Downtown Bonaparte

I LOVE  painting the small town charm of Bonaparte, Iowa, just a stone's throw from the Des Moines River!  These river towns are full of vintage buildings, parks, and gardens.  It is refreshing to see a town respect it's history and retain the flavor of years gone by.  This artist appreciates the historic beauty I find down every street.  I'm happy this painting has a new home, too!  Painting number 3794 in 3794 days. 

Red Barn Reflections

 

It feels like stepping back in time to paint the vintage farms of rural Van Buren County, Iowa!  The barn and silo reflecting on that water was irresistible, and it was my first paint upon arriving at this place.  Battling the bugs to get it done - it was worth every minute of it!  Who knew it would only be the beginning of "bug week"?  Every day is a plein air adventure - and cougars and elk would be next up for wildlife sightings!  I love getting to paint these special places in the heartland! Thank you veterans, for the freedom to do so!  Happy Memorial Day!  Painting number 3793 in 3793 days. 

Rocket Slide!

After turning in my plein air work for judging, I still had a couple hours before awards.  Wanting to absorb the beautiful day along the Des Moines River, I took my sketch gear to the riverside park.  I used to play on a slide just like this with my brother, at the Belton Memorial Park when we were kids, visiting our grandparents.  I returned to the same park with our oldest three children, and they experienced the same childhood joy of climbing in a rocket!  That park has since been modernized, and the old slide, swings and merry- go-round are gone now.  As I sit and paint this place, I remember all those joyful times,  to the music of laughter and families making memories.  As I turned this painting in, it was purchased to hang in the Rocket Room of Hotel Manning, overlooking this very scene.  Painting number 3792 in 3792 days. 

Flags Flying on 1st Street

It was a rainy morning when I set up to paint. Looking for shelter, I tucked in close to the bank building, with a narrow awning to shelter me. I surprised the lady inside when she opened the blinds to see me right on the other side! I'm so glad I could catch the sun breaking free of a rainy day, creating a beautiful sky to paint in Keosauqua! Wet streets and a cool sky - what else could an artist ask for?  I'm happy this painting has a new home, too! Painting number 4234 in 4234 days.  ❤️

Silos in Farmington

I don't know what it is about these big silos along the tracks, but I LOVE finding and painting them!  When I first arrive in a small town, I look for these big guys, and they lead me to old train depots.  In fact, I was here to find the depot, but just couldn't resist painting this instead.  It was so peaceful here as I worked, enjoying the ambience of small town life.  I never did get to painting that depot, maybe next time I'm in this part of Iowa.  Painting number 4233 in 4233 days. 

Morning in the Greenhouse

This was our day to explore Farmington, and this sweet greenhouse was my first stop in town after taking a quick spin through the historic district. I am forever drawn to a greenhouse full of blooms, so when I was offered a spot inside to paint - I jumped on it! The flats full of geraniums sealed the deal!  It was a chilly morning, but I was cozy inside as I painted the morning light.  Thoroughly enjoying my time, the painting unfolded naturally, surrounded by such beauty.  The family running this place is so friendly and welcoming, it really was a joy to paint here.  The icing on the cake is that this painting now has a home here!  Painting number 4233 in 4233 days. 

Rocket Slide

What fun to find a rocket slide - so like one from my childhood - in Keosauqua, Iowa!  Several of us slid down this beauty the evening before, so of course I had to paint it!  This park is located in front of the historic Hotel Manning (pictured in the background on the left) along the Des Moines River.  A cool breeze wafted up from the water as I worked, and children played nearby.  There was even Misty's Ice Cream shop behind me on the corner!  This charming place is a joy to paint - and I'm happy I have finally made it to Van Buren County to paint!  Painting number 4231 in 4231 days, and this painting has a new home tonight!