Pole Barn in the Snow

Many years ago, when this pole barn was shiny and new, I did not like it's modern footprint on this old historic farm. Now that it has begun to weather and the landscape is weaving itself around it - it is a worthy subject for painting!  The almost blizzard like winds have subsided briefly, allowing me to get out there and get this painted.  Once used to shelter our Foxtrotter, Windsong, the cedar marks a water hole on top of this hill.  She was such a wonderful horse, we all enjoyed riding her when the kids were young.  Memories are everywhere as I paint, and the snow is beginning again.  So thankful for my time in this landscape, it truly is renewing.  I can't wait to see the winter wonderland the morning light reveals! Painting number 2928 in 2928 days. 

Pond at Loose Park

I have not been in a city park for quite a while - and the hum of city life was disconcerting!  I've spent so much time in the peaceful rural wilderness, that the noise here seems almost deafening.  I did not even take videos here because there was so much background noise - lol.  Just another side effect of life during a pandemic.  It was fun visiting with people as they walked by, I even ran out of business cards.  I really am rusty in public settings when I don't have my easel stocked!  The mocking sounds of the ducks were so much company as they quacked at dogs and fought over bread.  Tomorrow, I am hoping to have snow to paint, back in my own little corner of the world!  Painting number 2927 in 2927 days. 

Missouri Creek

I love my time spent by the creek with pen and ink.  Only a few birds scatter as I approach, and there is no babbling of water in this bend.  It's really very quiet and peaceful, the light breeze rustling oak leaves overhead.  The snow and ice are gone, but even these colors are lovely, convincing me to return with my oils to see what I can create.  My baby has gone back to college, and I already miss him.  Had it not been for covid, we would have just returned home from Arizona.  I'll have to wait until next year to paint the beautiful hues of that place.  Painting number 2925 in 2925 days and Day 12 of the #stradaeasel challenge. 

South Side of Milk Barn

Today finds me painting the south side of the old milk barn, and loving every minute of it.  This place is full of family memories, and just standing in this spot ties me to those who have gone before me.  There is something so comforting in that, even as the memories cloud my vision.  It is my honor and privilege to bring life to this winter landscape with my paints.  I love this place.  Painting number 2918 in 2918 days. 

Snow Covered Bend in Trail

It is magical and wonderful what a blanket of snow does to this winding trail.  A daily source of inspiration, I often walk this with my trusty companion, stopping to paint when something new strikes me.  Each shift of light or foliage creates new compositions - and reversing my route always brings new paintings to mind.  The peaceful quiet of the snow covered landscape is a gift, and painting in such surroundings is renewing.  I'm so fortunate to be able to do this every day.  Painting number 2917 in 2917 days. 

Snow at Milk Barn

gifted

Oh my!  Another gorgeous day of painting in the snow!  Grabbing another old painting to "recycle", this winter scene WAS a sunset vineyard!  Lol!  This milk barn is a favorite subject of mine in all seasons, but especially in the snow.  I'm so lucky this snow remains pristine, so often it warms too quickly, melting the beauty away.  I love the rustic lines, though I think I'll do a little repair on that corral fence in the spring.  I just realized that I did not post this yesterday, interrupted by a phone call. It doesn't take much to get me off track!  Painting number 2916 in 2916 days. 

Cedar Path

I could hardly wait for the snow to arrive - and what a treat awaited me in the morning!  A winter wonderland at my door and the snow was calling.  My heat holder socks, a single layer of clothing and my down coat warm to -7 degrees was all I needed to stay warm.  With ice under snow, I normally would have stood on a yoga mat, but I left it in my trunk so did without.  Had I started to feel the cold, I would have gone back for it.  I'm painting with my 5x7 thumb box pochade - which is perfect for the weather.  I can finish one before I really feel the cold.  It looks like cold temps are expected all week - I sure hope this gorgeous snow remains!  Painting number 2915 in 2915 days, and this makes 8 years of daily painting!  ❤🎨

Home on the Hill

purchase here

What a treat to find my newest watercolor paints on the front porch when I arrived home!  This Woodlands collection from Prima Watercolor Confections is well suited for the winter landscape.  After unwrapping each pan of watercolor and popping them into the metal palette, I am ready to paint!  With a strong wind on this January day in the 50s, I settle into a rather protected area at the edge of the pasture. Using a completely new palette is always a challenge.  My go to colors are not there, I must mix and play and I find the shades I want to lay down.  A couple of stand outs here - #87 Cavern and #91 Bear. #95 Redwood is pretty nice, too.  Can't wait to try the 5 other ones yet to unwrap! Painting number 2569 in 2569 days.

Cleveland Trail

purchase here

Oh how I love these warm January days!!  Each one is a gift that I simply must take full advantage of!  So today, I set out for a run along a favorite winding creek hoping to find irresistible views!  Running first, I take mental notes along the trail of where I'll stop on my second lap around.  The blues are so rich in the landscape, I do wish I'd brought my watercolor.  Alas, I have only pen, paper and water brush pen in the deep pocket of my running jacket.  It does feel good to get back to the ink!  Painting number 2565 in 2565 days and Day 5 of the #stradaeasel challenge.