Paxico Vineyard - Prairie Fire Winery

I did not believe there were vineyards in the Flint Hills until I saw them!  What a beautiful place to paint and enjoy a glass of wine!  Painting number 2439 in 2439 days.

Bee and Black Eyed Susans

These sunny yellow blooms may just be my favorite to pop up in pasture and prairie!  Their cheerful faces are a welcome sight, and their bloom time is amazing.  These sturdy flowers last forever in a vase, too!  I use both India and Levenger Raven Black ink to sketch the lines.  Laying in the masses with my Watercolor Confections, I return with a little ink where needed.  Sometimes I forget to get that photo in the field, and I'm liable to forget lots of things in the days leading up to Michaela's wedding! Painting number 2426 in 2426 days.

Heavy with Grapes

On this very hot day in the Flint Hills, I was fortunate to have a pop up tent, graciously provided for me by the owner of the winery.  I had planned to set up in the shade for the day's festivities, but this view of the vineyards was only gained from the full sun!  This vine was heavy with white grapes - so fun to paint!  Painting number 2398 in 2398 days.

Vineyard in the Flint Hills

This is the first time I've painted a vineyard with the Flint Hills in the background!  It was 97 degrees with a heat index of 106 - very toasty indeed!  Bob and his Prairie Fire Winery were wonderful hosts - even delivering sangria to us artists!  His pop up tent was a lifesaver for me today - and allowed me to paint in the vineyard with this amazing view!  Painting number 2374 in 2374 days.

A Distant Rain

I love the misty atmosphere that envelops the landscape with an approaching rain.  Up on a hill like this, I can watch that rain for miles as it moves across the prairie.  Every sky is different, and each cloud holds it's own color.  The heaviness is part of that local color, as is the reflected light bouncing up from the ground. This sky has layers of clouds - and even a lovely warm blue behind the cloud show.  Clouds are challenging, ever changing, and the struggle is to capture their color before they are gone.  I think I could paint the sky every day of my life.  Painting number 2036 in 2036 days.

Along the Walking Path

The walking path at Prairie Fire Winery leads one up past the vineyard to the peak of the hill.  Winding to the east offers a bird's eye view over I 70, and turning to the west winds through the prairie grasses around the another hill.  So peaceful is this walk, only bees and meadow larks accompany me.  I've grown so used to the dense and lush foliage of Missouri, I forget how truly wide open these spaces are.  In fact, there are few trees, mostly skirting houses or outbuildings.  The prairie has a beauty all it's own, and I'm so happy to have a small part in capturing it for others.  Painting number 2026 in 2026 days. 

Prairie Fire Vineyard with House

I loved the vintage charm of this brick building, especially when viewed from up in the vineyard.  Standing in the full sun with my ink pens and water brushpens in my pocket, I started to sketch.  As I worked, hikers along the trail to the hilltop visited with me.  Serenaded by meadow larks with the prairie behind me, I composed my lines and added a little water.  The wide open vista beyond makes one feel very small in this vast space.  Who knew I would love these wide, open spaces?  Painting number 1983 in 1983 days.

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Prairie Fire Vineyard

My very first time in Paxico, Kansas, and I am soaking in my surroundings at the Prairie Fire Winery!  The sweeping views of the Flint Hills are breathtaking, and easily accessible from the walking trail through the prairie.  After scouting the trails through the vineyard, I landed here in a little piece of shade (thanks Susan!) to draw these lush vines while catching up. This was only the first of 5 paintings today, and the 1980th painting in 1980 days.  Can't wait to return for another glass of sangria!

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