Winter Barn in Miniature

When I work on a large painting, I often paint a few small ones during the process.  With all the business of a full household for the holidays, I've only been able to start and stop, and start again on the large painting.  I like where it is going, but have yet to get into the zone.  My painting windows have simply been too small.  I had only picked up my brushes when the family was asking for dinner.  Two hours later, I was able to return to the paint for a little while. I may just hang out on the wall, and do a "drive by" with paint whenever I see a passage in need!  Looking forward to easier days in the New Year!  Painting number 2166 in 2166 days.

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Three Boats Sailing

A day spent at lake's edge, painting sailboats, is a day well spent.  The quiet sounds of the lake are the perfect backdrop for a little painting.  This one is miniature at 4x4 inches, and done in acrylic for speed of drying.  I still prefer oils in the field, but acrylics do have their place. Painting number 2165 in 2165 days.

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Nosy Neighbors

Cows are so inquisitive!  If I'm anywhere in sight, these guys start heading to the fence to get a better look at me!  It brings back all those childhood memories where my Grandma and Grandpa Frank ran cattle, and my Great Uncle Richard had a large farm with all kinds of livestock.  Cows have so much personality, and are the best mothers, looking out for all the young.  I've been wanting to sketch these, and have finally gotten the chance!  Maybe next time I'll take my oils out!  Painting number 2164 inn 2164 days.

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Cardinal on the Branch

Cardinals nest in our yard each year, many staying from year to year.  These beauties frequent the feeders all winter long, as well as many others.  Right outside the window, I can easily paint them as they flit about.  Using acrylics on a gallery wrapped canvas for this miniature painting.  Painting number 2163 in 2163 days.

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Clouds over the Barn

A gorgeous sky gets me every time.  From the stormy to the sunset, each cloudscape is a work of art that I can only hope to justify with paint.  With only a little painting window, I am painting very small - 4x4 - and using smaller brushes than normal.  I am also using acrylic for this, instead of my normal choice of oils for clouds.  I find that I have to use thicker paint and apply with a heavier hand, to achieve the depth so easily to get with oils.  The biggest bonus with acrylics - the quick dry finish!  Painting number 2162 in 2162 days.

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Trixie

I really enjoy painting animals, even though I seldom get the chance!  This little darling was a joy to paint with that wonderful, rich coat!  Hope this Christmas gift finds a special place in her owner's heart.  Painting number 2161 inn 2161 days.

December 26

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Getting in a little sketching after all the cooking, cleaning and gifting!  Always nice to spend time with all the family during the holidays. Wishing everyone a merry Christmas!  Painting number 2160 in 2160 days.

Santa Profile

After spending a bittersweet afternoon at my Aunt Diana's house, I had the bright idea to swing by the Christmas in the Park event.  We are still waiting in line 45 minutes later. Santa can not believe how long it is taking!  He may miss his midnight ride!  Merry Christmas Eve to you all!  Painting number 2159 in 2159 days!

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Tree Trimming Santa

We celebrated an early family Christmas with Michaela and Cooper today, since they will be with his family in the actual day this year.  As the first celebration of the season, it is bittersweet without my dad here.  I can see him sitting in his regular chair, sharing in the family fun.  The older children have left, the dinner mess is clean, and now we sit watching sappy Christmas shows. I return to my ink and watercolor for some Santa painting, exploring the mix of inks and watercolor.  I'm really enjoying the switch to my brown black blend tonight.  The ink pushes a little green and a little red as it spreads with water.  SO COOL.  All of the fun is in the process, after all!  Painting number 2158 in 2158 days. Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

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Santa Seated

These last few days before Christmas have me looking to Santa for inspiration.  I've not taken ink and watercolor to him before, so now it's the time!  I take my brown black ink out for a vintage feel, and start my line work.  Once I have the composition, I use a wet brush to establish a few values.  Next comes the watercolor, followed by a little more ink.  I haven't used pencil before ink in many years, but I did when I first started with ink.  Ink seemed so permanent - I was scared to jump in with no guide lines marked.  Once I just "sketched" with my ink, the pressure was off.  Sketchy lines aren't perfect lines, they have far more character.  I guess you could say I've gotten a little sketchy with the years!  Painting number 2157 in 2157 days.

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Children with Sled

The days are filled with family activities as the hours race by.  So many details to keep track of, I find I'm dropping balls right and left.  I'm so thankful for those keeping me on track!  Perhaps I need a little more painting time..... my mind is ever so clear and focused when I'm in the paint.  The real world fades away and all that exists is the process.  Maybe tomorrow.  Painting number 2156 in 2156 days.

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Winter's Song

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Hard morning at the gym, lunch with family at the Tea Room, shopping at a favorite spot - Cockrell, and finally I'm home with my paints!  Painting number 2154 in 2154 days.

Radio Flyer Tree

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Who doesn't love a Christmas tree in a red wagon?  Spotted in the front window of a local antique shop - the certainly was a "must paint"!  After months of non use, I pulled this bright yellow TWSBI fountain pen from my bag - and the ink flowed flawlessly from it's nib.  THAT is something I LOVE about TWSBIs across the board!  This one has a special blend of Levenger Raven Black ink and their Cocoa ink, creating my own blend for brown black.  To that, I add in watercolor from my Watercolor Confections half pan sets, finishing with a little extra ink.  Only a few days left to capture Christmas!  Painting number 2153 in 2153 days.

Bringing in the Tree

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Sometimes, it is soothing to find a cozy chair, my favorite paints and brushes, and a few canvases.  Perfect setup for some art therapy, easy chair style.  With all the Christmas activity, it is easy to get lost in the details.  A little quiet time is just the right thing to get me back on track. Pairing number 2152 in 2152 days.

Toy Car Tree

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After a crazy day around here, mom and I grabbed chai lattes at Starbucks and headed to Main Street for a little antiquing.  I found this beautiful tree full of vintage trucks and cars, and knew I would have to paint it.  Antique shops are the perfect place to find inspiration, and unwind from a little craziness.  Nothing like art therapy to restore the soul.  Painting number 2151 in 2151 days.

Ribbon Tree

What a treat it was to paint the trees at the Hall of Waters!  Reveling in the decorated trees, I completely missed the historic areas one floor down!  Little did I know the bath areas are still there like a step back in time!  Next time, I'll be sure to visit downstairs for a little sketching too!  Painting number 2150 in 2150 days.

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Snowy Path to Church

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I like to paint miniatures around this time of year for holiday gift giving.  On this balmy day in the 50s, this snow is only imagined.  As I sit watching sappy Christmas shows with my mom and youngest daughter, I am painting miniatures.  Antiquing, baking cookies and time spent with family, the holidays have already started around here.  Painting number 2149 in 2149 days.

Hall of Trees II

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Christmas is fast approaching as family starts arriving.  Mom got in this afternoon, and the college kids arrive tomorrow.  The hustle and bustle are keeping my mind occupied, as I check off all of those "to dos".  Finding a little time for painting, and right back to work for this girl!  Painting number 2148 in 2148 days.

Bow Tree

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Painting Christmas trees is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Using another TWSBI fountain pen I found in my sketch bag, I do the line work before adding the watercolor.  As I reached for this pen, I found another that I don't even remember buying!  Hmmmmm, it looks looks I may be a fountain pen hoarder. Well, at least they don't take up too much room!  Painting number 2147 in 2147 days... I think.  Sometimes, I loose track of where I am on the count.  January 1st will be 6 years of completing a painting every single day!  Crazy town!

Tractor For Sale

donated to Fairfield Plein Air

I drove past this tractor every time I returned to my parents house, for nearly two months.  On our way to a doctor appointment, I was finally able to take a few good photos to work from, knowing I would not have enough time to work on site.  Using my acrylics for the second time this week, I sketch with paint, and start layering in the color.  I let it rest two days, making a few adjustments each day.  I think it is ready now, but I'll take a look tomorrow before shipping it to Fairfield.  Painting number 2146 in 2146 days.

Tree IV

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I always have enough time to capture a Christmas tree in ink and watercolor - even in the busiest days.  Now I must get back to the countless chores!  Painting number 2145 in 2145 days.

Presto

Tonight finds me painting this beautiful horse for a dear friend.  Something about this image had me reaching for my acrylics, which I've not used for a while.  Starting with a fresh and limited palette, I started the layering of paint.  To sketch out the composition, I thin down the paint to a watery consistency.  While wet, I can easily adjust and remove lines with a damp paper towel.  I do start with a white surface when I work in acrylics, something I never do in oils.  My time with watercolors has me saving the lights even in acrylics.  The translucency of the medium calls for it.  I find it very hard to regain bright lights once a darker layer is beneath them.  It has been a joy to paint this gorgeous horse, they have been a favorite subject since elementary school!  Painting number 2144 in 2144 days.

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Chapel at Park University

This chapel is on the grounds of the majestic Park University, and the whole place is a painting.  Whenever I come to town, I try to get in a painting or two, and the first time I've painted this chapel.  I've heard the most beautiful music coming from this place, a real treat to anyone within earshot!  This special artisan fountain pen is made by Pendora - and I found them on Instagram.  Love when my tools are a work of art  in their own right!  Painting number 2143 in 2143 days.

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currently showing at Cathy Kline Gallery in Parkville, MO

Tree V

After a full day of working on commissions, it's so nice to unwind with a little ink and watercolor in front of the Christmas tree.  So glad the kids donned the halls for me this year ❤ Painting number 2142 in 2142 days.

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Christmas Mug

This little tree is one of my favorites, adorned with tiny glass gingerbread men and houses, sitting in an enamelware mug.  Normally in the kitchen, this year I set it on the piano with the nutcrackers.  Ink and watercolor are the perfect tools to capture this little tree, after an evening down at the Crossroads Art District. Painting number 2141 in 2141 days.

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Douglas and 3rd Street

Any time I am in Lee's Summit, there are a couple of places I try to paint.  One is the historic downtown district, and there are endless paintings along these streets.  Care has been taken to keep the charm intact, from the architecture to the light poles, all is timeless.  I've used one of my favorite pens, the TWSBI Diamond Mini with Levenger Raven Black ink for the line work, and Watercolor Confections half pan set for the color.  I can paint anything with this small set, and it is always with me.  If the scene requires oils - they are in my trunk!  Once a girl scout, always a girl scout!  Painting number 2140 in 2140 days.

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now showing at Got Art Gallery on 3rd Street in Lee's Summit, MO

Candy Cane Tree

This sweet Christmas tree is embellished with candy canes!  It is fun to capture these little trees in ink and watercolor, each with their own personality, all about town!  Perhaps tomorrow I will return to the creek!  Painting number 2139 in 2139 days.

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Hall of Trees ATC

There is a wonderful vintage feel about this place, and the Christmas trees on display are icing on the cake.  I wasn't sure this sweeping view would work in the small ATC size, but it totally does.  I just needed to remain mindful of that perspective.  It was fun to see so many visitors enjoying the trees, a wonderful place to get inspired for the holidays.  Painting number 2138 in 2138 days. 

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Hall of Trees

What a wonderful idea to paint ornaments to share with the group in Excelsior Springs!  We picked them up when we checked in at the Main Springs Art Gallery, then headed over to the Hall of Waters to capture Christmas.  So nice to spend the morning with artist friends.  I have missed this!  Painting number 2137 in 2137 days.

Rays Diner

I arrived early in Excelsior Springs, knowing there would be something I HAD to paint.  This little slice of Americana was the first to grab me!  Great color, mood and full of patrons, I pulled up and painted fast, right in front of the barber shop.  They gave me some funny looks in there!  I guess they don't see artists on location often!  I hope to come back here for a painting weekend, simply too much for a single day!  Painting number 2136 in 2136 days.

Hall of Waters

This morning's Urban Sketchers KC event took place at Hall of Waters in Excelsior Springs.  What a beautiful place, steeped in history.  The grounds are lovely, and the Christmas trees on display were simply icing on the cake.  After completing 5 paintings and meeting back at Main Springs Art Gallery, we had a delightful lunch together at Willow Springs on Main.  Everything was fabulous!  This is the first time in a long time that I really felt like myself.  Thank you, dear artist friends!  Painting number 2135 in 2135 days.