Autumn Oaks Path

The oaks have really put on a show this year - despite the drought!  They were more orange-red than I can remember in the past, and the hues have only deepened.  I'm hoping to get a few more landscapes in before those leaves drop.  The 70s of yesterday have been replaced with 40s, so our long warm autumn has come to a close. It is the middle of November, after all! Painting number 4390 in 4390 days. 

Sunflower Hill from the Creek

I think I walked the whole property before deciding on this location, even though this place called me from the start!  Approaching it from two sides, of course the wetter, weedier location had the best view!  Standing in the tall brush and wildflowers, I sketched out my lines with two fountain pens with different nibs and inks, following with a water brush pen to get those mid tones.  The overcast sky grew darker as rain threatened, so I hurried back to the car to frame and turn in.  This painting won an award in Mixed Media for the final judging, and has a new home along with the oil painting from the same place.  Painting number 3047 in 3047 days. 

Opening Clouds over the Creek

Painting along this creek offers many rewards.  The chatter of birds and singing of frogs is my accompaniment, and gentle breezes keep the new mosquitoes at bay.  Simply standing in this spot and REALLY observing the landscape, takes me out of myself.  There are no worries and the chores of the day drift out of my mind.  There is only this time, this space, and my very tactile oils.  Stroke by stroke the painting unfolds, and just as I am finishing, the clouds begin to open up, showing a little blue sky.  Another day with a run and a paint, certainly a day well spent.  Painting number 2640 in 2640 days

Creek in the Woods

When I come to a place like this, with pen and ink in hand, the outside world fades away as I draw.  The very act of drawing is very therapeutic, and stroke by stroke I slip into my "zone".  The frogs and crickets keep me company, singing all the time.  I love having so much extra time to relax in the field.  There is nothing better than immersing myself in nature.  With a run and a sketch, all becomes right with the world.  Painting number 2639 in 2639 days.

Turning Creek

Grabbing panels in a hurry before heading to northwestern Ohio, I have a mixed bag of primed surfaces!  I used to use this orange surface all the time, switching to a cool blue tone last year.  With the dark winter landscape as of late, I thought it would be fun to use one of the old orange substrates for such a scene.  It is!  Little bits of that primed surface pop through here and there, giving an energy to an otherwise cold winter scene.  I'm working small today - only 5x7, and using my Guerilla Painter thumb box easel. I love this easel for quick paints and traveling, and I use an Altoid tin for my palette inside.  Super convenient!  Painting number 2223 in 2223 days.

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Dark Winter Creek

I am SO drawn to these dark, snowy scenes this winter.  The contrast and quiet drama of this place is very appealing, and so soothing to my soul.  A place to be still, and just let the painting unfold, this is truly art therapy in action.  With extremely low temps coming in the next few days, I will definitely be seeking shelter.  Painting number 2217in 2217 days.

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Dusk at Winter's Creek

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Each snowy day, the landscape shares with me another secret.  Perhaps a way to turn an edge, a color shift within the depths of a bank, or maybe the stillness required to REALLY feel the surroundings.  These snowy days have been still indeed, with hardly any birdsong.  The robins clustering in the wooded areas, they follow me when my phone "calls" to them, my text sound a robin chirp!  With only a few days of concentrated study, I am SO very comfortable with the colors of snow now.  I'm looking forward to the many snow days ahead near Lake Erie!  Painting number 2209 in 2209 days.

Sunset Stream

I was awarded an extensive set of Richeson oils, which I got to select myself in the fall.  I have dedicated a palette to just this brand, and have used it for this painting.  Exploring the texture and hues as I find new ways to the colors I want.  After three large paintings, I've decided to add Naples yellow, ultramarine violet, and cad orange to my Richeson palette.  I did not order these originally, and find I'm missing them as I work on winter sunsets.  With each studio painting, the process becomes easier,  I can trust more in all of my field experience for the information I lack from a reference photo.  Perhaps I will grow more comfortable with each one I do in the studio.  Nothing like practice to improve those skills!  Painting number 2195 in 2195 days.

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Turning Creek

A creek turning and twisting always has my attention.  I love the way it moves through the landscape, calling me to it's edge.  This time, I lay my darks in first.  Working in the golden hour means quickly changing light, so I hold off on the sky until it shows the color I know is coming.  I wish I'd replaced the Off clip on I lost in another creek, because the bugs are coming out!  A few of my paints are getting sticky, I'll have to reload in the morning.  Whatever ultramarine blue I loaded last time, I'm not crazy about it.  It seems a little thinner than my Windsor Newton, and it is not as strong in the mix.  For a color I use a lot, it needs to be very pigmented.  I think I'm finished, but I'll check tomorrow in full daylight to be sure. Painting number 2039 in 2039 days.

Sanctuary Creek

Oh what a day!  From pinewood derby to painting to planting - I have taken full advantage of this gorgeous day!  While deep in the woods in Parkville, I went live with a video of my location, panning to my finished painting, for 30 seconds or so.  Once home, outdoor chores finished, I settle down to post my work, only to find out that I didn't have cell coverage.  And, I can find no trace of the video.  Well shoot.  This is such a cool place to see, but the sights and sounds really bring it to life.  So, what did I learn today?  Check my feed while still on site!  Oh well, it was a glorious day to be outside!  Painting number 1833 in 1833 days.

Goldenrod and Sunflowers Inked

A wonderful afternoon for a little plein air, I first begin this landscape with a drawing.  I look for the lines and flow of the masses, darks moving easily through the composition.  I've only just discovered the Anita Gorman conservation center, and what a jewel it is!  Wildflowers grow in reckless abandon, lining paths through the wooded grounds. This remarkable place is right in the middle of town, though you would never know it as you walk in the woods.  Peace as tranquility abound, and seeps right into every pen stroke.  What a wonderful life I live!  Painting number 1721 in 1721 days.

Winding Lavender Rows

While on location in Washington Island, I only had time for a quick sketch of these winding rows.  This would have been my third painting on site, had time allowed.  It has been floating around inside my head ever since, waiting for the opportunity to jump out onto the panel!  Today was the day!  Not having my panels yet tinted, I painted on the white of the gesso - which I never do when painting in oil!  I miss the complimentary color underneath for my strokes to lay upon, and found the colors coming off a little too  "clean". I must rely on that underpainting when mixing my color!  Who knew?  It's amazing what I learn from switching things up in my painting routine.  I guess I'll be tinting my panels before the fall flury of plein air begins!  Painting number 1702 in 1702 days.

oil on panel, 16x12
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Late Light at the Creek

Today was not at all as I planned, and I did not find my painting window until late in the day.  I'm running out of panels and with boards primed but not cut, I find myself painting over one of my first plein air paintings.  It was an early one done my first year at Augusta Shores, and really not worthy of seeing the light of day!  With an acrylic underpainting (all my plein air work was acrylic back then) I simply painted over as I would a new panel - paint sketch, mass block in, then finish work.  It was only moderately distracting to have the very dark, strong tree lines below my emerging painting.  But, soon all was covered and I think I've got it to a finished stage.  I'll check again in tomorrow's daylight as today's is all gone!  Painting number 1686 in 1686 days.

oil on panel, 20x16
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Reibolts Creek Revisited

I can't pass by a winding creek, they lure me in every time!  We have been so fortunate the last two weeks to have cool August temperatures - SO uncommon for Missouri!  I am taking advantage of this beautiful weather, even though my household chores are constantly nagging at me!  We've had some major renovating under way - and with that comes all that extra work!  I'm trying not to let it cut into my paint time, but it has to come from somewhere and it looks like "sleep" is the big loser here!  Looking forward to all projects finished and carefree painting days!  Painting number 1677 in 1677 days.

oil on panel, 18x24
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Creek in the Woods

I found this creek a month ago while out on a run, and I've been looking for an opportunity to paint it!   I met Diane and Sandy there,  and we hiked into the woods.   Finding the perfect spot,  I set up my easel at the edge of an embankment,   with a bird's eye view of the winding creek.  For the second day in a row,  I recorded some of the plein air experience on Facebook live.  Ten minutes from afar,  to soak in the surroundings,  and again at the final minutes of finish work.  You can check my Facebook page to view.   It was such a beautiful spring day to spend en plein air,  truly a gift.  Now it's time for a little r&r with the family!   Painting number 1528 in 1528 days.

Moody Winter Creek

Rain threatened all day as the temperature rose.  Although January, the local creeks are taking on the green tint of spring.  I love the dark, cloudy days, and I think there is much beauty in the close values. Color is more saturated, richer. I hope the warm days continue - I can't wait to get back in the field!  Painting number 1467 in 1467 days.

Oil on panel, 10x8
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Into the Winter Sunset

I had a larger painting window than normal today, so I chose a wonderful 16x20 canvas.  My intentions were to paint something bold and very abstract, but as happens so often, the painting took on a life of it's own.  I blocked in with acrylics using a large brush.  I allowed this to dry while preparing for "game night". After most of my work was done, I started with my oils, using my softest brushes - and Bristlons and mostly Silverwhites.  I love the way the Silverwhites lay down strokes on top of my previous layer, without disturbing that wet paint.  Perfect for finish work.  I feel like this one is done and I'm going to let this one rest - someone is pulling up the lane right now!   Painting number 1464 in 1464 days :)

Oil over acrylic on panel, 16x20
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Winding Creek in January

How could I not take advantage of this beautiful, warm day?  Yes, I really should have been doing housework, and I still have ornaments to put in the attic.  But, I only had two and a half hours left of this glorious afternoon to paint - and I just couldn't waste it!   After getting chicken and dumplings in the crockpot (by special request), Michaela and I headed out to this winding creek which crosses 175th street between Mission and Nall.  I have wanted to paint this location for years!  I used my french resistance easel, which I've not set up since my last event.  I didn't even check the palette I pulled from the freezer!  I really need to scrape the dry paint off this one - and reload some of the paints!  As always, I just make due with what I have, although it would have been easier with a few of my favorites to dip into.  It felt just like spring or there!   I am going to remember this day when the ice storm rolls in!   Painting number 1462 in 1462 days.

Oil on panel, 14x11
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Gently Flowing

When I first walked down to the edge of Mill Creek, I was mesmerized.  I am always attracted to the water, but this place is amazing.  In fact, I painted three large paintings down in the creek before I climbed back out!   The water winds over the large slabs of rock, which span as far as I could see in either direction.  This was the weekend of the Independence Paint Out, and it was sheer joy to spend it with our gracious hosts, painting such a glorious private estate.  This painting makes 1408 in 1408 days :)

oil on panel, 18x14
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Bend in East Fork

The autumn shades this year are very gentle.  I  love the way the sky was reflecting on the surface of the water, creating those wonderful pops of blue!  Knowing I will probably not have a good shot at strong fall color, I approach my scene as I do all others.  I simply start blocking in the masses, with their subtle shifts in color.  The landscape unfolds naturally, and the color emerges.  I do not try to push it, I'm simply letting it happen.  I'm trying to be mindful of my edges and the brushwork.  Painting number 1405 in 1405 days :)

Oil on panel, 10x8
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