Leading to the Bridge

I loved this peaceful afternoon, painting along a creek at the Daniel Boone Homestead in Defiance, Missouri.  This place has so many wonderful places to paint - I settled on three almost immediate!  Without scouting further than the side entry, I went back for my gear to set up.  It was fun to visit with the students that were on site to watch the artists work - and I hope they come back with their supplies to paint!  I'm happy this painting has a new home, too!  Painting number 3761 in 3761 days. 

Cabin Garden

The rich yellow blooms in this kitchen garden pulled me right in, and the wonderful lines of the composition held me there!  Rich in history, the Daniel Boone home is a favorite painting spot. Although rain threatened, I set my easel right out in the elements to get the best view of the garden, tilting my panel downward in case of rain.  If I can keep it dry until it is fully covered with paint, then I won't need to worry about a few raindrops.  The very overcast day led to a rich and color saturated landscape - one that I really loved painting.  I may just try this in a larger size, especially since the original found a new home!  Painting number 2319 in 2319 days.

Log Cabin Magnolias

When I scouted this location, I could not decide whether to paint this cabin with magnolias, or the blue frame house with forsythia just across the walk.  SO, I set up in the middle and painted one and then the other for this Daniel Boone quick paint!  The blooms of spring are fleeting, and it seems like they fade away before I can paint all that I see!  Since this is a quick paint, I begin by laying in masses, the lights and darks, meeting edges occasionally.  I wait until I am further along before committing to those edges.  I like to squint at this stage, allowing the painting to come together intuitively.  This is especially helpful when I'm in a hurry.  Once I near the finish, I check my edges.  Happy with this one, I turn my easel and begin another.  Love those days when I can paint two before heading back!  Painting number 1944 in 1944 days.

oil on panel, 9x12
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