Entry to the Courtyard

A drizzly, wet day for a quick paint, this beautiful landscape was my reward for venturing out!  Not knowing what to expect at the university, the scouting was fun.  After a quick spin around the place, I settled close to my subject in the wet grass - and painted liked crazy! With a light rain already on, I knew I had to get that panel covered with paint or the rain would create a resist for my oils.  I worked quickly to get this vintage scene painted, and framed it up for turn in.  Waiting for my fellow artist, we barely made the turn in on time!  Nothing like living life on the edge!  Painting number 1739 in 1739 days!  SO MUCH to LOVE about Dubuque!

oil on panel, 12x9
purchase here

Light through the Arches

Light through the Arches
Oil on panel, 11x14

Last September, a dear painting friend and I went out to Unity Village in Lee's Summit to do a little plein air painting.  This is one of the reference shots from that day.  I love the architecture out there - it is like traveling to another country to paint!  The morning sun streaming in through these arches instantly caught my attention.  I love the angles and the curves - all working together with the light and shadow, to tell an inviting and peaceful story.  I used to attend this church as a young girl with my grandma, mom, and brother.  I first sketched this scene on the panel, then applied a detailed underpainting.  Once my values were established, I had some fun with the palette knife.  Not nearly as crazy as yesterday, but enough to add to the texture throughout.  I did have thoughts of trying the fracturing technique on this, but the complexity of the composition persuaded me not to!  I think I will try that technique again tomorrow - on something simple, so I don't get in over my head!  Well, this makes 68 paintings in as many days.  Can't believe I am maintaining this pace.  That, in itself, is a miracle.