Albonee Vineyard

My very linear roots love the perspective of receding rows of grapevines!  With all rows leading to the vanishing point, I'm drawn right into the vineyard.  Sitting on my three legged stool, I set my watercolor half pan set on the ground as I ink.  Sometimes, I stand for this, but today I want a lower vantage.  I only have time for ink and watercolor, but I long for my oils in such a scene. My water brush pen is almost empty, but I'm close to a pond, if I need to refill it.  I've used fountains, ponds, creeks and even puddles when I had to! It seems I'm always running out of water!  I do keep an extra water bottle in the trunk, just in case.  But who wants to hike back to the car?  Painting number 2458 in 2458 days.

Gently Flowing

When I first walked down to the edge of Mill Creek, I was mesmerized.  I am always attracted to the water, but this place is amazing.  In fact, I painted three large paintings down in the creek before I climbed back out!   The water winds over the large slabs of rock, which span as far as I could see in either direction.  This was the weekend of the Independence Paint Out, and it was sheer joy to spend it with our gracious hosts, painting such a glorious private estate.  This painting makes 1408 in 1408 days :)

oil on panel, 18x14
purchase here

Historic Courthouse

Historic Courthouse
Oil on panel, 11x14
Independence Paint Out

On location

The Independence Paint Out was a quick paint celebrating the one year anniversary of the Truman Courthouse restoration.  It was fun to walk through the halls, one room is full of Harry S Truman memorabilia  while another has a gift shop.  There was a youth division paint out as well for ages 14-18, and Michaela and her friend Clint participated.  Michaela's charcoal drawing was awesome - and Clint had a good start on his painting, but two hours was just not enough time.  Even the seasoned artists agree with the time issue!  It was dark when this photo was taken, and the glare from the flood lights reflects off the surface.  It is always so fun to paint with fellow artists - and extra special to have Michaela and Clint there too!  This is painting number 729 in as many days!

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!