Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Garden Walk


 I come to these gardens often to paint, and each time I find new flowers in bloom.  My daughters joined me today with their little ones, Augustus, Casper and Kirby.  Gus painted 3 paintings with his watercolors, Casper stamped and drew a little before he was after every bug and frog he could find, and little Kirby was mostly content in his stroller while we visited.  Cooper was there, too, working on his computer, on a shady bench.  It is fun to capture the ever changing beauty with oils, and fun to visit with those enjoying the garden.  It is so very peaceful to become one with a place, just the garden, my panel and paints.  It was a lovely day to spend in the garden. Painting number 3795 in 3795 days. 

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Downtown Bonaparte


I LOVE  painting the small town charm of Bonaparte, Iowa, just a stone's throw from the Des Moines River!  These river towns are full of vintage buildings, parks, and gardens.  It is refreshing to see a town respect it's history and retain the flavor of years gone by.  This artist appreciates the historic beauty I find down every street.  I'm happy this painting has a new home, too!  Painting number 3794 in 3794 days. 

Monday, May 29, 2023

Red Barn Reflections


 

It feels like stepping back in time to paint the vintage farms of rural Van Buren County, Iowa!  The barn and silo reflecting on that water was irresistible, and it was my first paint upon arriving at this place.  Battling the bugs to get it done - it was worth every minute of it!  Who knew it would only be the beginning of "bug week"?  Every day is a plein air adventure - and cougars and elk would be next up for wildlife sightings!  I love getting to paint these special places in the heartland! Thank you veterans, for the freedom to do so!  Happy Memorial Day!  Painting number 3793 in 3793 days. 

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Rocket Slide!


After turning in my plein air work for judging, I still had a couple hours before awards.  Wanting to absorb the beautiful day along the Des Moines River, I took my sketch gear to the riverside park.  I used to play on a slide just like this with my brother, at the Belton Memorial Park when we were kids, visiting our grandparents.  I returned to the same park with our oldest three children, and they experienced the same childhood joy of climbing in a rocket!  That park has since been modernized, and the old slide, swings and merry- go-round are gone now.  As I sit and paint this place, I remember all those joyful times,  to the music of laughter and families making memories.  As I turned this painting in, it was purchased to hang in the Rocket Room of Hotel Manning, overlooking this very scene.  Painting number 3792 in 3792 days. 

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Ist and Van Buren


I love the vintage charm of historic Keosauqua, Iowa.  There are so many lovely old buildings, I hardly know where to paint!  Choosing to look down 1st street, I sketched in ink and then filled in with watercolor.  The weather has been absolutely perfect - making the whole experience wonderful.  Come see all my work today at Hotel Manning in Keosauqua, from 1:00 to 3:00 for the wet paint sale.  Painting number 3791 in 3791 days. 

Friday, May 26, 2023

Evening Barn on the Water


This morning's 'nocturne surprise' was a good one!  One never knows what will come out of the trunk after painting in the dark!  I just couldn't resist those reflections on the water!  I had hardly set up on the back side of the pond when bugs invaded my space!  Gnats were everywhere to welcome me - so I grabbed my pochade quickly and jumped in my car.  I had to get out twice to get the gear I needed, each time letting in bugs.  With my pochade on my lap, I painted as fast as I could before my light was gone, using only one easel light on low.  With the scene so dark, I couldn't have the car on, and didn't want to draw even more bugs, lol. Another buggy plein air adventure, but I'd do it again for a scene like this!  Painting number 3790 in 3790 days. 

Thursday, May 25, 2023

In the Barn Yard


I LOVE painting the beautiful barns of Iowa, and this beauty is in Morris Park, Stockport, Iowa.  My first time here, it was fun to go inside the various old buildings, set up with historic interiors.  After a thorough look, I settled on this sweeping scene of a favorite barn style.  There were MANY gnats rising from the grounds - and I had to wrap my face with my insect shield to keep those bugs out of my ears, nose, and mouth - and they still got in my eyes!  I hear they are Buffalo gnats - and I could do without them!  I powered through, and the painting was worth it, but oh boy I need to find a deterrent!  Love the pastoral landscapes here!  Painting number 3789 in 3789 days. 

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Around the Garden Path


What an amazing morning I had at the Overland Park Arboretum painting the walking path!  I love painting here, with the sights and sounds of spring!  Stems Plein Air is going on all month, so I'm happy to get the chance to paint here again for it.  I'm so at home in a garden, and it is certainly a peaceful place to paint with friends.  Painting number 3788 in 3788 days. 

Monday, May 22, 2023

Into the Garden


I loved the dramatic lines of this path immediately, and those bright neon yellow snapdragons sealed the deal!  After my weekend of non stop architecture, this garden was soothing to the soul!  I sketched on the path in paint, then started filling in the flowers en masse!  I reloaded my palette this morning, but I think I've run out of my favorite turquoise.  I couldn't find it with all my regulars  and didn't have time to check all my paint.  It's funny how I get attached to a color, and no others can make quite that shade!  I'm so at home in a garden, and looking forward to many more days among the blooms!  Painting number 3786 in 3786 days. 

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Looking Over the West Bottoms


What an amazing vantage I had from the rooftop of the Faultless Building in the West Bottoms!  Now an event space, this beautiful building was the perfect place to paint so much of this historic skyline!  This long format was exactly what I needed for this painting - and I'm so happy I had one sheet with me!  Trains came and went, walkers, runners and bikes bustled by below, and the occasional pigeon popped in to join me - before rushing off when I moved! This was such a peaceful place to paint, and once again I worked right up until the last minute, to rush back, frame, and turn in for the morning quick paint!  Quite a bit to bite off for my 2 hour 15 minute window, lol!  Painting number 3785 in 3785 days. 

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Mulberry View


I don't think I've ever painted a Mulberry Street before this afternoon!  Scouting the streets for my next painting subject, I stopped here, and then backed up for a better view.  I recognized these buildings from my morning paint - because they were visible from the top of the Faultless Building, and I painted them into my skyline. It was a beautiful day for painting, and the sun brightened the west side of these buildings.  I'm having fun exploring this place - there are so many great historic buildings that beg to be painted!  Hope they continue this plein air event, it's a wonderful chance to do just that!  I'm so happy this painting won this afternoon's Historic West Bottoms Quick Paint - and it will hang in the residence of the sponsor.  Painting number 3784 in 3784 days. 

Friday, May 19, 2023

13th and Hickory



I've never been down these streets of Kansas City before tonight.  Arriving a little late to the quick paint - after a day full of family fun time - I walked up and down these streets.  After seeing a few compositions I would like to try, I walked back to get my gear and chose this view instead!  My first time to use this square format paper, it was a learning process.  Each handmade paper is different, and this one was a bit resistant to my paint.  So, I coaxed my paint into position on this paper, allowing it to dry in place - which took longer than normal.  So complex was my drawing,  I was still putting paint on those buildings to the last minute!  I'm so honored to win this first Historic West Bottoms Quick Paint, and I'm happy this painting found a new home, too!  I can't wait to paint here again tomorrow!  Painting number 3783 in 3783 days. 

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Augusta Bluffs


I just keep finding paintings I forgot to post!  This is my favorite bluff in Augusta Shores, in Diamine fountain pen inks. I just love the way those inks mingle!  I left my wash brush at home (while paring down supplies)  and had to use a house painting brush instead!  It worked just fine, in fact, I may just look for one to keep with my ink.  The wash brush is softer, but they both lay in a lot of water.  Some of this ink has gold in it, and in the sunlight - it really shimmers!  Would look great with a dedicated light on the wall.  This is painting number 3783 in 3783 days, and I'm happy this painting has a new home, too! 

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Brakensiek Barn


 

I drove past this wonderful old place, but had to turn around immediately.  With no place to park but across the road and down a bit, I grabbed my gear. I just couldn't pass up the chance to paint this  barn - even when I walked through tall grass to get to this spot. I stood on half a yoga mat (sprayed on both sides to deter ticks), and got to work!  A tick dropped into my white paper, and another blew in with the wind, dropping on my hand - but neither bit and I found no others.  I've been wearing an insect shield scarf for 4 weeks now - and haven't gotten a single bite!  It's crazy! This place is just outside of New Melle, and what a peaceful paint it was! I'm so happy this painting has a new home, too. Painting number 3782 in 3782 days. 

Monday, May 15, 2023

Missouri Barn and Silo


It was so fun painting the Missouri Barn and Silo at Powell Gardens!  I couldn't resist the challenge of all those geometric shapes, so I sketched them in ink and filled them with watercolor!  The closest beds were zinnias and Lantana, all freshly planted.  In a few short weeks this place will be in full bloom, and I hope to return to see the glory.  Painting number 3780 in 3780 days. 


Sunday, May 14, 2023

To the Children's Garden


It was a perfect day to paint the entrance to the Children's Garden at Powell Gardens!  I loved talking art with the children walking by, and listening to their laughter while they played.  There was a piano in the other side of this entrance, and the notes wafted through the air.  I remember my own children play notes on our piano, one that has been in my family four generations.  Now, the grandbabies pick out notes, and I always love the sound of it.  This place was such a peaceful place to paint, and a place is wonder for all the children.  Painting number 3779 in 3779 days. 

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Dock at Powell Gardens


 

I loved painting this special dock across the lake at Powell Gardens - a May wedding memory for a lovely couple today.  It has been so many years since I've been in this garden - I hardly recognized the place.  I don't remember this dock at all, but i hear it is spectacular when the daylilies are blooming.  I'm happy the flag iris were beginning to bloom along the bank for this one! Beautiful plein air day for Summit Art!  Painting number 3778 in 3778 days.

Friday, May 12, 2023

Golden Meadow


 

This was the peaceful meadow finish before a purple fountain pen ink catastrophe.  Rushing to meet a friend who needed the frame in my car - I did not tighten the cap on "Festive Joy" - and THAT cleanup was neither festive or joyful, lol!  It took hours to clean that purple ink from all the other bottles and brushes.  Thank goodness I had them in an airtight container - or that mess would have traveled in my trunk!  As it turns out, this ink is completely water soluble, and every bit of it washed out of my supplies when soaked in water. The lesson I learned here is to be extra careful and methodical when closing up each bottle - especially when in the field!  Painting number 3777 in 3777 days. 

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Plant Sale!


When I saw this beautiful new greenhouse - I HAD to paint it!  I parked very near this spot, and didn't look any further until I finished this painting!  After so many years of daily painting, I have learned to listen to that inner voice, and it never steers me wrong.  Loving the dramatic slope of the hill, I set up on hill, tilting downhill a bit.  So, I situated my three leg stool so that it would balance with the two legs on the downhill side, allowing me to keep my balance better as I worked.  I get so focused on my painting process, that it's best to build in a few safety measures up front - lol!  I always love painting at Sunflower Hill Farm - and I'm happy this painting has a new home here, too!  Painting number 3776 in 3776 days. 

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

White House Cafe


 

I loved sketching the White House Cafe during the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival!  Standing in front of my booth - I had this amazing view of the White House Cafe, so I sketched it!  This place has been restored since I last was here, and it is great fun to capture the progress. Once sketched, I added watercolor, as I visited, and this painting was finished before I knew it.  I love the small town charm in this historic place!  Painting number 3775 in 3775 days. 

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Honey Bee Vineyard


I loved painting near the fire on this chilly day, visiting with artist friends as I worked.  Though I've painted here several times years ago, I have never painted the house.  Today, it called to me, and of course, I listened.  As the fire crackled and popped,I sketched out the lines, capturing as much of the scene as I could.  I added color to all, leaving the sky for the very end, when a warm cast spread from the west.  It was the perfect backdrop for such a special place, and I'm happy this painting has a new home here, too.  Painting number 3774 in 3774 days. 

Monday, May 8, 2023

Babbling Brook


 

It was fun to sketch this babbling brook with my daughter and the little ones, all enjoying this sweet garden!  Little Casper was mesmerized by the water running under a little bridge - right out of view.  He went back and forth, laying down on the bridge to get closer to that water!  Baby Kirby was content to watch the leaves blow on the tree, peaceful and happy.  They enjoyed the area so much, as Michaela and I both sketched our own scenes.  She is participating in Stems again this year, after a few years away.  It's so nice to see her pursue her creative interests.  Painting number 3773 in 3773 days. 

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Brakensiek Farm


I love painting these old family farms of Missouri, and this rambling one outside of New Melle is a jewel.  Overcast with rain threatening, the day was a perfect backdrop for this spring landscape. As I worked, a gator full of girls came by with an ice cold drink to share!  What wonderful hospitality!  I do love plein air painting in the Augusta Plein Air event!  I'm so happy this painting found a new home, too!  Painting number 3772 in 3772 days. 

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Gallery Augusta


It's super fun (and messy) to explore fountain pen inks in the field!  Magic happens when that chromatic ink mingles in wet masses, as I gently manipulate the paper to control the flow.  Unpredictable and vibrant - these Diamine inks are rich, and the possible results are endless!  This painting of Gallery Augusta is now showing at Gallery Augusta!  Painting number 3771 in 3771 days. 

Friday, May 5, 2023

Beyond the Garden


The weather could not have been more perfect for the Sunset Quick Paint at the arboretum for Stems Plein Air!  I especially loved painting here again with my daughter, who has accompanied me many times here as a child, and later to paint for the event herself!  It's very special to share this creative time with her, in such a peaceful place.  The sunset was amazing, and had me longing for my oils at the finish!  Painting number 3770 in 3770 days. 

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Morning at the Alpaca Farm


This alpaca farm in Defiance is a beautiful, sprawling place with so many painting subjects!  The landscape is lush, and those alpacas modeled for most of my paint time along the winding fence!  Our gracious hosts had breakfast and drinks at the ready, making for a very comfortable paint out.  We could have spent all week here painting, but alas, we only had a few hours.  I can't wait to return another time to paint!  Painting number 3769 in 3769 days, and this painting has a new home with the owners. 

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Church Street Barns


I love painting the old barns on Church Street in Augusta!  Though pretty messy in the field, I am again playing with my collection of fountain pen ink!  As I pared down my supplies, I forgot a crucial element to this process - my wash brush!  Laying in down with brush or dropper, I lay a very wet stroke along that ink with that brush!  I just couldn't make it work with my largest round brush.  So, upon mentioning this to my host family, Saundra pulled out a selection of house painting brushes.  The one inch brush was perfect!  Not quite as soft as a wash brush, it still held a lot of water, allowing me to achieve the stroke i needed to get these chromatic inks to mingle.  Unpredictable and vibrant, the whole process is fun - unless I have a little ink accident!  Yes, that happened with the first ink painting - and it took me over an hour to clean that mess up!  Come see this fountain pen ink painting in person at Gallery Augusta on Walnut Street!  Painting number  3768 in 3768 days. 

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Standing along the River


 

I finished this one up just as the sun went down, and  I have never seen the Missouri River so calm!  I drove through here in my way to an artist reception from a paint out, and the light on the bank was glorious! Pulling myself away, I popped into the reception and took a quick spin around the place.  The scene along the Missouri River was calling - so I rushed on back to paint it!  Several artist friends were still there, so I had company as I worked.    This painting now has a new home, too!  Painting number 3767 in 3767 days. 

Monday, May 1, 2023

Evening on Walnut Street


 

What fun it was to paint historic Walnut Street with artists friends at night!  Heading over after a full day of painting and a wonderful 20 year celebration of the event, I feel in love with these lit buildings at night.  I can remember the days when it was difficult to find enough light in town to paint at night.  Now, there are multiple subjects all over town.  I never know how a nocturne painting really looks until I open my trunk the next day.  Daylight reveals what I can't see at night - and in this case, it was a happy surprise! Another must have thought the same thing, because this painting has a new home, too. And oh howI love the quiet solitude of nocturne painting.  Painting number 3766 in 3766 days.