Downtown Albion

What a surprise and honor it is to win Best of Edwards County AND People's Choice Award for this street scene painting on Main and 5th in Albion!  Thanks to @averilgoodman and the whole committee for hosting the Edwards County Paint Out, an event I love to paint!  This historic square in Albion, Illinois is full of small town charm. I started this one thinking the rain would hold off.  As it started to rain, I popped in the car to work.  When it stopped, I hopped out - only to feel the rain picking back up again.  Ink and watercolor can't be rained on - so back in I went.  Starting late in the day, this was quite a bit to bite off before turn in.  It was challenging and fun - and definitely worth the effort!  Painting number 5011 in 5011 days, and it will be hanging in the local bank. 

Quilts and Blooms

I just couldn't resist painting this charming scene at the Albion Fairgrounds! Twice, this scene called out to me as I was dropping off other paintings.  The third time, I answered the call! This was such a joyful thing to paint - the very process of it all made me happy!  I love that this painting found a new home, too!  Painting number 4648 in 4648 days. 

 

West of the Courthouse

SOLD

 

What fun it is to return to Albion to find a new view of the courthouse!  Of course, I had to paint it! I'm the space between here and the courthouse stood an old building last year, that was just beginning to be torn down.  When I came through this back alley, the view was striking.  So, in ink and watercolor i captured a view that had possibly never been available until now.  Come see  this and more tonight at the Arist Reception at the Main Event in Albion at 6.  Painting number 5171 in 5171 days. 

Fifth and Main

I love painting the historic square in Albion, Illinois.  This two story pagoda is a star on Main Street, and decorated for the fall festival.  Full of small town charm, this is a wonderful place to paint architecture in ink and watercolor. This was my first of four different town paints on the same day!  Painting number 3924 in 3924 days. 

Fairground Zinnias

You KNOW I couldn't resist those glorious zinnias in front of a turquoise building - even in strong wind!! After turning in an earlier painting in the nearby building, I just could not leave this location until this painting was done!  Those gorgeous colors were calling me and i had to answer! So, quickly with my oils, I sketched this one out with my brush and paints, squinting to see the big shapes.  I've had fun today painting with my oils, and I'm looking forward to the week ahead!  Day 26 #stradaeasel challenge ♥️🎨

Fairground Zinnias

I've never been to the Edward's County Fairgrounds before today, and just look at what welcomed me!  All these gorgeous zinnias shining in front of a lovely turquoise building!  It wowed me when I arrived to turn in two paintings, and as I enjoyed a quick lunch - I kept looking out at them.  Determined to check out West Salem first, I headed to my car to do just that.  With a quick look at that light, I tossed my plans to paint this beauty instead!  When my inner voice says,  "Paint!!" - I must listen! What a glorious afternoon spent among this darlings!  I'm so happy this painting went home with the Master Gardener that created this!  Painting number 3173 3173 days. 

Washington Painter House

I loved this historic place from the first time I laid eyes on it.  Very similar in style to my own family home, these architectural lines always draw me in!  With the iron fence adorned with holiday garland, this was a "must paint" for me!  With ink and watercolor I drew the scene, added in the watercolor gently, then returned for a bit more ink.  Each handmade paper absorbs differently, so I often find I need to adjust my technique in process. Love exploring all the challenges of the mediums! It really is all about the journey!  Painting number 2877 in 2877 days. 

First Christian Church

Every so often, I forget to get a photo of my painting until it is framed! This sweet, historic church is one of several in the small town of Albion, Illinois.  These beautiful historic churches seem untouched by time, with all of their character and charm intact!  I find ink and watercolor a perfect way to capture their charm on handmade paper.  The more I sketch these buildings, the easier and more natural they become - and this is one place I can let my love for detail run wild!  I'll never tire of painting them!  Painting number 2837 in 2837 days. 

First Presbyterian Church

Sometimes, I am so busy with the process of painting that I forget to get a photo until I have framed it!  I sketched out this historic church on a 6x6 handmade smooth cotton paper by Shizen. I normally save this smooth paper for ink alone, but I've started using more when adding watercolor - mainly because I need that specific size!  I am finding a way to make it work for me, although it reminds me of 140lb cold pressed paper.  Using that kind of watercolor paper when I first tried watercolor prevented me from picking up watercolor again for many years.  Only when I tried cotton paper did I find my love for it!  Adding watercolor gingerly - because of the paper - I coaxed it to completion. I love painting this sweet church from the Albion area!  Painting number 2833 in 2833 days.

Albion Courthouse

I love the character of this historic courthouse in Albion!  These small Midwest towns have some wonderful architecture!  I rarely draw a building from straight on, but I really liked this composition.  I am using my TWSBI Go fountain pen, which is a new, economical model with a funky little spring loader for the ink.  That means, to reload, I dip the nib in the ink (which I now carry with me), push down on the button atop that spring coil, release and up the ink goes into the barrel!  It is that easy, and this pen is cheap, so I could carry one in each of my sketch bags!  This drawing has a new home, and is my 2086th in 2086 days.

sold

N.Fifth and W. Main

Collection of Citizen's Bank of Albion
sold

What fun to paint the charming town of Albion! I had to park my car in the right spot, so I could Susan's in the street to paint!  Standing at the back corner of my car, I laid in the composition, drawing with the paint.  Values came next, followed by lights and darks.  When that sun popped through, I dropped in my highlights!  Painting number 2081 in 2081 days.  This painting has a new home, and will hang in the bank Citizen's Bank in town!

Looking Down Cherry

My first trip to Albion found me painting on high ground in front of St John's church.  The view down the street was awesome, and I especially loved the rolling hill.  Standing in the shade of a large tree across the street, I was set up pretty good. Running short on time, I did not draw this one out first. Though complicated, the pieces came together nicely as I blocked in.  This was another beautiful day for painting - much more like summer than autumn!  Painting number 1733 in 1733 days.