Nutcracker Soldier Inked

While in Branson on a sorority getaway, I found this wonderful vintage nutcracker during Market Days by the Landing.  I purchased this one and another from the same vendor, already painting them in my mind!  I think this is the first one I have drawn with fountain pen and ink - and I really like the drama of it!  It is starting to feel like Christmas when I am painting nutcrackers!  Painting number 1786 in 1786 days.

Skier and Soldier

Thanksgiving begins early around here - with the arrival of Michaela, home from college!  I try to have all the chores finished, so I can spend more time on the fun stuff!  Tonight, I go no farther than Michael's nutcracker collection for my still life set up.   These are large nutcrackers, one antique, the other more modern.   I didn't realize until tonight that the old one has real fur for hair and beard, and carved eyes!   I will be looking more closely as I shop the antique stores this season!   I really do love painting these charming characters!   Painting number 1409 in 1409 days, now it's time for more family fun :)

Acrylic on panel, 5x7
Sold

Back in the Saddle

Back in the Saddle
Charcoal on pastel paper, 9x11

Drawing again from reference photos I took during our civil war reenactment, this is one of the soldiers (Chris Stockton) riding with Quantrill on their way to Lawrence.  This old charcoal medium lends itself well to these historic renderings.  I am using the powdered charcoal for most of the background work and the early shading on the horse.  For tight areas, I have used a charcoal pencil and small paper tortillions dipped in the charcoal for applying the powder exactly where needed.  I have always preferred graphite for these drawings, largely because of the very refined finish I can achieve with it.  But, as I work with this darker, messier medium, I find I like the earthy coarseness of it.  It somehow adds a rawness and deep dark shading that graphite could never reach.  I also used a color of pastel paper that has an aged look to it, almost a pinkish tan - and I like it.  I toyed with using a sepia tinted charcoal pencil, but decided against it as the powder would simply not match (and I am still playing with my new supplies!).  This drawing makes 449 pieces if art in 449 days.

Cooling Down his Horse

Cooling Down his Horse
Oil on panel, 8x10

After hours of housework (the price to pay when gone all week), I finally returned to my easel.  Today, I wanted to focus on the figure in the landscape.  I am working small - 8x10 - so both the figure and the horse are on an even smaller scale.  When the figures are smaller, the contrast between shadow and light need to be sharper, there is simply less area to make these small marks.  This is one of the shots I took when the men and horses were here for the civil war reenactment of Quantrell's Raiders.  This young man was cooling off his horse after they had all worked out the horses.  The depth of the distant fields behind him and the contrast with the figures, drew me to this subject.  This took me longer to paint than normal, mainly because I was more careful with my strokes, looking for the warm and cool - pushing between them both.  I am hoping that all of this becomes as natural as ever - and the strokes will all fall right off my brush into perfect paintings on the panels.  I have always seen the world through rose-colored glasses!  Painting number 426 in as many days :)

To Lead a Horse

To Lead a Horse
Oil on panel, 12x6
Civil War Reenactment

This past month, I have been concentrating on figure work - both of man and horse.  I love the way the light shines on the animal's form.  The reenactment has given me so many great reference photos to paint from!  Next time, I will try to get them to take the horses down to the pond.  Imagine how lovely these creatures would be reflecting in the water's surface!  I've been painting quite a few panels cut to 12x6 - and I really like the format!  It is wonderful for a panoramic composition, and just seems to make the painting more dramatic than the standard sizes.  Since I have finished with my painting a little early today, I am actually going to go get some panels cut!  I am down to bare bones on my panel selection, and it is way past time for me to do this.  Since I have some plein air events coming up, I really must take care of this so I can be well prepared for whatever scene unfolds before me.  This is painting number 245 in as many days, and Day 5 for Leslie Saeta's 30 day painting challenge.

On Watch with the Horses

On Watch with the Horses
Oil on panel, 12x6
Civil War Reenactment Paint-Out

Each morning, when I wake up, I think to myself, "Where is my painting window today?"  This morning, I didn't have an answer.  So, I just go about my day, looking for the first opportunity to get in some painting.  I already had planned what I wanted to paint in my head - actually the next two paintings are already lined out.  But, I did not find that chance until well after 10:00.  Listening to an audio book, I started laying paint.  I primed this wood panel a little differently - lighter texture and a warmer sienna tint.  I was able to prime the next 13 surfaces, which I needed so badly to do!  I really liked this long format for this young soldier and the horses in his care.  This painting would have been easier on a larger size, but alas, there was not enough time and no larger surface.  This is painting number 237 in as many days.

"Quantrill"

"Quantrill"
oil on panel, 12x16
Civil War Reenactment

This man made such a striking image on his horse as he galloped up into the yard, to ask permission to water his horses.  Returning to discuss with his men the recent events leading up to this night, he stayed on his horse as he supported his cause.  Each man voted whether or not to raid lawrence, and the decision was made.  They each went back to their horses, jumped on and left to set up camp - if only to sleep a little before the 40 mile journey.  Last Saturday was the Civil War Reenactment of Quantrill's Raid on Lawrence on our grounds.  The play was great fun, and very informative.  All in attendance seemed to really enjoy the whole day.  After a closing narration, all were invited to walk into the pasture to talk to the soldiers on horseback, and see their canvas tents set up, just as they were 150 years ago - in 1863.  What a great way to bring history to life!  There are a couple of things in this painting I want to adjust, so, I think I'll return to it with fresh eyes tomorrow.  This is painting number 235 in as many days.

Leaving Camp

Leaving Camp
Oil on panel, 6x12
Civil War Reenactment

Rising early, I quickly set to the chores of the morning.  After first baking dozens of mini pumpkin muffins for a brunch, I finished the few things that needed to be done before Michael's baseball practice.  Dropping him off, Michaela and I ran a couple of errands, getting back in time to see Michael batting (which is my favorite part of practice!)  After a few great hits, it was time to drop them off at their older sister's house while I went to brunch down the street.  It was SO wonderful to just relax, visit, and eat delicious food for a little while!  After tea and muffins at my daughter's, it was off for a little shopping - directed first by the kids, ending with one of my favorite antique shops - where I found a few new treasures and Michaela came home with a cement walrus on it's back for the garden!  Arriving home, I had to finish cleaning up the baking mess (as we had to dash right out, or be late to practice).  Mike arriving home before I was even done, I was pretty worn out with a day full of activities.  And, I hadn't even thought of painting yet!  After sitting for a bit, I thought, "Well, my son didn't get married today......nor did I host 120 people at my home today........so if I can get a painting done on those days, what on earth am I waiting for?  So, with a late start, I painted this banjo player as he was leaving camp - with the banjo slung over his shoulder, while catching up on "Hell on Wheels" with Mike.  Painting number 233 in as many days.  I would sure like to get an earlier start tomorrow!