Winding Wolf Creek

Winding Wolf Creek
Oil on wood panel, 18x14
Overland Park Arboretum - Stems
purchase here

I have been painting so many flowers lately, that today finds me returning to the wooded landscape. At the back of the arboretum, on the Western Trail, a narrow muddy walkway led to this view.  It is a long hike back here - but totally worth it!  The mosquitoes were out in full force - but this time, I was prepared.  Not only did I spray liberally with my natural spray, I attached an Off! clip-on to my pocket.  It is the first time I've had to use it, and it worked great!  They swarmed around me as I first arrived, but within 30 seconds they had moved along.  I kept it on as long as I painted - and I will be sure to keep it in my bag!  Painting number 885 in 885 days.

on location

Waters of Wolf Creek

Waters of Wolf Creek
Oil on panel
Overland Park Arboretum, KS

I have really been in "floral mode" lately with so many beautiful blooms around!  So, today, I am seeking a different, more peaceful landscape.  Longing to rest in my comfort zone, I am painting what I love to paint - a winding creek with sun and shadow.  While painting on location for the Stems Plein Air Event, I took many reference photos for upcoming work - and this is one from the West Trail.  What a jewel in the crown of the arboretum this creek is.  And to think, I didn't even know it existed until 3 weeks ago!  This painting is number 522 in 522 days.

Creek by the Western Trail

Creek by the Western Trail
Overland Park Arboretum
Oil on panel, 11x14
Stems Plein Air Event

I never tire of painting along the water.  The sounds of the water, frogs and birdsong lull me into a painting stupor where I can so easily lose track of time.  When painting so far from the entrance of the arboretum - and away from most of the crowds, I must set the alarm on my phone to ensure I don't get locked into the place!  This Wolf Creek is full of twists and turns, giving endless compositions to me.  This is the third one I have painted by the creek in the last two weeks.  The only drawback is the long hike.  So, once I am back there, I will paint two if time allows.  This time of year finds the greens in the water warming with golds and browns.  I love this color against the greening foliage.  It was at first a challenge to me, as my brain wants the reflections to mirror the colors of the trees - but they simply don't in real life.  So, I trust my eyes and paint the colors I see, and am rewarded with the scene as it is - not as my brain would make it!  I've been able to paint more this year at the arboretum than ever - and I hope to make it out tomorrow for the last day of the event!  Painting number 516 in as many days :)

Wandering Wolf Creek

Wandering Wolf Creek
Oil on panel, 14x11
Overland Park Arboretum
Stems Plein Air Event

There is something so peaceful about painting near water - and especially when that water runs through the woods.  Birdsong and the gentle babbling of the creek were the background music for this painting.  Until a friend posted this bridge in a painting - which he later excluded - I did not even know this bridge existed!  Finding my way to the back of the property with my gear in tow, I set up on part of the dry creek bed.  At the time, it was shaded.  Before I was finished, the sun had moved into my spot, and I had to move up closer to the bridge to regain some shade.  Balancing the deep shade with the light streaming into the water, and the reflected light off the surface was a little tricky.  I was not quite sure I was finished before I moved on to another location.  After letting it rest for a day......I think I am finished.  This painting almost perfectly reflects the way I felt while painting on location........and isn't that what painting is all about?  Painting number 507 in 507 days.  I hope tomorrow is dry enough for more plein air painting :)

Wolf Creek from the West Trail

Wolf Creek from the West Trail
Oil on panel, 9x12
Overland Park Arboretum
STEMS Plein Air Event

I headed over to the Overland Park Arboretum as soon as pilates was over this morning.  Hauling my gear all the way to the back of the property - this is the reward for that effort!  An amazing creek, that I have only found this year.  I have been here countless times, without ever finding it.  In the old days, these mulch trails were often closed due to rain.  But they have done so much to improve them, now!  There are even two wonderful bridges back there - one of which was my first paint of the day!  This one is my second painting, Wolf Creek viewed from a steep embankment on the West Trail.  It was a beautiful and remote spot - only a handful of onlookers walked by.  Just past this turn in the creek, there is one of the iron bridges.  On quick inspection, I couldn't see a way down the embankments.......but there may be one.  The light was beautiful all day, and the high winds were not much of a bother in such a wooded area.  It was a very pleasant day of painting at the arboretum.  I plan to go back in the morning, perhaps to paint one of the challenges for the event.  This painting makes 505 in as many days.  Now, I'm off to late baseball game for Michael :)