Sunset Over Brush Creek

 

The promise of a glorious sunset was popping. As the color brightened, I started laying in color, quickly.  Sometimes, at this point, I wait a little longer for the intensity to heighten. I thought that I would simply add the color as it appeared.  I really wanted to capture that almost green turquoise in that horizon, so I jumped right in. I'm so thankful that I did!   That color faded in ten minutes, and no additional color rose to the occasion. If I had waited, I would have missed the moment, and that moment held a beauty all it's own. Tonight's lesson?  Seize the moment! It was an honor to win a second placing among my peers in tonight's quick paint! Painting number 4639 in 4639 days. 

Benton Blvd Bridge

During the last Brush Creek Art Walk that I attended, I had sketched this out on location on the hill sloping down to Brush Creek. The arches are stunning, and though I have painted them before, I have not drawn them in ink in such dramatic fashion.  I used one of my favorite fountain pens loaded with Levenger's Raven Black ink, and a little water to move the ink around. I even dipped my round brush directly into the ink a couple of times for those really dark areas, then I blended them out with a little water.  I have no idea what paper this is - no doubt something special I purchased from a local art store - and probably 100% cotton. The paper is quite thick and firm, and really does work great for ink.  I'm trying to get a few more Kansas City themed paintings done for show entries before I head back into the city. Hope I can get a large drawing done of Union Station, too. Painting number 3349 in 3449 days.

Sunset Over the Island

On the last night of the Brush Creek Art Walk, I found a spot overlooking the creek towards the island.  The western light was hitting the sides of the tree trunks and foliage as it lit up the clouds in the sky.  I had to paint it.  I had already turned in an ink painting of the Benton Boulevard Bridge for the quick paint, so I could paint ay my leisure.  I began with the cloud colors, reflecting that color in the water.  The trunks and foliage grew lighter and warmer as the sun sank, and the pinks came up on those clouds!  This very loose, spontaneous expression of that evening was fun to capture in oils.  Painting number 2068 in 2068 days.

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Clouds Over Brush Creek

With every intention of painting the Benton Boulevard Bridge, I could not ignore the cloud show in the sky.  I switched out my ink supplies for my oils, and started laying in that color.  The cloud lingered for the 45 mintues it took me to capture the scene.  It seems like my recent cloud study is really helping me to understand their forms and colors.  I had so much fun, I did another before leaving for the night!  Painting number 2064 in 2064 days.

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Benton Bridge in Batik

Benton Bridge in Batik
Watercolor batik on thin rice paper, 6x8.5
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I did not get to paint in the Brush Creek Art Walk this year since I was in Indiana painting in another event.  This wonderful bridge is in one of the painting zones, and if it weren’t for this plein air event, I would never have known how beautiful it is.  I love the way these historic bridges were designed, the arches add so much beauty to function.  That is one of my favorite parts of plein air painting - I find so many little jewels to paint!  There is something about how I REALLY observe my surroundings when I am painting them.  I see their true beauty in a way I never would otherwise.  Plein air painting has affected the way I view the world on a daily basis, as well.  When landscapes unfold before me, I am already laying down strokes in my head - even when I’m without my paints!  I am painting this one from reference photos today, as this is only an area I'd paint in with a group of fellow artists at my side!  This painting makes 1026 in 1026 days.

Fountain of Brush Creek

Fountain of Brush Creek
Oil on panel, 14x11
Brush Creek Art Walk - purchase here

This was my first painting on the Brush Creek Art Walk.  Arriving early, it was cold and rain was threatening.  I was so hoping for a beautiful day - as I could give the whole day to plein air work.  In such weather, it is wise to look for a spot with shelter nearby, in case I have to run for cover!  Having painted less than an hour, the rain started.  I simply moved to my right - just enough to place me under the bridge, out of the rain.  The drawback is that there is even less light under any cover, making it more difficult to judge the colors.  I pulled my palette knife out for the finish work, especially on the fountain and water.  The knife just leaves a wonderful mark!  I am really enjoying the process of learning how to manipulate the knife and move the paint.  So much fun!  Painting number 628 in as many days and Day 18 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

on location

Of Garden and City

Of Garden and City
Acrylic over molding paste on panel, 16x12
Brush Creek Art Walk - purchase here

sketch & molding paste

On the lawn south of the Kauffman Gardens, I started this painting with the buildings of the Plaza in the background.  After the initial sketch with pastel, I took my palette knife and sculpted in the detail.  Using a heavier hand on the trees, grass and flowers, and a lighter one on the background, I built up the layers until satisfied.  Allowing this to dry briefly, I started another one of zinnias.  I don't like waiting for anything, so when something requires drying time, I always work on a second and sometimes a third painting in the same technique - so by the time I am through with them - my first one is dry.  I then start blocking in my masses, using extra caution over the molding paste.  The thicker parts take longer to dry, and I don't want to shift the paste.  Now, I push and pull the color to reflect how this beautiful landscape affects me.  So much of a painting is a reflection of that specific time and place, and how I respond to my surroundings.  This was a lovely, warm day with gentle breezes - SO welcome after Friday's cold and rainy plein air day!  I must enjoy these days while they last!  Painting number 626 in as many days and Day 16 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Brush Creek Beauty at the Falls

Brush Creek Beauty
Oil on panel, 16x12
Brush Creek Art Walk - Purchase Information

When I arrived on location in early in the morning, I had the Benton Boulevard Bridge in mind to paint....and then I saw the waterfall!   The golden light skimmed the surface of the water and the tips of the foliage in a poetic way.  I had to paint it, instead!  This light was fleeting, so it was my first priority.  I blocked in all of these highlights before going to the first dark.  I then marked all darks, knowing that this magical light and shadow would be the first to fade out of this landscape as the sun rose.  At this point, the light was already changing - so I blocked in the other color masses rather crudely.  This quick brushwork is all over the painting since time was certainly of the essence!  Using thick, wet paint - I needed to go to my palette knife for the final strokes.  The brushes simply moved the paint around too much.  I even skimmed the surface of the water with the palette knife - leaving a trail of "sparkle" in that water.  I think this one really captures the time and place as I quickly worked at water's edge.  This is painting number 625 in as many days and Day 15 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Sunset Behind the Clock Tower

Sunset Behind the Clock Tower
Brush Creek Art Walk
Country Club Plaza
Oil on panel, 6x12

The temperature was perfect, and the breezes were light tucked down by Brush Creek.  I had already painted the creek with the large fountain and gondolas parked along the edge.  Michaela was not yet finished with her painting, so I started this one.  This clock tower is one of the Country Club Plaza icons - and I couldn't resist painting it again this year.  I had only gotten the block in completed when she ready to head for home.  When I am painting on location, I can stay all day long and not notice the time.  I had even considered staying for a nocturne paint, but she would not have agreed to that.  So, upon realization that this would need to be a quick paint, I started in with quick and loose strokes.  The painting became more about the color and reflections than about trying to get all the details in.  There is currently scaffolding all around this clock tower, as repairs are made - but I chose to leave them out.  I wouldn't have had the time to get them marked out anyway.  This is pretty loose and impressionistic, but it captures the mood of the evening, so I am leaving it as is.  This is painting number 258 and Day 18 of Leslie Saeta's 30  Day Painting Challenge.