Moss on the Lake

Moss on the Lake
Oil on panel, 14x11
George Owen Nature Park

This is my second painting from the George Owen Nature Park.  In this spot, one must tread carefully, as Canadian geese and their young goslings are all about!  I had to give them a wide birth, just to get close enough for this view of the lake.  The moss spreading out into the water drew me in.  I have not ever tried to paint algae on the water before - and it is a little tricky!  The lake was calm as glass - allowing the most beautiful reflections on it's surface.  Such a peaceful place for spending the day.  This makes painting number 137 in 137 days.

A Tangle of Roots

A Tangle of Roots
Oil on panel, 8x10
George Owen Nature Park

While at the George Owen Nature Park judging an event, I walked the Butterfly Path to find this lovely landscape.  There is something so peaceful about the sprawling of roots from a tree at water's edge.  The creek is very low right now, exposing so much of the roots of this tree.  Most of the dirt has been washed away beneath it, and still it thrives.  The panel I used for this is heavily textured, lending itself well to a dense forest scene.  Sometimes I apply more texture with reckless abandon, and others I leave almost sparse of strokes.  Then, when faced with a composition, I simply choose what feels the most appropriate to me.  So much of art is intuitive.  I am posting early for me today as I have a sunset paint tonight at the Overland Park Arboretum.  This is the kick-off for the STEMS event - 2 weeks of painting at their venues.  Looking forward to what the gardens have to offer, as well as my old stomping grounds of downtown Overland Park.  This is painting number 135 in 135 days - and I always have to check yesterday's blog to see where I am at on the count!