Farmstead - Door County Plein Air

Farmstead, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012, SOLD

I am just now catching my breath after a most fabulous week in Wisconsin at the Door County Plein Air Festival! My heart overflows, truly. I would love to give you the blow by blow, but suffice it to say, it was an intense time of painting from sun up to sun down every day. Some of my painting happened in very public, advertised settings with many spectators; and some happened on quiet back roads, completely private and off the beaten track. This piece is in the latter category.


"Farmstead" came about on my last afternoon. I was tired and not sure I had one more painting in me as I drove down a deserted country road. This farm, all aglow with the afternoon light, completely reinvigorated me. It turned out to be my favorite piece of the week, and was the first to sell at the Friday night gala. Sometimes pushing through the exhaustion is a really good thing. :)


Side note: I left my good camera at home because it was too much to carry with all my other equipment. Consequently, the photos of my work are not the best. I had to shoot them with a tiny, hand-held camera in my hotel room. Lesson learned. 

River Bend

River Bend, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012 - SOLD

This tranquil spot along the Guadalupe River is another painting spot from my day in Gruene, Texas earlier this week. My friend (and fabulous painter), Johnnie Sielbeck, invited me to paint in the afternoon in her mother's backyard right on the river! Johnnie couldn't even be there, but her sweet mom led me out to the riverside and let me paint to my heart's content! Thanks, Ladies!

Side note... As you read this I am already in Wisconsin for the Door County Plein Air Festival week. I am SO EXCITED!!!! Wish me luck and inspired painting, please! I'm not sure if I will be able to post while there, but I'll catch up with you all when I get home!

Rocky Creek Light

Rocky Creek Light, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Back down at one of our local creeks, I found this partially submerged rock with a beam of light on it. I was drawn to the contrast between the rock above water and the rock below water. It was a fabulous - and tricky - little study. I think I'd like to do a few more of this kind of subject. Hmmm... maybe when I get back from Wisconsin (leaving tomorrow!)

In other news, this was an extra fun day because I got to paint with my good friend Julie Davis and a blog friend David Boyd from Georgia. He was driving through town on a cross country painting trip. It was such a pleasure to meet him in person - and painting together was an added bonus!

Me, David, and Julie

Leaning Carriage House

Leaning Carriage House, 8 x 16, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Monday I painted in Gruene, Texas. It's a really cool, very old town on the Guadalupe River with rustic shops and restaurants, and a dance hall headlined by some of the best musicians around. It's definitely worth the trek. This old carriage house (now storage shed) has seen better days. The groundskeeper came by and told me that every time it leans a little farther, they have to shorten the legs on the stools and tables inside.  I love it's sagging posture and hope it keeps standing a good while longer. 

Creek Falls

Creek Falls, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

This is where the lazy creek from yesterday's painting flows down to a lower level. There is a swirling swimming hole here in the suds and kids (of all ages) love to play in it. Yes, I did paint here two days in a row. Like I said, when there is water in the creeks I get myself down there. :)

Lazy Creek

Lazy Creek, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012 - SOLD

We have finally had some good rainfall in Austin and all the seasonal creeks are flowing again. YAY! They literally disappear during droughts... this one was bone dry in March. After the rains, I came right down to this spot and was thrilled to see water on the low-water crossing... where the creek runs right over the road. I just loved driving through the water again (and painting it)!

EXCITING NEWS: I am getting ready to go to Wisconsin next week for the Door County Plein Air Festival, where I will be one of 40 participating featured artists!! I am so excited and honored to be part of this great group of painters. We will paint all over the peninsula then exhibit the wet paintings the following weekend. I grew up in Wisconsin, so it's a big thrill to be returning to my childhood stomping grounds. :) Wish me luck!

Tasting Room

Tasting Room, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Believe it or not, the Texas Hill Country has quite a few wineries. Certain grapes actually like our climate and seem to be quite happy here. I was quite happy when Plein Air Austin was invited to paint at the Flat Creek Winery a couple of weeks ago. So much paintable material to choose from!!! I settled into a shady spot off the beaten track with a view of their gorgeous tasting room. I love the way it's nestled perfectly into the sloping hillside. After painting, we all had a lunch in their little bistro and sampled some of the wares. Delizioso!!

Glowing Pavilion

Glowing Pavilion, 12 x 9, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

This pavilion is in the Japanese section of our botanical gardens at Zilker Park here in Austin. When I happened upon this scene and saw that wall of light, I stopped dead in my tracks. Then I saw the glowing interior and that was all she wrote. A delightful morning it was!

Lily Pool

Lily Pool, 9 x 12, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012 - SOLD

I guess the quintessential garden element might be lily pads in a pool. They clump and spread, and the lotus blooms float on top of it all like royalty. One interesting thing about the blossoms is that they follow the light as it travels across the sky. Painting them is always a lesson in memory because by the time I am finished, they are leaning the in the completely opposite direction! I loved the combination of variety and color in this little pool (and the mobility challenge of course!) 

Summer Morning

Summer Morning, 9x12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

This is one of my favorite places to paint here in Austin. It's near my home; it's deliciously quiet; and it offers up new delights with each changing season. So, here's to summer mornings on the lake... to the colors and sights and sounds!!!