Wet Streets in West Salem

 

I'm so honored this painting was chosen for the Best of West Salem Award!  As I was scouting trug town, I could see two compositions of buildings with the water tower that I liked.  Then, I drove to find a place that I could park with exactly those buildings lined up, since it was already raining!  I needed to be close to my car in case it started pouring, which it did.  I had multiple mishaps with this painting, including dropping my phone in my palette while trying to get this photo, hitting a pothole full of water, and finding that suddenly my windshield wiper is coming loose in the heaviest rain - but all is well that ends well. My artistic journey does cross bumpy roads from time to time, and I only appreciate the perfect days more. This painting is number 4647 in 4647 days and I'm happy this painting has a new home tonight, too!  

West Salem Square

 

I am so honored this painting was awarded the Best of West Salem award at the Edwards County Paint Out!  This is a wonderful area to paint, full of good people! My host family took me on a 4 wheeler ride to their 40 acres and surrounding area, and it was so fun.  It's lovely to see the area as only the locals know how to see if, and a great way to start the day.  I'm so lucky to have stayed with them for 3 years running, now.  Painting number 5172 in 5172 days. 

Elmore Water Tower

 

I am inexplicably drawn to small town water towers wherever I go - and what fun it is to paint them!  When we traveled and the kids were little, they loved finding the towers in each town.  I especially love the old ones with rust and chipping paint.  This one is special along the North Coast Inland trail where we biked as a family when visiting my parents.  I spent many days on that trail running when my Dad was sick, and this place feels like home though I've never lived here.  I love capturing these places in paint now.  Painting number 5107 in 5107 days. 

Overland Park Water Tower

What a fabulous and warm February day for painting!  With record breaking temps in the upper 70s, it was sheer joy to paint slices of my childhood today. This is my old stomping grounds, and I have a fondness for this historic water tower, while so many new apartments pop up around it.  Michaela and her family met me at Thompsons Park, where the little ones had a blast playing at the playground.  What a lovely way to spend the day!  Painting number 4064 in 4064 days. 

Road to Marceline

I love how a road going into town tells a story.  Water towers are such icons for small towns, and this one begged to be painted.  So, in positioned myself in the parking lot of Walworth Publishing with a view of the sweep of road.  Starting with De Atramentis Archive Ink, I sketched in the lines of my composition, following with Levenger's Raven Black ink and watercolor. Though the day was hot a good breeze kept me cool while working.  Every day that's not a 100 degrees feels cool to me now!  Haha!  Painting number 3148 in 3148 days. 

Fairfield Water Tower

This quick paint from the charming town of Fairfield is on deck tonight.  I loved painting this place, just thinking about it brings me there in my mind.   We still wait bedside with dad, retelling  the memories of better days.  Cherish every moment.  Painting number 2109 in 2109 days.

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Lindsey Water Tower

We love to ride bikes along the North Coast Inland Trail whenever we're visiting my parents.  With the perfect compact travel sketch gear, I hit the path in search of the perfect subject.  The small town of Lindsey is one stop along the trail which unfolds through gorgeous farmland.  Loving the color of this wonderful old water tower, I sketched and then painted it all while on a quick water break at the park in town.  What better way to capture a slice of Americana than while biking across the countryside?  Painting number 2005 in 2005 days.

Woodville Water Tower Inked

The charming town of Woodville is just down the road from my parent's house.  On a daily scouting excursion, this scene appeared before me, demanding attention!  With my favorite fountain pen in hand, I quickly drew the lines, filling the values in with my water brush pen.  I've been afraid to keep my fountain pen in the car, thinking the extreme heat might damage them.  I think I'll try it anyway, I hate to be without my favs when a fabulous scene presents itself!  Painting number 1657 in 1657 days.

Kingdom City Lines Inked

I remember when I used to omit power lines from landscape paintings, not wanting to break up a beautiful composition with man made lines.  Now, I like them and the realism they add to a simple drawing.  I really think this is a nod to the increased urban sketching I've been doing these last months!  I love the paper in this particular journal, a velvety, 100% cotton long fibered rag on the thin side.  I can add a really wet brush to my ink renderings, and still the ink does not bleed through the paper..... though I fear it might.  I like this journal so much, I got another one just like it!  This painting makes 1635 in 1635 days....I think,  maybe I better check.....!