Lamp Post Garden

Even the rain couldn't keep me from painting this lovely lamp post garden!  Choosing oils for this rainy day, the shelter of the Lakeside Pavilion was the perfect spot to paint from.  As I worked, there was a mama red-winged blackbird that kept swooping down on unsuspecting people passing by that lamppost!  One after the other, she pecked their heads- especially targeting the men without hats!  She never bothered me, perhaps my wide brimmed hat didn't threaten her?  Who knew these sweet birds turned to dive bombers with little ones nearby?  Painting number 3845 in 3845 days. 

Lamplight on Jefferson

Lamplight on Jefferson
Oil on panel, 10x8

With temperatures so balmy at night, how can one resist painting a nocturne?  I can not remember it being so warm at night for this event, and with a theme paint for the nocturne - we set up our easels and got to work!  I had already painted an early morning painting, and then a sunset from the rooftop in Washington, so this made three for the day!  I start with a panel primed with dark acrylic paint, which I did on scene.  I could place my colors with intention this way, which I can’t do when I prime ahead.  I start first with a quick sketch of how I want to map out the composition.  Next, I start laying in those lights, being mindful of the values.  I work under a street light, never using other light sources.  Sometimes, I can’t tell what colors I really have, since it is dark.  So, when I get it inside - it is like Christmas!  I never know what I have until I open it up in the light!  Painting number 1211 in 1211 days.

Morning on Main Street

Morning on Main Street
Oil on masonite, 10x8
sold

Packing at a leisurely pace, finishing my workout AND a second cup of tea, I was relaxed about getting to the two hour paint a wee bit late...  For this morning's quick paint, I planned to choose something easy.....zoom in on a subject, have fun with it........and then I walked out onto the street! The early morning sun washed over building and street with dancing color - and I HAD to paint the whole shabang!!  This was a lot of information to get onto a panel in an hour and a half - which lends itself well to fresh color and loose strokes!  It was fast and fun - and I sure could have used that extra thirty minutes at the end! Painting number 1015 in 1015 days :)

on location

Night on Main Street

Night on Main Street
Oil on wood panel, 9x12

The nocturne paint out in Washington, Missouri was one to remember!  It had been a long day beginning with a 10:00 paint out at Montelle Winery which ended at 3:30.  Rain had started down in sheets shortly after noon, and had me ducking for cover with my easel.  The next paint out on the schedule was the sunset paint in Washington.  I have been wanting to work on my street scenes and buildings, so I chose to stay in town instead of going down to the river.  It was only lightly raining, but I set up under an awning on Main Street, where only the blowing wind would carry the rain to me.  I believe the turn in time was 8:00.  Then, right back to the street to choose a wonderful nocturne scene.  By this time, those wet winds had turned cold.  Several of us packed in tightly under the cover of a wide doorway, and started our paintings.  It was fun to capture the light before me by the lamplight streaming from the shop windows behind me.  Half way through, my main light source switched off - leaving me to guess as to the hues I was applying.  Painting on the streets of an historic district at night is like an erie step back in time.  This was the latest turn in time ever - midnight!  I wish I would have remembered to take location shots for this one and the sunset paint, but I did not.  I think I finally got to bed by 1:45.  Thank goodness we didn't have to show up to the next paint out until 11:00 the next day!  Painting number 893 in 893 days.  Just another crazy day in the life of an artist :)

First Impressions of Fairfield

First Impressions of Fairfield
Oil on panel, 9x12
Fairfield Fall Foliage Paint Out
purchase here

Quick Paint

On Location

This painting is from the Quick Paint at the Fairfield Fall Foliage Paint Out.  This charming town is full of historic buildings - and this was the very first one that caught my eye.  The morning was cold and windy - and I was so thankful to have brought my ski jacket!  Toasty in my layers, it was a fun 2 hour paint! This town was a delight to enjoy for four days this October - and I am looking forward to next year, too!  I don't think I am quite finished with this one - I see areas I would still like to work.  When I get the finishing touches on, I will post an updated photo.  This painting is number 668 in 668 days.  Today finds me in the hospital with my mom, who is here for a full knee replacement surgery.  I have some supplies with me, and will probably have time to start working on some small watercolor sketches tomorrow during her rest times.  I always feel better with a little something to keep my hands busy :)

Halcyon Glow

Halcyon Glow
Oil on panel, 9x12
Halcyon Spa
Augusta Plein Air Festival
sold - print available here

On location

I just love painting nocturnes!  As we left the nocturne paint of the other night, I saw this scene outside of the Halcyon Spa.  This is a special place for a little pampering, and I always try to get a massage while in town!  Returning the first chance available, I set my easel up quickly.  I like to paint fast for nocturnes - especially because it was rather cold and windy.  I backed up close to the lower level of the building, right under a porch light.  This gave me all of the light I needed to see my palette and panel.  Of course, the darker it gets, the harder it is to determine hues - so it is like opening a present when you bring it inside!  You never know what you find!  This one was a happy surprise!  This painting makes 488 in as many days :)

Confectionary

Confectionery
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Door County Plein Air
Oil on panel, 14x11 - sold

At the top of Cedar and Main Street in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, is this lovely little candy shop.  As I have driven through the villages dotting the landscape, I have noticed that almost every town has a candy shop!  They often don't have grocery stores, but they are covered when it comes to confections.  So many children went in and out of this store as I painted it from the front lawn!  Huge trees sheltered me as I worked, as the constant stream of passers-by chatted and watched me work.  It is such a wonderful environment for painting.  I have met so many wonderful people up here while painting.  This one was bought off the easel - my 206th painting in as many days.