Trail Running

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In the last four years, I have discovered running again.  When I'm near Lake Erie, I love to run this North Coast Inland Trail. We used to bring the bikes and the whole family would ride, stopping in the small towns for ice cream or cold drinks. I've spent a lot of time here the last two years, running this trail whenever I could.  The flat nature of the trail makes it great for distances, and even better for losing myself in thought. Nature, trail running and sketching, best therapy ever!  Painting number 2508 in 2508 days. 

Water in the Fields

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The rain had not started when I arrived on location at the Katy Trail in Defiance.  As I set up my easel and grabbed a panel, the rain began to fall.  Seeking shelter behind Good News Brewing, the wind kicked up and blew the rain in.  I scooted back as far as I could, and kept pretty dry as I painted my 10x20 panel.  I am so thankful I brought my dad's heavy duty tripod along!  With winds gusting every day to 30 mph, this tripod hardly shifts as I work.  If I were using my former tripod, I would be hanging onto it with one hand while painting with the other!  Painting number 2306 in 2306 days.

Clouds Over Farmland

I've been gazing at the clouds since I was very young.  I love the movement, the way their forms change in fluid fashion.  The colors are as countless as the clouds themselves, and such a challenge to capture with paint.  On this one, I begin with an acrylic under painting that loosely renders the gradating sky plane and the land plane.  When this is very dry, I use my oils with a dry brush method of applying the paint.  I am using 1 inch and 3 inch bristle brushes to softly form the clouds.  When the composition is in, and I'm happy with my shapes, I push and pull the paint, tweeking edges as necessary.  This is such an effective way to paint clouds, and a fun shift from the bold palette knife work of yesterday!  Painting number 1886 in 1886 days.