Historic Bentel House

on location

Historic Bentel House
Oil on canvas panel, 9x12
New Harmony, Indiana - purchase here

Built between 1814 and 1825, these Harmony Society buildings dot the streets of New Harmony, Indiana.  A beautiful dogwood was putting on a show at the George Bentel House, and drew me right in.  The way the white petals caught the light against the brick was a bit of a challenge to capture, but it was also what most attracted me to this house, so I had to forge ahead until I had accurately portrayed the feeling this place gave me.  The town's people are all so friendly, it is such a welcoming place to stand on the street corners and paint!  It seems like everyone drives golf carts instead of cars - and they all come by to see what you're up to, and visit a bit. This place is unlike any other that I have painted, and it is such a pleasure to have hit the peak of spring bloom here!  Painting number 844 in 844 days.

Elizabeth's Tulips

Elizabeth's Tulips
Oil on canvas panel, 10x8
New Harmony Quick Paint - purchase here

This was painted during the hour and 15 minute quick paint at the New Harmony plein air event, First Brush of Spring.  With such a short time limit, I decided to take the pressure off and paint something fun - tulips!  The bold red blooms were very large, and some were full blown in the bed.  I tuned out the whole event while I painted, oblivious to what was going on around me - just me and those tulips, the light and the shadow.  When I did look up, people were already framing and heading to check-in, so I popped this in a frame to stand in line with the rest.  Painting number 842 in 842 days. This is the shortest quick paint I have ever participated in - 75 minutes long!

on location

Craggy Trees at the Wabash

Craggy Trees at the Wabash
Oil on canvas panel, 14x11
First Brush of Spring plein air - purchase here

This is the final painting of the three day painting event, First Brush of Spring in New Harmony, Indiana.  The sun was approaching sunset, and with no time to spare it was a quick paint to capture all the light and shadows before they were gone.  Working so quickly, there was little thought to the process, just feeling the quality of the light with my brush.  Pulling quick shadows, I then moved to the high water, paying careful attention to the bright light bouncing off it's surface.  This light is what drew me to this composition - so it was important to get this right.  I finished just as we were to meet at the Ribeyre for a cookout and s'mores!  Painting number 841 in 841 days.

on location

Red Buds in the Peony Garden

Red Buds in the Peony Garden
Oil on canvas panel, 12x9
First Brush of Spring plein air - purchase here

These lovely redbuds were bursting with color on the south side of town in the peony garden. The beds are full of buds, but alas, no peonies yet.  The first painting of the second day at the "First Brush of Spring", the fog was still looming.  A beautiful morning, this painting was a joy to paint.  I have used my new brushes exclusively - which tells you just how much I love them!  I have never felt this way before about a brush - but these little wonders are amazing to paint with.  Thank you to my artist friend, Norma, for making sure I had the rest of them before I left town!  Painting number 840 in 840 days.

on location

Red Roofed Barn

Red Roofed barn
Oil on canvas, 14x11 - First Blush of Spring
purchase here

This fabulous barn in located right next to the park in New Harmony, Indiana.  Heading south out of town to our log cabin in the state park, this scene grabbed my attention as a "must paint".  The day was foggy, and as it lifted we were then "sprinkled on" with a light rain.  I hurried to get oil on the entire canvas, because if it gets wet first. the oils will slide right off.  I tilted my canvas to point downwards a little, until this was achieved.  I then was able to finish normally.  By the time I was done, the sun was out and things were heating up as the temperature climbed to 81 degrees!  I am having so much fun painting in this brand new location!  Painting number 839 in 839 days.

painting on easel - almost done

on location

Profusion of Crabapples

Profusion of Crabapples
Oil on canvas panel, 14x11
Fist Brush of Spring - sold

The first day of the New Harmony Plein air found me in front of the Roofless Church just off of Main Street.  There must have been a dozen of these glorious blooming trees in pink, white and dark pink. It was the very first gorgeous sight I saw when driving into town - and it is where I returned to paint.  I did something today I have never done - I left all of my painting substrates at home!!!  The new puppy kept jumping on my bag, pulling them down, and I was afraid he would start chewing on the birch.  I pushed them out of his reach, and out of my sight. Thankfully, my dear artist friend, Michele had purchased 6 panels to stamp for us, since we couldn't be there by 9:00.  So, that is what I will be painting on this week! Painting number 838 in 838 days.