Pathway Garden

Garden Pathway
Oil on panel

I try to keep a few things painted ahead - just in case I run out of time in a day.  Some days, I even have enough time to finish two paintings.  Today was spent traveling, scouting, taking photos, enjoying a wonderful dinner with friends and preparing for tomorrow.  I brought in a panel to do a quick paint on, and then I started to wonder if I have even brought enough panels for all of the paint-outs on the agenda!  So, I thought I had better save that panel, as I may very well need it, and the art supply store is a long way off.  I did a quick pen and ink sketch of one of our cats - using a ball point pen - no kidding!  I may post that one later - if I need to.  This one is painted from late spring reference at a plein air event in the late afternoon.  This painting makes 477 in as many days.  Now, I need to read through my paperwork and get ready for the 6am paint out in Augusta Shores in the morning!  There are so many redbuds calling my name!!!

Creekside Winter Morning

Creekside Winter Morning
Oil on panel, 6x8
GOT Art Gallery Holiday Trunk Show

Happy Thanksgiving one and all!  On this day full of family, friends, and celebrating with lavish meals - I am painting early!  I often have trouble sleeping, so I popped up early to get a start on those things that need to be finished.  Food prepared, housework done, painting finished, workout next (out of order today but I can't miss it with SO MANY desserts on the horizon) and then a little framing before heading over to Mike's parent's home.  It is such a wonderful treat to not have to host Thanksgiving this year - I am going to enjoy this day fully!  Painting number 326 in 326 days :)

Winter Sunset by the Pond

In a day plum full of activities, I am squeezing in this little winter landscape.  Playing with the sunset color, and pushing cool and warm against each other, I work out the details of this wintry scene.  Many things are on my mind, and I am having a hard time focusing.  One salad made, a favorite dessert yet to be started - "death by chocolate" - and all that framing that I really needs to get done for next week.....and yet, I take this time to paint.  I may well be up into the wee hours tonight, but at least I have finished this painting at a timely hour!  Painting number 325 in 325 days - and tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day!  Oh, when will I have time to paint tomorrow?

Winter Sunset by the Pond
Oil on panel, 6x6

Montelle Magic

Montelle Magic
Oil on panel, 16x12
Montelle Winery Paint Out

After 8 years of participating in the Augusta Plein Air Festival, we finally had beautiful weather for the Montelle Winery Paint Out!  We have endured, heavy rain, storms, hail, freezing cold temps through the years, but now, I have been able to paint from the terrace overlooking the amazing hills of Augusta.  The landscape is breathtaking - simply meant for paint and panel.  This one is my 114th painting in 114 days.  I am so tired from all the festivities - I may just sleep clear through tomorrow!

Early Light on the Hillside

Early Light on the Hillside
Oil on panel, 6x12

I first painted a color study of this in plein air at my parent's house in Ohio.  Sitting on top of the hill, I looked to the right, with the river in the distance.  With early morning light and haze over the river, this view offered plenty of depth.  I only took the bare minimum for supplies, my palette, small panels, brushes and safflower oil.  I used a little foldable footstool to sit on, while my palette and oil were on the ground beside me.  I held the panel in the place an easel would keep it.  I didn't know if I would even have time to paint, but I was hopeful.  Each morning, I would come out to enjoy the early morning quiet before the day took me to hospital waiting rooms, cafeterias, and long hours away.  Just painting this today from my study, brought back the feeling of peace and tranquility on that hillside.  It is a visual journal for me that brings back the moment, the feelings, the prayers.  This place will forever be a place of peace and reflection for me.  This painting is the 75th painting in 75 days.