413 Market Street

Mom and I stayed in this sweet vintage house in Brookfield, after a day spent visiting Jamesport.  We shopped the antique stores and I found a few vintage chicken things I had to have!  We had the buffet and Gingerich's Dutch Pantry, and closed down the town before heading out. I stocked up on Amish spices and Mexican vanilla at the local Amish store.  It's the largest Old Order Amish settlement in the state of Missouri.  This house was very comfortable to stay in, even with the quirky, wavy floor from the front door to the back!  Super nice host, too!  Painting number 4983 in 4983 days.  

Marblehead Lighthouse

Today, Mom and I visited a place we used to visit with Dad, and I sketched as we listened to the crashing of the waves.  We would visit this place each year with the family, kids jumping from rock to rock, as we looked for Cedar Point on the horizon.  I could spend hours listening to the surf, it is so deeply relaxing.  The breeze blows cool off the water, and the air is very smokey from the Canadian wildfires.  I'm looking forward to painting along Lake Erie the next few days, and sharing some time with Mom in a place she loves. Painting number 4944 in 4944 days. 

World Cup 2026 KC

 

What fun to take in the excitement of the World Cup in Kansas City with ink and watercolor!  This is my first experience with World Cup soccer, it has never been on my radar.  My boys all played soccer, and it was one of my favorite sports of their's to watch, but that was pretty much the extent it.  Being with the fans from other countries is so much fun, and their enthusiasm is infectious!  I'm so happy I was able to come down and sketch the fun with dear artist friends, Liz Vargas and Marcia Willman!  Painting number 4927 in 4927 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. 

Brahmas on a Log

 

It's fun to spend a little time sketching with the girls, especially on a very busy day.  Mom and I had Goodies with Grandparents with Layne this morning, and he was adorable - and so mannerly at preschool!  I had to run to the Buttonwood Gallery, then girl time, and we finished with the Best Pet Show Ever musical to watch Gus in his second grade performance!  After dinner with them, we returned to close up the coop and finish a few chores.  It was 91 degrees today and it will only get to 56 tomorrow.  Maybe, I'll get more painting done, then.... painting number 4832 in 4832 days. 

Purple Crocus

I just HAD to paint these little survivors!  They used to be the first blooms of spring, but now bloom after the daffodils here.  When temps vary from 68 degrees to 14 in a single day, then drop to 10 degree the next, nearly every spring bloom froze and collapsed, then we hit 93 degrees before the week was out. Pears, forsythia, and daffodils are gone before they hardly started, but a few things are emerging from the lost.  Such is the nature of spring, and I hope many late boomers will pop up still.  Painting number 4829 in 4829 days. 

Ron Coleman Mining

 

What a cool place to dig for crystals AND sketch!  I've never been to a place like this, where the terrain is so full of crystals in all sizes and shapes.  The kids were washing some of them down once we got back to the cabin, and they were gorgeous!  It's actually like digging for buried treasure.  Painting number 4825 in 4825 days. 

Easter Egger Chicks

 

How could I possibly resist Easter Egger chicks?!! Well, obviously, I couldn't - so I'm painting their super sweet cuteness while I can.  We didn't see this variety available last year, and I just had to jump at the chance of getting chicks that would one day lay blue eggs, and other colors, too! It's fun to hear their peeping in the house again!  Painting number 4804 in 4804 days.  

White Petunias

 

I love painting and growing cascading petunias, even if the seed randomly sprout. I ordered a petunia selection from aerogarden, but I think the tiny seeds may have been jostled out of most of the net cups. I've only gotten a purple one and this one to grow to glory.  Perhaps, I should try simply putting some petunia seeds in directly.  It's fun to sketch a little of my garden life - when I get the chance!  Tyler's, Trav's and Michaela's families were out for family fun in this 63 degree weather!  It's great to have everyone out - and the horse got plenty of attention, too! Painting number 4793 in 4793 days. 

Last Snow at the Creek

 

Too soon the snow is melting, as I squeeze in one more snowy painting. It's going to be in the 50s and 60s for the next week, with no snow in sight.  That also means I'll be spending lots of time outdoors, doing some early work in the garden beds. This was a fun day gathering with Barb, Cathy and Mom at Panera for a long lunch and visiting.  I need to schedule that in more often!  Painting number 4783 in 4783 days. 

Cattle at Sunset

 

Sunsets over the snowy landscape are the best, and occasionally the cattle line up to see the show, too!  Well, maybe it was more of a walk to the hay bales, lol.  Though pretty nice in the afternoon, it cools off real fast when the sun drops behind those trees.  Beau is feeling better, and followed me down to see the cows and sketch.  I didn't even know he was there until I turned around and saw him!  I hope he continues to improve, he's been a wonderful painting companion for all these years. Painting number 4775 in 4775 days. 

Orchids!

 

I love sketching the delicate beauty of orchids, as their blooms dangle on the stem.  These are an annual showstopper, seemingly blooming for months!  This has been a day of new beginnings with the addition of our new horse, Lady Belle, and two half grown kittens.  Rescued from the side of the road, a yellow tabby and sweet spotted calico have found their way to us - thanks to my dear painting friend, Teddy Jackson.  We spent the day outside with family and the animals, still working on Lady Belle's lodging.  I will soon be painting these little sweethearts, too!  Painting number 4758 in 4758 days. 

Chicken Walk

"Peeps (in the lower right corner) is my worst critic.  She is ALWAYS in my business, and looks very critical of my decision to sketch another, lol. The sweet buff brahma that I have drawn has taken on the role of Flock Defender. Twice she has set up the alarm when coyotes were present, and sleeps on a roost where she can look out the windows at night. She's along the first on my lap for black soldier larvae, too!  Painting number 4719 in 4719 days. 

Cardinal Perch

 

These sweet little cardinals nest here every year, and I get to watch those babies grow to raise their own families, too.  I pulled out a selection of cardinal paintings for a patron to choose her favorite.  She selected this one, which I had never posted.  I used very heavy watercolor board at a time when I was newly exploring the medium.  It didn't feel finished, and is a little different than my usual work.  I'm so happy it found a home where it will be cherished as a remembrance of her mother.  Painting number 4716 in 4716 days. 

Antiques and Pumpkins

I wait all year to paint the gorgeous pumpkins of autumn - and today I'm using oils!  This is a treat after a full day of yard work, a perfect creative outlet.  The antique pot belonged to my great grandmother, and the old watering can is a lucky find at an antique shop long ago.  I love the way the colors reflect the pumpkins, too.  It turned out to be a beautiful day, even though we had a hard freeze last night.  Too bad the covers didn't protect my flowers, it's going to be another warm week ahead.  Painting number 4688 in 4688 days. 

Goats and Sunflowers

These sweet young goats are irresistible as they help clean up various areas on the farm, and I am enjoying them so much!  They have the funniest calls whenever they see me - or any other person who might feed them. I toss weeds in, and they love them! The bonus is that I don't have to take them to the burn pile.  I want to paint them near the barns, too.  I can already see the paintings in my head, if I can just get to them!  This one is now showing at Powell Gardens until November, and is painting number 4644 in 4644 days. 

Vineyard Yoga

The Yoga Bliss Festival has been such a wonderful experience to share with my daughter, Michaela!  Our first Mother-Daughter trip together, this retreat has deepened our special bond.  The experience was magical, and we had fun exploring new classes with open minds.  This truly is a place to restore body, mind and spirit, made so much better when sharing with family.  I have so many paintings forming in my mind's eye, I look forward to letting them fall off my brush when the time is right.  I hope to share this special event with the rest of my daughters next year!  Painting number 4600 in 4600 days. 

Purple Crocus

 

These sweet purple crocus are a little late this year, but they are certainly worth the wait. An early cold snap seemed to have delayed what are sometimes the very first blooms on the garden.  They open their petals wide to the sun, and close them as the sun begins to set.  On this day of anxious waiting, a little paint time in the garden is the best art therapy.  Looking forward to perfect outcomes and better days, this painting is number 5139 in 5139 days. 

Near Rainbow Falls

 

I wish I could paint ALL of the Smokey Mountain waterfalls!  I definitely need more painting time in this Great Smoky Mountain National Park!  Michael and I paused long enough for a quick sketch with a wash of color. Thinking this was the top, we didn't round the corner to see the majesty beyond. I returned the next day, but painted lower on the trail. I just couldn't do it without him.  I hope to hike to the top with Michael next time we're here, and paint the glorious falls then.  Painting number 5133 in 5133 days. 

Rainbow Falls Trail

The gorgeous views along this trail are numerous, especially in the bottom half.  Every side trail to the water was spectacular, especially this time of year.  The trees have only begun to leaf out, so the water  and mountain views are nearly unobstructed. I don't think I'd see the light coming over the mountain in dense foliage. I pack light gear when hiking, contained in a two water bottle camp bag that I can easily carry.  Pens, paper, mini watercolor half pans, water brush pens, a paper towel and my sketchbook are all i need.  And my water bottle clips onto the strap.  I'm so happy I'm here to paint the sunrise!