Cox Ford Covered Bridge

What an amazing morning spent at Cox Ford Covered Bridge, standing on the bank of Sugar Creek with the gentle lapping of water along the shore.  The sand was wet as I hiked along waters edge for the best vantage, but I did not sink in. The wild sunflowers to my left were gorgeous - but too thick and tall to wade into, so I added just a glimpse of them from the side.  We met tourists from Minnesota and Illinois on that bank  - and saw others in kayaks that we met at another bridge yesterday!  It's a small world here among the covered bridges!  I'm having so much fun exploring these nostalgic icons in paint!  Painting number 3164 in 3164 days.

Covered Bridge at Sugar Creek

For the second day in a row, it has been warm enough to run North Coast Inland Trail!  Oh, how I miss running when the weather is too severe!  One of my favorite trails runs right past Sugar Creek and this wonderful old covered bridge.  The best part of this time of year?  The foliage is down and I can really see the turn of that creek as it winds into the background!  Painting number 2224 in 2224 days.

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Sugar Creek Bridge

Whether biking or running, I thoroughly enjoy spending time on the North Coast Inland Trail.  Nothing melts away the stress like a hard run for me, and oh how I've needed it.  I have found that I can take a couple of tiny papers, fountain pen, and tiny palette in my running arm band that holds my phone.  So, when I see a view I can't resist, I can pause for a quick painting, and then sprint for a distance to make up for the stop.  The autumn color just made this covered bridge irresistible.  Painting number 2115 in 2115 days.

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Sugar Creek in Ink

Sugar Creek is one of my favorite wineries to paint.  The vineyards spread over the rolling hills,  and this one is near the overlook of the river bottom land.  I love coming here for the vineyard scenes,  and this trip is my first to draw them in pen and ink!  The composition seems to roll off the nib, like an extension of my thoughts. With a little water applied,  the drawing takes on life, and the ink moves freely.  This handmade paper is awesome!  Will I ever want to draw on anything else?  This drawing makes 1574 in 1574 days :)

Sugar Creek Vineyard

Sugar Creek Vineyard
Oil on panel, 12x6

In September, I had the sheer pleasure of attending the Winemaker's Social at the Sugar Creek Winery in Augusta, Missouri.  We took this path to the top of the hill to an amazing view of the surrounding vineyards.  The clouds opened up, with a gorgeous sunset bathing the hill with an orange glow just in time for the opening toasts.  The pairings of each individual winery's appetizers with select wines were unbelievably delicious!  After this, we were taken down to a magnificent dinner, complete with several other wine selections with the different courses.  It was a chilly night, and as we took our seats and warmed blankets were brought to us - to lay over our laps!  The tables were beautifully set, reminding me of an upscale wedding reception.  The food just could not have been any better and the crowning jewel - Bananas Foster!  I loved being able to taste all the different wines paired perfectly food.  This was truly a treat - one I will never forget.  If this is to be a part of their Harvest Festival next year, I hope to again attend and highly recommend it to anyone who savors wine!  I painted this from the cell phones pictures I took on that night, and it sure does bring back delicious memories!  This is my 59th painting in 59 days!