Tree Climbing at Sunset

Tree Climbing at Sunset
Oil on masonite, 12x9

Another in as series of happy memories at Lake Minnie Belle, this young man in climbing trees as the sun sets over the lake.  I have switched back to oils for this painting, desiring the rich creaminess of the paint for texture and weight.  I really only intended to lay down the colors for a color study - just to make sure this painting would match the other two.  Well, one stroke led to another, and before I knew it I had painted this landscape completely!  It was after dark when I finished, so I left it on the easel to look again with fresh eyes in the daylight.  With a little more work, this baby is finished - and already on it’s way to California it’s mates!  This has been a day well spent - and now I must head out to my first Christmas party of the season!  Painting number 1065 in 1065 days.  :)

Sisters at the Lake

Sisters at the Lake
Oil on masonite, 12x9
sold

Labor Day weekend seems to ring in the last days of summer!  Where did all the summer days go?  It was only yesterday that the kids were out of school, and plans were being made - and now cooler days are on the way.  I have been working on this painting, and now I think it is finished.  It will be hanging with another painting, so the two need to display well together.  I will let them rest together on easels for a few days - just to make sure no other detail calls out to me.   This is number 9 in September’s 30 day challenge and this painting makes 982 for me in 982 days :)

Fishing at Sunset

Fishing at Sunset
Oil on wood panel, 18x24
sold

Some days are truly a gift.  Cherished time spent with friends, loved ones and family are special jewels in each day.....and when you can spend them together in a place like this - it is magic.  Asked by one of my sweetest childhood friends to paint this, I first painted a study in small scale.  From that study, I have enlarged it to 18x24, adding to the depth as the size allows.  More space allows me to revel in the details and impressionistic strokes of the waves.  This painting has been a joy to create, and I hope it will be treasured for a lifetime!  This painting makes 962 in 962 days - although I spent many days on this one :)

Sunset Fishing

Sunset Fishing
Oil on wood panel, 18x24

There is something magical about being on the water.  The gentle lulling of the waves is hypnotic - with or without a fishing pole in hand.  The fabulous sunset reference for this painting is from a dear friend of her very special place at Lake Minnie Bell.  When I first approached this composition, my first instinct was to crop off the dock area.  But, upon further study, I truly felt it should be left in.  The dock helps weigh down the painting - giving it more balance.  Additionally, it marks this sunset painting specifically as Julie's place - no other would have this exact composition.  This painting will remain on my easel for a few more days.   Laying my brushes down way after dark, I don't have natural light to get a good image here.  The colors always appear warmer and more yellow in such light.  In the full light of day, I will check this over again, just to make sure I am happy with every stroke.  It is such a beautiful place, I want to make sure I do it justice.  Painting number 710 in 710 days :)

Fishing from the Dock

Fishing from the Dock
Oil on panel, 8x10
Lake Minnie Bell, MI

I have a "fishermen" theme going on this week - this is my second one in three days!  There is something so relaxing about fishing.  One with nature, there is nothing but time to soak up all the stillness and beauty around you.  I love the noises of the water - the crickets, the fish, especially the gentle sloshing of the water against the dock - SO peaceful!  This painting is from the lake home of an old friend - with a glorious, bold sunset bouncing off the water.  This was one of those days where I started painting, only to be interrupted by errands and appointments.  Starting again, planning to be home shortly, I didn't even put my paints away. I simply left everything out, thinking I would be back to it in 30 minutes.  Three hours later, I arrive back home to finally finish my painting.  And, I truly thought that I would be able to finish a second one today!  Without daylight, I'm afraid the colors are not true in this photo.  I'll have to take another in the morning.  This is painting number 292 in as many days.

Fishing at Sunset

Fishing at Sunset
Oil on panel, 8x10

An amazing lake scene with a little sunset fishing is my subject for today.  The much loved home of a friend, this beautiful place begs to be painted.  A composition of memories shared and time well spent, this painting is a study for a larger one.  The sunset sky lends drama to this landscape, casting wonderful colors on the lake.  I hope to get the companion piece to this one finished tomorrow.  It will be fun to see how they work together on the wall!  This is painting number 290 in 290 days :)