Sunrise on Anastasia Island

I love beginning each morning with a sunrise paint on the beach, followed by a run!  The colors change so quickly that I want to paint another when the colors fade to morning light!  The thrill here is sitting at water's edge, studying the ebb and flow of the surf as it crashes and breaks.  The gulf side is much calmer, so this is my first real painting experience with a lively surf.  Each day, I've grown more comfortable with the colors in that movement, and how the light dances and reflects of the water.  I'm looking forward to more study with this gorgeous Atlantic, though I don't know when that will be.  I'm going to miss these days of sand and sun on Anastasia Island.  Painting number 3743 in 3743 days. 

East Harbor ink and watercolor

Another relaxing evening at the beach, and ink and watercolor are my media du jour.  Both dry quickly, so the blowing sand does not stick to the substrate.  This is always a problem with oils, but I consider it a little organic matter!  I've been mixing in a little ink towards the finish, getting richer darks for a little pop.  I think I like the effect.  I didn't pull my journal out for this one,  wanting to keep my setup small and tight.  With my supplies taking no more room than a pocket, I can take them anywhere and paint whenever the mood strikes me.  Painting number 1998 in 1998 days.

Churning Water at Cave Point

Watching the churning water of Lake Michigan is as spell binding as staring into a campfire - I do not want to look away.  It beckons me to it's side, reaching for me like a lover.  The crashing melody of it's waves, lulls me into a trance as I paint.  So often, the process of painting fully engages my senses, leaving me unaware of my surroundings.  I am lost in the painting.  I must be careful here, the edge of the cliff is close and it is a long way down.  I don't think I could capture all of Lake Michigan's moods if I could paint here every day.  Painting number 1314 in 1314 days.

Churning Water at Cave Point
Oil on panel, 8x10
Door County, Wisconsin
purchase here

Lake Erie Beach

Lake Erie Beach
Oil on canvas panel, 10x8

Beginning the day with biking, then moving to Lake Erie for some beach fun, I finally got in a painting before heading back to Mom and Dad's.  While Danny, Jacob and Michael kayaked back to the vehicle, I set up my easel and painted this whole seascape before they returned!  I love the sound of waves crashing against the coast - and the color changed from steely blue to gray to green! I don't think there are many artists painting around here - the locals looked at me kind of funny - or maybe it was that I was painting in my swimsuit!  Painting number 947 in 947 days.

Beach on Ellison Bay

On location

Beach on Ellison Bay
Oil on panel, 14x11
Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

My first time to Ellison Bay, this spot grabbed me immediately!  I set up my gear and had this painting half finished in no time.  The wind was kicking up and the surf slapping the beach was musical.  I could paint all day while listening to this music.  The oils laid down easily, and when I finished this, I finished another in watercolor.  I was able to paint 4 paintings today - and have so many reference photos for upcoming paintings when I return home.  What a wonderful place to paint all day long.  If I hadn't packed food, I would never stop to eat!  Funniest thing - so far from home, I met a girl from my Zumba class back in Belton, Missouri!  Isn't it a small world?  Painting number 567 in 567 days - I'm on a plein air adventure in Door County, Wisconsin :)

Bailey's Harbor

Bailey's Harbor
Door County, Wisconsin
Oil on panel, 6x8

The view from this pier in Bailey's Harbor, Wisconsin, was breath-taking.  The winds grew stronger the further out I walked.  There was only one tiny spot with shade -  a couple of short trees, from which to paint under.  Sometimes, I have to just take reference photos to use at a later date.  This is one such place.  The breeze off Lake Michigan was always cold, making the temperature feel much cooler than it should have.  Keeping extra jackets in the car is always a good idea for the plein air painter - it saved me in Wisconsin!  On one day, I had put all four of my jackets on - just to stay warm enough to paint in the cold, damp wind.  This landscape was picturesque with it's flowing beaches dotted with houses.  Bailey's Harbor is a quiet little town off the eastern side of the Door County peninsula.  It was also the closest place I could go for internet while staying at Kangaroo Lake!  This is painting number 214 in as many days.