Ponderosa Pines Sketched

 

There is beauty to capture in ponderosa pines for this Day Camp demo!  It was another "red thunder" day, which means we had to paint from under the covered back porch of the building.  So, I looked to the pines for inspiration.  I talked the group through my process as I worked, sharing the pens I like to use.  There were so many wonderful young artists with fabulous nature sketches by the end of our class! It is so rewarding!  My favorite fun fact about ponderosa pines is that their bark smells low vanilla when you get close to them and inhale deeply!  This scent seems to travel in the air after a rain, as well!  Painting number 4574 in 4574 days. 

Wild Turkeys Inked

 

How often do I get to sketch wild turkeys in my sketchbook?!! These sweet birds make their daily journey down and up the mountain, walking right beside the cabin.  These were quite young, not nearly as filled out as the big ones. They are very tame here, almost as if they have no predators. I bet I won't see them on the banks of Lake Erie! Painting number 4573 in 4573 days. 

Wild Turkeys

Every morning these wild turkeys would walk down the mountain in a row to the stables below. They spent time with the horses most of the day, sometimes clustering together just over the road to rest. Each evening, they began their march up the mountain in a row, filing right by our cabin every time.  Sometimes they were close enough to touch!  They grew used to us, and hardly paused when we happened to be on the porch. What fun it is to enjoy the gentle rhythm of the wildlife up here. Painting number 4572 in 4572 days. 

Bible Point

The Bible Point trail was one of the very first trails we hiked upon arriving. I've been there several times since, always drawn to a different spot for reflection while sketching. The view from the top of those rocks is stunning, but here the painting is in the trail.  It's a little bit like life, isn't it?  Painting number 4571 in 4571 days. 

Mountain Wagon Ride

The horse drawn hayrides passed right by my cabin and I was so happy to get the chance to paint them as they passed.  On the final evening, there were actually two horse drawn wagons instead of one!  They move quickly, so I was happy to get the extra evenings to finish my painting!  Twelve year old me was thrilled to stay so close to Jackson Stables, it fed that early love of horses that I've carried all my life. Painting number 4570 in 4570 days. 

Overlook Chapel View

 

What a peaceful and serene view to sketch from near the Overlook Chapel!  This is the kind of view one could look at forever, and never tire of.  I chose this vintage journal for my pen and ink sketch walk today.  Longing for that timeless feel, this page could have been drawn 100 years ago.  These mountains are timeless, as the many souls who have stood in this place taking in the beauty. Perhaps they sketched here, or shared a prayer of gratitude, as I do this day.  There are so many priceless things in this life, and this moment is one of them. Painting number 4569 in 4569 days. 

Jellison Library

SOLD

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. 
 

Hyde Chapel

As I started the larger "Welcome to the YMCA" painting, rain sent me running for cover.  I was only in the sketch process of the composition, and did not have enough information down to proceed without the scene before me.  So, I started this smaller version in a different format to continue my painting demo on the porch of the Admin building. The Hyde Chapel is a lovely place in a lovely space, surrounded by flowers. What else could I look for in a subject?  Painting number 4565 in 4565 days. 

Mountain Wildflowers

I found this spot while hiking thee trail past Bible Point the day before.  It was nearly time for my Live Painting, so I had to run.  I returned today to paint this glorious scene on the side of this mountain top, and I was joined by Jessica for an interview and photos.  She's the Social Media person for the YMCA of the Rockies, and what she put together from our chat was so amazing!  This Artist Residency has flown by too fast, and I'm not ready to leave.  Painting number 4564 in 4564 days 

Welcome to the YMCA

 

I was in and out of the rain to finish this Live Painting Demo.  I had not seen fencing around flowers before coming to Estes Park - all to prevent the elk and deer from eating the flowers!  While in town, an elk walked right down the sidewalk, snacking on the beautifully planted flowers! She was so near that I had to duck back into the toy store where we were shopping! This painting now showing at the Library at the YMCA of the Rockies. Painting number 4563 in 4563 days. 

Mountain Glory

The mountain view from the Admin Building at the YMCA of the Rockies is stunning!  I arrived early to sketch out this scene in ink and watercolor, for the painting to come afterward in oil.  The light turns golden in the evening andc morning, and it's irresistible!  I talked to a few visitors as they checked in, and was happy to share my process as I worked. This is an amazing place with amazing views, and i can't wait to do it all again tomorrow! Painting number 4561 in 4561 days. This one is now showing at the Library at the YMCA of the Rockies until Wednesday!  
 

Dorsey Lake

This peaceful lake greets you at the entrance to the YMCA of the Rockies.  It was a pleasant hike from my cabin, and I leaned on the ledge of the bridge as I sketched. It was nice visiting with those coming or going with fishing poles in hand.  It wasn't long before I noticed gathering clouds and the smell of rain, so I finished up and hiked the mile back up.  Bonus - it didn't rain on me, either. Painting number 4560 in 4560 days. 

Toward Aspen Brook

The rich colors of this mountainscape drew me in immediately. Setting up my easel right along the entrance into the park turned out to be a fun spot.  Campers rolled down their windows to talk to me and one even parked and came over to visit!  I hope she commits to using the art supplies she has waiting for her daily, and that she finds that creative childhood voice that has been waiting to be let out!  This is a lovely place with lovely people, and I'm so happy to be a small part of the inspiration that abounds here!  Painting number 4559 in 4559 days, and this one is now showing at the Library in the YMCA of the Rockies. 

Tuxedo Park View

It is my pleasure to be the Artist in Residence to capture the beauty of Glacier Creek in paint! This morning Michaela and I hiked down to the creek, as we so often do, with the grandsons.  Casper and Kirby LOVE throwing rocks into the rushing water. I have seen families gathering up river a bit, so Casper and I explored the trail to find a park at water's edge. Tuxedo Park was lovely, with still water for the kids and picnic tables, too.  After much play, I was sketching this scene as the others hiked back for lunch.  A lovely family joined me, and the children gathered around to see what I was doing.  I shared my methods as they asked questions, and it was SO sweet.  I hope I've inspired them to take their sketch supplies outside.  They may be our next plein air artists! This painting is now available at the Library in the YMCA of the Rockies. Painting number 4558 in 4558 days. 

Bridge at Glacier Creek

We started this day with a hike to the top of Emerald Mountain trail.  The guys headed out to play disc golf and I headed to the creek. I painted near here three years ago, but the landscape has changed a little.  The water is twice as high, and a second boulder is somehow missing?  Maybe it is underwater now, but Mike had rested on it when we were surrounded by an entire herd of elk.  The rushing water is mesmerizing as I paint, and i find myself looking toward the bank to be sure no wild animals are near.  How very fortunate I am to paint the beauty of a place like this.  Painting number 4553 in 4553 days, and will be showing at the Library at the YMCA of the Rockies fire the next 2 weeks. 

View from the YMCA of the Rockies

What a spectacular view there is from the YMCA of the Rockies ! I did this quick sketch painting to prepare for the oil painting i did in front of the admin building during my live paint demo. I'm looking forward to sharing another live paint demo session tomorrow at the same place from 1 to 4. Painting number 4552 in 4552 days. 

Glacier Creek

 

After joining Story Time at the library and making bookmarks with the children, I packed up to head to the park. Glacier Creek is gorgeous along Ross Richter's Trail, leading to the Rocky Mountain National Park!  I lose track of time painting next to it's rushing water.  The roar is so loud that I find myself looking up periodically to check for wild animals, because I would never hear them coming. During this residency, I am exploring different papers and methods in creating my illustrated travel journals.  This book is relatively new, 8x6, with soft cotton paper. It absorbs the water and paint quickly, and takes a bit more care to get the results I want. The leather cover is beautiful, and the paper is smoother than I normally choose. As I worked, three park rangers walked down the opposite embankment, obviously looking for something.  It is the very first time I've seen rangers in such a place while painting, and it makes me wonder what was up.  This would be a lovely place to hike in with oils, as well!  Painting number 4549 in 4549 days. 

Glorious Sky

 The golden hour in the Rockies is magical!  Ifind myself pulled to paint he first and last 2 hours of light each day - and I mean compelling need to capture the light!  So, tonight I approach the skyscape with oils, where i can layer up color as it appears. That is something I can't do with ink and watercolor.  I can hardly wait for sunrise to do it all again! Day 2 of my Artist Residency  Day 4547 in 4547 days.  This one is now showing at the library in the YMCA of the Rockies. 

Dandelion!

Day 2 - Artist Residency! This is my first Nature Art Journal workshop demo at the YMCA of the Rockies, and this dandelion next to the tables made the perfect subject for line, color and value instruction.  Bonus - Mr. Bee joined for the sketch, and now he's been immortalized on paper!  It was fun to share drawing instruction with an absolute newbie in the group, too.  She's got skills she didn't know she had, and has now started down the path of Art journaling!  Everyone was so nice, and I got some GREAT bear tips from the locals! Painting number 4547 in 4547 days. 

Turkey Trot

Right on cue, the wild turkeys started their single file march up Emerald Mountain as we arrived at our cabin near sunset. These turkeys march down in the mornings to the stable, and up at night to roost. I thought the late comer at the end might just jump up on the porch as he eyed me curiously!  First sketch in my travel journal in Estes Park! I'm the Artist in Residence for the next three weeks!  Come see me if you're in the area!  Painting number 4545 in 4545 days.