Winter Farm on Schultz-Portage Rd

When I run the North Coast Inland Trail, I pass this farm every time.  In all seasons, from all angles on the trail, this place makes a wonderful painting.  I love the wet, dark ground against the melting snow, and the lane leading to the farmhouse.  The otherwise quiet colors of the day pop against the fairground, and my challenge is to really capture those colors with my paint.  My Richeson ice blue has been a "go-to" color this winter, and I'm now officially out of what I brought on my palette!  I only bring a few basic colors to reload when away from home, and they are the primaries.  I really wish I had brought that tube with me!  Live and learn!  Painting number 2228 in 2228 days.

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Covered Bridge at Sugar Creek

For the second day in a row, it has been warm enough to run North Coast Inland Trail!  Oh, how I miss running when the weather is too severe!  One of my favorite trails runs right past Sugar Creek and this wonderful old covered bridge.  The best part of this time of year?  The foliage is down and I can really see the turn of that creek as it winds into the background!  Painting number 2224 in 2224 days.

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Portage River in January

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There was a fresh coat of snow overnight, and the sun was out briefly this morning.  Every day, I look to see how the river changes.  It has many moods.  The flooded plane is now an ice rink, and the new snow covers it like a blanket.  The water level has dropped, and ice chunks aplenty flow quickly downriver.  I had forgotten how light changes swiftly over Lake Erie, and the scene before me changed three times before completion.  Following my mantra of not chasing the light, I stay with my original vision.  I switched back to my Richeson oils with yesterday's painting, making the process so much easier.  I've grown used to the palette, and pulling my small tin out that I've loaded all willy-nilly was messing with my flow!   Can't wait to see what the river does tomorrow.  Painting number 2215 in 2215 days.