Balloon Festival in Metal

There is something magical about a group of hot air balloons rising together!  Sketching this scene on location in ink and watercolor, I am now turning to metal to express the scene.  I find myself reaching for rounded plastic sculpting tools for these curved edges.  The metal tools work a little faster and sharper for me.  Working from one side to the other, the scene emerges.  I often let these metal pieces rest for a day, returning with fresh eyes to examine my work.  It's amazing what else I'll see that next day!  Still rather new to me, it becomes more natural with each one.  Painting number 2502 in 2502 days. 

Glass City Balloon Race

We were able to get so close to the hot air balloons at this event in Rossford, Ohio!  I've attended a handful of these events, and a few of those I was too far away to get a good view.  Here, we could easily see them fill and launch, and as soon as they started I pulled out my pens!  Working very quickly, I sketched the balloons with two different pens, filling that watercolor in fast and loose!  Before I even had them finished they had risen far into the air with others filling below them!  It was so cool to watch and sketch!  Bonus - yummy cinnamon sugar "elephant ears" that I've only seen at Ohio fairs - it tastes like inflated pie crust!  So fun to soak up the local culture while traveling!  Painting number 2002 in 2002 days.

Up and Away

Up and Away
Oil on panel, 9x12
Augusta Plein Air Festival

This was my second painting started at the Nobeleis Winery sunrise paint this April in Augusta.  This has been one of my favorite events this year and last!  It is the only two times I have been able to paint balloon launches en plein air!  The rumor is that they will not be offering this next year,  I sure hope they do.  At the event, I had only gotten a rough block in done, before time was up and I had to rush off to frame and submit my other painting.  I came across my reference photo for this while looking for something else.  Thinking it is high time I finish this piece, I got right to work on this after class this morning.  I am trying to make a conscious effort to paint earlier in the day (if possible)!  I would LOVE to get one painting ahead - this would allow me the luxury of taking another look before posting, and making adjustments if needed.  Finishing this painting brings back the memories of a crisp, beautiful morning at the vineyards of Nobeleis.  This painting makes 186 in 186 days - and now I am starting on another!