Kansas City Zoo Entrance

I had planned to paint this entrance right after sketching it with ink and watercolor, from a distant hill.  As I finished that first sketch, the backlight became very strong, darkening all details in the foreground.  So, I went in and painted animals!  The next morning, the light was not inspiring, so after scouting several angles, I went in again to paint the animals.  Checking the light a couple of times during the day, I was still uninspired.  Finally, as I decided I might be done for the day, I walked out to see the light on the face of the buildings.  Now this was something I could paint!  So, I set up my oils and captured this in paint, before packing up for the day.  Painting number 2416 in 2416 days.

Elephants at the Zoo

Spending time in nature, with these amazing large elephants, has been such a wonderful experience.  As a painter, I'm set up for a longer period of time, really studying the animals.  Studying them with ink and watercolor as they move back and forth has been surreal. I can't wait to paint them in oils, now that I'm familiar with them!  Painting number 2415 in 2415 days.

Flamingos in the Zoo

I spotted these beauties yesterday afternoon from the tram - and added them to my list of "must paints".  The best part of plein air is getting to spend time in nature with your subject!  These graceful, delicate birds made delightful noises as they chattered, and were constantly herded out of the water by the black necked swans.  As they walked up the hill a new boss met them - a large stork, who bullied them up to the fence, and then went back to primping and preening.  These birds all have so much personality!   I'm having so much fun painting at the zoo!  Painting number 2414 in 2414 days.