In Retirement

This is the second painting of this style, in this field full of oil well equipment painted while in Fairfield, Illinois.  A very complicated scene when first drawn, I've come to know my subject better now. What was like a puzzle of angles and lines is now a rhythm of pump jacks and parts.  It has been very interesting to work in this field, and I can't wait to find more oil fields when I return to Fairfield!  Painting number 3957 in 3957 days.  So happy this painting has a new home with two others!  Yay! 

Oil Field Remnants

When in Fairfield, Illinois, I get the chance to paint the most interesting oil field equipment!  It's so fun to draw such a complex gathering of metal lines and angles - and very challenging!  It's a bit like pouring together a puzzle, one line at a time, radiating out from my start point! I've chosen pen and ink for this one, giving it a vintage feel.  It feels timeless in black ink on handmade paper. So happy this painting will have a new home near where it was created!  Painting number 3947 in 3947 days. 

Retired

 I saw this scene as I headed to Willow Creek this morning, and I could envision the painting and the name instantly.  So, of course I had to return as soon as I finished up at Willow Creek.  The row of pump jacks were so interesting - and like a puzzle to sketch out!  I love a complex painting challenge,  and this was a fun one to paint. Focus is everything as those lines and angels go in, then the color defines the masses as ink pushes up the contrast. I love that this painting is going to the bank in Main Street, to join a few others I have hanging there!  Painting number 3914 in 3914 days, and day 30 of the #stradaeasel challenge.