Along Cleveland Trail

A sunset spent outdoors with pen and ink?  Priceless.  If I've learned anything from the last 10 months of covid, it is to enjoy the little things.  Bask in the beauty of the sunset.  Soak up the sunrise on the front porch with a hot cup of tea.  Tend the gardens with loving care - and enjoy the simple acts of doing so.  I am truly mindful in a way I wasn't before.  As I walk out into the landscape, I really look before choosing a medium. What do I want to express about this moment?  I work more intuitively now, and tackle the more complicated, loving the process all the more.  I hope I am becoming more sensitive with my work, putting more of myself in every mark.  Maybe I'll choose oil the next time I'm here, basking in the beauty of the sunset.  Painting number 2921 in 2921 days. 

Nightfall at the Creek

Running later than normal with my daughter, the darkness in the shadows along the trail were very appealing. I find these deep, reflective landscapes a good companion in recent months. I returned with my paints and dodged a little rain in the process. I can see already a shift or two I would like to make. I can probably do it with my finger, they are often the last tool I use!  Painting number 2332 in 2332 days.

Snow Along Cleveland Trail

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In my TWSBI Eco T fountain pen, I have a self mixed blend of Levenger Raven Black and Cocoa Brown ink.  After sketching the scene, I take a wet brush to bring out some mid tones.  The addition of water separates the ink, pushing towards blue and sepia randomly.  I love the way this ink has a mind of it's own.  What I don't like, is that I am nearly out of ink, and my reserves are hundreds of miles away!  Painting number 2211 in 2211 days.

Creekside Reflections Inked

When I first arrive on a location, I like to do a quick sketch to determine the composition.  I normally already have this in my head, so this step goes fast.  It helps me to put what is in my head down on paper.  This drawing then guides me through the painting process, helping me to stick with my original vision as the light changes.  Painting number 2198 in 2198 days.

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Sunset Stream

I was awarded an extensive set of Richeson oils, which I got to select myself in the fall.  I have dedicated a palette to just this brand, and have used it for this painting.  Exploring the texture and hues as I find new ways to the colors I want.  After three large paintings, I've decided to add Naples yellow, ultramarine violet, and cad orange to my Richeson palette.  I did not order these originally, and find I'm missing them as I work on winter sunsets.  With each studio painting, the process becomes easier,  I can trust more in all of my field experience for the information I lack from a reference photo.  Perhaps I will grow more comfortable with each one I do in the studio.  Nothing like practice to improve those skills!  Painting number 2195 in 2195 days.

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December on the Trail

The only local snow I was in town for, melted before I could really take advantage of it.  Finishing a painting in the studio is so challenging for me.  So comfortable in the field, where all of my references are before me, I am a fish out of water when inside with only photos to assist me.  Perhaps I simply need more practice.  Painting number 2193 in 2193 days.

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Cleveland Trail Inked

Sketching the landscape before a painting takes so little time, and offers great rewards.  I'll lay this little clipboard on the ground as I start my painting, referencing it for my values as I block in.  It is so easy to get caught up with the colors and lose track of those values.  Keeping my drawing in view helps me stay on track with my original vision.  Sometimes, this pre-sketch shows me where I can make improvements - all before the paint goes down.  This can be a real timesaver!  This is one of the large paintings I will be working on this month.  Painting number 2192 in 2192 days.

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Winter Sunset Over the Creek

I started this one nearly a month ago on one of those glorious snowy days.  The snow was nearly melted the following day, so I put it on hold for the next snow.  Well, the next snow never came, so now I am finishing it in the studio.  I find it SO MUCH harder!  My photo of the scene was terrible to work from, with all that back lighting, and the colors were not at all what I painted from direct observation!  I have painted on it multiple times since then, and am now going to let it rest, to see if I any truly finished. I think I will have to live with this one for a while before calling it good.  Painting number 2190 in 2190 days.

Ice on the Creek

Today, I returned to two of my favorite painting spots while out running errands.  Hoping there was still substantial snow, I found it quickly melting!  I painted this one first as it is south facing, saving the other for last with it's heavily shaded location.  A heavy fog started rolling in after I left here, making the next painting very moody.  How lucky can I be to get snow and fog in the same day?  It sure doesn't happen much around here!  Painting number 2134 in 2134 days.

November Snow at the Creek

The light was magical on the trail today.  I've returned to a creek I love to paint in all seasons. The dry grasses popping through the snow add so much interest, more than a solid blanket of white.  I am painting on canvas today, adhered to a panel, to fit a specific frame in an odd size, toned in a warm blue.  Canvas is always a struggle when I love my masonite panels so well, but I didn't have the time to cut more before heading out. I also grabbed my usual palette today, wanting to paint fast with paints I am so used to.  There is something I prefer about Winsor and Newton's ultramarine blue, and Utrecht's, that I have been missing in this snowy landscape.  I will switch again tomorrow and see if I still feel the same..... Painting number 2133 in 2133 days.

Cleveland Creek

This time of year, the brush grows thick along this creek, too thick to wade into without my boots on.  The weather was absolutely perfect for painting, with bird song and jumping frogs to serenade me as I worked.  It is a joy to paint in perfect weather after so many hot days.  I am working on the subtle color shifts in the landscape, the gentle warms and cools that push each color.  This is ALL about seeing, REALLY looking at what is in front of me, and this practice takes daily attention to improve.  I can only aspire to do this place justice with my paint.  Painting number 2060 in 2060 days.

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Light in the Woods

Seeking the cool of the deep shade, I was quickly drawn to this wooded spot.  Sneaking this painting in while Chewy was being groomed, I needed to work fast.  It wasn't long before those tiny sweat bees found me - and they were relentless!  I had sprayed for bugs before hiking in, but the bees couldn't care less.  I have some really strong stuff I keep in my easel bag, so I dotted that onto the spots they really like - behind the knees, elbows, back of neck.  They only moved to the side!  The way to handle bees of any kind is to not react to them.  They do not sting unless they are swatted at.  So, I let them land on me, walk all over, and didn't react unless I couldn't stand it - and then, I would only wave my brush at them or blow them away.  It worked.  I was never stung but it drove me crazy to have bees walking around on me!  In fact, I can still feel their little legs crawling all over my exposed skin.  Plein Air is not for sissies!  Painting number 1958 in 1958 days.

oil on panel, 9x12
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Cleveland Creek Reflections

The wind blowing across Cleveland Lake was cold, but I was toasty in this location along the creek.  I've been longing to get back here and paint, so glad I could carve out a little time this afternoon.  I'm  driving Mike's truck, and I don't yet have a painting hat in there, so I was a little bothered by the sun.  Even though I was shaded by the trees, I can tell the light affects how I see in the landscape.  It was all push and pull today.  I see the grass beginning to green - and I exaggerate that in my painting!  Such a wonderful escape from the chores of the day, and now I'm meeting family for dinner out!  Painting number 1907 in 1907 days.

Wooded Stream

There is so much moisture in the air today - my ink spreads a little as I draw.  This cosmic black also seems to get a little darker a little faster, with the drizzly day.  Rather cold, I make a quick pass along the trail, stopping only for a quick sketch.  I choose ink only today in my TWSBI mini, matching the dark mood of the weather, and a water brushpen to get those mid-tones.  This 100% cotton rag paper is wonderful for this ink work, the thick weight holding up well in the light rain.  I shield it as much as possible to prevent my ink lines from bleeding out in all directions!  I have learned this lesson the hard way!  Painting number 1895 in 1895 days.

Return to the Creek

In the back of my mind, this place was calling.  Images of the creek popped into my thoughts again and again, as I went about the business of my day.  It was nearly 5:00, before the opportunity presented itself - and I jumped on it!  Always ready, my gear was in my trunk, so I hiked out to my favorite spots.  Choosing one (with two others waiting in the background), I quickly started painting the masses.  I did not sketch first today - I expected family to start calling about dinner at any moment.  I worked fast, and got this done in under an hour.  Speed is my friend, as those phone calls started coming in I was packing up to head home!  Painting number 1888 in 1888 days.

Stream from the Woods

It  was growing late in the afternoon before I had a chance to go paint.  Another day at 60 degrees could not be wasted, so I grabbed my smallest Guerrilla box - my 5x7 thumb box, and hit the road.  It was heavily overcast with a light drizzle, but still warm as I reached my destination.  I love all the angles here - and especially how rich and dark green the water is in back.  Dramatic.  So, I started by painting my darks, and next with lights.  The light is fleeting here in the woods this late, and I've found that if I don't get that color marked, it's gone with the sun in the blink of an eye!  This was a quick paint, the clouds growing heavier as I worked.  As I packed up and hiked to the car, the drizzle increased.  Looks like I timed it just right.  Painting number 1867 in 1867 days.

Still Water in the Creek

My calender was completely full today, but I simply HAD to squeeze in a painting on this gorgeous spring like day!  I could not pass a day in the 70's without getting in the field!  The winds were strong today, but down by these low lying creeks it is always comfortable.  In fact, the water was not even rippling in this stretch.  I love all the angles here, land masses, creek banks and water all converge as the water winds along. There is something very therapeutic about standing under the trees, at water's edge.  The sound of the wind in the tree tops and songbirds serenade me as I paint.  I become one with nature for a little while, and that is a very good thing.  Painting number 1866 in 1866 days.

Creek Bend

I couldn't resist getting out in the icy wonderland again today!  Another front was expected at 6:00, so I sandwiched all my errands, chores and painting into one window of time!  It felt pretty warm when I started out in the sun, but soon clouds filled the sky, and I wished I had another pair of leggings on.  There was so much wildlife out today, though not a single person did I see.  About 100 Canadian geese landed on the lake, and I startled five deer as I approached the creek.  One little bluebird flew along side me as I  walked back.  Could there be a better place to capture this winter beauty?  Painting number 1860 in 1860 days.

Turning Creek

When I realized the 67 degree morning was not going to last, I hightailed it to a favorite local painting spot.  Little did I know I would get caught in a deluge of rain - far from the car and without my rain gear!  I tried holding my palette cover over my palette to keep the rain out, but failed!  Thank goodness I was almost finished and the whole panel had paint on it!  Otherwise, I could not have continued!  Already wet, I pulled up my lightweight hood to keep the rain out of my eyes so I could quickly finish.  It had suddenly turned so dark, it was hard to see!  That cloud bank had come up behind me, and I was so tuned in, I never saw it coming!  It has been a long time since I've been caught in the rain - and I loved every minute of it!  This view was SO worth it!  Painting number 1858 in 1858 days.

Twilight off the Cleveland Trail

After having family over all day, this evening, we decided to go up to Cleveland Trail and Lake.  Mike and the kids tried out the new disc golf - and I took my paints!  I want to golf, too - but I hadn't yet painted today, so, first things first.  I really love the natural beauty of this place.  Just a few years ago, it was just another farm field, and now we can all enjoy it.  There were plenty of people strolling through the park tonight.  The visiting made the time fly, and I was finished in no time.  This painting makes 1340 in 1340 days.