Dorsey Lake

This peaceful lake greets you at the entrance to the YMCA of the Rockies.  It was a pleasant hike from my cabin, and I leaned on the ledge of the bridge as I sketched. It was nice visiting with those coming or going with fishing poles in hand.  It wasn't long before I noticed gathering clouds and the smell of rain, so I finished up and hiked the mile back up.  Bonus - it didn't rain on me, either. Painting number 4560 in 4560 days. 

Two Fishermen

I love painting by the water - ocean, pond, lake, river or creek, they all hold a peaceful magic.  The rhythmic sounds of babbling water leads me away from daily cares, like a balm to my soul.  Capturing the gentle movement of boat on water is a joy, a sliver of peaceful rural living.  Life is all about the little things, after all.  Painting number 2869 in 2869 days. 

Sunset Fishing from the Boat

We've had some amazing sunsets recently - and they can be a challenge to capture as quickly as they fade!  I tried something different for this one.  I first painted in my darks with a dark violet shade of acrylic, before the sunset really started. I knew my composition and that all would be in silhouette in comparison with the sunset color.  Allowing it to dry, I could then slap that color down without having to worry about mudding up either value.  It really was so much easier!  I could then come in with my oils over the darks, without having to fill the whole mass, because the acrylic base is a good color to work from.  I think I may have stumbled onto something!  I'll need to do this a few more times to see if this is something I will stick with!  Painting number 1754 in 1754 days.

oil on panel, 10x8
purchase here

Fishing

Fishing
Acrylic on masonite, 5x7

I first studied for this small painting by doing a pen and ink sketch.  Next, I did a quick color block in.  Finally, I come in and mark all the tiny bits of warm and cool, turning the planes and giving them life.  What I find when I pull the two together to post, is that I really like the freshness of the color block in better!  I sometimes do this!  When I paint without thought, just quickly blocking in the masses, I often return to this and think - wow, I wish I would have been true to that color!  So, I am leaving this for now, but when I get a bit of time, I am going to pop back in some of that wonderful blue on the shorts, and the fresh green in the grass.  Then, I will call it done.  Painting number 1160 in 1160 days.

color block in

Fishing - sketch

Fishing - sketch
pen and ink on paper, 5x6

A big reason I wanted to start a drawing journal was to improve my drawing skills with pen and ink.  I am very comfortable in graphite, but ink is so permanent - there is no erasing and that was daunting!  I grow more comfortable with each sketch, and if I am tackling a difficult composition, I will select a dryer Pitt pen that is running out of ink, to make those first marks!  So, if those marks really fail - its okay, they will be light and easily dominated by the darker ink!  I know, its a bit of a crutch, but it works!  This sketch is of my youngest son fishing on the banks of the Portage River, behind my parent’s house.  I think sketching these figures is harder than just painting them - so that must mean I need more practice!  This sketch is the 1158th piece of artwork in as many days, now on to the paint!

Sunset Fishing

Sunset Fishing
Oil on wood panel, 18x24

There is something magical about being on the water.  The gentle lulling of the waves is hypnotic - with or without a fishing pole in hand.  The fabulous sunset reference for this painting is from a dear friend of her very special place at Lake Minnie Bell.  When I first approached this composition, my first instinct was to crop off the dock area.  But, upon further study, I truly felt it should be left in.  The dock helps weigh down the painting - giving it more balance.  Additionally, it marks this sunset painting specifically as Julie's place - no other would have this exact composition.  This painting will remain on my easel for a few more days.   Laying my brushes down way after dark, I don't have natural light to get a good image here.  The colors always appear warmer and more yellow in such light.  In the full light of day, I will check this over again, just to make sure I am happy with every stroke.  It is such a beautiful place, I want to make sure I do it justice.  Painting number 710 in 710 days :)

Fishing from the Dock

Fishing from the Dock
Oil on panel, 8x10
Lake Minnie Bell, MI

I have a "fishermen" theme going on this week - this is my second one in three days!  There is something so relaxing about fishing.  One with nature, there is nothing but time to soak up all the stillness and beauty around you.  I love the noises of the water - the crickets, the fish, especially the gentle sloshing of the water against the dock - SO peaceful!  This painting is from the lake home of an old friend - with a glorious, bold sunset bouncing off the water.  This was one of those days where I started painting, only to be interrupted by errands and appointments.  Starting again, planning to be home shortly, I didn't even put my paints away. I simply left everything out, thinking I would be back to it in 30 minutes.  Three hours later, I arrive back home to finally finish my painting.  And, I truly thought that I would be able to finish a second one today!  Without daylight, I'm afraid the colors are not true in this photo.  I'll have to take another in the morning.  This is painting number 292 in as many days.

Fishing at Sunset

Fishing at Sunset
Oil on panel, 8x10

An amazing lake scene with a little sunset fishing is my subject for today.  The much loved home of a friend, this beautiful place begs to be painted.  A composition of memories shared and time well spent, this painting is a study for a larger one.  The sunset sky lends drama to this landscape, casting wonderful colors on the lake.  I hope to get the companion piece to this one finished tomorrow.  It will be fun to see how they work together on the wall!  This is painting number 290 in 290 days :)