Burr Oaks

 

I'm playing with ink in the woods again, and trying out three different ones.  Diamine Nutcracker and J.Herbin's Caroube de Chypre are new in this paper, and my immoral sketch marks are with a Pitt pen.  I was hoping to achieve a fuller color range with these two, and black.  At the same time, I find myself wanting to drop in those gorgeous autumn reds. Perhaps I should revisit this paper with ink, and adding watercolor on top of it.  I have not done it yet with this paper.  It's very soft, thin and absorbent, so it may not lend itself well to watercolor.  There's only one way to find out!  Painting number 5182 in 5182 days. 

Burr Oak Woods

 

Oh what a gorgeous morning for painting in Burr Oak Woods with Urban Sketchers KC!  It has been years since I've been here, and it is certainly worth the drive. Birdsong surrounded me as I sketched, and squirrels played among the branches. The cold morning soon warmed, and I found myself shedding layers. I enjoy this quiet time in the woods with ink, paint and paper.  Time stands still here as I work, and I can truly focus on my subject. I find myself wondering, is there any better meditation than this? I think not. Painting number 5177 in 5177 days.