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. 

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. 

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. 

Living Water Farms

This was our second attempt to paint this place - and I'm so glad we found a good way in!  We attempted it from the south on Thursday, but the heavy rains caused rushing water over the road.  What a treat to drive in and find such a lovely place!  The dramatic angle of the architecture sweeping down the hill was irresistible!  Families played in the water, fished and picnicked all day on the grounds, visiting as they walked by.  I set up on this rather step hill, close to the lake, and loved every minute of my time here!  Painting number 4230 in 4230 days.