Beautiful Sky over Montelle

I love celebrating a beautiful sky with a painting!  There is so much beauty, but I'm running out of panels!  Oils have been on my easel as of late, the juicy skyscapes dictate the medium.  I cleaned my palette (sort of) and loaded my paints in preparation for Augusta.  I even cleaved out my pochade, cleaning abs discarding a few brushes.  I wear them down to nubs before I toss them! I'd like to ship over the housekeeping things, but I am happier in the field when all my tools are fresh and ready.  I'm really looking forward to this upcoming concentrated painting time in the field.  It's been a long time since I've been able to truly immerse myself.  Painting number 5019 in 5019 days. 

 

Morning at Montelle

It is a pleasure to paint such a beautiful vista, from the overlook at Montelle Winery, lined up with many of my artists friends.  We were welcomed with breakfast and sunshine - so the painting practically painted itself!  This place is stunning in all directions, and I'm so happy this painting has a new home, too.  Painting number 3765 in 3765 days. 

View From Montelle

Oh what a glorious morning for painting at Montelle Winery!  After painting the vista in oil, I put my oil gear back in the car and started with ink.  Each piece of these handmade papers have a different feel, and the sizing is always different.  This paper was particularly crisp feeling, as if the sizing were heavier than normal.  For ink, this is not a problem, I just adjust how I lay the lines.  When floating on a little water, the ink moves readily, and I add a little more ink where needed.  This view has really opened up since the new owners bought this place.  Love seeing houses and ponds I've never seen before!  Painting number 3033 in 3033 days. 
 

Morning at Montelle

 What an amazing morning to paint at Montelle!  I arrived, intending to sketch in ink first.  When I saw this view and the stunning light, I knew I'd have to switch media!  It was fun to visit with everyone while painting enjoying the beautiful sunshine, cool breezes and this view!  So happy this painting has a new home! Painting number 3033 in 3033.

Mid-day at Montelle Winery

Mid-day at Montelle Winery
Oil on panel, 11x14

For the first time in all these years, we had a beautiful day for painting at Montelle!  In the past, I have braved through, hail, sleet, driving rain, freezing cold, gale force wind - and any combination of the above!  This year, temps were warm, winds were light, and it was a joy to paint on the sprawling deck of Montelle Winery.  This place is known for their fabulous view of the rolling hills - and I have painted it through the very tall trees.  Having painted the full scene before, the trees grabbed my attention, leaving the landscape as the backdrop.  Upon finishing, I enjoyed a wonderful glass of Seval!  Montelle Winery was so gracious to host a social afterward, they really do spoil us up here!  I think this is how life is meant to be lived every, single day.  Painting number 1209 in 1209 days.

Redbuds in the Woods

Redbuds in the Woods
Oil on panel, 6x6
Augusta Plein Air Festival

This is my second painting from the Montelle Winery paint-out, where I walked 1/3 of the way down the hill before setting up for a  45 minute painting.  The light coming through the woods cast a warm glow on the ground and illuminated the redbuds.  I used a lot of quick strokes, just trying to get the whole painting mapped in before the time limit.  Therefore, everything about this painting is loose and impressionistic.  Now, I am heading to Michaela's awards banquet for TSA and Michael's baseball game - so I have to go!  Painting number 512 in as many days :)

Montelle Magic

Montelle Magic
Oil on panel, 16x12
Montelle Winery Paint Out

After 8 years of participating in the Augusta Plein Air Festival, we finally had beautiful weather for the Montelle Winery Paint Out!  We have endured, heavy rain, storms, hail, freezing cold temps through the years, but now, I have been able to paint from the terrace overlooking the amazing hills of Augusta.  The landscape is breathtaking - simply meant for paint and panel.  This one is my 114th painting in 114 days.  I am so tired from all the festivities - I may just sleep clear through tomorrow!