Redstone Inn

It's lovely to return to Dubuque, and stay in the historic Redstone Bed and Breakfast.  I have admired this historic place each time I've been in town painting during the Bluffstrokes plein air event, but have not painted it.  So, it is extra special to stay here overnight after celebrating my new wine labels at the L.May Eatery. This is a gorgeous mansion inside and out, and a delicious breakfast was just icing on the cake! Actually, it was icing on a really decadent cinnamon roll - served warm!  Painting number 3855 in 3855 days. 

L.May Eatery Wine Labels!!

Hooray!!  Mom and I stopped in to L.May Eatery to enjoy a bottle of wine with MY PAINTING ON THE LABEL!!  We enjoyed a lovely meal along with this wonderful Pinot Grigio - and celebrated a new first!  As a wine lover, I have always dreamed of my artwork on a label someday, and now that dream has come true.  Many thanks to L.May Eatery for reaching out to me - I couldn't be more thrilled! Painting number 3854 in 3854 days. 

Crossing the Mississippi in Dubuque

I found this bluff top view strictly by accident while looking over another house for a commission.  When I came around the curve and saw this - of course I had to stop for a quick watercolor!  I was on my way out of town, so this ink and watercolor has not been seen.  I will definitely return to this spot next year to paint this beauty in oil!  Painting number 2651 in 2651 days.

Lock and Dam II

When asked by a patron for any Dubuque pieces I might have left, I searched and found this one of the iconic Lock and Dam II, drawn off a bluff at the Eagle Point Park.  I pre-sketch almost every painting in the field before I start in the destined medium, which was the case here.  I painted a large, long painting, changing the format after completing this ink study.  I had run out of frames, so this one was not framed for the show, and came back home in my paper tote.   Such a unique place!  Painting number 2645 in 2645 days.

Dubuque Clock Tower

I pre-sketch almost every painting or metal piece in the field before I start in the destined medium.  Sometimes, I get so busy that I tuck those sketches away in bags and pochades, to be found much later when I run across the forgotten drawings.  I guess that is one of the hazards of daily painting!  The sketch above was actually my way of being sure of my composition before starting it in copper.  I needed to make sure it worked, because once I start on the metal it can be very hard to make a correction.  When asked by a patron for any Dubuque pieces I might have left, I searched and found this one of the iconic Clock Tower downtown.  Such a lovely place!  Painting number 2603 in 2603 days.

Main Street Dubuque

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I am always so busy at the end of a plein air event, I sometimes leave final paintings and sketches in my boxes and bags - especially when I have run out of frames in particular sizes!  This ink and watercolor is just such a piece!  This sketch was in preparation for a longer format in the same location.  Painting number 2560 in 2560 days. 

Farmer's Market Morning

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I love spending time at farmer's markets painting. With all those vibrant colors of tents and produce, there is a painting in every direction!  This day was very windy as I set up in the middle of a closed cross street. Within 30 minutes, I had a road block blowing at me with the sandbags in tow! I reached up with my free hand to stop it as others rushed in to grab it!  I just never know what the day will bring when I set up to paint!  Painting number 2526 in 2526 days. 

Night at Brazen II

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Nocturne painting is so rewarding, and so different from the daylight.  I have only started to paint these scenes from a lighter panel, not the dark toned ones I've used for years. There are real benefits to this.  I work by the street lights, and a lighter panel allows me to read color and temperature more effectively in low light situations.  I also find my colors more true.  I can't wait to explore this further, maybe some snowy winter night scenes?  Painting number 2525 in 2525 days. 

Mississippi River Overlook

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The sky color reflecting off the water of this Mississippi River changes with every cloud bank.  What started as slate blue, turned icy, then warm as the sun peaked through.  The current looks rather swift, as movement is continuous on the surface. The trees are just starting to show their fall color, and the temps are certainly dropping!  It always takes me a few days to acclimate, and yes, I'm missing those 90 degree days!  Painting number 2492 in 2492 days. 

Brazen Inked

SOLDAfter delicious street tacos at the Night Market from the Brazen booth, the light drizzle turned into rain.  Looking for a shelter from which to use my ink, I chose the wide overhang at tree front of their restaurant.  I loved all that perspective, with all lines leading into the scene.  As I worked my lines on the 100% cotton rag paper, I could feel the texture changing under my pen.  The paper was absorbing so much moisture from the air, the ink was beginning to spread on it's own!  Finishing as quickly as I could, I tucked the painting in my bag, shielding it from the rain.  Once it was safe in my car - a much drier environment, I could relax.  I waited until I returned to my host home to safely frame this one.  Another time, I did not react so quickly. That painting bled into one black blob!  Thank goodness I learned from that mistake!  Painting number 2484 in 2484 days.

Good Morning Dubuque

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What a beautiful morning for plein air painting on Main Street!  Crisp and cool with the golden light spreading across the street, I started sketching out my composition with paint.  I've been using a Grey Matters round brush for this, and it is holding up well! I bet I've used it on 200 paintings, and still that brush holds its form.  I am going to get more of these!  Perhaps the  best part is that light does not reflect off that brush while outside painting.  Nothing worse than being blinded by the light bouncing off that metal!  Painting number 2481 in 2481 days.

Blue on Jackson

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I have been drawn to this building each year I've been in Dubuque, but this is the first time I've ever painted it!  Crazy and complicated, I had to start from one central point and work my way out, slowly and methodically, like working a puzzle!  SO challenging and so fun - this structure is so rewarding to paint!  I'm happy this painting has a new home! Painting number 2480 in 2480 days.

Clock Tower in Copper

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Choosing a spot on Main Street to get this vantage, I started by sketching with a rounded metal tool.  With metal, I have to keep working from one side to the other, gently working the metal until I achieve the results I'm looking for.  I am learning with each one, I only wish I had brought more copper with me.  It is super cool for architecture!  Painting number 2479 in 2479 days.

October Farmer's Market

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So happy I could capture the last farmer's market of the season!  It is in the 30's this morning, and that strong wind was brutal!  Such a shock from the 90's of last week in Fairfield,  Illinois!  Thank goodness I had enough layers, and I've had all week to acclimate to the colder temps.  I actually wore gloves to do this ink and watercolor - something I never do!  I much prefer the textile feel of the tools in my hand.  But, it was okay!  A little looser than usual, but I got used to it quickly.  This is the only painting left from my week's work in Dubuque, and I didn't get it turned in until 1:30.  What a week!  Painting number 2478 in 2478 days.

Into the Annual Garden

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This is my first time at the Dubuque Arboretum, and what a treat!  I landed in the annual garden, though it was a hard choice!  The Japanese and English gardens were also calling my name - if only I had more time!  I only had one 11x14 panel left, so I used it for this gorgeous place.  The painting unfolded very naturally, I am so at home in a garden.  There is something to be said for painting what you know and love.  As patrons walked through the garden, visiting with me, one little boy asked if he could paint.  Certainly!  I gave him one of my long handled brushes, and loaded it with pink paint.  I then showed him the flower bed that he could paint that flower into.  He laid down a perfect flower!  Then each sister got to paint one, too!  The next time they passed me, he told me how much he loved to paint!  You can clearly see their prominent flower brushstrokes!  Perhaps I can get them to finish all of my garden paintings?  Painting number 2477 in 2477 days.

Twilight at Charlotte's Coffee

SOLDI returned this morning to nail down the last strokes on this twilight painting of Charlotte's Coffee House.  These charming buildings have suffered through a terrible fire since I've last been here, and have only been open since August 29th.  The inside is as beautiful as ever, and the sweet aroma of scrumptious goodies and coffee wafts out the door as I paint!  I am so happy to be painting Dubuque again!  Painting number 2476 in 2476 days.

View from 11th and White

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I got four different panels stamped for this morning's quick paint, two for oil and two for watercolor, not knowing what I would choose.  Arriving at Charlotte's Coffee, I scouted the intersection.  I was looking for something simple, as it was a QUICK paint, but alas, the whole street appealed to me.  So, using my last long sheet of paper, I started sketching out the whole street!  I had to sit in the sun, so I used the light pole beside me to shade my paper as I worked.  Many people came by and visited, and the time passed quickly!  I finished complex scene just in time, and this painting has a new home!  Painting number 2475 in 2475 days.

Night at Brazen

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Oh how I love painting at night!  It is so fun to try to capture the magic of special places at night, where all I am painting is the light. All these years, I have started with a dark surface before beginning a nocturne.  Last week, I didn't have time to prepare one, so started with a light surface.  I loved it.  In fact, I doubt I'll go back to the dark side anytime soon!  I can see all of my colors better on a light surface.  Can't wait to do it again!  Painting number 2473 in 2473 days.

Leading to Mines of Spain

SOLDWhile trying to work our way out to some farmland, I drove right to a "road closed" sign, where cement barriers blocked entry.  Loving the look of this old bridge, of course we had to check out the view!  Amazing!  I have been longing for a winding creek to paint, and here it is!  What a beautiful way to start a Monday!  Painting number 2471 in 2471 days.

Looking Down Central

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This gorgeous building is a Dubuque icon!  Towering above the streets, it's beautifully complex lines are a jaw dropper - and quite a challenge!  After finding my view, I start with one central mass, and spread all lines from there, always checking the relationship of one line to another. I would never have tried this two years ago, but with all the daily drawing since, I seize the challenge!  Nothing more invigorating than mastering those lines!  Painting number 2670 in 2670 days.