Pine Cones!

 

What better place than this to study pine cones?  The ponderosa pines around the cabin are gorgeous, and offer up plenty of prime cones for painting.  So, I gathered a few choice ones with the boys and set to painting them.  It's all about the line work and values here, and I chose a blue shadow to vibrate against the green.  I love having the time to really study my subject matter.  We had a fun Fireside Chat at the library tonight, where I shared my Journaling process and progress through the years. It was so fun to visit by the fire, and share my passion for painting.  Painting number 4550 in 4550 days. I will drop this one by the gallery space in the library tomorrow, so come check this out! 

House Finch and Pine

This sweet house finch frequents my feeders and my front porch, perching on my string of Edison lights.  He kept me company as I tended my flowers, preparing to winter some over indoors.  As I sketched him, he popped in and out, hanging with the other birds who love the depth of my bridal white spirea at the porch's edge.  I'm using new ink in this new TWSBI Diamond fountain pen, a blue black from Robert Oster. Of course, I love it. I love all of his signature inks that I have tried.  I'm thinking of using a bird theme for this year's Christmas cards, I do live my time spent in nature.  Painting number 5187 in 5187 days. 

Pine Cones

Today finds me painting a couple of pinecones adorning one of the front porch trees, ones that wet brought back from Estes Park.  Another of my Christmas card paintings, the calm and airy slice of nature soothes my soul as I paint.  My brother's family is in town and we've been playing cards and board games, and this is the perfect break between visits!  Painting number 3995 in 3995 days.  I'm happy to find blogger working tonight, I'll have to go in and edit the previous two nights to add info to them.

Pine Cones

I have always loved pine cones.  I can remember finding them on the ground as I walked to school, little treasures packed up tight.  To my amazement, they slowly opened up, revealing the seeds inside.  These cones came from a tree outside our cabin when staying in Estes Park, making them a perfect painting subject.  With ink I sketch the little cones, adding in some foliage for balance, then add in the watercolor.  I've so many cards to paint for Christmas, I hope I get them all done in time! Painting number 3988 in 3988 days.