Woodland Path

As the golden hour approaches, the landscape begins to call my name.  During this covid time, I've grown accustomed to taking Beau for a walk or run during this time, keeping one eye on the landscape.  I stop when I must, and Beau runs wide circles around me until I'm ready to hit the trail again.  We had a very large tree come down in last night's storm, and it crosses the path on the northern border, so we turned around and headed back home!  That tree was one of the oldest hackberries on the place.  I did use the direct watercolor method again, but I'm trying not to think, and just paint the scene before me. The "rules" have been interfering with my flow, so I'm trying to allow the painting to unfold organically, without my ink in tow.  We'll see what happens in the next 25 days.  Painting number 2704 in 2704 days.

Autumn Light on the Path

What a gift this beautiful weather is to the plein air artist!  The weather has been unseasonably warm like an extended summer.  As I am busy getting the house ready for the Thanksgiving company, I am also slipping in some plein air time!  I really wanted to paint large today, but that was not in the cards today!   Too many chores, never enough time.   The autumn shades seem to glow against the fresh green color of the mown grass.  I really need to get a few more brushes, as I am now "making due" with some of my more worn brushes.  I have them split up between easels, and was skimping on today's set up!  Next thing you know, I'll be picking up sticks from the ground to paint with!   Painting number 1406 in 1406 days :)

Oil on panel, 10x8
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At Water's Edge

At Water's Edge
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5

This is my first block in and color wash in acrylic using this particular limited palette.  I used a limited palette in acrylic for years, and found it so helpful in mixing colors on the fly - especially in the field.  The colors used here are yellow oxide, cad red light, cad red medium, red oxide, alizarin crimson and indanthrene blue, along with white and black.  That makes four different reds, a muddy yellow and a blue I have never heard of - but is somewhat like prussian, only cooler.  After blocking in the masses, I was ready to throw in the towel, I was so disappointed in the direction of the portrait!  I let it dry, as recommended, so that future strokes could be added or wiped off with a damp paper towel until the desired effect was achieved.  I did a different block in, and then returned to this.  As I started laying on strokes with a dry brush method, the painting started to come to life.  I’m a little unsure if this is where I will leave this painting, but for now - I am so much happier with it than I was earlier!  My new brushes came in - so I am getting to know them as well here.  Perhaps that was also some of the initial frustration.  New tools, new color combination, and new technique - no wonder I feel COMPLETELY out of my box!  Another difficulty - I painted this from the tiny photo on my phone, which was from a distance, and the clarity is not great.  A funny thing happened as I painted....I made this woman look more like myself!  Crazy.  Probably because I had trouble seeing the planes.  I also added more light, which I really thought it needed.  This painting makes 1040 in 1040 days.

October Afternoon

October Afternoon
Oil on panel, 6x6

I had this painting planned out in my head early this morning.  I got out my paints, had everything set up, but by the time I finished my workout - it was time to take my youngest daughter to work.  Right after, we attended the funeral of a family friend.  It was very sobering.  Beautiful, but sobering.  After busying myself with countless other activities, I looked again at my panel.  I didn't want to paint.  I no longer felt like it.  Life is so fragile, our days are truly numbered.......and again I looked toward my landscape.  I took out my paints, and started laying in the colors.  The light and shadow emerged as the autumn leaves developed.  Today was sad, but the truth remains - make the most of every moment, we are not guaranteed another.  Painting number 282 in as many days.

Warm Winter Morning

Warm Winter Morning
Oil on Panel

I just love the reflection of the sun off the snowy ground!  This one is another painting done from reference work on location back in the woods.  I first textured my surface a bit before sketching in the composition.  I then painted with my oils - heavy in places, and topped it all off with a little palette knife work.  As Christmas approaches - I find less and less time to paint,  which means I must now paint smaller and faster - if I am going to get my paint fix in!

Falls the Shadow

Falls the Shadow
10x8, oil on panel

The dance of light and shadow instantly drew me in.  My first time to the Battle of Carthage State Park, and I wanted to explore this place with my oils.  The warm, late morning sun stretched across the field on this perfect October day.  Leaves were rustling all around me as I set my easel up in the deep shade.  I have been trying different techniques of paint application - and on this day, I used a palette knife for almost this whole piece!  It is so liberating to try something new - like blazing a new trail!

Autumn Coffee Stop

Autumn Coffee Stop
10x8 - oil on panel

The leaves were swirling, the sun was shining, and a blue grass quartet serenaded from the lawn beside this painting spot.  I could have painted all day here - and nearly did!  Only my fellow artist calling me to finish (so we could set up for a show in 30 minutes)  - could make me leave this place!  I think everyone should visit Big Cedar in October - every Saturday is filled with fun autumn events - I wish I were there painting again right now.

Sunlight in the Garden

As I approached this path, I knew instantly that this would be my scene for the Sunset Quick Paint at the STEMS Plein Air Event.  Time after time, I find myself picking out spots where I am looking into the sun as I paint.  I am drawn to the way the light illuminates the flowers and foliage as it strikes them from behind.   Trying to keep my wide brimmed hat between the sun and my eyes, I mix the oils and apply the paint.  Laying in the lights quickly - I move next to the shadows.  Upon finishing, I find this is one of my favorite plein air pieces painted in one of my favorite places.
Sunlight in the Garden
Oil on panel - 14x11