Winter Grasses

Winter Grasses, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Today started out chilly but ended up warm and sunny; and perfect for painting outside. A few of us met up to paint together at a favorite spot along Bull Creek here in Austin. These golden winter grasses growing in the limestone creek bed had a glow that was simply irresistible.

Garden Gazebo

Garden Gazebo, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

We have had some deliciously warm days here and the botanical garden has been a great place to enjoy them. As I was painting this scene, a little family came by with their grandma who was visiting from Chicago. As her sweet granddaughters led the way through the park, grandma was just so happy to be outside, taking in the warmth and sun before heading back to the northern climes. Summer in January... it's hard not to love. 

Misty Watering Hole

Misty Watering Hole, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Yesterday, Plein Air Austin painted together at a gorgeous ranch outside of Johnson City (the home town of LBJ). The land out there is beautiful, but on this foggy morning, it had a quiet enchantment about it. The muted colors and atmospheric layers were very soulful and inspiring. It was magical.

SketchCrawl 38 - world wide event!

Capitol Promenade, 8 x 9, graphite on paper, L. Daniel © 2013

Saturday was the 38th World Wide SketchCrawl, where willing artists around the world gather to sketch, and crawl, and sketch again... ultimately sharing their images and journaling over the internet. The event was started by San Francisco artist Enrico Casarosa in 2004 and it has grown larger every year. 

A group of us from Plein Air Austin and Austin Urban Sketchers (a meet up group) gathered to draw in the downtown Capitol area. It was a delightful way to spend the morning, and especially fun knowing that artists all over the world were doing the same thing! Greetings from downtown Austin!

11th and Congress, 7 x 8, graphite on paper, L. Daniel © 2012

Happy SketchCrawl participants in Austin, Texas

Clear Day Study

Clear Day Study, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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This painting of a local park in Austin was the study for a larger piece I recently finished (will post at a later date). Doing a study helps me to understand color and value relationships, and to work out composition issues. Plus, working with the subject in a small format helps me remember to keep everything simple... which is so important!

Along the Garden Path and Happy New Year!

Along the Garden Path, 8x16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013
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Yesterday I finally got myself back outside to paint; and it felt really good to simply breathe the plein air! The holiday hiatus is nourishing for the soul and healthy for the creative spirit - I do like to really enjoy every aspect of it! And then... I am always ready to get back on track when it's time. And. it. is... time. Welcome 2013!