Old Truck at Balducci's

 

Every year there is a sunset paint at Balducci Vineyards, and this year the light was perfect and the winds were howling! With a glass of Vidal Blanc (yummy) in one hand, as I gripped my easel, I painted with the other quick and heavy - trying to get a much paint on there as quickly as possible.  Battling wind gusts while painting is tricky business!  I had to switch my brimmed hat for my ball cap multiple times, in an effort to keep my hair out of my eyes!  Once turned in, it was great to sit down with friends and enjoy a wonderful piece of pizza. This was a super fun paint, despite the wind! Painting number 3400 in 3400 days - wowza!

Reflections of Balducci

I can't remember a nicer evening for a sunset paint at Balducci Winery!  After scouting the entire area, I decided on the amazing view from the pond.  I love the way the buildings reflected on the water.  Wanting to capture the entire scene, I grabbed my only long panel left and hiked back down towards the vineyards.  A very windy night had me holding onto that easel, and staring into the sun to paint my chosen composition.  I found myself using strong color for this one, could it be the white surface pushing me this way?  Next time I'll be sure to tone every panel - even the ones cut at the very last minute!  Painting number 1921 in 1921 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.

In Balducci's Vineyard

In Balducci's Vineyard
Oil on panel, 14x11
Balducci Sunset Paint-Out
Augusta Plein Air Festival

In the last 8 years that I have been coming to paint the sunset at Balducci's, only a couple of those evenings have been warm and beautiful.  Tonight was such a night.  All day, I had been thinking about my spot.  I really wanted to go down into the vineyard to paint. The view is amazing with the vines in the foreground, and the barns and house in the background.  I set up my easel and painted alongside three other artists.  We visited as we worked, making time fly.  I finished an hour early and turned in my painting, which allowed me the opportunity to watch some of my friends paint!  Painting number 486 in 486 days - I must now get to bed before I fall asleep on my laptop!

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 :)