Mission Nutcrackers

I found some wonderful nutcrackers at the antique mall the other day - and in my tiny window of painting time today, I am painting them.   I pulled out the acrylics for this one.   Anytime I switch it up to another medium, there is a little "reaquainting time" that has to occur.  It had been months since I've been in the acrylics  - and it took me longer than usual to warm up to my old friend, acrylic!  I'm in the swing now, and an already contemplating another rendezvous!  Painting number 1402 in 1402 days :)

acrylic on panel, 5x7
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Nutcrackers for Sale

I am "drawn" to nutcrackers!  These are the first I've seen for the season - and they demanded my attention!   I found these three lined up on a shelf, and I took out my favorite fine Pitt pen and got to work.   With only 30 minutes to draw before meeting the others in the cafe for lunch, I worked fast.  As I finished my sketch, I checked my watch for the time before grabbing my watercolors.  Darn!   It was time to go, no time for adding color today!   Now I'm wondering if I should add color or not?  Maybe I should just do one in oils, or acrylics?   This handmade sketchbook is SO special!   I may never go back to ordinary again......!  This painting is the 1401st in 1401 days :)

Ship on a Shelf

What a fun day this has been!  I have a new handmade watercolor sketchbook with deckled edges - and today is my very first entry!  Using a new tiny pan of watercolor paints (recommended by a friend)  and new watercolor brushpens, I armed myself for a morning of painting inside the Mission Antique Mall.  I've never used any of these supplies, so it was quite an adventure!  I first wandered around for an hour before picking a subject (I was so distracted by the antiques!)  and then, I sketched the ship out with my India ink pen on this fabulous paper.  It took me a minute to realize that I had to actually squeeze the pen before water would come out, and then it was right on to mixing my paints.  I finished this one and sketched out another, but alas it was time for lunch in the cafe - and it was wonderful!   A day well spent!  This painting is the 1400th in 1400 days!  It must be all smooth sailing from here :)

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Autumn Color on East Creek

Yesterday afternoon, I met with a couple who have ties to the Alderson Cemetery, at that secluded location.  I have not been there in years, and when I had gone, it was through dense woods in the dead of winter.  In search of the old foundation of Lucinda Alderson's homestead, we walked through woods and cornfields.  During this adventure, I found some amazing painting spots!  The creek is banked by rocky bluffs, and winds beautifully through the wooded landscape.  Who knew I would make new friends and find such beauty in the woods this day?   Painting number 1399 in 1399 days :)

Oil on panel, 7x5
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Red, White and Blue

As I settle into watching the election results, I have gathered together a few of my friends for a little still life.  Since I have many wine glasses, the combinations are endless!  I didn't have long to wait to vote, and am happy I was able to do my civic duty.  Grandma Bessie once told me, if you don't vote, you can't complain!   This painting is the 1398th painting in 1398 days :)

oil on panel, 5x7
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Ophelia

This sweet little kitten has certainly been a challenge!  I have babied her like no other kitten, just to get her healthy.   She has finally turned a corner and is improving every day, so, today I paint her!   Once skittish, she now revels in attention and is constantly too close to paint!   As she settled down, I "ignored" her, so that she would stay at a distance that I could actually paint her from!  This quick painting is loose and rather wild, and is my 1397th painting in 1397 days :)

Oil on panel, 7x5
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Morning Light on the Barn

I jumped out of bed before the sun, and walked through the vintage town of Red Oak II with an eye on the horizon.  As the light started to spill forth, scene after scene caught my eye.   "Paint me!  Paint me!"  This was one of those scenes, and the light was perfect!  Autumn was just beginning to kiss the foliage, and the winding road was the perfect lead in.  There is simply a timeless beauty that surrounds this place, and it is a joy to take it all in as I paint!   Painting number 1396 in 1396 days :)

Oil on panel, 10x8
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Light on the Hay Bales

Oil on panel, 12x9
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With just a little time left before I needed to get back to town , I decided to quickly capture the pasture.  As I started, there were trotters in the landscape, but as with all animals, if you don't get them down quickly, they leave!   I used loose, impressionistic strokes to get all the colors down, and then time was up!  So, this one is quick and fresh, and my 1395th painting  in 1395 days :)

Light on the Barn

This timeless barn scene was right off our porch at the Dalton Gang house.  The porch light gave me enough light to work with from the yard, while looking at the scene before me.  I never use artifical clip on lights when painting nocturnes, I just don't like the strong, blue light they shed.  They interfere with the way my eyes translate the colors of the illuminated objects in the landscape.  It was so warm and peaceful as three of us painted this place - and a glass of red wine added to my comfort!   We started later than planned since we couldn't pull ourselves away from the bluegrass gospel music at the Salem Country Church, but it was totally worth it!  Music, fellowship and the nostalgic beauty of this place - who could ask for more?  This painting might be one of my favorite nocturnes!   Painting number 1394 in 1394 days :)

Oil on panel, 10x8
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Autumn at Eagle Point

My first trip to Eagle Point park was so enjoyable!  Autumn is beginning to show some color on the trees, and the gray day was the perfect atmosphere to show it off.  This park overlooks the Mississippi River, with fabulous views of the surrounding vistas.  I wish I had more time in Dubuque to paint!   There are so many wonderful paintings waiting to happen here!  Painting number 1394 in 1394 days.

Oil on panel, 12x9
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November Sunrise

I walked down the stairs to let out the dogs, and the most glorious sunrise was pouring over the horizon!  Without any time to spare, I threw on clothes and grabbed my paints - determined not to let this moment slip by!  A sunrise painting develops very quickly.  There is no sketching or planning, only the laying down of the colors before me, as quickly as possible.  I never know when the color is at it's peak, until it turns that corner and begins to fade.  It is always a slap dash to the finish, and then I set those brushes down!   Painting number 1392 in 1392 days :)

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Road to the Salem Country Church

Early Sunday morning, I slipped out to find the perfect painting spot.  The little gravel road winding through town was irresistible, and I set up my easel along side the road (although, the best vantage was from the middle of the road, I resisted)!  The early sunlight spread across the landscape, and I marked it first, followed by the shadows.  The wind was down, which made for a much easier paint than yesterday - painting in the wind can really be a battle!  This painting unfolded naturally, in this peaceful, quiet setting.  Painting number 1392 in 1392 days :)

Oil on panel, 10x8
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Phillips on Route 66

What started as a warm and sunny morning soon turned to a chilly, overcast afternoon.  I have waited years to paint this remarkable vintage gas station  - and I was not going to let the weather deter me!  This Phillips 66 used to be located on the historic Route 66, and has been relocated to Red Oak II in Carthage, Missouri.  I began this painting with a quick sketch with pastel, and followed that quickly with my paints.  Wanting to paint a 12x9, 8 had to reprime my last board, changing it from a night format to a day color.  In this case, I tried out a purple gray underpainting, thinking the color would vibrate well with the particular hues of this scene.  I like it!  It was a little challenging since I have not used this underpainting before, but I think I will try this again!   Painting number 1391 in 1391 days :)

Oil on panel, 12x9
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Mother-in-Law's House

What a wonderful way to kick off our Red Oak II painting workshop!   This was the first demo of the day, and a fabulous little house full of character!  I have wanted to paint this scene since the first time I saw it years ago!   The early morning light was beautiful, and the perfect light for this landscape.  After a quick block in, I brought the painting to completion - then started making the rounds to help the students.  The weather could not have been nicer - and the place is simply charming!   I am looking forward to holding future workshops here, too!   Painting number 1390 in 1390 days :)

oil on panel, 12x9
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Bridge over the Mississippi

Arriving in Dubuque rather late in the day, I got checked in and headed in search of a painting location.  Without enough daylight left for scouting, I went straight to the Mississippi River.  This happened to be the Riverwalk, and two of our missouri painting friends were there painting, too!  No time for chit chat, we jumped in painting.  As you can see, it was almost dark by the time we finished this first painting in Dubuque!   Painting number 1389 in 1389 days  :)

oil on panel, 12x9
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Waldo Mausoleum

What a special Halloween treat to paint at the Elmwood Cemetery this morning with the Art Mob!   Painting with a couple of my favorite artists and roomies at the ranch, we relived a few of our haunted tales as we worked!   Could anything be more appropriate for the season?  The grounds here are so beautiful - and the autumn color beginning in the mature trees was a joy to capture!   On such an unreasonably warm day, this was plein air perfection......and I think we're in for a whole weekend of such perfection for the fall foliage workshop!!  Painting number 1388 in 1388 days :)

Oil on panel, 9x12
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Rex and Wine Glasses

Pulling out a little Rex Goliath and a couple of wine glasses, I set up a still life with the upcoming paint party in mind.  Starting simply, my brushes took on a mind of their own, and before I knew it, the painting grew into something too complicated to teach in a two hour segment!  Oh well, I will try to reign myself in next time.  As for this painting, I really like the depth and energetic stroke work, and the vibrant color is just what I wanted!  Painting number 1387 in 1387 days  :)

Oil on panel, 11x14
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Clouds of Change

I sprained my ankle 2 1/2 weeks ago, and today was my first day back to one of my weight classes.  I could only tolerate pilates and free weights up until today, so this was a challenge.  I hung in there as well as possible, and now I'm drained and my ankle is a little sore.  So, I got in a quick sky painting before the rain moves in.  The color changes are more subtle here, and the shift in the weather is reflected in the clouds.  I think I'm due a little down time now, so I can get up and do it again in the morning.   Painting number 1386 in 1386 days :)  

Oil on panel, 7x5
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Sunset over the Creek

I find myself checking the sunrise and sunset times each day on my phone.  I have started concentrating on sunrises and sunsets lately, and have begun work in this series.  The blues of the sky begin very violet above my head, and warm to a turquoise as they near the horizon.  Clouds take on a variety of shades as they approach the light - and every sky is different!  From blue violet to Naples yellow pale, the clouds turn colors in minutes.  I never know when the peak color will be, until it starts to fade!  Some days, the peak comes early, and on others it intensifies right until it is gone!  I blend with my softer brushes, and even my finger at the end - for the best results.  I can't wait to see how a little focused study affects my work!   Painting number 1385 in 1385 days.

Sunset over the Creek
oil on panel, 6x6
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Riesling for Two

I have always been drawn to cobalt blue glass!  The vivid color is so rich, especially when light plays with the surfaces.  I grabbed a couple of my favorite wine glasses and a bottle of riesling for this still life, and had most of it painted before dinner.  Michaela returned home from college just in time to go with me to a sorority event, and then I finished the last few strokes on this painting.  I feel like I am getting faster than ever at putting in paint what I see before me!  Painting number number 1384 in 1384 days. 

oil on panel, 5x7
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