Old Red Tractor

How could I resist painting a beautiful old tractor, sitting in the sun?  I love the red color against those greens of summer, and oils were the perfect medium to define those masses.  It was a hot one, so I stood a distance away - in the shade!  Painting number 5088 in 5088 days. 

Old Blue at the Shed

I LOVE finding these vintage tractors to paint!  Each one has a story to tell, and this one already hangs on a wall to tell it.  This tractor called to me from the first time I saw it, tucked beside an old shed.  Resting in the yard at my host home in Steelville, I saw this beauty early morning and night, until I finally had an opportunity to paint it.  It was lightly raining, so the shelter of a covered porch protected my ink and watercolor from running.  I really like the square format for this.  I've only used this format a few times, and I really like when it suits the scene so well.  Painting number 3828 in 3828 days. 

Old Red Waiting

Old tractors always remind me of my Grandpa Frank, though many times I saw my grandma on the old John Deer 1010. She even showed me how to drive it when we were buying her farm.  We still have that tractor, but our Kubota is the work horse now. So, when I see these old tractors dotting farms, I wonder about the stories they could tell, and I feel compelled to paint them. Painting number 3816 in 3816 days. 

Tractor and Rake

Haying season is a perfect opportunity for me to sketch the equipment in the field!  I'm normally so busy with plein air events that I sometimes miss these chances.  Not this year!  I am painting all things on the home place during this time of social distancing.  With ink and watercolor I capture this scene, one that has been happening for generations.  I love the continuity of that. Painting number 2740 in 2740 days.

Tractor and Baler

The hay balers are so quick with their work - it is very difficult for me to catch their equipment in the field!  I've learned that if I want hay bale paintings, I must drop everything and go paint them before they are removed!  Seizing the opportunity to paint this John Deer 4040 and it's baler, I ink first, add color, and ink again.  I like to get in the detail I readily see without "noodling" it.  Love these long days of summer!  Painting number 2734 in 2734 days.

Tractor For Sale

donated to Fairfield Plein Air

I drove past this tractor every time I returned to my parents house, for nearly two months.  On our way to a doctor appointment, I was finally able to take a few good photos to work from, knowing I would not have enough time to work on site.  Using my acrylics for the second time this week, I sketch with paint, and start layering in the color.  I let it rest two days, making a few adjustments each day.  I think it is ready now, but I'll take a look tomorrow before shipping it to Fairfield.  Painting number 2146 in 2146 days.

Farmall Tractor

I love seeing these old tractors working the farms all through the Midwest, especially during harvest time!  I've only painted a few of these, so I thought it was time to capture another one - this time, an old Farmall. The red certainly pops in the green and brown of the field.  This one is ATC size, maybe I'll paint the next one larger!  Painting number 2099 in 2099 days.

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Snowed In

Snowed In
Oil on panel, 12x9

This old John Deer 1010 tractor has been in my family as far back as I can remember.  I used to climb up the tires when I was little - they seemed so tall!  My Grandpa Frank used it for every farm need, and my Grandma Frank taught me to drive it -  it was SO cool to ride so high up in the air!  We have a blade for it, but it is not currently running - hence, the title!  I have been snowed in longer this year than ever.  The snow was so deep and it blew in under the pole barn, drifting completely over the front tires. I have wanted to paint this old tractor for years - and thought the snow would really set it off!  This is my 63rd painting in 63 days :)