Spring at Defiance Ridge

SOLD

I love dining AND painting at Defiance Ridge!  I do not remember this bridge and waterway, and I'm here each year to paint!  So, of course, I have to paint it!  The sound of the water babbling as visitors chatted and shared wine was so relaxing as I worked.  Before I knew it, it was time to turn in, and on I went to the next adventure.  I'm happy this painting found a new home, too. Painting number in days.

After the Rain

I have painted this view many times through the years, perched on the hill at Sugar Creek Winery.  After painting another view, framing, and turning it in, I turned my easel towards the Missouri River Bottoms once more.  A downpour had washed the landscape clean, and the whole landscape glistened. It has been an amazing day for painting and i can't wait to do it again tomorrow!  Painting number 5166 in 5166 days. 

Sunflower Silos

After a hike in Klondike Park, my oldest daughter and I took a little time to paint these beautiful sunflower silos!  I love attending the Yoga Bliss Festival with her and sharing some of my favorite places, too!  What an exciting weekend it is turning out to be! Painting number 5120 in 5120 days. 

Sugar Creek Afternoon

What a gorgeous day for painting at Sugar Creek Vineyard - and the light was spectacular!  Before I landed in this spot, I set up 4 other times in different locations.  First, I was looking up the vineyard trail - but the light was too washed out. Next in the vineyard on the opposite side - but another artist was already heading that way, and the composition wasn't quite right. The next two were two slightly different views of the side of this building with it's umbrellas spreading out like a blanket - but there were already 4 artists working on that view.  Each time I returned to the car, this view spoke to me.  Finally, the 5 time I listened!  I rarely waffle on a painting spot like this, but I think the strong light and shadow here pulled me right in.  Painting number 5035 in 5035 days. 

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. 

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. 

Springtime in Defiance

 

I have wanted to paint this tree for years - and this is the first time I've been in Defiance when it is in full bloom!  Seizing the day, it was my first painting in town.  I love having the opportunity to really study the colors and values in that tree. It's amazing how much the extra focus helps strengthen my skills.  Come see this and all of my paintings at the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival Saturday April 29, noon to 5, on Walnut Street in Augusta.  Painting number 3764 in 3764 days. 

Defiance Bend

 

What fun it was to paint downtown Defiance!  Come see this painting in person at the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival sale on Saturday from noon to 5:00! ❤️🎨

Wine Country Road

This road leading back to the vineyard is a perennial favorite of mine, hooking me each time I return to the Sugar Creek Winery.  In the early light, I composed my painting, blocking in masses with my paint. As I worked, I lifted my mug of hot, loose leaf tea from the ground at the side of the road. As I lifted it to my mouth, I noticed something black on my black mug.  I tried to brush it away, but it was stuck, so I pinched it with my fingers to lift it up - and guess what it was on the closed mouth of my mug?  A LEACH!!  I wiped off the lid, removed it to drink from the edge, and put my other hand below it to bring out to my mouth, and guess what was on the bottom mug?  ANOTHER BLACK LEACH!!  Well, that's a plein air first for me, I've never seen leaches out of the river, let alone on the edge of a road leading uphill.  I finished my painting, enjoyed the morning and forgot about those silly leaches.  I put my mug on the road after that!  Painting number 3411 in 3411 days. 

Spring at the Winding Creek

Spring was late this year, barely showing color in the trees when I arrived in Augusta.  I love those first gentle signs of spring, a blush of rose in some trees, while others burst forth in a yellow green flurry of leaves.  So much earth is visible when the foliage is still in the bud, it adds interest and depth to the landscape. I found a new spot on the Katy Trail from which to paint, and the many curves of the creek make this painting a joy!  I love how very deep this view is, so peaceful, surrounded by birdsong. I could paint here every day, and not tire of this place.  I will certainly be back next year.  Painting number 3409 in 3409 days, and this painting is now showing at Gallery Augusta. 

Creekside in Defiance

A winding creek grabs my attention every time!  There is something so alluring about water gently meandering across the landscape.  Painting from a different vantage than before, I am street side, standing on a bridge for a bird's eye view.  The spring colors are singing on this overcast day, and it is a joy to paint as I visit with people walking by.  It's the best part of plein air, getting to share what I do every day with others!  Painting number 3046 in 3046 days. 

Defiance Ridge Inked

The view from the vineyard, looking up towards the house, is so inviting.  The very overcast day soon cleared up and the day was beautiful for painting!  I start first with a water resistant ink to sketch out my scene lightly.  Next I go in with a water soluble ink and lay down the darkest darks, getting the mid tones with a water brush pen. For this trip I am using my newest TWSBI mini in white and rose gold, with a broad nib.  It is the first time I've ever used a broad nib - and I like it!  It drops a heavier line with more ink, allowing me to get those rich darks more quickly.  It is, however, a little too broad for a couple of my papers that seem to have a heavier coating of sizing.  I must be very careful to not lay too much ink.  Things could get crazy in an instant and turn to night!  Haha!  Every painting is a lesson, and I enjoy every minute of it!  Painting number 3036 in 3036 days. 

Creek Along Katy Trail

Arriving before an early morning broadcast at Good News Brewing Co for Great Day St Louis, this scene pulled me immediately in.  I really enjoy painting during these broadcasts!  Visitors to the show come by to see the progress, as a camera man zooms in around each of the artists, sometimes right over my shoulder.  Time flies and the painting takes on a life of it's own. Cold and damp, I was shivering by the time the broadcast ended, but had this painting to show for my effort. It was the first one to sell on show day.  Painting number 2327 in 2327 days.

A Place to Linger

After gourmet donuts at the Robin's Nest paint out, it was time for a sketch before painting.  Love the cheerful color palette here, makes for wonderful paintings!  I do the ink lines with my fountain pen and an India ink pen, then follow with my watercolor half pans.  Once the painting is finished, I move on to shopping!  Robin really has some great finds - and two less bags after I left!  Painting number 2322 in 2322 days.

Barn in the Meadow

This barn on a distant hill caught my eye while I scouted painting locations at the Daniel Boone home.  After sketching and painting the garden, I returned to this creek to draw that scene in ink.  I love the peaceful rustle of foliage as I work, with songbirds to serenade, I am surrounded by nature's music.  Just another glorious day "at the office"!  Painting number 2318 in 2318 days.

A Day for Lingering

The Robin's Nest on the Katy Trail is one of my favorite places to paint!  The colors and vintage charm pull at my heart strings, begging to be painted.  Today, I set up in the back near the Katy Trail with several other artists.  Our paint out is here, and we start the day with gourmet donuts!  After painting and shopping in this fabulous shop we're treated to tortilla soup, margaritas and gooey butter cake!  It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it!  Painting number 2314 in 2314 days.

Water in the Fields

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The rain had not started when I arrived on location at the Katy Trail in Defiance.  As I set up my easel and grabbed a panel, the rain began to fall.  Seeking shelter behind Good News Brewing, the wind kicked up and blew the rain in.  I scooted back as far as I could, and kept pretty dry as I painted my 10x20 panel.  I am so thankful I brought my dad's heavy duty tripod along!  With winds gusting every day to 30 mph, this tripod hardly shifts as I work.  If I were using my former tripod, I would be hanging onto it with one hand while painting with the other!  Painting number 2306 in 2306 days.

Farmhouse Forsythia

I am so blessed to be able to paint such gorgeous landscapes!  I was truly speechless when I turned the corner of an outbuilding to see this lovely scene!  That forsythia was SO large, I had to get on the other side of the fence to capture it and the sprawling farmhouse behind it.  I could have painted a dozen paintings from the top of this hill, every one a stunner.  I LOVE how these opportunities just drop in my lap!  This may be my very favorite painting of the event.  I think this will be hanging in my own farmhouse!  Painting number 1951 in 1951 days.

oil on panel, 11x14
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Log Cabin Magnolias

When I scouted this location, I could not decide whether to paint this cabin with magnolias, or the blue frame house with forsythia just across the walk.  SO, I set up in the middle and painted one and then the other for this Daniel Boone quick paint!  The blooms of spring are fleeting, and it seems like they fade away before I can paint all that I see!  Since this is a quick paint, I begin by laying in masses, the lights and darks, meeting edges occasionally.  I wait until I am further along before committing to those edges.  I like to squint at this stage, allowing the painting to come together intuitively.  This is especially helpful when I'm in a hurry.  Once I near the finish, I check my edges.  Happy with this one, I turn my easel and begin another.  Love those days when I can paint two before heading back!  Painting number 1944 in 1944 days.

oil on panel, 9x12
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Morning in the Vineyard

I walked all over this vineyard before reaching the back corner, and I knew instantly that this was my spot.  The grand old vines towered over me, and I could actually clip my sketch to the line beside me.  Another gorgeous day had me revelling in the paint, using the brighter sunlit colors in my palette.  I often set my timer on my phone to give me a 30 minute signal to turn in, as I sometimes get completely absorbed in the process. This was one of those times.  When my timer went off, it snapped me back to reality.  A few more strokes and it was time to pack up.  I was a VERY long way from the car.  Painting number 1934 in 1934 days.

oil on panel, 9x12
purchase here