West of the Courthouse

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What fun it is to return to Albion to find a new view of the courthouse!  Of course, I had to paint it! I'm the space between here and the courthouse stood an old building last year, that was just beginning to be torn down.  When I came through this back alley, the view was striking.  So, in ink and watercolor i captured a view that had possibly never been available until now.  Come see  this and more tonight at the Arist Reception at the Main Event in Albion at 6.  Painting number 5171 in 5171 days. 

Old Bank Building at Night

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This old bank building stands proud and glorious on Main Street, as it has for well over a century. I love the lines and arches here, and they continue at the west side of this block.  This may be the very first thing I painted when arriving in town, many years ago.  It still calls to me. This year, I've painted it twice!  I don't think I'll ever tire of this beautiful building. I wish all buildings were built like this one.  Painting number 2500 in 2500 days. 

Fairfield Courthouse

SOLDHeading into town with every intention of checking in early and turning in work, the morning light on the courthouse had me pulling over the car!  Before I knew it, I was sketching this out in ink, and soon adding in the watercolor.  I stood at my car and worked, visiting with onlookers as they passed.  I even set my watercolor half pans on top of my trunk, as if it were my desk!  I can paint anywhere, it's all about the process.  This painting now has a home at the Victorian on Main.  Painting number 2485 in 2485 days.

Looking Down Central

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This gorgeous building is a Dubuque icon!  Towering above the streets, it's beautifully complex lines are a jaw dropper - and quite a challenge!  After finding my view, I start with one central mass, and spread all lines from there, always checking the relationship of one line to another. I would never have tried this two years ago, but with all the daily drawing since, I seize the challenge!  Nothing more invigorating than mastering those lines!  Painting number 2670 in 2670 days.

Sunset at the Courthouse

This has been a super busy painting day - with this painting ringing in as my fourth!  I love this place, and I had fun painting it!  My first couple of years here, I stayed in a Hollywood glam apartment right across the street - and this was my view each day.  I really enjoyed doing this at sunset!  Painting number 1744 in 1744 days!  The icing on the cake?   This painting has beg selected for the annual Fairfield poster next year!!

So honored to have this quick paint painting selected for the annual 2018 Fairfield Poster!  How exciting!!

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Carthage Courthouse in Ink

I think the historic Carthage Courthouse is the most beautiful courthouse I have ever laid eyes on!  It is clearly visible as you approach the town, and looks far more like a fairy tale castle than the county seat!  It is very challenging to paint a night scene with watercolors!  I was longing for my oils as soon as I started dropping in that night sky!  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  This is certainly one of those things that will only improve with practice.  Here's to another year of pushing my artistic boundaries!  Happy New Year!  Painting number 1451 in 1451 days and I will be linking to another 30 in 30 painting challenge, which is the catalyst that started me on my daily painting adventure 4 YEARS AGO!!  WOWZA!!

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Historic Courthouse

Historic Courthouse
Oil on panel, 11x14
Independence Paint Out

On location

The Independence Paint Out was a quick paint celebrating the one year anniversary of the Truman Courthouse restoration.  It was fun to walk through the halls, one room is full of Harry S Truman memorabilia  while another has a gift shop.  There was a youth division paint out as well for ages 14-18, and Michaela and her friend Clint participated.  Michaela's charcoal drawing was awesome - and Clint had a good start on his painting, but two hours was just not enough time.  Even the seasoned artists agree with the time issue!  It was dark when this photo was taken, and the glare from the flood lights reflects off the surface.  It is always so fun to paint with fellow artists - and extra special to have Michaela and Clint there too!  This is painting number 729 in as many days!