Sunset Yoga

 

I love exploring how ink, watercolor, and hot wax play on delicate rice paper.  First, I draw the lines with India ink, then follow with the first layer of watercolor.  Hot wax is added where a resist is desired, and I build the layers from there. Once the crumbling of the wax and last wash of watercolor goes on, I iron off the wax between sheets of paper, this revealing the painting.  I love the very unpredictable nature of this medium. Come see this watercolor batik on rice paper painting at the Harmonie Verein, and take a restorative class at the Yoga Bliss Festival!  Painting number 4596 in 4596 days. 

Water Under the Bridge

 

Oh my - what a treat!  After hiking the trail around this part of the park, I started this large painting rather late - shortly after 4:00.  It had been raining all day, so I headed here when there was only a drizzle left.  I started blocking in fast to get that surface covered, just in case the rain returned. As long as I've got oil paint on that surface, I can continue in the rain.  Any unpainted parts will repel the paint if wet.  Both yesterday and today, I had to cover the panel fast, and it helped me get the whole thing painted quickly.  I think I've stumbled onto a key to painting large - both days were much easier than the first attempt. I did lose the light before quite finished, so I made a couple adjustments at the car.  I just love painting to the sound of rushing water!  Painting number 2851 in 2851 days. 

Waterfall at Mill Creek

Waterfall at Mill Creek
Vivelor Gallery, Independence, MO
purchase here

While submitting this for another event, I realized that I had never posted this painting!  Painted on location at Thundering Oaks in Independence, Missouri, this was my very first painting of the two day event.  I did not come out of this creek for three paintings - and then I moved on to the sun setting across the pond!  Spending some time with my daughter's new puppy, I am wrapping things up. The freezing rain and snow is making travel treacherous, and now I think I'd better head for home!  Painting number 1437 in 1437 days :)

Gently Flowing

When I first walked down to the edge of Mill Creek, I was mesmerized.  I am always attracted to the water, but this place is amazing.  In fact, I painted three large paintings down in the creek before I climbed back out!   The water winds over the large slabs of rock, which span as far as I could see in either direction.  This was the weekend of the Independence Paint Out, and it was sheer joy to spend it with our gracious hosts, painting such a glorious private estate.  This painting makes 1408 in 1408 days :)

oil on panel, 18x14
purchase here

Winding Mill Creek

Well, I have certainly spent the day painting a little slice of heaven!  Today was the first chance I have had to paint in the Independence paint out at Thundering Oaks.  Wow!  This beautiful estate has paintings in all directions!   Once I found Mill Creek, I remained in the creek bed the rest of the day!  Our hosts, Curt and Peter, graciously welcomed us and treated us all to a wonderful lunch complete with wine!  I was able to finish two large paintings today, and I hope to do the same tomorrow.  I am so fortunate to be able to paint this hidden jewel!   Painting number 1363 in 1363 days :)

Winding Wolf Creek

Winding Wolf Creek
Oil on wood panel, 18x14
Overland Park Arboretum - Stems
purchase here

I have been painting so many flowers lately, that today finds me returning to the wooded landscape. At the back of the arboretum, on the Western Trail, a narrow muddy walkway led to this view.  It is a long hike back here - but totally worth it!  The mosquitoes were out in full force - but this time, I was prepared.  Not only did I spray liberally with my natural spray, I attached an Off! clip-on to my pocket.  It is the first time I've had to use it, and it worked great!  They swarmed around me as I first arrived, but within 30 seconds they had moved along.  I kept it on as long as I painted - and I will be sure to keep it in my bag!  Painting number 885 in 885 days.

on location

Prairie Path

Prairie Path
Oil on wood panel, 18x14
Overland Park Arboretum, Kansas
purchase here

The wind just about blew me away today!  With high winds, I anchor my easel down with a bungee cord stuck to my handle bag, which always keeps my easel secure. With winds whipping my hair into my face so badly, I could hardly see through it - I earned this painting!  The gorgeous sky pulled me in - and kept me there, even though it was a fight with the wind today!  Painting number 878 in 878 days.

on location

Standing at Kill Creek

Standing at Kill Creek
Oil on wood panel, 18x14
purchase here

Mondays are busy days now that I am teaching two classes - so I have to plan ahead when it comes to my own painting.  I am working on a larger scale today - 18x14.  Starting this one yesterday between breakfast and family bowling, I got back to my easel twice today to get it painted.  The landscape reference came from a MVIS paint-out we had some time back by Kill Creek in Kansas.  Such a beautiful place with this rambling wide creek.  I used some of my own reenactment reference for the figures - since that is my focus for the month!  I'm not quite sure it is done.  I am going to leave it on the easel and look with fresh eyes tomorrow, and see how I feel about it then.  This is painting number 772 in 772 days.