Main Street Charm Inked

When I first approached this home in the afternoon, I loved the angle and the way the trees spread their branches like a canopy.  Through that window the neighboring houses could be seen.  So, with this view I started drawing.  My daughter called while I was working, so I stepped into the car for hands free talking.... so I could continue to work!  I was right beside my car, so this was perfect!  Stepping out to finish, because I really don't even like glass between me and my subject, I wrapped up quickly.  Have I mentioned how much I love my TWSBI fountain pens?  They are the best! Painting number 2389 in 2389 days.

Vintage Charm

I love the character and charm of an historic old home.  This beautiful stone house was built in 1910, and the grandson of the original owner keeps this place pristine.  Flowers spill from the gardens, well loved by the lady of the house. It was a pleasure to paint a place so full of joy and life.  I'm so happy this painting won the Downing Purchase Award at Paint Parkville on Sunday.  Painting number 2389 in 2389 days.

FOPA'S Fabulous Finds

Heavy rain in the morning yielded to a rain free afternoon.  Upon arriving, I chose a view from the middle of the street, with absolutely no shelter in sight.  With more rain expected, I started my sketch in India ink - permanent in the event of rain.  Once I had my lines in, I decided to add watercolor to show those great pops of color.  I finished with my fountain pen, moving the ink a little with a brush.  Its nice to switch gears away from my oils and inks for a little break.  Tomorrow, I'll be painting in oils for the Water Garden Society Tour!  Painting number 2381 in 2381 days.

Mackay Hall

This very iconic building in Parkville is a favorite to draw and paint!  It stands high on a hill at Park University, looking over the historic downtown.  I walked up to higher ground to get this vantage without too much tree cover. As beautiful as the trees are, they cover so many of the details of this building from the road.  We've had some very hot days, so a place in the deep shade was a must!  Marking the edges lightly, I then start with the center section and work out from there. I adjust lines where necessary, it's all about relationships.  I think this one is finished, so time to go frame!  Painting number 2380 in 2380 days.

Vintage Charm

I painted on Main Street in Parkville all day, north of town in the historic neighborhoods.  I love how the sidewalk winds up to these homes, connecting them like a ribbon.  Each vintage home is full of turn of the century charm and character.  I sketched this one ink last night, and came back this afternoon to catch the light I wanted.  Afterward, as I was driving home, a tiny hitchhiking spider dropped down from my bangs  - just another plein air adventure.  I'm glad it wasn't a tick!  Painting number 2378 in 2378 days.

Main Street Charm

Just north of downtown Parkville, this is the neighborhood scene full of beautiful old homes and landscaped lawns.  With mature trees to shade me, this was a cool place to paint on a very hot day.  The last time I checked my phone, it was 92 degrees with a feels like temperature of 100!  Yikes!   As long as the wind softly blew, it was comfortable enough.  I had drawn this house from a completely different vantage, but as light changed, this view appealed to me for my oils.  All of these homes are historic, and full of character.  It is a pleasure to paint them!  Painting number 2378 in 2378 days.

Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel

After the Opening Reception at Cathy Kline's Art Gallery for Paint Parkville, I walked across the street to draw this beautiful chapel!  With amazing light and a low vantage, I began my drawing in ink.  With such complicated architecture, I found myself measuring out my lines with the long edge of my fountain pen.  Holding it out straight armed, and measuring all of the relationships, I finally got the line drawing finished.  I love these historic stone churches!  Painting number 2376 in 2376 days.