Missouri River at Kaw Point

Missouri River at Kaw Point
Oil on panel, 12x9
MVIS Paint-Out - purchase here

When I first arrive at a paint out, I first scout out the area for landscapes that "draw me in".  The fabulous color of the river and sky in the morning light grabbed me.  Looking to the north, the eastern glow on brush and branch added sparkle to the foreground.  I have never seen the water of the Old Missouri this shade of blue before! Was it all of the ice flowing down that kept it crisp and so reflective of the sky?  I used my prussian blue to get the shade right, and used my palette knife for the finish work on water, trees and brush.  All of the browns of winter can be a little tricky, so I squinted down to see the values and warmed up the foreground.  I could see just a bit of green in the water as it came close, so I carried a bit of that color onto the ground and trees to

on location

create better color harmony.  I must look carefully to see all those hints of color during this time of year.  Although the wind off the icy river was cold in the morning, it soon warmed up to 70 degrees for the second painting!  This paint out was sponsored by the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society at the Lewis and Clark Park at Kaw Point in Kansas City, Kansas.  It is just like a family reunion when we all arrive on location - it is great to paint en plein air again!  Painting number 771 in 771 days.  I am back to "figures" for tomorrow!