Main Street Inn - ATC

We always have such a great time at the Main Street Inn, we don't stay anywhere else when visiting Sainte Genevieve.  In town to set up a gallery show at Music Art Love, I was out early to do some sketching.  This place is so iconic, i painted it first in a small ATC size.  I found several new places to paint when given a tour around town - very cool historic places on the outskirts of town.  I didn't even know they were there!  Love getting to see and paint these special places - and happy this tiny painting went home with another guest!  Painting number 4290 in 4290 days. 

Side Garden

I LOVE getting to paint special places when I travel. Behind that kitchen door, magical things happen!  I've now stayed at this Main Street Inn in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, three times, each stay surpassing the previous one. The Inn is full of historic charm and comfortable spaces, with a wonderful breakfast provided with fun conversation and local stories. The outside gardens are just as lovely with a water garden, statuary, and scattered seating to enjoy quiet moments among the blooms.  I am always inspired to paint here, and always wishing I had time to paint more!  Painting number 3109 in 3109 days. 

Red Door at Main St Inn

What is it about a red door that is so inviting?  This lovely place is our room for this stay, so of course I had to paint it!  Love stepping out for early morning tea among the flowers adorning this terrace garden.  In fact, I brought my tea with me as I painted this from across the street at the gallery.  This place is charming, especially early in the morning when only a few are out on the street.  Painting number 3091 in 3091 days. 

Falling Water in the Garden

I love to immerse myself in a beautiful place, and then paint it!  I'm SO lucky to get to do this EVERY SINGLE DAY!  When I'm in Sainte Genevieve, I stay at the amazing Main Street Inn B&B, and I am spoiled.  This time my husband and my mom joined me, and we have made it a long getaway weekend!  The garden at this place is inspiring, so today finds me back in the water garden, capturing the beauty in oils.  We spent the morning and early afternoon at the Honey Bee Festival, so when mom wanted to rest and recharge back in her room for a while, I seized the opportunity to paint!  What a lovely day it has been!  Love when I can blend family fun with painting time, and shop the unique shops all in the same day!  Painting number 3086 in 3086 days. 

Red Rockers on the Porch

I love the nostalgia of rockers on a front porch, especially at a gorgeous historic inn like this one!  Main Street Inn has always been an inn, dating back to the early days of Sainte Genevieve.  What's even better is when someone brings an historic place back to life, restoring it and bringing it to glory.  Such a place must be painted!  Mom and I enjoyed our stay here last September, and we will all be enjoying many other stays here, as it is the very best B and B I've ever stayed in. Lovely place to spend some time. Painting number 3085 in 3085 days.  This painting opens tomorrow night at Music Art Love Gallery in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri.  Meet and Greet from 5:00 to 9:00 during the Fourth Friday Art Walk!

Courtyard Garden

This red umbrella grabbed my attention as soon asi entered this garden!  The wonderful French colonial inn is the perfect backdrop for this cafe setting, beckoning me to spend a little time here. With ink and watercolor, I started to sketch the garden scene, laying in the color as I progressed. As the painting unfolded, I went back in with additional ink, pushing and pulling the color where needed.  The charm of this delightful inn is in every corner of the yard - such a joy to paint!  Sure wish I had more time here to do just that!  Painting number 2823 in 2823 days.