Afternoon in the Water Garden

 

After a quick paint for the Kansas City Parks this morning I am immersed in the most amazing water garden in town!  I haven't been here for two years, and this garden only grows more glorious!  It is sheer joy to listen to babbling water while working, so very peaceful.  Even though we're in a heat wave, the breeze kept me cool as I painted here.  This garden is so inspiring - it makes me long to put one in! Painting number 3111 in 3111 days. 

Falling Water in the Garden

I love to immerse myself in a beautiful place, and then paint it!  I'm SO lucky to get to do this EVERY SINGLE DAY!  When I'm in Sainte Genevieve, I stay at the amazing Main Street Inn B&B, and I am spoiled.  This time my husband and my mom joined me, and we have made it a long getaway weekend!  The garden at this place is inspiring, so today finds me back in the water garden, capturing the beauty in oils.  We spent the morning and early afternoon at the Honey Bee Festival, so when mom wanted to rest and recharge back in her room for a while, I seized the opportunity to paint!  What a lovely day it has been!  Love when I can blend family fun with painting time, and shop the unique shops all in the same day!  Painting number 3086 in 3086 days. 

Kauffman Gardens

 I haven't been to this garden for years, and the last time my parents were with me.  My mom won an award for a photo taken here during that trip.  Now, I am painting the same garden with ink and watercolor on handmade cotton paper.  I love the motion of the dancing girls in bronze, joyful as they step through the fountain.  An artist friend let me know a few watercolorists are meeting on Monday mornings at different locations each week - and I am so glad!  I am so happy to have a new painting spot each week - distanced and with masks when needed.  Painting number 2769 in 2769 days. 

Gate to Harwood Garden

This view of the arbored gate to the Hardwood garden caught my attention at first sight.  Once inside, I painted a sweeping landscape of the water garden which I could not resist.  When I came back to this orginal spot, light had flooded the lawn and the scene was totally different.  So, upon arriving today, I knew I must paint this before the morning light dissipated.  I visited with garden tourists as I worked, and soon my time was gone.  There is still another painting I just could not get to.  I guess I'll have to wait until next year!  Never enough painting hours!  Painting number 2385 in 2385 days, I think.  I've been so busy I haven't had time to check!

Harwood Water Garden

After a whole week of hot painting days, today was beautiful in this water garden!  I'm painting on site during the Water Garden Society Tour at #29 on the ticket.  I LOVE painting with the sound of the water babbling, it is so soothing.  Every place I look in this garden is another painting!  I'll be returning in the morning, and I hope to paint two more scenes before heading to the Parkville Opening Reception at 2:00! Painting number 2382 in 2382 days.

Water Garden at H.S. Clay House

I love experiencing a new place early in the morning, while others still sleep.  With pen and ink, I walk the grounds, looking for special locations to draw.  I heard the music of this water garden before I could see it, and the magic was in the painting.  I quickly lose track of time while the water babbles. Only when raindrops started to fall on my work did I snap back to reality and look for cover.  Rain and ink do not mix!  A splendid breakfast awaited my return!  Painting number 2359 in 2359 days.

Waterfall in the Garden Inked

I like to sketch my compositions in ink before committing the scene in paint. I use an India ink pen to sketch out the scene, and then switch to a more water soluble ink that will move with a little water.  My favorite is Levenger Raven Black. It is rich and velvety black, it simply makes a drawing sing.  Can't wait to paint the prairie tomorrow!  Painting number 2335 in 2335 days.

Koi

The dishwasher is running, the robot is vacuuming, and the house is finally restored after a day of family fun and fireworks.  With my feet up and a cold drink at my side, I can take a few minutes to post my daily painting.  I will be painting at a local water garden this Saturday (#46 on the ticket) and have been scouting a few koi to paint in preparation.  I can only remember painting them one other time - and that was years ago!  I've never had an ornamental fish pond - largely due to our cats and dogs, but I do love them.  The movement of the fish in the water is mesmerizing.  Painting them REALLY makes me want them for my very own!  Turbulent Turtle is the craftsman of this artisan fountain pen.  There is something magical that happens when drawing with a pen like this! This little Koi wishes all a happy Independence Day and is the 1990th painting in 1990 days.

purchase here

Lily and Pads

Lily pads floating in the water are so picturesque, especially when those blooms open!  I've always loved them, but it is one of those things you don't want to start in a big pond.  They seem to take over the place of left to their own devices!  So,  I paint them where I find them, in lovely area water gardens.  Next weekend is the Water Garden Society's special tour through Kansas City metro gardens.  I'm so fortunate to be painting in one of those lovely gardens!  So, if you have your tickets to the event - I'll be at garden number 46!  Painting number 1986 in 1986 days.