Late Afternoon on the River

This is from a photo I took after painting plein air. Looking forward to nice weather to get back to this spot.

12" x 6" oil on canvas

Wednesday morning at Wilson Lake

Made it to Wilson Lake for some plein air painting. If I had just got out there sooner I may have caught the mist on the water, as it was settling by then. There were some white blooms in this scene, not sure what they were. There were plenty of great views and nice weather.

6" x 12" oil on canvas 

Mist on the Water Study

sold

I intended to get out to the lake before 6:30 to paint the trees when the sunlight hits the tops. I did not make it but there was mist on the lake which is an even better scene, if you can capture it. I only brought a 6 x 6 and had to work fast before it settled. The white paint that makes that chalky look is perfect for this scene.

6" x 6" oil on canvas

Bridge Over the Des Moines River

This view was taken while on the old bridge that connects Bonaparte, Iowa to Vernon, Iowa. I walked the old bridge to see the old schoolhouse that once housed the studio of the late watercolor artist, Wendell Mohr. 

6" x 6" oil on Ampersand panel

Looking at this brought back memories. He was open by appointment or luck. The bottom floor was his studio and the top his apartment. It seems like the perfect artist studio. Wendell used an image of the bell tower in his business card. 

Waterfall After the Rain

After the rains a lot of the local streams have waterfalls. I happened to run across this one and couldn't resist painting it.

10" x 8" oil on canvas to bid at auction

Martin Pond

Went plein air painting with Jessica at Martin Pond. Beautiful views all around. The water was challenging as it kept changing. I did enjoy being outside on such a nice day.

8" x 10" oil on canvas

Banks of the Skunk River

We are expecting rain tomorrow and the rivers sure could use it. You can see it here along the banks and there are several sandbars down river. In a previous post I mentioned painting the rocks under water but the water was murky.

12" x 9" oil on canvas

Snow Melt at Waterworks Park

Across from Oakland Mills is Waterworks Park. In January we went plein air painting at Oakland Mills, after that we took photos. I like the bold colors you can get from pastel but not matting and framing. So the fun is over and now comes the work.

11" x 15" pastel on Le Carte paper.

River Rocks Study

Rocks beneath the water and those above are a challenge. Hopefully this study will prepare me for the next plein air painting adventure by the water.

10" x 8" oil on canvas

Early morning at Pollmiller

It is early spring and a lot of the local parks are not open. We did manage to go part ways into Pollmiller Lake. Morning light was changing on me fast but, I did manage to get this scene of the water.

8" x 10" oil on canvas

Des Moines River Up Close

The Des Moines river by Bonaparte, lowa has some rocky outcroppings. If the water is low enough there is churning water. 

6" x 6" oil on canvas

Fall on the River

This started as a plein air painting and I wiped off the top portion. I took pictures for studio work. I knew this was challenging and painting plein air helps me see things that the camera does not pick up. The rocks under water was my main challenge. 

9" x 12" oil on canvas on panel

Plein Air painting in Wilson Lake 1st painting

All of my plein air paintings yesterday were waterscapes. This was painted around 2pm and there was not a lot of shadows. The shadow under the far trees was what attracted me to this scene. They seemed to have a blueish cast.

30 paintings in 30 days challenge

6" x 8" oil on panel.

Dangerous Combination

I had to drop some paintings off for an exhibit and on the way home I stopped to paint.  A friend joined me later outside Mount Pleasant. Oakland Mills was our first choice but we found a shady place on the banks of the Skunk River in Waterworks Park. This rope swing and hollow tree drew me in. The rope looked old and possibly ready to break should anyone try to use it, not to mention it is hanging from a hollow tree. 

9" x 12" oil on canvas panel.

Intimate Landscape

I painted this for a Daily Paintworks challenge. It could be anywhere along the trail, from a small isolated puddle to the bank of a large lake.

 I remember a watercolor painter, Richard Hanson who painted a lot of scenes like this. I enjoyed his series of intimate landscape paintings but that was before the internet and he has changed his subject matter to street scenes. His current subjects are gritty street scenes. His images now "have conjured up scenes of homelessness, hopelessness, desperation, violence frustration and isolation". The same ability that gave you a connection to the landscape now connects you to the street. 

8" x 8' oil on canvas panel

After the Spring Rains

The challenge was to paint an overcast day and muddy waters.

8 x 16 oil on Raymar panel

Amana Mill Stream

This weekend was the Paint out in Amana, Iowa. This was my first time participating and I can't wait till next year.  I met a lot of artist and talked art. They have a party at the end with great food and great entertainment.  I left early for the long drive home and am now embarrassed that I did not stay. I was awarded the second place. I plan to make up for it next year by staying till the end and congratulating the winners. The above painting was not the winner. Unfortunately I did not take a photo of it. It was of the Lily Lake which is awesome and very inspiring.

8 x 6 Oil on Raymar panel

Fall on the Lake

I have a commission for a fall scene. The client wanted it displayed when the leaves turn color, so I have to work from photos. This is just a small warm up.

6 x 12 Oil on gessoed panel

Skunk River access 5

Today the clouds were amazing. I don't think I did them justice but I took enough photos that in the studio I hope to do a better job.

9 x 12 oil on masonite panel.

Skunk River Access 4

Back to the River access today. I painted from 4 to 6:30 on this one.

12 x 6 Oil on panel