Springtime at the Cabins

As we drove down this Locust street, these cabins surrounded by springtime bloom captured my attention!  I had Teddy stop the car and started unloading my art gear on the spot.  I suddenly realized I had left my palette in the freezer back at Augusta Shores!!  Already late to start the History paint out, I dropped Teddy off instead and rushed back to get my palette.  The early light was still strong when I returned so I missed no time setting back up to paint!  I really love the rich colors of early morning light - and this was a delightful painting morning!  Even if I was standing in full sun!  Painting number 3034 in 3034 days!  

Wine Stroll on Main

The Wine Stroll in Marceline is so well attended, and a lot of fun to participate in!  I had turned in my last painting for the plein air event when I walked out of the gallery to see this scene.  What grabbed my attention was the bright turquoise VW Bug - but it was soon blocked by festival goers!  So, I got in what I could of the bug, and filled in the rest of the scene while it was completely blocked!  LOL - at least it didn't drive away!  Painting number 2466 in 2466 days.

Teapot Bouquet

It has been quite a while since I've been to the Vintage Market in Greenwood, so I was delighted that our monthly Art Mob event was scheduled here.  Bonus - after two hours of sketching, we all met at the Tea Room for lunch!  As we sat around the table, I painted this tiny 3x3 card as a gift for the owners.  It is so nice that places like this allow us to invade their space with our artistic ways for a couple of hours!  Painting number 2406 in 2406 days.

Fountain Shop on Main

I find the most amazing things in small towns - and this vintage Soda Fountain Shop was a delight to paint!  Once again, I started in the shade, and kept moving with the shade of the Saint George hotel behind me!  The architectural details and colors were perfect for a painting - and after spending all that time painting - I HAD to go in for a Blue Bell ice cream cone!  Painting number 2400 in 2400 days - wowza!!

A Sweet Expression

Pleasant Hill, Missouri, is such a charming town!! After co judging the county fair event, I took a quick spin through town.  The carnival was setting up on the fairgrounds, and the streets are lined with charming shops and businesses!  The depot is amazing, and I think this would be such an excellent place for a plein air event!  I had a pared down sketch bag with me, so my ink was different and my paints minimal, but I made this work with a little mixing. I didn't have the right India ink pen, so I grabbed the one out of my pochade box in the trunk!  Turns out I really like this "eclipse" color of ink for shadow work.  I think this is part of the Colorverse line. I may just add this color to my regular set up! Painting number 2397 in 2397 days.

July on Main Street

Yesterday, I spent worked in ink and watercolor for every painting I did, never taking out my oils.  In the night, I woke up thinking about this scene in oils.  So, of course I arrived early to paint this scene in oils, without even sketching first.  I love the play of color on these sunlit buildings!  I'm so glad I could stay in the shade for all of this painting, it's getting hot out there!  Painting number 2392 in 2392 days.

FOPA'S Fabulous Finds

Heavy rain in the morning yielded to a rain free afternoon.  Upon arriving, I chose a view from the middle of the street, with absolutely no shelter in sight.  With more rain expected, I started my sketch in India ink - permanent in the event of rain.  Once I had my lines in, I decided to add watercolor to show those great pops of color.  I finished with my fountain pen, moving the ink a little with a brush.  Its nice to switch gears away from my oils and inks for a little break.  Tomorrow, I'll be painting in oils for the Water Garden Society Tour!  Painting number 2381 in 2381 days.

A Day for Lingering

The Robin's Nest on the Katy Trail is one of my favorite places to paint!  The colors and vintage charm pull at my heart strings, begging to be painted.  Today, I set up in the back near the Katy Trail with several other artists.  Our paint out is here, and we start the day with gourmet donuts!  After painting and shopping in this fabulous shop we're treated to tortilla soup, margaritas and gooey butter cake!  It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it!  Painting number 2314 in 2314 days.

Twilight on Walnut Street

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After a wonderful welcome social at the Harmonie-Verein, Teddy and I headed to the heart of town for a twilight paint. This showy pink dogwood pulled us right in, and we were painting in no time!  Just before we finished, Jessica dropped off a bottle of wine to us on the street!  Only in Augusta do we have wine delivery while plein air painting!  Painting number 2303 in 2303 days.

Rice Street Snow

As I look towards Rice Street, this is the view from my parent's home.  The winding drive pulls me right out to the road, just blocks from the shops of Elmore, Ohio.  As we work through cabinets of books, there are pockets of time where I can paint, capturing the sights around me.  Exploring my newest travel set of 42 watercolor tiny pans, I begin to see the benefits and the cons.  The colors are strong enough, but arranged a little haphazardly on the strips.  And if I use too much water, they are not strong enough.  I really love my Watercolor Confections more, but these are more compact.  Needs more exploration! Painting number 2219 in 2219 days.

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Margaret's Shop

Not ready to head for home, I started a street scene in the pedestrian part of town.  There is only foot traffic here, and a gathering place for those coming in for ice cream.  The shop to the left is a favorite and local icon for kids near and far.  So many families entered while I painted, many leaving with goodies in hand!  I have had so much fun painting here - I can't wait to return.  So many paintings, so little time.  How will I ever paint all the paintings I see around me?  Painting number 1656 in 1656 days.

Second and Vine

The morning light was stunning as it spread across Second street. After a few quick looks, I decided to paint.  At the edge of the opposite side of the street, I set up my easel and pulled out my pen.  Drawing helps me to get acquainted with my scene, making friends with the lines and shapes to come.  Within minutes, I am ready for paint.  Starting with my panel and palette in the shade (which is ideal), I finished in the sun.  If I have to paint in the full sun, I turn my panel to the shade to check my values.  If I forget this important step, my painting may be too dark when I bring it inside.  Bright sunlight has a way of tricking the eyes, so it is best to check before packing up those paints!  Painting number 1654 in 1654 days.