On the Lookout

On the Lookout
Oil on panel, 9x12

At about 8:30 tonight, I thought the day had come when I was not going to get a painting finished.  I was bone tired after a day full of grandchildren, running my kids to and from events after school, finishing with a parent's meeting at the the 9th grade center.  When I arrived home, all  wanted to do was collapse.  And I did....for 5 minutes.  I looked at the portrait I had started early in the day.  Ten minutes of painting, and hour away.  15 minutes back at it, 2 hours away - finally throwing in the towel by 2:30. When I returned to it, I gave it another look.  The "bones" were good, so much of the "thinking" work was done.  So, I put on my headphones, turned the ipod to very relaxing meditation music, and just started painting.  I even painted quite a bit of it upside down - to help me see the values without thinking about the specifics.  For, now, I am letting this rest.  I may very well go in tomorrow and make a few adjustments, but at this point - I am just happy to have it finished.  Just a few minutes under the wire........this is my 48th painting in a row.

Shadows Across the Creek

Shadows Across the Creek
oil on panel, 11x14

I just finished this one up from the Missouri Valley Impressionist paint out yesterday at the Jesse James Farm.  I had this one roughly blocked in yesterday, and then left it on my easel for a tour of the historic house!  The long shadows cutting across this creek and up the bank on the other side called out for me to paint them.  The tree roots were twisted and tangled, dropping into the still water of the creek.  This little stream is on the way up the path to the original farmhouse.  I started with the background, working forward.  I used one of my new palette knives on the foreground tree bark and in the grassy areas to add depth and interest.  It is always fun to play with new tools!  It was so enjoyable to paint in the warm sunshine, on a beautiful day in February......I'll remember it fondly on Thursday when the ice and snow arrives!  This is painting #46 in a row :)

Jesse James Farm

Jesse James Farm
Oil on panel, 14x11

On Location

The Missouri Valley Impressionist's paint out for today was at the historic birthplace of Jesse James.  It was beautiful, so warm for a February day - 57 degrees when I packed up!  This is my first paint of the day - my second of the creek is only blocked in.  I stopped a little early to take the house tour!  I picked the distant view because I loved the lay of the land, and how the hills swept toward the house.  Can't you just imagine Jesse riding his horse along this trail to his house?  I'll try to finish the creek painting in a bit, and post it tomorrow.  This is my 45th painting in a row :)