Vanderslice Hall

 

How could I possibly resist painting this gorgeous historic building?!!  I couldn't!  All those lines and angles called out to me as soon as I checked in, and I KNEW I would paint it.  I didn't even scout the area until it was finished!  We had All Day at the Arterie today, a new painting event on the Kansas City Art Institute campus - and it was super fun!  Check in was at 8am with the final nocturne paint ending at 9:30pm - which is a long day!  Yes, I'm tired, but painting cool new areas is so worth the lack of sleep and food, lol! I'll sleep tonight and eat tomorrow!  Painting number 4988 in 4988 days. 

Garden at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum

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I'm so happy and honored this painting was selected for the Missouri Regional Bank Purchase Award tonight at the Marceline Paint Out!  I loved painting the garden leading to the old depot, visiting with guests as they entered.  There's a beautiful new clock on the grounds, and the garden has expanded since I was last here. I love seeing the extra additions from one year to the next.  Marceline is shining bright today!  Painting number 4981 in 4981 days. 

Along the Garden Path

 

Known as the most beautiful stroll along the water, Lake Erie is but a backdrop for these glorious daylilies!  Larger than my hand, these bold  blooms rise above the foliage in abundance.  I've never seen them glow like this, so of course, I HAD to paint them!  I had so much fun talking with everyone as they walked by, and I'm happy this painting found a new home here, too!  Painting number  4949 in 4949 days. 

Rush Hour on Walnut

 

I LOVE returning to charming Lakeside to paint! I look forward to this weekend event all year, it's like stepping back in time for a few days.  A great place for families, many return to the same summer cottage for generations.  The Wet Paint Sale Sunday 1:30 to 3:30, outside the hotel near the pavilion on Lake Erie.  It's always cool here by the water.  Painting number 4945 in 4945 days. 

Sunset Over the River

 It was so much fun to paint the sunset with my friends along the Meramec River at Cobblestone Lodge!!  I was the first to hike down to the bank, and thought the others might not make it - so I painted fast! It gets very dark down there at night, and I didn't want to make that climb in full darkness.  Within minutes, here come Larry, Jamie, Dennis and Gabriele, driven down on a side by side in luxury fashion!  It was fun to speed paint the sunset together, then we all hiked up and gathered for some fun conversation outside of the cabins Now showing at Gallery Zeke in Steelville, Missouri. 

Meramec Adventure Ranch

 

What a great place the Meramec Adventure Ranch is - and the best part is the awesome way they help the youth in this region! There are SO many activities here from bluff propelling, horseback riding, to water sports,  it was hard to see all the painting options available along this Meramec River ranch! I painted this view first of the main lodge, then painted the cattle next on this working farm.  Such a special painting day!  This is painting number 4908 in 4908 days and is Now Showing at Gallery Zeke through the end of the month! 

Meramec Adventure Ranch

 

How does one choose a single spot to paint in 1200 acres?!!  With just a little scouting, I decided on this view, with the light spreading across the landscape. I've been painting so much recently, that I seem to be working the block in quite fast.  An artist recently shared that he begins his painting with a paper towel - and dips it in paint and rubs in the underpainting, before pulling out his brushes.  It seems weird, but is a great solution for this solvent free artist!  I think I'll try make- up sponges next!  Now Showing at Gallery Zeke, and this painting is number 4900 in 4900 days. 

Morning at the Power House

I LOVE painting the vintage charm of this power house at the Maramec Spring Park.  I try to paint at this park every time I'm in town, so I set off for a different painting spot then I had before. To get the dramatic water angle, I had to plant myself practically in the tree line by the water. The cool air was rising from the spring water - nearly like air conditioning!  Birdsong was my serenade as I painted today, and I can't wait to do it again. Come see this in person at Gallery Zeke in Steelville! Painting number 4899 in 4899 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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Morning at the Pumpkin Patch

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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. 

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. 

Carnaby Square

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 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. 

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.