All Tuckered Out

How could I possibly resist painting these cuties?!!  I'm teaching them how to paint - and they are very attentive!!  We've got mamas and babies here for some pasture clean up, and I only wish I had more time for painting their antics!  I am playing with a new watercolor travel palette by Soho that I picked up at the Plein Air Convention in Branson.  There are several blues and yellows, and no greens - so I'm mixing them.  It actually gives me a wide range of greens, like the old days when I used a very limited palette.  That limited palette for years taught me more about mixing than anything else I was ever exposed to. Well, the rain is starting and it's time to head back to the house!  Painting number 4895 in 4895 days. 

Guarding the Girls

 

I loved painting these sweet chickens at Sunflower Hill Farm- and just realized I forgot to share them! I paint so many paintings at a plein air event, that one or two slip through the cracks at times.  This handmade paper is particularly rough, and it soaked up the paint like crazy!  I thought I was finished a couple times only to go back in with more color.  Watercolor can fade so much on this handmade cotton paper!  Painting number 4894 in 4894 days. 

Clouds over the Water

 

Some days, I've only to look skyward for painting inspiration!  I started working in the garden after the gym this morning, and the hours flew by as Swiss chard and tomatoes found their homes. I like to take my salad outside, to walk the garden as I eat, often finding inspiration to squeeze in a painting before "chicken time". That is when Mom comes by and we let them out for an hour or so, to roam around the yard.  What fun these sweet girls have as they keep close to us in their ventures!  Painting number 4893 in 4893 days. 

Drift of Iris

 

I love painting the yellow flag iris when they erupt in bloom!!  The way they sweep through the lawn is magical - and it all started with a small clump that I ordered from a seed catalog years ago. Great in wet areas, I've seen them planted underwater in the elephant exhibit at the zoo!  I've shared them with friends and family, and they are great to sop up extra water in low lying areas.  Their rhizomes are so dense they need to be cut through to divide.  Their shiny large seeds drop liberally - and those readily grow new plants, too.  I've put a few down by the pond, and they should be blooming now, too.  I love painting the magic that stems from a tiny clump so many years ago!  Painting number 4892 in 4892 days. 

Old Fashioned Peonies

 

I wait all year for the chance to paint the peonies of my garden.  This season seems extra short to get these beauties painted, with multiple storms abs heavy rain to weigh them down.  These are the original variety that my grandmother planted, abs I've moved it to multiple beds around the yard, and it never disappoints!  The bees were buzzing and the big black ants were climbing, and the smell was heavenly indeed!  Painting number 4891 in 4891 days. 

Mother's Lilies

 

In a day full of gardening, I just had to paint the prettiest lilies in the beds today!  I moved these from Mom's home in Ohio when she moved back to Missouri. I remember digging the bulbs from the front corner of their brick Victorian home, as we were preparing to move Mom to the house she found near us.  It was a bittersweet time of loss and heartache, and the grueling task of packing up 35 years to return so close to where she grew up.  Putting them in a large pot with soil, they made the journey to my place, Mom's childhood home, to spread gloriously in several beds.  I think of those times every year when they bloom, knowing they are one of Mom's favorite flowers from a place she loved.  Painting number 4890 in 4890 days. 

Canyon Falls

 My favorite painting location of the week was this gorgeous waterfall n Dogwood Canyon, along the water's edge!!  Best. Office. Ever. 

Light Beyond

 

So happy I could return to Big Cedar to paint during the Plein Air Convention.  I just couldn't resist this bold backlight, and it was fading fast. This is the small lake by the restaurant near a devil's pool, where so many artists gathered earlier in the day.  I only had about 45 minutes to work in this, so I jumped right in and painted that color fast.  I think I might just tweak a could of things before calling it good.  Haha!  Does an artist ever think a painting is finished?  Not this artist but surely someone thinks that!  Painting number 4888 in 4888 days. 

Dogwood Mill

I just about closed down the place with this last sketch at Dogwood Canyon!  On arriving, I thought I'd return to this location to paint.  The waterfalls called me away, so away I went, only to arrive here with 30 minutes to sketch. With pen and ink I drew out my composition, thinking of how timeless it all was.  The vintage feel of this place lends itself well to the medium of pen and ink. I hope to paint this place in oils one day, as well.  On another note, I nearly stepped on a large water snake on my hustle back to my car, in my sandals!  The Plein Air Convention has been SO much fun, and I'm taking good memories and inspiration back home with me!  Painting number 4887 in 4887 days. 

In the Garden

 

It was so peaceful to paint this lovely scripture garden,  squirreled away in a hidy hole, along with 100s of artists at the Plein Air Convention!  The College of the Ozarks has so many wonderful things to paint, but I knew I must paint the garden as soon as I saw it!  Though my perch was a little awkward, my vantage was perfect - and it was fun to hear the joy as people rounded the bush to find me painting!  What fun, and what lovely people I talked to!  Painting number 4886 in 4886 days. 

Waterfall along the Trail

Dogwood Canyon is a magical place.  The spring fed river winds through the park, with multiple low water bridges overflowing. As I hiked to the chapel to paint, I found this hidden gem along the trail.  It was enchanting to paint in this solitary place to the music of the waterfall.  I think I need my own personal waterfall at home.  Painting number 4885 in 4885 days. 

Old Mill at Finley's Farm

 

I painted this Old Mill at Finley's Farm with about 700 other artists from an old iron bridge!  We were lined up elbow to elbow by the time I finished! It was SO much fun! I've never painted with so many artists at one time before!  The day was beautiful, everyone visited as they passed by - and fun was had by all.  The wind actually blew a painting from the bridge into the river below - and another artist grabbed it out and the whole place cheered!  How many times does one see that in a lifetime?!! Painting number 4884 in 4884 days. 

Chapel at Big Cedar

 

It was a lovely day for painting the chapel at Big Cedar! It has been years since I painted in the Big Cedar Paintout, and I had been longing to come!  This place is even more beautiful than before, with paintings in every direction!  I only wish I had more time to paint the beautiful cabins and vintage buildings, too! 

Ozark Overlook

 

What a glorious overlook to paint at the College of the Ozarks!! I could paint here for days!! I intended to paint the historic church on site, but as I walked through the scripture garden, this scenic overlook called my name.  My first painting is at it's feet as I scrambled to paint another in our allotted time.  What fun it has been talking to so many artists that I've painted with over the years.  It is sheer joy to paint such a breathtaking view as this! Painting number 4882 in 4882 days. 

In the Woods

 

This is the first painting in the rolling hills of the Ozarks - on the first day of the Plein Air Convention in Branson!  The woods are so full of beauty, I couldn't resist a quick paint after checking in my painting.  This quiet time to focus, immersed in nature,  is a balm for my soul.  I come out renewed and invigorated, ready to do it again tomorrow!  Painting number 4881 in 4881 days. 

Grandmother's Peonies

 

Oh how I love painting Grandmother's peonies - and their fragrance is heavenly!!  I've moved them to multiple locations around the yard, and each bloom reminds me of Grandma Frank.  I remember cutting them with Grandma to bring into the house, and the bouquet would scent the whole room.  Casper asked to cut one for Michaela for Mother's Day, and he and Kirby both presented a lovely big bloom for her!  Maybe they'll remember me when they see these blooms each year.  Painting number 4880 in 4880 days. 

Iris Aglow

 

I love spending time in the garden painting - and these iris are irresistible! I admire their rich magenta hues in the sunlight - which keeps popping in and out, and wonder which friend's garden these came from.  I often plant the tiniest roots found neglected in the strangest places, not knowing what they will one day become.  It's like Christmas when those little babies bloom!  Painting number 4880 in 4880 days. 

Lingering at Monet's Pond

What an amazing way to spend the morning - capturing the beauty of Monet's Pond at the Overland Park Arboretum!  Meeting artist friends for a morning paint, I opted to enter through the original entrance which is closer to all of this beauty.  Kathleen walked by, and we talked as we scouted, mentioning the noon meet up at the Long House.  I set up on the sun on this lovely morning, and visited with onlookers as they admired the garden beauty.  I lingered in this spot, painting for the very joy of it, knowing I would miss seeing the others in doing so.  I left fulfilled and nourished, as only a painting spot like this can supply. Painting number 4878 in 4878 days. 

Walk through the Rose Garden

 

Happy Mother's Day!!  It's been a wonderful day spent with my amazing Mom and the whole family!!  This year we let the guys take care of the details, which had our daughter by marriage, Rebekah, saving the day with delicious Quiches, cilantro lime slaw and more, while the guys made cheeseburgers and espinaca, picking up a couple of pies.  The weather was beautiful and we spent the day outdoors, enjoying our time together.  This painting is another from a perennial favorite place - the Loose Park Rose Garden, which held a special plein air for arbor day.  Painting number 4877 in 4877 days. 

Lunch at the Vineyard

 

I love returning to a favorite place to paint from the vineyard.  Defiance Ridge never disappoints, and is a great place for food and drink.  As I painted, patrons walked from artist to artist to see what was on the easel.  This is the second one I painted from this very spot.  Painting number 4875 in 4875 days.

Alpacaes

Painting these sweet alpacas just makes me want to take them home!  They make sweet noises to each other, and come to check up on me every so often. It was super fun to spend the morning with them, learning their forms and manners.  Their temperament is so docile, too! I think our chickens and horses need some aloaca friends!!  Painting number 4874 in 4874 days. 

Spring in the Vineyard

SOLD

 

The light was amazing at Defiance Ridge - until the clouds rolled in!  I tucked myself down in the vineyard to get this amazing vantage, sketching both before and after turn in on another.  The grapevines are leafed out more than ever - making them perfect for painting!  It was fun to visit with guests as they strolled through the vineyard, checking in with each artist in the field. I love getting to paint places like this and I'm happy this painting has a new home, too!  Painting number 4873 in 4873 days. 

Goats and Chickens on the Farm

 

I forgot to get a photo of this one before I framed it for turn in!  In my rush to start a second, I rushed off to frame.  And the second one I painted of their dogs - I also forgot to get a photo as I was talking to another artist at the time!  It was so much fun to talk to the animals who came near, and give the baby goats snuggles when Ann brought them by for a visit! This goat farm was a special treat to paint and I'm happy this painting has a new home, too! Painting number 4872 in 4872 days. 

Showdown

 

It was so fun to capture the antics of these cuties at Sunflower Hill Farm!  While two were butting heads, another watched cautiously from the sideline.  The paper I use is handmade cotton rag, and each batch is artisan made.  What this means is every batch is different - and this batch felt like there was no sizing in the mix or on the surface.  So, the paper soaked up paint like crazy - and seemed to fade as it dried.  I had to reapply paint and ink until finally it remained.  I love exploring new papers, even when they require much more work on my part!  Painting number 4871 in 4871 days. 

St Paul's in New Melle

SOLD

 

I loved painting in this peaceful spot in New Melle, in the shade of a tree across the street.  I love the shapes and lines of the buildings as they stand together, testament to the growth of this church over time.  New Melle is full of lovely places to paint, and i only wish I had more time here. I'm happy this painting found a new home that night, too!  Painting number 4870 in 4870 days. 

Guarding the Girls

These sweet chickens simply begged to be painted.  Their gentle chatter was so peaceful as I sketched their forms and colors first. As they moved away, I started filling in the background.  I find I must always paint the animals first - while I can see them - before they are out of view.  I miss my own chickens and can't wait to get home to them.  Painting number 4869 in 4869 days.  

Ebenezer Church

This beautiful church on Walnut is iconic Augusta.  The leaves are fully open with fresh spring color.  As I paint, locals and friends come by to visit in this small Missouri town, and Troy Tatlock sang Beatles songs from the opposite corner to both Teddy and I. Who knew we would have music to paint by?  Come see the wet paint sale tomorrow from noon until 4:00. Painting number 4868 in 4868 days. 

Horses on the Farm

 

How could I possibly resist painting a horse farm?!!  Well, obviously, I couldn't!  Today was the New Melle Paintout, and after painting St. Paul's Lutheran church, I went to My Half Farm.  So much awaited me - I could hardly settle on just one subject.  As I started this painting, I was longing for my oils.  With very little time, I could hardly afford the time to switch my gear - so I persisted.  A sweet horse kept coming up and getting as close as he could to me, he was adorable! This painting will be available for the Golden Ticket Gala tomorrow night at Harmonie Verein in Augusta! 

Spring in the Vineyard

 

The light was lovely to paint in the vineyard this afternoon - even in a cold wind!  56 degrees felt very cold after our recent warm weather. I kept adding layers and eventually found my hand warmers in the warmest jacket.  Why didn't I find them first thing this morning?  At least I'll be prepared for tomorrow!  I'll have this in the pop-up gallery in New Melle tomorrow!  Painting number 4866 in 4866 days. 

Red Umbrella Day

 

It REALLY poured for this paintout!  Everything was soaked and it was still fun sharing the tiny space with artist friends, Margaret and Troy Tatlock from Wisconsin!  Troy is always so chatty as Margaret tries to rein him in a little. Time flies when you're having fun! Happy to win an Honorable Mention on this, too!  Painting number 4865 in 4865 days. 

Klondike Reverie

 

I love when a stormy afternoon forecast turns out to be wrong! It was a great painting day along water's edge at the waterfront in Klondike Park.  The expected rain had stalled, and two glorious hours turned to three as Teddy and I painted fast and loose. The birds were singing, frogs were jumping, and the weather held even until after the taco dinner hosted at the Creative gallery.  The tranquility of this place is inspirational.  Painting number 4864 in 4864 days. 

Boats and Wildflowers at the Dock

 

It was so much fun to paint this colorful scene in Lake Sherwood this morning, and an honor to receive an Honorable Mention from Lon Braur for it, too!  After an amazing artist church gathering at Harmonie Verein, we arrived a little late to our morning paintout.  After a little discussion on finding a spot, and a short scout, I returned here to capture the color in paint!  How could I possibly pass on painting these beauties at the dock?  Painting number 4863 in 4863 days. 

Mount Pleasant Spring

 

What a lovely day to paint Mount Pleasant Winery! The weather was perfect, and I chose to paint a small one in ink and watercolor.  I had already drawn a similar scene in pen and ink, deciding at the last minute not to add the color. I always say, "If in doubt - don't."  So, I just had to finish my original vision on this one.  Every painting is a lesson, and I think I was simply meant to paint both!  Come see this one in person at the pop-up gallery at Harmonie Verein in the morning! Painting number 4861 in 4861 days. 

Spring Chickens

 

What fun it was to paint the whole chicken flock as they wandered down the hill at Sunflower Hill Farm!  I was halfway through a small painting when it was time to start this morning's paintout.  As I pulled out the fresh sheet, these girls began their meander down the hill!  I sketched and painted only the chickens until they had moved out of sight.  Then I began filling in the rest of the scene!  I've learned through the years that one must paint what is seen - before it flies the coop!  It was an absolutely gorgeous day for painting! I'm so happy this painting found a good home with a brand new collector, too!  Painting number 4860 in 4860 days. 

Lilac and Butterfly

 

Is there anything as sweet as the fragrance of lilacs?  I wish they bloomed all year so I could bask in their aroma at any chosen time.  The butterflies are out and a quick sketch is on order before heading to the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival, something I look forward to all year long!  I've only a few blooms in grandmother's old fashioned lilacs this year, and they must be immortalized. Painting number 4859 in 4859 days. 

Odd Fellows Home

It was fun exploring the historic Odd Fellows Home in Liberty with Urban Sketchers KC. While sketching, I learned some of the history of this place from an artist friend.  This first building is now the Belvoir Winery and Inn, atop this hill on the estate with a lovely view.  I think it would be fun to gather with the family here one day.  Painting number 4856 in 4856 days. 

Purple and Yellow Pansies

 

I'm so happy the pansies are springing back to life after their deep freeze.  It has taken them nearly a month to regain what was lost in those three 10 degree days. I think it's a miracle that they have survived, and I'm painting their progress. Painting number 4854 in 4854 days. 

Norma's Iris

 

My first iris is blooming three weeks early, one from a dear friend who's no longer in this world. I love how these blooms remind me of friends and family members, long after they are gone.  Pen and ink in this traditional style is fun to return to.  Like old friends, the pens wait for me, and reward me for the effort.  Painting number 4853 in 4853 days. 

Old Fashioned Lilacs

 

Nothing smells as heavenly as lilac in bloom!  I'm o happy to paint these beauties in the garden, especially after such contrary spring weather.  Those early blooms are nipped, and some were only half nipped. I have sparse blooms on the tulip tree and lilac, but the clematis is early and robust!  I even had my first iris bloom today, one given to me by Norma, a friend no longer in this world.  Many of my flowers have come to me through family and friends, and each year I remember them fondly.  Painting number 4852 in 4852 days. 

Violas

 

I can always squeeze in a tiny painting, even on the busiest of days - and it's SO good for my soul!  These sweet blooms are so like pansies, but smaller.  I've only planted them a couple of times in all these years, when I've found them at a local nursery.  Maybe I could pick up seed, for an early start indoors next year, ensuring that I have them again and again to paint in spring.  Painting number 4850 in 4850 days. 

Drifts of Yellow

 

I love painting wild mustard in bloom - especially near the barns!  It's just getting started, and I'm happy to find that the horses don't eat them in the meadow!  So, I will continue to have lovely mustard filled landscapes in the years top come!  Painting number 4849 in 4849 days. 

Milk Barn Forsythia

Forsythia and this old barn were meant to be painted!  Years ago, I planted young forsythia sprouts over here, and now I can reap the rewards.  Nothing is as snowy as this bush in spring, and this only makes me want to transplant more sprouts around the farm!  Painting number 4847 in 4847 days. 

Cheerful Faces

 

This small pansy painting will be installed at Powell Gardens next week!  Well, technically they are violas, but in the same family as pansies.  I'm so surprised and happy that my pansies all survived the brutal weather.  The blooms all fell off, but the green plants remained green, and now are pushing forth blooms again.  I have a variety that I haven't yet painted, and I'm waiting for a few blooms on a plant before doing so.  It's fun to work in the garden with the chicks out for playtime, and again in the evening as the big girls free range.  I keep them herded together as any watchful mom would do!  I hope to be painting them soon when my garden work subsides a little!  Painting number 4846 in 4846 days. 

Forsythia by the Barn

 I've planted forsythia in multiple locations around the property, where I envision future paintings.  I have a couple of small ones this year, too, that will soon be transplanted to new location!  Nothing shines as bright in spring as one of these beauties in full bloom!  Painting number 4844 in 4844 days.  

White Daffodils

 

I love the delicate color of these early blooms - and it's a joy to paint them!  Too few are our daffodils this season, so I am cherishing every one.  On this day, we have added a new horse to our family - Rebel. He's a sweet little addition to add on my birthday!  I'm looking forward to painting him real soon - with Lady Belle.  They are already best friends in the pasture!  Painting number 4843 in 4843 days. 

Narcissus

 

I hope you all had an Easter full of family fun - we sure did!  Finally, a few late bloomers are opening up, and I'm happy to paint them.  The whole family was out - even Michael (home from Orange, Texas) and Bill and Evelyn - just home from Arizona!  We've been so busy getting ready for the arrival of Rebel tomorrow, that fencing has been the biggest priority.  Our chicks are getting so big - and the kids all loved feeding them clover and grass!  Painting number 4842 in 4842 days. 

Milk Barn Forsythia

 

I think spring is a most magical season to paint in rural Missouri, and especially on our generational family farm.  I wish Grandma Frank could be here to enjoy all that we have brought to this very special place.  It is near and dear to my heart, and forever a place where I am truly grounded as one can only be with a lifetime of memories.  Painting number 4841 in 4841 days. 

Fancy Daffodils

 

Yay - a few of my late blooming daffodils have survived our crazy weather!  SO many froze back to the ground with tiny buds, so these few are a big deal. I love to paint them, and await their reform all year long.  Here's hoping there are more spring miracles to come!  Painting number 4840 in 4840 days. 

Rembrandt Tulip

 Hooray for tulips that defy extreme weather!  I'm so happy to paint this sweet little Rembrandt tulip!  The spring blooms are previous this year, with the killing freeze and storms rolling through.  I hope there will be many more survivors popping up in my garden to paint.  Painting number 4839 in 4839 days.