A Run by the Missouri River

A Run by the Missouri River
Oil on masonite, 12x9
English Landing Paint-Out
sold - Purchase Award Winner

I've been to English Landing Park each year of the Parkville in Art Plein Air event, but I have never before painted on the path down by the river.  Setting up with morning light, I captured that light quickly - as it would soon fade with the midday sun,  The water was reflecting the gorgeous blues of the sky, making this scene SO appealing.  The weather was perfect, the wind light, and the magic of the place seeped right into the painting.  I wish every painting day was like this. Painting number 1017 in 1017 days.

Honeysuckle Path

Honeysuckle Path
Oil on panel, 12x9
Penn Valley Plein Air Fest
Buttonwood Gallery, Kansas City

This was the second painting of a three painting day, just before the Pioneer Mother Paint-Out at the Penn Valley Park on Thursday.  While walking the loop around the Pioneer Mother Statue, the sweet smell of honeysuckle along the western edge wafted through the air.  The bushes spilled over the path, creating such an inviting scene, I just had to paint it. With under 2 hours before the quick paint, I blocked in the light and shadow - loving the way the shadows stretched across the lawn.  The lightposts gave a nostalgic feel to the place - so like Central Park!  This was another day spent fighting the wind!  It really is exhausting when gust of wind blow me, the panel and the brush in unexpected directions!  I guess that just adds to the impressionistic strokes on this painting!  How wonderful it is to have such a beautiful park in the heart of the city.  This and 5 others are now showing at the Buttonwood Gallery just down the street from this park in Kansas City.  Painting number 495 in 495 days.  Happy Mother's Day!

Lamplight in the Park

Lamplight in the Park
Oil on panel, 8x6
GOT Art Gallery Holiday Trunk Show
sold

After spending hours on finishing up Jury Committee business, I finally found a window to start painting.  It is very hard to finish what I should, before jumping into what I want to do!  With this painting, I am working with my nocturne colors and the snow, pushing one color while pulling another.  I also used my palette knife throughout - even though the small size of the panel made this a bit challenging.  I barely had time to finish this before I have to run another errand, bake some cookies and head off to the Holiday Show Reception at GOTart Gallery on 3rd St. in Lee's Summit.  Painting number 320 in 320 days :)