Santa and Chicken Mini

 

Day 3 ink in the Inkvent Calendar is Carousel - a vivid red pigment ink!  I LOVE the color - but it was SO HARD to wash off of my glass dip pen!! It's my first experience with such an ink!  A gorgeous red like this called for a Santa sketch - so I have drawn him with sweet Betsy, who is one of the first gens to jump on my lap!  I love the vivid color, but I prefer an ink that moves with water.  I had to actually scrub and use a brush to get the red ink off of that glass dip pen!  That's crazy!  Painting number 4722 in 4722 days. 

TWSBI Fountain Pens!

 

We're doing something new and fun at Urban Sketchers KC!  Fountain Pen Friday! Here's my first sketch to kick off the fun!  I'd you'd like to join the fun, post and use the hashtag #urbansketcherskc and #fountainpenfriday!  This idea popped up during our planning meeting yesterday for the Urban Sketchers KC 2026 calendar.  So, for our initial post, I grabbed a few of my newest pens loaded and unloaded, to sketch!  Once I fill with an ink in a matching color, I stand them in the tea box, nib up. Those new ones are laying on their sides, waiting for my attention.  So, THIS is the perfect in process sketch!  Painting number 4721 in 4721 days. 

Ornaments Five

 

Shiny ornaments are simply irresistible this time of year!  And even though I have a plate full of unfinished tasks, I just had to get a quick painting in.  Bright colors, in acrylic, are my go to for fast and bold painting. I think I'd love to do a large painting in this theme for the holidays, but who knows when I'll find the time?  Painting number 4720 in 4720 days. 

Chicken Walk

"Peeps (in the lower right corner) is my worst critic.  She is ALWAYS in my business, and looks very critical of my decision to sketch another, lol. The sweet buff brahma that I have drawn has taken on the role of Flock Defender. Twice she has set up the alarm when coyotes were present, and sleeps on a roost where she can look out the windows at night. She's along the first on my lap for black soldier larvae, too!  Painting number 4719 in 4719 days. 

Energy

 

Energy is the Day 2 ink of the Diamine Inkvent Calendar, a cool purple ink with deep olive in the heavy areas!  What a moody ink for a winter lake landscape!  I want to see if there is a reaction to bleach, but I'm out.  I rarely use it and when I recently opened it to use for cleaning, it had gone bad, and didn't help whiten my whites at all.  I like the way it lightens into a soft pink in wet areas, and I think I could make more of the green, too. It's so fun to open a tiny present every day up to Christmas!  Painting number 4718 in 4718 days. 

Chick's First Snow Day

 

Hooray!  It's Day 1 of the Diamine Inkvent Calendar, and Celestial Skies is the first ink!  I'm capturing the first snow for my chicks - and they don't like it!  With little wind, still the snow blew half way into their run.  After covering the east side, I swept out what I could and spread fresh wood mulch on top.  Once this was done, they ventured out from their huddle on the dry side to return to pecking, scratching and drinking.  I had heard chickens don't like the snow, and now I've seen it for myself!  The fancy dip pen pictured happens to also glow in the dark!  I'd forgotten that until I walked down the dark hall with it!  Painting number 4717 in 4717 days. 

Cardinal Perch

 

These sweet little cardinals nest here every year, and I get to watch those babies grow to raise their own families, too.  I pulled out a selection of cardinal paintings for a patron to choose her favorite.  She selected this one, which I had never posted.  I used very heavy watercolor board at a time when I was newly exploring the medium.  It didn't feel finished, and is a little different than my usual work.  I'm so happy it found a home where it will be cherished as a remembrance of her mother.  Painting number 4716 in 4716 days. 

Nesting Cardinals

Pen and ink has such a timeless feel on whatever I use it on.  The cardinals are frequent visitors and I often find their nests while tending my garden.  I love to watch and draw their antics any time of year.  My new Inkvent Calendar has arrived, so I will soon be opening a new bottle of ink each day to try in December. I'm so excited to see what unveils!  Painting number 4715 in 4715 days. 

Ornament Impressions

 

Tis the season for holiday decorating - and painting the magic!  It's so much fun to pull out the bold acrylic paints for these shiny ornaments.  Loose and free strokes keep the vibe upbeat and lively. There's so much beauty to paint this time of year, and I hope to make the most of every moment!  Painting number 4714 in 4714 days. 

Wild Turkeys

 

Wild Turkeys seemed too be the perfect subject on this holiday!  We had most of the family out for our Thanksgiving celebration, and Bill and Evelyn joined us, too.  They are normally in Arizona by now, but they aren't leaving until next week.  It's always like running a race to get everything ready, but so nice once the work is done.  It's great to visit and play with the grandkids! I'm so thankful for every day, and each person in my life!  Happy Thanksgiving!  Painting number 4713 in 4713 days. 

North Building

SOLD

 

I'm happy this painting of the North Building of the Shawnee Indian Mission has found a new home in Texas! As I make the many preparations for our family Thanksgiving celebration tomorrow, I remember all that I am thankful for.  I think of those no longer with us, the large family we are blessed with, and the little ones to one day come. What a miracle this life is, and I wouldn't trade a minute of it!  Come see all the paintings on display at the Three Springs Market in this historic building!  Painting number 4712 in 4712 days. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!  

On Vacation

 

When I travel, it's great to paint the scenes I don't find at home.  I have not painted here before, but found this place while returning from another painting location.  With just enough time to paint before a meeting, I set up on the shade of an airplane hangar, and got to work.  The owner of the building stopped by to say hi, too.  Everyone is so friendly here!  Fairfield is FULL of painting opportunities, and I'm happy this painting has a home there, too!  Painting number 4711 in 4711 days. 

Chicadee Pine

 

I love sketching my feathered friends - and using three different inks to do it!  Chicadees are the sweetest little birds, and I enjoy watching them in the garden. I have all three pens loaded with favorite inks in matching colors, and I use a water brush pen to move the ink around a bit.  As I play with these inks, I am anxiously awaiting the newest Diamine Inkvent Calendar 2025! I can't wait to discover the little bottles of ink for each day until Christmas! Painting number 4710 in 4710 days. 

Shiny Ornaments

 

What fun it is to paint festive ornaments with acrylics again! I love how quickly acrylics dry, and the rich color is perfect for paintball these shiny balls. In fact, I've never reached for my oils for these, and now I wonder why?  I'm normally looking for quick paintings to send out this time of year, and acrylics fit that bill.  This is also the time I reach for gallery wrapped canvases, as I paint right onto the edges.  No need for frames, which is a convenience, too.  Painting number 4709 in 4709 days. 

Pumpkins Five

I'm trying a new mini watercolor palette by Sennelier for these watercolor batik pumpkins.  I LOVE tiny kits that fit right into a pocket!  So, I love the portability, but the feel of the brush against the paint drags a little, almost as if there is honey in the mix.  It is also a little resistant to the brush, not picking up as much paint in a stroke as I'm used to.  I think I'll need to play with it a bit more, and keep it in an extra sketch bag, but it will not supplant my current favs.  Painting number 4708 in 4708 days. 

Tinsel Santa

 

For several years now, I have explored Diamine's Inkvent Calendar as Christmas approaches.  It is a treat to use glass dip pens and sparkling new ink to create the magic of Christmas!  I've got the 2025 one on order, and I can't wait to open each little door containing the gift of a new ink!  Come see this miniature Santa Claus painting in person, now showing at Powell Gardens!  Painting number 4707 in 4707 days. 

Festive Ornaments

 

Christmas is coming and it's time to start painting the magic!  We deck the halls right after Thanksgiving, but I light our outdoor Alberta spruce earlier, and pull out these shiny ornaments for that!  It's the perfect opportunity to start painting these shiny jewels, and it really gets me in the mood for the holidays!  Painting number 4705 in 4705 days. 

Autumn at Stone Hill

 

Autumn in Missouri is really beautiful.  Green grass accentuates the golden red hues spreading over the foliage, and balmy temps make it a pleasure to paint in.  Only oils will do when I'm pushing for those vibrant colors, and the tactile feel of broach on panel is invigorating. I'm counting my blessings as I paint, and look forward to all the paintings to come. What a wonderful place to capture autumn color - and have refreshment, too.  Painting number 4704 in 4704 days. 

Autumn Hay Bale

 

Autumn leaves and hay bales, I just had to paint the beauty!  This lush landscape is ever inspiring, just outside my door. The red color seems to be the last to hang on, and the yellows were the first to drop. The bales dot the pastures, and only my busy schedule keeps me from painting them every day.  Perhaps, I should paint them at sunrise or sunset, while I enjoy the glory with a hot cup of tea? Maybe I'll start that tomorrow.......! Painting number 4703 in 4703 days. 

Pumpkin Batik

 

The pumpkins have been gorgeous this season, and I'm painting this one with ink, watercolor and hot wax on super thin rice paper!  With tissue thin paper, I must work this paper very lightly.  The slightest bit of pressure when wet can cause it to tear, and brushing the paint in can brush right through the paper!  So carefully I work until the image emerges, and I lift the hot wax away.  Painting number 

Chapel in the Snow

 

The chapel at Powell Gardens is such a peaceful place to visit and paint. The walking trail that meanders to this place is lovely, with many painting spots along the way.  Winter is just a breath away, and the snow only makes this place more beautiful. This is painting number 4701 in 4701 days. Now Showing at the gallery in the visitor center. 

Ponderosa Pines Mini

 

This miniature painting of ponderosa pines is now showing in the gallery at Powell Gardens.  The fountain pen is one of my newest, a TWSBI Diamond, filled with my favorite black ink.  Sadly, my white TWSBI Diamond dropped from my hand into my cushioned mat, bending the nib slightly.  I haven't had time to order a new nib, so I filled this beautiful pen with the ink I use the most.  This pines are a request, so I hope they'll find a new home soon!  Painting number 4700 in 4700 days. 

Morning at the Pumpkin Patch

SOLD

 

It was so much fun to paint my first pumpkin patch of the season at Shreve's!  It's an annual autumn tradition, and it's never quite fall until I arrive here to paint!  The pumpkins and mums are glorious, the weather is perfect, and the time flies by as I work.  A pristine painting day is a gift to cherish!   I'm so happy this painting now resides with the family! Painting number 4699 in 4699 days. 

Union Station KC MO

 

I posted yesterday's Union Station painting in the evening, and this morning it sold before i could leave the house!  So, in a mad dash to come up with another that would match my inventory for Powell Gardens,  I put this one in it's place.  Union Station is a favorite place to paint this time of year, and I hope to get there a few more times while the halls are decked!  This painting and 7 other are now showing at Powell Gardens. Be there first to get your choice!  Painting number 4697 in 4697 days. 

Union Station KC

SOLD

 

This is one of 8 paintings going into the Powell Gardens gallery for the holidays!  I have a special collection of winter and holiday paintings to install tomorrow,  and this is the only Union Station one.  I love painting here during the holidays, when the Station is decked out with it's iconic tree, companion trees and garland. This place holds a special place in my heart!  Painting number 4696 in 4696 days.  Come early to get first pick! 

Autumn on the Lake

 

It is my pleasure to capture the fleeting colors of autumn, one brushstroke at a time.  Something magical happens when the leaves begin to turn.  The greens of summer shimmer gold and red, intensifying daily until the fade begins.  The leaves crunch beneath me, a sound like music to my ears.  Only once a year do I get to revel in autumn splendor, and too quickly it is gone.  Many of my hours have been spent working in the garden and painting the new chicken coop, trying to catch up after my very busy plein air season.  So, these quiet moments alone in nature are a treasure.  I hope to paint a few more autumn landscapes before they fade away.  Painting number 4695 in 4695 days. 

Pumpkins Four Batik

 

I love exploring these pumpkins in the layers of watercolor batik!  From the first ink lines to the ironing off of the wax, the painting unfolds organically. This rice paper is thicker than my usual, and even has a masa feel to it.  It's not as fragile, and therefore easier to work with.  What fun it is to try different papers with the same process!  Painting number 4694 in 4694 days. 

Carnaby Square

SOLD

 It's so fun to paint AND shop the coolest places on Main Street!  Carnaby Square is a favorite boutique to visit when I'm in Fairfield, and I simply HAD to paint the street view!  Kristi,  the proprietor, is such a sweetheart, and a big part of the community here. I'm happy she liked this painting, and has added it to her vast collection.  Painting number 4693 in 4693 days. 

Pumpkin and Squash Batik

 

It's fun to unwind with a little ink, watercolor, hot wax and pumpkins!  I start by sketching my composition with India ink.  Next, I add watercolor, layering until the hot wax is applied.  Several layers later, crinkling, more watercolor and ironing between paper, the image is revealed.  Only then do I find out what has emerged with the process. I love the serendipity of it all!  Painting number 4692 in 4692 days.

Main Street

 

I love the timeless feel of a fountain pen gliding across handmade paper! TWSBIs are my absolute favorite fountain pens, piston loaded with inks of my choice, the ink flows smoothly - no matter how long it's been since I've used them.  I have many pens, and these are the only ones that don't fail me in the field.  Painting number 4691 in 4691 days.

Sunset Over Fairfield

 

Sunset turns to nightfall in a moment!  Intending to paint a nocturne, I arrived early to set up my easel.  When this glorious sky was before me, I just could not wait to begin!  So, I painted as fast as I could to capture all that color, before I really got the street scene in.  As soon as color faded from the sky, I made quick work of those lines.  They, too, faded as the dark settled in.  It was fun to talk to a few visitors on the street as I painted. I love that this painting of historic Fairfield will hang in the bank on this street.  Painting number 4690 in 4690 days. 

Pumpkin Chick Mini

 

As I painted trim on the coop today, I took a sketch break to paint a miniature chick and pumpkin!  It was the perfect day to be working outside, so I took full advantage!  I got a coat of pink paint on the windows and some of the door trim, as well as some other coop chores.  The girls cooed and came close to me through the windows from their upper roost bar, and Phinny even sat on her nest and laid an egg - singing her egg song as I painted the henhouse doorway, watching the magic.  I hope to get all the painting done during these beautiful, warm days - and more painting, too! Painting number 4689 in 4689 days. 

Antiques and Pumpkins

I wait all year to paint the gorgeous pumpkins of autumn - and today I'm using oils!  This is a treat after a full day of yard work, a perfect creative outlet.  The antique pot belonged to my great grandmother, and the old watering can is a lucky find at an antique shop long ago.  I love the way the colors reflect the pumpkins, too.  It turned out to be a beautiful day, even though we had a hard freeze last night.  Too bad the covers didn't protect my flowers, it's going to be another warm week ahead.  Painting number 4688 in 4688 days. 

Pumpkin Patch Chicks

 

It's fun to hang with the girls, sketching!  They've gotten used to my antics and let me paint after I reward them with treats and scratch!  These wild and flighty girls have settled into a routine as they've matured, and I can actually work around them now.  They are so much fun to spend time with, and to paint!  I'm looking forward to plenty of bonding time this winter!  Painting number 4687 in 4687 days. 

Witches Brew

This was a fun Halloween, spending time with the family!  After stopping by Mike's parent's house with Gus, Michaela, Kirby and Casper, we went trick or treating with the grandkids near Tyler's house. Gus is staying over tonight, sleeping in the "robot bed" and watching whatever he wants on the TV in there!  The painting is watercolor batik on rice paper, to celebrate the day! Painting number 4686 in 4686 days. 

Goats in the Pumpkins

What's more fun than painting goats and pumpkins in October?!!  I love having animals on the farm - especially when they are as sweet as these young ones!  This painting is showing at Powell Gardens until November 11th, when I'll be installing new paintings for the holidays!  Painting number 4685 in 4685 days. 

Swallowtail and Pumpkin

 

Butterflies and pumpkins are showing for a few more days at Powell Gardens. The butterflies have been plentiful in my garden, so I sketched as I waited for another to fly by.  Then, I would capture their form and color as fast as I could before they moved on to a new bloom.  The mums and cosmos keep them coming, but it's only a matter of time before a frost comes our way.  I am working on new paintings to go into their gallery space next week, so come see them for the holidays! Painting number 4684 in 4684 days. 

Path to the Pumpkin Patch

There is something magical about visiting farms and orchards in the fall, especially when I'm painting them!  I watched children and families walking up and down that path, with pumpkins in tow.  The Weston Red Barn Farm is the kind of place families return to year after year.  Come see this place in person at the Weston Coffee Roastery.  Painting number 4683 in 4683 days. 

On Red Barn Farm

 

I couldn't resist painting this path through the historic barns at the Red Barn Farm, so nostalgicis the feel of this place. There are many animals here, but only the house and a pig were in my view.  Chickens and turkeys were near the top of this path, on the right, and the goats were right beside me!  I stood in the shade of their building to paint most of this.  It's fun to paint as families come to pick pumpkins and enjoy the animals on this farm. What a lovely way to spend the day! Come see this in person at the Weston Coffee Roastery! Painting number 4682 in 4682 days. 

Fairy House in the Pumpkin Patch

 I just can't resist painting beautiful pumpkin patches - and Shreve's is a yearly favorite!  The autumn mums and pumpkins adorn the lawn as the light dances over it all.  Children raced in and out of this little house, and I heard them call it the Fairy House.  This farm is the first place I paint when arriving in Fairfield, and the weather has been especially nice this year.  I couldn't get enough of this place - so I returned for two more paintings!  Painting number 4681 in 4681 days. 

Night at the Victorian

SOLD

 

This was my first time to paint this beautiful Victorian at night, and in the rain.  As I drove by, coming home from another paint, I simply could not resist the glow of this beauty in the rain!  Choosing watercolor for a nocturne made this painting so much more challenging! As the rain increased, I was forced to finish in my car, where it was really too dark to see my paints.  I learned a few lessons with this one, and the result was worth the extra work.  I'm so happy the painting hangs within it's walls.  Painting number 4680 in 4680 days. 

Holladay Distillery

This historic distillery has been operating since the 1850s, and is so lovely on the hill where it stands proudly.  This is my first time at Holladay Distillery, and the large trees lining the drive offer me the perfect place from which to paint.  This place offers tours, and the interior of this building is grand.  It was a nice afternoon, painting this place as Mom sat in the shade near the house.  Painting number 4679 in 4679 days. 

Red Barn Farm

 

How could I not have known about this place all these years?  There are paintings in every direction at the Red Barn Farm in Weston!  The Monday Morning Watercolorists chose this location, and though it was an hour and 10 minutes away, Mom and I made the trip.  I could hardly peel myself away from this place to gather for lunch with the girls at the Green Dirt Farm Creamery!  This may have been my first trip here, but it crushing won't be my last!  You can see this one in person at the Weston Coffee Roastery!  Painting number 4678 in 4678 days. 

Afternoon at the Pumpkin Patch

SOLD

 

I've painted so much this fall that many paintings are yet unposted. Shreve's Pumpkin Patch is one of my all time favorite places to paint!  I had painted one here, getting the farmhouse into the view, but I couldn't quite squeeze in the events building.  So, I painted from this angle to include the back building and some of the side yard.  Honestly, the whole place is magical, and I really needed a long format panel to get it all in, but alas, I had none. It seems I am forever running out of panels and frames!  This painting is 4677 in 4677 days, and I'm so happy they purchased this painting, too! 

Green Dirt Farm Creamery

 I sketched as Mom, Teddy and I waited for our lunch to arrive.  I finished as we visited, and nearly forgot to get a photo before heading back to turn it in to the Weston Coffee Roastery!  It's been a fun girl's weekend during the 7th annual Weston Plein Air.  Painting number 4676 in 4676 days. 

Along Main Street

 

I LOVE capturing the small town charm of Weston in ink and watercolor!  This is the 7th annual Weston Plein Air event, and I've seen a resurgence in this small town over the years.  The local businesses are thriving and every block in full of life - day and night!  It's fun to come here with Mom and Teddy for a girl's weekend, and enjoy all Weston has to offer!  This painting now showing at Weston Coffee Roastery! 

Shoal Creek

This is my very first time to visit the Shoal Creek Living History Museum - and it was super fun!  I'd not for the Walktober Quick Paint, I would not have gotten to experience it!  Full of historic buildings, the old mill and water wheel welcome you into town.  I was a little late getting started, and I worked right up to the last minute! Even though I could have used more time, I did get this turned in my the skin of my teeth!  I walked through the whole village before leaving, and hope to bring the family here in the future.  There is so much to enjoy at the north Kansas City park!  Painting number 4674 in 4674 days. 

Don't George Hotel

It was so fun to stay at this hotel with Mom and Teddy for a girl's weekend while painting in the 7th annual Weston Plein Air event!  This historic place was built in 1847 - just a few years after our home was built!  Reported to be haunted, their were ghost hunters in the hallways trying to capture images on their phones!  We dined, shopped and enjoyed as many local sites as we could paint! This painting will hang with 6 others of mine in the gallery space at the Weston Coffee Roastery! Painting number 4673 in 4673 days. 

Historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard

 

I'm finding some new favorite places to paint in Weston - and autumn is my favorite season for pumpkin patches and apple orchards! Four two days, I'm painting as many beautiful locations in Weston that I can, and they will all be for sale at the coffee shop!  Come see this in person at the Weston Coffee Roastery starting tomorrow! Painting number 4673 in 4673 days. 

Night Falls at the Courthouse

SOLD

 

I love painting nocturnes so much - and love it even more when my paintings find a home!  Balmy, autumn nights are the absolute best for painting, so I set up on Main Street, even though my friends were too tired to join me.  Thankfully, the rain held off until I was finished with capturing the magic! Thanks to Farley Lewis, for the honorable mention and kind words!  Painting number 4671 in 4671 days.