Lakeside Pavilion

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I love returning to Lakeside, enjoying those cool breezes off Lake Erie.  The Pavillion here is spectacular, steeped in history.  Mom and I arrived early enough to get some ice cream and sit along the coastline, and it even got quite chilly!  I wish I had brought my jacket down to the water, and u went forget it again.  It's certainly much cooler than the 90s we left behind in Missouri.  This starts three days of painting inside Lakeside Chautauqua, with a wet paint sale on the beach Sunday, during the Wood Bottom Boat Show. Come enjoy this beautiful place and see all my work from 1:30 to 3:30 on Sunday!  Painting number 3839 in 3839 days. 

Ponderosa Pines

The landscape surrounding our cabin in the woods is full of ponderosa pines - which are gorgeous!  So as my husband and mom went out for breakfast, I set up to take advantage of the view.  Sketching them first with paint to get their forms, I then quickly added the light and shadow before it all changed.  That rich golden color only lasts for a little while.  It is such a treat to REALLY study the colors and forms with paint, trying to do justice to the beauty around me. I LOVED exploring the rich colors of these ponderosa pines in the early morning light, and I'm SO happy this painting sold to someone I met at Antioch Park in Merriam, KS a couple of weeks ago - who happened to be here at the YMCA of the Rockies today! It is truly a small world!  Day 3 of my Artist Residency and day 13 of the #stradaeasel challenge! Painting number 4333 in 4333 days.

Peace at the Pond

We've been clearing some trees and brush around the pond in recent weeks, and I love the expanding view.  Each time I walk down here, I am rewarded by the local tenants!  This evening the bullfrogs jumped into the water with load peeps, a kingfisher dropped in for a little dinner, and our blue heron flew up to a favorite limb on a large tree before flying off.  He and Beau are not the best of friends!  The golden hour light was perfect as I started to paint, and the first glow of sunset spread gently through the scene.  I only used the palette knife sparingly, so gentle was the mood on the water.  It's like a tiny vacation in the middle of real life, I'm so thankful for this place.  Painting number 2675 in 2675 days.

Flaming Flag Tulips

I planted these bulbs in the fall, hoping for beautiful blooms in the spring.  Wow!  I love the vibrant red and white striations - such a perfect addition to my garden!  They are not as big and vigorous as some others, but they make up for it in "wow factor"!  Oh I hope I get to do these in oil before they fade!  Painting number 2655 in 2655 days.

Wild Mustard in Bloom

As I began my outdoor chores this morning, I noticed something had changed.  The radiant wild mustard had started to bloom!  Sweeping across the meadow like a yellow carpet, I knew I would be painting this when I finished my work.  Hauling limbs to a nearby burn pile, I kept an eye on the mustard.  Once a painting starts forming in my mind, it doesn't matter what else I'm working on, I am already painting in my mind.  By the time I got to the panel, the paint flowed from my brush.  So much of the feeling of a place pours right into the painting en plein air.  What a gorgeous day to paint.  Painting number 2654 in 2654 days.

Delta Pansies

The gorgeous weather drew me outside early.  Intending to share a cup of tea with the wildlife, I moved right on to gardening!  Days like this are a gift, so I took full advantage!  Between the various yard chores, I took time for a quick sketch before planting these beauties.  I had my eye on them all morning, and it is so hard to stop working to paint!  I stayed out until dark - so now I'm taking my photo inside!  Can't wait to see how these birthday pansies grow!  Painting number 2650 in 2650 days.

Milk Barn Forsythia

Though I love my oils for this landscape, I thought I'd just try my ink and watercolors today for this favorite scene.  Of course, The ink is very natural as I sketch out the lines first.  As I add the watercolor, I like the amount of light that comes through those translucent colors.  That is the real benefit of watercolor.  I can allow as much light to shine through as I want.  Another benefit?  This media is so fast to execute - I can get right back to my chores without missing a beat!  Painting number  2649 in 2649 days.

Peace on the Winding Creek

What a difference a day makes!  From 70s to the 30s - we now rain freezing on the trees!  The cold and rainy day has me longing for yesterday, but at least the atmosphere is saturating those colors.  That is always the silver lining of a dark, rainy day!  I love how the new spring grass pops against those old fall leaves, adding so much interest to the landscape.  Spring is still here, though it sure feels like winter today!  Painting number 2649 in 2649 days.

Forsythia by the Corral

I can remember climbing over the rails of this corral when I was little.  My brother and I would wait for the cows to move to the back pasture, then run out to play here!  The cows are no longer here, but I've planted forsythia and lilies around this area.  I just knew these scenes would be perfect for painting one day!  Painting number 2648 in 2648 days.

West Light on the Milk Barn

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Oh my, how I love to paint this place!  I planted the forsythia years ago, looking forward to painting it one day.  I found another plant on the  opposite corner - but it was only emerging from the ground.  Could deer have totally mowed it down?  The light out here was amazing - golden hour, and it had to be painted!  I'm normally too busy this time of day, but made it happen.  Dinner is overrated anyway.  Painting number 2647 in 2647 days.

Getting Acquainted

This sweet lab is such an affectionate boy!  He thinks he's a lap dog, but at 110 pounds, he can absolutely squish me!  My painting companion in the field, he is always very near.  Whether I am gardening or painting, he sticks to me like glue.  Very accident prone, he has lived through some harrowing experiences!  Like a cat - he certainly must have 9 lives!  Painting number 2643 in 2643 days.  This painting is now showing at the Buttonwood Art Space - though I'm pretty sure it is closed due to the "stay at home" order. Stay safe and healthy out there, my friends!

Tarpon Avenue and S. Safford View

I could certainly get used to painting in shorts and sandals in February!!  For my very first day landing on the streets of Tarpon Springs, I wanted to paint the whole scene from Safford, looking down Tarpon Avenue.  This beautiful vintage town on the gulf coast of Florida is beautiful in every direction!  How on earth will I decide what to paint next?!  Painting number 2608 in 2608 days.

Osage Orange

I'm using a fountain pen that has been hiding in one of my little used bags, and this pen was loaded with a mix of Cocoa Brown and Raven Black - both by Levenger.  I had forgotten I had done this in my quest for the perfect brown black ink!  Haha!  Well, it has a lovely color to it when wet, perfect for this winter landscape.  This is a miniature painting at only 3 inches square - and a perfect way to capture this old hedge apple tree down by the pond.  Painting number 2590 in 2590 days.

Cedar by the Road

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It is so fun to experiment with new art supplies!!  Love the feel of a new fountain pen in my hand, especially one as smooth as this one!  Trying to match the ink to the pen, I have loaded it with Robert Oster's Thunderstorm ink.  It does magical things  when water is added, bleeding to violet and turquoise.  Considered a blue black, it is the first one of this shade that I have tried.  I really like it.  I am definitely going to take a closer look at the other inks offered by Robert Oster.  They are stunning for artwork.  Painting number 2587 in 2587 days.

Row of Trees

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I'm so excited to get new inks and fountain pens in!!  With just a little light left, I loaded my pens with ink and headed outside!  Here, I am trying Robert Oster's Schwarz Rose ink in a TWSBI Eco T.  Love the pen, of course - it is a TWSBI, and I've never met a TWSBI I didn't like - even the simplest, cheapest TWSBI Go!  The ink is delightful!  With a little water from my water brushpen, those lovely turquoise and rose hues appear!  AND, this ink has a wonderful sparkle dust that leaves the tiniest hint of glimmer in those marks.  I like the flow and spread of the ink, and the fact that it looks truly black until I add a little water.  It is very fluid when sweeping across with water while it is wet.  I imagine that once dry, it will not move so well if at all.  Can't wait to try the other Robert Oster ink that arrived!  Painting number 2586 in 2586 days.

Hedgerow

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This ink is one that I blended with Levenger's Cocoa brown and Raven black ink in one of my fountain pens.  It has a rich warm black color until I add a little water, when it then shows it's brown side.  When I first used it, I thought I would run it out, and then fill with another ink.  But, now I kind of like the way it behaves in water, showing a more chromatic look of it's color.  Love playing with these inks in the landscape!!  Although, I do wish I had enough time to take my oils out in this winter beauty!  I am missing them!!  I hope to get back to them soon!!  Painting number 2585 in 2585 days.

Grand Cedar

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Playing with pen and ink again in this glorious winter wonderland!  I am using Colorverse Black Hole ink on this small 3x3 handmade paper.  The texture is rather fine, but the 100% cotton rag offers a good surface for this ink.  It spreads freely with a little water - and nothing is drying on this day!  I couldn't even put it away to hike back - it was too wet!  Painting number 2584 in 2584 days.

Cedars by the Pond

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Beauty is all around us, even in winter.  Today I find that beauty down by the pond, while the snow blows.  Trying something new, I have wet my paper and while wet, drawn on my lines in ink - which I have again drawn the branches without looking at my paper.  I am using Colorverse Black Hole ink in my fountain pen, and it spreads and separates on the wet paper.  So much pink and purple can be seen in this seemingly black ink.  I didn't like it at first, but I now think it is well suited for these dark winter days.  I will be playing more with this technique, to see just what the ink can do.  Painting number 2581 in 2581 days.

Della Robbia Wreath

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Adorned with natural fruits, berries, leaves, nuts and greenery, Della Robbia wreaths are inspired by the family in Florence, Italy.  Colonial Williamsburg has many doors donned with these wreaths during the holidays.  Shining with nature's bounty, they are a perfect compliment to this Thanksgiving week!  Painting number 2522 in 2522 days. 

Field of Dreams

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I just realized I did not post this pre-sketch for my oil painting at the Field of Dreams in Iowa, during the Bluff Strokes event.  In fact, this was still on my clipboard in my sketch bag when I arrived in Ohio!  And, that was the place where I forgot to take photos of my work on site.  It is really a shame because this place is so beautiful!  I hope to have the opportunity to do it again sometime!  Painting number 2519 in 2519 days.