Tranquility Wreath

Today's ink choice from the Diamine Inkvent Calendar is Tranquility, a lovely purple with golden green shimmer ink! It gets very dark in heavy application, and washes out to a warm pink in light areas.  I sketched a wreath that adorns my front room doors, thinking this ink would push a little more red.  I think this ink is a keeper when I'm looking for a warm violet on my ink palette. Painting number 4003 in 4003 days. 

Cardinal Wreath

As I finish this season's paintings, shipments and deliveries, I now turn to my Christmas card painting.  I choose a different theme each year, and this year I drifted between multiple themes, unable to choose!  With the early snow, I painted several in oil for my cards.  Then I painted those bold and bright ornaments - what a cheerful card those would make, and I painted several!  Santas in pen and ink?  Acrylic Union Station paintings?  As my workload started to wind down, I was drawn to a simpler, more peaceful reflection of the season.  I began to paint little slices of home in ink and watercolor.  This vintage wreath in one I found in Sedalia while antique shopping with my mom - and I loved the light and airy feel of it, almost like it is icy and glistening.  I love the process of capturing this, so therapeutic is the act during a busy season.  It brings the simple pleasures back into focus, and the anticipation of making new memories here with the family through the holidays.  I am truly blessed beyond measure. Painting number 3990 in 3990 days. 

Union Station Wreath

What a lovely afternoon to spend painting at Union Station!  I love those grand arched windows in their holiday attire - festive with the large wreath and red bow.  I've met artist friends here to paint, and finished two before heading out.  The restaurants were full and many families came to experience the Christmas magic here as I worked.  I'm so very thankful this place stands proudly as it did so many years ago.  We were so close to losing her when she was in disrepair.  My holiday is not complete until I paint Union Station!  Painting number 3986 in 3986 days. 

Crown Center Wreath

This giant wreath adorns the front entrance into Halls Crown Center, facing the Mayor's Christmas tree which you can see poking out the top, behind the wreath!  This wreath is also a Kansas City icon, with couples and families taking their holiday photos in front of it.  The days are ticking by and Christmas is nearly here.  We have snow and blizzard like winds expected tonight - so I hope to be painting snow tomorrow - maybe from inside looking out - if it really hits -40 windchills!! Painting number 4129 in 4129 days. 

Union Station ATC

This is my Day 2 ink of my Diamine Inkvent Calendar - Yule Log!  A rich, warm brown ink that lightens to a reddish tone with water.  I have a little water brush pen that I've filled with bleach, and when pulling it through this ink - it bleaches to a pale turquoise!  Today is our monthly Urban Sketchers KC meet up, and we're gathering at Crown Center.  So, I arrived early to walk the link over to Union Station, and try out this beautiful brown ink here!  Painting number 4112 in 4112 days. #diamineinkventcalendar 

Nutty Wreath

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Christmas is a magical time where homes and storefronts are adorned with all things festive!  Here, another one of those things I could not resist - a nutcracker wreath!  I should totally do a wreath next year with one or two from my own collection!  Here, I start with the ink to finish with the watercolor, dropping in just a bit more ink at the end with this fancy pants artisan fountain pen!  Drawing is so much more fun with a gorgeous pen!  Painting number 2558 in 2558 days. 

Poinsettia Wreath

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It is so important to always have my tools on board - I never know when the a quick paint opportunity will present itself!  This little ATC sized miniature painting just took minutes to do, starting with an ink sketch.  A little watercolor was added with a water brush pen using my classic Watercolor Confections set.  Crown Center is always a festive place to paint during the holidays - I'm so lucky to have two opportunities to do so this season!  Painting number 2556 in 2556 days. 

Owl Wreath

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Oh what a day of Christmas fun! So nice to have all the family over to celebrate the day. With so much food left over - I sure hope they'll be back every day to clean out my fridge!  Painting number 2553 in 2553 days. 

Grapevine Wreath

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Oh my, what a day!  Little did I know that when I left this morning, I would be out all day on a family shopping adventure!  Mike is our Mr. Christmas, mom and I were just along for the ride! This gorgeous fountain pen is a handmade artisan pen by Pendora Pens. It just may be the most artistic fountain pen I have.  I think I have three different ones, all special and unique.  It is fun to take them out to draw with, each getting their turn in my hand! Painting number 2551 in 2551 days. 

Santa Wreath

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On a busy day spent writing nearly all of my Christmas cards, there is still enough time for a miniature painting of this Santa wreath!  I've been revisiting my fountain pen collection, one at a time, and here I have an artisan pen. My favorite nib is a medium, due largely to the 100% cotton rag paper I use with a rough texture. Fine and superfine nibs are too aggressive, tearing the surface instead of leaving a smooth line.  I like the broad and flex nibs on dip pens, but have yet to order one on a fountain pen. Perhaps my next one?  Painting number 2546 in 2546 days. 

Nutcracker Wreath

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After a wonderful day of family time, and a not so wonderful dog clean up event, I am finally getting to sit down with my paints. Just a tiny window, so I'm painting in miniature with ink and watercolor.  I still have so much to do before Christmas, I sure hope there are no more doggy messes!!  Painting number 2543 in 2543 days. 

Elf Wreath

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I love the cheerful colors and lanky limbs of this sweet little elf as he poses on this wreath!  A cute Christmas icon, I am painting him in miniature to suit my tiny painting window. Its amazing how much detail I can achieve in a tiny space with a few quick strokes. The process grows faster each time I paint, and feels more natural with each one I finish.  Maybe one day soon I'll be able to paint these in my sleep, without opening my eyes!  Lol! Painting number 2540 in 2540 days 

Bird Wreath

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After a day of donning the halls and trimming the trees - I squeeze in enough time for a miniature wreath painting before the family arrives for game night.  Nothing like packing the most into every minute!  Painting number 2528 in 2528 days. 

Della Robbia Wreath

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Adorned with natural fruits, berries, leaves, nuts and greenery, Della Robbia wreaths are inspired by the family in Florence, Italy.  Colonial Williamsburg has many doors donned with these wreaths during the holidays.  Shining with nature's bounty, they are a perfect compliment to this Thanksgiving week!  Painting number 2522 in 2522 days. 

Santa Wreath

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Oh my, what a day!  Exhausting would only touch the surface of this day!  After the end of the second loading day on the moving vans, we have scrubbed this very large house top to bottom.  Now, a take a minute for a cheerful Santa wreath painting time - and a little sanity break, too!  Really looking forward to calmer days ahead.....in the holiday season....... what am I thinking?  Lol! Painting number 2519 in 2519 days!

Cardinal Wreath

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As Thanksgiving approaches, I start to think of winter scenes and what I would like to choose for Christmas cards. Sometimes I follow a theme, other times not.  But this year, wreaths are dancing through my head, so perhaps this will be my subject.... Painting number 2517 in 2517 days. 

Candy Cane Wreath ATC

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The days are so full of packing, my head is constantly spinning. With the clock ticking and so much to do, I welcome a sliver of time for painting.  Choosing a wreath in my favorite color, I start with ink for my sketch.  I like the drama of pushing the sides right out of my lines, as if the wreath cannot be contained.  With a splash of watercolor, the image emerges, and it is back to work for me.  I'm really looking forward to long winter days and time for relaxing.  Painting number 2514 in 2514 days. 

Turquoise Wreath

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I can hardly believe there is already four inches of snow outside here in northeast Ohio!  After a very full day of packing boxes, I can unwind with a cheerful wreath painting in ink and watercolor.  I like to sketch out my lines loosely with India ink, following with my favorite Raven black for those grays.  Next, I add those juicy watercolors to liven things up!  Christmas seems so close in the midst of this winter weather!  Painting number 2511 in 2511 days. 

Purple Wreath

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This may be the first holiday wreath I've ever painted!  By special request, I may be painting several of these over the next month!  Wreaths are already out in the stores and inspiration is everywhere!  I have sketched this one out in ink, adding in the watercolor after, then returning for a little more ink work to finish.  Since this is a miniature, ink and watercolor is the perfect media!  I think these wreaths are going to be fun!  Painting number 2509 in 2509 days.