Lunch at the Vineyard

 

I love returning to a favorite place to paint from the vineyard.  Defiance Ridge never disappoints, and is a great place for food and drink.  As I painted, patrons walked from artist to artist to see what was on the easel.  This is the second one I painted from this very spot.  Painting number 4875 in 4875 days.

Spring in the Vineyard

SOLD

 

The light was amazing at Defiance Ridge - until the clouds rolled in!  I tucked myself down in the vineyard to get this amazing vantage, sketching both before and after turn in on another.  The grapevines are leafed out more than ever - making them perfect for painting!  It was fun to visit with guests as they strolled through the vineyard, checking in with each artist in the field. I love getting to paint places like this and I'm happy this painting has a new home, too!  Painting number 4873 in 4873 days. 

Spring in the Vineyard

 

The light was lovely to paint in the vineyard this afternoon - even in a cold wind!  56 degrees felt very cold after our recent warm weather. I kept adding layers and eventually found my hand warmers in the warmest jacket.  Why didn't I find them first thing this morning?  At least I'll be prepared for tomorrow!  I'll have this in the pop-up gallery in New Melle tomorrow!  Painting number 4866 in 4866 days. 

Red Umbrella Day

 

It REALLY poured for this paintout!  Everything was soaked and it was still fun sharing the tiny space with artist friends, Margaret and Troy Tatlock from Wisconsin!  Troy is always so chatty as Margaret tries to rein him in a little. Time flies when you're having fun! Happy to win an Honorable Mention on this, too!  Painting number 4865 in 4865 days. 

Spring at Defiance Ridge

SOLD

I love dining AND painting at Defiance Ridge!  I do not remember this bridge and waterway, and I'm here each year to paint!  So, of course, I have to paint it!  The sound of the water babbling as visitors chatted and shared wine was so relaxing as I worked.  Before I knew it, it was time to turn in, and on I went to the next adventure.  I'm happy this painting found a new home, too. Painting number in days.

After the Rain

I have painted this view many times through the years, perched on the hill at Sugar Creek Winery.  After painting another view, framing, and turning it in, I turned my easel towards the Missouri River Bottoms once more.  A downpour had washed the landscape clean, and the whole landscape glistened. It has been an amazing day for painting and i can't wait to do it again tomorrow!  Painting number 5166 in 5166 days. 

Sunflower Silos

After a hike in Klondike Park, my oldest daughter and I took a little time to paint these beautiful sunflower silos!  I love attending the Yoga Bliss Festival with her and sharing some of my favorite places, too!  What an exciting weekend it is turning out to be! Painting number 5120 in 5120 days. 

Sugar Creek Afternoon

What a gorgeous day for painting at Sugar Creek Vineyard - and the light was spectacular!  Before I landed in this spot, I set up 4 other times in different locations.  First, I was looking up the vineyard trail - but the light was too washed out. Next in the vineyard on the opposite side - but another artist was already heading that way, and the composition wasn't quite right. The next two were two slightly different views of the side of this building with it's umbrellas spreading out like a blanket - but there were already 4 artists working on that view.  Each time I returned to the car, this view spoke to me.  Finally, the 5 time I listened!  I rarely waffle on a painting spot like this, but I think the strong light and shadow here pulled me right in.  Painting number 5035 in 5035 days. 

Golden Meadow

 

This was the peaceful meadow finish before a purple fountain pen ink catastrophe.  Rushing to meet a friend who needed the frame in my car - I did not tighten the cap on "Festive Joy" - and THAT cleanup was neither festive or joyful, lol!  It took hours to clean that purple ink from all the other bottles and brushes.  Thank goodness I had them in an airtight container - or that mess would have traveled in my trunk!  As it turns out, this ink is completely water soluble, and every bit of it washed out of my supplies when soaked in water. The lesson I learned here is to be extra careful and methodical when closing up each bottle - especially when in the field!  Painting number 3777 in 3777 days. 

Morning at the Alpaca Farm

This alpaca farm in Defiance is a beautiful, sprawling place with so many painting subjects!  The landscape is lush, and those alpacas modeled for most of my paint time along the winding fence!  Our gracious hosts had breakfast and drinks at the ready, making for a very comfortable paint out.  We could have spent all week here painting, but alas, we only had a few hours.  I can't wait to return another time to paint!  Painting number 3769 in 3769 days, and this painting has a new home with the owners. 

Springtime in Defiance

 

I have wanted to paint this tree for years - and this is the first time I've been in Defiance when it is in full bloom!  Seizing the day, it was my first painting in town.  I love having the opportunity to really study the colors and values in that tree. It's amazing how much the extra focus helps strengthen my skills.  Come see this and all of my paintings at the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival Saturday April 29, noon to 5, on Walnut Street in Augusta.  Painting number 3764 in 3764 days. 

Defiance Bend

 

What fun it was to paint downtown Defiance!  Come see this painting in person at the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival sale on Saturday from noon to 5:00! ❤️🎨

Wine Country Road

This road leading back to the vineyard is a perennial favorite of mine, hooking me each time I return to the Sugar Creek Winery.  In the early light, I composed my painting, blocking in masses with my paint. As I worked, I lifted my mug of hot, loose leaf tea from the ground at the side of the road. As I lifted it to my mouth, I noticed something black on my black mug.  I tried to brush it away, but it was stuck, so I pinched it with my fingers to lift it up - and guess what it was on the closed mouth of my mug?  A LEACH!!  I wiped off the lid, removed it to drink from the edge, and put my other hand below it to bring out to my mouth, and guess what was on the bottom mug?  ANOTHER BLACK LEACH!!  Well, that's a plein air first for me, I've never seen leaches out of the river, let alone on the edge of a road leading uphill.  I finished my painting, enjoyed the morning and forgot about those silly leaches.  I put my mug on the road after that!  Painting number 3411 in 3411 days. 

Spring at the Winding Creek

Spring was late this year, barely showing color in the trees when I arrived in Augusta.  I love those first gentle signs of spring, a blush of rose in some trees, while others burst forth in a yellow green flurry of leaves.  So much earth is visible when the foliage is still in the bud, it adds interest and depth to the landscape. I found a new spot on the Katy Trail from which to paint, and the many curves of the creek make this painting a joy!  I love how very deep this view is, so peaceful, surrounded by birdsong. I could paint here every day, and not tire of this place.  I will certainly be back next year.  Painting number 3409 in 3409 days, and this painting is now showing at Gallery Augusta. 

Creekside in Defiance

A winding creek grabs my attention every time!  There is something so alluring about water gently meandering across the landscape.  Painting from a different vantage than before, I am street side, standing on a bridge for a bird's eye view.  The spring colors are singing on this overcast day, and it is a joy to paint as I visit with people walking by.  It's the best part of plein air, getting to share what I do every day with others!  Painting number 3046 in 3046 days. 

Defiance Ridge Inked

The view from the vineyard, looking up towards the house, is so inviting.  The very overcast day soon cleared up and the day was beautiful for painting!  I start first with a water resistant ink to sketch out my scene lightly.  Next I go in with a water soluble ink and lay down the darkest darks, getting the mid tones with a water brush pen. For this trip I am using my newest TWSBI mini in white and rose gold, with a broad nib.  It is the first time I've ever used a broad nib - and I like it!  It drops a heavier line with more ink, allowing me to get those rich darks more quickly.  It is, however, a little too broad for a couple of my papers that seem to have a heavier coating of sizing.  I must be very careful to not lay too much ink.  Things could get crazy in an instant and turn to night!  Haha!  Every painting is a lesson, and I enjoy every minute of it!  Painting number 3036 in 3036 days. 

Creek Along Katy Trail

Arriving before an early morning broadcast at Good News Brewing Co for Great Day St Louis, this scene pulled me immediately in.  I really enjoy painting during these broadcasts!  Visitors to the show come by to see the progress, as a camera man zooms in around each of the artists, sometimes right over my shoulder.  Time flies and the painting takes on a life of it's own. Cold and damp, I was shivering by the time the broadcast ended, but had this painting to show for my effort. It was the first one to sell on show day.  Painting number 2327 in 2327 days.

A Place to Linger

After gourmet donuts at the Robin's Nest paint out, it was time for a sketch before painting.  Love the cheerful color palette here, makes for wonderful paintings!  I do the ink lines with my fountain pen and an India ink pen, then follow with my watercolor half pans.  Once the painting is finished, I move on to shopping!  Robin really has some great finds - and two less bags after I left!  Painting number 2322 in 2322 days.

Barn in the Meadow

This barn on a distant hill caught my eye while I scouted painting locations at the Daniel Boone home.  After sketching and painting the garden, I returned to this creek to draw that scene in ink.  I love the peaceful rustle of foliage as I work, with songbirds to serenade, I am surrounded by nature's music.  Just another glorious day "at the office"!  Painting number 2318 in 2318 days.

A Day for Lingering

The Robin's Nest on the Katy Trail is one of my favorite places to paint!  The colors and vintage charm pull at my heart strings, begging to be painted.  Today, I set up in the back near the Katy Trail with several other artists.  Our paint out is here, and we start the day with gourmet donuts!  After painting and shopping in this fabulous shop we're treated to tortilla soup, margaritas and gooey butter cake!  It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it!  Painting number 2314 in 2314 days.