Wash Day at the Cabin

As soon as I woke up in the morning, I knew I would paint at the cabin.  The early light showed promise, so I gathered my gear and set up by the laundry line.  The morning light stretched through the woods like golden fingers, and I started to paint. The sound of the wind through the trees and birdsong were my only companions, as I finished this painting.  So glad I stayed to paint, even if I was a little late getting to town!  Painting number 2507 in 2507 days. 

Two Goats

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What started as a suggestion from a dear friend to help her friend find goat artwork for a tattoo, has quickly become an ink and watercolor obsession!  I've not painted many goats before this month, but now I'm drawn to them!  With their rich coloring and bright personalities, they are irresistible!  If only they'd stay out of my many flowers - I'd have goats of my own!  Painting number 2507 in 2507 days. 

Old Bank Building in Copper

As the show wrapped up, I was approached about doing another metal piece of the old bank building, but in copper. Having only one small piece left, I headed to Main Street to capture the building before heading out of town.  It was the perfect art fix I needed before hitting the road for 6 hours.  I will never get tired of doing this building in any media!  Painting number 2506 in 2506 days. 

White Barns ATC

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Running is more than a workout to me.  It is another way to be one with nature. I can lose myself in thought, in nature, and work out all of the ideas running through my mind.  I am constantly composing paintings as I run, choosing which will be my subject on the return trip.  With a tiny set up in my armband with my phone, I can get a quick paint in before hitting the trail again.  Art, fresh air, nature and a run - perfect way restore and refresh. Painting number 2505 in 2505 days. 

Autumn at Dad's Shed

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Today finds me painting the shed Dad built, with those beautiful autumn colors shining.  Using my oils, I am squeezing this I painting window in between packing and hauling boxes to the basement.  It is bittersweet to think I won't have many more days to paint here.  But, it will be so nice to have mom back in Missouri where we have so much family.  Painting number 2504 in 2504 days. 

Hugo!

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What started with the painting of a single goat, has now turned into a collection of treasured farm animals from a dear friend's place in Texas.  I have been compelled to do them all in ink and watercolor, which lends a whimsical feel to each.  I don't think I've ever painted a cute little piggy face before - it is super fun!  Charming and cheerful, how could anyone resist smiling at this little face?  Painting number 2503 in 2503 days. 

Balloon Festival in Metal

There is something magical about a group of hot air balloons rising together!  Sketching this scene on location in ink and watercolor, I am now turning to metal to express the scene.  I find myself reaching for rounded plastic sculpting tools for these curved edges.  The metal tools work a little faster and sharper for me.  Working from one side to the other, the scene emerges.  I often let these metal pieces rest for a day, returning with fresh eyes to examine my work.  It's amazing what else I'll see that next day!  Still rather new to me, it becomes more natural with each one.  Painting number 2502 in 2502 days. 

Oreo II

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Who knew I would have so much fun painting goats?  Always intrigued by their playful personalities, I am now getting to explore them with ink and watercolor.  As with everything, the correct likeness is all about the angles.  On this one, I started with the top of the head, working down the planes of the face.  It always feels funny to me to "shrink" the body so when it is in the background. I am careful to connect those lines where I see them, as they branch out from the head.  It always works to stay with what I see, instead of what my brain is telling me!  Painting number 2501 in 2501 days. 

Old Bank Building at Night

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This old bank building stands proud and glorious on Main Street, as it has for well over a century. I love the lines and arches here, and they continue at the west side of this block.  This may be the very first thing I painted when arriving in town, many years ago.  It still calls to me. This year, I've painted it twice!  I don't think I'll ever tire of this beautiful building. I wish all buildings were built like this one.  Painting number 2500 in 2500 days. 

Farm on 105

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I have a tiny sketch kit that fits in my armband for those impromptu painting opportunities while running.  The North Coast Inland Trail is beautifully pastoral, and those farms call to me as I pass them.  I try to run the first half without stopping, saving my paint stop for the way back.  Each nice day is a gift, winter is coming after all.  Painting number 2499 in 2499 days. 

Oreo Standing

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Oh my!  What a wonderful goat to paint!  His markings are fabulous, and his personality shows in every pose!  It is such a treat to hone my "goat painting" skills on such a beauty!  It just makes me so happy just to paint him, could this be "goat therapy"?  Painting number 2498 in 2498 days. 

White Barn in Autumn

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I have been at my parent's house many times as the leaves begin to change.  Each time, I am drawn to this barn and the golden maple leaves that turn in profusion.  So much beauty in this season, with winter waiting in the wings. There are four views from the house that are amazing, and hopefully I can capture them before the leaves drop!  Painting number 2496 in 2496 days. 

Oreo!

This little guy has SO MUCH personality!  Just look at that face!  With india ink and my favorite Levenger Raven black, I sketched the outlines before adding watercolor to the masses.  Just painting this little darling puts a smile on my face!  So glad Sharla shared his photo with me!  Painting number 2495 in 2495 days. 

Butterfly and Snapdragons

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These red snapdragons are really putting on a show this fall!  Taking a break from my basement duties, I just had to do a small ink and watercolor of this scene!  Snapdragons sure are complicated little flowers to paint - I'm not sure I did them justice!  This is the first time I've drawn them, I haven't had them in my garden for many years. I certainly have to paint then again!  Painting number 2394 in 2394 days. 

Kansas City Downtown in Metal

As I explore this medium, I find it particularly suited for architecture.  Working a larger piece has it's challenges.  It is tricky to keep the metal from bending as I constantly turn it over and over, pushing at the planes of the buildings.  I keep trying out new tools to work the metal, picking up the plastic ones more often than not. The metal ones work okay for the copper side, but seem too abrasive for the aluminum side.  Who knows what tools I'll try next?  Painting number 2493 in 2493 days. 

Mississippi River Overlook

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The sky color reflecting off the water of this Mississippi River changes with every cloud bank.  What started as slate blue, turned icy, then warm as the sun peaked through.  The current looks rather swift, as movement is continuous on the surface. The trees are just starting to show their fall color, and the temps are certainly dropping!  It always takes me a few days to acclimate, and yes, I'm missing those 90 degree days!  Painting number 2492 in 2492 days. 

Field of Dreams

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Who knew the Field of Dreams was a real place - and that I'd get to paint there?  Not only is it a beautiful farm with outbuildings, there were also baseball players in vintage attire out on the field!  Our host was gracious, and we had a wonderful night of painting, food truck bbq, and commemorative wine hanging from our necks on a lanyard!  Wowza!  How did I ever get so lucky?  Painting number 2491 in 2491 days. 

Bee and Bachelor Buttons

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When asked for another painting just like this for the current Flint Hills show at the Buttonwood Art Space, I searched on my blog for the image for reference.  I try to always get a shot on location, which gives me all the information I need to paint another.  Well, I couldn't find it.  I did not post anything about this painting.  In fact, the only reference I could find was the submission photo for the current show!  I often paint so many more paintings than one a day, and who knows how many I forget to even photograph.  Painting number 2490 in 2490 days. 

Western Auto Building in Metal

With each piece of metal I work, I find new ways of using some of the "tools" I've collected.  Some of the metal tools can be a little too abrasive, leading me to use some of my plastic sculpting tools. I can be a little more forceful with them, with less worry of pushing clean through.  I am really enjoying this work, and love exploring new tools with each one!  Painting number 2489 in 2489 days. 

Fairfield Courthouse

SOLDHeading into town with every intention of checking in early and turning in work, the morning light on the courthouse had me pulling over the car!  Before I knew it, I was sketching this out in ink, and soon adding in the watercolor.  I stood at my car and worked, visiting with onlookers as they passed.  I even set my watercolor half pans on top of my trunk, as if it were my desk!  I can paint anywhere, it's all about the process.  This painting now has a home at the Victorian on Main.  Painting number 2485 in 2485 days.