Henbit

The Henbit is abloom in the wheat stubble across the road from our kids home. Made a mental note and painted it with oil and palette knife. 

 

The Merrill Ranch

I attended a field day with my husband near Sun City, Ks. The Merrill Ranch covers 17,000 acres. It was beautiful due to 19 " of rain since June. I painted a 6x6" oil of my impression of those large vistas with deep ravines. 

A Good Day

One of those clear sky, windless days in Kansas where you can see for miles. Love the way the cheat grass takes on a pinkish tint as it drys. These trees survived the drought, I have seen many that didn't. This summer has been very mild in comparison to the last 3. 

Show at Bethany Home

Spent the afternoon hanging paintings in the hall of Bethany Home in Lindsborg. Nice that they have allowed a hall for rotating artwork for the residents, staff aand family. Lindsborg, Kansas is an art community. They have the Birger Sandzen Gallery and the Lester Raymer Red Barn Studio and numerous artists living and working in the area. Bethany College has always had a strong art program.

Cow 68 Where Are You

Me and my steer are headed to the Hutchinson Art Center. It's time for the members show. This was painted in oil with a palette knife from a photo I took in the flint hills. They had just turn all these steers out to graze and they were so curios about the painters in there pasture they just couldn't stay away. This guy had an ear tag with 68 on it thus the cornie title. 

Wild rivers

The river is up in the canyon with all the rain. I spent some time painting and photographing. Was not successful but think I know how I would approach this subject next time. 

Summer time

Summer is a crazy time for me. We travel more and I

am not consistant with posting. I have taken two workshops. One with Lisa Grossman and one with Jean Cook. I find that both have added new direction to my painting. If it wasn't for photographing my work I would post more often. I find that to be the hardest part. 

I have also taken in many galleries this year. Most recently we went to the Sandzen to see Kim Casebeers' paintings. Amazing and wonderful Kansas landscapes. 

Simply Prairie

I have been painting larger lately. I still am working on the steer. His nose is giving me some trouble. But in the mean time I want to post this very simple prairie painting. I actually like it and have not had the urge to keep changing it.

What's on the Easel

I had a friend tell me not to quit painting animals. I have been doing mostly landscapes so took her advise and started a palette knife steer. This guy was along the road when we were in the flint hills. They had just stocked the pastures with steers to feed out this summer. They are sure curious when you stop to photograph them. 

Workshop

Just returned from a wonderful workshop at Pioneer Bluffs near Matfield Green, Ks. This small town is becoming an artist colony in the flint hills. The Gallery at Pioneer Bluffs is in the old farmhouse on the property. We met in the big white barn outback before we headed for the hills to paint. Lisa Grossman lead the workshop, check out her wonderful paintings on line. She loves the horizon and the distant view the prairie vistas offer. Had a wonderful two days on the prairie painting in the wind and cold. I'm much more comfortable painting plein air, like we are always told, practice, practice, practice. 

The Hutchinson Art Fair

The art fair has come and gone. I wonder how many artist do those shows on a regular basis. It's hard work and long hours standing on hard concrete. It is a good way to make new friends and sell some art work. Its hard to know when to stay out of the way or when to discusss the painting. I sold one of my 12x24" paintings and realize I don't have a good picture of it but it is in the upper right hand corner of my booth. 

Hutchinson Art Fair

My dinning room table is piled with paintings, unframed and sealed in bags. I hope to try these at the art fair May 10, 9-4. I thought keeping the price point low might let customers purchase an original oil painting. They can be put on a small easel or framed to fit their own decor. 

I also need to frame some larger 12x24" paintings for the show. This size is nice because they fit over a mantel or sofa for a big statement. 

I have really had fun painting lately because I'm trying to stop when I am happy with a piece and not fuss at it and wonder if it fits all the painterly rules. 

Prairie Sunset

Had so much fun painting on Monday. Just left all the rules behind and painted till I was happy then stopped. I have ruined so many paintings by over thinking and reworking. I actually like the bush shapes maybe because as George Cole says less is more with trees. 

I watched a tutorial by Carol Marine on photographing art work and will try working outside in indirect light. Never like the photo as well as the painting. Of course the last several days have been windy and cloudy so that makes it fun. NOT. 

My third place winner

Here is the painting that won third place in Sterling Ks. It will be for sale at the May 10th Hutchinson Art Fair. Or just email me for information. 

Blue Cup

I have a friend who wants some coffee cups for her new condo. I like to paint several and let my customers pick. She chose one in red tones so have this one for sale . It is a 6x6' oil.

Spring Tulips

The tulips are in full bloom. Thought I would paint some I saw in the neighbors yard. Trying to stay loose.

Headed for Water

This poor painting has had so many revisions but I just can't let it go. The sky is so nice and will see what you think of this. I just can't seem to get it to go green it wants to be an early spring painting. 

Greening Up

I am really trying to take advantage of this nice weather by doing as all painting out doors. The temperature is mild and the wind not to extreme. I am also now photographing my paintings on the front porch with better light. I think the colors are more true to the painting. 

The tree rows are barely green but the wheat is really green. Soon it will be just shades of bright green everywhere my least favorite time to paint. I really like more earthy tones. But I'll try. 

Redbuds in Rice Park

The weather is finally warming up here. Decided I needed to head out for some plein air painting. Took my 97 Miata because I get paint on everything. I used my new Open L box which is simple to use and light weight. I have debated on what to get and this seemed to fit our windy Kansas weather best. I painted redbuds in the park. Had fun just being outside and painting. 

Blue and Brown

Today was my day to work in the McPherson gallery. I brought my new thumb box by Guerilla Painter. I bought this to take when we travel. I thought it would be easy to get out of the truck for quick plein aire painting. Very easy to hold on my lap or set on a table. Hold just a few colors which might also simplify painting. I used it today at the gallery and painted this cow with shadows.