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. 

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. 

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. 

Road to the Vineyard

Oh my, what a perfect morning for capturing that early light!  With fleeting light, I like to lay in my darkest darks and lightest lights, so I can compare all other colors with those two. I am using a mix of black and Alain alizarin crimson for marking darks this week.  I like they way it warms up those deepest dark areas, abs it gives me a nice color to push other masses into.  Painting number 3031 in 3031 days. 

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
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Dance of the Vines

Sugar Creek Winery is one of my favorite places to paint!  I picked a spot near the top of the hill to paint the grapevines, choosing beauty over comfort.  It was so very cold up there with a damp wind blowing in from the north!   After drawing my scene in pen and ink,  I blocked out my painting.... and then I moved into the car for warmth!  This scene was so inspiring, I will return again and again to paint it!  Painting number 1568 in 1568 days.

From the Vineyard

From the Vineyard
Oil on panel, 14x11
Sugar Creek Vineyard

What a crazy painting day!  I got out to Sugar Creek Winery early, before the clouds rolled in.  I was able to get most of my painting finished before the light changed drastically.  As I started to hear rumbles in the distance, I put on the final touches, and packed up.  More rumbles of thunder, I framed my painting on the ground by the car.  Turned in my painting, and people are checking radar on their phones, but plenty of artists still in the field.  I sit down, have a little snack, and decide not to paint another, as the sky is turning very dark.  As judging is about to begin, everyone is asked to grab their paintings and head for shelter - just in the nick of time!  Driving rain, hail and hard winds blew tables and chairs all over the hill, not to mention all the downed trees in the area!  Wine and snacks are served, and judging resumes inside.  Just another plein air adventure!!  This is painting number 1211 in 1211 days.

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