Antioch Park Path to the Island

 I love returning to childhood haunts to paint.  Those small stepping stones seemed so large to me as a child, but now they are 1/4 the size, lol!  The beautiful light on the water pulled me right in this morning, and the lush greens were a treat for late summer.  I'm using a couple of new brushes today, Connoisseur taklons, which I purchased up in Marceline over the weekend.  So far, so good.  They are a little soft for the preliminary work, but real nice for the finish strokes. I look forward to exploring these more through the months ahead. Painting number 4319 in 4319 days. 

Bridge to the Island

What a wonderful morning for plein air with fellow artists from MVIS!  The metal bridge to the island is reminiscent of Monet's bridge, and has been a local favorite for years.  I have happy childhood memories of coming here with my parents and brother, which makes this place extra special.  I'm using my oils for this lush landscape, and oh how I love that creamy texture!  I don't realize how much I miss them when I'm working with different mediums... until I return to them!  Painting number 2747 in 2747 days. 

Island in the Lake

It has been years since I've been to Shawnee Mission Park - and it has really changed!  I hardly recognized the place with the new buildings and entrance.  Today was the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society paint out, and we met at Shelter 2.  Of course we distanced socially, and it was still fun getting to visit with a few artist friends!  With strong breezes, I could hardly feel the heat as I worked.  I think all my hard yard work in the heat has conditioned me!  I walked right to this spot and started painting, sketching out my composition with a brush.  I should have topped off my palette, as I was low on some paint.  I'll remember before I next grab that palette.  I never have to worry about that when I'm painting at my own place most of the time!  Painting number 2746 in 2746 days.

Sunset Over the Island

On the last night of the Brush Creek Art Walk, I found a spot overlooking the creek towards the island.  The western light was hitting the sides of the tree trunks and foliage as it lit up the clouds in the sky.  I had to paint it.  I had already turned in an ink painting of the Benton Boulevard Bridge for the quick paint, so I could paint ay my leisure.  I began with the cloud colors, reflecting that color in the water.  The trunks and foliage grew lighter and warmer as the sun sank, and the pinks came up on those clouds!  This very loose, spontaneous expression of that evening was fun to capture in oils.  Painting number 2068 in 2068 days.

purchase here

Clouds Over Brush Creek

With every intention of painting the Benton Boulevard Bridge, I could not ignore the cloud show in the sky.  I switched out my ink supplies for my oils, and started laying in that color.  The cloud lingered for the 45 mintues it took me to capture the scene.  It seems like my recent cloud study is really helping me to understand their forms and colors.  I had so much fun, I did another before leaving for the night!  Painting number 2064 in 2064 days.

sold