L.May Eatery Wine Labels!!

Hooray!!  Mom and I stopped in to L.May Eatery to enjoy a bottle of wine with MY PAINTING ON THE LABEL!!  We enjoyed a lovely meal along with this wonderful Pinot Grigio - and celebrated a new first!  As a wine lover, I have always dreamed of my artwork on a label someday, and now that dream has come true.  Many thanks to L.May Eatery for reaching out to me - I couldn't be more thrilled! Painting number 3854 in 3854 days. 

October Farmer's Market

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So happy I could capture the last farmer's market of the season!  It is in the 30's this morning, and that strong wind was brutal!  Such a shock from the 90's of last week in Fairfield,  Illinois!  Thank goodness I had enough layers, and I've had all week to acclimate to the colder temps.  I actually wore gloves to do this ink and watercolor - something I never do!  I much prefer the textile feel of the tools in my hand.  But, it was okay!  A little looser than usual, but I got used to it quickly.  This is the only painting left from my week's work in Dubuque, and I didn't get it turned in until 1:30.  What a week!  Painting number 2478 in 2478 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.

View from 11th and White

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I got four different panels stamped for this morning's quick paint, two for oil and two for watercolor, not knowing what I would choose.  Arriving at Charlotte's Coffee, I scouted the intersection.  I was looking for something simple, as it was a QUICK paint, but alas, the whole street appealed to me.  So, using my last long sheet of paper, I started sketching out the whole street!  I had to sit in the sun, so I used the light pole beside me to shade my paper as I worked.  Many people came by and visited, and the time passed quickly!  I finished complex scene just in time, and this painting has a new home!  Painting number 2475 in 2475 days.

Leading to Mines of Spain

SOLDWhile trying to work our way out to some farmland, I drove right to a "road closed" sign, where cement barriers blocked entry.  Loving the look of this old bridge, of course we had to check out the view!  Amazing!  I have been longing for a winding creek to paint, and here it is!  What a beautiful way to start a Monday!  Painting number 2471 in 2471 days.

Looking Down Central

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This gorgeous building is a Dubuque icon!  Towering above the streets, it's beautifully complex lines are a jaw dropper - and quite a challenge!  After finding my view, I start with one central mass, and spread all lines from there, always checking the relationship of one line to another. I would never have tried this two years ago, but with all the daily drawing since, I seize the challenge!  Nothing more invigorating than mastering those lines!  Painting number 2670 in 2670 days.

4th and White

I was dreaming of painting this street scene during the night.  It was the first thing I wanted to jump into today, so I set up quickly and put pen to paper.  I was studying this as a painting to come, which helped me to make some important decisions on composition.  From this sketch, I zoomed in a little and shifted slightly to the left. It is such a valuable step to take the time to draw. Painting number 1735 in 1735 days.

Flowers on Main

In town for under an hour - and already capturing the local beauty!  So good to be in Dubuque!! This historic district is really something special - and what a joy to capture it in paint!  Pepper Sprouts, Flowers on Main, and Jimmy John's are just three in tonight's composition of wonderful old buildings!  Using some juicy paint in the expression of this town!  Can't wait to paint tomorrow!  Painting number 1734 in 1734 days.

Autumn at Eagle Point

My first trip to Eagle Point park was so enjoyable!  Autumn is beginning to show some color on the trees, and the gray day was the perfect atmosphere to show it off.  This park overlooks the Mississippi River, with fabulous views of the surrounding vistas.  I wish I had more time in Dubuque to paint!   There are so many wonderful paintings waiting to happen here!  Painting number 1394 in 1394 days.

Oil on panel, 12x9
purchase here

Wine Bar

Arriving a few minutes late to the quick paint (due to a long line of trucks backed up and stopped), Teddy and I first headed to the bar for a glass of wine.  It was a cold and drizzly day, so a good merlot was necessary to help keep me warm!  This old building is so charming!   I love the great lines and color, and that color popped with the rainy backdrop.  I seem to get loose and a little free with my color when in such a setting, and I'm not sure why.  I just feel it to my core, and go with it.  The rain held off, and I really like the way the strokes came together.  I can't wait to tackle more urban stuff, I just heard about a new urban show in February, and I feel something large coming on!  Painting number 1379 in 1379 days :)

Truck Tagging on Jackson

Oh my gosh!   This was a super fun nocturne paint out!   I have never been to an event like this one!   In downtown Dubuque, there was a graffiti artist painting a truck trailer outside of a club at 10th and Jackson, and four of us artists were brave enough to tackle this nocturne in the dropping temps.   So many people came by to visit and show their support - and I was even brought a hot toddy to warm me up!  Everyone I've met is SO nice in Dubuque!  This painting sold off the easel tonight, and is my 1374th in 1374 days :)