On East California

There is something nostalgic about silos and grain bins by am old depot.  These places grace every small town in the Midwest, and many are now vacant.  I love all the architecture, and chose pen and ink for this painting.  I had a dry place to stand, though it was still raining when I started this one. My cotton paper has absorbed so much moisture from the atmosphere today, it's a wonder I didn't use my oils at all!  Mom waited in the dry car while I worked - and I think she even took a nap!  We're going to grab dinner later and join the wine stroll, too!  Painting number 5144 in 5144 days. 

Sunflower Silos

After a hike in Klondike Park, my oldest daughter and I took a little time to paint these beautiful sunflower silos!  I love attending the Yoga Bliss Festival with her and sharing some of my favorite places, too!  What an exciting weekend it is turning out to be! Painting number 5120 in 5120 days. 

Silos in Bone Gap

 

As I painted the first painting at this location, an artisan, and owner of this place, was working on her jewelry in the far left building.  By the time she made it to the wet paint sale, the painting had sold.  I'm happy this next painting will be hanging at her place!  Painting number 3945 in 3945 days. 

Retired on the Farm

On

Sometimes, I get a "painting" in my head, and it won't let me rest until I get it painted! I had seen this scene two days before, but didn't have time to paint it was time to get to the Car Show Quick Paint.  It stayed on my mind until I got back there on the last painting day to paint it.  It was a beautiful fall day, abs the early morning light was delightful. The cows tried to lure me away as they stepped into the water of the pond to my left, but I stayed on track, lol. So happy to have finished this slice of farm life, and glad this painting now resides right here at Shreves Pumpkin Patch.  Painting number 4352 in 4352 days. 

Path to the Barn

It was so peaceful to paint along the dirt path to this Wesco barn.  Standing in the shade and painting to birdsong, the weather was perfect.  The painting seemed to unfold on it's own on this blissful summer day.  If only all painting days could be like this!  This is painting number 4243 in 4243 days, and is now showing at Gallery Zeke in Steelville, Missouri!  

Silos in Farmington

I don't know what it is about these big silos along the tracks, but I LOVE finding and painting them!  When I first arrive in a small town, I look for these big guys, and they lead me to old train depots.  In fact, I was here to find the depot, but just couldn't resist painting this instead.  It was so peaceful here as I worked, enjoying the ambience of small town life.  I never did get to painting that depot, maybe next time I'm in this part of Iowa.  Painting number 4233 in 4233 days. 

Wilson and 4th Street

 I arrived in town a little early for the artist meeting, so I decided to paint right here. I have long admired this cluster of silos with its spider like arms, right in the heart of town. With ink I sketched out the long composition, keeping everything in perspective as I worked.  I got some funny looks from the locals, even had one drive past me a couple times.  I'm sure they wondered what I was doing in that gravel parking lot.  I talked to my daughter throughout the whole painting process, happy to finally have cell coverage again.  The painting virtually painted itself, and it was awarded the first Purchase Award of the Fairfield Paint Out. So happy this painting has a new home!  Painting number 3207 in 3207 days. 

Silos and Bridge in Leavenworth

Silos and Bridge in Leavenworth
Oil on canvas panel, 10x8
Leavenworth Paint Out - purchase here

The second painting of the plein air day in Leavenworth, I had left myself only 30 minutes to paint before turn in!  So, fast and furious, I dropped paint into their masses with hardly a sketch to work from.  I set the alarm on my phone for 20 minutes before turn-in, which was my “time’s up” cue to pack up and get to the park.  This painting of the iconic bridge into Leavenworth with the silos in front, is the scene from the park on N. Esplanade, down by the covered shelter.  The shelter offered good shade and a nice vantage of the large cement silos.  I could hear the train running just past the bluff, but I could never actually see it with the heavy foliage between cliff’s edge and

on location

the steep drop to the Missouri River.  Another wonderful painting day, painting number 965 in 965 days.