Pumpkin Truck

I saw this place when I first drove into town, new since I was here two years ago.  I didn't know what I wanted to paint this morning, until something popped up on my feed about this place.  It was exactly what I felt like painting, so I headed right over! Decorated with pumpkins and all things fall - it was the perfect subject!  As I painted, several stopped to talk and one man pulled off the highway just to take photos - loving the truck as much as I do!  Love immersing myself in autumn joy while painting!  Painting number 3179 in 3179 days. Bonus - this painting already has a new home!  ❤🎨

Rusted Turquoise Truck

This rusted old turquoise truck is a real show stopper in this Albion field.  I wish I knew the story behind this forgotten truck!  I painted this beauty for one of my entries in the Edward's County Paint Out - and this one sold at the opening, and another was commissioned the same week.  Love painting this small town and it's hidden treasures!  Painting number 2857 in 2857 days. 

Don's Dodge

SOLD

I have never really focused on a vehicle for a painting before!  I include many in street scenes where they are just compliments to the road, but never as my subject.  Turns out, they are not hard at all.  In fact, they are just lines and angles like everything else in life, and all I needed to do was study my subject.  Dare I say, it was even fun?  I will be paying closer attention to vehicles in the future!  Painting number 2512 in 2512 days. 

Red Head Truck

purchase here

This morning was Urban Sketchers KC day at Bass Pro in Independence, and I was grabbed by this gorgeous old red truck at sign in!  Today, I jumped between my India ink and my fountain pen through the whole process.  India ink is permanent while my fountain pen ink moves with water, so I push and pull until I get what I want. Then, I drop in the watercolor until the painting comes together.  The best part is visiting with artist friends while I work, catching up on local activities.  Urban Sketchers is a great way to connect to the art community, and all skill levels participate.  Painting number 2250 in 2250 days.

Raymore Barn

This wonderful old barn is almost all that is left of what used to be a sprawling farm.  Most of the land went the way of progress and is now a major shopping area, but still this barn remains. Large bales of hay are stored here, and on this day I spotted an old truck hauling two of them away.  There are cattle to the north, could they be part of this old farm?  As with all of these old barns, I draw them while I may, never sure how long they will stand. Painting number 2095 in 2095 days.

purchase here

Old Red by the House

I had already passed a herd of cattle on the way to pick up some plexiglass, intending to return and paint them on the spot.  Then,  I saw this fabulous old truck parked at the side of the historic home which is now Woodson Antiques and Interiors.   With the late light - the whole landscape seemed luminous beneath the dense clouds.  I had to paint it!  There was a steady stream of traffic crossing between the scene and I, but it did not distract me.   Tucked back in the parking lot,  I worked unnoticed.  The painting just fell off the brush,  and I needed this creative outlet today!   After two days of intense housework - I needed therapy!   I felt so much better after painting - I  could actually enjoy dinner out with the family!  It was so nice to have Michaela and Cooper join us for the night!   Painting number 1526 in 1526 days :)

Old Barn on 58 Hwy

When considering what I should paint today, I look to the color in the landscape for direction.  This drizzly, overcast day was the perfect backdrop for the weathered reds of this historic barn.  Once a cluster of grand houses and outbuildings, this lonely barn is now surrounded by "progress".  It is now used for hay storage, and is guarded by a beautiful calico cat - who has been here for years.  The old Ford truck is parked under the open side, as if it just pulled in from chores.  I  wish I could have painted the buildings now fading from memory.  They added beauty to the landscape that the box stores never could.  Painting number 1489 in 1489 days.

Road to the Salem Country Church

Early Sunday morning, I slipped out to find the perfect painting spot.  The little gravel road winding through town was irresistible, and I set up my easel along side the road (although, the best vantage was from the middle of the road, I resisted)!  The early sunlight spread across the landscape, and I marked it first, followed by the shadows.  The wind was down, which made for a much easier paint than yesterday - painting in the wind can really be a battle!  This painting unfolded naturally, in this peaceful, quiet setting.  Painting number 1392 in 1392 days :)

Oil on panel, 10x8
purchase here

Truck Tagging on Jackson

Oh my gosh!   This was a super fun nocturne paint out!   I have never been to an event like this one!   In downtown Dubuque, there was a graffiti artist painting a truck trailer outside of a club at 10th and Jackson, and four of us artists were brave enough to tackle this nocturne in the dropping temps.   So many people came by to visit and show their support - and I was even brought a hot toddy to warm me up!  Everyone I've met is SO nice in Dubuque!  This painting sold off the easel tonight, and is my 1374th in 1374 days :)

Vintage Tanks

Vintage Tanks
Oil on panel, 12x9
Fairfield Paint-Out
Wildcatter Award - sold

Scouting out sites for the "Wildcatter" theme - Wayne County Oil Industry - Marcia and I found these tanks down an old gravel road.  These rusty, old tanks were so interesting with their many colors and sizes - I just had to paint them!  Setting up in the gravel lot, the rain started lightly....then a little more.  I decided to put up my easel and sketch it from within the car.  The rain increased a little more.  I got my palette, oil, brushes, and panel from the trunk - and headed back into the car.  I thought, "I can do this inside my car" - and I did!  I'm a neat painter, and I was able to get the whole thing done in my warm, dry car - instead of suffering in the cold rain!  Some days, I just don't feel like getting soaked.  This is my 651st painting in a row - and this won the "Wildcatter" Award at the Fairfield Fall Foliage Paint Out :)

Old Farm Truck

Old Farm Truck
Oil on panel, 10x8

While out shopping with my oldest daughter, we drove by the old barn north of the Dean Farm - and the light was perfect!  Golden light hit the old truck parked within - and had me turning on a dime to capture the moment with my camera!  My kids are used to me seeing absolutely gorgeous shots - and having to stop immediately.  They may even think that every mom behaves in such a way!  The bonus here is the calico cat that was parked on the tire.  This painting was complicated as I tried to work all the reflective colors into the whole.  I first started with the main block in, fighting against my normal inclination to keep every line sharp and straight.  I wanted it to be more painterly than that.  Softening edges, I worked in complimentary colors to give it life.  After pushing and pulling the paints, I feel like this is a good representation of the place.  I gave this a lot of time today, more than I really had - but it demanded my time.  Sometimes I am at the mercy of the work, it simply will not let me go.  I'm not quite sure if I am finished yet, but I am going to let it rest for tonight.  I'll look again with fresh eyes in the morning, to see if anything jumps out at me.  This one makes the 380th painting in as many days and Day 15 in the 30 day painting challenge.