Love painting historic Ha Ha Tonka at sunset - especially in oils. The rich, buttery oils describe the rocky bluff and textured trees so quickly on the panel. I had to gain my vantage from a perch along the edge to get this dramatic view. It seems to reflect the historic past of this beautiful place so well. See this painting and more in person at Lake Fine Art Galleria on Bagnell Dam Boulevard. Painting number 3869 in 3869 days.
I used to run the North Coast Inland trail over that distant bridge almost every day when I stayed in Elmore, Ohio. There were many fun family trips here, all through the years. When my father had health issues, I found myself running that trail on my short windows away from the hospital. Many times that trail helped me gather strength, run from pain, and center my soul when I needed it most. It's hard to return here, and yet I want to run again, almost like returning to an old friend who helped me through the bad times. Painting it again brings back so many memories. Painting number 3867 in 3867 days.
After working with my daughter for a couple of hours on my website, I had a lovely stack of handmade paper waiting for me when I arrived home! It is a heavy weight, rough textured, deckle edged handmade paper by artisan Bhoori at Leather Village! It is so nice of them to send me paper to try that I switched my plans for painting small, and instead tried out this new 10x7 paper. It accepts ink very well, and I found several layers of watercolor were required to get the intensity I wanted. I can't help but think this paper would be extra nice for ink alone, and I must try that on the next piece. I love the weight of heavy papers like this one - I can hardly wait to use it again! Painting number 3866 in 3866 days.
Only the top of these wild sunflowers are blooming yet - and they are so far above my head! My neck is a little stiff after looking up and I can't wait until the blooms open at eye level! We had some strong storms a couple of weeks ago, and a few of these blew over, but they are still preparing to bloom from their side! When I can reach them, I'll bring in large bouquets for the house, they last so long in a vase! This is another painting that has a secret painting behind it, as I recycle old paintings into new! Painting number 3865 in 3865 days.
I had extra help in the garden for this one, and I just HAD to post this photo of him! It is VERY characteristic of him - no matter where I am! He wants to be between me and whatever I'm attending to, wherever I am! After cleaning the carpet and rugs this morning (where he had to spend time outside or in his kennel until they were dry), he was not about to be separated from any of us again today. He even tried to squeeze between my oldest daughters legs and the table leg in the kitchen - just to be under the table by us all! But he couldn't fit, and had to back right out of the tiny hole, lol! He's so funny, and very needy. And I don't think he appreciates the clean rugs either. Painting number 3863 in 3863 days.
What a unique opportunity to sketch fabulous Kansas City views from the H&R Block building this morning with Urban Sketchers KC! There is literally a painting at every window, and beautiful artwork on every wall - making for a very inspiring morning! All the complexities of this architectural view grabbed me instantly! Old and new existing in the same space, shiny and vibrant, full of history. I didn't know what I was walking into this morning, and what a treat it was! I love getting to sketch in a place like this! Painting number 3862 in 3862 days.
I've only to look to the skies above to find such awesome inspiration! So often, I'm too busy to stop everything and paint a gorgeous sky, but I'm trying to be more mindful with my schedule. Always filling every minute with a many things as I can, I find there really is merit in the here and now, and allowing those things that appear in the moment to REALLY make an appearance. I let go of time a little, so these opportunities can slip right in, and I can appreciate them completely. As the color grew in the sky, I knew there were possibilities growing, too. Beautiful cloud formations abounded to the south where only clearing skies were to the north. With 3 big brushes, I jumped right into it, painting all the large masses quickly. Reserving each brush for a color - yellow, blue, and violet, I could didn't waste time cleaning my brushes until I had everything painted - and I saved the green bits until the end, when a dirty brush wouldn't matter. My paint is getting thick from all my days of painting in the heat. I must clean it up before the next plein air event, but for now I'll concentrate on using it all up! Painting number 3861 in 3861 days.
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I LOVE using artisan handmade paper when painting in ink and watercolor! This one is made by Bhoori, a junior artisan at Leather Village. Each packet of paper that I order from them comes with a card from the artist with their photo, with a word of thanks and appreciation. This paper is a little thinner and a bit more absorbent, causing it to really soak in that ink. Every handmade paper has it's own special qualities, and it is my job to make the most of each one. This paper is a particularly strong choice for using ink. If you look closely, you can see the clip marks on the bottom where it was clipped to a line to dry! This amazing structure is the Stavkirke Church on Washington Island, Wisconsin. Full of historic character, services are held here still. Painting number 3859 in 3859 days.
