Footbridge Daydream

Another fabulous day in Fairfield for plein air painting!  This was a free day, so we could choose our painting locations, and I returned to the Leo French Park.  I love the way the afternoon light spills across the creek, and the deep shades of the water were mesmerizing.   This is such a peaceful place to paint.  I have really enjoyed this week in Fairfield, and I will be sorry to see it end.  Painting number 1367 in 1367 days.

Peace at the Footbridge

Peace at the Footbridge
Oil on masonite, 9x12

This little footbridge is SO charming!  Our weather here has been amazing - and with sunny days, the place looks so different from last year!  I painted this last October, and the misty weather made for a moody painting.  The morning light in this one speaks of hopes and dreams and good things to come!  This little creek fills up with run-off from the adjoining lake, so there was more water pouring in than before.  I love to hear the babbling water as it moves over the rocks - and it is the perfect companion to my brushwork!  I set up in this spot again for a more distant view out, to capture the winding of the stream.  To my dismay - I realized I had left my palette in the freezer, so my plans were for naught.  It was all for the best, as I returned to get my palette, rewired three other paintings, and got all turned into the Landing. Perhaps, I'll get to that painting later, because I really think it will be dreamy!  This painting makes 1012 in 1012 days.  What a wonderful plein air adventure this has been :)

Remembering the Footbridge

Remembering the Footbridge
Oil on masonite, 10x8 - purchase here

By special request, I am painting the footbridge in the park in Fairfield, Illinois.  I will be returning in a week for the Fall Foliage Paint Out - and I am hoping for some turning leaves.  What I love about this bridge is that it is the way into the park from the neighborhood on the other side, so this bridge is much used and much loved.  I have always been drawn to these small bridges, they seem timeless and nostalgic.  On this particular day, it had been raining.  Once that rain had lifted a little, the sun peaked through and illuminated bits of foliage and the handrails of the bridge.  The freshly washed grass and leaves were left shiny and clean - and radiant.  This was a peaceful painting day, even though it had been cold and rainy all morning!  Painting number 1002 in 1002 days, and Day 29 of the current 30 day painting challenge :)

Footbridge at Fairfield

Footbridge at Fairfield
Oil on panel, 12x9
Original is sold, but prints are available here

Today is the third day of the Fairfield Fall Foliage Paint Out.  The theme for the day is landscape, and this tranquil spot had been calling me since yesterday.  This wonderful bridge was simply a charming center of interest.  The rain was a constant companion on this day, becoming more of a drizzle at times.  I painted this one in my car!  I have never done that with oils before - but it was dry and warm!  I put the window down periodically, to make sure the colors were right (it is hard to see through all of those raindrops)!  This is painting number 649 in 649 days :)

Autumn Footbridge

Autumn Footbridge
Oil on panel, 5x6

This was such a busy day!  Up by 4:15 to catch an early bus for a KU Engineering field trip with Michael.  Spent most of the day there, coming home briefly between basketball try-outs and picking up Michaela from working on a school project.  Started this painting, then class until 9:00.  Back to finish this painting, and get it posted.  I am so tired, it feels more like midnight than 10:00!  Another rainy day, another rainy painting - number 303 in 303 days :)