South St and Main

SOLD

This sweet scene in West Salem called to me first thing. Setting up at the park, I pulled out my oils. It had been raining into the morning, and it still looked like rain.  The first building is now a sweet little ice cream shop opened up by one of the nicest people I know.  The next building is the town's library, and then a few vintage homes complete the scene.  This was a lovely place to paint, and I'm happy this painting has a new home, too.  Painting number 5017 in 5017 days. 

Wet Streets in West Salem

 

I'm so honored this painting was chosen for the Best of West Salem Award!  As I was scouting trug town, I could see two compositions of buildings with the water tower that I liked.  Then, I drove to find a place that I could park with exactly those buildings lined up, since it was already raining!  I needed to be close to my car in case it started pouring, which it did.  I had multiple mishaps with this painting, including dropping my phone in my palette while trying to get this photo, hitting a pothole full of water, and finding that suddenly my windshield wiper is coming loose in the heaviest rain - but all is well that ends well. My artistic journey does cross bumpy roads from time to time, and I only appreciate the perfect days more. This painting is number 4647 in 4647 days and I'm happy this painting has a new home tonight, too!  

West Salem Square

 

I am so honored this painting was awarded the Best of West Salem award at the Edwards County Paint Out!  This is a wonderful area to paint, full of good people! My host family took me on a 4 wheeler ride to their 40 acres and surrounding area, and it was so fun.  It's lovely to see the area as only the locals know how to see if, and a great way to start the day.  I'm so lucky to have stayed with them for 3 years running, now.  Painting number 5172 in 5172 days. 

Wooden Bridge

I just found out that this painting of an old train trestle in Salem, Illinois won "Best Representation of West Salem" at the Edward's County Paint Out!  It is such a nice surprise to find happy news in my email in box!  With covid changing all events since March, this event is held without the artists in person this year.  I sure miss getting to visit with everyone from the area and painting with fellow artists, but I'm very happy to still be participating in a socially distanced way!  Thank you to Albion for hosting this event!  Painting number 2826 in 2826 days