This little wren is just one of our many feathered friends who constantly beg to be painted. And in the background, you can see our new Lady Belle, who is also catching my eye! I think she wants to be painted next, but Travis and Rebekah will be here soon to spend some time with her. She's such a sweet addition to our family. Painting number 4781 in 4781 days.
I will never tire of painting winding creeks in the snow, especially in the deepest part of winter. The water is very dark, without the slightest greening that comes with warmer temps. This window is short, and I hope to take advantage of every painting opportunity, while the snow remains. Painting number 4780 in 4780 days.
I love painting the branches as they spread out from the trunk of this very old hackberry tree. It is one of two this age in the pasture. A blanket of snow coats the ground and accentuates the branches, adding drama and light to the scene. I though we might get some more snow today, but alas we did not. I hope to paint a few more snowscenes before it all melts away. It was so nice to have Tyler's family and Michaela's family out for snow fun and a campfire today! We've had a while weekend full of family fun! Painting number 4779 in 4779 days.
There's something so peaceful about painting in the snow. Michaela and her family, and Michael and Tess came out today for the afternoon. The kids made snow angels while we visited, while the new kittens frolicked all around then. After tending the chickens, we gathered a while longer. It's lovely to spend a little time at day's end, being thankful, with a brush in my hand. I hope to see more of the family tomorrow. Painting number 4778 in 4778 days.
Hooray for a snow that lasted all week, and for a few more snowflakes to come on Sunday! With a few flakes dancing about, the mood is just right for wooded winter painting. The wind begins to kick up, and I work a little faster as the cold nips at my nose. I love how quiet the world becomes under a blanket of snow. Painting number 4777 in 4777 days.
I love painting these sweet juncos as they play in the snow! My mom calls them snowbirds, and we have so many of them. It is so peaceful to watch them as I sketch. Within a few minutes, they pay me no mind, continuing as if I wasn't there at all. I am working on a sketchbook that I use for wildlife, plant life, and nature related subjects. The leather cover is adorned with an embossed plant, and led me to use it so. When I get inside, I jot down a few thoughts. I often sketch quickly on site and leave the spaces to fill in afterward. I do love the quiet peace a blanket of snow brings the landscape. Painting number 4776 in 4776 days.
Sunsets over the snowy landscape are the best, and occasionally the cattle line up to see the show, too! Well, maybe it was more of a walk to the hay bales, lol. Though pretty nice in the afternoon, it cools off real fast when the sun drops behind those trees. Beau is feeling better, and followed me down to see the cows and sketch. I didn't even know he was there until I turned around and saw him! I hope he continues to improve, he's been a wonderful painting companion for all these years. Painting number 4775 in 4775 days.
It's lovely to take a break and sketch cardinals in the snowy woods! The air is so fresh and crisp after a snow, I love just being in this space and breathing the air. The birds fly in and out, as if I'm not even there sketching. I simply become part of the landscape where the wildlife is concerned. We may have a couple of light snows in the next week, and I'm happy to extend my winter painting in the snow! Painting number 4774 in 4774 days.
What a beautiful, sunny day to paint in the snow - in the warmest part of the day, of course! This is one of two pin oaks planted by my grandma when my Uncle Brian signed up to serve his country as a Marine. I like to think the second was planted for my Uncle Clayton when he signed up for the Navy. They are both glorious trees that I have drawn and painted at various times. This land has been in my family for three generations, with now 5 generations spending time here as our family grows. It's hard to describe how I feel here, with some of my earliest memories from this very place. Two of my children were born here, three have married here, and many family members lived, loved and played here, who no longer walk this world. I still hold their memories in my heart, as if it were yesterday. How are the days so fleeting? I hope to have another 50 years to paint all of the paintings I feel right here. Painting number 4773 in 4773 days.
It was a beautiful afternoon to paint this chickadee in the cedar! It's been so very cold the last couple of days that 21 degrees feels balmy in the sun! After tending the chickens, horse and cats, Beau followed me out in the snow for a quick sketch. Once the sun drops behind a tree, it starts cooling off fast. I hope i get to paint snow for a few more days before it all melts. Painting number 4772 in 4772 days.
We've had so many cardinals out in the snow - so I just HAD to paint one! So many were sitting on the ground under the feeders, gathering seeds dropped by other birds. The north side was sheltered from the wind, and they shared the space with other feathered friends. Perhaps I'll paint a few of them tomorrow! Painting number 4771 in 4771 days.
I am painting what I planted in the herb garden today, on the eve of a winter storm! It's been so nice that I even dug out a bucket full of henbit for the chickens to enjoy! Winter sowing the seeds, they will get a good start for next season. We are expecting 4 to 7 inches, with 8 to 12 just south of us. Maybe I'll even be painting snow this weekend! Painting number 4769 in 4769 days.
Just a quick sketch of the California loose neck garlic before I planted it indoors. January gardening is the best! This weather has been so mild this month that I've found myself outdoors far more that a normal January. I'm trying this in a container and will plant another variety outdoors. The ground is still workable but we've got a winter storm headed here this weekend with temps close to zero. So, maybe I'll soon be painting snow! Painting number 4768 in 4768 days.
There's nothing like a tiny cheerful flower painting to end the day on a happy note! Michaela and her family stayed over a couple nights in their camper, just heading home tonight. It's amazing how quiet this house becomes after they leave. We're so lucky the kids all live close so we can gather frequently! Painting number 4767 in 4767 days.
After a crazy busy family day, I'm painting the German chamomile growing hydroponically tonight well after dark. Just last month, these plants were bursting forth in a sheltered area near my herb garden. I took two cuttings to try inside, because the blooms on this variety are very large and delicious. They rooted well and this one is already in vigorous bloom! The ferny foliage is also beautiful and tastes delicious in my salads. So, I'm adding this beauty to my nature journal to chronicle it's transition to my indoor garden. Painting number 4766 in 4766 days.
It's super fun to grow fancy lettuce to paint AND eat! Red Oakleaf lettuce is a beautiful heirloom variety to grow. I like to pick up heirloom seeds whenever I find them, and then save the seed from year to year, This aerogarden system has a seeding tray in it, so I can plant the seedlings directly in the ground - if it's warm enough. I'm growing four kales, Swiss chard, breen lettuce, arugula and several herbs in this garden. I LOVE LOVE LOVE gardening indoors while the snow flies outside this evening! Painting number 4763 in 4763 days.
This is my first sketch of these cuties, who just joined our family! Teddy's granddaughter picked them up on the side of the road, along with their brother, and found them homes. It's been almost 12 years since my oldest daughter had to take our two young kittens, because our new lab (Beau) was too rough with them. Those two were also a calico and a yellow tabby. What a coincidence. Already fixed and socialized by her 6 great-grandchildren, they are the perfect additions to our family. I only had time for a sketch tonight, but I hope to commit them to oils one day soon! Painting number 4762 in 4762 days.
First sketch of Lady Belle at sunset in her new pasture and she's such a pretty girl! She comes to us through my dear painting friend, Teddy Jackson. Arriving Sunday afternoon, she is getting used to our family and the new space. She watched me paint her today, as I stood in the middle of the field, without coming closer. As soon as I finished and started walking away, her head popped up and she followed me all the way to the gate. She likes sweet talk, and might have been looking for a treat, but I didn't have one today. I'll have one next time! Painting number 4761 in 4761 days.
This may be the oldest tree on the farm, a large, sprawling hackberry. I love sketching it in ink. Painting number 4760 in 4760 days.
