HaHa Tonka Sunset

 

Love painting historic Ha Ha Tonka at sunset - especially in oils.  The rich, buttery oils describe the rocky bluff and textured trees so quickly on the panel.  I had to gain my vantage from a perch along the edge to get this dramatic view.  It seems to reflect the historic past of this beautiful place so well.  See this painting and more in person at Lake Fine Art Galleria on Bagnell Dam Boulevard. Painting number 3869 in 3869 days. 

Morning at Montelle

 What an amazing morning to paint at Montelle!  I arrived, intending to sketch in ink first.  When I saw this view and the stunning light, I knew I'd have to switch media!  It was fun to visit with everyone while painting enjoying the beautiful sunshine, cool breezes and this view!  So happy this painting has a new home! Painting number 3033 in 3033.

Crossing the Mississippi in Dubuque

I found this bluff top view strictly by accident while looking over another house for a commission.  When I came around the curve and saw this - of course I had to stop for a quick watercolor!  I was on my way out of town, so this ink and watercolor has not been seen.  I will definitely return to this spot next year to paint this beauty in oil!  Painting number 2651 in 2651 days.

Abandoned Ranch

I love these old, abandoned homesteads.  Each one tells a story of the family who built it, loved and lived here, and the how such a beautiful place could come to ruin.  This ranch is on the side of the mountain, with the ground rising sharply behind it.  A row of aspens trails up the mountain, and ends just above the buildings.  No other trees are here, and this northern part of Colorado is so desert like. Even the rock formation in the background is right out of an old western.  Such a cool place, I only had time for a quick paint.  Next time in Colorado, I am definitely going to make more painting time!  Painting number 1671 in 1671 days.

Waterfall at Mill Creek

Waterfall at Mill Creek
Vivelor Gallery, Independence, MO
purchase here

While submitting this for another event, I realized that I had never posted this painting!  Painted on location at Thundering Oaks in Independence, Missouri, this was my very first painting of the two day event.  I did not come out of this creek for three paintings - and then I moved on to the sun setting across the pond!  Spending some time with my daughter's new puppy, I am wrapping things up. The freezing rain and snow is making travel treacherous, and now I think I'd better head for home!  Painting number 1437 in 1437 days :)

Fall over the Mississippi River

After turning in our work for judging this morning, it was time for a large Chai late at Charlotte's Coffee House and a little plein air at Eagle Point.  The leaves are turning even more than a couple days ago, and this place on the bluff called out to me.  The Mississippi River flows in the background, and the foreground yellow foliage was magnificent.   It has been such a joy to capture the beauty of Dubuque in oils.   This is painting number 1376 in 1376 days :)

Cave Point Cove

Cave Point Cove
Oil on panel, 12x9
Door County, Wisconsin

This amazing place is certainly a feast for the eyes!  I think I could spend every day painting on these bluffs, and never tire of it!  Lake Michigan is ever changing, as the sky - and the color combinations are endless.  This is the kind of landscape I seldom see in Missouri - so I really enjoy the chance to study the moving water!  Waves and crashing water are certainly a challenge!  I have been using my Querilla Painter box and tripod since April, and I officially love it!  This medium French Resistance easel is the perfect compliment to this artist's whims.  If I ever get another, it will be the same style, perhaps in the large size - to give me another option in the field.  If they made a "mini" - I would buy it too!  LOVE this set up!  So light, I can hike into the wilderness without a care about weight.  This dramatic painting is my 1307th painting in 1307 days.

Light in the Valley

Light in the Valley
Acrylic on panel, 20x16
purchase here

This has been a non-stop day since my feet hit the floor at 5:30 this morning.  Kinesis class, errands, Christmas shopping, picking up my grandson to watch for awhile, baking bread and dessert for a party tonight, wrapping gifts for tonight, writing all the Christmas cards for tonight's friends, two basketball games and I finished off with our sorority party.  After all that, I am so thankful that I have a couple of paintings in reserve!  I am only ahead by two, so I will need to get busy and work ahead for this crazy holiday season!  This painting makes 702 in 702 days - and oh - how my bed is calling me!