Baby Max

Baby Max
graphite on bristol
14x11 - sold

Just in time for Christmas - a beautiful baby boy!  I finished laying in the shading, blending more on the skin, and let this one rest overnight.  With fresh eyes this morning, I added a bit of eye highlight, deepened a couple of shadows, and blended just a bit more.  This baby is ready for delivery!

New Work - Day 2

New Work - Day 2
Graphite on Bristol

Here, I have started to fill in the shading on the clothing using the side of my graphite lightly.  I will next use a pressed blending tool to smooth out the fabric.  I never touch the paper with my hands.  I lay clean paper over the area I have already worked to ensure that the oils from my hands don't get onto the paper.  If this does happen, it changes the way the paper accepts the graphite - making it very hard to get even coloration.  Though, I started out by smudging with my fingers - I haven't done that now for years.  This way is much cleaner, and the end product is much nicer.

First Day of New Work :)

Max - Day 1
Graphite on Bristol

I started this little darling last night, after the countless Christmas duties.  I worked into the wee hours - simply because I love the feel of my pencils in my hand.  It is so relaxing - like a little mini-vacation in the midst of a busy season.....So far, I have only drawn in the base lines with a mechanical pencil, and started in on the facial features with my favorite 8b graphite.  I have only started to add shading to the hands, and I will try to fill out the line work today.  This is the perfect day for it - since we are snowed in!!

Nestled in the Pine

Nestled in the Pine
Acrylic on Panel

I have several bird feeders right outside the bay window in my kitchen.  Birds constantly fly from feeder to tree and back again.  Sometimes they line up in a holding pattern on the Rose of Sharon, awaiting an opening to dine.  When it is just too cold to go out and paint, or if I simply prefer to be warmly tucked in with hot tea, I paint from life at this window.  I have always loved birds, and I have quite an assortment to choose from.  This little blue jay is a frequent visitor, along with a few others in his family.  When I paint birds, I prefer the acrylics - by far.  I can paint exact lines and feathers that I just can't get with the creamy oils.  The acrylics lend an airy quality these little creatures.  My mother also loves these bird paintings - and I always think of her when I paint them :)

View From the Terrace

View From the Terrace
Oil on panel - 14x11
Sold at "Parkville in Art Auction"

I painted this beautiful garden from the upper terrace of Frank's Italian Restaurant in Parkville.  The morning soon warmed up so much - no jackets were needed.  Wafting all around me was the delightful smell of garlic bread and italian sauces!  A few of the staff greeted me as I worked - and I was given a lovely tour of an upper room with a mural painted inside (by dear friend Cathy Kline).  Some plein air days are a magical painting adventure - and this was one of those days.  Everyone should enjoy such a day in the picturesque town of Parkville, MO.

Jacob Shoveling Snow

Jacob Shoveling Snow
Watercolor on paper

Jacob is my brother's oldest son, and they live in Florida.  Two years ago we had a beautiful snow for Christmas for them to enjoy!  He and Ethan shoveled and helped build an igloo with my youngest two children.  To commemorate the occasion, I chose this subject for a little watercolor exploration.  I seldom use watercolor, and have very little experience with it, but have been told by many artists that my painting style is well suited to it.  It is like a vacation to take on a new medium for a bit.  Art is all about pushing the boundaries and getting out of our comfort zones.  The more I explore, the more I learn, and all of that I apply to the next painting.  Each one is the sum of all that I have learned to that point.  My brother's family is coming back again this Christmas, I sure hope we have another wonderful snow for my Florida boys :)

Old Tree in the Snow

Old Tree in the Snow
Oil on panel, 6x8

Today I am posting a quick work-up on a tree study.  Its a little loose and free, just trying to get an idea of where I want to go with it.  Many times, the main painting ideas will unfold right in front of me, pushing or pulling the values and colors to a new place.  I am working small - as I have SO MUCH on my plate right now!  I think I'll let this one rest today, and see what calls to me tomorrow.  I like the value depth in the trunk of the tree, and already feel a pull to sprinkle in a few more darks in the background to the right - for balance.  Fresh eyes tomorrow will tell me more :)

Church by the Snowy Creek

Church by the Snowy Creek
Oil on panel - 6x8

This piece was inspired by the Ouachita National Forest and it's gorgeous telephone pole pines.  We drove 71 Hwy through Arkansas as we traveled to Louisiana.  Spotted throughout were all of these old buildings - untouched by time, looking as they must have decades ago.  I used a little artistic license to lay down the blanket of snow, and widened the creek a bit to reflect back the colors in the sky with a peaceful calm.  I have been using safflower oil to wash my brushes in, and sometimes to thin paint down for signing pieces.  It is very effective - and no fumes or harmful chemicals to inhale.  I will not ever go back to using turps again - just not worth the health risks.  I will use this painting as one of four for my Christmas cards this year - and yes, I am a little behind schedule.........so, back to work!

Warm Winter Morning

Warm Winter Morning
Oil on Panel

I just love the reflection of the sun off the snowy ground!  This one is another painting done from reference work on location back in the woods.  I first textured my surface a bit before sketching in the composition.  I then painted with my oils - heavy in places, and topped it all off with a little palette knife work.  As Christmas approaches - I find less and less time to paint,  which means I must now paint smaller and faster - if I am going to get my paint fix in!

January Beckons

January Beckons
Oil on panel
Private Collection

One frosty morning in January, I found myself strolling through the woods.  The light softly glistened off the snow reflecting this beautiful peachy pink glow.  Too cold to set up, I simply sketched out my composition and put down a little color reference with a few colored pencils I carry in a small kit.  I keep this in the car - just in case I find a scene that I absolutely must capture on the spot.  It is also ideal for those freezing cold days that I just can't make myself paint outdoors!  Although, this winter I will be packing heat packs for my hands and feet - it is hard to paint when my hands are shivering and I keep dropping my brushes :)

Stream in Winter

Stream in Winter
Oil on Panel - 20x16

Fresh off the easel, this is one of two paintings now showing for the Holiday Show at GOTart Gallery.  It is located on 3rd Street in Lee's Summit, MO - in the historic shopping district.  This one is painted from a creek that runs through the woods behind our property.  My grandma always called this place "the wash" - and it was an endless source of exploring to us children!  The creek has so many twists and turns - there will surely be countless paintings to come from this little slice of heaven :)

River Retreat

River Retreat
oil on panel, 6x6

I made several trips to Ohio this year to see my parents.  My dad was having serious health issues, and I would find myself walking down by the river in the mornings before returning to the hospital.  This place has such a calming, soothing affect on the soul - just like a tonic.  This is one of several I painted during these times, setting up with only a little step stool, my palette and a panel.  Things easily packed - and they took up barely any space while traveling. I worked small, so I could finish quickly.  The act of painting was as soothing as the place, leaving me restored and ready to face the day ahead.

Bridge in Autumn

Bridge in Autumn
oil on panel - 6x6

This is one of my entries this year for the Randy Higbee show.  I was just down at Big Cedar - and this scene is from the creek that winds through Dogwood Canyon.  Every turn is a painting, and beautiful bridges are scattered all along the road.  Many of the leaves had already fallen down in the canyon, leaving trees almost bare and lots of leaves at water's edge.  This day was particularly cold, and I was SO thankful for the windbreak of a small wooden storage building just behind me.  It can be quite a challenge to paint when my hands are shivering!

A Flurry of Roses

A Flurry of Roses
Oil on panel - 6x6

This is another small work I am considering for the Randy Higbee Show.  I currently have my favorite six featured on facebook, and am encouraging the public to vote on their favorite three.  Tomorrow is the deadline - so you have until then to make your vote count!  It is so fun to see how everyone picks different paintings!  This scene is from the Overland Park Arboretum, painted in a smaller scale than the original which is 22x28.  I like the square format - it gives it a different feel.  I painted this completely in oil, where the original was under-painted in acrylic first.  I am always drawn to a beautiful garden landscape!

Glow on the Water

Glow on the Water
Oil on panel - 6x6

This one is a loose adaptation of the creek that runs through Dogwood Canyon in southern Missouri.  I may enter this is the Randy Higbee competition - the deadline is coming up quickly!  I have been painting only small ones this week - so that I will have a good variety to choose from.  I love painting by the water - even on these crisp November days.    This was scaled down from a larger one painted during the Big Cedar Paint-Out - and using my artistic license, I omitted a distant bridge. This happened to be one of those days I was bundled up like an eskimo - thank goodness I brought my ski jacket!  I will be packing hand warmers on the next cold plein air day :)

Parkville Pasture

Parkville Pasture
Oil on panel - 14x11

After scouting all of Parkville to find just the right location, I went back to the very first place that grabbed me!  This is so often the case - why do I insist on checking everything out first?  This was painted from the meadow behind the art gallery in Parkville, looking down towards the walking trail in the woods at the back of the scene.  I love the old pastorals, and this just takes me back to a simpler time.  You would never know I was close enough to walk to several wonderful restaurants from this beautiful, secluded pasture!

The Old Dairy Barn

The Old Dairy Barn
Oil on panel, 6x6

I had a beautiful, warm November day for this plein air painting.  Although, the 40mph winds kept me grabbing for the panel!  A Summit Art event, David Gale graciously opened the Longview Dairy Barns for us to paint and photograph on site.  Music wafted from the barn, and the abundance of subject matter could occupy me for days!  It is as if time stops, and all that exists is this bond I share with the scene unfolding before me.  I simply love painting in such an environment :)  More to come from this stunning place.

Majestic Mackay Hall

Majestic Mackay Hall
Oil on Panel - 11x14

I have wanted to paint this beautiful building since my first trip to Parkville, MO.  Autumn's changing of the leaves made this the perfect time to do it!  This is one of three plein air paintings submitted on Saturday for the "Celebrate Parkville in Art - Exhibition and Art Auction" on Dec. 13, 6:00-9:00pm.  Please come out to the Old Mill for an evening of art created by the artists of the Missouri Valley Impressionist's Society and sponsored by the Parkville Chamber of Commerce.

Autumn in Augusta

Autumn in Augusta
Oil on panel - 12x9

This was painted from the top of Killdeer Rd, in Augusta Shores, Missouri.  The path was little more than a trodden place in the grass, but it lead my eye right over the rise.  I sketched this one, and built up a little texture with molding paste.  After drying this in front of my car heater, I underpainted in acrylics, then topped it off with oils.  I love this spot to paint the fall foliage - and remember it fondly.  Like hearing an old song takes me back in time, so does seeing a plein air painting take me back to the time and place.  I can still feel the sun on my face, wind in my hair, and smell the leaves and the earth around me.

Tumbling Waters

Tumbling Waters
Oil on panel - 14x11

Another beautiful location to set up easel and paints - Dogwood Canyon!  I could paint here every day for a month - and still have 100's of paintings left in my head.  This creek passes through the whole park with beautiful waterfalls and bridges at every turn.  I set up just west of the Chuckwagon Site - where the campfires were burning, to provide a little relief from the cold.  I started this one completely in sepia, and only decided to glaze in some colors towards the end.  The sun was warm, and the scenery inspiring - what more could an artist want?

Sunset Over the Portage

Sunset Over the Portage
20x17, oil on panel

This is painted from a 6x6 study that I did from the bank of the Portage River in my parent's back lawn in Elmore, Ohio.  From my location on the bank, I could simply rotate for many different landscape paintings.  The view is amazing, and the light on the river is constantly changing.  Always a peaceful spot, I love walking at river's edge, and turning those feelings into paintings.

A Little Night Magic

A Little Night Magic
Oil on panel - 11x14
Original Sold
Print Available

This new nocturne painting is of the Kansas City Club (the 13th and Baltimore location from 1922-2002) to commemorate their 130th Anniversary.  This cityscape was submitted to the Buttonwood Gallery yesterday.  I have really been getting into these nocturne paints lately - thanks  to Jason Sacran and John Lassater and an October night paint on the square in Carthage, MO!  This is only my fourth one, ever, and the possibilities are just unfolding before me.  Cityscapes are also a change of venue - and I am finding that I love painting them.  It is so fun working from dark to light - just the opposite of my normal daylight process.  Learning new techniques and stretching the boundaries can be so exciting - and challenging at the same time!

Falls the Shadow

Falls the Shadow
10x8, oil on panel

The dance of light and shadow instantly drew me in.  My first time to the Battle of Carthage State Park, and I wanted to explore this place with my oils.  The warm, late morning sun stretched across the field on this perfect October day.  Leaves were rustling all around me as I set my easel up in the deep shade.  I have been trying different techniques of paint application - and on this day, I used a palette knife for almost this whole piece!  It is so liberating to try something new - like blazing a new trail!

Autumn Coffee Stop

Autumn Coffee Stop
10x8 - oil on panel

The leaves were swirling, the sun was shining, and a blue grass quartet serenaded from the lawn beside this painting spot.  I could have painted all day here - and nearly did!  Only my fellow artist calling me to finish (so we could set up for a show in 30 minutes)  - could make me leave this place!  I think everyone should visit Big Cedar in October - every Saturday is filled with fun autumn events - I wish I were there painting again right now.

Lamplight in the Garden

Lamplight in the Garden
12x9 oil on panel
Original Sold
Print Now Available

The night was cold and crisp as the signal was given for painters to start their pieces (for the Nocturne Paint at Big Cedar).  I was quickly grabbing my panel and heading to a spot that had just grabbed my attention.  I loved this garden scene, and how the lamplight illuminated the path.  The paints flowed freely and I finished before the two hour time limit.  Painting a nocturne outdoors is always a surprise.  You just don't know what you have until you are finished and bring it inside.  With this one - it was a pleasant surprise, indeed!  I love when that happens.

Karl and Kaden

Karl and Kaden
16x20 graphite on bristol
sold

The bonds that tie are such a compelling subject for me.  This is the companion portrait to the "Kat and Chloe" of the last post.  I love drawing mothers and babies, but I also love the father-baby bond.  There is no relationship as tender as that of a parent and child.  This piece was also executed mainly with an 8B pencil.  I like to use a variety of paper tortillions to blend and shade the flesh areas of the faces and hand.  I additionally use a mechanical pencil for the lash and brow work - once I have shaded in the main areas.  Once I feel like the portrait is finished, I spray it lightly with workable fixative to prevent amy smudging of the graphite.  I also try very hard not to touch the bristol with my hands as I work.  If the oil from my skin gets onto the paper, it changes the way those spots accept the lead.  If I decide more work is needed, I simply continue drawing, always finishing with a fixative on top.

Kat and Chloe

Kat and Chloe
graphite on bristol - sold

It is so easy to draw someone I know - especially when she is one of the sweetest friends I have ever had the pleasure of knowing!  She is pictured here with her new little bundle of joy.  There is something about the bond of motherhood that draws me in like no other - almost as if I am compelled to capture it with pencil and paper.  I used my favorite vellum bristol and did the majority of work with my trusted 8B water-soluable pencil.  Perhaps as little as 5% of this drawing was executed with my other various pencils.  They are simply not needed.  When I reach the point where I can almost feel my subject breathe, I lay my pencil down, step back from the paper, and take a long look.  I let it rest until the next day, and look again.  If I am still satisfied, I sign it, and look towards the next piece.

My Little Chickadees

My Little Chickadees
Oil on panel, 11x14

Flowers and birds always call out to me when I'm out in the countryside painting.  These irises called to me from a garden along the road side in Augusta - just east of the little park in town.  I started this during a Joshua Been workshop on a cool, crisp morning - my first attempt at plein air iris painting using my oils.  The trick for me was to be sure and get enough paint on the surface!  I was able to lay the paint on thicker than I normally do - which was so much fun!  I absolutely love the feel of the creamy oil paints under my brush.  Feeling like the painting needed a little more interest, I added the chickadees later - while looking out my kitchen window to the feeders. That is the great thing about being the artist, I can change things up with a few more strokes - anytime :)

Autumn Color in the Quarry

Ruckus Ridge
oil over acrylic on panel, 12x9

The misty sky was a good backdrop for the changing leaves in Augusta.  The locals call this "Ruckus Ridge" - a place where people like to hike up the ridge and gather around a campfire.  I under-painted this one in acrylic, and layered the oils over this foundation.  The palette knife was my last tool, building up texture on the rocks and foliage.  There are rumors that a cougar has been spotted here - so each rustling of the brush behind me pushed me to work a little faster.  It is so fun to experiment surrounded by such beauty!

No Greater Gift

No Greater Gift
graphite on bristol
sold

From beginning to end, this was an absolute joy to draw!  I have gently bumped up the contrast by deepening the darks, trying to keep   it all soft and balanced as I work.  If I apply too much, I simply pull it back out with my favorite pink eraser (yes - the one we used in grade school!)  I have many erasers - but this is my "go-to" one - always.  The very last thing I do is to take a small sable brush lightly dipped in water to the darkest lines.  I know it sounds crazy - but this is the real benefit of using water-soluable graphites.  It darkens the darks even more, for a more life-like result.  What better way to spend the day?

First Day of New Work

graphite on bristol - 11x14

It feels SO GOOD to pick up my tried and true graphites again!  It is just like slipping into a warm blanket with a hot cup of tea!  The "mother and child" subject matter is one of my absolute favorites - so this day has been very rewarding.  I begin with my line drawing, then I focus in on the most important facial features - eyes, lips, noses.  Once I am satisfied with this foundation, I spread out from there.  I use mainly an 8B water-soluable graphite pencil for this work.  I have dozens of others, and may pick up a different one for lashes and brows, but the creamy soft lead is by far my favorite.  Tomorrow, I will lay in the rest and start to deepen the darks for good contrast.

Misty Morn in Autumn

Misty Morn in Autumn - 11x14, oil on panel
sold

I love when the weather starts changing and autumn is in the air - especially after the super hot, dry summer we have had in Missouri!  Fog and mist were spreading like a blanket as I started this painting.  Easel and paints set up in Augusta shores, this plein air "path" was really a clearing through the woods for electrical wires.  With a little artistic license, the path unfolded before me.  The leaves were dropping beautifully - lining the woodland floor and leading me right down that path.  I pull out indian red and cad yellow deep at this time of the year - and I'm playing with the Gamblin grays, too.  I use a limited palette so much of the time - it is fun to try something new on a whim!  The turning of the leaves is such a brief and magical time - I sure hope they don't all turn and drop before I've painted my fill!

Sunlight in the Garden

As I approached this path, I knew instantly that this would be my scene for the Sunset Quick Paint at the STEMS Plein Air Event.  Time after time, I find myself picking out spots where I am looking into the sun as I paint.  I am drawn to the way the light illuminates the flowers and foliage as it strikes them from behind.   Trying to keep my wide brimmed hat between the sun and my eyes, I mix the oils and apply the paint.  Laying in the lights quickly - I move next to the shadows.  Upon finishing, I find this is one of my favorite plein air pieces painted in one of my favorite places.
Sunlight in the Garden
Oil on panel - 14x11

Woodville Grain Elevator

Irene Webster Pippitt Historical Award
2012 HFAA Show

This fabulous grain elevator is virtually unchanged since it was built in 1920.  It received it's last coat of paint in the 80's, and has only been used sporadically in recent years.  It resides in the town of Woodville, OH - which is just down the Portage River Road 4 miles from my parent's house.  Reports say that it will be torn down before it becomes a dangerous building.  I wanted to capture it in oil, before it goes the way of so many other american icons.  This is hands down the most beautiful, historic grain elevator I have had the pleasure of seeing and painting.  This is now showing at the HFAA Show in the Historic Catergory.

Woodville Grain Elevator
Oil on panel - 11x14

The Peaceful Portage

Judge's Merit - HFAA 2012 Show

This was painted from a small plein air study that I did from my parent's back yard.  I set up on the bank of the Portage River in Elmore, Ohio, early one morning.  With family health concerns looming, the act of putting paint to panel calmed and soothed my nerves.  This special place called to me each day.  As I walked it's banks, I could see paintings in every direction.  On this day, rain was coming and the sky was changing - so I had to work quickly.  All stress evaporates with brushes in my hands.

The Peaceful Portage
Oil on panel - 18x24

Windows of the Soul

Honorable Mention - HFAA 2012 Show

Sometimes, a drawing just flows off the tip of the pencil.  Other times, it is brought into this world like a hard fought battle.  I must say, this falls into the latter category.  Using new pencils AND changing up my normal methods was certainly the biggest drawing challenge I have had.  No resting in my comfort zone for this little darling.  After so much more work (i.e. blood, sweat, and tears...) I can lay my pencils down.  This one is now framed and ready to go to the HFAA show tomorrow.  I feel like I poured my own soul out on this one!

Windows to the Soul
tinted graphite on bristol, 20x16

Autumn in the Air

I have mixed it up again with this fall plein air painting.  I started first with my sketch, then with my palette knife applied the texture for the tree and shrub foliage.  Once dry (again, holding it in front of my car heater on high), I worked a loose underpainting in acrylics.  I like my Golden acrylics the best, I love their high pigment content - and they have wonderful mediums to play with!  The acrylic dries very quickly, so I then started with the oils.  When I layer like this, I find the depth and atmosphere build up easily and naturally.  I painted on location at the top of Kill Deer in Augusta Shores - where the autumn color is amazing :)

Autumn in the Air
9x12 oil, acrylic & molding paste on panel

Through the Rose Arbor

When I look again at one of my plein air pieces, it is just as if I am transported back to the time and place in the painting.  I can smell the humid air, feel the breeze on my skin and the brushes in my hand.  I painted this one to replace a piece I sold at the Stems Plein Air Event of the rose garden at the Overland Park Arboretum.  I used my artistic license and changed the sweep of the path for better composition.  I also painted the beds a little wilder than the perfectly manicured flowers on site.  The day was hazy and the morning sun was just starting to warm up the scene, when I picked up my brushes.  The paints seemed to glide into place almost without thought.  I intended to underpaint in acrylics, going over with oils as I neared completion.  But, once to this point, I only topped off the flowers and foliage with oil.

Through the Rose Arbor
22x28  oil over acrylic on panel
Best Of Show Award - Tri-County Art Show

And still working......

Once I start laying in the background color - there is no going back!  I'm not at all sure I like where this is going......I will next add more shading to all edges and blend.  I will keep working it until I am satisfied.  It has already taken three times longer to get to this point, than with my normal pencils.  Well, there is no learning without stretching outside of my comfort zone - and I am way out now.

Work in Progress...

Here is the next day's work.  I'm getting used to the tinted graphite - but I still miss the super soft blending of my normal pencils.  These little curls are becoming such a fun exercise!  It is just like putting a puzzle together.  At first, there is just a mess of squiggles, but as each curl is defined - it all comes together.  I still need to put more color on the face, then the shirt.  Last, I will blend in the background.  Nothing distinct, just color and shading..........I hope it turns out!  I want to enter this in a drawing competition, if all goes well :)

Work in Progress

I thought I would show my current work in progress, which is a little scary - as I am trying out  a new chestnut graphitint pencil.  I can feel the extra pigment as I work.  I can not blend as I normally do, it takes far more effort.  I love the warm color, but I miss my black and white already!  I'm also going to fill in the background, which I almost never do.  I like the effect of only the subject reaching out from the page, but I feel like experimenting (I hope I'm not sorry!)  I love these curls  - and they are sure going to be a challenge :)

A Dream of Hydrangeas

Early one morning before a workshop, I set out to find just the right spot to paint at the Overland Park Arboretum (during the STEMS Plein Air Event).  As I approached the beautiful iris garden, these hydrangeas bloomed in profusion!  It has been such an early year for all the flowers, that these were out a month early.  It was misty and damp as I started blocking in the masses.  This time, I worked in acrylic, fully intending to top it off with oils.  The early morning sun cast a golden glow as it rose over the tree line.  I used a little soft gel medium to add texture to the petals, laying in the colors in a loose manner.  As I neared the finish, I stepped back, took a long look, and decided the oils just weren't needed.  The effect was misty and moody - and it was time to put the brushes down.  That is one of the hardest things to know - just when to stop.

A Dream of Hydrangeas
14x18 acrylic on panel
sold

Magic in the Morning

I painted this one at the Two Hour Quick Paint competition at the Deanna Rose Farm on the last day of the STEMS Plein Air Event.  Arriving by 6:30 am, the artists were treated to donuts and bagels, before we all headed out to paint at 7:00.  This spot is located a good distance from the entrance, but is a favorite place of mine for garden painting.  Hustling down with my gear, I came to this spot, and the light grabbed me.  The early sun lit up the flowers, while the shadows remained long across the path and into the more heavily treed area through the gate.  I set up my easel and started on my masses.  About half way through, the sprinkler system came on, drenching the whole left side of my scene!  I already had most of the preliminary work done, so I concentrated on the rest, knowing the sprinkler would go off soon.  As I worked, I noticed there were also sprinklers right in front of my easel leg.  Boy, I hoped they wouldn't go off next!  I worked faster, feeling the pressure that I might have to suddenly move if the "rains" started.  In 20 minutes, the sprinklers went off.  Five minutes passed, and YIKES!!! - they came on right behind me!  I quickly moved up six paces to clear the downpour - and set back to work!  I raced to a finish, and started packing up my easel, just before the last sprinklers went off in front of me!  Plein air painting is always an adventure.  One day, it is the bugs in my pant (or up my leg), the next - hidden sprinklers pop up out of nowhere and rain down on my painting.  I have almost lost my easel twice as it started sinking down into the edge of a lake.   I have painted in the cold, driving rain (and hail), as well as the hottest summer sun at 105 degrees.  But, I have also painted numerous occasions in weather so beautiful, surrounded by God's beauty and abundance - that I am forever inspired to go back out and capture the glory.

Magic in the Morning
11x14 oil on panel

Mother & Babe

I drew this in graphite on bristol of my oldest daughter and my first grandchild, Alan.  She was comforting him in the front hall when I captured the reference image.  Drawing is very natural to me, it is as if I don't even have to think while I lay down the strokes.  It is the first medium I remember picking up long before preschool.  By the time I was in kindergarten, I had been drawing for years.  I love the feel of pencil on paper, the way it blends into the best skin shades.  It is the root of where all art begins for me.  Each piece begins with a sketch, and blossoms from there.

See this one on display at the Kansas City Club at the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society Juried Show, Public Openings Sept. 21 & Oct. 9, 6:00-9:00.

Mother & Babe
16x20 graphite on bristol
Print Now Available

Summer Oasis

 My easel was set up close to water's edge, in the shade of the trees.  This one was started in the afternoon on one of those 105 degree days.  Despite the heat, the breeze blowing over the water was cool and refreshing.  There were several us Missouri Valley Impressionist Society members on the banks, painting en plein air at the Perry Yacht Club.   It was one of those days where time stopped as I worked, and I could have painted all day.  The yachts and the waves were such a compelling subject, I painted three panels in oil from this place.  This day was my first experience painting sailboats - and I loved it!  I can't wait to paint at this event again next year.

Summer Oasis
9x12 oil on panel

Frisella Falls

I set up for this painting early one misty morning before sunrise.  Frisella Nursery is a wonderful place in Defiance, MO, full of garden scenes, statues, water features and foliage.  If you love gardening, this is the place for you.  It was hard to pick my spot with so many beautiful choices to paint!  The air was so crisp  - my fingers stiffened up around those brushes!  I had to take a break midway through just to go in and grab some hot tea and a wonderful yogurt parfait loaded with fresh fruit! Hands warm, back to work, and the paint just slid off the brush.  The early sun bathed the scene in a pink glow just long enough for me to get the color in.  Too soon the light was gone, and it was time to move on to another event.  I hope to return here someday and paint again.

Oil over acrylic on panel
sold

Autumn in Augusta

I tried something new on this painting.  I first sketched out my composition, then applied molding paste with a palette knife to add texture to the trees and grasses on my panel.  I had to hold this in front of my car heater to speed the drying, so I could quickly get to the next step.  Working in plein air allows me about a 2 hour window before the light changes, making this step necessary.  I next painted in my masses in acrylic, which dries quickly.  Then, I painted over the underpainting with my oils.  I love the effect - and trying a new technique is always exciting!  This piece will be at the Harvest Festival in Augusta this weekend.

Augusta Pride

This amazing view was painted in Augusta on the morning of the Augusta Shores Paint-Out.  Walking into this scene was just like slipping into a piece of heaven.  It was a cool April morning as the light cut in between the rocks over the pool of water.  Magical.  To get this view, I had one leg of the easel too close to the water.  I had to keep readjusting it to prevent the whole thing from toppling in!  Thank you to the Lindsey family for allowing me into their back yard for such a wonderful painting experience :)

Augusta Pride
14x18  Oil on panel

sold

Grapevines and Roses

The early morning sun was streaming in through the grape arbor.  I knew immediately I must paint this light.  Nestled in the back yard of the Red Brick Inn in Augusta, MO, I set up easel and paints.  I loved the process as the lights and shadows seemed to effortlessly lay themselves down.  Not every painting flows off the brush so easily, and sheer joy washed over me as I worked.  This may have been my favorite painting of my favorite painting event of the year - The Augusta Plein Air Event.  This piece now resides at The Red Brick Inn.

The Path Home

I just finished this one up a couple of weeks ago.  I have been experimenting with underpainting in acrylics, and then finishing in oils - and this is a spring landscape using this technique.  I love the early spring we have had this year - and I find I am drawn to all things floral!