Ponderosa Pines Sketched

 

There is beauty to capture in ponderosa pines for this Day Camp demo!  It was another "red thunder" day, which means we had to paint from under the covered back porch of the building.  So, I looked to the pines for inspiration.  I talked the group through my process as I worked, sharing the pens I like to use.  There were so many wonderful young artists with fabulous nature sketches by the end of our class! It is so rewarding!  My favorite fun fact about ponderosa pines is that their bark smells low vanilla when you get close to them and inhale deeply!  This scent seems to travel in the air after a rain, as well!  Painting number 4574 in 4574 days. 

Wild Turkeys Inked

 

How often do I get to sketch wild turkeys in my sketchbook?!! These sweet birds make their daily journey down and up the mountain, walking right beside the cabin.  These were quite young, not nearly as filled out as the big ones. They are very tame here, almost as if they have no predators. I bet I won't see them on the banks of Lake Erie! Painting number 4573 in 4573 days. 

Wild Turkeys

Every morning these wild turkeys would walk down the mountain in a row to the stables below. They spent time with the horses most of the day, sometimes clustering together just over the road to rest. Each evening, they began their march up the mountain in a row, filing right by our cabin every time.  Sometimes they were close enough to touch!  They grew used to us, and hardly paused when we happened to be on the porch. What fun it is to enjoy the gentle rhythm of the wildlife up here. Painting number 4572 in 4572 days. 

Bible Point

The Bible Point trail was one of the very first trails we hiked upon arriving. I've been there several times since, always drawn to a different spot for reflection while sketching. The view from the top of those rocks is stunning, but here the painting is in the trail.  It's a little bit like life, isn't it?  Painting number 4571 in 4571 days. 

Mountain Wagon Ride

The horse drawn hayrides passed right by my cabin and I was so happy to get the chance to paint them as they passed.  On the final evening, there were actually two horse drawn wagons instead of one!  They move quickly, so I was happy to get the extra evenings to finish my painting!  Twelve year old me was thrilled to stay so close to Jackson Stables, it fed that early love of horses that I've carried all my life. Painting number 4570 in 4570 days. 

Overlook Chapel View

 

What a peaceful and serene view to sketch from near the Overlook Chapel!  This is the kind of view one could look at forever, and never tire of.  I chose this vintage journal for my pen and ink sketch walk today.  Longing for that timeless feel, this page could have been drawn 100 years ago.  These mountains are timeless, as the many souls who have stood in this place taking in the beauty. Perhaps they sketched here, or shared a prayer of gratitude, as I do this day.  There are so many priceless things in this life, and this moment is one of them. Painting number 4569 in 4569 days. 

Jellison Library

SOLD

As I finished up my morning Story Time with a large group of children and their families, I received a text to meet Jessica, the Social Media Specialist in 30 minutes.  Since I had a little time, I set up to paint this miniature of the Jellison Library at the YMCA of the Rockies.  My paintings have been displayed here during my residency, and Story Time with Bookmark making has been in my schedule weekly.  This sweet little building is a staple here on campus, and I'm so happy that I got it sketched.  I've donated this one to the library, as a special thank you for all they have done for me these last 3 weeks.  Painting number 4568 in 4568 days. 
 

Hyde Chapel

As I started the larger "Welcome to the YMCA" painting, rain sent me running for cover.  I was only in the sketch process of the composition, and did not have enough information down to proceed without the scene before me.  So, I started this smaller version in a different format to continue my painting demo on the porch of the Admin building. The Hyde Chapel is a lovely place in a lovely space, surrounded by flowers. What else could I look for in a subject?  Painting number 4565 in 4565 days. 

Mountain Wildflowers

I found this spot while hiking thee trail past Bible Point the day before.  It was nearly time for my Live Painting, so I had to run.  I returned today to paint this glorious scene on the side of this mountain top, and I was joined by Jessica for an interview and photos.  She's the Social Media person for the YMCA of the Rockies, and what she put together from our chat was so amazing!  This Artist Residency has flown by too fast, and I'm not ready to leave.  Painting number 4564 in 4564 days 

Welcome to the YMCA

 

I was in and out of the rain to finish this Live Painting Demo.  I had not seen fencing around flowers before coming to Estes Park - all to prevent the elk and deer from eating the flowers!  While in town, an elk walked right down the sidewalk, snacking on the beautifully planted flowers! She was so near that I had to duck back into the toy store where we were shopping! This painting now showing at the Library at the YMCA of the Rockies. Painting number 4563 in 4563 days. 

Dorsey Lake

This peaceful lake greets you at the entrance to the YMCA of the Rockies.  It was a pleasant hike from my cabin, and I leaned on the ledge of the bridge as I sketched. It was nice visiting with those coming or going with fishing poles in hand.  It wasn't long before I noticed gathering clouds and the smell of rain, so I finished up and hiked the mile back up.  Bonus - it didn't rain on me, either. Painting number 4560 in 4560 days. 

Tuxedo Park View

It is my pleasure to be the Artist in Residence to capture the beauty of Glacier Creek in paint! This morning Michaela and I hiked down to the creek, as we so often do, with the grandsons.  Casper and Kirby LOVE throwing rocks into the rushing water. I have seen families gathering up river a bit, so Casper and I explored the trail to find a park at water's edge. Tuxedo Park was lovely, with still water for the kids and picnic tables, too.  After much play, I was sketching this scene as the others hiked back for lunch.  A lovely family joined me, and the children gathered around to see what I was doing.  I shared my methods as they asked questions, and it was SO sweet.  I hope I've inspired them to take their sketch supplies outside.  They may be our next plein air artists! This painting is now available at the Library in the YMCA of the Rockies. Painting number 4558 in 4558 days. 

Bridge at Glacier Creek

We started this day with a hike to the top of Emerald Mountain trail.  The guys headed out to play disc golf and I headed to the creek. I painted near here three years ago, but the landscape has changed a little.  The water is twice as high, and a second boulder is somehow missing?  Maybe it is underwater now, but Mike had rested on it when we were surrounded by an entire herd of elk.  The rushing water is mesmerizing as I paint, and i find myself looking toward the bank to be sure no wild animals are near.  How very fortunate I am to paint the beauty of a place like this.  Painting number 4553 in 4553 days, and will be showing at the Library at the YMCA of the Rockies fire the next 2 weeks. 

Glacier Creek

 

After joining Story Time at the library and making bookmarks with the children, I packed up to head to the park. Glacier Creek is gorgeous along Ross Richter's Trail, leading to the Rocky Mountain National Park!  I lose track of time painting next to it's rushing water.  The roar is so loud that I find myself looking up periodically to check for wild animals, because I would never hear them coming. During this residency, I am exploring different papers and methods in creating my illustrated travel journals.  This book is relatively new, 8x6, with soft cotton paper. It absorbs the water and paint quickly, and takes a bit more care to get the results I want. The leather cover is beautiful, and the paper is smoother than I normally choose. As I worked, three park rangers walked down the opposite embankment, obviously looking for something.  It is the very first time I've seen rangers in such a place while painting, and it makes me wonder what was up.  This would be a lovely place to hike in with oils, as well!  Painting number 4549 in 4549 days. 

Dandelion!

Day 2 - Artist Residency! This is my first Nature Art Journal workshop demo at the YMCA of the Rockies, and this dandelion next to the tables made the perfect subject for line, color and value instruction.  Bonus - Mr. Bee joined for the sketch, and now he's been immortalized on paper!  It was fun to share drawing instruction with an absolute newbie in the group, too.  She's got skills she didn't know she had, and has now started down the path of Art journaling!  Everyone was so nice, and I got some GREAT bear tips from the locals! Painting number 4547 in 4547 days. 

Turkey Trot

Right on cue, the wild turkeys started their single file march up Emerald Mountain as we arrived at our cabin near sunset. These turkeys march down in the mornings to the stable, and up at night to roost. I thought the late comer at the end might just jump up on the porch as he eyed me curiously!  First sketch in my travel journal in Estes Park! I'm the Artist in Residence for the next three weeks!  Come see me if you're in the area!  Painting number 4545 in 4545 days. 

Ponderosa Impressions

 

As part of my Artist Residency, I have a couple of "Artist Pop-ups" each week.  During this time, I choose something in my surroundings to paint, as onlookers watch and ask questions.  On this day, a cold rain dictated that we use the covered back porch for shelter.  I talk through my process, discussing what I do as I do it.  It is always fun to visit as I work!  This painting turned out pretty loose and fresh - very impressionistic.  The views are amazing at the YMCA of the Rockies in every direction - in fact, I need much more time here to paint it all!  Love how everyone I meet here is so very friendly, truly a wonderful place to spend some time.  Painting number 4356 in 4356 days.

Glacier Creek Afternoon

This place had been calling me for days! I found this location on my very first trip into the Rocky Mountain National Park, but decided to paint from a different boulder at Glacier Creek's edge.  After a full morning, I only had an hour to knock this one out before an Artist Pop-up at the Maude Jellison Library, where I painted aspens en plein air and field questions about my process.  Painting as fast as I could, I took some short cuts - like painting in masses with central colors and pulling the water colors across with my brush in the manner in which they flowed. My process is very intuitive, picking up paint with the brush and dropping it where I see it, without thinking about the components of the painting.  I become one with the spot, and I let it flow out through my brush.  Painting here is restorative,  like a balm to my soul. I love the very awe of this landscape, the Rockies are truly special, and the YMCA of the Rockies in particular.  The experience truly is about the mind, body and spirit here. Painting number 4345 in 4345 days. 

Old Wind River Lodge

I loved sketching the old Wind River Lodge for my Sketching in Ink class this week!  I really enjoy sharing my techniques with students of all ages - and it is so rewarding to see them explore a medium that I love!  This Artist Residency has been so much fun - I'm sad this is the last day.  I will carry all I've learned here during my residency back to Missouri, to share with others. It would be fun to hang my remaining Colorado work at a local gallery, and talk about my experience here in Estes Park.  Day 24 of the #stradaeasel challenge, and painting number 4344 in 4344 days. 

Sprague Lake

Much of our family arrived at Sprague Lake at about the same time. Three of us hiking in, and two families driving, we were greeted with a magical sight.  From the opposite side of the lake, a group of elk stepped into the water and walked all the way across the lake - directly at us!  At the last moment, they shifted left, allowing us to move to the right.  This lake is shallow - and the show was amazing.  I painted this scene after hiking it, and the kids left before us.  Time flies when I'm out painting, and we hustled back to meet the last shuttle out at 7:05.  We waited and waited as night fell in the Rocky Mountain National Park. It finally arrived after a long elk traffic jam in the park, and we got off at Tuxedo Bridge at 7:35.  Walking into the dark, we rushed through the woods and across Glacier Creek, following the hiking trail back to our cabin.  We were very happy to round the stables and find the lights on in the Coleman Cabin.  Nights are very dark in the park!  Day 13 of my Artist Residency abs day 23 of the #stradaeasel challenge.  Painting number 4343 in 4343 days.