South St and Main

SOLD

This sweet scene in West Salem called to me first thing. Setting up at the park, I pulled out my oils. It had been raining into the morning, and it still looked like rain.  The first building is now a sweet little ice cream shop opened up by one of the nicest people I know.  The next building is the town's library, and then a few vintage homes complete the scene.  This was a lovely place to paint, and I'm happy this painting has a new home, too.  Painting number 5017 in 5017 days. 

Fairground Zinnias

I've never been to the Edward's County Fairgrounds before today, and just look at what welcomed me!  All these gorgeous zinnias shining in front of a lovely turquoise building!  It wowed me when I arrived to turn in two paintings, and as I enjoyed a quick lunch - I kept looking out at them.  Determined to check out West Salem first, I headed to my car to do just that.  With a quick look at that light, I tossed my plans to paint this beauty instead!  When my inner voice says,  "Paint!!" - I must listen! What a glorious afternoon spent among this darlings!  I'm so happy this painting went home with the Master Gardener that created this!  Painting number 3173 3173 days. 

Washington Painter House

I loved this historic place from the first time I laid eyes on it.  Very similar in style to my own family home, these architectural lines always draw me in!  With the iron fence adorned with holiday garland, this was a "must paint" for me!  With ink and watercolor I drew the scene, added in the watercolor gently, then returned for a bit more ink.  Each handmade paper absorbs differently, so I often find I need to adjust my technique in process. Love exploring all the challenges of the mediums! It really is all about the journey!  Painting number 2877 in 2877 days. 

First Christian Church

Every so often, I forget to get a photo of my painting until it is framed! This sweet, historic church is one of several in the small town of Albion, Illinois.  These beautiful historic churches seem untouched by time, with all of their character and charm intact!  I find ink and watercolor a perfect way to capture their charm on handmade paper.  The more I sketch these buildings, the easier and more natural they become - and this is one place I can let my love for detail run wild!  I'll never tire of painting them!  Painting number 2837 in 2837 days. 

First Presbyterian Church

Sometimes, I am so busy with the process of painting that I forget to get a photo until I have framed it!  I sketched out this historic church on a 6x6 handmade smooth cotton paper by Shizen. I normally save this smooth paper for ink alone, but I've started using more when adding watercolor - mainly because I need that specific size!  I am finding a way to make it work for me, although it reminds me of 140lb cold pressed paper.  Using that kind of watercolor paper when I first tried watercolor prevented me from picking up watercolor again for many years.  Only when I tried cotton paper did I find my love for it!  Adding watercolor gingerly - because of the paper - I coaxed it to completion. I love painting this sweet church from the Albion area!  Painting number 2833 in 2833 days.

Sunset at the Horse Trough

Horses have been a favorite muse of mine since I was a little girl.  I love the shape of them - and those manes and tails have endless possibilities!  This scene is an everyday slice of Americana from this working farm in Edward's County, Illinois, where the family dog looks on as the horses have their evening feed.  Love how the process of painting takes me back in time.  Painting number 2832 in 2832 days.  So happy this painting has a new home!  

Wooden Bridge

I just found out that this painting of an old train trestle in Salem, Illinois won "Best Representation of West Salem" at the Edward's County Paint Out!  It is such a nice surprise to find happy news in my email in box!  With covid changing all events since March, this event is held without the artists in person this year.  I sure miss getting to visit with everyone from the area and painting with fellow artists, but I'm very happy to still be participating in a socially distanced way!  Thank you to Albion for hosting this event!  Painting number 2826 in 2826 days