Sunset Over the River

 It was so much fun to paint the sunset with my friends along the Meramec River at Cobblestone Lodge!!  I was the first to hike down to the bank, and thought the others might not make it - so I painted fast! It gets very dark down there at night, and I didn't want to make that climb in full darkness.  Within minutes, here come Larry, Jamie, Dennis and Gabriele, driven down on a side by side in luxury fashion!  It was fun to speed paint the sunset together, then we all hiked up and gathered for some fun conversation outside of the cabins Now showing at Gallery Zeke in Steelville, Missouri. 

Along the River

 

It was worth standing in the full sun to paint this view of the Meramec River from the Cobblestone Lodge beach!  With a painting in every direction, it's hard to decide which view to paint!  The light quality in the Eastern direction called to me, so I chose this for my demo with the High School Plein Air students.   The saturated colors following the rain were glorious - and I get to reap the rewards in paint - and share my process with a new generation. This painting Now Showing at Gallery Zeke in Steelville, and is painting number 4910 in 4910 days. 

Along the Meramec

There is something magical about painting next to water.  The movement and babbling of the Meramec River is almost hypnotic as I paint, completely in the moment.  The weather was perfect with overcast skies, saturating the color in the landscape.  This was my demo for the High School Plein Air this morning, a wonderful event offered by the Steelville Arts Council.  It's SO rewarding to watch their talents bloom when completely immersed in nature.  I can't wait to see what they create next!  Painting number 4897 in 4897 days. 

Take me to the Lake

 

It's so fun to find places like this to paint right off the Meramec River!  Mound Ridge had several very appealing groupings of kayaks and boats, and I had trouble deciding which to focus on!  Going with the most colorful, these drew me in for my demo.  It's been great fun to teach high school students acrylic in the field, especially at such an inspiring place. Now Showing at Gallery Zeke in Steelville  😍🎨

Fishing in the Meramec

 

I love painting along a river, to the music of birdsong!  It is such a peaceful place for reflection. The water babbles gently, and as I sketch, a fisherman enters the river from the bank.  As he walks and casts, I sketch him in to my painting.  Just a moment in time, captured by chance, and a lovely memory of the day.  Painting number 3830 in 3830 days. 

Canoe on the Meramec River

After a steep climb down the bluff on stone steps and a dirt path, this peaceful perch on the Meramec River was a treat!  Tranquil and calm, I started this painting with one other artist on the small cement dock. By the time time I finished, there were 7 of us painting and visiting in close proximity.  About the time I started to "noodle" with this painting, the wind kicked up and I could hear the distant rain - a sure sign to pack up!  Packing quickly, I hiked back up that bluff - thinking of how slick those moss covered stones could become.  I had this framed before the train, and put on my raincoat and wellies for the next one!  What a glorious day!  Painting number 3801 in 3801 days - and I'm so happy this painting has a new home with the owner of this cabin retreat! 

Meramec River

The mid day summer light can be so strong on the back of the Meramec River.  Values are strong as hues lack the saturation of a cloudy day.  I begin with a sketch, working in those darks before adding color.  The clear water reflects the stones beneath, golden in the shallow parts.  I paint the light hitting the foliage next, then work to the cooler greens. I try to look at my work in the sun, and in the shade, to determine if I am finished.  It can look done before I check it, and then I realize it is too light OR too dark!  I tweaked this a bit after this photo, then called it good.  Love painting along the river so much!  Painting number 4266 in 4266 days. 

Looking Down the Meramec

The views are always amazing along the Meramec River!  This location grabbed me as soon as I walked to water's edge, so I was happy to find some free time to paint here during my mentorship weekend.  The water is so clear, I love the way the golden of the stones beneath reflects through the water.  The colors in the area are unique to this part of the world, and it is a joy to capture them in oils. I've had such fun mentoring the high school students - I can't wait for my next opportunity to do so!  Their enthusiasm for art inspires me, and I hope to have shared my passion for painting, too!  Painting number 4265 in 4265 days. 

Meramec River from Mound Ridge

Oh my what a glorious day for painting the Meramec River in oils!!  After mentoring another group of wonderful young artists this morning in ink and watercolor, it was a "free paint" afternoon for my CO-instructor and I.  Oils were calling to me in this landscape, so I took them down to the river from the sprawling stone lodge.  The colors are so rich right now - truly a joy to capture the beauty with paint.  The bonus was getting to visit and hang out with everyone while painting - since we were all being painted by another artist as we worked!  So much fun to enjoy this space, immersed in paint! LOVE this gorgeous area!! Painting number 4236 in 4236 days. 

Birds Nest Bridge

Between the morning's quick paint and the Gala for Plein Air, I had to return to this location to capture this place in oils!  With perfect conditions, it was easy to lose track of time.  I never even checked the clock until I closed up my paints!  Painting number 2347 in 2347 days.