Old Tractor in Field

How could I possibly resist painting an old tractor on a farm?  I couldn't!  I forgot to post this painting earlier and only just realized it!  I often paint several paintings on a day, but only post one. So, the extras wait in the wings until I shuffle them into the lineup!  I really love using my oils in such a landscape. They seem to add body to the grasses and foliage while rounding those planes of the tractor.  So happy this painting has found a new home and is my 2895th in 2895 days. 

Rustic Barn Inked

I love drawing these wonderful old midwest barns!  Full of character, they take me back to my childhood and playing in the old barns of my grandparents and great aunt and uncle. Pictured here is my favorite TWSBI Diamond mini fountain pen and Levenger's Raven Black ink, probably my most used combo for sketching.  I love the rich velvety flow of the ink from that medium nib on my handmade cotton paper!  Busy, busy days find me with shorter painting windows - why is there never enough time?  Painting number 2889 in 2889 days. 

Vintage Charm

Every year I look forward to traveling to Fairfield, Illinois to paint for their plein air event. This year was different, like so many other plein air events, and I could not paint in person.  Choosing from special reference provided by the community, I painted a few favorites.  All paintings had to be kept secret until the unveiling, so I am only now posting some of these paintings. With ink I sketched in the lines and angles of this house, adding watercolor as I went along.  I often go back in with a little more ink.  Once finished, I framed this up and delivered them all in person.  Taking my Mom with me, we delivered art in 4 states and saw plenty of beautiful places along the way!  Painting number 2883 in 2883 days. 

Fairfield Covered Bridge

This nostalgic covered bridge in the city park of Fairfield, Illinois a local icon. Painting it for the Fairfield Art Splash in September, it is the first time I've had the bridge on my easel!  This seems to be my year for painting covered bridges - and oh how I love them!  All paintings for this event were to be kept secret until after the show and sale, which finds me playing "catch up" with my posts!  Love this small town and all of it's unique treasures to paint!  Painting number 2870 in 2870 days. 

Two Fishermen

I love painting by the water - ocean, pond, lake, river or creek, they all hold a peaceful magic.  The rhythmic sounds of babbling water leads me away from daily cares, like a balm to my soul.  Capturing the gentle movement of boat on water is a joy, a sliver of peaceful rural living.  Life is all about the little things, after all.  Painting number 2869 in 2869 days. 

Sundance Over the Farm

 I am always drawn to gorgeous skies - especially in the rural landscape!  Choosing a wide format -20x10, I am able to concentrate on what's really important about this scene. The forms and colors in that sky are a bit challenging!  I really try to see the subtle changes, so that every mark counts.  Looking twice, painting once - lol. By careful observation I can stay on track with my vision for this place.  I find that a much more effective way than dropping in masses, and then tweaking.  Painting is a journey, and this season finds me studying my subjects intently. Painting number 2864 in 2864 days.