Autumn's Bounty

Autumn Bounty
Watercolor batik on rice paper, 8x5
purchase here

This has been a day where I just couldn't seem to focus.  My second day home from Ohio had me catching up on chores, and all those other loose ends I needed to work on.  I started painting countless times, only to get up and take care of something else.  Finally, I am finished with this watercolor batik of a still life on the main street in Fairfield.  There were several wonderful displays outside of the shops - and this is only one of three that I intend to paint! I am finding a preference for the super thin rice paper.  I have just two pieces left, and then a whole roll of masa - and I think I'll have to go get some more of the thin paper!  It is harder to paint on, but there is something about that translucency that I really love!  The masa is thicker, still a rice paper, but it paints more like a watercolor paper.  So, if you love controlling your paint - masa is probably the right choice for you.  If part of you likes throwing caution to the wind - then the super thin rice paper may be the perfect fit!  This painting makes the 680 in as many days - wow - I am nearing 700 paintings :)

Autumn in Elmore

Autumn in Elmore
Watercolor batik on masa, 8x5
Elmore, Ohio - purchase here

Okay, now this is exciting!!  I have included my first car in a street scene (that I can remember)!  I know, it sounds silly, but painting cars is scary in a landscape!  I always shy away from them, and now I am making a concentrated effort to paint them in.  It is one of those areas I want to work on.  I first sketched this one out on the masa with india ink.  It is important to paint on the rough side of masa, not the slick side.  The slick side is just too resistant to the paint.  It will work, but with more effort.  This scene is at the top of Rice Street, right by the old bank, turning left at the light.  It is fun to be painting this place which has been my parent's home these last 26 years.  Painting number 679 in as many days :)

Race Day

Race Day
Watercolor batik on rice paper, 7x5
Perry Yacht Club - purchase here

On this painting, I wondered what would happen of I left some droplets of the watercolor on top of the wax before ironing it between the brown paper.  This is what happens - more paint leaking through and spreading, as the wax is being melted into the brown paper.  Less distinct lines, creating a different, looser effect.  This could be cool on a serious portrait, or a painting that I might want to bump up the drama on.  Too much?  It might be, but my mind is already working on how to best use this technique on another painting.  Painting number 678 in as many days.

Path in Autumn

Path in Autumn
Oil on panel, 6x6
purchase here

Today, I am concentrating on the warms and cools of the autumn landscape.  The golds are at their peak, and the reds are just beginning in my neck of the woods.    I am painting with intent - marking the lights and darks, and then working towards the middle.  Painting in oil - I have applied the paint rather heavy in areas.  I am using a more traditional palette, as I normally do with my oils.  With all of my recent watercolor work, I am now wondering what would happen of I used my bolder watercolor palette for my oil painting?  How would the clearer colors look in this landscape - could I even achieve them with the addition of white?  Hmmmm - definitely  food for thought.  I think I'll give this a try just to see what happens!  Painting number 677 in 677 days :)

Looking Down Rice Street

Looking Down Rice Street
Watercolor batik on masa, 8x5
Elmore, Ohio - purchase here

I am working on street scenes again today in Elmore, Ohio.  This charming town of 1200 people is little changed in the last 100 years.  Filled with many historic homes, including the antebellum home of my parents, it is full of nostalgia.  Rice Street is the main street in town, and this view leads us right into downtown Elmore.  I am painting this using the batik method, although I am starting to long for a more traditional approach.  I did bring some regular watercolor paper - in the 140 lb variety, as I had no real intention of using it while I'm here.  Not my favorite weight, but maybe it will be okay.  Painting number 676 in as many days :)

Dad's Shed

Dad's Shed
Watercolor batik on rice paper, 8x5
purchase here

The stunning color of the fall foliage hit me as soon as I walked out the back door at my parent's house.  Early morning light illuminated the trees splendidly!  How I wished I could set up and paint on the spot, being hospital bound, this was not the time.  I sketched this while my mother slept and my dad "rested" in a rather uncomfortable chair.  Laying in the first layers of color discreetly (from the vinyl couch in the room) - I took this back home to wax and paint again.  What a therapeutic way to spend the long hours waiting by mom's bed.  Painting number 675 in as many days.

Autumn Barns

Autumn Barns
Watercolor batik on masa, 8x5
Elmore, Ohio - purchase here

This farm is heading north out of Elmore, Ohio on highway 51.  We pass this farm every time we go to any of the hospitals.  In the past three years, I have driven by here many times when dad was hospitalized, and now, with my mom.  This farm is ever changing - with the light changes of each day to the various seasons.  My first time to paint it, I am capturing this landscape in it's autumn glory.  Once again using the watercolor batik method, I have first painted the scene in watercolor on masa paper.  Brushing hot wax over the finished painting, I then crumple the painting up in a tight ball - no kidding!  Flattening it out, I then float the brown/plum color into all creases and cracks and allow it to dry.  I then iron it between brown paper (or in this case, old newspapers) until no more wax bleeds into the paper.  What remains is this landscape painting with an antiqued appearance.  This landscape is painting number 674 in 674 days :)

Autumn Gold

Autumn Gold
Watercolor batik on masa, 5x8
Elmore, Ohio - purchase here

As I walked out of my parents back door, this glorious golden tree was there to greet me!  The yellows are really popping up here in northern Ohio - and the autumn landscape is amazing!  I snapped pics all the way to the hospital this morning while the sun was shining brightly.  Once again, I am using the watercolor batik method.  I have not actually painted in the hospital before, but I knew that watercolors would be the safe and clean alternative.  Those who know me, know that I am a clean painter - and my work area was tiny so as not to be noticed!  I first sketched out my composition with an india ink pen while looking at my reference on my phone - all in my lap.  Laying my skinny watercolor palette between me and the end of the couch on a paper towel, I dipped my brush into a little pill cup for my water and then into the paint of choice.  So compact, it was the perfect set up for "hospital" painting!  Arriving home later, I was then able to wax, crinkle, and then paint again.  Ironing that wax off, I then topped off with a little more watercolor and was done!  Working at four at a time, I needed that extra time in between for drying. Those other two are now dry, so I had better move on to ironing them.  Painting number 673 in as many days :)

Autumn on the River Road

Autumn in the River Road
Watercolor batik on masa, 8x5
Elmore, Ohio - purchase here

As I walked out to get the mail at my parent's house, this beautiful scene lay before me.  Slipping the mail into the car and grabbing my phone, I stepped back into the street to get the photo for reference.  The golds were stunning in the backdrop of greens.  I have been wanting to work on street scenes - so this is my chance!  I am going to sketch and paint these every day while I am in Ohio - where I can get many different paintings from my parent's lawn!  I have sketched this one in india ink, painted in watercolor on masa, & brushed hot wax over the surface.  Crumbling up, this surface was more resistant to the wax coming off.  I don't know why, perhaps the wax was thinner than on my previous paintings.  As a result, the batik effect is lighter here.  The actual painting of the scene was fun!  I think I am going to like painting the street scenes!  Painting number 672 in 672 days :)

Witches Brew

Witches Brew
Watercolor batik on rice paper, 7.5x5.5
purchase here

Happy Halloween!  How's this for getting into the halloween spirit?  I have never done anything like this - well, not since I was a child, so why not branch out and have a little fun?  The watercolor batik technique is perfect for creating a vintage mood as these witches make their brew!  Unlike all the other batiks I've done, I painted the background first - getting the glow of the fiery sunset in.  I painted the sky with hot wax and then proceeded to drop color into the figures, cauldron, and land.  It was fun to let those paints just mingle together.  Did I mention that the only color I premix on the palette is orange?  This is painting number 671 in as many days :)

Portage River in Fall

Portage River in Fall
Watercolor batik on masa paper, 8x5
purchase here

The Portage River runs past my parent's house in Elmore, Ohio, and is a constant source of inspiration when I visit.  This morning, while the grass was still very wet with dew, I walked down the hill and to the water's edge just to get this vantage!  So worth it!  So many of the trees are showing off their yellow foliage - the reflections are stunning!  I first sketched this out with my Pitt india ink pen in sepia, and next filled in with watercolor.  Using the hot wax for some movement in the water, I have left this one rather loose and liquid.  I think I will try to paint several of the river while I'm here!  Painting number 670 in 670 days.

Golden Glow

Golden Glow
Watercolor, ink, hot wax on masa, 8x5
purchase here

I am in Ohio for my mom's knee replacement surgery.  As we drove to the hospital this morning, the early morning light was bathing the autumn landscape in gold!  Taking a few reference photos, I then sketched a few paintings out on rice paper while my mom rested between therapy sessions.  This painting is from their side yard - with the sun lighting the golden leaves and grass alike!  Later, while she and my dad were napping, I painted them with the small watercolor palette that I take with me when plein air painting.  I forgot my water container and used one of the pill cups for my water!  I was able to paint the first two layers on, and wax, paint, iron, and paint again when I got back to their house.  This was a good use of time - because I HAD to watch the World Series game with my hometown boys playing (the Royals!!) - and this kept my hands busy!  This is painting number 669 in as many days - and boy do I hope we win!!

First Impressions of Fairfield

First Impressions of Fairfield
Oil on panel, 9x12
Fairfield Fall Foliage Paint Out
purchase here

Quick Paint

On Location

This painting is from the Quick Paint at the Fairfield Fall Foliage Paint Out.  This charming town is full of historic buildings - and this was the very first one that caught my eye.  The morning was cold and windy - and I was so thankful to have brought my ski jacket!  Toasty in my layers, it was a fun 2 hour paint! This town was a delight to enjoy for four days this October - and I am looking forward to next year, too!  I don't think I am quite finished with this one - I see areas I would still like to work.  When I get the finishing touches on, I will post an updated photo.  This painting is number 668 in 668 days.  Today finds me in the hospital with my mom, who is here for a full knee replacement surgery.  I have some supplies with me, and will probably have time to start working on some small watercolor sketches tomorrow during her rest times.  I always feel better with a little something to keep my hands busy :)

Autumn at Park University

Autumn at Park University
Oil on panel, 12x9
Now showing - Parkville Depot
sold

first marks

I painted this beautiful college as the sun was bathing the grounds with a golden glow.  Time was running short before sunset, so I needed to get that paint down quickly!  I climbed an adjacent hill near the top of the waterfall, to set up my easel and get started.  Since the sun was going down, and there is so much architecture here, my first marks were those of the university, and I worked out from there.  By the time I was finished, there was little light, and I packed up my gear to head home.  This had already been my third painting of the day for the Parkville in Art plein air event.  This painting is now showing at the historic Parkville Depot until November 13.  This is painting number 667 in as many days.

Batik Autumn

Batik Autumn
Watercolor, ink, hot wax on masa, 8x5
purchase here

Trying to capture the autumn landscape with watercolor - which is new for me.  I have only been using the medium for three months now, and rarely in a landscape - I normally go to my oils.  After loosely sketching with my india ink pen, I fill in the local color with paints, then brush hot wax onto this.  For this one, I floated ink over the cooled and cracked wax instead of watercolor - and the ink spreads in a different way.  More blotchy, more unpredictable.  Not sure how I feel about this......I'll need to try a few more before I decide.  Painting number 665 in as many days.

Morning at Montebello Falls

on location

Morning at Montebello Falls
Oil on panel, 16x12
Now showing at Parkville Depot, MO
purchase here

For this vantage of the falls at Montebello, I had to set up in the tall grass up the hill and across the street from my subject.  This was the only little bit of shade when I started, so I got right to laying down paint.  The morning light reflected off the water and foliage, shimmering in the landscape.  Looking into the sun is always difficult, even though my hat shaded my eyes.  As you can see from the photo, the sun tends to wash out the detail of the subject while I'm looking at it, making my color choices a bit harder.  That is the Kansas City skyline in the distance on the left - so cool to be able to get that kind of depth in a landscape!  This painting is now showing at the historic Depot in Parkville through November 13, and is painting number 664 in as many days.

Afternoon at the National Golf Course

Afternoon at the National Golf Course
Oil on panel, 16x12
Now showing at Parkville Depot
purchase here

What an amazing opportunity to get to set up my easel and paint this glorious landscape!  With it's undulating hills and autumn foliage - it was truly a treat!  Setting up near the edge of the course by the cart path, I had a bird's eye view of the land below.  On such a warm day - the course was busy, and there was a constant flow of golfers humming by.  I almost didn't seek out this painting location from our paperwork - and I am so glad that I did!  This painting is now showing at the historic Depot in Parkville, Missouri through November 13, and is painting number 663 in as many days.

Sunset at the Depot

Sunset at the Depot
Oil on panel, 14x11
purchase here

My second painting of this day in Parkville, the historic depot was my subject.  The weather has been so warm and balmy - especially for October, that it was a joy to set up my easel and paint.  I chose a spot in the shade of an old tree to start my painting.  Having to shift only once to stay in the shade, I saved the sky for last.  I wanted to capture the last color before it dropped below the horizon - and that light is so very fleeting!  And, yes - that fountain is true blue - is support of our Kansas City Royals going to the World Series!!  I think every fountain in town in blue, now!  So exciting!  After this painting, I went on to paint a nocturne on Main Street!  This is painting number 662 in as many days :)

Morning at the Milk Barn

Morning at the Milk Barn
Oil on panel, 6x6

Today, I am studying the morning light as it hits the fields and milk barn before me.  I have a real tendency to make those building lines hard, so here - I soften them.  The milk barn melts into the landscape without those hard edges - especially on the side of the barn.  The hackberries are turning golden, as is the field, and it is tricky to capture that color with the bright morning light behind them.  I used one brush to paint the whole thing, paying close attention to colors and values.  I feel the need to really work on color, and the balance between what I see and what I feel.  This milk barn is so full of memories, both of my childhood and those of my children, it is always a joy to paint.  So many of my trees are showing their beautiful fall plumage right now - I only hope I can get to them all!  Painting number 661 in 661 days - now time to catch up on my work!

Roses by the Fence

Roses by the Fence
Oil on panel, 6x6
purchase here

Up and out early this morning, my son needed to be at weights by 6:00am.  I don't have pilates until 8:30, so this made the perfect painting window.  The roses are still loaded - and one thing the puppy leaves alone, so they are beautiful!  Painted in the early morning, before the sun was up - this one is moody.  Striving for a little more realism than yesterday, my values are also much closer together.  The paint is rather thick, with the brushwork closely following the shapes they represent.  I need to cut some small panels - as I have run almost out of them.  I prefer the smaller sizes for studies.  This painting makes 660 in 660 days - and I think I will paint a fall landscape I saw earlier for tomorrow's painting :)