Farmer's Market Morning

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I love spending time at farmer's markets painting. With all those vibrant colors of tents and produce, there is a painting in every direction!  This day was very windy as I set up in the middle of a closed cross street. Within 30 minutes, I had a road block blowing at me with the sandbags in tow! I reached up with my free hand to stop it as others rushed in to grab it!  I just never know what the day will bring when I set up to paint!  Painting number 2526 in 2526 days. 

Mississippi River Overlook

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The sky color reflecting off the water of this Mississippi River changes with every cloud bank.  What started as slate blue, turned icy, then warm as the sun peaked through.  The current looks rather swift, as movement is continuous on the surface. The trees are just starting to show their fall color, and the temps are certainly dropping!  It always takes me a few days to acclimate, and yes, I'm missing those 90 degree days!  Painting number 2492 in 2492 days. 

Brazen Inked

SOLDAfter delicious street tacos at the Night Market from the Brazen booth, the light drizzle turned into rain.  Looking for a shelter from which to use my ink, I chose the wide overhang at tree front of their restaurant.  I loved all that perspective, with all lines leading into the scene.  As I worked my lines on the 100% cotton rag paper, I could feel the texture changing under my pen.  The paper was absorbing so much moisture from the air, the ink was beginning to spread on it's own!  Finishing as quickly as I could, I tucked the painting in my bag, shielding it from the rain.  Once it was safe in my car - a much drier environment, I could relax.  I waited until I returned to my host home to safely frame this one.  Another time, I did not react so quickly. That painting bled into one black blob!  Thank goodness I learned from that mistake!  Painting number 2484 in 2484 days.

Good Morning Dubuque

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What a beautiful morning for plein air painting on Main Street!  Crisp and cool with the golden light spreading across the street, I started sketching out my composition with paint.  I've been using a Grey Matters round brush for this, and it is holding up well! I bet I've used it on 200 paintings, and still that brush holds its form.  I am going to get more of these!  Perhaps the  best part is that light does not reflect off that brush while outside painting.  Nothing worse than being blinded by the light bouncing off that metal!  Painting number 2481 in 2481 days.

Blue on Jackson

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I have been drawn to this building each year I've been in Dubuque, but this is the first time I've ever painted it!  Crazy and complicated, I had to start from one central point and work my way out, slowly and methodically, like working a puzzle!  SO challenging and so fun - this structure is so rewarding to paint!  I'm happy this painting has a new home! Painting number 2480 in 2480 days.

Clock Tower in Copper

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Choosing a spot on Main Street to get this vantage, I started by sketching with a rounded metal tool.  With metal, I have to keep working from one side to the other, gently working the metal until I achieve the results I'm looking for.  I am learning with each one, I only wish I had brought more copper with me.  It is super cool for architecture!  Painting number 2479 in 2479 days.

Into the Annual Garden

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This is my first time at the Dubuque Arboretum, and what a treat!  I landed in the annual garden, though it was a hard choice!  The Japanese and English gardens were also calling my name - if only I had more time!  I only had one 11x14 panel left, so I used it for this gorgeous place.  The painting unfolded very naturally, I am so at home in a garden.  There is something to be said for painting what you know and love.  As patrons walked through the garden, visiting with me, one little boy asked if he could paint.  Certainly!  I gave him one of my long handled brushes, and loaded it with pink paint.  I then showed him the flower bed that he could paint that flower into.  He laid down a perfect flower!  Then each sister got to paint one, too!  The next time they passed me, he told me how much he loved to paint!  You can clearly see their prominent flower brushstrokes!  Perhaps I can get them to finish all of my garden paintings?  Painting number 2477 in 2477 days.

Twilight at Charlotte's Coffee

SOLDI returned this morning to nail down the last strokes on this twilight painting of Charlotte's Coffee House.  These charming buildings have suffered through a terrible fire since I've last been here, and have only been open since August 29th.  The inside is as beautiful as ever, and the sweet aroma of scrumptious goodies and coffee wafts out the door as I paint!  I am so happy to be painting Dubuque again!  Painting number 2476 in 2476 days.