Trail at the Park

I love returning to a childhood haunt, and painting the walking trails of Shawnee Mission Park!  This park has grown so much in my lifetime - and the trails are everywhere!  This path is not far from shelter #11, by the still waters of a fishing cove, off the main lake.  So serene and peaceful, it was a joy to gather with artist friends and express ourselves!  Painting number 4260 in 4260 days. 

Shawnee Mission Lake

With much work on my plate, the thought of a two hour "oil painting break" was too enticing to resist, so I headed out to Shawnee Mission Park as soon as I could get away to meet my watercolor friends.  In a place such as this, I always bring my oils, longing for the rich, buttery textures only they can provide.  I've never been in this part of the park, near Shelter #11, where the water was still and reflective.  A double kayak came by, as did a paddle boarder, as a couple fished from bridge and bank.  It was such a peaceful two hours, I left this place renewed, and ready to jump back into my gallery work! Painting number 4259 in 4259 days.  

Lakeside Impressions

Today found me along the bank of the lake at Shawnee Mission Park.  Drawn to the rounded masses of marsh grass, I began my composition looking towards the morning sun.  Marking my lights and darks, I worked toward the midtones as I described the scene with my paint.  The rocks under water in the foreground offered a place to pull the eye into the painting. I've painted rocks under water several times in the last couple weeks, with the warm summer gold of water this time of year.  I will have to return here to paint, there is so much more I could say with my brush!  Painting number 3082 in 3082 days. 

Redbuds on the Trail

As I drove in the back way to Shawnee Mission Park, I knew at once I would be painting redbuds!  They were absolutely popping all along the wooded grounds!  Unable to resist painting the redbuds, several artist friends were meeting on the Gary Haller trail across from shelter 8.  The trees offered a windbreak- it had dropped 10 degrees here from my house - and the sun kept me toasty warm.  It has been such a relief to have my energy back today!  Maybe I will actually get over that silly covid shot!  I blocked this one in quickly while the sun was on the scene, then discovered I didn't have the right color for those redbuds!  I opened a small tube of permanent crimson in my pochade - and it allowed me to mix to the right shade. Magenta would have been perfect, but this is the only time of year I need it, thus did not have it!  I'll correct that for Augusta!  Painting number 3022 in 3022 days.  And tomorrow I might be painting snow with those redbuds!!

Bridge to the Island

What a wonderful morning for plein air with fellow artists from MVIS!  The metal bridge to the island is reminiscent of Monet's bridge, and has been a local favorite for years.  I have happy childhood memories of coming here with my parents and brother, which makes this place extra special.  I'm using my oils for this lush landscape, and oh how I love that creamy texture!  I don't realize how much I miss them when I'm working with different mediums... until I return to them!  Painting number 2747 in 2747 days. 

Island in the Lake

It has been years since I've been to Shawnee Mission Park - and it has really changed!  I hardly recognized the place with the new buildings and entrance.  Today was the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society paint out, and we met at Shelter 2.  Of course we distanced socially, and it was still fun getting to visit with a few artist friends!  With strong breezes, I could hardly feel the heat as I worked.  I think all my hard yard work in the heat has conditioned me!  I walked right to this spot and started painting, sketching out my composition with a brush.  I should have topped off my palette, as I was low on some paint.  I'll remember before I next grab that palette.  I never have to worry about that when I'm painting at my own place most of the time!  Painting number 2746 in 2746 days.