I love returning to a favorite place to paint from the vineyard. Defiance Ridge never disappoints, and is a great place for food and drink. As I painted, patrons walked from artist to artist to see what was on the easel. This is the second one I painted from this very spot. Painting number 4875 in 4875 days.
Painting these sweet alpacas just makes me want to take them home! They make sweet noises to each other, and come to check up on me every so often. It was super fun to spend the morning with them, learning their forms and manners. Their temperament is so docile, too! I think our chickens and horses need some aloaca friends!! Painting number 4874 in 4874 days.
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The light was amazing at Defiance Ridge - until the clouds rolled in! I tucked myself down in the vineyard to get this amazing vantage, sketching both before and after turn in on another. The grapevines are leafed out more than ever - making them perfect for painting! It was fun to visit with guests as they strolled through the vineyard, checking in with each artist in the field. I love getting to paint places like this and I'm happy this painting has a new home, too! Painting number 4873 in 4873 days.
It was so fun to capture the antics of these cuties at Sunflower Hill Farm! While two were butting heads, another watched cautiously from the sideline. The paper I use is handmade cotton rag, and each batch is artisan made. What this means is every batch is different - and this batch felt like there was no sizing in the mix or on the surface. So, the paper soaked up paint like crazy - and seemed to fade as it dried. I had to reapply paint and ink until finally it remained. I love exploring new papers, even when they require much more work on my part! Painting number 4871 in 4871 days.
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.
I love when a stormy afternoon forecast turns out to be wrong! It was a great painting day along water's edge at the waterfront in Klondike Park. The expected rain had stalled, and two glorious hours turned to three as Teddy and I painted fast and loose. The birds were singing, frogs were jumping, and the weather held even until after the taco dinner hosted at the Creative gallery. The tranquility of this place is inspirational. Painting number 4864 in 4864 days.
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.
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.
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Sometimes, all you need is 20 minutes and a challenge to paint from the committee. I arrived very late from the Mystery Paint, with only 30 minutes to turn in. When I walked into the room to see the work already turned in, I mentioned that I'd intended to paint, but now I don't think so. One of those girls - I think it was Vicki - said, "I challenge you to do that painting! " Well, how could I possibly walk away from that? Walking to the car that was too far away, I pulled out my ink and watercolors - and painted that gorgeous sunset as fast as i could! With only enough time to frame and turn in, I rushed in my painting, tagged and hung it, and turned to the girls and said, "Challenge accepted!" Another fun plein air memory for the book! Now showing at Gallery Augusta. Painting number in days.
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I LOVE hanging out with my peeps in Augusta - and this painting has a new home there, too! It seems I've gone a little chicken crazy during this plein air festival! Our little chicks at home are now 3 weeks old - and I am migrating to all chickens and coops at our paint outs! After my larger paintings at each coop scene, I've gotten a chance to sketch a small one, too. I put this into the Golden Ticket event - and it sold that night. I guess I'm not the only one crazy for chickens! Painting number in days.
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I got drenched painting this one in the rain, as did my palette and pochade box. I had to keep dumping the water out of both just to finish my painting! When I know rain is getting close, I try to cover my panel as quickie as possible with paint, leaving no bare surface. Whatever doesn't get oil paint on it absorbs the rain and humidity, and resists further oil application. So, the tiny bits that i missed had to dry before I could add more paint. Through the struggle of it all, I finished with a painting I am happy with! Painting number 5163 in 5163 days.
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I just had to paint this view into Augusta, it was calling my name on my entry into town. With only enough time before my next scheduled event, I jumped right in with ink. After marking our every building up the street, I followed with watercolor. I took this photo just before the final polish, and I forgot to take another in site. It happens sometimes when I'm rushing to the next event on the schedule! I'm happy this painting found a new home, too! Painting number 5050 in 5050 days - wowza!
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Painting during the evening hours is a lovely experience. I watch as the sun sets and the light fades, often sketching my scene in paint while I can still see well. I like to work by the light of street lamps, and it can become pretty dark at times. The street quiets with only a few passers by a I work on another piece. When the owners of the cottage stopped by to turn in the lights, I just HAD to capture the magic! I set my gallery painting aside and started this one in it's place, complete with waving flag on the front porch. What a sweet cottage to paint in historic Augusta - and I'm so happy it has a new family, the owners of the Honeybee Vineyard. I purchased a gorgeous tea rose wreath from a local shop, the Wandering Owl, which was made from grapevines from their vineyard! I will now think of them every time I walk through my front door! Painting number 5044 in 5044 days.
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I love painting up and down Walnut Street in historic Augusta, Missouri, and this spot near the H.S. Clay House is a favorite location. This inn is a jewel in town, and the morning light spreading in through the leaves caught my attention immediately. I set up on the spot and started painting, and barely finished up in time to drive it framed up to the Harmonie Verein. I'm so happy this painting has a new home, too. Painting number 5043 in 5043 days.
