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. 

Ist and Van Buren

I love the vintage charm of historic Keosauqua, Iowa.  There are so many lovely old buildings, I hardly know where to paint!  Choosing to look down 1st street, I sketched in ink and then filled in with watercolor.  The weather has been absolutely perfect - making the whole experience wonderful.  Come see all my work today at Hotel Manning in Keosauqua, from 1:00 to 3:00 for the wet paint sale.  Painting number 3791 in 3791 days. 

Evening Barn on the Water

This morning's 'nocturne surprise' was a good one!  One never knows what will come out of the trunk after painting in the dark!  I just couldn't resist those reflections on the water!  I had hardly set up on the back side of the pond when bugs invaded my space!  Gnats were everywhere to welcome me - so I grabbed my pochade quickly and jumped in my car.  I had to get out twice to get the gear I needed, each time letting in bugs.  With my pochade on my lap, I painted as fast as I could before my light was gone, using only one easel light on low.  With the scene so dark, I couldn't have the car on, and didn't want to draw even more bugs, lol. Another buggy plein air adventure, but I'd do it again for a scene like this!  Painting number 3790 in 3790 days. 

In the Barn Yard

I LOVE painting the beautiful barns of Iowa, and this beauty is in Morris Park, Stockport, Iowa.  My first time here, it was fun to go inside the various old buildings, set up with historic interiors.  After a thorough look, I settled on this sweeping scene of a favorite barn style.  There were MANY gnats rising from the grounds - and I had to wrap my face with my insect shield to keep those bugs out of my ears, nose, and mouth - and they still got in my eyes!  I hear they are Buffalo gnats - and I could do without them!  I powered through, and the painting was worth it, but oh boy I need to find a deterrent!  Love the pastoral landscapes here!  Painting number 3789 in 3789 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. 

Living Water Farms

This was our second attempt to paint this place - and I'm so glad we found a good way in!  We attempted it from the south on Thursday, but the heavy rains caused rushing water over the road.  What a treat to drive in and find such a lovely place!  The dramatic angle of the architecture sweeping down the hill was irresistible!  Families played in the water, fished and picnicked all day on the grounds, visiting as they walked by.  I set up on this rather step hill, close to the lake, and loved every minute of my time here!  Painting number 4230 in 4230 days. 

Day in Bentonsport

I've never been to this part of Iowa, and I love finding this historic village nestled by the Des Moines River.  So charming, I started this one before the rain in a hurry to get the panel covered.  I could hear the rain start before I could see it hitting the other side of town.  I grabbed my gear and rain coat and dashed to the gazebo!  Making it before the downpour, I settled in to finish the masses.  About half way done, I worked on values and chroma until bringing it to a finish.  I shared this gazebo with another artist - Troy, who sang early Beatles songs that I did not know, trying to get me to sing harmony!  It was a lovely day spent by the River, with many Amish families in town for a picnic outing.  Painting number 4229 in 4229 days.