Along the Riverfront

What fun it was to return to Berkley Riverfront Park to paint for the Walktober Quick Paint, and with the Urban Sketchers KC group!  Wow - this place has grown since I last painted here!  I love how this area is turning into such a destination!  One can walk that trail all the way to the Kaw - where I've got another plein air in November! This painting and some of my process were shown on the Channel 9 News on Sunday!  It's been a big weekend for personal TV coverage, lol! Painting number 4661 in 4661 days. 

Rain on the River

A dramatic sky always grabs me - and this one was no exception.  With an eye always on the sky, I could see clouds approaching on the horizon.  Dodging wind and rain, I knocked this one out quickly before the whole sky changed.  I've lately felt the pull to explore sky paintings more.  Here's the first to upping my sky game!  Painting number 5015 in 5015 days.  

Standing along the River

 

I finished this one up just as the sun went down, and  I have never seen the Missouri River so calm!  I drove through here in my way to an artist reception from a paint out, and the light on the bank was glorious! Pulling myself away, I popped into the reception and took a quick spin around the place.  The scene along the Missouri River was calling - so I rushed on back to paint it!  Several artist friends were still there, so I had company as I worked.    This painting now has a new home, too!  Painting number 3767 in 3767 days. 

Twilight Along the River Path

 

I seldom paint a twilight sky - but this was fun to capture the movement in the clouds, as color shifted from warm to cool.  Why don't I paint twilight?   Perhaps because it is even more fleeting than a flashy sunset?  There is something very beautiful and serene about this time of day, where all is quieting down and the walkers are heading back home as they share their day.  So lovely and peaceful - I wish I had time to run this trail before leaving.  The low light also made it difficult to get a good photo.  Painting number 4366 in 4366 days. 

Light Over the River

I love capturing peaceful moments along the Missouri River, with it's ever changing moods and colors.  The water has been still and calm this week, which is not often the case.  My painting window was small, so I chose to paint small, laying in lights and darks first, before filling in the masses.  Walkers on the trail beside me commented and visited as they strode by, and the water lapping at the edge was soothing as I worked.  These moments spent by the water are soul soothing indeed, and I love capturing it in oils. Painting number 3125 in 3125.

Sunset Over the Missouri River

I don't think this day could have been more full!  Starting with Art Mob in Belton this morning, lunch at the Tea Room, art drop off for Brush Creek in Kansas City, to an afternoon paint in Parkville followed by a sunset paint on the Missouri River, I have finished 4 paintings today!  It was a perfect evening for a sunset paint!  Perfect temperature, calm breeze off the water, many people out enjoying all the park had to offer, made this paint so peaceful and relaxing. A mother and her two children fished as I worked, and I captured them down in the cove!  Painting number 2075 in 2075 days.

purchase here

Clouds of Change

I sprained my ankle 2 1/2 weeks ago, and today was my first day back to one of my weight classes.  I could only tolerate pilates and free weights up until today, so this was a challenge.  I hung in there as well as possible, and now I'm drained and my ankle is a little sore.  So, I got in a quick sky painting before the rain moves in.  The color changes are more subtle here, and the shift in the weather is reflected in the clouds.  I think I'm due a little down time now, so I can get up and do it again in the morning.   Painting number 1386 in 1386 days :)  

Oil on panel, 7x5
purchase here

Zumba Santa!

Zumba Santa
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
purchase here

I am having a little fun with Santa tonight - and I've caught him dancing up a storm in Zumba!  One of my favorite classes at the gym - there is nothing like Zumba to get a great workout that feels more like a night out on the town!  This has been another crazy, busy day with our house project - and I have only now been able to get to my easel! The windows are in, most of the mess is cleaned up, and hopefully we can start trimming out the interior tomorrow.  I am trying to talk Mike into using the beautiful old original woodwork, even though it will need quite a bit of work.  So, tomorrow will find me down in the barn, pulling out lengths of trim from the rafters! This painting makes 1069 in 1069 days.  I wonder how on earth I am going to find time to paint tomorrow!

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.

Morning in Washington

Morning in Washington
Oil on panel, 12x9
Washington Sunrise Paint Out
Augusta Plein Air Festival

This painting was started around 10:00 in the morning, instead of the sunrise start time.  I had been over at Mount Pleasant Winery for the 5:00am broadcast on Fox 2 News in St. Louis, so could not be in two places at once.  Some paintings just roll off the brush, but this one certainly did not.  As I look at it now, I still think it needs work, but I'm not sure which direction to take it.  Perhaps stronger color in the water?  Darker towards the lower edge?  Maybe changing up the foreground tree foliage, it seems too near the grass?  I am posting this tonight because it is late, and I haven't taken images of my latest Stems work.  I was hoping to get home in time - but I did not.  Another late ball game - and another win!  Painting number 513 in as many days :)