Marsh Egret - American Women Artists in Scottsdale

Marsh Egret, 18 x 18 (framed size 24 x 24), oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2015

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I am so proud that this painting will be exhibited with the American Women Artists Annual Member Show at the Bonner David Gallery in Scottsdale. It's our annual show and it opens this week. Here is the information. If you are anywhere nearby, please visit the show - it will be GREAT. I will be at the opening on Thursday and would love to see you!!! 

American Women Artists - Annual Member Show

November 12-30, 2015

Bonner David Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ

Reception November 12, 6-9pm

City View - En Plein Air Texas - Quick Draw

City View, 6 x 8, oil painting, L. Daniel © 2015

En Plein Air Texas!

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After a week of painting, we had one last painting event on Saturday morning. The Quick Draw. This is a timed painting competition - literally, a cannon boomed for our start, AND for our finish 2 hours later. Quick Draws are nerve-racking, but they always "push" me. This time I won 3rd Place and sold the painting! Woo hoo! It was a thrill and pictures are below...

Many thanks again, to all the organizers of En Plein Air Texas! They were well organized and wonderful hosts. And thank YOU, for following along with these posts. So fun. 

Me with the new owner of my painting!

Me with our Judge, Gay Faulkenberry.

Courtyard Color - En Plein Air Texas!

Courtyard Color, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

En Plein Air Texas!

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The last day in the afternoon... we had a formal luncheon (and attended in our paint clothes) and then went out to find one more painting. Everything had to be framed for the competition and turned in the next morning, so although I was tired, I didn't want to miss this last opportunity to paint. I had several courtyards that interested me, so my host called around and got me permission to paint in this lovely backyard!! (She was the greatest!) As the light peeked through the trees, these wonderful shadows began to grow on the wall and I had my last painting. 

Well, there was one more... the Quick Draw on Saturday was actually my last... and I'll share that tomorrow! Thanks for following along! :)

Hillside Manor - En Plein Air Texas!

Hillside Manor, 16 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

En Plein Air Texas!

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On the last day of En Plein Air Texas, we painted in an old neighborhood called Santa Rita. The houses have lots of character and a creek runs through the middle of it. When I saw this home in the early morning light, I knew I had to set up in the yard and paint it. One of the neighbors (who paints) came out and watched me paint almost the whole painting. It could have been distracting, but he was a great audience! :)

Ranch Path - En Plein Air Texas!

Ranch Path, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

En Plein Air Texas!

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Ranch day in San Angelo offered many beautiful views for painting. After a hearty lunch, I drove around hunting for just the right spot. I ended up next to the corrals where sheep were being tagged. The lambs had to be separated from their mothers for this process, so they cried all afternoon. (They were not hurt, but it sounded a bit haunting.) Just as I finished, the lambs and ewes were reunited, and the crying stopped. Whew! 

Cotton Field Homestead - En Plein Air Texas!

Cotton Field Homestead, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

En Plein Air Texas!

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On the third day of En Plein Air Texas, we were invited to paint at two private ranches in the countryside. As I was driving out there, I saw this homestead and pulled off to paint on the side of the road. It was such a typical farm scene from that area and the morning light was hitting it perfectly. I did make it to the ranch land in the afternoon, but spent a lovely morning right on the edge of a cotton field! 

Vineyard Light - En Plein Air Texas!

Vineyard Light, 8 x 16, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

En Plein Air Texas!

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After painting on the main street of the little town of Cristoval all morning (and talking to every visitor to the post office), a quiet afternoon in the Cristoval Vineyard was MORE than refreshing! Standing under some huge oak trees with a delicious constant breeze, I basked in the solitude. The colorful umbrellas at the tasting room are what caught my eye and I loved how they played "hide and seek" through the trees. Did I get a taste of the  vineyard wares? When I finished painting it was dinner time, so no, I did not. I'll just have to go back! :)

U.S. Post - En Plein Air Texas!

U.S. Post - Cristoval, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

En Plein Air Texas!

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On Tuesday of the competition, we were invited to paint in and around the little town of Cristoval, TX, south of San Angelo. This little post office is the main meeting place for the townsfolk there (according to several who stopped to chat), AND they had recently gussied it up with new awnings (just for me, I decided!) Something about the tiny building, the striped awnings, and the giant flag was just too hard to pass up! 

Have I mentioned the wonderful San Angeloan hospitality? They provided lunch every day and dinners most nights. On this day, one of the volunteers brought hot fajitas and a HUGE piece of chocolate cake right to me, where I was painting. It was way over the top! THANK YOU ALL!!!

Old Fire Truck - En Plein Air Texas!

Old Fire Truck, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

En Plein Air Texas!

Available - Click for Information

After lunch on the first day of the En Plein Air Texas plein air competition, I high-tailed it over to this old fire truck I had seen the day before. I knew it would be an afternoon painting, and the light and shadows of the day did not disappoint. 

What I found out later, is that this truck is headed for bigger and better things. Soon it will be turned into a piece of public art, covered with mosaic tiles. Here is a link to other such works by the artists who will perform the transformation: Art in Uncommon Places. I will have to go back to San Angelo just to see it! :)

Those same artists happened to be our hosts at a fabulous party in their studio that night! Many thanks to some very creative and generous ladies!!

Morning Shadows - En Plein Air Texas!

Morning Shadows, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

En Plein Air Texas!

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I am back from San Angelo, Texas, to report on En Plein Air Texas! The event included 35 juried painters, who arrived for a week of non-stop painting. We checked in last Sunday and hit the streets with brushes in hand on Monday morning. We painted downtown, on ranches, in villages and neighborhoods, at a winery, and on many highways and byways in between. 

On Friday, we turned in our framed wet paintings to be hung and judged by fabulous painter, Gay Faulkenberry. It was an INCREDIBLE show full of gorgeous work, and awards were plentiful and well-earned. On Saturday morning, we went out painting again for a 2 hour Quick Draw, and had another round of judging. I didn't win anything in the big show, but I got 3rd place in the Quick Draw (so honored)! We all sold a lot of paintings, and had a WONDERFUL time. 

This was my first painting of the week. When I saw this beautiful church, I loved not only the architecture, but the way it was backlit by the rising sun. It was actually a pretty cold morning, and I even had to wear my fingerless gloves to stay warm! It was worth it... this piece was one of my favorites! I heard later that it was purchased by a church member who gave it to the church to be hung in the parlor. I was/am thrilled!

I will be posting one painting at a time from my week, so I can share the process and my thoughts from the experience. Please stay tuned!

Approaching Storm - And En Plein Air Texas! Festivities

Approaching Storm, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel

Click to purchase - $120 + $16 s/h

This is another painting from our "pre-weather-event-days" in Austin. An ominous sky loomed for several days, and I loved it when the brilliant light pressed through in spite of the clouds. Happily, I had a chance to get out and paint it, and very much enjoyed the calm before the storm.

I am still in San Angelo at the painting event, and will give a complete update on "En Plein Air Texas!" next week. If you are anywhere nearby, please join us for the weekend activities... 

En Plein Air Texas!

October 30, 6:00-8:30 pm - Art Collectors Stampede Sale and Award Party, Fort Concho

October 31, 10-12noon - Quick Draw Competition, Downtown San Angelo

Artwork on display through November 1 at 3pm.

Quiet Place - And news about En Plein Air Texas!

Quiet Place, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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If you watch the news, you might know that we just had a big "weather event" in Austin that brought us much needed rain. In central Texas, this also means flash flooding and treacherous road conditions. Since precipitation was in the forecast for several days prior to the big event, we all adjusted plans and canceled activities while we waited. On one of those days offered a break in the gloom, so I grabbed my paints and went out to our garden. I didn't want to go far, "just in case". As it turned out, I had an entire morning with no drops from the sky, and the sun even broke through! I was so glad I ventured out, if only in my own backyard. Lesson learned...  

This week, I am off to San Angelo for the "En Plein Air Texas!" painting event. 34 juried painters checked in on Sunday and we are painting fast and furiously all week. It's a fabulous group of painters, and on Friday night (October 30), our framed wet paintings will be presented at the Art Collectors Stampede at Fort Concho. If you are any where nearby, please come and join us. The work will be on display all weekend - wish me luck! :)

Garden Welcome, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

Available - Click for information

Driving around older neighborhoods in Austin, I see lots of quaint homes loaded with charm and delightful stylings of a different era. This house sits on a corner and is actually on the Historic Registry. When the afternoon light hits it just right, it simply glows.

Please join me for my last workshop of the year...

En Plein Air: Strong Starts, November 6-8, 9am-1:30pm

Register @ The Contemporary Austin Art School

Spring Water Reflections

Spring Water Reflections, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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This week I met up with a couple of my Plein Air Austin buddies at Krause Springs in Spicewood (just outside Austin). This very cool park and natural springs has been family-owned since the 50's, and it's a great, authentic swimming hole for hot summers in Texas. Of course, the depth of the springs ebbs and flows with our rainfall totals, but it's cypress trees and rock formations are gorgeous any time!

Tea Time

Tea Time, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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I didn't paint our cute little cabin in Napa, but I did capture a bit of the charming courtyard that was out back. After a chilly morning, tea in this sheltered area led to an afternoon painting. The light was hitting it just perfectly!

Please join me for my last workshop of the year...

En Plein Air: Strong Starts, November 6-8, 9am-1:30pm

Register @ The Contemporary Austin Art School

Towering Eucalyptus

Towering Eucalyptus, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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This stand of Eucalyptus trees was just down the hill from our cabin in Napa. Some friendly cows kept walking and snorting all around me, but none of them would go sit under the trees for me. I think they were more interested in the smell of the oil paint and in figuring out what I was doing there! 

As I was hard at work, a new friend from the conference came along and took this picture of me... Thanks Deb!

Misty Vineyard

Misty Vineyard, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

This fall has become a crazy time of travel for us... all good things, but crazy nonetheless! :) This past week, I had the good fortune of accompanying my husband to a conference in Napa Valley, CA. We were in the heart of the wine country and since he was in meetings, well, you know what I did! These rolling hills of vineyards were right outside our cottage door! Quite divine!

Please join me for my last workshop of the year...

En Plein Air: Strong Starts, November 6-8, 9am-1:30pm
Register @ The Contemporary Austin Art School

Mill Pond Bridge

Mill Pond Bridge, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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Mill Pond Bridge is kind of on a main road, but when I went to the other side of the pond, it was quiet and peaceful. I found it easy to forget the bustling sounds of people and traffic. That is part of the fun of painting outside... I can escape in plain sight! :) 

Please join me for my last workshop of the year...

En Plein Air: Strong Starts, November 6-8, 9am-1:30pm

Register @ The Contemporary Austin Art School

The Village

The Village, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

Click to purchase - $120 + $16 s/h

This is another painting from my weekend in Connecticut. I couldn't resist this picturesque village scene with it's long shadows and afternoon light. When I started painting, the street was quiet with just a few people coming and going. Then, school got out and suddenly the sidewalks filled up with moms and kids walking home. It was so wholesome and charming, just like a scene out of the 50's!

Please join me for my last workshop of the year...

En Plein Air: Strong Starts, November 6-8, 9am-1:30pm
Register @ The Contemporary Austin Art School

Forgotten Boathouse

Forgotten Boathouse, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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The occasion of a wedding took us to Connecticut this past weekend... and what a delight it was! The ceremony and celebration were beautiful, and seeing lifelong friends is always nourishment for the soul. In my downtime, I got outside with paint kit and brushes, and enjoyed the delicious fall weather. This spot was an unexpected discovery, found on my way to a recommended vista. I just had to stop because, well, you know what they say about a "bird in the hand". I never did see that vista! ;)

Please join me for my last workshop of the year...

En Plein Air: Strong Starts, November 6-8, 9am-1:30pm
Register @ The Contemporary Austin Art School

Silverleaf Sunflowers, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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I was originally drawn to this scene by these whimsical, crazy-tall sunflowers... then I noticed the dramatic shadows on the cottage. It was fun to find a composition that included both elements, and a delightful way to celebrate the first day of Fall!

Please join me for my last workshop of the year...

En Plein Air: Strong Starts, November 6-8, 9am-1:30pm
Register @ The Contemporary Austin Art School

Morning Playtime

Morning Playtime, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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This morning was a lovely playtime for me, AND playtime for lots of children in the botanical gardens here in Austin! Knowing I wanted to include figures today, I started painting and waited for my "subjects" to show up. When this little momma and her kids showed up, I knew they were mine. She is also a painter, so how fun is that? Many thanks to my new friends!

This is my quick pencil sketch of Mother and Baby...

it helped me make sense of things when I went at it with paint!

Angel Perch

Angel Perch, 12x9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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Today Plein Air Austin met up to paint together at Chapel Dulcinea outside of Austin. It's a wonderful wedding venue, complete with garden vignettes and walking trails that overlook the rolling hill country. I found this little cherub statue perching on a garden wall, and had to try and capture the scene. I loved the combination of straight and curvy. It was also great to see old friends and meet some new!

Please join me for my last workshop of the year...
En Plein Air: Strong Starts, November 6-8, 9am-1:30pm
Register @ The Contemporary Austin Art School

Garden Beauties

Garden Beauties, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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This weekend we had some gorgeous days... a delicious hint of fall, with cool air and bright light. I headed out to paint, and ended up in my back yard enjoying the color and growth in my own garden. (Be it ever so humble,) there's no place like home! 

Please join me for my last workshop of the year...
En Plein Air: Strong Starts, November 6-8, 9am-1:30pm
Register @ The Contemporary Austin Art School

Park Gazebo

Park Gazebo, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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What could be better than sitting in the shade of an outdoor gazebo, enjoying a steady ocean breeze? It's one of life's simple, delicious pleasures...

Murphy's

Murphy's, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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Murphy's Tavern has been a local hang out on St. Simon's Island forever it seems... 35 years or more. It's a colorful place - both inside and out - and I've been wanting to paint it for some time. The other morning the light was just right so I gave it a go. I love those red doors! 

Many thanks to photographer Shirley Robinson for sending this action shot of me painting across the street from Murphy's Tavern. (A nice shady spot on a hot August morning!)

Gone Fishing

Gone Fishing, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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Fishing off the pier on St. Simons Island is a favorite pastime for kids of all ages. I met Charles last week, doing just that. He came fully prepared with multiple rods and a cooler full of bait. After getting all set up, he sat and enjoyed the ocean breeze while waiting for the fish to bite. I have to say, I enjoyed that breeze myself - there is no place quite like the pier! :)

PS - I know this looks like it belongs in my "men at work" group. While that series was specific to my home renovations, I am still drawn to the concept... please stay tuned.

Posing with Charles and my finished painting. Thanks, Charles!

Men At Work - Series Collage

Men At Work - the collage!

Our renovations are finished!!! Here are many of our workmen, all together, representing months of work. From planning, to scheduling, to selecting materials and executing the plan... it's been quite a project. I've had so much fun painting these guys that I feel some new directions coming on, and I'm excited to see where those lead. Many thanks to our wonderful team of craftsmen!

The Boss and his Punch List - men at work

The Boss and his Punch List, 8 x 6, oil on panel © 2015

NFS

THIS is a happy sight. In Texas, we have saying, "get 'er done". It kind of encapsulates the overwhelming sensibilities at the end of any big job like this. Everyone is just READY to be finished. I am soooo ready. I loved doing it, loved making the choices, loved all the workers who crossed the threshold, love the results, AND now I'm going to love some peace and quiet. Thank you, Boss! It's beautiful. We could not be happier. 

The Electrician - men at work

The Electrician, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

NFS

You may have been thinking that we were finished with this project here, since I painted the clean up crew for my last post. No, that is not how it works. They clean up and then create a new mess. While each round does get you closer to the finished product, "things" happen. Suddenly, the electrical stops working in just one area. It's a mystery, but thank goodness, our handy electrician figured it out. Hair dryers can now be fired up without blowing fuses. All is well.