Afternoon at Noboleis

 I headed out to scout with oils on board, and when I found this spot I realized I would HAVE to use my pen and ink!   So, hauling all is my gear back to the car, I switched gears and gathered up my ink gear. Hiking down to the vineyard, I looked up at the buildings on the hill and started to sketch. With pen and ink I drew in each one, coming back in with my favorite TWSBI Diamond mini fountain pen loaded with Levenger's Raven Black ink.  With a little water I was able to achieve the mid tones I wanted, and headed back to the car to frame up.  This was the quick paint, only two hours of paint time, but it didn't take me that long.  I really love my pen and ink, and it is always a good day when I'm sketching!  This painting sold right away, and it will hang in the office of Nobeleis Vineyard.  Painting number 3028 in 3028 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!

Almost Home

Almost Home
Oil on panel, 16x12
Quantrill's Raiders Reenactment
Cass County, Missouri

Sometimes, I get excited about just starting a painting.  I was able to give this a solid two hours before I was interrupted to pick up Michaela from TSA.  I was really in the zone - and it is SO hard to lay down the brushes at such a time!  Then, an unexpected trip carved out another 2 hours from my painting time.  That drive to paint that lies at my core was chomping at the bit to get back to it!  When nearing completion, another unexpected trip with an hour delay.  I should have been done by 6:00, but it was not to be.  I think I am finished with this one - painting number 228 in 228 days.  I hope tomorrow runs more smoothly than today :)