8th and Mulberry

As I pulled down this street, the early morning light was perfect for painting.  The winds were already strong, and I had to keep a firm hold on my easel as I worked. This stretch of the West Bottoms is quiet on a Saturday morning, and I only had a few visitors on foot  - and one by car who was out searching for artists in the field. I love this history of these buildings along 8th street, where Kansas is at the end of the road.  It's fun to paint locations I would never see if not for a wonderful plein air event.  Painting number in days. 

Wettest Block in the World

What fun it was to paint on 8th and Mulberry for the Historic West Bottoms Plein Air - and I'm so happy this painting has found a new home!  The history of this street is very interesting. The end of this block is Kansas, and this used to be known as the "Wettest Block in the World", where Kansans would come across the river to buy their liquor!  I love learning fun facts about the places I paint!  Painting number in days. 

https://kcyesterday.com/articles/wettest-block?srsltid=AfmBOopBdtN4MK-AkZL3D8f51Frwtyk_RiLSm6sJEF_sWjQCdm6-pcsQ

Brewing in the Stockyards

This historic tavern attached to the Livestock Exchange Building is a great place to enjoy a drink. Brimming with history, I would love to hear the stories the walls could tell.  I set up in the shade of another building to paint this, needing the wind break to keep me on the ground with my easel.  As you can tell by the photo - half of my pochade split off when the whole thing crashed to the street with a strong gust. Plein air is definitely NOT for sissies.  I'm happy this painting was mentioned by the judge tonight in his top 5 picks. Painting number in days. 

Art Party on Genessee

I love returning to the Historic West Bottoms for the 3rd annual Heritage Days Plein Air event - even in extreme wind! I started this day by teaching a three hour workshop on Sketching in the Urban Landscape. I love getting to share my skills with others en plein air.  Afterward, I participated in the first quick paint of the event. It was a fun evening of visiting even as the wind delivered a beating!  I'm looking forward to calmer days ahead!  Painting number in days. 

Last Day on Genessee

 

I love capturing the last day of a building - only hours from implosion.  When I see a place like this, I wonder of the stories the walls would tell.  Years of work day life were held here, and soon an empty lot will remain. Truly Urban sketching in action here, as a sliver of time is now recorded on paper.  Painting number 5053 in 5053 days. 

Hickory and St Louis

This is the second annual Historic West Bottoms Plein Air event in Kansas City, and it is fun to explore these streets.  I've only been to this area a handful of times in my whole life, so every street is new to me. I found this location as I was leaving the area last year, and just had to paint it first this time.  Painting number 5049 in 5049 days. 

13th and Hickory

I've never been down these streets of Kansas City before tonight.  Arriving a little late to the quick paint - after a day full of family fun time - I walked up and down these streets.  After seeing a few compositions I would like to try, I walked back to get my gear and chose this view instead!  My first time to use this square format paper, it was a learning process.  Each handmade paper is different, and this one was a bit resistant to my paint.  So, I coaxed my paint into position on this paper, allowing it to dry in place - which took longer than normal.  So complex was my drawing,  I was still putting paint on those buildings to the last minute!  I'm so honored to win this first Historic West Bottoms Quick Paint, and I'm happy this painting found a new home, too!  I can't wait to paint here again tomorrow!  Painting number 3783 in 3783 days.