Pumpkin Chick Mini

 

As I painted trim on the coop today, I took a sketch break to paint a miniature chick and pumpkin!  It was the perfect day to be working outside, so I took full advantage!  I got a coat of pink paint on the windows and some of the door trim, as well as some other coop chores.  The girls cooed and came close to me through the windows from their upper roost bar, and Phinny even sat on her nest and laid an egg - singing her egg song as I painted the henhouse doorway, watching the magic.  I hope to get all the painting done during these beautiful, warm days - and more painting, too! Painting number 4689 in 4689 days. 

Jellison Library

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As I finished up my morning Story Time with a large group of children and their families, I received a text to meet Jessica, the Social Media Specialist in 30 minutes.  Since I had a little time, I set up to paint this miniature of the Jellison Library at the YMCA of the Rockies.  My paintings have been displayed here during my residency, and Story Time with Bookmark making has been in my schedule weekly.  This sweet little building is a staple here on campus, and I'm so happy that I got it sketched.  I've donated this one to the library, as a special thank you for all they have done for me these last 3 weeks.  Painting number 4568 in 4568 days. 
 

Hot Pink Geranium

This hot pink geranium has wintered indoors for the last two years and it is still sending up blooms for me to paint!  There is something magical about flowers blooming indoors during the winter months! I just had to paint this glorious bloom at it's peak towards the end of this busy day!  Painting number 4989 in 4989 days. 
 

Pink Flamingo Garden

It was super fun to meet artist friends and my youngest daughter with her two little ones at Family Tree Nursery today in Overland Park. This vivid pink slice of color is part of their Barbie Garden, ready for this weekend's open house!  I couldn't possibly resist painting it as Casper looked on adoringly at the smallest pink flamingo.  Painting number 4977 in 4977 days! 

 

Chickadee Pair

I just barely had time for a quick bird sketch before the big game! With a favorite TWSBI fountain pen and watercolor, I sketched this duo in ink before filling in the color.  We have so many birds flocking to the feeders - it's fun to spend a little painting time with them!  So happy the Chiefs won another Super Bowl!!  We ate living the dream in Kansas City!  Painting number 4051 in 4051 days. 

Pink Ice Ornaments

I spent this warm, lovely day outdoors, working in my gardens!  The ground is so soft that I could actually plant the arbovidaes that adorned my front porch as Christmas trees all season long!  After we spent some time with Mom, Danny and the boys, I am ringing in the New Year with Diamine's Pink Ice ink and a pink glass dip pen!  The color is a lovely fruit punch shade, and the pink of the glass pen is hardly noticeable with the Christmas lights behind it!  Hard to believe that it is almost 2022! Painting number 3268 in 3268 days. 

Dani!

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I have always had a special place in my heart for animals, even as a child.  There is something very joyful in the act of painting them, too!  I can't help but smile as I sketch each line and paint in each color. With this little face looking back at me - how could I not smile?  Painting number 2536 in 2536 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. 

Little Barn by the Creek

On really busy days, sometimes I can only slip in a miniature painting.  Using my acrylics, I chose a 4 inch square gallery wrapped canvas as my substrate.  These tiny surfaces are perfect for small painting windows, and the  bonus of acrylics is that they dry quickly.  Really looking forward to painting a beautiful snowfall tomorrow!  Painting number 2200 in 2200 days.

Winter Barn in Miniature

When I work on a large painting, I often paint a few small ones during the process.  With all the business of a full household for the holidays, I've only been able to start and stop, and start again on the large painting.  I like where it is going, but have yet to get into the zone.  My painting windows have simply been too small.  I had only picked up my brushes when the family was asking for dinner.  Two hours later, I was able to return to the paint for a little while. I may just hang out on the wall, and do a "drive by" with paint whenever I see a passage in need!  Looking forward to easier days in the New Year!  Painting number 2166 in 2166 days.

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Three Boats Sailing

A day spent at lake's edge, painting sailboats, is a day well spent.  The quiet sounds of the lake are the perfect backdrop for a little painting.  This one is miniature at 4x4 inches, and done in acrylic for speed of drying.  I still prefer oils in the field, but acrylics do have their place. Painting number 2165 in 2165 days.

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Cardinal on the Branch

Cardinals nest in our yard each year, many staying from year to year.  These beauties frequent the feeders all winter long, as well as many others.  Right outside the window, I can easily paint them as they flit about.  Using acrylics on a gallery wrapped canvas for this miniature painting.  Painting number 2163 in 2163 days.

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Clouds over the Barn

A gorgeous sky gets me every time.  From the stormy to the sunset, each cloudscape is a work of art that I can only hope to justify with paint.  With only a little painting window, I am painting very small - 4x4 - and using smaller brushes than normal.  I am also using acrylic for this, instead of my normal choice of oils for clouds.  I find that I have to use thicker paint and apply with a heavier hand, to achieve the depth so easily to get with oils.  The biggest bonus with acrylics - the quick dry finish!  Painting number 2162 in 2162 days.

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Children with Sled

The days are filled with family activities as the hours race by.  So many details to keep track of, I find I'm dropping balls right and left.  I'm so thankful for those keeping me on track!  Perhaps I need a little more painting time..... my mind is ever so clear and focused when I'm in the paint.  The real world fades away and all that exists is the process.  Maybe tomorrow.  Painting number 2156 in 2156 days.

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Winter's Song

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Hard morning at the gym, lunch with family at the Tea Room, shopping at a favorite spot - Cockrell, and finally I'm home with my paints!  Painting number 2154 in 2154 days.

Bringing in the Tree

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Sometimes, it is soothing to find a cozy chair, my favorite paints and brushes, and a few canvases.  Perfect setup for some art therapy, easy chair style.  With all the Christmas activity, it is easy to get lost in the details.  A little quiet time is just the right thing to get me back on track. Pairing number 2152 in 2152 days.

Snowy Path to Church

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I like to paint miniatures around this time of year for holiday gift giving.  On this balmy day in the 50s, this snow is only imagined.  As I sit watching sappy Christmas shows with my mom and youngest daughter, I am painting miniatures.  Antiquing, baking cookies and time spent with family, the holidays have already started around here.  Painting number 2149 in 2149 days.

Geppetto and his Boy

acrylic on canvas, 4x4
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After a family birthday dinner out, I am coming to my easel late once again!  This charming pair if nutcrackers is Geppetto and Pinocchio.  Geppetto is even holding a wooden mallet, creating his masterpiece. I love the expression on his face, very animated for a nutcracker!  If only my body did not require sleep, I would keep painting all night long!  This painting makes 1434 in 1434 days. 

Santa and the Model Plane

My husband loves these model planes, especially ones from his childhood!  He and his dad built these together, just like he has with his boys and now the grandkids. These model planes seem to be reproducing the last few weeks - has Santa been making early deliveries? This vintage Santa is putting a Sopwith Camel under the tree, a nod back to year 1916.  This painting makes 1433 in 1433 days :)

Acrylic on panel, 4x4
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Santa and Dolly

This year, I am painting a series of vintage Santa scenes on small, gallery wrapped canvases.  Some are sepia, and some are in black and white.  In this one, Santa is looking at Dolly with an expression of wonder, and Dolly is looking right back!  The magic of Christmas is in the air and I'm channeling that feeling into each one of these nostalgic paintings.   Painting number 1432 in 1432 days  :)

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