Log Cabin and Depot

 

It was fun to sketch the log cabin and Elmore depot along the North Coast Inland Trail!  I love that we got to tour them, too!  Cool places of interest are open along the trail at certain hours and days.  These two are open every Sunday from 2 to 5, May through October.  It's such a great idea, and it makes the trail a destination to go see something new.  Mom and I enjoyed the buildings before meeting friends for ice cream right up the street. Mom is getting to visit with so many friends in town.  Painting number 4941 in 4941 days. 

Elmore Train Station

There is something magical about capturing memories in ink and watercolor in the pages of a sketchbook.  The blank white handmade cotton paper begins to transform into a story with each line and letter.  The color brings the shapes to life, and my experience spills out onto the page.  The painting brings up other memories of children playing, biking this trail, and dinners held on festival days.  And then, the many solo runs that started not far from here, always running past as I really gained momentum for the miles ahead.  My parents lived here for 35 years, and Mom and I visit yearly to reconnect with her friends.  It's a special place indeed.  Painting number 4614 in 4614 days. 

Old Railway Bridge

 

I love capturing memories in my sketchbook as I travel - this one of a favorite bridge over the Portage River on the North Coast Inland Trail.  I've run many miles on that trail. It used to be a plank bridge, bumpy when ridden with bikes, as we so often did when our family was young.  Later, I ran this trail when Dad was having health issues, and i found comfort in every footfall.  Now, the surface is concrete and the sides are high, almost too high to see over, and it goes all the way to Geneo through farmland.  I have so many memories here, and one day my kids can relive them through these pages. Painting number 4603 in 4603 days. 

Bible Point Sketched

On this morning, I started on a sketch walk on part of the Y-360 trail that I had not yet hiked.  This is my first sketch on the back side of Bible Point, on my way to the Overlook Chapel.  There is a cross and a mailbox visible at the top of those rocks, where one can leave prayer requests and sign a book.  The mountain view is stunning from that peak, truly a view that inspires reflection and gratitude.  This sketch is painting number 4566 in 4566 days. 

Cataract Falls Inked

 

I love working on my pen and ink waterfall skills in my travel sketchbook! Cataract Falls is so inspiring, and a challenge in black and white.  This paper is rough and resistant to my Pitt pens .5 and larger, but the. 1 seems to glide normally.  So, I lightly sketch in the shapes, going back with my fountain pen.  I darkened the darks with that pen and added a little water to add depth.  Mike is walking towards Alan, Gus and Quinn as they look into the mesmerizing water.  What a great day to capture in my sketchbook.  Painting number 5131 in 5131 days. 

Bluebird Batik

Bluebird Batik
Watercolor batik on rice paper, 6x5

Charlie in Ink

Charlie in Ink
Pen and ink on paper, 6x5

I have a personal pet theme started in the last couple of days!  After a busy, busy day - my birthday - with the boys helping me plant countless summer bulbs, I am very tired as I finally slow down tonight!  I have commissions, I need to paint, but all I want to do tonight is draw.  So, I pick up my Pitt pens and start with loose, sketchy strokes.  I play in my journal with a few borders, and then settle on painting one of our favorite cats, Charlie.  He is getting older, and this spring he seems to be showing his age just a bit.  His long, glorious fur is perfect for paintings and drawings alike, and his royal carriage makes his every pose a work of art!  Such a sweetheart is my subject du jour!  This pen and ink drawing makes 1190 pieces in 1190 days, and some days it seems like a miracle that I can keep this roll going :)