Out My Front Porch ©

This is a plein air painting of the land across the street from my house.  Every morning the sun hits the trees in different ways, each day revealing something prettier than the day before. On this particular morning I spotted a deer, so of course I had to put her in the painting.

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Hidden Farm ©

This is a plein air painting I painted one crisp morning before work.  I had to go to the location 3 times before completing the painting.  The farm is just down the road from me in northern Illinois......another in my series of farms.

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Farm On Button Road ©

I am doing a series of farm paintings that are in my area.  All are Plein air that are painted in the morning before work.  I am blessed to have so many farms in my area.....each having there own unique character.
Oil on canvas on panel, 8"H x 10"W

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Still Waters ©

MainStreet Art Center in Lake Zurich, IL offers a variety of workshops conducted by accomplished artists from all over the USA.  I attended a Dawn Emerson workshop in early November.  One of the exercises Dawn taught included using a single reference photo to create a series of paintings: different sizes and compositions.  This small masterpiece, Still Waters, is first in a series.  I used a reference photo I took in Ely, Minnesota this fall.

Oil on canvas on panel, 8x8"
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October Morning ©

On a crisp October morning, I was drawn to this magnificent scene on the grounds of Willow Creek Church. I think I used my palette knife more than my brushes. I love the little surprises you get with a palette knife.  It was the perfect tool for capturing the many textures of the grasses covering the ground. 

Oil on canvas on panel, 10x10"
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October Hike ©

Last weekend I participated in a Plein Air event in Fairfield, Illinois. I was driving around the back roads of Fairfield looking for a place to paint when I drove by this beautifully lit, winding  path. The scene became my inspiration for this small masterpiece.  It was a rainy day with no sign of letting up, so I decided to paint inside my car: a small Honda Fit!!  It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.   

As a painter, I always look for contrast in color and light when choosing a plein air location.  Even though it was raining, the fall leaves were illuminated.  I am pleased with the results.

Oil on canvas on panel, 8"W x 10"H
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Joy ©

This is a plein air painting done at Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington, Illinois.  I brought my granddaughter who is 5 to plein air paint with me.  She had a wonderful time painting in acrylics. I think I have a new partner to paint with! The fall colors were just starting, and the weather could not have been better.  Now if we could get rid of the mosquitos!!

Oil on canvas on panel, 8"H x 10"W
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Crabtree In The Fall ©

Crabtree Nature Center is located in a northwest suburb of Chicago.  It's a great place to paint al la plein air.  
Crabtree In The Fall
Oil on canvas panel, 8"W x 6"H