Maramec Spring

The turquoise water of Maramec Spring is hypnotic, and calls to me like a siren song!  This park is one place I MUST paint whenever I am close, and I made a little time for it while in Steelville.  Painting by the cold spring water is very comfortable this time of year, and the very saturated color of the water is a joy to paint. I just happen to still have Prussian blue in my palette (from a November portrait study) and it is the perfect blue to mix for this water!  The eagles weren't fishing here today, I've seen one each time I've painted here before.  Time flies when I'm painting, and I spent a little longer here than I anticipated.  Wish I had time to paint the other two large panels I brought with me!  I guess they'll have to wait until next time.  Painting number 3077 in 3077 days.  Not sure why some recent posts did not actually post.  Possibly a connecting issue, and I'll have to go back and fix it when I've got the time.  This painting now showing at Gallery Zeke in Steelville. 

Maramec Spring

I love taking pen, ink and watercolor to this special place! This place is simply stunning, and I love squeezing in a little paint time whenever I am close. Although oils are my preference here, with limited time, ink and watercolor are a quick way to capture the place.  I sketch first in ink, fill with watercolor, then  come back in with a little more ink for those places I want a sharper line.  These painting moments spent outdoors, surrounded by nature are truly a gift, one I treasure every single day.  Painting number 2995 in 2995 days.

Falls of Maramec Springs

The early morning light was dreamy at the edge of the springs. Wanting to study the movement of the water more closely, I zoomed in on my focus for this painting. Choosing a longer, thinner format allowed me to really focus on the water, the values and colors as they shifted.  I started with the dark masses first needing a "roadmap" for my developing composition.  After all, it is all rocks and water practically!  Next, I worked on the warm hues and highlight notes, squinting to see how my painting would read. As I filled in the midtones, I smudged and blended where needed.  So often I paint all hard edges with rocks!  I always have to go in and soften, giving the eyes a place to rest and to lead to the focus.  I'll look at this one with fresh eyes tomorrow, but for now I like how it captures the place. 

Maramec Waterfall

I am painting another little slice of heaven today!  Maramec Springs is absolutely one of my favorite places to paint, and today finds me on the hatchery side of the falls.  I stood just barely off the trail to get this view of rocks and rushing water.  I love to really study my subject with close observation as I near the finish.  Stepping back for a distant view is critical to deciding what to keep and what needs softening.  I had to pay attention to that stepping back today - or I would have been swimming with the fishes!  Baby trout, that is!  Painting number 2981 in 2981 days. 

Winding Spring

Oh how the light changed that water today! As I blocked in this painting, the dark blue green shades were so prominent in the water.  The clouds thinned ever so slightly and washed out the light on the scene!  Resisting the urge to chase the light, I now am not sure of my next step.  It was time to pack up and head to Gallery Zeke, so I am letting this painting rest, to look with fresh eyes tomorrow.  Painting number 2980 in 2980 days. 

First Signs of Spring at Maramec

 Painting at one of my favorite places, I have to make this post fast.  I've not had a cell connection until just now, so I'm posting as fast as I can!  It was sheer joy to paint today in the warm weather and gentle breezes!  How could I be so lucky?  I'm only down here because I needed to deliver a tire to my son at college - one that was not available anywhere closer than Liberty, up by us!  Since I'm in the area, you know I must paint!  I talked to stop many wonderful visitors as I worked - I just love the artist life!  Painting number 2979 in 2979 days. 

Powerhouse at Maramec Springs

 The wonderful lines of the little green powerhouse grabbed me immediately!  So charming, it is storybook perfect along the winding Maramec Spring.  Misty when I started, I quickly got the masses down in oil to repel the coming rain.  The ground near the spring is very cold, and my toes were getting numb on this cold and rainy day.  Thank goodness I had half a yoga mat to fold up and stand on - it was much warmer for my feet!  By the time I finished, the rain was moving in and a large turtle joined to watch me paint!  Painting number 2852 in 2852 days. 

Water Under the Bridge

 

Oh my - what a treat!  After hiking the trail around this part of the park, I started this large painting rather late - shortly after 4:00.  It had been raining all day, so I headed here when there was only a drizzle left.  I started blocking in fast to get that surface covered, just in case the rain returned. As long as I've got oil paint on that surface, I can continue in the rain.  Any unpainted parts will repel the paint if wet.  Both yesterday and today, I had to cover the panel fast, and it helped me get the whole thing painted quickly.  I think I've stumbled onto a key to painting large - both days were much easier than the first attempt. I did lose the light before quite finished, so I made a couple adjustments at the car.  I just love painting to the sound of rushing water!  Painting number 2851 in 2851 days. 

Autumn at Maramec Springs

 I have driven by this Maramec Springs Park several times on my way to Steelville and Saint Genevieve, always wanting to check out out - but never enough time.  WELL.  I will not be making that mistake again.  This place is a wellspring for masterpieces and I could never tire of painting here!  With a focus of painting larger in the field, I am working on a 20x16 masonite panel.  Gessoed and dare I say previously painted - I am upcycling old works.  So, this painting has a secret painting underneath.  Isn't that fun?  My third large piece this week, the process really seemed more comfortable today.  The first day was a struggle to cover the surface, the second was more manageable, and today was almost effortless.  With such an inspiring place, how could it be otherwise?  Painting number 2850 in 2850 days.  This painting is now showing at Gallery Zeke for a limited time only!