NEW PAINTINGS: "Combines"

This morning I painted in a field next to my church (a regular occurrence now, after my men's bible study). There were two combines and a terrific old blue truck out there, and I couldn't resist.

 After finishing the painting, I decided to grab my sketchbook and get a more detailed drawing of the machines. The lighting had dramatically shifted, since it was about noon when I finished adding color. These were mostly in cast shadow, so no highlights to speak of.

SKETCHBOOK: "KC Symphony Ensemble"

I had a fun and challenging evening sketching tonight. I was invited to draw an Ensemble that played at the offices of the KC Symphony. This was their first year to participate in "First Fridays" in the artistic Cross Roads District. I had about 10 to 15 minutes to sketch during each musical set. It was hard to capture musicians in motion!! smile emoticon Thanks to  Amy Winterscheidt and Jeff Barker for helping to make this happen for me!! 

These are all 9"x12" on Bristol. I started with a mid-tone made from graphite powder, then used 4b and 8B pencils with a kneaded eraser for highlights.

 Below is my set-up and two of the four musicians getting ready to play.

NEW PAINTINGS: "Last of The Cabbages"

Here's a new painting I completed this morning. This is the last lonely row of cabbages left at my church's community garden. The sun had already gotten up pretty high before I started painting, so it was not the best lighting. Wonderful weather, though.  
8x10 oil on canvas board.

SKETCHBOOK: "End of the Season"

Today was a gorgeous Fall day and I just had to get outside to sketch. The image above is at my church's community garden, at the end of the season. Everything got plowed under this week and it will soon be prepped for the winter. All the wheelbarrows were stacked against the fence.

Below is my front porch. My flowers have just about had their run for this year. I will soon be moving the pots and chair indoors.