Dogwood on 3rd Street

Dogwood on 3rd Street
Oil on panel, 9x12
Washington Paint Out, Augusta Plein Air Art Festival
sold

When I had first pulled into the sweet town of Washington, this house on 3rd Street instantly grabbed my attention!  The dogwood in the side yard of this beautiful, historic house was abundant with blooms, and the picket fence led right into the scene!  I set up on the corner across from the house - in the full sun again, to gain the best perspective of this scene.  The morning light spilled onto the house, foliage and blooms, illuminating them.  I think my favorite time to paint is in the golden hour of early morning, and especially in the spring when blooms prevail.  There is just something so sparkling and new in that early light!  This painting was awarded 2nd place in the Washington Paint Out!  Painting number 1224 in 1224 days.

2nd Place Award

Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer
Oil on panel, 8x10
Augusta Plein Air Paint Out

We headed out early for the New Melle paint out.  Since we didn't need to check in until 11:00, I found a sweet spot in the shade from which to paint this church on the hill in Defiance.  The historic St. Paul United Church of Christ is picturesque atop this sunlit, spring green hill.  I have painted it from the other direction, but not from this side.  As I worked, two half grown foxes peeked out of the barn, walking around the old car.  They sat in the sun, and didn’t notice me until I stepped out to take a photo of a bluebird perching on the fence beside me!  Love the wildlife I experience while painting in the open air!  Painting number 1218 in 1218 days.

Morning at the Farm

Morning at the Farm
Oil on panel, 12x9
Daniel Boone Farm Paint Out

The day of the Daniel Boone Farm paint out was cool with rain expected.  I love the historic structures on site.  I found a dry porch to paint from, and this collection of barns in front of me.  Painting alongside two of my favorite artist friends, a pair of lizards popped out from between the boards to scurry along the porch floor.  The peachy morning glow peaked out from the clouds, and a cool light illuminated the landscape.  It was a very enjoyable day, visiting as we worked.  This painting is the 1217th is 1217 days.

Lamplight on Jefferson

Lamplight on Jefferson
Oil on panel, 10x8

With temperatures so balmy at night, how can one resist painting a nocturne?  I can not remember it being so warm at night for this event, and with a theme paint for the nocturne - we set up our easels and got to work!  I had already painted an early morning painting, and then a sunset from the rooftop in Washington, so this made three for the day!  I start with a panel primed with dark acrylic paint, which I did on scene.  I could place my colors with intention this way, which I can’t do when I prime ahead.  I start first with a quick sketch of how I want to map out the composition.  Next, I start laying in those lights, being mindful of the values.  I work under a street light, never using other light sources.  Sometimes, I can’t tell what colors I really have, since it is dark.  So, when I get it inside - it is like Christmas!  I never know what I have until I open it up in the light!  Painting number 1211 in 1211 days.

Old Glory on Lower Street

Old Glory on Lower Street
Oil on panel, 10x8
sold

This morning, this dogwood caught my attention as we drove through Augusta.  The spring blooming trees are just lovely all up and down this street!  Waiting for the light to come in from the west, I returned in the afternoon (when most other artists had left this location).  I had to mark the light and shadow quickly, before it moved off of this fabulous dogwood - and then I started in on the middle tones.  This painting was a joy to create - and it already has a new home!  Painting number 1208 in 1208 days :)

Historic Bentel House

on location

Historic Bentel House
Oil on canvas panel, 9x12
New Harmony, Indiana - purchase here

Built between 1814 and 1825, these Harmony Society buildings dot the streets of New Harmony, Indiana.  A beautiful dogwood was putting on a show at the George Bentel House, and drew me right in.  The way the white petals caught the light against the brick was a bit of a challenge to capture, but it was also what most attracted me to this house, so I had to forge ahead until I had accurately portrayed the feeling this place gave me.  The town's people are all so friendly, it is such a welcoming place to stand on the street corners and paint!  It seems like everyone drives golf carts instead of cars - and they all come by to see what you're up to, and visit a bit. This place is unlike any other that I have painted, and it is such a pleasure to have hit the peak of spring bloom here!  Painting number 844 in 844 days.

Spring at Femme Osage Creek

Spring at Femme Osage Creek
Oil on panel, 14x11
Augusta Plein Air Festival

On location

There were two Private Estate Paints this year, and the artists could only sign up for one - which gave us a free painting day on Tuesday.  The Shipley's graciously invited us back this year to their home to paint.  Six of us showed up - each choosing our favorite location along the creek to paint.  Last year, we had summer color in the landscape for this event.  This year - spring is bursting out all over, complete with redbuds and dogwood!  During our paint-out, Dan walked down to each artist, offering us banana bread, cupcakes, brownies and cookies - SO thoughtful!  This place is simply full of gracious hospitality!  Is it any wonder I keep returning year after year?  The serenity of painting along the creek, with the water babbling beside me is so relaxing.  I could paint all day next to the sound of the water.  This painting makes 485 paintings in 485 days.  Tomorrow is another sunrise paint - this time at Frisella's Nursery :)