H.S. Clay House inked

This place has special memories for me and my family.  From artist brunches to bridal party weekend getaways, this place is a favorite destination in Augusta, Missouri.  So, it is my pleasure to sketch this beauty anew in pen and ink. The historic H.S. Clay House, a lovely Bed and Breakfast is in my easel, and pen and ink are my tools su jour. I'll be showing this on sale day at the Augusta Plein Air event next Saturday, if you'd like to see this one in person. Painting number 5021 in 5021 days. 

Redstone Inn

It's lovely to return to Dubuque, and stay in the historic Redstone Bed and Breakfast.  I have admired this historic place each time I've been in town painting during the Bluffstrokes plein air event, but have not painted it.  So, it is extra special to stay here overnight after celebrating my new wine labels at the L.May Eatery. This is a gorgeous mansion inside and out, and a delicious breakfast was just icing on the cake! Actually, it was icing on a really decadent cinnamon roll - served warm!  Painting number 3855 in 3855 days. 

HS Clay House

I loved showing my mom Augusta for the very first time - and staying here at this Bed and Breakfast was a special treat!  She missed our original bridal party outing here, so I wanted her to get to experience it, too.  We had a lovely time here in this beautiful, historic place, visiting in this garden. Going out before breakfast, the early light was so appealing, I just had to paint.  Choosing ink and watercolor, the sketch came together quickly.  I was able to drop in a little color to suggest those floral masses, leaving the areas loose and lively.  I finished early, but not early enough to do another, so Mom and I went in to breakfast.  It was delicious, and it was fun to visit with our proprietor over common interests.  Who knew she was collector of plein air paintings?!  So happy this painting will remain at the HS Clay House, and happy to have made a new friend in Augusta! Painting number 4254 in 4254 days. 

Going for a Drive

Going for a Drive
Oil on panel, 12x9
H.S. Clay House
Augusta Harvest Festival Plein Air

The weather could not have been any more perfect for a day of painting.  Settled down into old town Augusta, I set my easel up in the shade of a tree.  As the sun marched west, I had to keep scooting my easel over to keep in the shade.  Knowing I would have to do this beforehand, I got down all of the important parts that would certainly change with my moving view.  Once drawn and blocked in, I did not adjust, so it would remain true to the original vision.  I really enjoyed this day, and our lovely models were real troopers as the sun heated up!  So fun!  This is my 262nd painting in 262 days and Day 22 in the 30 Day Painting Challenge.