quiet Reflection

Quiet Reflection
Oil on panel
Penn Valley Park morning quick paint
Showing at Buttonwood Art Space in Kansas City, MO

Up at five, out by six, I arrived on location before the sun for our morning quick paint.  I walked around the lake a bit, before deciding on this rather unconventional composition with sky and it’s reflection in the lake.  After painting the very green landscapes of the last couple of days, I was longing for some cool colors to break up all that green.  It was a beautiful morning with soft breezes, and the painting unfolded before me as I thought about little Baby Nolan, just minutes away.  I would be heading there right after the quick paint, for a little quality “baby time”, before turning in my artwork to the Buttonwood Art Space.  If this event hadn’t been so close to the hospital, I would never have been able to participate.  Thank heaven for small favors.  These little getaways help me far more than hours spent in the waiting room.  Painting number 1227 in 1227 days.

The Scout

The Scout
Oil on panel, 14x11
Penn Valley Paint Out

After visiting the NICU in between painting windows down at the Penn Valley lake, I packed up my gear and headed up the embankment to my car.  Having placed my large painting in the trunk, I pulled out a fresh panel for the Scout, and climbed up the hill to it’s eastern side.  I was one of only three or four artists in site, and the quick paint was starting in 5 minutes.  I thought it was strange - where were they all?  I had forgotten my frame (with all of the turmoil of juggling the hospital visits and painting), so I texted my friend to borrow a frame.  When I rounded the Scout, to my amazement were the other 50 artists, all bunched up on the other side of the hill!  I had felt almost alone, and couldn’t even hear them over the hum of the mowers on my side!  There is nothing like a little “painting therapy” to keep my mind occupied.  Painting number 1226 in 1226 days.

Skies of May

Skies of May
Oil on panel, 7x5

With rain moving in and out of the area, the sky has been a constant display of racing clouds.  Taking a little time to get those colors down, I am making the effort to really concentrate on the heavens for the next month or so!  I want to pop out at sunrise, sunset, and everything in between, to capture the skies in all their varied glory!  I find sunrise and sunset particularly challenging, so hopefully I can get to my paints during those times.  I am painting small, which I haven’t done for weeks!  At only 7x5, the colors and values are king, with little room for details.  Who was it that recently told me simple was best?  A wonderful exercise - and I have got the hill top view in all directions, so I am going to master these skies in no time!  Painting number 1225 in 1225 days.