Barn at Vineyard Hill

After a sunrise quick paint in the charming town of Washington, Teddy and I hustled back to Augusta to meet for the workshop caravan.  We spent a lovely day at Vineyard Hill learning to improve our mad art skills!  From creeks,  hilltops, vineyards,  barns to rolling hills,  this venue has it all!  I chose this scene because it has so many different opportunities to work on, and when I'm in a workshop - I want to kick the challenge up a notch!  I like what's going on here.... let's see if I can improve my daily work as well!  Painting number 1565 in 1565 days?!  Who can possibly keep track when I am doing so much painting?

Among the Persimmons

Among the Persimmons
Oil on wood panel, 12x9
Vineyard Hill, Augusta, Missouri - purchase here

Vineyard Hill is a wonderful place to paint - with a rambling creek, lake, high hill and vineyards and barns to paint!  It is a painter's paradise with so many choices, and the hosts are second to none! We were treated to bakery goodies upon arriving, and later, a large pot of chili for lunch! An artist can really get spoiled around here - it truly ruins us for ALL other plein air events!  With so many friendly people, why would I ever paint anywhere else?  So many wonderful memories!  This is painting number 895 in 895 days.

Winding Creek

Winding Creek
Oil on wood panel, 11x14
Vineyard Hill - Augusta Plein Air Art Event
purchase here

This AMAZING spot was certainly off the beaten path.  I was again in search of water - so I hiked into the woods to see if I could get a good vantage of the creek with the sky reflecting into it.  Hopping some big old logs and dodging poison ivy, I was able to set up near the edge of the 20 foot drop on this creek bank.  What a view!  I love seeking out these beautiful locations, thinking no other artist may have been here - and just maybe I am the only one to capture this beauty in oils!  Bird song and the trickling of water were my companions for this paint - and the bumblebees that kept heading into the bank below me.  It feels like time spent with an old friend when I am surrounded by such beauty.  I may just head out after another creek today!  Painting number 852 in 852 days.

on location

The Creek at Vineyard Hill

The Creek at Vineyard Hill
Oil on panel, 8x10
Vineyard Hill Paint Out

On location for this painting

This beautiful creek winds gently beside the drive into Vineyard Hill.  This is my second painting from this paint out, and the temperature had warmed considerably from the freezing cold and snow of the morning.  Peaceful and quiet, this was the perfect way to end the day, before heading up to Blumenhof Winery.  The Virants were so gracious and friendly, it was simply a wonderful painting experience.  With the lake, creek, woods, barns, and the amazing high lookout point from which to paint - it was just a heaven for us artists!  We did go a bit too far on the high road up past the look-out.  Teddy was driving, and I had to move one fallen tree from the path.  We came upon another - and it looked like we would not clear it in her SUV.  The road was so tight and winding, that I had to get out in the rain to guide her as she backed up until she hit a spot where she could turn around.  Just another wonderful plein air adventure!  Painting number 115 in 115 days.