Forsythia by the Corral

I can remember climbing over the rails of this corral when I was little.  My brother and I would wait for the cows to move to the back pasture, then run out to play here!  The cows are no longer here, but I've planted forsythia and lilies around this area.  I just knew these scenes would be perfect for painting one day!  Painting number 2648 in 2648 days.

Barn Lot Forsythia

How glorious to be painting in the sunshine!  The grass is starting to green up and oh how bright the forsythia shine in the sunlight!  Yummy!  I've been using panels this month that I primed with a blue gray, which is a departure from my norm.  I really am enjoying it.  There is something about changing the color of that surface that changes the way I approach the scene.  I need to start preparing all of my spring event panels soon - and I think I'll use this new tone for at least half of them.  The cool tone seems to tone down my tendency towards the warm.  You just never know what you'll learn by experimenting!  Painting number 1904 in 1904 days.

Milk Barn in Autumn

Milk Barn in Autumn
Oil on panel, 12x6
"Looking Out My Front Door" Contest

While trying to decide what to paint today, an artist friend of mine posted an online contest challenge - "Looking Out My Front Door".  The main rule is the view must be from within 50 feet of the front door, anything visible from there.  I have been wanting to paint the milk barn with the fall foliage, so that is my first view.  There are two others that were amazing today with the heavily overcast sky and red pin oaks in the foreground - so I may well do them tomorrow.  This is the first day in a week that I could actually have a little quiet time - where I could be the boss of my time, no other commitments until 3:45.....and then I was constantly on the road as the "taxi driver" until just now.  I sure need to get some more panels ready - maybe I can get those done by the weekend.....painting number 304 in 304 days.  The leaves are dropping quickly now, I hope I can capture all of their beauty before they all hit the ground!

Encampment at Morning

Encampment at Morning
16x12, Oil on panel
Quantrill's Raiders Reenactment

The first artists were stirring around at sunrise.  Recognizing one of them, I went out to greet and show them where the encampment was.  The troops were starting their campfire for breakfast preparation, and getting water from the well.  As people trickled in, I was able to set up my easel and sketch out my landscape.  I was called away, to return to block in the local colors.  Again called away, and back to finish up as more people were arriving.  The day was full of fun reenactments, beautiful horses, soldiers on horseback, shooting of civil war era firearms, finishing with a campfire complete with vintage songs.  A day well spent.  Painting number 226 in as many days.

Pony Rides

Pony Rides
Oil on panel, 11x14

I have only just arrived home from a very busy day.  First, I was out at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead to paint this painting of the pony rides, then to the Arboretum, home in time to get ready for dinner out, finishing with a four course meal at the Melting Pot on the plaza!  So, I am posting this first painting, even though I have some work yet to do.  Let me tell you, painting these ponies en plein air is certainly a challenge!  The move constantly, and they are being taken out for rides for long periods of time.  I had blocked in the front pony (Annie), when she was removed - not to return until my last 15 minutes of painting!  So, I moved to the next one, and the furthest one, and then all of the background landscape - until she returned!  The line of children formed right behind me - so close that I was bumped into, and I could not stand back from my work.  I need to strengthen my darks here - and my highlights, before calling this one done.  This one makes 140 paintings in 140 days.  I hope to get this one tweaked and repost the finish tomorrow :)

Forsythia by the Barn

Forsythia by the Barn
Oil on panel, 12x9

I planted this forsythia several years ago, and this year it is magnificent! It was a volunteer that sprouted in my flower bed in an undesired location.  I have moved several of these to remote places - and now they are heralding spring from all over the property!  After many errands and chores today - I arrived this afternoon - and just had to start this landscape.  I have never painted forsythia before.  The very best part was the very bold application of cad yellows right out of the tube!  So fun!  This makes painting number 102 in as many days :)

The Corral in Winter

The Corral in Winter
Oil on panel, 12x9

I have so many childhood memories of exploring this corral with my brother, and sometimes the extended cousins.  First, we had to make sure the cattle were in another field - and we'd scurry over to climb the fences!  I loved to walk the top rail like a tightrope!  Today, I wanted to approach this barn with a free and loose wielding of the paint.  Using a new technique,  I used the  "palette" knife (credit card) to work up everything from the barn to the trees and snow.  I have to thank Julie Ford Oliver for talking about it in her blog - she inspired me to try it!  SUPER fun!  Painting 61 in 61 days....I think I'll start another...