Reflections of Balducci Inked

This may have been one of the nicest evenings at Balducci Vineyards for our annual sunset paint!  Hiking down the hill into the task grass, I set up with a view of the barns, and their reflections on the water.  I first inked this piece to establish the composition for the painting to come.  I used what little ink was left in my last fountain pen to get this done.  Next time, I'm bringing more ink!  Painting number 1923 in 1923 days.

Road to Balducci's in Ink

I love these wonderful old barns, and this is one of my favorite styles! There is something so nostalgic about an old barn in ink,  as if it had been done a hundred years ago.  I'm making this post short, as it has been an incredibly busy day!  This painting makes 1610 in 1610 days. 

Glory at Balducci

Glory at Balducci
Oil on wood panel, 16x12
Balducci Sunset Paint - Augusta Plein Air Art Festival
now showing - Gallery at Defiance
purchase here

This year's sunset paint at Balducci's Winery was certainly one to remember!  For the first time in years - the weather was warm and wonderful, and a few clouds in the sky promised a fabulous sunset!  The third painting of the day, I started slowly after a thorough scouting of the area.  The barns ALWAYS lure me in!  With red wine in one hand and my brush in the other, I started laying paint.  The oils just flowed onto the surface, and the image emerged.  I left the sky completely blank until the actual sunset colors started - and I was rewarded with a show in the sky to capture on my panel!  Sunsets are SO much easier to paint from life! I should be doing these every day from my balcony at home! Painting number 863 in as many days.

on location

September at Balducci's

September at Balducci's
Oil on panel, 16x12
Sunset Paint - Winemaker's Social at Balducci's Winery
purchase here

On location as the sun goes down

I set up on top of the hill west of Balducci's iconic barn with two other artists.  Honored to by asked to paint for this amazing event, the Wine Maker's Social is a crowning jewel of the Augusta Harvest Festival.  The evening was warm, with almost no breeze - and the landscape was lush!  I have painted the sunset here each spring for the last 9 years, but this is the first time in the fall.  The rolling hills were brimming with crops and the trees were so rich in color!  I had to work very quickly, as I painted a large size - and had limited time.  This painting simply fell off the brush.  Perhaps it was the glass of wine as I worked that relaxed my thoughts and allowed the paint to work it's magic while I watched.  The sun sets quickly, and it was very dark before I packed up my easel for the day!   This painting is 631 in 631 days and Day 21 in the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Balducci Sunset

Balducci Sunset
Augusta Plein Air Event

It is good that I have a few paintings I have not posted - I can bring one out for a day like today.  I am on the road, headed to Ohio, where my dad is in the hospital.  Since I will not be arriving until 1:00 or 2:00 am, I am posting from my laptop at a McDonalds - where the wifi is free!  I hope you enjoy this painting of one of my favorite places to paint - Augusta!  This is painting number 269 in as many days, and Day 29 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.  Back on the road I go.

Balducci's Barn

Balducci's Barn
Oil on panel, 18x14
Balducci's Sunset Paint Out

This is the first time I have painted this beautiful barn from the front.  I am normally down the hill, near the pond or in the vineyard, looking at the back side if the barn - with the sunset behind them.  The weather was chilly - but not nearly as cold or wet as last year - another gift!  We had an early dinner here and a glass of wine before setting up our easels.  It is such a nice way to begin a paint!  This is painting number 120 in 120 days.  Tomorrow - I hope to be painting in the mountains :)